Thursday

Read the Bible Today

  • Isaiah 13
  • Job 37
  • Colossians 3

Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”  

Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God.

When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

~Luke 18:42-43~

 

 

Today, I want to focus my comments, and your thoughts and prayers, on Operation Christmas Child “shoeboxes”.  Franklin Graham began this project 25 years ago to make Christmas better for some of the children in the poorer countries around the world and to give the children a glimpse of the love of people who don’t know them and the opportunity to learn about Jesus and to accept Him into their hearts.   https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/about-us/

 

Boxes are filled with gifts (school supplies, stuffed animals, toys, hygiene items, etc.) and turned in with a small postage fee.  Believe me, it is small compared to what I pay to ship packages overseas!  Here are some frequently asked questions with answers.  https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/frequently-asked-questions/?utm_source=Ggl&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=m_YGGJ-B18V_GGLOCC-TGJ-OCCBrandSitelink&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-o_bBRCOARIsAM5NbIObtM92Z3niFFaedkTFwnTPWyck-wAZQhHEfOz7nSEHukUhfkSen08aAli5EALw_wcB

 

There are good instructions for packing shoeboxes on the website.   https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/

This year, FBC, Kentwood has focused on learning how and what to make/craft for the shoeboxes.  We meet once a month for three hours.  Men, women, teens, and children of school ages all work together.  Our next project day will be Saturday, August 18 from 9 A.M. to noon in the fellowship hall.  Everything will be ready to you.  If you choose to make some items on your own, you might want to look at pages such as this.  http://www.simplyshoeboxes.com/2013/10/simple-pillow-case-style-dress.html

 

During the third week of November, November 12-19 in 2018, you can drop yourboxes off at a collection site.  FBC, Kentwood will again serve as a collection.  As the time gets closer, you can type in your zip code and learn of the nearest collection sites.  At the site, the boxes are packed into large OCC boxes in a special way that allows the most shoeboxes to fit in each box.  Then, the boxes are shipped to the next location.   https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/

 

There are regional packing centers that check the boxes for items not allowed, such as toothpaste and candy, and add items to boxes that are not completely filled.  I know some people who have done this and hope to do so too one day. If the boxes are not already filled, fillers are added.  Filler are items sent in bulk with the shoeboxes and in a different kind of box.  They can be sent in without any shipping fee since they will be put into boxes that have already had postage paid for them.   https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/volunteer-at-a-shoebox-processing-center/

 

Paying the postage fees can be done online or you can simply add your check to the box.  The choice is yours.  If you pay online, you receive a special label that serves as a tracking label so you can learn what country receives your box.  https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/follow-your-box/

 

There are a number of videos you can watch about young adults who received shoeboxes as a child.  The best part is knowing children and families get to learn about Jesus through classes similar to our Sunday School.  It is estimated that one shoebox can give seven people an opportunity to follow Christ.  These stories will touch your heart.                                                                             https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/shoebox-stories-evgeniy-and-the-soap/

David and I are firm believers that Operation Christmas Child is the best program, at this time, to serve this purpose.   We have been involved in sending and even in distributing the shoeboxes internationally.  Last year, I received a letter from a young girl who received one of the boxes I helped to pack, so be sure to write a note with your (first) name and your church address.   This could be the year you hear from a child who receives a shoebox.                                                                                       http://faithfulprovisions.com/letters-for-your-operation-christmas-child-shoebox/

And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

~Luke 18:15-17 ~

 

 

Thanks for “listening” to my heart today!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

~1 Peter 2:24~

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 12
  • Psalm 93
  • Colossians 2

 

 

The Children in Action got to see their video last night.  Some adults also came in to see it last night.  You’ll be able to see it soon at a Southern Baptist church in Louisiana or by going to the Georgia Barnett site a little closer to September 16th when we focus of Louisiana missions during the Week of Prayer.

