Category: Operation Christmas Child

Thursday

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.

Anyone who does what is good is from God.

Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

~3 John 1:11~

 

 

Frances Pehota McElveen

July 31, 1921 – July 17, 2019

A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at her home. She was born July 31, 1921 in Middlefield, CT and was 97 years of age. She was a U. S. Navy Veteran. She is survived by 2 daughters, Carol Jenkins and Pamela Alston; son, G.G. McElveen and wife, Cathy; sister, Stasia D’Aquilla; 2 brothers, Donald Pehota and wife, Ann, and Eugene Pehota and wife, Judy; 10 grandchildren, Brandon McElveen and wife, Ashley, Kacey Leyrer and husband, Greg, Lori Trahan and husband, Cory, Ryan Jenkins and wife, Misty, Daniel Alston, Matthew Alston and wife, Claire, Kelli Schwebel and husband, Jacob, Katie Derbins and husband, Peter, Patrick Alston, and Dustin Alston; 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Glynis G. McElveen; parents, John and Caroline Pehota; brother, Tom Pehota, 4 sisters, Florence Sokolaski, Nell Beckley, Cecilia Stannard, and Helen Iverson; 2 sons-in-law, Gerald Jenkins and John Alston. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall on Friday from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 12:00 Noon on Friday, July 19, 2019. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

Two weeks short of being 98!  She’s certainly one of the ladies  I have know who  have lived a lone time!

 

 

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – I Thessalonians 5: 15-18

 

 

 

We received a call last night about the need for trained disaster relief workers to help with flooded houses as a result of that storm named Barry.  If you care trained and able to give some time to help others, call the to volunteer,

 

 

 

Louisiana Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

 

 

 

If you haven’t picked up some items for Operation Christmas Child yet, today would be a good day to do so.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Wednesday

“There is no fear in love;

but perfect love casts out fear,

because fear involves torment.

But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

~1 John 4:18~

 

 

 

I have three good reports to share today.

  1. Carol Bennett Sealey is again improving.  This lady is a fighter!
  2. Adrian Phillips – “All was good at Heart Dr today Next goes to Oral Surgeon to have all teeth pulled before he goes to have Heart Valve Surgery His stents are doing good.”
  3. David‘s blood count was up to 7.7.  The nurse practitioner said David will get a larger does of Procrit next week which should help his blood build itself up.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience & Perseverance” – I Thessalonians 5: 15-18

 

 

Look for some bargain buys today for the “shoeboxes” we will pack in a couple of months as part of Operation Christmas Child.

 

 

There are churches having VBS this week.  Get the kids involved, especially if they have not had the opportunity to another VBS this year.

 

 

Have a  great day as you make someone’s day brighter.

Anna Lee

 

 

Tuesday

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. ~Colossians 2:9-10 (NIV)~

 

 

 

Please pray for Mr. John Fulda of Amite.  He is having a heart procedure today.

 

 

 

David W. Bennett

May 15, 1965 – July 12, 2019

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2019 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born May 15, 1965 in Amite, LA and was 54 years of age. David’s legacy will live on through the multiple “gifts” he donated through the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency. He is survived by his loving mother, Dorothy Davidson Bennett; 1 son, Michael Rogers; 2 brothers, Lonnie Lee Bennett and wife, Stacy, and Darryl Keith Bennett; nephews, Brock Layne Bennett and William Brogan Bennett; nieces, Mary-Catherine Bennett and Raelynn Nicole Jackson. Preceded in death by his father, Edgar Lee “Bear” Bennett; 1 brother, Donnie Ray “Bo” Bennett; 2 sisters, Connie F. Bennett and Krissy N. Bennett; grandparents, Homer Lee Bennett, Janie Barlow Bennett, Sim Thomas Davidson and Ida Lee Galloway Davidson. Memorial Services will be scheduled on a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – I Timothy 5:11-16

 

 

 

The Hope Center in Roseland is is need of clothing for premie babies.  If you have some and are willing to share, they will have items to give to meet needs.

