Category: Operation Christmas Child

Wednesday

Keep yourselves in God’s love

as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ

to bring you to eternal life.

~Jude 1:21~

 

 

Today, let’s remember all the people who had flood damage to their homes.  Most are not able to live there yet, nor will that happen any time soon.  They have most of their earthly belonging piled in the front yard and daily see people look through the pile for something they can use in their homes.  They do not have a functioning kitchen, bathroom, or utility room.  They do not sleep in their bedroom and will not be able to do so any time soon.  They have paperwork on top of paperwork for the government and insurance companies.  Their vehicles were flooded, so  they have to catch a ride to go anywhere.  Sometimes, their place of employment or personally owned business was also flooded.  Their church, doctors’ offices, schools, post offices, and grocery stores are not repaired and functioning.  I could go on and on.  Even though many are Christians, they face a battle with depression.  Other people are living normal lives and do not have to deal with flood problems.  The television cameras are gone.  Have they be forgotten?  Do other people still care about them?  Ponder on these thoughts.  Can you place yourself in their situation?  What would you want, need, treasure?  Let’s not forget our relatives and friends while our world continues to roll right along in a normal routine.  Meeting spiritual needs often begins with meeting physical needs!

Scripture Writing – 2 Timothy 1:6-8

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Georgia Barnette Week of Prayer for Louisiana Missions – Day 4 – United Outreach Church, Shreveport – https://georgiabarnette.org/week-of-prayer/

Fall Food Round-Up for the LA Baptist Children’s Home – Take items to church now because the truck will arrive first thing Monday to pick them up.

The Third Thursday at the Cabin is tomorrow.  See you at 6:30.

The Friday Morning Bible Study will meet in my classroom at 9 A.M.

Operation Christmas Child – See me if you need an idea of what you can do.

Do something that will impact others in a positive way each and every day.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Christ makes us one body

and individuals who are connected to each other.

~Romans 12:5b GW~

 

“What Do You Cling to in the Storm?” – Written by Kevin Smith, former pastor of Pine Ridge and Tangipahoa United Methodist Churches – https://revkevreflections.wordpress.com/2016/09/13/what-do-you-cling-to-in-the-storm/

David has completed a few more days of being face down.  The days are long, but the nights are longer.  Pray for him as he sees the cornea specialist Wednesday and the retina specialist Friday.  Pray the retinas are in place and healed.

Georgia Barnette Day 3 of Week of Prayer for Louisiana missions – “Disaster Relief across Louisiana”  – https://georgiabarnette.org/week-of-prayer/

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Scripture Writing – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53%3A9-12&version=NIV

Devotional, Scripture, Thought, and a Song

Reminders

  • Children’s Missions – Wednesday from 6-7 P.M.
  • Third Thursday – 6:30 at the Cabin
  • Friday Morning Bible Study – Meet at 9 this week in my classroom
  • La. Baptist Children’s Home – Bring food items to stairwell area by the office entrance.  Truck will pick up food early Monday.
  • Operation Christmas Child – Items are being turned in weekly.  If you need to know something you can purchase, please ask me.
  • Week of Prayer – Read your pamphlet and pray daily.

Thanks for reading and praying.  Your prayers make a difference in so many ways.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

For the Lamb at the center of the throne

will be their shepherd;

‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’  

‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’

~Revelation 7:17~

 

Today, I want to share several obituaries.

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Scripture Writing – Psalm 93:1-5

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Reminder: The children who come to missions class tonight will get to help prepare some items for the “shoeboxes”.  We meet from 6-7 P.M. in the L-wing.  Children from three years of age through fifth grade are encouraged to join us.

Show someone you care today. 

Anna Lee

 

Tuesday

Look at the birds of the air;

they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not much more valuable than they?

  Can any one of you by worrying

add a single hour to your life?

~Matthew 6:26-27~

 

Today, I want to start by saying the WMU ladies who say “Keep the meeting previously scheduled on Labor Day and we will come” really do show up.

Secondly, I want you to know the meeting  touched our hearts as we studied about the Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana.

Thirdly, Carol Bridges has a heart for missions and conveyed that love as she presented the program.

Lastly, I want to leave you with the words to a song Linda Graves sang for us.  I’m already looking forward to our next meeting.

