Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Saturday

                        LORD, you establish peace for us;    

      all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

My aunt’s husband in Texas, John Orr, got a good report on the mass in his bladder.  He will not need any additional treatment to follow up on the surgery that has already been done.

Joe Easley of the New Zion community is having kidney problems.  Please pray for this man and his family.  The last few years have been very difficult for them.

Doug Toney (Written by his wife, Sandy)

FRIDAY May 8, 2015

Doug is still not very alert. Vitals are fairly stable with an occasional episode of high Blood pressure or high heart rate. They did an ultrasound of abdomen and found his gall bladder inflamed with sludge. Waiting to talk to the surgeon. Also, a wound care nurse will come today to check his incision. Brooklyn and I will go check out two long term acute care centers tomorrow. Please continue to pray for his healing. Also, please pray for our friends- Jeanne Terrell and Paul Hancock who are struggling with major health issues, too.

Thanks for praying for my unspoken request yesterday.  Surgery went well.  The man should be able to come home today.

Women’s Ministry

  • Report on yesterday’s Bible study:
    •  We had a good study of the “Woman at the Well”, a great salad/dessert lunch, and wonderful fellowship.
    • Six ladies joined us for the first time.
    • Next week: “Lot’s Wife” (See me Sunday if you need a study guide for next week.)
      • Genesis 18:16 – 19:29
      • Luke 17:28-33
  • Operation Christmas Child
    • A few ladies have been working on tote bags for each box we plan to pack in October.  They have about 200 made so far.  I appreciate their diligence.
    • If you have not picked up a “paper bag” from the table across from the kitch in the fellowship hall, please select one and purchase the items listed on it.  We are making good progress.  Sunday, I looked at the items purchased so far.  I’m so thankful to those of you who have put your hearts, efforts, and money into this project that will take the love of Jesus to little children around the world.
  • Planning meeting for the next Ladies’ Night
    • Plan to join us on the 17th to make our plans for the June meeting.
    • We will meet in my Sunday School classroom at 3 P.M.
  • Frozen Food for families
    • Put about 2 cups of food, mainly main dishes and vegetables, in quart-size freezer bags during the month and freeze until our collection day.
    • Bring to my Sunday School classroom before Sunday School on June 7th.
    • Food will be delivered to families that day.
  • Hope Center
    • If you would like to get plugged into working for a day or for the same day each week, please let me know.  I can get you scheduled.
    • Hope Center continues to operate the thrift store and provide food to families who qualify on three Friday morning each month.  Isn’t it a blessing we are providing for so many families it takes three different weeks to get the food distributed?
    • Thanks to the churches of our association and their members, as well as others, who are supporting Hope Center in various ways.

Baptist Press – bpnews. org

Read the Bible in a Year –  Luke 1-2

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Remind the People” –  http://odb.org/
  • Remind the believers to . . . show true humility to everyone.                                                                                                                                            ~Titus 3:1-2~
  • “Breathe on Me” –  http://www.hymnary.org/text/holy_spirit_breathe_on_me

SBC Disaster Relief –  http://links.namb.net/m/1/54149859/t12715-42d6626f-46b0-4fb9-9d99-af88ddb3c83c/0/1/1

I hope you have been an encourager this week.  If not, make today the day!

Anna Lee

Friday

“Walk worthy of the Lord,

fully pleasing Him,

being fruitful in every good work

and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

~Colossians 1:10, NKJV~

 

I have an unspoken request today for a kind, gentle Christian friend.

Women’s Ministry

  • Operation Christmas Child – Two people have asked me about the May item we are collecting, “T-shirts”.  It not white underwear, but colorful, print outer shirts.  They do not have to be expensive, just cute!
  • Don’t miss Bible study this morning at 10:00 at Anna Lee’s.  We’re studying “The Woman at the Well”.  There’s some good lessons in John 4  for us to learn and apply.  Bring your Bible and head on out.

Read the Bible in 2015 – Jeremiah 32-36

Baptist Press –  bpnews.org

Steve Horn’s “Is There Any Hope for America?” – stevehorn.org/2015_05_07/is-there-any-hope-for-america-2/

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief –  http://www.okdisasterhelp.org/2015/05/oklahoma-baptists-disaster-relief-responding-to-storm-damage-in-bridge-creek-other-areas/

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “All Aboard” –  http://odb.org/
  • The Lord is . . . long-suffering toward us,                                                                                            not willing that any should perish.                                                                                                                                                            ~2 Peter 3:9~
  • “Softly and Tenderly” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/o/softlyat.htm

Have a great day.  Thank God for a beautiful week and another week to serve Him and others.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Thursday

For the word of the LORD is right and true;

he is faithful in all he does.