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child – School supplies are now widely available in stores.  As you shop, keep your eyes open for items that will be useful in shoeboxes.  Suggestions are single subject notebooks, copy paper, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, pencil sharpeners, big erasers, safety scissors, glue sticks, pencil boxes, etc.  Your purchases can be left in the church office or in the Sunday School room next to the choir room.  Thank-you for helping to provide items for the shoeboxes.  Don’t miss the good deals.

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child – fishing kits!   I have received a bag of small containers that will be perfect for fishing kits.  Items needed are fishing line, hooks, weights, and small floats.

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child – Clothesline kits – Items needed are wooden clothespins and clothesline string.

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child – Tic Tac Toe games – Items needed are flat glass stones and small felt or foam sheets.

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child – Eating utensils.  – Teaspoons are used in most places.  You can either purchase spoons alone or you can get sets with a knife, fork, and spoon.

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child  – Sewing kits –  Small spools of thread, sewing needles, assorted buttons, small scissors, etc.  If you want to add some small pieces of fabric and trim, that would be good.

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child – Necklace/bracelet kits – Assorted beads, cording, etc.

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child – Miscellaneous items – Washcloths and soap, $1.00 flashlights and extra batteries, small stuffed animals, small dolls, small balls, jump ropes, dominoes, small plastic animals, small trucks and cars, small farm figure, but now military figures or weapons.

 

 

 

What would you as an individual, your family, your class, your club be willing to do to provide some of the items for children in many poor countries this year?   Remember, now is the time to collect.  We have to pack the boxes and ship them by November.  I am available to answer questions you may have.  Call me or contact me through this page.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

“Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations.

But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them . . . I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’” 

~Nehemiah 1:8-9 NLT~

 

 

 

Beth Graham Lee gave a gift with numerous items for boys and girls to Operation Christmas Child at FBC, Kentwood in honor of David.  I thought that was great for OCC and certainly an honor because David firmly believes in OCC because in addition to the gifts they receive, boys and girls around the world in the poorest countries have an opportunity to learn about Jesus.  I think I will have to package some gifts in honor of some people.  You may want to do the same.  I will place the package from Beth on display so you can see it and get some ideas.  School supplies, small games, small puzzles, jump ropes, brushes, plastic dishes, spoons, toothbrushes, flashlights, and other small items would be perfect items to pack.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing Plan – Psalm 25:1-5

 

 

 

Janie Wise, the Louisiana WMU director, will be speaking at the WMU meeting at Spring Creek next Monday morning at 10.  Make a special effort to meet this sweet lady who loves Jesus and loves missions.  She’ll bless your heart.

 

 

 

Let’s get busy and see how many people we can honor by giving gifts to OCC this year.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living.

But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

~Joshua 24:15~

 

 

 

I have three good reports to share this morning.

  • Brady Haynes had another surgery.  He now has no more kidney stones or stents.  Keep him in your prayers as he recovers,
  • Jane Blades was checked out by a cardiologist this week and passed.  He gave the “all clear” report.  Thank God for this good report.
  • Carol B. Sealey continues to slowly improve.  Let’s be patient in expecting a fast recovery and faithful in remembering to pray for Carol, her family, and the medial staff.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ”  – Romans 8: 11-14

 

 

 

Shoeboxes Open Doors and Hearts for the Gospel in Liberia

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/shoeboxes-open-doors-and-hearts-for-the-gospel-in-liberia/

 

 

What have you purchased this week for Operation Christmas Child?

  • Small dolls?
  • $1.00 calculators?
  • Bars of soap?
  • Washcloths?
  • Bags of marbles?
  • Small cars?
  • Hair brushes?
  • 48-piece puzzles
  • School supplies?
  • Small hammers and nails?
  • Fishing equipment?
  • Clotheslines and clothespins?
  • Stick deodorant?
  • School supplies?
  • Metal spoons?
  • Plastic drinking cups?
  • Pot holders?
  • Sewing supplies?
  • Supplies for bracelet kits?
  • Small balls?
  • Plastic animals?
  • Shirts?
  • Headbands?
  • Bandanas?
  • Yarn?
  • Etc.

