Tuesday

“I’m a mess.

I’m nothing and have nothing; make something of me.

You [God] can do it; you’ve got what it takes.”

~Psalm 40:17 The Message~

Two messages from Haiti this morning telling out local team hopes to return today. Be praying!

Good morning from Haiti. We will be remaining here in the compound again today. This trip did not go as planned but the Lord has been faithful to bless in so many ways. Our original plans to return home tomorrow evening are still in place. The city is showing some signs of normalcy. Please pray for our flight to leave on time and for the process of leaving the country to be smooth and timely.

My Parents and other family will be trying to travel to the Airport early tomorrow morning… 35 people in 2 ten Passenger vans… it will be a long day for them… please pray for safety as they travel home!!!!!

Update on Buddy Morris

Journal entry by Ellen VandeVuss — 5 hours ago

Two weeks… it has almost been two weeks since we heard the words cancer. Two weeks is how long it took us to find the doctors that we liked to treat this rare and aggressive cancer. Two weeks is the time from diagnosis to start of treatment. Two weeks that were filled with countless tests. It seems like it has been an eternity. These two weeks had highs and many lows. We met many wonderful people who showed us kindness, patience, and compassion. There were others we encountered that didn’t have these qualities, and those were the days with many emotions and tears. We saw 4 different doctors, 2 of them were not the right doctor for us, and the other two will be a team and work together. Daddy will be seeing Dr. Carinder at St. Tammany Hospital and Dr. Ramirez with Oschner in New Orleans. Dr. Carinder is a general oncologist that has practiced oncology for many years, and Dr. Ramirez specializes in Neuroendocrine Tumors. Today we saw Dr. Ramirez and got the results from all of the many tests. It is hard to believe that all of these tests in the past two weeks were condensed into one appointment that lasted about an hour.

What we learned today… We learned that the cancer has spread. We knew that it was in some lymph nodes, but we learned today there are a few spots on his bones. This is not uncommon for this type of cancer. It is very rarely diagnosed and not spread to some extent at the time of diagnosis. We are thankful that it has NOT spread to other organs. His liver, lungs, and brain did NOT have any signs of cancer.

The plan… Dr. Carrinder and Dr. Ramirez agreed on the same treatment, which is chemotherapy. Tomorrow, Daddy will get his port, and Wednesday he will start the first round of chemo. He will have three days of chemo and three weeks in between rounds. He will have two rounds and then have another scan to see how he is responding to chemo. After the two rounds of chemo and another scan he will go back to Dr. Ramirez to determine the next steps of treatment. During this time he will also have appointments with Dr. Carrinder to monitor the progress. We are thankful that he will be able to do the chemo in Covington, and we will not have to drive to New Orleans each time.

Prayers and Praises… We are so thankful to have found these doctors. It was a huge burden lifted once this decision was made, and we felt at complete peace in choosing this team of doctors. Please pray that Daddy responds to the chemo. We have been told these tumors respond well to chemo, and he will feel better after the first round. We are so thankful for everyone that has called, texted, and visited in the last two weeks. Thank you to everyone that has been there as a listening ear. It means so much to us. Most of all thank you for your prayers, we have surely felt them and are very grateful for all of the prayers that have been lifted up on our behalf.

Let us keep running the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1b
Let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16
When all seemed hopeless… Abraham believed God and continued hoping. Romans 4:18

Linda (and Robert) Callihan will be spending a couple of days in Houston to get biopsy results and a treatment plan. Keep praying for Linda’s health and strong faith.

Please continue to pray for our children and adult helpers who are at camp this week. I heard yesterday that the children were having a great time. I trust the adults were too!

Read the Bible

Neh. 4-5
Job 27
2 Cor. 12

Prayer Meeting and Children’s Missions tomorrow night at 6 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood.

I will be working on Operation Christmas Child at church tomorrow. You can choose your own hours. If anyone would like to help, please let me know today.

I am in need of lots of bars of hotel soaps of a special project I’ve been working on. If you have some to share with OCC, please let me know. If you have shampoo and conditioner, I will put it with the items we are sending to the Friendship House in September. Thanks for helping. I am also using lots of yarn, so if you have any scrap yarn or purchase some new yarn, please give it to me or leave in the church office.

Shoeboxes are available so you can pack them yourself. I have painted the inside on some boxes, so if you are going to pack a box for a young boy, you will have a racetrack ready to go with your hot wheel type cars. I’m going to be working on painting some boxes for other groups too. What do you want for your packing?

Another item I am using now for mission projects is rocks. I need rocks 2″ x 4″ or slightly smaller or larger and rather flat. What do you have? These will not go in the shoeboxes! Stay tuned and see the latest mission project….

