Category: Other Churches

Monday

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~

 

I have had a week to take notice of instances where, as my friend’s shirt says, the church has left the building (and gone into the community).  Friend helping friend!  Stranger helping stranger!  Outsider helper local!  Locals helping outsiders!  This could go on and on.  There is no denying many have needed and received help.  Many more still need help.  Let’s be the “light” in a dark world.

 

Scripture Writing – Romans 2:4-6 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Romans+2%3A+4-6&version=NIV

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song –

  • “At Risk of Falling” – http://odb.org/2016/08/22/at-risk-of-falling/
  • If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!                                                                                                                                  ~1 Corinthians 10:12~
  • “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”

Announcements

  • Disaster Relief Teams will have breakfast and a devotional at 7 A.M. each day at The Lord’s Church before heading out to their assignments.  They would be appreciative of your help.  The people you will be helping  will be even more appreciative.  God will be pleased too.
  • The “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party will be tomorrow at 11:00 at The Cafe.  We will be honoring ladies with August birthdays.  Bring a friend if you would like.
  • Children in Action/Mission Friends will meet Wednesday at 6 P.M.  Last week, we learned about missionaries in Cincinnati, Ohio.  I am so blessed each week as I have the opportunity to work with these children.  I hope we have some new boys and girls this week.
  • Friday, at Bible study, we will take time to prepare a few more items of Operation Christmas Child.  I’m happy to report that the flooding at church mainly caused time and effort.  I think the monetary loss is less than $5.00.  I thank God for this opportunity.
  • Operation Christmas Child – Thank-you to those who brought in items yesterday.  I appreciate each donation, but know the boys and girls who receive the “shoeboxes” will appreciate your donations even more.
  • Friday morning Bible study will continue learning from John 9.  Last week, we found new truths in our study of the blind man Jesus healed.  When we study and combine our thoughts, we are able to always learn something that we have overlooked before.  Join us if you are interested.

 

Help others overcome the flood by praying, donating, cooking, clean-out, etc.  Just help!

Anna Lee

 

Sunday

“We are each responsible for our own conduct.”

~Galatians 6:5 NLT, 2nd ed.~

(I suppose that includes both what we do and what we fail to do.  Think about it!)

I am so thankful for all those, both locals and people from other areas, both male and female, from teens to retired folks , who came and worked to help people recover from the flood.  David worked with a team of retired people including an 80 year old retired pastor.  They inspired David with the distance they traveled, their work ethics, their love for people, and their love for the Lord.   Yesterday, one cancer patient went to check on another cancer patient and found a discouraged man sitting alone in the midst of his wet home.  Within minutes, a pastor from another domination had fourteen men there working!  Some who had lost everything are out helping others.  The stories are endless.  The love for others and desire to do anything for them is inspiring.  I’ve seen females, nurses and school personnel, after working all day.  They have been dirty and sore, but so thankful to have been given the opportunity to help others.  I know many people who have washed “tons” of wet laundry for people they do not know in an effort to help them save some things.  I’ve witnessed gallon after gallon of water being removed from out church basement.  I’ve seen ladies working in kitchen from early to late because there were volunteers to be fed.  I’ve seen the piles of belongings of friends on the side of the road.  I have friends who have driven hundreds of miles to take food, clothing, cleaning supplies, water, etc. to the places where it is needed most.  I know people that we prayed for recently because of medical problems who are out cooking and giving the food away day after day. I know pastors who have involved their whole families, including children,  in helping others. I’ve had unchurched people respond to my offers of help from the Baptist Disaster Relief.  I was touched because I know they need the love from Christians and they were able to admit it. I know God is using people to be His hands and feet in innumerable ways and I’m blessed and encouraged.  I’ve seen people “letting their light shine” in so many ways.  

 

Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief is here until it is all over!  If you need help, know of anyone who needs help, or would like to volunteer in any way please call Bro. Stan Statham or The Lord’s Church (229-8521).

 

Scripture Writing – Romans 2:1-3 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Romans+2%3A1-3&version=NIV
Devotional,Scripture, and a Song – This is today’s Our Daily Bread.  I had already written my observations and comments before I found TODAY’s Our Daily Bread!

