Category: Operation Christmas Child

Wednesday

“Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.” 

~Hebrews 12:1 TLB~

 

 

 

Rev. Bill Ichter, a former minister of music at FBC , Amite and a long-time music minister missionary in Brazil has had a heart attack and is in ICU in Minden, LA.  Please pray for this sweet man who has built a Christian and missionary legacy that is continuing the the next generations of his family.

 

 

 

Pray for the Bean family.  They have loved and taken care of their uncle, Tim, for the last ten years since this sister and caregiver passed away.  Doctors have told the family it is time to move him to a place where he can receive 24/7 care, so Tim is now set up like a king in the Liberty nursing home.  Pray for Tim and for the family as they all make this adjustment.

 

 

 

Diane Thompson

April 13, 1950 – August 26, 2019

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2019 at her home. She was born April 13, 1950 in Tuscaloosa, AL and was 69 years of age. She is survived by her 2 sons, Johnny Ray Thompson and wife Gina and Lawerence Mitchell Thompson, Sr.; grandchildren, Lawerence Logan Thompson and wife Ashley, Koren Thompson, Katie Thompson, Lydia “Marcy” Thompson and husband Evan, Lawerence Mitchell Thompson, Jr., and Jonathan Thompson; great grandchildren, Levi Thompson, Titus Nunnery, Reese Lambert and sister, Brenda Hale and husband, Junior; 2 brothers, Herbie Gurganus and wife, Della, and Ray Gurganus and wife, Joni. Preceded in death by her husband, Lawerence George Thompson; parents, Arvel and Mildred Gurganus. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and was beloved by all! Graveside Services will be held at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, at 9:30AM on Wednesday, August 28, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Leon Dunn. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Catherine McNabb Yarborough

April 01, 1926 – August 27, 2019

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. She was born April 1, 1926 in Kentwood, LA and was 93 years of age. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Kentwood. She is survived by 6 children,  Jewel Cutrer and husband, Sherman, Julia Currier and husband, David, Vickie Blades, Hubert Yarborough, Jr. and wife, Donna, Tammie Roberts and husband, Dwayne, Tracey Phelps and husband, Mike; son-in-law, Charles Wall, Sr.; 13 grandchildren, Charles “Sonny” Wall, Jr. and wife, Rose, Catherine Martin, Sherman Cutrer, Jr., Joseph Cutrer and wife, Amy, Jason Travis, Jennifer Daigle, Casey Blades and wife, Alison, Jesse Blades and wife, Tabitha, Josh Yarborough and wife, Lauren, Justin Roberts and wife, Megan, Brody Roberts, Reagan Phelps and Emily Catherine Phelps; 19 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Hubert Yarborough, Sr.; daughter, Joyce Gail Wall; grandson, Max Blades; parents, George and Ethel Day McNabb; siblings, Emma Gardner, Sally Nettles, Mamie Allen, Monte Edwards, Alma Ashford, Mary Kelley, Joyce Travis, Claude McNabb, Fred McNabb and Frank McNabb; and infant sisters, Alline McNabb and Allie McNabb. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM, Thursday, August 29, 2019, and from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM Friday, August 30, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Joe Baugh and Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – August 28 – Revelation 1:7

 

 

 

If you are going shopping today, don’t forget the Fall Food Round-Up for the LA Baptist Children’s Home and the Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  For the children’s home, you may want to consider buying cases of regular food or food products.  They are easier to hand and transport than bags of items.

 

 

 

Let God’s love shine through you in a big way today.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Monday

“A branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.

Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.

For apart from me you can do nothing.”

 ~John 15:4-5 NLT~

 

 

 

Last night, I tried to write TPL for today because we were leaving for Baton Rouge at 5:45 this morning.  I didn’t get it done. During the night, I once again thought I was going to write it, but again it didn’t happen.  We are home from Ochsner and a very good stop at Dollar Tree near the hospital.  I love shopping for Operation Christmas Child and getting to answer questions about what I am doing.  Two ladies provided me most of the money I spent today.  Thank you C. and A.!