Thank you for supporting our friends in prayer and for supporting the missions involvement of our church!

Anna Lee

Monday

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

~Isaiah 6:8~

Read the Bible – Today, we are to focus on God as our Refuge. It is also a good day to catch up on any passages we missed this week.

Betty Simpson asked for prayers for Larry and Millie Dunn of Independence. He has bone cancer. She has pancreatic cancer.

Buddy Morris had a number of tests last week. Today he gets the lab results. Tomorrow he learns the treatment plan the doctors have developed for him. Please be in prayer for the family.

Debbie Bales will be having a nuclear stress test early today. Pray she is able to release some of her anxiety about the test and that all goes well.

July 2 post from Taylor Creek Baptist Church

Would you please pray for our missions team as they prepare for the mission trip to Haiti? A team of 4 from TCBC, will join a combined total of 30 people from local churches, leaving this Thursday to serve in Haiti for 5 days. We will be assisting in VBS, construction, preaching in local churches, and teaching breakout sessions to local pastors. We will be updating throughout the trip as much as possible. Thank you

Yesterday’s post from Taylor Creek Baptist Church

FROM THE HAITI MISSION TEAM:

Good morning from Haiti. Things are quiet here in Port Au Prince this morning. As a precaution, the team will remain in our missionary compound again today. We are hoping to resume our mission efforts on Monday. All is well and we are in very good hands. Much of our day yesterday was spent relaxing by the pool. The president of Haiti has released the gas hikes and we are hopeful things here will get back to normal.

Today, we have a unique opportunity to worship with other mission teams from around the US. There are just over 100 of us staying here together.

Rev. Tommy Smith of FBC, Greensburg will soon be moving to Franklinton where he will be the pastor at Hillcrest Baptist Church. Please pray for the two churches and Bro. Tommy’s family as they leave Greensburg where he has served for 5 1/2 years.

The children of FBC, Kentwood and five chaperones left yesterday for summer camp. Pray each one grows in the Lord and that everyone is safe.

Van Earl Ballard, Sr.

August 28, 1924 – July 07, 2018

A resident of the Mount Nebo Community passed away on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg. He was born August 28, 1924 in Amite and was 93 years of age. He was a WWII Veteran of the U. S. Navy and retired 32 years from Louisiana State Penitentiary of Angola. He loved fishing, hunting, and attending football games at Oak Forest Academy and LSU. His greatest pride was his two grandsons. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Ballard; daughter, Cheryl Ballard Chadwick; son, Michael Ballard and wife, Diane; grandsons, Boddy and Colby Chadwick. Preceded in by his parents, Guy Henry Ballard and Alberta Lawrence Ballard; son, Van Earl Ballard, Jr., brothers and sisters, Angus Ballard, Taylor Ballard, Guy “Pete” Ballard, Jr., Winfred “Toots” Ballard, Elma Rae “Tot” Van Dyke, Glenn Ballard, Jewell Ballard Martin, Troy Ballard, and Shelton “Shell” Ballard. Special thanks to his caregivers, Polly Hodges and Lynn Cernich for their faithful and dedicated care to our father. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM Tuesday, July 10, 2018. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

What an awesome God we serve! May we always be able to remember His timing is always perfect.

Anna Lee

Sunday

Love must be sincere.

Hate what is evil; cling to what is good

~Romans 12:9~

Haiti Protests – https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article214490259.html

Pray for the young soccer players and rescuers as divers begin attempt to remove some of them from the cave where they have been trapped.

Thomas “Cotton” McCaa

December 17, 1932 – July 04, 2018

http://www.mckneelys.com/obituary/thomas-mccaa?fh_id=10545

One week from tomorrow – Show and tell of mission projects/crafts at Spring Creek Baptist Church at 10 A.M.

Read the Bible

Neh. 1-3
Job 26
2 Cor. 10

How are you giving this day back to the Lord today?

Anna Lee

Saturday

I tried to publish this earlier this afternoon, but the weather wouldn’t cooperate. I trust it will go out now.

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision:

“Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.

For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”

Acts 18:9-10

A mission team from our association is in Haiti. Here are the latest updates. Please pray.