You can leave your items in the office of FBC, Kentwood or in the classroom next to the choir room.  Thank-you very much.  We are off to a slow start, but want to finish well.

People who want to craft items need to talk to me for ideas or check out the OCC website.

If you have a plastic container, even medicine bottles with labels removed, please bring them.  They are helpful in packaging items for the shoeboxes.  Also small tins you purchase or recycle are good.  Don’t forget plastic eggs also work well too.

Some of you may prefer to have someone else shop for you.  If so, give them the money and any specifics on what you want them to purchase.  Items can be turned in at the church as they are purchased.

Another option is to turn in money to the church for OCC expenses.  Mark your check and/or envelope “OCC” or “Shoeboxes”.

Remember, literature is added to each box to introduce the children to Jesus in the language of the children.  Each box impacts an average of seven people for Jesus!  That’s a great ministry you can do.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday

I keep my eyes always on the LORD.

With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

~Psalm 16:8~

 

 

Sandra Hughes is now home following her his surgery.  Thank God for her progress so far.  Pray for continued improvement.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

 

 

 

Bible Reading Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – Romans 8:11-14

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child 

My granddaughter, Madison, and I worked in the Operation Christmas Child (OCC) room yesterday.  A lot of progress was made.  As I worked, I noticed we need more items.  I want to share this link with ideas of items to pack for each age group.  I suggest picking items and buying multiple items of those things.  All donations can be left in the church office or the classroom next to the choir room.  This link will be helpful in getting you started.  I bought some zip lock bags and some sale items yesterday.  The day before I bought some items from Dollar Tree.  School supplies are being put out now.  I read this morning that Dirt Cheap has lots of school supplies in.  Let’s use the link to see what OCC suggests and the sales to get lots of school supplies.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/

Let’s get the items turned in so we can have a great packing party again this year.  Let me know if you have a couple of hours to help preparing items or want to make some items at church or at home.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday

….but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 

~Isaiah 40: 31~

 

 

 

Carol B. Sealey is continuing to improve.  Yesterday, she posted a photo of pictures colored by her granddaughter.  Keep fighting Carol.  Everyone else, keep praying.

 

 

 

Brady Haynes has had another surgery.  He’s better, but not well yet.  Keep praying.

 

 

 

David’s former co-worker lost his mother, Mrs. Amy Taylor.  Please be in prayer for the family.

 

 

 

The next Two Rivers’ Associational WMU meeting will be July 15th at Spring Creek Baptist Church.  Mark it on your calendar.  Make sure it is on your church calendar.

 

 

I have been unable to work on Operation Christmas Child as I normally do.  If you can, please step up and help with purchases and crafts for the shoeboxes so we will be ready to pack when the time comes.  I will be glad to speak to those who need ideas of what needs to be done.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing Plan = “Who I am in Christ” – Romans 5: 1-5. 11

 

 

 

Pray for the many spiritual, physical, emotional, and financial needs around you.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’

But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

~Revelation 3:17~

 

 

Wesley Blades stopped by yesterday to say his wife, Jane Blades, has been hospitalized because of the results of wearing a heart monitor.  She is in Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center.  An angiogram will be done this morning.  Pray for Jane, her family, and the medical staff caring for her.

 

 

 

The Hatchels got phone service and a vehicle for Boyd yesterday.  Most importantly, they got to spend time with Boyd’s family.

 

 

 

Please pray for Aaron Hatchel who is having back issues.  Tests have been done.  They will get results today.  Be in prayer, please.