“God Will Make this Trial a Blessing”

Originally recorded by the McKameys

VERSE 1
I’ve just come into a valley one like I’ve never been before
I keep searching for a way out seems like padlocks are on the doors
Oh there must be another sunrise another sunset that I’ll see
God will make this trial a blessing that’s the love He has for me
CHORUS
God will make this trial a blessing though it sends me to my knees
Though my tears flow like a river yet in Him there’s sweet relief
There’s no need to get discouraged there’s no need to talk defeat
God will make this trial a blessing and the whole wide world will see
VERSE 2
I was not the first one to come into this place
You see every child of God this test he must face
It is here that God will mold you and make you what you ought to be
God will make this trial a blessing just be patient you will see
VERSE 3
Now I’m standing on the mountain looking back and I can see
When I was in that lowest valley His strong hand was leading me
Oh it’s good to see the sunshine and to taste sweet victory
God has made this trial a blessing oh the grace He gives to me

History of the Song – http://originofsongs.blogspot.com/2012/10/god-will-make-this-trial-blessing.html

The McKamey’s singing this on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXCFurW775Q

 

Today, I want to remind us of J.L. and Wanzie Williams and their extended family.  Their family seems to be going through several difficult situations.  Their older son, Stan, is very ill.  Also, Wanzie’s sister, Julie Kay, is very ill.  Julie Kay has a daughter is also needs our prayers as she goes through a very difficult time in her life.  I trust God will make this time of difficulties a time of remembrance and refocusing in the lives of the family members.

 

I’ve known of a couple pastors who passed away while preaching.  Now, we know of three volunteers who passed away in LA while doing work following floods.  The following is about the second one, a man from AL.

http://www.fox10tv.com/story/33016133/satsuma-man-dies-following-fall-from-disaster-relief-trailer-in-louisiana

Scripture Writing – Amos 4:13

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Daily Devotional – “Graded with Grace” – https://odb.org/2016/09/06/graded-with-grace/

Fall Food Round-Up Items to purchase this week:

  • Evaporated milk
  • Liquid detergent
  • Facial tissues
  • Paper towels

 

Looking ahead:

  • Children’s Mission Classes Wednesday from 6-7 P.M. (Mission project for OCC this week.)
  • Ladies’ Bible Study – If you come early (9 A.M.) and meet in the basement, we will also work on a mission project.  Later, we will have our regular Bible study in the fellowship hall.
  • Third Thursday at the Cabin – Sept. 15th
  • “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party – Tuesday, September 27th, at The Cafe

 

I’ll end with a closing reminder that many people need today.  You may be one of that number.

God will make this trial a blessing though it sends me to my knees.  

Though my tears flow like a river yet in Him there’s sweet relief.  

There’s no need to get discouraged there’s no need to talk defeat. 

God will make this trial a blessing and the whole wide world will see.

                                                                          (See above for details.)

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday

“Make allowance for each other’s faults,

and forgive anyone who offends you.

Remember, the Lord forgave you,

so you must forgive others.”

~Colossians 3:13 NLT, 2nd Ed.~

 

David‘s eye looks better, not good, just better, after some cleaning-up this morning.  He asked me to let you know he will be healing for months and needs your continued prayers.  Don’t stop praying for him yet!  We appreciate all the prayers for him over the past few months.

Continue to pray for all the victims of the flood. Also, thank God for the churches and members who are still out working in homes today.  Many people have been and continue to be so blessed by you.  In many cases, the cleanup and gutting had been done, but now it is time for sheetrock, wiring, etc.  Pray for all the people who are still out of their homes and have much to do to recover and try to begin a new routine for their lives.

 

Second Disaster Relief Volunteer Died in Louisiana this Week – http://baptistmessage.com/second-sbc-dr-volunteer-dies-year-serving-louisiana/

Robert Lee Rainey

August 28, 1924 – September 01, 2016

Scripture Writing – Psalm 62:1-4

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Reminders

  • Sunday School – new literature in the morning.
  • Monday – Associational WMU Meeting Monday
    • 10 A.M. at New Zion Baptist Church
    • Learn about Louisiana Mission Work
    • No leadership meeting at 9:00
    • Potluck meal follows meeting
    • Everyone is welcome.
  • Wednesday – Children’s Missions 
    • 6-7 P.M.
    • Location – L-wing
  • Fall Food Round-Up continues – Items can be place in the stairwell by the office entrance.
  • Operation Christmas Child (shoeboxes) Resources –

I’m thankful God spared us from a hurricane this week.  We are still very much in the recovery period from the floods.  Be sure to thank Him.

Anna Lee

Monday

“Our purpose is to please God, not people.

He alone examines the motives of our hearts”

~1 Thessalonians 2:4b NLT, 2nd ed.~

 

I forgot to tell you that another sister of Mrs. Mickey Cade passed away.  I know you will want to remember the family in your prayers.