July 5th – Our journey begins. 35 members of BASELA and BAGBR and a couple of others headed to Haiti. Will be leading 2 Pastors Conferences, VBS, and some construction. Thanks for your prayers. -Bro. Stan

July 7th – I wanted to give an update on our mission trip to Haiti. There has been an unexpected civil unrest because of gas price increases of about 40 percent overnight. Our team is safe. We are unable to leave the mission compound today. Yesterday our VBS team led 20 children to the Lord. So God is blessing. We held a pastors conference yesterday with over 100 pastors attending. Our construction team made contributions at a local church. To God be the glory. We are safe but ask you for prayers- their is a hurricane threat as well. -Bro. Stan

Read the Bible

Ezra 9-10
Ps. 83
2 Cor. 9

David and I just returned from a short trip to see our granddaughter who has been working for a MS doctor, who was one of my former students. I’m proud of that former student and of my granddaughter.

Tomorrow is the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.

But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

~Galatians 5:13~

Let’s look at that last phrase – Serve one another humbly in love.

Read the Bible

Ezra 7-8
Job 25
2 Cor. 8

Irina and a Pencil Sharpener – https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/shoebox-stories-irina-and-a-pencil-sharpener/

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

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

Thomas “Cotton” McCaa

December 17, 1932 – July 04, 2018

Thomas “Cotton” McCaa, was born on December 17th, 1932 in Greenville, Mississippi and finally gained his Independence on July 4th, 2018. A true patriot, Thomas was a military man, serving his country for twenty eight years in the United States Air Force, decorated for his valor in the Vietnam War and serving around the world. He retired to the Greensburg, Louisiana area where he resided for 20+ years. Thomas is survived by his son, T.J. McCaa of La Quinta, California and a daughter from a previous marriage, Robbie Sue Abels of Kosciusko, Mississippi. He leaves behind two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Thomas was a member of The Masonic Lodge #96 of St. Helena. Visitation at Day’s United Methodist Church, Greensburg, from 9:00AM until religious services at 10:00AM on Saturday, July 7, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Larry D. Robertson. Interment Day’s Cemetery, Greensburg. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Serve one another humbly in love.

Anna Lee

Thursday

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

~2 Corinthians 3:17~

Continue to pray for some people who have been on our prayer list

Linda Callihan
Buddy Morris
Bro. Darryl’s mom – in rehab
Debbie M. Wilkinson

Read the Bible

Ezra 5-6
Ps. 82
2 Cor. 7

Operation Christmas Child Needs (that you may have stashed away)

Yarn (any amount)
Bars of hotel soap (Other hotel items such as shampoo can be used for another project.)
These items will be used to make a pouch to wear around the neck which will hold the soap.

Operation Christmas Child – Be on the lookout for good deals on school supplies.

Coming soon!

16th – Show and tell for mission projects at SCBC at 10 A.M.
21st – Missions Project Day at FBC, Kentwood from 9:00 to Noon for all ages
24th – Monthly birthday for “young” ladies of FBC

Shoebox count at FBC – 23 boxes completed and turned in. Empty shoeboxes are available at FBC.

Get started on your boxes. The end of October will be here before you know it.

Want someone to pack a box for you? Just let us know.

I know many of us prayed for our country yesterday, but every day is a good day to pray for our country!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

~Ephesians 3:12~

Kevin Ryan Keyser

Died: June 30, 2018

“Do not be afraid, I am with you

I have called you each by name

Come and follow Me,

I will bring you home

I love you and you are mine.”

Kevin Ryan Keyser, 40, passed quietly from this world, surrounded by family on June 30, 2018. Kevin was born October 13, 1977, in Baton Rouge, LA. He attended Our Lady of Mercy Parochial School from kindergarten through grade eight and was a 1995 graduate of Bishop Sullivan Regional Catholic High School. He joined the Louisiana Air National Guard and entered Southeastern Louisiana University in 1995. He graduated with a degree in Business Management from SLU in 2002. While there, he was a member and officer of Kappa Alpha Order. While with the LA Air National Guard, Kevin was assigned as a member of the 159th Fighter Wing as a Fuels and Oxygen Specialist. His military awards and decorations include the Basic Training Graduate Ribbon, Firearms Expert Ribbon, Air Force Achievement Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Armed Forces Service Medal with “M” device, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, Louisiana Emergency Service Ribbon, Louisiana Achievement Medal, Louisiana War Cross, and Louisiana Longevity Ribbon. Following his service with the USAF, Kevin entered the Louisiana Army National Guard and served as a Fuels Specialist in both the Air Guard and Army Guard, supporting a multitude of State and Federal emergencies, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He gained the respect of both his superiors and his subordinates. Kevin attended the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, graduating in 2007, as a member of U.S. Customs and Border Protection under the U.S. Homeland Security Agency. He was assigned in 2008 to the Port of Houston, then to the Port of Baton Rouge. He was selected to attend the prestigious Firearms Instructor School in West Virginia, and returned to serve as the Firearms Instructor for the Houston Regional Area. While assigned to Houston, he was Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Field Operations, Director of Field Operations, and received the Award for Professionalism, and the Award for Firearms Excellence. Kevin so enjoyed motorcycles, boating, hunting, and all things outdoors. His most treasured times were those spent with his children. Kevin is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Sybil and David Keyser, and his maternal grandparents, Margie and Wally Wells. He is survived by his beloved children Karson Gaines Keyser and Kelsey Anne Keyser of Roseland; parents Colonel (Ret) and Mrs. Gary L. Keyser; and brothers Major (Ret) Gary W. Keyser, Michael Keyser, Chris and wife Lauren Keyser; nieces Kate, Abby, and Emma Keyser of Mandeville, and Caroline and Lillian Keyser of Baton Rouge; and former wife Bridget Gaines Keyser of Roseland, LA. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at Rabenhorst Funeral Home (825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802) from 10:00 am until the Funeral Service at 11:00 am officiated by Father Miles Walsh. Burial will be private. Pallbearers are his three brothers, Gary, Chris, and Michael; his former father-in-law Carl Gaines; Kyle Mandelbaum of Houston, and Reginald Porter of Amite, and his son, Karson. Honorary pallbearers are Shane Ward and Ken Oertling.

