Operation Christmas Child – Page 6

“No matter what I say,

what I believe,

and what I do,

I’m bankrupt without love.”

~1 Corinthians 13:3 The Message~

Thankfully, Paul Morgan will be going home today, more than two weeks following his heart attack. Pray for Sandy and Zach as they assist him at home for a while.

Kristy Alford passed away. She fought a long, hard battle! I’ll post arrangements when they are available. Please pray for her family and many friends. She will be greatly missed by many people.

Read the Bible in 2020 – February 29

There is no assigned reading for today because the 29th of February only come once every four years. Use this day to read something you choose.

Last week, as I went about my daily life, I had the opportunity to tell three people about Operation Christmas Child and how it impacts so many children and families for Jesus. At Ochsner, I always speak to one lady and ask about her weekend. Then, she asked about mine. I told her I spent a portion of my weekend on Operation Christmas Child. She didn’t know about OCC. I explained it was a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. She had not heard about that either. I began to explain that when a man said he knew. He and his wife are both fighting serious illnesses. After the big flood in Livingston Parish, Samaritan’s Purse rebuilt his home. God had the right person walk up and share his personal experience. She was impressed! I can hardly wait to see her Monday. I will be taking her some literature from Samaritan’s purse. That was the first opportunity. I had two other wonderful opportunities to share this week. God blessed me with these opportunities. I look forward to the opportunities he has for me this week.

Yesterday, my sister, Julie, delivered 250 beautiful t-shirts and a number of beautiful owls she lovingly made to add to our OCC collection. I would love to show them to you. Thank-you, Julie, for sharing your wonderful talents with the children who will receive your gifts.

In closing, I want to share this quote that I saw yesterday. I don’t know who to credit for it, but is is not original to me. Thought the days we, and many of you, have faced lately, this is a reminder many people need to hear.

“Nothing you face today is out of God’s control. Trust Him!

Anna Lee

Friday

“If you are a follower of Christ Jesus . . . all that matters is your faith that makes you love others.”

~Galatians 5:6 CEV~

Read the Bible in 2020 – February 28

Leviticus 22:17-23:44
Mark 9:30-10:12
Psalm 44:1-8
Proverbs 10:19
Remember you can have these Scriptures read to you at OneYearBibleOnline.com.

Don’t forget the Open House at the new Hope Center just south of the curve in Roseland. The open house today is at 5:45. I hope to see you there.

The parents of the children of FBC, Kentwood are planning a church cookbook to raise some money for camp for the boys and girls this summer. Your recipes can be turned in at the church. I hope to find some time before Sunday to get some together for them and hope you will be doing the same. To make it super easy, you can use your phone to take a picture of the recipes and send it to one of the mothers. Let me know if you need more information on who to contact.

Don’t forget the WMU meeting at Greensburg Monday morning at 10 A.M.

Say special prayers today for Kristi Alford and for Donald Alford and their families. Thanks!

My sister and a friend are delivering 250 t-shirts for OCC today. I am thrilled for Julie’s support and for the shirts that will bless many young lives. She has enjoyed making the shirts extra special.

What are you planning to do today to impact the lives of others? I can always give you some ideas for OCC purchases or crafts.

Anna Lee

Monday

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for

and assurance about what we do not see

~Hebrews 11:1~

Josh Thornton is home following his emergency gall bladder surgery. He will be on limited activity for a week. Pray for him and his family as he heals.

Smiley Conerly is at Forrest General where the doctors are carefully watching his fluid levels. Your continued prayers are appreciated.

Donald Alford is at home. Having oxygen at home has been very helpful. Please continue to pray for Donald and his family.

David got a good report and procrit yesterday. His blood level was 9.9. I thank God for that and for watching out for us as we traveled in the rain yesterday.

Read the Bible in 2020 – February 25

Leviticus 16:29-18:30
Mark 7:24-8:10
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 10:15-16

As I was checking David in for appointments, Operation Christmas Child came up as something I was working on since I last saw the lady in the office. She didn’t have a clue, so I began talking about Samaritan’s Purse, Rev. Franklin Graham, and Rev. Billy Graham. That’s when the man behind me stepped up and said Samaritan’s Purse rebuilt his home after flooding. That caught everyone’s attention.

I copied this from their webpage:

The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) gives a clear picture of God’s desire for us to help those in desperate need wherever we find them. After describing how the Samaritan rescued a hurting man whom others had passed by, Jesus told His hearers, “Go and do likewise.” For over 40 years, Samaritan’s Purse has done our utmost to follow Christ’s command by going to the aid of the world’s poor, sick, and suffering. We are an effective means of reaching hurting people in countries around the world with food, medicine, and other assistance in the Name of Jesus Christ. This, in turn, earns us a hearing for the Gospel, the Good News of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

As our teams work in crisis areas of the world, people often ask, “Why did you come?” The answer is always the same: “We have come to help you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Our ministry is all about Jesus—first, last, and always. As the Apostle Paul said, “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5, NIV).

