Praises, Requests, & Updates – Page 218

“Breaking Free” – http://odb.org/
“The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in [us].” ~Romans 8:11~
“Are You Washed in the Blood?” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/r/aruwashd.htm

Operation Christmas Child

“A 4-year-old named Jeremiah received a shoebox gift at a distribution in India. In the box he received a shirt, balloons, flip flops, crayons, and toys. This gift was extra special to Jeremiah as it was his birthday. Without the box, he would not have received any gifts on his birthday as his family could not afford them. Praise God to those who give these special gifts to children!” ~ OCC Volunteer in India~
“This year we visited remote villages in Lithuania. I should admit that I have never seen such poverty yet so much joy and thankfulness. One boy received the shoebox and was standing amazed – he couldn’t believe that the whole box was for him! We told him to believe and encouraged him to trust the Lord Jesus whose Love is so big, much bigger than the shoebox. The boy smiled and hugged the shoebox. It was so nice that our kids were together with us in this mission of love. When they came home their impressions turned into praises to the Lord for His goodness and love.” ~ OCC Volunteer~
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)~
“The will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.” ~Billy Graham~

You can have a positive impact or a negative impact on each person you meet today. Which will it be?

Anna Lee

Monday Addition

Dr. Kent Brantly

http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/03/health/ebola-outbreak/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

Pray for all those affected by this disease. Pray for good care for each of them.

Monday

“Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling,

not according to our works,

but according to His own purpose and grace

which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.”

~2 Timothy 1:9, NKJV~

Jadon’s Story

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/2014/08/tonsil-surgery-update.html?spref=fb

Roger Pittman

Roger’s surgery is this morning at North Oaks. Please pray for him and his family.

Joe Easley

Joe has been helping care for his wife, Jean, for a long time. He got sick Saturday night at the rehab and is now in ICU at North Oaks. Please pray for Joe, Jean, and their family and many friends.

Mrs. Jennifer Coley

“Miss” Coley is not doing well. Please pray for her, her caregivers, and those who know and love her.

Grace Helen Smith

“Miss” Grace Helen passed away after a long illness. Please pray for those she leaves behind.

Devotional, Scriptures, and a Song

“All We Need to Know” – http://odb.org/2014/08/04/all-we-need-to-know/
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells.” ~Romans 7:18~

“I was blind but now I see!” ~John 9:25~

“Amazing Grace” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/m/a/amazing_grace.htm

I think every day would be better with a little bit of that song, Amazing Grace, to remind us of who God is and what He has done for us. We are so unworthy, but totally blessed!

Anna Lee

Sunday

Thinking of the shoeboxes we’re packing at church and the message they will send to children this year…

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;

It shall not return to Me void,

But it shall accomplish what I please,

and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

~Isaiah 55:11, NKJV~

Macy Gueldner’s CaringBridge page

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal/view/id/53dbecdd4db9215e1d8f532f

Mrs. Marilyn Dees is home and doing better. Please continue to pray for her and for her family. They certainly do appreciate your prayers.

Congratulations to the newly weds, James and Dana Birch Antoon!

Susie St. Alexandre

Born: August 31, 1948
Died: August 01, 2014

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2622855&fh_id=10545

Samaritan’s Purse – Dr. and Mrs. Kent Brantly

“A Shared Bond” – http://odb.org/?tz=-07
“You are all one in Christ Jesus.” ~Galatians 3:28~ Christian fellowship builds us up and binds us together!
“We are One in the Bond of Love” – http://www.topchristianlyrics.com/2009/12/19/we-are-one-in-the-bond-of-love-lyrics-and-chords/

Last night, as I watched the Presley’s from Branson, Missouri, I heard their quartet sing “My God is Real”. I leave you with that thought this morning.

http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/My-God-Is-Real-lyrics-Don-Gibson/99946A7E622A58F648256E29002F90BD

Anna Lee

Saturday

Paul wrote these words from prison.

“But I want you to know, brethren,

that the things which happened to me

have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.”

~Phil. 1:12~

James and Susan Rimes

His back is better, but hers is hurting. Let’s pray she doesn’t have another kidney stone.

New great, grandbaby

Mrs. Velma Anthony has a new great-granddaughter. Rejoice with her.

IMB Personnel in West Africa

Our people are still in place and being extra careful so they do not get sick with ebola.