“Lord, may we fulfill Your calling today by walking the road of faith and encouragement with others.   The Christian life is meant to be lived in company with others, not alone.” – Our Daily Bread, 8-21-16

“To God be the Glory”!!!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“And who knows

but that you have come to your royal position

for such a time as this?”

~ Esther 4:14 ~

 

Sherman Cutrer‘s surgery went well.  He is in ICU now.  Physical therapy awaits him as part of the next step to complete recovery.  Keep Sherman and his family in your prayers.

Henry McKenzie is home and doing well following out-patient surgery.  Please continue to remember him in your prayers.

Mr. Bobby Simpson celebrated his 83rd birthday yesterday with the arrival of a new great, granddaughter, Murphy Evans.  I’m sure that made the day especially nice for everyone.

Robert “Scotty” Webb

September 28, 1971 – August 18, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=3862474&fh_id=10545

 

Disaster Relief by Baptists is amazing.  They are sending truck and trailer loads of supplies which are passed on to areas that are most in need of them.  Teams of workers have been on the job sites with some locals.  Four of the men David worked with yesterday were from Tupelo, Mississippi and all David’s age or older.  They drove a day, will work three days, and then drive a day to return home.  Hard workers!  Fine Christian men who are sleeping on cots in a Sunday School classroom right now so they can be available to get busy early in the morning.  They represent only one of many teams that have arrived or will soon be arriving to help Louisiana.

Local people helping are sometimes those you would expect, but often those you would never dream of helping.  They are there doing a part.  It is such a blessing to learn who is helping and how they are helping.  For every person tearing our floors and cutting and hauling out sheetrock, there are people transporting supplies, serving in kitchens, helping people complete applications, serving as chaplains, etc.  I have seen the fruits of good, Godly leadership.  My heart has been touched by the way people have responded.

People who have had their homes destroyed are learning how to say “Less is better” and “God is good”!  Women are doing work you often think of as men’s work, but have stepped in to work with the men to help as many people as they possibly can as quickly as can be done.  I love seeing your love in action.

Others, who are still working regular jobs, find ways to add in disaster relief and Christian love to their daily schedules.  Some have traveled the roads lately collecting and delivering items needed immediately.  Others have cooked and given away food, sometimes a plateful at a time and sometimes in huge quantities.  There is a way for everyone to help!

People who are being helped have such of sense of love coming from church members, friends, neighbors, and total strangers.  Lives on both sides, victims and helpers, have been changed this week.  Changed forever!

To God by the glory!

 

Thom S. Rainer – http://thomrainer.com/

Waylon Bailey – http://waylonbailey.com/

 

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Louisiana Baptist Message – baptistmessage.com

 

Scripture Writing – John 8:19-20

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

Operation Christmas Child

The flooding at church has created a lot of work for us, but it also has brought attention to the space being used for storage and organization.  It has been lot, hot, wet, and messy, BUT it is so much better now.  It’s easy to recognize the good that has come about because of the flooding.

Items are being counted, grouped, and organized for preparation for our packing party.  If you want to take care of a need, just ask me what is needed.  If you want to help me work, just let me know when you are available.  If you don’t shop much, let one of us do the shopping for you!  The point is, this is a group effort.

Yesterday, I had three projects related to OCC ready yesterday morning.  The ladies who came to Bible study chose to complete the projects before we had Bible study.  They worked quickly and efficiently.  When we finished, they helped me transport and store the items until needed in two months.  What a sweet blessing the ladies are to me.  They quietly work to serve God in so many ways!

 

The August “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party will be be on the 23rd.  I hope you are planning to come honor some of our ladies.  Meet at The Cafe in Kentwood at 11:00 A.M.

 

The Children in Action and Mission Friends are learning about missions and missionaries.   We’ve started to send a birthday card to a MK, missionary kid, every month.  If you have children in the family from the age of three through the fifth grade, please be sure they get to participate.  Our offering last month purchased highlighters for OCC.  Our mission activity was preparing some items, bars of soap, pencils, and glue sticks, for our packing party by removing the packaging, counting, and bagging them.  They were tremendous helpers and enjoyed hearing about Operation Christmas Child as we worked. We meet on Wednesdays from 6-7 P.M.

