Category: Missions

Wednesday

On coming to the house,

they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Then they opened their treasures

and presented him with gifts of gold,

frankincense

and myrrh.  

And having been warned in a dream

not to go back to Herod,

they returned to their country by another route.

~Matthew 2:11-12~

Hymn of the Day – “We Three Kings”

 

Remember the Don Alexander family in your prayers.  Contact Dawson Primes to help.

 http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/crime_police/article_3d6dd7fe-cc6f-11e6-82e2-8f1493a817fe.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=user-share

(This fire was at the location of the site of where David and I lived our from 1967-1970, long before the house was built.)

 

William Joseph “Billy” Guzzardo
Robert “Bob” Lee Holmes

 

Scripture Writing – Philipians 2:9-12

Article shared by our son-in-law, Boyd

https://www.imb.org/2016/12/27/five-fundamentals-of-mentorship/

I think there is a message/opportunity for all of us here.

Children in Action and other regular services for adults and youth will be held tonight at FBC, Kentwood.  I’m looking forward to seeing the children at 6 P.M.

 

What does God have planned for you today?

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Tuesday

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel,

praising God and saying,  

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

~Luke 2:13-14~

 

 

Pray for our friends Matt and Shea who are traveling home today.  They certainly enjoyed being with family for Christmas and meeting their first grandbaby.

 

Scripture Writing – Philippians 2:5-8

 

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party 

  • Honoring those with December birthdays
  • Today at 11:00
  • The Cafe
  • Come and bring a friend.

 

Waylon Bailey – waylonbailey.com

Thom S. Rainer – thomrainer.com

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Message – baptistmessage.com

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”                                                                                                                                              ~Matthew 11:28 NIV~

“Come Christians, Join to Sing” 

 

Oh, how important music is in worship.  It’s always wonderful to be a part of a great spirit of worship in church.  I love what great hymns add to our services.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Eve

“Some of these people have missed

the most important thing in life —

they don’t know God.”

~1 Timothy 6:21 TLB~

 

Think of homebound or needy families around you.  You will be so blessed if you help them to have a better Christmas.  Try it today!  You may like it and want to do for others all year long.  You will be the one who reaps the biggest blessing!

 

Scripture Writing – Luke 2:13-16

 

“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Waylon Bailey shared yesterday

         WaylonBailey.com (Yesterday’s post)

 

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.                                                 ~ Luke 2:16-20 (NIV) ~

“Away in a Manger”

 

May I suggest you attend a Christmas Eve service today?  It need not be in your regular church.  A number of churches offer this special time each year.  Choose one and participate!  You’ll be surprised by how much it will mean to you!

Anna Lee

 

 

Wednesday

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary;

you have found favor with God.

 You will conceive and give birth to a son,

and you are to call him Jesus.

~Luke 1:30-31~

 

Ivy Beryl Forrest Blades

June 20, 1932 – December 19, 2016

        http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/4043741

Stephen R. Meyer (Mrs. Shirley Frazier’s son-in-law)

http://obits.nola.com/obituaries/nola/obituary.aspx?n=stephen-r-meyer&pid=183164649&fhid=17420

Scripture Writing – Luke 1:51-56

 

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.                                                                 ~Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)~

“Away in a Manger”

 

Christmas Caroling – Tonight at 5 P.M. starting and ending at FBC (children, youth, and adults – No missions class tonight.)

Friday Morning Bible Study – 9 A.M./John 13

 

Christmas Eve Services will be held in some area churches.  I know of two.

  1. Pine Ridge United Methodist Church @ 5 P.M.
  2. FBC, Kentwood at 5 P.M.

Most Churches WILL have services Christmas Day, but sometimes on a special schedule. The only area church that I know of that is not having church Christmas is FBC, Kentwood.

 

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions – Starting in 1888, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® was established to empower the international missions efforts for Southern Baptists. After more than a century, the annual offering continues its steady growth. The National Goal this year is $155 Million. Your giving enables missionaries to be sent to make disciples and multiply churches among unreached peoples and places for the glory of God.