Three members of the late Mrs. Wanzie Williams family are in need of our prayers.  They are Stan Williams, her older son, her sister, Julie Kay, and Julie Kay’s daughter.  The last one, Julie Kay’s daughter is especially ill.  Prayers would be greatly appreciated.

Karen Miller’s grandson, Christian Smalley, was taken to the hospital because of a heart issue.  According to Bro. Joey yesterday afternoon, Christian apparently had a-fib which cleared when he was sedated for a conversion which became unnecessary.  He will be watched closely.  Christian seems otherwise healthy, so doctors think he will do well.

Please pray for Beverly “Doodle” Watson again.  Her disease has reappeared.  Pray for strength for a continued battle.

 

Scripture Writing – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A16-18&version=NIV

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “The Ultimate Road Trip” – http://odb.org/2016/08/29/the-ultimate-road-trip/
  • In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.                                                                                          ~ Isaiah 40:3~
  • “I Surrender All”

Looking ahead:

  • This is another good week to volunteer to help family, friends, and strangers recover from the flood.  We do not all have to tear our sheetrock.  There are ways we can help.  Check around.  Make yourself available.  God can use you.  You will be blessed even greater than those you are helping.  Call me TODAY to volunteer.  I promise you will be able to do these things.  Special thanks to those who have served for a short time or day after day.  Consider the Scriptures about the Good Samaritan who helped a stranger.  We have that opportunity many times over.
  • The children’s missions classes will be working on mission projects this week.  They will help with Operation Christmas Child Wednesday night at 6.  It will be fun and teach the children so much.
  • Looking ahead, adults can help in a new way with Operation Christmas Child this year.  FBC, Kentwood will be a collection center.  We will meet with volunteers from other churches to learn about the collection process and our responsibilities.  You can call or see me to volunteer.  Our meeting will be at 10 A.M. on October 1st.  The collection days are November 14-21.
  • Bible Study continues on Friday mornings at 10 A.M.
  • Suggested items you can provide this week:
    • Fall Food Roundup for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home – Dishwasher detergent, Disinfectant spray, and/or Dryer sheets.  These can be brought to the area under the stairwell at that office entrance to the church.
    • Suggested items for Operation Christmas Child – one or more small balls less than 3″ in diameter.  These can be brought to my Sunday School classroom.
  • The annual Georgia Barnette Offering emphasis will be Monday, September 5 at NZBC at 10 A.M.  A potluck lunch will follow the meeting.  Much money is coming into our area to help with flood relief.  All ladies are invited to come learn with us.

 

Thanks for allowing to come into your home with my thoughts and messages.  

Anna Lee

 

Sunday

“Many nations

will be joined with the LORD in that day

and will become my people.

I will live among you

and you will know that the LORD Almighty

has sent me to you.

~Zechariah 2:11~

 

Waylon Bailey – waylonbailey.com

Thom S. Rainer – thomrainer.com

 

Reminder – If you have and Christian magazines, not books, that you no longer have any use for, please bring them to me.  I have a contact to get them into a jail.

 

Scripture Writing – 2 Corinthians 4:13-15

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Plans are in the works for the children to experience missions as they have another opportunity to participate in Operation Christmas Child Wednesday at 6 P.M.  Also, there’s several opportunities this week for adults to participate in meeting needs due to flooding.  Let me know via email, Facebook, telephone call, or personal contact if you are interested in participating.

If you want to “Let it Start with Me”,  we can make a difference.  It’s not about me personally.  It’s about each of us doing our part!

Anna Lee

 

Friday

In the same way,

let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds

and glorify your Father in heaven.

~Matthew 5:16~

Has your light been shining, especially during the past two weeks?

Harrell Sharkey, Jr. received the better of two possible diagnoses that the doctors were considering.  I’m simplify the results by saying he does NOT have cancer.  He has something that is treatable with antibiotics and steroids for the remainder of his life.  Join lots of family and friends in thanking God for this diagnosis.

Annette W.  Kauffman is now feeling better and back at home.  Thank you for praying for her.

 

The flood clean-up and recovery is continuing and will continue for many months, possibly years.  I hope you have been involved in helping the victims and/or volunteers in some of the numerous ways available to us.  Thank God for all those who have left their homes and families daily or for long periods of time to help those they don’t know, but care about anyway.

 

Scripture Writing – 2 Corinthians 4:4-6

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Baptist Message – baptistmessage.com

Operation Christmas Child Story  – https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/shoebox-stories-kojo-and-a-yo-yo/

A few weeks ago I heard a lady talking about hearing Kojo speak in person.  She was so impressed with his story and the young man he has become because of his “shoebox”.  I challenge you to share this story with the children in your family, your church, etc.  You can print it out and read it or show the video.  Please hare this during the coming week.  Think of the blessing this story can be to our American children.  Help mold hearts to know how they can impact others.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

There are many opportunities to “Live(ing) for Jesus”  today.  