In addition to helping her class purchase some items, one lady is going to pack additional boxes with her grandchildren.  If you wish to do that, please let me know.  I will supply you with boxes, instructions, and labels.  You can teach your children, grandchildren, nieces, neighbors so much as you shop and pack.

Our packing party will be Saturday, October 29th at 6 P.M.  Please plan to be there with a Christmas treat to share as we party and pack.  We will have a sweet prayer time for the boxes.

One more thing I would love for you to do is to write a note or draw a picture to place in a shoebox.  You can do as many as you like.  Be sure to include your name and  address.  One day you may be surprised to get a letter in return.  I think I many even include a stamped, self-addressed envelope in some boxes.  If you choose to do that, it would be wise to put three stamps on each envelope.  It costs more to mail internationally.  Think how exciting it will be to hear from some of the children who receive shoeboxes from us.  It’s okay to send your picture too!

 

So much to thank God for!  So many opportunities to help others!  So many ways to reach out to children at Christmas!  So many….

Anna Lee

Friday

When did we see you a stranger

and invite you in,

or needing clothes and clothe you?  

When did we see you sick or in prison

and go to visit you?’

 “The King will reply,

‘Truly I tell you,

whatever you did for one of the least

of these brothers and sisters of mine,

you did for me.’

~Matthew 25:38-40 (NIV)~

 

 

Sherman Cutrer’s hip surgery has been rescheduled for 11:00 this morning in McComb.  Please pray for the medical staff, for Sherman, and for his family.

Joyce Phelps
(October 27, 1939 – August 17, 2016)

http://www.jonesfamilyfuneralservices.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=3860695&fh_id=12269

Operation Christmas Child donations were endangered by flood waters at FBC, Kentwood.  I’m thankful to report that much hard work has “saved the day” so out shoeboxes can be packed at the end of October as planned.  Today, after Bible study, ladies will be working to prepare soap and washcloths and toothpaste and toothbrushes for shipping.  The Children in Action group has already done some preliminary work to make today’s task easier.  They also used their offering from last month to purchase highlighters for the shoeboxes.  Thank-you to all who have contributed so far.  Plan to be a part of the packing party on October 29th.

 

Everyone except one couple at the cabin last night had family members with flood damage.  Even that family had several friends with flood damage.  What a precious time it was as David led the devotional that touched many hearts last night. We all know of the faithfulness of God and our need to “Count Your (Our) Blessings” and to have “Joy, Joy, Joy”, a song written, played, and shared by Mr. Harlon Toney.  We expressed our appreciation for churches and individuals who have worked tirelessly this past week to help others and continue to do so.  For example, Bubba Roberts worked clearing out homes all day and still came to sing and play for us last night.

 

Scripture Writing – John 8:15-18 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A15-18+&version=NIV

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

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

 

Do something helpful to others today.  Share some Jesus in the process.

Anna Lee

Monday

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,

who loved us and by his grace

gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,

 encourage your hearts

and strengthen you in every good deed and word.  

  ~2 Thessalonians 2:16-17~

 

Pray for the Muse Family.  Eddie Passed away.  His wake will be Tuesday night at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood and Wednesday at Pine Ridge.

Pray for all the families who are dealing with loss due to the flooding.  Join in and help in any way you can.

The Baptist Associations of Southeast Louisiana will begin work to help those who had flood damage.  Applications for assistance will be take beginning today at The Lord’s Church on Highway 440.  Volunteers can also report there to learn how they can help others.  Volunteers need to be at least 16 years of age.  Donations of water, cleaning supplies, etc. can be dropped off at the church.  Donations of money will be greatly appreciated.  The donations can be given there or sent to the main office (BASELA, PO Box 581, Franklinton, LA 70438).  David and I were blessed to have been at the meeting and to see all those who are available to help for as long as it takes. You can contact someone at The Lord’s Church to see how you can help.  There are many ways to help which meals there is something for almost everyone to do.  Let’s help our neighbors who have been flooded over the past few days.  Help from out-of-state is preparing to join us in a day or two.  Volunteers will be needed for whatever time and whatever day you are available.