Yesterday, two ladies turned in the boxes they chose to pack individually.  Other ladies turned in items that will help to fill several boxes.  One sweet, faithful class turned in many bags of items that were purchased last week.  Thanks to all of you.

I will be working in the OCC room some this week.  If you would like to help, please contact me so we can schedule a suitable time.

 

 

 

 

Today, David‘s blood level was 8.1, the highest it has been in months.  The increased dosage of Procrit is helping!  The early drive and the rain made the drive more difficult than usual, but with thankful hearts, we are glad to be home again.  Your regular prayers are getting us through these days.

Several others from Kentwood are also doing well amid treatments.  Please continue to pray for Bryan Tate, Linda Callihan, and Buddy Morris.

Gaylon Cutrer is having a few more problems than usual, so spend some extra time on your prayers for him.  He and his family will be very appreciative.

Today, with a heavy heart, I share that Lori Rhodes has some serious health issues.  Lori and her husband, Keith, served in our church working with the youth.

“Lori has been diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy. This rare disease is in the Parkinson’s family, but Lori does not have Parkinson’s She has MSA-C (c standing for cerebellum). There is no cure. Life expectancy ranges from 6 years to 15 years based on the onset of symptoms (we really don’t know when her symptoms began but could be up to 5-6 years ago).”

The full report on Lori is on my facebook page.

I also what to share there has been another death, a man from Greensburg.  I’ll post the complete obituary when it becomes available.

Thomas Dover

July 25, 1952 – July 16, 2019

 

 

Jeff Van, the pastor of South McComb Baptist Church, share quotes that seem to touch my heart often.  Today’s quote is:

“It’s easy to praise Him in the sunshine, but your breakthrough comes when you praise Him in the dark…He’s there, we must simply trust the process.”

                                                                                                                              -Tony Evans

Thankfully, my family and the families of many of you understand praising God “in the dark”.  If you don’t, please locate someone who can help you get to this point in your life.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – August 26 – Habakkuk 3:3-4

 

 

 

Yesterday, I was asked about what size cans of food were needed for the LA Baptist Children’s Home in a few weeks.  The answer, is buy items like you would for your family.  The man is going to buy a couple cases of canned goods.  That plan might work for you too!  The pick-up time at FBC is early Monday morning, three weeks from today.

 

 

 

Enjoy the sound of the rain again, but please try to stay dry.

Anna Lee

 

Saturday

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.

For when I am weak, then I am strong.

~2 Corinthians 12:9-10~

 

 

 

 

Thankfully, Bro. Don Meadows is about 95% recovered from his Bell’s Palsy problem.  Pray for complete healing.

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child – Interesting Facts

  • 1.9 billion children in the world are below the age of 15.  This is 27% of the world’s population that potentially has the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a gift-filled shoebox.
  • More than 660 billion people live in Latin America and the Caribbean –  an estimated 16.4 million of which are age 14 and under.  Praise God that we’ve delivered Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to over 41 million of these boys and girls and have the ability to reach even more by packing additional shoebox gifts. (The shoeboxes from FBC, Kentwood have been delivered to these boys and girls.)
  • 4.2 million children in the Middle East and North Africa have received a tangible expression of God’s love in a shoebox gift and nearly97,000 of these boys and girls have participated in The Greatest Journey.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – August 24 – I Chronicles 16:10

 

 

 

Do something to make in difference in someone’s life today.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Friday

“You are members of God’s very own family . . .

and you belong in God’s household with every other

Christian.” 