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for Brady Haynes as he deals with pain and nausea related to kidney stones and surgery.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – John 1 : 12-13

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

I haven’t been able to work on Operation Christmas Child as I usually do.  I will need some of you to step up and help this year.  Make some purchases.  I think the best plan is to pict a couple of items and purchase multiples of that item.  Need suggestions?  Soap, washcloths, combs and brushes, toys, clothes pins, Play Dough, Lego blocks (large packs that can be divided), fishing needs, individual spoons, flash lights, batteries, flat glass marbles, colorful duct tape, sewing supplies, stick deodorant, small dolls, balls, etc.  Get your family, class, co=workers, and school involved.  Items can be dropped off at the office of FBC, Kentwood.  Thanks!  Remember, each shoebox we pact will impact an average of seven people with the knowledge of Jesus!  What a great way for be a missionary!

 

 

 

We are not all alike, but each of us have unique ways to share Jesus.  Share Jesus in your own style today.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Thursday

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me.

~John 14:6~

 

 

Cheryl Hughes Green‘s angiogram showed the need for by-pass surgery.  Pray for her as she will soon be checked into OLOL for surgery.

 

 

 

Mrs. Ruby Dillon is feeling better the last few days.  Please continue to pray for her and Mr. “Cete”.

 

 

 

Lisa Taylor of Greensburg will be having knee replacement surgery next week on the 12th.  She asks for your prayers.

 

 

 

Update on Carol B. Sealey

When you go day after day with no real forward movement in care you start to get down. Well today is not one of those day. They were able to extubate Carol and remove the vent….Praise God. She is on CPAC mask for 2 hours then nasal cannula for oxygen. Can’t thank everyone enough for prayers. Need to keep praying that her kidneys will go to working as well as liver. Will be doing dialysis today if nothing changes!! Good day!!!

                                                                                                                      Barbara Bennett Gaines
Read and Write the Bible – “Who I am in Christ” – I Peter 1: 3-6
Here for You – “Pure in Heart” video – Matthew 5:8 – https://hereforyou.org/videos/#merciful
The money given through VBS this year at FBC, Kentwood will be used to purchase items for our OCC shoeboxes.  Thank you, boys and girls, for helping children receive a shoebox and have the opportunity to learn about Jesus, much as you have done in VBS.
I’m a believer in telling others about Jesus.  Shoeboxes can be the seed planted in many lives each year!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father” 

~Colossians 3:17 GNT~

 

 

Mr. John Phillips continues to be in rehab, which will be a long ordeal for him with both arms broken.  Please continue to pray for him and for his family.

 

 

Carol B. Sealey Updates from her sister, Barbara Gaines

Update on this strong willed fighter. Carol is starting dialysis this morning for the next 4 hours. She opened her eyes for me this morning and blinked to let me know she understood me. Baby steps at this time, I will take any little improvement. Keep praying that we will continue to head in the right direction making these little baby steps.

Praise God Hallelujah prayers are working. Doctor was very upbeat and positive Dialysis is doing good. Going to start working on getting Vent off. Will continue dialysis waiting to see if we can get kidneys to working. Keep praying God is still performing a miracle in Carol!!!

 

 

 

Pray for Cheryl Hughes Green.  She will have a heart cath tomorrow morning.  The doctor suspects one or more blockages.

 

 

 

Larissa Sharkey Dean has a surgical procedure yesterday and did well.  She will be back “on her feet” and going strong by the end of the week.

 

 

 

Micah Simpson is going through the process of joining the marines.  Pray for him and his family.

 

 

 

Today, we will have a Tuesday morning drive in addition to the one yesterday.  David will receive more blood today.  Pray for the traveling and the infusion process.

 

 

 

Read and Write the Bible – “Who I Am in Christ” – I john 4: 4, 16

 

 

 

I don’t have any VBS reports, but know God was honored and children’s lives were touched by VBS, one of my favorite outreach activities.

 

 

Don’t forget your OCC purchases and projects.  Without your help, ….

Anna Lee