 

Scripture Writing – John 15: 5-8 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A5-8&version=NIV

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song 

Thank you for reading and praying.  Also, thank you for volunteering and  donating to flood recovery needs.

Anna Lee

Sunday

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,

who loved us

and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement

and good hope, 

encourage your hearts

and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

~2 Thessalonians 2:16-17~

(Once again, I did not look for this Scripture.  It came to me on a day when “encouragement is definitely the word we need.)

 

I’ve see the television reports, looked at pictures on the internet, and talked with relatives who are trapped in upper levels of homes.  It’s not happy, but it is real.  Let’s offer words and actions to help those who need so much at this time.  Let’s also remember that more than food, clothing, and shelter, people need Jesus.  Let’s make sure we do our part to be “On Mission” right here.  Some people/churches seem to have been busy doing so even while the first rain was falling, but many are lagging at this point.  Let’s not waste this opportunity.

Bro. Don Meadows and The Lord’s Church will host a disaster relief meeting at 2 P.M. today.  Be there to learn how you can help.  In the meantime, you might want to gather some of these supplies: Diapers, Bottled Water, Food, Cleaning Supplies, Linens
Blankets, Paper products, Individual Bottles of Gatorade.  You can deliver them to The Lord’s Church.

Pray for Martha and Joe Drago.  He was admitted to Hood Memorial and transferred to North Oaks during the heavy rains we have had.  Pray for them and others who are facing medical needs in addition to weather related needs.

Once again, remember our first responders, medical workers, electrical workers. telephone repairmen, etc. who have been out and working while most people have been home and dry.

Schools will be closed again Monday.  I’m sure that will be the case in some neighboring parishes too.  Stay updated!

Realize that even though the water in your area has receded, there may be road damage, trees down, etc.  Take your time and be careful if you must get out.

Scripture Writing – John 15:1-4 –https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A1-4&version=NIV

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Reminder – This week we have a Third Thursday gathering at the cabin.  I look forward to seeing many of you at 6:30 P.M.

Anna  Lee

 

Friday Evening

My soul is weary with sorrow;

strengthen me according to your word.

~Psalm 119:28~

 

This is the verse that came to me on my computer today.  Fitting?

This the first time all day that my computer satellite is functioning.  The skies never cleared up enough until now and this will not last.  I’ll make this brief.

Pray for the flood victims in our area.  They are many.  Some have lost everything.  Some are just recovering from the flooding in March.  Homes in non-flood zone are flooding.  Area churches are experiencing flooding, including Mt. Nebo, which is finishing up their work following the March flood.  The stories are numerous.  The families, businesses, schools, neighborhoods, etc. have much work ahead.  Maybe you could offer help to a shelter now or a recovery project in the coming day.

Today, I want to request prayers again for Rev. and Mrs. Hicks.  He has been taken back to the hospital with a possible infection.  I know they will appreciate your prayers.

Scripture Writing –  Romans 7:16-20 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7%3A16-20&version=NIV

I’ll stop with this much tonight.  Hopefully, I’ll be be back early in the morning.

Anna Lee

Monday

As far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

~Psalm 103:12~

 

Today, we need to continue to pray for Jimmy Williams.  Linda had to take him back to the hospital yesterday.  After some tests, they admitted him.  Pray they can identify and correct the problem.

 

Scripture Writing – Galations 5:22-26 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galations+5%3A22-26&version=NIV

I gave you today’s Scripture yesterday, so here is yesterdays.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Operation Christmas Child – Thanks to all who brought in items yesterday.  Your helping to make in difference in many  young lives.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song 

 

Last night, we participated in the first week of a six week study on prayer.  There were sixty-two people there to learn.  It was presented by Dr. Fortenberry.  I think we all realized we can improve our prayer time and hopefully we will.