 

Summer Opportunities to serve with the IMB – https://www.imb.org/opportunities-for-summer/ (This is good for families, teachers, or students.)

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

Jesus is the reason for the season.  Don’t leave Him out of his birthday celebration.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

Shout for joy, you heavens;

rejoice, you earth;

burst into song, you mountains!

For the LORD comforts his people

and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

~Isaiah 49:13~

 

 

JoEllen Frohn Carruth of Greensburg had her second knee surgery yesterday.  The doctor reported that all went well.  Pray for JoEllen as she go through the recovery time.

Mrs. Velta Morris received a good report on her lymphoma yesterday.  They are so thankful!

Gail Smith will soon begin treatment for lung cancer.  Mr. Bill Morris asks for prayers for her.  She is a believer and has a strong faith.  Her home in now in the Memphis area.

 

Scripture Writing – Luke 1:46-50

Baptist Press – bpnews.com

La. Baptist Message – baptistmessage.com

 

Christmas Caroling – Tomorrow at 5 P.M. at FBC (children, youth, and adults)

Friday Morning Bible Study – John 13 – This is the New International Readers’ Version (NivR) that I discovered last Wednesday and hope to purchase today.

 

[The Birth of Jesus] In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.                                                                          ~Luke 2:1, 4-5 (NIV)~

 

“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”

 

Do you want to read the Bible in 2017?  The particular plan I have chosen this year reads in chronological order and has videos periodically to help us understand more.  There is a one page guide available at FBC. Kentwood.  You can call and make arrangements to get one from the office of just get one in the sanctuary.  You could also print your own form from www.jointhebibleproject.com.  I’m going to be reading from NirV.  You might want to select an easy-to-read version, but that is your choice.

 

Summer Mission Projects:  If you will be a college student during the coming year, you might want to considerer one of these summer opportunities.

https://www.imb.org/opportunities-for-summer/

 

I don’t make resolutions to a new year, but I do believe in thinking ahead and planning.  I think we can make plans for our times of service to God at any time.  I hope you do some planning ahead too.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

In that day they will say,

“Surely this is our God;

we trusted in him, and he saved us.

This is the LORD, we trusted in him;

let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

~Isaiah 25:9~

 

I’ll start out with two good updates.  Thank you for your continued prayers for these two.

Susie Sharkey is improving.  Her family is sticking close during this time.

Kenneth Birch had his first day without so much pain.  His daughter, visiting for a few days, was probably an encouragement to both her parents.

I’ll remind you to pray for Bob Holmes and his family.  Bob has been missing in Livingston parish.  His wife is a member of the Howell family.

Please pray for Phillip Strickland who has recently been found to have cancer and will be starting treatment soon.  Pray for members of the family as they travel this journey with him.

 

Frank “Billy” Leroy Denham, Jr.

February 28, 1943 – December 18, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=4042062&fh_id=10545

 

The Christmas program at FBC,Kentwood last night was good.  Once again, the children “stole the show”!  The music by the adult choir was beautiful.  The church is blessed by so many talented people!

Adults, youth, and children will be caroling Wednesday beginning at 5 P.M.  Children who plan to participate need a signed permission slip.  If they did not receive one in the mail, their parents should contact/visit the church office to sign the form.

Christmas Eve Service at FBC, Kentwood – 5 P.M.

 

Friday morning Bible study will meet as usual at 10:00.  We will begin John 13.

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

 

Scripture Writing – Luke 1:46-50

 

Opportunities for groups to do short-term work in missions – https://www.imb.org/opportunities-groups/

 

Learn something new about Lottie Moon and her ministry.  Share this with your children and grandchildren.

http://www.baptistheritage.org/storiesforkids/thestoryoflottiemoon/tabid/259/default.aspx

 

 

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;

for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins,

because of the tender mercy of our God,

by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven.