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

Be sure to read the first-person account of her thoughts on “the invisible war” with the deadly Ebola virus. Thank God for all who serve there and pray for their safety.

Devotional, Scriptures, and a Song

“Graceland” – http://odb.org/?tz=-07
“….the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many”. ~Rom. 5:15~ “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” ~Romans 5:20~
“Grace Greater than all our Sin” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/g/ggreater.htm

May you feel that grace from God today.

Anna Lee

Friday

“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you,

always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer,

because of your partnership in the gospel

from the first day until now.”

~Philippians 1:3-5~

Two great reports to start our day. Thank God for these special ladies and their medical reports.

Shirley Humphrey learned yesterday that the biopsy done last week shows no cancer.
Jean Easley continues to be much better. She’s enjoying the company of some of her good friends and family.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell thanks the ladies who send her cards with special notes. Mr. Phillip thanks those who call him regularly.

Do we do these things often enough? I know I could do better.

Thank God for the flight that is bringing Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol to their families in the States. Pray for a cure for ebola and all those affected by it lately.

http://www.gospelherald.com/articles/52068/20140731/ebola-update-samaritans-purse-peace-corps-remove-personnel-as-disease-spreads.htm

Pray for missionaries as they are going through their final training in Richmond before going to places around the world to “share Jesus”. There are many MKs, missionary kids, there too. As you pray for those who are leaving the States, pray for their families as they are making the adjustments at home. Pray, also, for those who lives will be touched by the missionaries in the coming years.

Press – BPNews.net Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

“City of Refuge” – http://odb.org/?tz=-07
“I will sing of Your power;

yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.” ~Psalm 59:16~

“Rock of Ages” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/r/o/rockages.htm

I hope you know the “Rock”. If not, find someone who can show you the way! Pray for those who daily share the “Rock” with others. Anna Lee

Thursday

“Rejoice always,

pray without ceasing,

in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NKJV~

Macy Gueldner (and mom) – http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal/view/id/53d944ceca16b4404788bc42

George Bales asks for prayer for his grandson, Jacob Martello, who broke his right wrist Tuesday. Jacob is having difficulty accepting the cast.

Mrs. Hellen Morris is getting stronger in rehab and is scheduled to come home in a couple of weeks.

Mr. Bud Callihan is having some health issues and is at North Oaks. Please add him to your prayer list.

Little Teddi Titus, one of the twins, had a brief hospital stay complete with surgery. She’s at home now. Pray for continued healing.

Carol Jean Conerly continues to have some blood pressure problems. Please pray this can be corrected soon.

Smile Conerly’s sister, Frances McKenzie, is hospitalized again. Please pray for her and her family.

Continue to pray for Roger and Lois Pittman as he learns more about his upcoming surgery.

Rev. and Mrs. Jonathan Statham will make the move to Kentwood on August 8th. Pray all goes well as they settle into their new home.

Sunday is the day we collect frozen food for needy families. Bring your items to Anna Lee’s classroom before Sunday School. We will be distributing QUART size bags of food this time.

Some of the FBC, K youth will be attending a youth leadership conference. Pray for wonderful experiences and safe travels.

The two workers for Samaritan’s Purse who have ebola are a little better. Keep the prayers flowing.

There will be no Bible study on August 8th. We will resume on August 15th. See you this Friday.

Operation Christmas Child “ornaments” are available to those who did not get some Sunday. Excitement is in the air as we begin this project again this year!

Baptist Press has some extra good articles today. (BPNews.net)

Devotional, Scriptures, and a Song

“Just as I Am” – http://odb.org/?tz=-07
“Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live.” ~Isaiah 55:3~ “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” ~John 1:29~
“Just as I Am” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/u/justasam.htm

This is a good day to rejoice, pray, and thank God! Anna Lee

Wednesday Update

“Doctor who Contracted Ebola in Grave Condition” (Fox News)

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/07/29/doctor-who-contracted-ebola-in-grave-condition/

If anyone is interested in helping with Zach Morgan’s latest project, you can contact me for more information.

Zach’s Lidz for Kidz is excited about a new project ~ Treasure Chests of Courage! We are partnering with OLOL Children’s Hospital and Cancer Services of Greater Baton rouge for this project.

Children who are getting ready to go through surgery, chemo, or another type of invasive procedure will be able to select a gift from the Treasure Chest of Courage to lift their spirits and give them a little bit of extra courage!