Anna Lee

Monday

“Encourage those who are timid.

Take tender care of those who are weak.

Be patient with everyone.”

1 Thessalonians 5:14b NLT, 2nd Ed.

 

Mr. Burnell Simpson was able to come home yesterday, just in time to celebrate his 92nd birthday Tuesday.

Mrs. Estelle Raborn has improved enough to be moved from ICU to a regular room at North Oaks.

Many of you may know Rev. Tommy Hicks and his wife, Lois.  She had an infection following  dental work that caused her to spent a number of days in the hospital.  She is home now.  Thursday, he will another back surgery.  Pray for both of them as they help each other through these difficult days.

David will be seeing a cornea specialist today and hopefully set up a time and plan for another eye surgery.  His road to get his cataracts removed from his eyes has had a number of boulders, not just rocks, but we are making our way around them and hope the end of this journey will be found in the coming months.  Please keep praying for him.

St. Helena has a special gathering to honor and pray for local police last night.  Due to the rain, they met at FBC, Greensburg.  It was a very special time for everyone present.  New Zion Baptist Church has made baskets and provided summer beverages for the police in two area towns.  The people responded in a great way when given the opportunity to help.  I’ve heard many other ways people have shown their appreciation to police officers.  I challenge you to do/say something to every police officer you meet this week and over the years to come.  I know they will be encouraged by your efforts.

 

Scripture Writing – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A34-37&version=NIV

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Operation Christmas Child Ideas for This Week

  • Small cars, trucks, tractors, etc.
  • $1.00 calculators with solar power (Check the dollar stores)
  • Small flashlights and extra batteries

 

Reminders:

  • “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party – Tuesday at The Cafe at 11:00 A.M.
  • Mission Groups for Children (age 3-5th grade) – Wednesday nights at 6 P.M. in the L-wing
  • Friday Morning Bible Study – Starting at John 8:21

 

May you have a blessed day as you remember that your burdens have been lifted.

Anna Lee

Monday

By the same word the present heavens and earth

are reserved for fire,

being kept for the day of judgment

and destruction of the ungodly.

~2 Peter 3:7~

Bro. Rusty Durant’s mother‘s stroke was mild.  She will be okay.  The family thanks you for praying for her and for them as they traveled.

Mrs. Catherine Yarborough had a much better day yesterday.  Please continue to pray for her and for her family.

David Bryant is still in rehab in Lafayette.  He is making progress.  He is thankful he can now transfer himself into/out of his wheelchair and stand some.  Please continue to pray.

Pray for Shelton Day as he goes back for additional testing today.  The last test showed his potassium was still high.

Linda B. Williams will possibly come home today.  Pray for her that she will continue to heal with no more setbacks.

Katherine Miller

April 02, 1936 – July 17, 2016

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public%3Aobituaries.view&o_id=3810971&fh_id=10545

 

 

Third Thursday Gathering at the Cabin at 6:30 this week.  Feel free to come join us.

Operation Christmas Child – Devon and a Shoebox – https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/shoebox-stories-devon-and-a-shoebox/

I trust you are enjoying these inspiring stories as much as I am.  Each one touches my heart.

Scripture Writing – Psalm 118:10-14

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Don’t forget the associational WMU meeting at Spring Creek this morning.  I’m looking forward to hearing Bro. Randol Camerdelle share about the recent flood and recovery process at Mr. Nebo.  You are welcome to join us.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

 

Yesterday was not a flagship day in our state when you consider brave, selfless police officers gave their lives to make Baton Rouge a better place.  I have known and continue to know a number of officers there and in other places.  I respect them!  Today, I’m proud of them, but sad for families that will never be whole again.  We all know that God has prepared a home for his children in heaven.  Most people do not die in a moment of bravery, be we will all die. I know I will live in heaven one day.  I am so thankful I was part of a church service last night that ended with the opportunity for all to pray.  They youth prayed in one area of the auditorium on their knees, while the “older folks” sat reverently and took a turn to pray aloud.  I cannot describe how special that was, but I am thankful I had the opportunity to be a part of the service.

Anna Lee