~Ephesians 2:19 TLB~

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – August 23 – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

 

 

 

Statistics for Operation Christmas Child “Shoeboxes”

  • In 2018, over 10.6 million shoebox gifts were collected worldwide.  8.8 million of these were from the US.
  • 16.8 million shoebox gifts have been delivered to children in need in more than 160 countries since 1993.
  • 2019 US Collection Goal – 9.1 million.
  • 2019 Worldwide Collection Goal – 11 million.
  • Over 9.000 volunteers serve in the US year-round.
  • More than 400 Volunteer Area Teams are active around the US.
  • Nearly 5,000 drop-off locations receive shoeboxes during Nation Collection Week.
  • National Collection Week is November 18-25, the third week of November annually.
  • Over 100,000 volunteers serve in the US during National Collection Week and processing season.
  • Shoebox gifts are prepared for overseas shipment at eight major processing centers across the US.
    • Atlanta
    • Baltimore/Washington
    • Boone, N.C.
    • Charlotte
    • Chicago
    • Dallas/Fort WorthDenver
    • Southern California
  • More than 260,000 volunteers serve overseas.
  • Shoebox gifts are collected in the US, Canada, Australia, Finland, Germany, Spain, and the UK.

I like to share OCC “Shoebox” information with others as encouragement for you to get involved.  I hope you are not mission out on the joy of “shoeboxes”.  If you need more information about how you can help, contact me or someone else that knows the value of “shoeboxes” and eternity for boys and girls around the world.

Anna Lee

Thursday

In the same way,

faith by itself,

if it is not accompanied by action,

is dead.

~James 2:17~

 

 

 

Scripture Writing 

  • August 21 – John 8:12
  • August 22 – James 2:17

 

 

Thanks to those who have brought items to the church for “shoeboxes”. Thanks, also, for those who pack shoeboxes on their own.  If you or your family would like to pack some shoeboxes, please let me know.  I will supply the shoeboxes.

 

 

 

Continue to pray for those who have has surgery or procedures lately and those who will be facing these in the near future.

 

 

 

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

 

Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

 

 

 

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

 

Wednesday

 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

~John 8:12~

When I read this verse, I immediately began to sing “The Light of the World is Jesus” to myself.  This is news we need to shout from the rooftops!

 

 

 

 

My classmate’s granddaughter is starting another semester of school in hopes of accomplishing her goal of becoming a nurse.  Left’s pray for good health for her and for the many other students who have serious health needs.

Maddie’s Miracles – https://www.facebook.com/Maddies-Miracles-390075544489525/

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – August 20th – Revelation 3:21

 

 

 

Samaritan’s Purse Facts

  • President and CEO – Franklin Graham, son of the Reverend Billy Graham
  • Founded in 1970 by the late Bob Pierce, a Youth for Christ evangelist
  • Purpose – Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to victims of war, natural disaster, disease, famine, poverty, and persecution in more than 100 countries, with the purpose of haring God’s love through His Son Jesus Christ.
  • Headquartered in Boone, N,C,, Samaritan’s Purse has affiliate offices in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia: field offices in 17 developing countries; and ministry partners in more than 100 countries.

 

 

 

 

Give someone a call, note, or visit.  You might know they have a health problem or some other need.  Be bold and pray for them over the phone.  If you have not done this before, you will be amazed at how special and meaningful it is for them and for you!

Anna Lee

Monday

“The LORD does not look at the things people look at.

People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 

~1 Samuel 16:7 NIV~

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child is celebrating ten years of “The Greatest Journey”.

  • The 12-lesson Bible study teaches participants how to follow Christ and share Him with others.
  • It is currently taught by over 920,000 volunteer teachers in more than 100 countries.

 

 

 

Fall Food Round-Up for the LA Baptist Children’s Home – It’s a good idea to bring your items in now, so you won’t forget them later.  The truck will be at our church on Monday,  September 16, so get your items in by the 15th.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – August 19 – Romans 1:17

 

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for all the local families that have had deaths in the last few weeks.

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for our students during the first weeks of a new year.  College students are beginning to move into their dorms now.  Pray the value system the parents taught them will be remembered and honored.

 

 

 

Make a point of doing something special for a ministry of your church this week.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Sunday – God’s Day!

   This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.

~Psalm 118:24 (ESV)~

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for Melinda Russell and others who have had procedures/surgeries.  I mention her name in particular because she is out of our country and undergoing medical treatment.  Also, please pray for those who will have procedures/surgeries in the coming week.