Mission Statement

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

After sharing the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus said “Go and do likewise.” That is the mission of Samaritan’s Purse—to follow the example of Christ by helping those in need and proclaiming the hope of the Gospel.

You may want to check out their site to learn more.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/about-us/

I hope you will learn more about Samaritan’s Purse. Their focus is helping people and sharing Jesus. I believe in Samaritan’s Purse.

Anna Lee

Monday

“Rejoice with those who rejoice,

weep with those who weep.”

~Romans 12:15 ESV~

Please keep Joshua and Danielle Thornton in your prayers. Josh had emergency surgery to remove his gall bladder. He will be on limited activity for the next week.

Please continue to pray for Kristy Alford and her family.

Read the Bible in 2020 – February 24

Leviticus 15:1-16:28
Mark 7:1-23
Psalm 40:11-17
Proverbs 10:13-14

Operation Christmas Child

Thanks to all those who turned in items for OCC yesterday. We are so thankful for your support. Everything is being grouped and sorted into the proper groups for packing in the coming months. The boys and girls who will receive the “shoeboxes” will be so excited. I will be excited to know they have the opportunity to learn about Jesus. Shoeboxes are a means of reaching families all around the world without ever taking a step out of our area. Each one is an economical meals of witnessing to about seven people. That means a small effort on our part makes a big difference eternally in lives of people we will never meet. What an opportunity!

The family that had the tea to earn shipping money for OCC shoeboxes earned enough to ship 24 shoeboxes. What awesome support the family provides for these two young “packers”! They are planning another tea about Mother’s Day. I’ll let you know, so you can plan to attend too.

Anna Lee

Sunday

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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 40:30-31~

Please put infant Nora Collins Carruth on prayer list she was born last night (Friday night) weighing only 2 lbs 2 oz., she is the granddaughter of Danny & Lisa Carruth. (Greensburg)

Bill and Linda Frazier

Josiah Huckaby is home again. Keep him in your prayers.

Donald Alford went home last night. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated for Donald and his family.

Read the Bible in 2020 – February 23

Leviticus 14:1-57
Mark 6:30-56
Psalm 40:1-10
Proverbs 10:11-12

Late Friday, the Hope Center’s new location in the curve south of Roseland, will be open for you to see. I’ll post more during the week.

You meet the nicest people as you shop for items for “shoeboxes”. They recognize you as a shoebox shopper because of what and how many items you buy. We met a lady, store manager, yesterday who insisted on providing someone to take our purchases to the car for us. Today, we will need help getting them from the car. I know we can depend on church friends for that. That’s another blessing.

Have a wonderful “Lord’s Day”!

Anna Lee

Saturday (2-22-2020)

“We must always aim at those things that bring peace and that help strengthen one another.”

~Romans 14:19 GNT~

Read the Bible in 2020 – February 22

Leviticus 13:1-59
Mark 6:1-29
Psalm 39:1-13
Proverbs 10:10

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

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

Thanks to Wanda Smith for helping with Operation Christmas Child yesterday.

Please continue to pray for all those who have been listed lately. Their medical conditions seem to be about the same. Pray for each one, please.

Stay warm.

Anna Lee

Friday

Look to the LORD and his strength;

seek his face always

~1 Chronicles 16:11~

Paul Morgan is about ready to leave the hospital following heart surgery. The decision about going home or going somewhere else is still undecided. Pray for the Morgan family.

Please continue to pray for Billie Callihan Strahan as she faces the reality of the stroke.

Robin Alford will be having a second surgery next week. Keep her in your prayers as she in limited in mobility for a while.

A doctor noticed something on David‘s blood work that concerned him. An extra lab and an appointment were set us. God took care of the lab so no treatment was required. We are so thankful. God has been so good to us. We are blessed and thankful!

Pine Ridge United Methodist Church will have their monthly breakfast benefit Sunday morning to help with expenses of someone from the Kentwood area. Breakfast is served at 8:00 A.M. Come support a local family.

Read the Bible in 2020 – February 21

Leviticus 11:1-12:8
Mark 5:21-43
Psalm 38:1-22
Proverbs 10:8-9

Operation Christmas Child

The 150 t-shirts for the older groups of boys and girls are purchased and decorated. Today, they will be rolled and banded to add to the shoeboxes. What a great addition to our boxes.
Ribbon wands are being made too. Some will be from plastic tablecloths and some from ribbon. What fun they will be for little girls!
We have more new items to sort and add to our stash today.
What a blessing the shoeboxes are to us as we give many people the opportunity to learn about Jesus!
Volunteers are assisting with various tasks. Let us know if you want to help. There is always something to do.
David invited a young man to see our OCC storage/work room. He was speechless at first. I think we can call on him to assist us some now that he has a better idea of our vision.
To volunteer to help, send a message to me by using the “Connect” tool on this tool. Give us an idea of when you are available and include your phone number.