If you don’t know of any, please contact me, a disaster relief center, or a church actively working on a daily basis to help people in one of the biggest needs of a lifetime.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Watch to see where God is working

and join Him in His work.

~Henry Blackaby~

9 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.

10 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~

 

Kristi Alford

Anna Lee would U Plz do a update on my grandchildren’s Mother Kristi Alford . She heard back from her labs concerning a mass they found on her pelvic which had a stem into her ovary . The Drs R discussing some form of treatment . She will know shortly seems as though they R leaning toward radiation . Thk U for adding her to the prayer link ..

Debi Bales wrote the above message.  George Bales gave James Rimes permission for me to say that Kristi is going to M.D. Anderson for treatment.  Please pray for Kristi, her family, and the great medical staff she will have in Houston.

Please continue to pray for Sherman Cutrer and his family.  Sherman is in McComb.

I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying, “When it rains, it pours”, that could describe the Sharkey family and all the health issues they have experienced lately.  Let’s “pour on” some prayer for them.

David’s eye issues/treatment seem to have gone on for a long time.  Today, he sees the cornea specialist to be sure the new lens is properly placed, removed some stitches, and check the overall health of his eye.  David has loved helping in flooded homes.  Pray he has not done anything or been exposed to anything that will slow down the healing process.

 

There were fifteen “young” ladies present to celebrate the birthdays of four ladies who were able to be with us yesterday: Frances Gay, Fay Shoemaker, Ferrie Gene Blackmon, and Sue Connelly.

Many flood victims find it hard to believe how people, like Southern Baptist Disaster volunteers, can give of their time freely and work so hard in homes of people they do not know and charge absolutely nothing!  I love to see so many of our churches and God’s people being the church throughout our state.  As Dr. Wendall Fortenberry of New Zion Baptist Church so often says, “To God be the glory”.

I’m so thankful for ladies who step up to do what they can in disaster relief.  They are eager to do their part.  I love the ladies’ sweet, generous spirit and generosity of time, talents, and money.  I suppose that deserves a “To God be the glory”.

Thanks to all who have shopped and shopped again for Operation Christmas Child.  We are making good progress.  Ladies will help with a “shoebox” project Friday and children will help next Wednesday.  Missions is coming alive through so many of you who have shopped and contributed.  God is pleased because the “shoeboxes” not only represent gifts, but also the opportunity to have Bible lessons.  They change young live eternally.

 

Scripture Writing – Romans 2: 12-16 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

Do something that makes a difference today.  It is your mission project.  It can be a personal project or a group effort.  The main thing is to do something!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

In the same way,

faith by itself,

if it is not accompanied by action,

is dead.

~James 2:17~

With so many people working through different churches and organizations, I am happy to say faith in action abounds in our area.  One again, a Scripture so appropriate to our day, our area, and many of our churches has been waiting on my computer for me to post today.  I am so thankful to be here and see what many people/churches/organizations are doing.  The love of God abound is shown through the actions of so many.

If you have been helping, God bless you!

If you haven’t been helping, may God lead you to many opportunities to help.

Pray – Please pray for those working in homes. Pray for those traveling to being help.  Pray for those in other states who are giving and sending.  Pray for the leadership in organizations that do so much, especially those that share Jesus as they work.  May God watch over each one and bless them in each and every thing they do.

Give to worth causes.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Scripture Writing – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Romans+2%3A+7-11&version=NIV

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Reminders

  • “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party at 11 A.M. this morning.
  • OCC item for this week at FBC, Kentwood – Jump Ropes  (Last week – Hats)  You can bring  your items to my Sunday School room on Sunday mornings.
  • Fall Food Roundup items for LA Baptist Children’s Home – This week – Condensed Milk, Cooking Oil, and Corn Meal (Last week – Bottled juice (apple, orange, grape, fruit punch), Chili w/o beans and Clorox)  You can leave your donations under the stairs that go upstairs at the office entrance.
  • Ladies’ Bible Study will meet at 10 Friday morning and continue John, chapter 9.  We will also spend a few minutes preparing some items for shipment in the OCC shoeboxes.
  • Children in Action and Mission Friends are bringing and offering each week.  This will be used in a project we choose monthly.  They are also doing a project each month.  Pray the children will learn the importance of missions and develop an love for doing missions.

As God calls you, be sure to listen.

Anna Lee