 

 

 

 

The Fall Food Roundup for the LA Baptist Children’s Home is only four weeks away.  Be sure to get your items to the church for the September 16th pickup.  Some of the items they need are:

  • Bottled water
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Dishwasher detergent
  • Canned fruit
  • Paper towels
  • Sugar

 

 

 

I’m looking forward to peeking in bags today at church to see what you have brought for Operation Christmas Child.  David and I are always excited to prepare shoeboxes so children will receive some small gifts and an opportunity for them to “meet” Jesus.

  • The Greatest Journey discipleship course is offered to show children how to know Christ and share Him with others.
  • Children lead their families to faith in Christ and new churches are born.

 

 

Please continue to pray for the family of Douglas Glass, a Zachary fireman from Osyka who was killed on his way to work Friday morning.    I will post an obituary when it is available.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – August 17  & 18

  • I Corinthians 13:12
  • James 1:27

 

 

 

Have a great Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday

But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

~2 Corinthians 10:17-18 (NIV)~

 

 

 

 

Bro. Don Meadows, pastor of Taylor Creek Baptist Church, is showing some improvement with his Bell’s Palsy.  Please continue to pray for him.

 

David Joel Carruth

A resident of Kentwood, LA, David was peacefully welcomed into heaven on August 13, 2019 after a brief illness following heart surgery. Born March 29, 1964 in Kentwood to his loving parents Ransom David Carruth and Yvonne Bryant Carruth. David was a boilermaker by trade but had been unable to work for many years. David is survived by his sisters Mary Jo Ricks of McComb, MS and Kathy Wales (Chris) of Kentwood, LA, 5 nieces and nephews Rob Ricks, Rondi Ricks, Kirk Wales, Kristen Eichholz and Korey Wales. He also had 11 great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his companion and caregiver of many years Rachel Marvin. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Barbara Carruth, and an infant brother.

A memorial service will be held at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church, Kentwood, LA on August 24, 2019 from 9:00 till the service at 11:00 A.M. officiated by Bro. Michael Townsend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pine Ridge United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund in memory of David.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – August 17 – 1 Corinthians 13:12

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child “shoeboxes” will be delivered to more than 100 countries this year.  In the next four years, they will be delivered to 1,000 Pacific islands.  They were delivered to 107 unreached people groups in 46 countries in 2018.  More than 86,000 shoeboxes were received to places where churches are starting for the first time.  Shoebox gifts open doors to communities without a church.  Shoeboxes give children the opportunity to learn about Jesus.

 

 

 

Be thankful for your blessings today.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Thursday

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

~Psalm 147:3~

 

 

 

Caleb Estay, son of Landon and Alisha, had surgery about 5 P.M. yesterday to put a new shunt in the place of the one removed in the previous surgery.  All went well.  Caleb should be able to go home later today.  Pray for him as he heals from surgery and prepares to begin school.

 

 

 

Melinda Russell, a friend and former missionary in Romania, will be have surgery to remove a tumor from her lung.  She now lives in China where her husband is a teacher.  Most of her family lives in Texas.  Having surgery in a foreign country where there is a language difference complicates things for the patient, family, and for the medical staff.  Please pray for Melinda and everyone else involved.

 

 

 

Pack your own “shoebox” – You select the items and Operaation Christmas Child will pack and send your shoebox gift for you.

 

 

 

A friend from Amite found the new plastic OCC shoeboxes for sale in Walmart in Amite.  That means they are probably available in many locations.  This saves the cost of paying for postage and for having to buy the boxes in quantity.  I ordered cardboard boxes last week!

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – August 15th – Psalm 147:3

 

 

 

There have been a number of deaths in our area lately.  As you think about them, please consider the professionals who work with each family during the difficult days.  They surely have difficult jobs, ones we are thankful others choose for their careers.  Pray for professionals who select the jobs we don’t think we would like to face each day.

Anna Lee