 

 

Thom S. Rainer is an American writer, researcher, speaker, and current president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.  He is the writer of one of my favorite blogs.  I mention him regularly on The Prayer Link.  Today, I want to steer you to read some of his recent posts and encourage you to sign up for his blog.

 

 

Waylon Bailey is the senior pastor of FBC, Covington.  I have been in his church for some meetings and have followed his blog too.

 

Thank-you for reading my posts, but branch out and read some others written by professional people and gain some new insights.   The blogs I listed were the most recent.  You can learn much more by doing some research on a particular topic and reading these individuals regularly.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday

““Tell them to use their money to do good.

They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.”

 ~Timothy 6:18-19 NLT~

 

 

Today, I want to share information about five pastors I know.  I could tell you about many others, but these all have reason to celebrate this week.

  1. Rev. Chip Sloan has been a friend for 44 years.  He and his wife, Martha, are celebrating 47 years of marriage,  Roseland Baptist was his first church. He is still a pastor, just not so close to us any longer.
  2. Bro. Bob Simpson began his pastorate at Arcola Baptist Church 39 years ago.  He and his family “took root” in the area and are still here.
  3. Bro. Bobby Spinks just had surgery and is now home.  They attend church in Montpelier.  He and his wife have a calling to missions and are in the process of becoming international missionaries.
  4. Rev. Tommy Smith has moved from Greensburg to Franklinton where he will be the new pastor at Hillcrest.
  5. Rev. Brock Burch will be transitioning from youth minister at East Fork to being the pastor at Silver Springs Baptist Church.

Today, let’s pray for these and other pastors who have been called by God and serve Him.

 

 

The Georgia Barnett Offering is collected each fall to support missions in our state.  We begin the annual offering focus with a Week of Prayer each year.  The children of FBC, Kentwood will have a preview viewing of a portion of that video tonight at 6 P.M.  If you want to join us, feel free to attend.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 11
  • Job 36
  • Colossians 1

 

 

 

Our August Mission Projects Day will be Saturday, August 18th from 9:00 to noon.  Please join in the fun as we prepare to give to others.  Each “shoebox” will likely be a factor in influencing seven lives for the Lord.  Our “shoebox” efforts are both far-reaching and long-reaching.

 

Thanks of reading and praying today.  As you pray for those mentioned here, please add any others you feel led to pray for today.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.  

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

~Isaiah 53:4-5~

 

Bobby Spinks‘ surgery went well yesterday.  Pray his recovery also goes well.

 

Ira Cleveland‘s back procedure went well yesterday.  He is at home and facing a long recovery period.  Pray he can be still long enough to heal.

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 10
  • Psalm 92
  • Philippians 4

 

Operation Christmas Child Needs 

  • Hotel size soap
  • Crayons
  • Large erasers
  • Pens
  • Brushes
  • Card of flashlights with batteries (Walmart)

Thank-you to all who have brought items for shoeboxes and to those who have taken shoeboxes to pack.  Let’s send some hygiene items, school supplies, toys, clothing, etc. and give children and their families an opportunity to learn about Jesus.  

 

 

Project Day for Missions – Third Saturday of August 9 A.M. to Noon

 

 

I made a mistake yesterday on the date for the Young at Heart meeting when Bro. Stan is speaking.  It will be the third Tuesday of August.  I hope you have a free schedule and can go then to hear Bro. Stan share about his recent Haiti mission trip.
Anna Lee

Monday

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

~Philippians 4:19 NLT~

 

 

Read the Bible

Sunday

Isaiah 9

Job 35

Philippians 3

Monday

Reflect on God as humble.

Catch up on any missed readings.

 

 

Clay Widas is doing better now as he recovers from the copperhead bike.  Thank you for praying for him.

 

Please continue to pray for Glenda Harrell and Yvonne Birch as they are are home making recoveries from recent procedures.