~Psalm 33:4~

 

Pray for Mr. James Miller as he has a medical procedure today.  Your prayers will be appreciated.

Pray for Susan Rimes as she checks on a possible kidney stone Friday morning.

Pray for Greg and Beverly Estevan of Amite.  They a had a large tree fall on their home last week.  Early Sunday morning their home burned.  Arson,to cover for a burglary, is suspected.  Many Amite people will know Greg as a former teacher.  He now works at the State Farm office in Amite.

Stolen Wheelchair 

Lord’s Supper for Homebound

Last night, David and I were honored to be part of a team that went to the home of Mr. Phillip (92) and Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell (90).  I cannot explain the emotions of such a night, but it was so inspiring.  The Harrells have worked hard, raised a family, and served faithfully for so many years.  Their second great, great grandchild will be born later this year.  The have lived a life that inspires so many.  Love abounds in all they do.  What a blessing it is to know then and to know they know and serve God!

 

Friday Morning Bible Study

  • Come to the cabin tomorrow.  (Call for directions.)
  • 10:00 A.M. Fridays
  • Bring a Bible, a friend, and a salad or dessert.
  • Women of the Bible: The Woman at the Well
  • Next week
    • Back at the church
    • Women of the Bible: Lot’s Wife

National Day of Prayer

There will be prayers gatherings across our nation today.  Please check your particular area to learn of the opportunities to gather and pray with others.  If you are unable to meet with others, please pray on your own.

Read the Bible in 2015 –  Job 37-38

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

  • Many great articles
  • First article (retiring missionaries)
    • A couple we know was included in this group.  Jennie and Boyd were thankful to be present and a part of the celebration.  Many people in the Amite area will remember the Ichter family from the 1950’s.  That the family of the lady who is retiring.  Other members, in a new generation, are still serving in another part of the world.  What a legacy for the family!
    • “The missionaries honored at the recognition service held in conjunction with IMB’s Emeritus Recognition Conference, April 29-May 3, served a cumulative total of 1,550 years on the international mission field.”

Devotional, Scriptures, and a Song

  • “The Squeaky Wheel” –  http://odb.org/
  • The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.                                                                                                                                            ~James 5:16 NIV~                                                     He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart.                                                                                                                                                   ~Isaiah 40:11~
  • “Near to the Heart of God” –  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/n/e/neartoth.htm

(My grandmother, Jennie Wilkinson Draughon’s, favorite hymn!)

My heart is tender with thoughts of families with great Christian family values and legacies.  It is also proud of a nation with a legacy of great Christian values.  Let’s pray for families and for America today!

Anna Lee

 

Wednesday

“They continued steadfastly

in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship,

in the breaking of bread,

and in prayers.

And the Lord added to the church daily

those who were being saved.”

~Acts 2:42, 47b, NKJV~

 

Melissa Johnson needs our prayers to deal with a continuing problem with one arm.  You may remember she fell and broke both arms.

Did not get the news I wanted this morning at the doctors office. The doctors wants to take the hardware out of the left arm . The right arms hardware is great. Being the smooth talker I am I got him to agree to let me have two more injections so that will buy me almost a year to get better!!! Not ready to give up and that gives me more time to pray and get better! I still believe I can beat this!

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is doing better and looking forward to the team from church that will take the Lord’s Supper to Mr. Phillip and her tonight.

The Frozen Food for Families was a big hit again this month.  We added a new recipient this month.  He was very appreciative.

Friday Morning Bible Study will meet at the cabin this week.  After our study, Women of the Bible: The Woman at the Well, we will have a salad and dessert lunch in the cabin.  All ladies are invited to come join us.  If possible the Bible study will be outside in the shade, so wear your tennis shoes and dress comfortable.  Bring a friend when you come at 10:00. Please call if you need more information.