Thank-you for reading and praying. Now, feel free to do/say something special for/to someone who will appreciate you time and attention.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“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~

Smiley and Carol Jean Conerly came home yesterday. Please continue to pray for them.

David’s brother, Donald Alford, did not get to go home yesterday. The doctors are still making adjustments in his treatment. Your prayers for Donald, Angela, Janet, Willie, and Julia are greatly appreciated.

Kristy Alford had to go to the hospital. There is a plan for a new treatment which is scheduled for Friday. Pray for Kristy and her family.

Becky Alford, daughter of Walton and Peggy Alford, fell and broke her leg in five places. She had surgery and will be living in an assisted living facility for a month while she cannot use her leg at all. Please pray for Becky.

Read the Bible in 2020 – February 20

Leviticus 9:7-10:20
Mark 4:26-5:20
Psalm 37:30-40
Proverbs 10:6-7

It’s time to think about OCC purchases for March. He is the suggested list of purchases by Sunday School classes. If you are not a member of a class, please choose something from the list or purchase or make anything you choose.

Operation Christmas Child, March, 2020

Nursery & Preschool	Large Erasers
Grades 1-5	Hair Brushes
Youth	Pens
College and Career	Checkers
Gateway	Girls’ Underwear (Sizes 2-14)
Joy & Friendship Circle.	Colored Duct Tape
Bank	$1.00 Calculators
New Creations & Renewal	Bandanas
Rebekah	Toothbrushes (Holders & floss can also be included.)
Seekers, City Hall, & Staff	Marbles
Faithful	Clothes Pins & Clothesline

We greatly appreciate all those who are supplying items for the “shoeboxes”. I keep telling myself that each shoebox impacts seven people. It’s hard to call it quits when there is great potential in the next box!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Everyone will know that you are my disciples,

if you love one another.”

~John 13:35 NIV~

Please continue to pray for Paul and Sandy Morgan. Paul is slowly recovering from his heart surgery and is now in a regular room. He is able to sit up some, but still has a high heart rate. Sandy requests your continued prayers for Paul.

Once again, the doctors say Donald Alford may get to go home today. Angela, Donald’s wife, and his three children, Janet, Willie, and Julia, have all been very faithful to stay with him and assist him as needed. I know Donald is thankful for them.

Bro. Don Meadows of Taylor Creek Baptist Church and our associational compassion minister announced Sunday that he and Tammy will be moving to Florida next month. He has completed his studies at NOBTS and will get to serve in his home state. He will be missed by many, but not forgotten.

Yesterday, I learned a couple from Chesbrough who are not members of our church donated LOTS of items for Operation Christmas Child. David and I got them moved and have started to go through them. What a blessing they will be to boys and girls as they receive the shoeboxes. We are so thankful for all the wonderful things Vernon and Linda Russell brought. Vernon is David’s cousin.

My sister, Julie, is making the cutest owls for the boxes for ages 2-4 children. They are beautiful and will be wonderful treasures for the children who receive the shoeboxes. Julie got in over a hundred more colorful t-shirts yesterday, so she has already started adding the cute designs to the shirts.

Thanks too the Sunday School classes that are bringing in items for the “shoeboxes”. We are making lots of early progress this year! David and I are thankful.

Read the Bible in 2020 – February 19

Leviticus 7:28-9:6
Mark 3:31-4:25
Psalm 37:12-29
Proverbs 10:5

Don’t forget you can also listen to these Scriptures daily at OneYearBibleOnline.com

Love multiplies as you give it away.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

But you, LORD, do not be far from me.

You are my strength; come quickly to help me.

~Psalm 22:19~

Josiah Huckaby

✨Update✨
Josiah is definitely feeling better!!! We’ve had trouble the last several days with his sats being good while awake but would drop when he was asleep. They decided Friday to swap him to a hospital vent to give him a little extra help & so they could have better control on how much oxygen he was getting. Last night was the first night his sats didn’t drop while sleeping so they have been able to wean his oxygen from 50% to 35% today. Hopefully tomorrow they will be able to wean some of his vent settings. For now it’s just a waiting game…we should be able to go home once he is back to his regular vent settings. To God be the glory!!!

That 2nd pic is his face when he notices the big screen TV in our room! 😂 We are in the same room we were in back in October and they have definitely upgraded the TV.

Image may contain: one or more people and people eating

Please continue to pray for Bro. Daryl Miller. He has had a virus that made him real sick. Pray it didn’t spread it in his family or that he didn’t catch the flu from his daughter and her family.

Pray for the Smiley Conerly and Donald Alford, their families, and their doctors as they make important decisions today.

Read the Bible in 2020 – February 18

Leviticus 6:1-7:27
Mark 3:7-30
Psalm 37:1-11
Proverbs 10:3-4

Every day is an OCC day. I can shop for supplies or items needed, work at home on crafts to include. or work at the church on organizing and grouping items. I don’t spend all day on OCC, but I get in as much time as I can.

Anna Lee