 

Buddy Morris was at church last night.  Pray for him as he has his second round of chemo Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

 

 

Pray for all the teachers, students, and support staff who are preparing for the start of school soon.  Pray it will be a good academic year for all of them.  Pray it will be a good year when students and teachers will “let their light shine” for Jesus each day.  Pray there will be a decrease in bullying and other actions that have no place in our schools.

 

 

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

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

Waylon Bailey – http://waylonbailey.com/

Thom Rainer – https://thomrainer.com/

 

 

The new college and career class at FBC, Kentwood is off to a good start.  Their teachers will be Jeff and Deana Simmons.  All young adults who graduated from high school in recent years are encouraged to join them at 9:15 each week.

 

Saturday, Bro. Stan Statham was telling us a little about his recent mission trip to Haiti when there was an uprising there.  He, and all the others, are safely back at home.  Now, he is telling the story of their experiences and God’s great power and work during the week.  TheyTomorrow, he will be speaking at the monthly Young at Heart meeting at New Zion Baptist Church west of Kentwood on Highway 38 at 10 A.M.  New Zion will be thrilled to have you there to hear the story and to share lunch with them.  This is a community event.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  They will gladly share their covered dish lunch will all.

 

 

There was a segment recently recorded at FBC, Kentwood to tell about Louisiana missions as part of the Georgia Barnett Week of Prayer for 2018.  We will be watching the video at 6 P.M. Wednesday night.  Come view it with us!  May it inform and encourage the mission work being done in Louisiana.

 

 

The satellite problem has finally been solved.  I’ll spare you the long, difficult story.  I’m just thankful to be back.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday Obituary

Jacob Lampton Yarborough

October 20, 1981 – July 26, 2018
On Thursday evening July 26, 2018, Jacob Lampton Yarborough peacefully left this earth at St.Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA for his eternal home in heaven while surrounded by his nearest loved ones. He was selfless and witty and to know him was to love him. Born October 20, 1981, he was the loving husband of Lacey Gill Yarborough and father of his two sons, Elliott Jack and Luca Jacob whom he adored. Jacob was the son of Georgia Lee Yarborough and the brother of Zachariah “Zach” Yarborough (Trena Rae Flaharty) of Kentwood. He was also survived by his father-in-law, Douglas (Vickie) Gill and his mother-in-law, Ramona (Bob) Cutrer. Jacob leaves behind extended family and a multitude of friends who loved him dearly including a special niece, Megan Gill. Jacob’s biggest supporters include his aunts, Ethel (Neal) Felker of Baton Rouge, LA and Sherwood (Bob) Ice of Metairie, LA and an uncle, John (Jean Burton) Yarborough of Waynesville, NC and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was greeted in heaven by his father, David Kenneth “Jack” Yarborough whom he lost at a young age and his grandparents, Hardy and Zylpha Lee and Champ and Peggy Yarborough. Jacob was a graduate of Sumner High School Class of 2000 and the finance manager of the Magee Financial branch of Kentwood. He was an active member in the Kentwood, LA community and served in various leadership roles including Vice President of the Kentwood Rotary Club and a member of the Tangipahoa Parish Drainage Board. He was a lifelong member of Kentwood United Methodist Church where he served as Financial Treasurer. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving as a Master Sergeant and completed tours of duty in Iraq and other assignments across the world as a member of the USAA Hurricane Hunters crew. Dearest friends Mike Prescott, Jamie Neyland, Justin Lee, Taylor Burkhardt, Brandon Graham, Steven Blades, Landon Blades, Aaron Reinmiller, Nic Kieff, Jason Gill, Brad Gill, Sandy Gill, Steven Miller, Will Prescott, and Finn Hagan will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include Dr. Carlton Faller, Troy “Rollover” Adams, Malone Williams, Rufus Williams Sr., Allen Stafford and Donnis Honeycutt. Visitation will be held at Kentwood United Methodist Church on Monday, July 30th 6:00-9:00 P.M. and Tuesday, July 31st 9:00-11:00 A.M. with services beginning at 11:00 A.M. conducted by the Reverend Percy Frazier and Reverend Earline Guidry. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jacob Yarborough Memorial Fund at First Guaranty Bank. Jacob’s last act of kindness was to donate his eyes to Southern Eye Bank. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Saturday

My server works briefly in the early morning hours and suddenly goes off, so this will probably be it for the day.  It will be some time next week before we get the problem corrected.