Read the Bible in 2015 –  Psalms 51-53

Devotional, Scriptures and a Song

  • “The School of Pain” – http://odb.org/
  • I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right,                                                                                 and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.                                                                                                                                              ~Psalm 119:75~                                                               “Casting all your care upon Him;                                                                                                            for He careth for you.”                                                                                                                                                                          ~1 Peter 5:7~
  • “Does Jesus Care” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/d/o/doesjeca.htm

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

The end of another school year is fast approaching (another year of retirement for me)!  Pray for a good/safe summer for the students, teachers, and staff of each school.  Pray for graduates, at various levels, as they move on to the next step, whatever that may be.  Pray for thoughtful, wise choices in the decision-making process.

Let’s pray for summer activities, especially Vacation Bible Schools in all the churches.  Pray for those who will work in each one of them to be well-prepared so they can share their love for Jesus and His love for each of us with the children.

Thanks for reading and praying today.  Let’s each make today special for someone today. Together, we can touch many lives today.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“I will bless the Lord

and not forget the glorious things he does for me.”

~Psalm 103:2 TLB~

 

Mr. James W. Frazier did not get to come home yet, but, hopefully, will make it today. There was an issue with the transfer process.

Pray for Melissa Johnson.  She’s having pain in one of her arms.  You may remember she fell last year and needed surgery on both arms.  She will be so appreciative of your prayers.

Doug Toney

Today has been a good day. The doctor removed the vent from Doug! He has spoken a bit. We are blessed.

Read the Bible in 2015 –  2 Samuel 5-9

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

“CALL TO PRAYER: Baltimore, after the cameras & SWAT teams are gone” – http://bpnews.net/44683/call-to-prayer-baltimore-after-the-cameras-and-swat-teams-are-gone

Devotional, Scriptures, and Songs

  • “Heart of Joy” – http://odb.org/
  • These things I have spoken to you,                                                                                                   that My joy may remain in you,                                                                                                           and that your joy may be full.                                                                                                                                                        ~John 15:11~                                                                                                                  I bring you good tidings of great joy.                                                                                                                                                       ~ Luke 2:10~                                                                                              Though now ye see Him not,                                                                                                                     yet believing,                                                                                                                                                 ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.                                                                                                                                                       ~1 Peter 1:8~
  • “Joy to the World” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/o/joyworld.htm                                  “Joy Unspeakable” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/o/joyunspk.htm

Make plans now to be blessed by participating in one of the Lord Supper visits to the homebound Wednesday at 5:30 P.M. and the Bible Study and salad/dessert lunch at the cabin Friday morning at 10:00.  We are studying “Women of the Bible: The Woman at the Well”.  The next study will be “Women of the Bible: Lot’s Wife”.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!

And the children of men take refuge

in the shadow of Your wings.”

~Psalm 36:7 NASB~

 

Betty Taylor asks that you pray for her as her new eye specialist begins a new drug in the injections she gets.  The injection she was receiving had to be repeated about every five weeks.  Thanks!

Susan Rimes is having problems with another kidney stone.  Pray for her again.

Martha Pevey Drago and Macy Gueldner

From Martha:

Prayers Needed!!!

I have a spot on one of my incisions that has not completely healed I have an appointment Friday with the radiation oncologist to decide when I start radiation and for my mapping. Please pray that this spot heals so I can begin my radiation timely! On another note, Jeremy sadly had to shave Macy’s head today. Her hair was falling out again and was causing her much pain. For those of you who do not know, when your hair starts to fall out when you are on chemo, it can be quite painful. As soon as it was shaved, you could see a change and her pain subsided. I too had this problem so I was able to relate this for Macy. As I have said before, this is not a journey that I would have chosen for Macy and me to walk,and if I could take all her pain and suffering I would gladly do so….but none the less, this is our path for now, but not forever. I humbly thank you again for all of your prayers for Macy and me!

From Macy’s Mother

I didn’t realize how physically painful it can be to experience chemo hair loss. Apparently the hair follicles become inflamed, and Macy was crying in pain all morning because of it. This didn’t happen the first time she lost her hair, but it sure was happening this time. Once shaven, it feels better. So because of the pain, the “male patterned baldness” receding hairline, the picking up of the lost hair from pillows and car seats, and the circle of broken hair in the back, we relieved Macy by getting rid of what was left. Here’s my pretty girl, and her fresh summer “trim.”
Oh, and I have to say that all pain went away with the hair. She was as happy and pain free as can be once it was done. My mother in law unfortunately experienced the same thing when losing her hair. Is it common, or one of those 1% chances that we’re always so lucky to get?

Read the Bible in 2015 –  Exodus 17-20

National Day of Prayer – Thursday!  You can check your churches, internet, or local papers for details of how this will be celebrated in your area.  I chose today’s devotional with the National Day of Prayer in mind.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

It’s never too soon to begin praying for our country!