~Luke 1:76-78 (NIV)~

 

“There’s a Song in the Air”

 

I hope you are singing this and other Christmas carols today.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of his servant David

(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

~ Luke 1:68-70 (NIV)~

 

 

Mrs. Norma Muse is doing better.  Please keep her in your prayers.

 

Scripture Writing – Luke 1:30-34

 

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”                                                                                                            ~Micah 5:2~

“O Little Town of Bethlehem”

 

Thom S. Rainer – thomrainer.com

Waylon Bailey – waylonbailey.com

 

I’ve been posting some options for young adults to serve with the IMB.  There are many more, but today I will begin to list some opportunities for those who are older/retired.  I want to give you a number of ideas about service you may want to be involved with in the future.

ESL Teacher (ESL= English as a Second Language) . Please note that this particular article is for teachers for fall of 2016, but there is an ongoing program for ESL.

https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=0e0db33f-0ca5-4bb6-8b72-02d1301af399_3197e86d-9f2f-4551-a76f-2915e18069ac&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-retirees/

 

 

Breakfast at Pine Ridge this morning at 8:00.  Donations will be used to help with a need in the community/church family.

Many churches will have Christmas musicals and/or Christmas caroling today.  May you be able to attend one and be  touched by what you hear.

Most churches have altered their schedules for the holidays.  Many churches are having a service Christmas Eve.  Some churches will not meet Christmas.  Be sure you become informed about what’s happening at your church.  You may want to attend a service at another church during this time.  Check their schedule this week.

 

The weather is nasty outside, but please don’t let it keep you away from God’s house today.
Anna Lee

 

 

Saturday

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

~Isaiah 9:6~

 

Sandy Bennett Morgan has been feeling better.  She goes back for lab work on the 27th.  Let’s pray for a good report.

Hazel Allen is now living at Kentwood Manor.  Pray for her and for her family as they make the adjustment.

Mary Criswell said her oldest brother, Max (Brent) of Ohio, passed away.  Please pray for the family as they face this loss.

I received work that Gail Morris Miller Smith has recently been diagnosed with cancer.  Please pray for her and for her family as she takes on this battle.

Pray for Susie Sharkey as she faces another day post shoulder surgery.

Pray for Mrs. Anne Hurst as she builds up strength and looks forward to company at Christmas.

 

Sherida “Sheri” Bridges

August 14, 1948 – December 14, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=4041108&fh_id=10545

Arvy Cutrer

January 02, 1941 – December 11, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/4038296
Patricia Corbin 
August 10,1960 – December 12, 2016.
Services will be at New Covenant Church Tuesday, December 20th from 5-7pm.
Scripture Writing – Luke 1:26-29
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
                                                                                                                                   ~ Matthew 1:20-21 (NIV) ~
“Away in a Manger”
  • Lyrics – https://www.carols.org.uk/away_in_a_manger.htm
  • Story – https://bibleheartburn.com/2013/12/11/the-story-behind-away-in-a-manger/
  • YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnwO_0DrpCk
  • I would like to honor Rev. Bill Ichter today.  It was Bro. Bill who taught me in the first church choir that I can remember and this Christmas carol that comes to my mind.  He later served as a music missionary to Brazil for many years.  He and his wife now live in the Shreveport area where he recently celebrated his 90th birthday.  He has generations of family defendants who have served/are serving as missionaries around the world.  He is one of my heroes!
Breakfast Buffet at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church tomorrow morning at 8 A.M.
Donations will be received for a worthy need.
IMB Need (for students) – Web Devveloper – https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=09fad0b3-77d0-441a-a947-132614d3ec2f&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-students/
Jesus come to earth to provide an opportunity for us to have everlasting life.  As we celebrate that wonderful gift, let’s do something to pass His love on to others.
Anna Lee

Friday

[Mary’s Song] And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me

— holy is his name.

~Luke 1:46-47, 49 (NIV)~

 

Susie Sharkey’s surgery went well, but she is having trouble with pain.  Pray she gets relief today.