Read the Bible

Ezra 1-2
Ps. 81
2 Cor. 5

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

Dulcimers become widow’s instrument for ministry – http://www.bpnews.net/51197/dulcimers-become-widows-instrument-for-ministry

What’s your ministry?

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

Youth from many of our local churches are at camp this week. Pray for safety, a good time, and stronger friendships, but mostly for God’s love to reach hearts.

Some churches are having VBS this week. Pray for all involved in each one.

We all have family and/or friends who are not in the best of health. Pray for each one by name.

We all have family and/or friends in nursing homes/extended living centers. Pray for each one by name.

We all have family and/or friends who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Pray for each one by name.

Many people will be traveling, spending time outdoors, cooking outdoors, and/or doing activities in the heat. Pray for each person to be well hydrated and safe.

Your prayers make a difference to you when you pray for others by name. Your prayers for others always make a difference to them.

Anna Lee

Monday

“Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one other.”

~Romans 14:12-13NIV~

Read the Bible

Reflect on God as Everlasting.
Catch up on any readings you missed this week.

Today, I thank God for a safe trip to Ridgecrest in N.C. and back. We were able to see the closing ceremonies at Camp Crestridge for Girls and Camp Ridgecrest for Boys. I’m thankful David and I were able to climb all the mountains, even if it was slower than our other family members. Yesterday, we made a lunch stop on the way home and saw another granddaughter and her hosts in Laurel, MS where she has worked this summer. Four of the five days were spent riding most of the day. Today will be a day of rest and washing.

I thank God for this great inspirational location He is using in N.C. to train many young men and women in Biblical knowledge and growing in the Lord. May it continue to be a great ministry place. It was evident God’s love was bubbling in many young lives. I was so blessed to be there for the first time since the years we sent our son there to work as a teen. This year his two teens were campers. They continue to return each summer.

Operation Christmas Child – The suggested July purchases are clothing items like shoes, socks, shirts, etc.

I’ll be doing some catch-up on local needs today. If you have a request for prayer, please send me a message.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Show proper respect to everyone.”

~1 Peter 2:17 NIV~

Please continue to pray for those of our prayer lists. If you believe in prayer, and I believe you do, pray daily.

I’ll share the latest update on Buddy Morris. The family was very happy with the doctor they saw in Covington at the St. Tammany Cancer Center.. After some more testing, doctors will be working together to plan a chemo treatment for him. Join the family in thanking God for guidance in finding these doctors. Pray for the family.

Read the Bible

2 Chron. 19-21
Ps. 80
2 Cor. 3

Seeing hundreds of young, and very young, Christian young men and women makes me see a renewed hope for the world. May the positive influences overcome the negative influences! May we as adults also impact the world in a positive Christian way each day!

Have a wonderful Saturday as you plan ahead for the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Thursday

Read the Bible

2 Chron. 13-15
Ps. 79
2 Cor. 1

Please continue to pray for Buddy Morris and his family. They see a second oncologist Friday. A Caring Bridge site has been set up for him.

Rev. Bobby Spinks was in the process of passing the health requirements for the IMB when a number of tumors were found. Pray for him as he continues to learn about his problem and seeks treatment.

Pray for adults and children as they meet at churches throughout our area tonight. FBC, Kentwood meets at 6 P.M.

Any day is a day for prayer.

Anna Lee