Anna Lee

 

Sunday

  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace,

the God we serve is able to save us from it,

and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.

But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king,

that we will not serve your gods

or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

~Daniel 3:17-18~

Doug Toney – Please keep praying for Doug and Sandy.

Well friends, the day has been a bit better. The doctor turned the vent so it works more like a c-pap machine. Took away all sedation. This was at 9:30 and was to be for an hour. About 4:30 he came back, turned machine so Doug was doing more work and left it. He left orders to turn it back if he has trouble. He is not awake much yet, but he has been sedated since late the 23rd. His bicarbonate was up-good sodium-up(bad). Lots of other issues. Vitals are good. He has a long way to go to get well, so please continue to pray. Thank you.

Jadon’s Journey

Finally got to play again today. He made it around all the bases and scored. He was so excited!!! Now praying his foot will continue to improve.

 Update on Alex Wall (Written by his dad)

Today was a great day had a chance to spend time with my baby boy cadet William Alexander Wall he’s transforming in a young man so well 11 weeks down 11 more to go please keep him in your prayers and thoughts

Mr. James W. Frazier

Mr. James will be coming to Greensburg from Houston late tonight.  Pray for Mr. James and “Miss” Pat as they travel and as he continues to progress at the local hospital.

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Read the Bible in 2015 – 2 Corinthians 4-5

Operation Christmas Child

  • Special item for May – t-shirts
  • Get a brown paper bag from the fellowship hall hallway to get the sex and age of the children for your purchases.
  • Other bags contain suggestions that can also be filled.
  • Thanks to all who have faithfully contributed to the very worthy project to bless children with small gifts and introduce them to Jesus.

Frozen food for families

  • Bring your food to my classroom before Sunday School.
  • Food will be distributed this afternoon.
  • Thanks to all those who help.

Lord’s Supper for Homebound

  • Wednesday night
  • Meet in fellowship hall at 5:30
  • Group will be divided into teams
  • Expect a blessing!

We have been blessed with beautiful weather lately.  I hope you have been able to spend some time outside.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Worship the LORD your God,

and his blessing will be on your food and water.

I will take away sickness from among you,

Praying for Johnnie ” Lil Man” Santangelo

Update: Lil Man got his infusion of IV Avastin (chemo) today and if all goes as planned he will begin radiation Wednesday. He is tired but in good spirits today! Thank you for all of the prayers and please keep them coming!!! We love you all!

Charles Edward Walker

Born: September 06, 1928
Died: April 30, 2015

        http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/3091594

Operation Christmas Child

The item for this month is t-shirls for girls.  You can pick up a bag (across from the church kitchen) that tells how many and what size will be needed.  Happy shopping!

Friday Morning Bible Study – May 8th

  • Bring your Bible.
  • Dress comfortably.
  • Come to my house for 10:00.
  • Salad/Dessert Lunch
  • Bring a guest.

Frozen Food for Families

  • Sunday, May 3rd
  • Bring frozen food to my classroom before Sunday School.
  • Food will be distributed Sunday afternoon.

4 Wheels 4 Him – Two Rivers Car Show and Spring Fest

  • Registration – 8 A.M. – $6.00
  •  9 A.M. – 3 P.M. @ New Zion Baptist Church
  • Lunch Included
  • Great gospel music – a variety of local talent
  • Activities for all ages, male and female
  • Car show and much more!

Hillsdale Baptist Church Youth Fundraiser

Hillsdale Baptist Church Youth will have their annual yard sale this weekend! May 1st & 2nd, come out & find some great bargains & help send our youth to camp!

Read the Bible in 2015 – Mark 15-16

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “In Every Generation” – odb.org/
  • The Lord is good;                                                                                                                                           His mercy is everlasting,                                                                                                                         and His truth endures to all generations.                                                                                                                                                 ~Psalm 100:5~
  • “Great is Thy Faithfulness” – https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/19

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

SBC Disaster Relief (Response in Nepal this week)

http://links.namb.net/m/1/54149859/t12115-37f8f47a-d30a-4953-bea2-932955950c5c/0/1/1

Nepali quake survivors salvage possessions as recovery effort begins 

New Chronological Bible Study Curriculum – “Gospel Project” –                                 http://www.bpnews.net/44666/gospel-project-goes-chronological-this-fall

I have requested my church order this for my class.  You may want to consider this too!