 

We had a great time at the cabin last night that included three new families and guests from seven different churches.  David and I are so blessed by your presence each month. The Christmas carols were a real blessing to my heart.  Mark all the third Thursdays on your 2017 calendars. 

 

Scripture Writing – Matthew 2:7-12

Mission Opportunities for Students – “One House, One Well” – https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=028f0699-555e-4196-bc87-1438375d12f4&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-students/

Friday Morning Bible Study – 10 A.M. in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood

 

I’m making copies of a Scripture Reading Plan for 2017 today.  This one will take us through the whole Bible in book-by-book order.  See me if you would like to have one.  Now is the time to make your plans and choose your Bible reading system for the coming year.  I hope you will follow some plan, even if not the one I have chosen, to read God’s Word daily and from cover to cover.

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net.

 

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” – I was able to share with the children at church Wednesday night how Jesus came to be born in Bethlehem rather than Nazareth, the place where He grew up.  If you had a child in class Wednesday, ask them to read Luke 2:1-7 to you.

 

Look back to the previous post to read of events/services you might want to attend.

  • Some churches will add a special Christmas Eve service.  Check around and find one that suits you and your family.  I’m sure any church you select will welcome you with open arms.
  • Although some churches will not be having services Christmas day, most area churches will, even if the schedule is different on the 25th.  If you find yourself in such a situation, check the other churches and find one that meets your need.  They will be glad to have you in their services.

Anna Lee

 

 

Thursday

My internet was down last night through this morning.  I apologize for the late start.

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary;

you have found favor with God.

You will conceive and give birth to a son,

and you are to call him Jesus.

He will be great

and will be called the Son of the Most High.

The Lord God will give him the throne

of his father David,

and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever;

his kingdom will never end.”

~ Luke 1:30-33 (NIV) ~

 

Please pray for Bob Holmes (72) of Holden to be found soon.  He has not been seen since the end of last week.  Bob’s wife, Bonnie, is a member of the Howell family from the Amite/Roseland area.

Pray for Susie Sharkey as  she has a complete shoulder replacement today.  Pray her recovery will be complete and timely.

Pray for Kenneth Birch as he continues to recover from the last back surgery.  Pray the pain he is experiencing is aftereffects of the surgery, not something that will stay will him.  Pray for his caregivers too.

Pray for Bobbie Magee as she makes plans for wrist surgery.

Pray for John Miller.  He lost his home in a fire last week.

Buddy Waller received another good report from the doctor yesterday.  Let’s thank God for this.

Pray for Jon Carl Hammons as he faces a health concern.

Please continue to pray for George Eddie Lee, J.D. Smith, Mrs. Margaret Callihan, and Mrs. Anne Hurst who have recently had hospital stays.

Pray for the members of our community who are homebound, facing recent deaths, or without other family members during the holiday season.

 

Scripture Writing – Matthew 2:1-6 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+2%3A1-6&version=NIV

 

Baptist Press

  • “Billy Graham Statue Finds New Home at Ridgecrest”
  • “Study: Most Churches Open for Christmas”
  • “First Person: Keep the “mas” is Christmas”
  • “Missionary Reaps Harvest as a Refuge in a Foreign Land”
  • “Teen Overcomes Fear to Spread the Gospel in S. Africa”
  • More….

 

Missions – “University Trail-Blazer” – https://www.imb.org/opportunities/?id=01cccab7-76a4-4052-9184-b7128e1b2703&ReturnURL=/opportunities-for-students/

 

Important Dates at FBC, Kentwood

  • TONIGHT – Third Thursday at the Cabin – We’re expecting music from a guitar trio tonight.
  • Friday Morning Bible Study at 10 A.M. every week
  • Christmas Cantata Sunday Night at 6 P.M. (Adults and Children)
  • Christmas Caroling Wednesday night at 5 P.M. (Adults, Youth, and Children)
  • “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party 0n the 27th at 11 A.M.

 

“The First Nowell”

 

I trust you can live this holiday season with this joyful hymn in your hearts.  If not, seek someone who has that true joy and who can guide you.  

Anna Lee