If you would like to be a COURAGE MAKER we can use you help! Please see below the Wish List from OLOL Children’s Hospital. These are some of the items we will be including. We will be happy to meet you to pick up donated items or you can mail them to Zach. Please message or email with any questions. Email is: zachslidzforkidz@gmail.com Thank you for supporting these amazing kids!! ‪#‎bethelight‬‪#‎couragemaker‬

Zach's Lidz for Kidz is excited about a new project ~ Treasure Chests of Courage! We are partnering with OLOL Children's Hospital and Cancer Services of Greater Baton rouge for this project.

Children who are getting ready to go through surgery, chemo, or another type of invasive procedure will be able to select a gift from the Treasure Chest of Courage to lift their spirits and give them a little bit of extra courage!

If you would like to be a COURAGE MAKER we can use your help! Please see below the Wish List from OLOL Children's Hospital. These are some of the items we will be including. We will be happy to meet you to pick up donated items or you can mail them to Zach. Please message or email with any questions. Email is: zachslidzforkidz@gmail.com Thank you for supporting these amazing kids!! #bethelight #couragemaker

Wednesday

“Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened,

that it cannot save;

nor His ear heavy,

that it cannot hear.”

~Isaiah 59:1, NKJV~

Mrs. Rebecca Williams

Bro. Matt’s mother fell but didn’t break anything. She did get cuts and “bruises on top of bruises”. Pray for her as she deals with soreness and other recovery issues. Also, thank God she was not hurt more seriously.

Porgy Scarle

This friend from Fluker has a bone disease that had made walking or standing very painful. Pray for him as he continues to process of seeking treatment to improve his condition. Pray for his wife, his caregiver, too.

Baptist Press

BPNews.net

I think more of our churches need to provide services to families of children with special needs, the deaf, etc. Who does God have waiting to be involved in programs such as this?

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

“Family Trademarks” – http://odb.org/?tz=-07
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” -I John: 4:7~
“Love is the Theme” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KFXeuCOslY

Operation Christmas Child

The impact that we have seen on our children in this country since we started many years ago is huge. Many restricted areas were impossible for us to enter, but now the church and OCC ministry have great access and impact on them. One pastor shared with us how it was important for his church to have these boxes with them so they could enter to very poor and forgotten areas. As the local church is giving boxes to these children they started to see transformation in the lives of children as well as the parents.
“Our daughter’s birthday is July 25th so why not have Christmas in July. When I reminded her about filling the OCC boxes each November at church I asked her if she would like to accept gifts for kids around the world instead of herself. She eagerly agreed and today her friends brought these wonderful toys, candy and hygiene items for the international kiddos. God has blessed us with two kind-hearted daughter’s and wonderful friends. In His Name!” – Liz C.
After one distribution event in Lithuania, one young woman came up to us and told us that she had received a shoebox in the same place ten years ago. She hardly could hold her tears back because the event and the shoebox she received at that time made a great impact in her life. Her parents would not allow her to go to church, but she would read the booklet ‘The Greatest Gift of All’ and pray to Jesus. This year she came to the OCC event with her child and decided to join the local church.
“An Unexpected Blessing” – https://www.facebook.com/notes/operation-christmas-child/an-unexpected-blessing/450862791095
Please ask me if you need help in participating in this wonderful ministry.

“Love is the family resemblance the world should see in followers of Christ.” ~Our Daily Bread~

Anna Lee

A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity.

~Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)~

“The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in [us].” ~Romans 8:11~

“Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling,

not according to our works,

but according to His own purpose and grace

which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.”

~2 Timothy 1:9, NKJV~

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells.” ~Romans 7:18~

“I was blind but now I see!” ~John 9:25~

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;

It shall not return to Me void,

But it shall accomplish what I please,

and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

~Isaiah 55:11, NKJV~

“You are all one in Christ Jesus.” ~Galatians 3:28~ Christian fellowship builds us up and binds us together!

“But I want you to know, brethren,

that the things which happened to me

have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.”

~Phil. 1:12~

“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you,

always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer,

because of your partnership in the gospel

from the first day until now.”

~Philippians 1:3-5~

“Rejoice always,

pray without ceasing,

in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NKJV~

“Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live.” ~Isaiah 55:3~ “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” ~John 1:29~

“Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened,

that it cannot save;

nor His ear heavy,

that it cannot hear.”

~Isaiah 59:1, NKJV~