May God’s love shine brilliantly though you this weekend.

Anna Lee

Friday

“I waited patiently for the Lord,

and He turned to me and heard my cry for help.”

~Psalm 40:1, HCSB~

 

Join Diane Strickland, Jill Brister, and other family members in thanking God for Darin Fontz‘s good report.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow….Darin’s ct scan showed that the chemo was doing it’s job. We will find out what the next step will be when he goes back to the oncologist next Wed. Thanks to all who are praying for him. It means so much to me. Will keep you posted. Please continue to pray for him and the family.

Johnnie “Lit Man” Santangelo 

After talking with Lil Man’s neurosurgeon, neuro oncologist, and radiation oncologist, talking with our families, and lots of prayer, Lil Man has decided to go forward with additional radiation therapy here in Arizona. He will also continue on with oral chemotherapy daily while receiving radiation and his neuro oncologist will also be keeping the IV chemotherapy in his treatment plan. Surgery could still be an option after radiation therapy depending on his response to the treatment. Thank you for all of your support and prayers during this time. We know God is in control and has a plan for Lil Man. We love you all and just please keep praying!!! We’re not giving up the fight!!!, Megan

Macy Gueldner

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal/view/id/55425f6eca16b4b23f47d7b5?utm_source=JEN&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JEN+email&utm_content=visitsite

Lt. Col. Harry E. Grafton

TUSCALOOSA | Retired Lt. Col. Harry E. Grafton, U.S. Air Force, age 93, of Tuscaloosa, passed away on April 20, 2015, at the Hospice of West Alabama. Graveside Services will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing.
Lt. Col. Grafton was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Wanzie Bracy Grafton of Tuscaloosa and Kentwood, La.; his parents, James and Minnie Grafton of Laurel, Miss.; and nine siblings, Clara, Jewell, Gladys, Sadie, Ernest, Genena, Ruth, Paul, and Floyd.
Survivors include his loving daughter, Kay Krinsky (Richard) of Arlington, Va.
Lt. Col. Grafton was born on July 8, 1921, in Laurel, Miss. He earned an “A” letter in the high jump in 1942, at the University of Alabama, as well as his Master’s Degree in Education in 1963. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a B-24 bomber pilot during World War II and as a Field Maintenance Squadron Commander and Wing Chief of Maintenance in Vietnam, as well as multiple other assignments in Korea and on various bases in the United States during his 30 year career. He earned multiple decorations, medals, commendations, citations and awards for his service in combat and non-combat assignments. One of his favorite assignments was as a USAF ROTC instructor at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
The family wishes to thank all the friends and medical providers for their treatment and help during Lt. Col. Grafton’s years in Tuscaloosa, particularly Dr. Steve Lovelady, the Alacare nurses, the Hospice of West Alabama, Sondra and Charlie Bowling, and the Chism Family of Crown Limousine Service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hospice of West Alabama.
Condolences may be offered at www.heritagechapeltuscaloosa.com – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tuscaloosa/obituary.aspx?n=harry-e-grafton&pid=174717857&fhid=10313#sthash.Vliep9KL.dpuf

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Read the Bible in 2015 – Jeremiah 27-31

Devotional, Scriptures, and a Song

  • “Criticize Gently” – odb.org
  • Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering;                       bearing with one another.                                            ~Colossians 3:12-13~                                The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase.                                              But where sin increased, grace increased all the more….                                                                                                                                                     ~Romans 5:20~
  • “Grace Greater Than My Sins” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/g/ggreater.htm

Operation Christmas Child 

Check out the boxes in the hallway across from the church kitchen to get some bags telling you what size t-shirts to buy this month.  All shirts this month are for girls.  Encourage you children and grandchildren to help you pick out items for the shoeboxes.  This will be a wonderful lesson to teach them.  You can get items individually or with your class.

Frozen Food for Families

Put a note with your Sunday School book to remind you to bring your frozen food Sunday.  You’ll be blessed as you bless others.

4 Wheels 4 Him

  • Tomorrow morning at 9:00 through the afternoon
  • Music, cars, food, etc.
  • New Zion Baptist Church, Highway 38 West of Kentwood
  • An associational event

Have a wonderful day.  I’m looking forward to seeing some of you at Bible study. Those who haven’t come before are welcome to join us at 10:00 in the fellowship hall.

Anna Lee