 

“Where your treasure is,

there your heart will be also.”

~Matthew 6:21 NIV~

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 8
  • Psalm 91
  • Philippians 2

 

There are many people with health issues.  Here is a list of some of them.

  • Glenda Harrell came home, but still needs surgery.  Prayers are needed and appreciated.  She came home yesterday afternoon.
  • Rev. Bobby Spinks has done the pre-op work and is waiting for surgery next week.
  • Linda Callihan is scheduling her treatment (5 days a week for 5 weeks).
  • Buddy Morris has three days of chemo next week (Wednesday – Friday) in Covington.
  • Phillip Strickland continues to need our prayers.
  • Continue to pray for Jacob Yarborough’s family,
  • Buddy Waller needs our ongoing prayers.
  • Yvonne Birch is doing very well.

 

 

Of course, there are many who have issues other than health issues.  Please pray for God’s watch-care over each one of them.

 

Summer vacation is almost over for teachers and students.  Do your part to help a child/family who is struggling to prepare for the new school year.  Say special prayers for students who will be in a different school this year.

 

 

The Children in Action have learned there are several things we can do for missions – study, pray, give, and do.  During the month of July, we focused on “do”.   It has been a fun and productive month.  You may soon see some of the results of our efforts to share Jesus in Kentwood.

 

 

Tomorrow is God’s Day,  Be sure to give Him His day.

FBC, Kentwood

  • 9:15 – Sunday School for all ages
  • 10:30 – Morning Worship
  • 6:00 – Evening Worship and special classes for children and youth
  • Nursery always available during church services

Anna Lee

Friday

I’ve been having problems with internet connectivity, so this will be short.

 

“They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.” 

~1 Timothy 6:18-19 NLT~

 

David Bert Gray, CDR, SC, USN, Ret., 71, of Five Forks Road, died July 23, 2018. A native of Amite, LA, he was a retired Navy officer and CPA, and a member of New Branch Community Church in Windsor. CDR Gray said he already experienced heaven on earth starting with the day he met his loving wife Vickie. Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Victoria M. Gray; sons, CDR David B. Gray II (Christy) of Pickerington, OH, Jonathan Gray (Meredith) of Norfolk, VA; and daughters, Mary Shriver (Scott) of Charlottesville, Amy Rowe of Norfolk, and Lindsay Schrader (Paul) of Virginia Beach; grandchildren, Sarah, Colby, Gabrielle, Andrew, Emily, Bryan and Cohen; sisters, Terry Voight of Amite, LA, Vera Brennan (Paul) of Kingston, NY; and brother, Lee Gray (Patsy) of Amite, LA. The family would like to thank the outstanding professionals of Sentara Obici and Norfolk General Hospital for their exceptional care for Bert while he was struggling with his various ailments over the last couple of years. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 30, at 10:30 AM in New Branch Community Church, Windsor, VA by Pastor John Hunter. Burial will be in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, VA. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the NewBranch.net or Lion’s Club of Windsor, VA. http://www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com

 

 

Esther Alford Campbell

September 21, 1939 – July 25, 2018

Esther Alford Campbell,78, passed away July 25, 2018 at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA.

Visitation will be Monday July 30, 2018 from 9:00 AM  until services at 11:00 AM at New Zion Baptist Church in Kentwood.   Bro. Robert “Bob” Simpson will officiate. Private burial will be in East Fork Cemetery in Amite, Co.  Hartman Jones Funeral Home in McComb will be in charge of the arrangements.

Mrs. Campbell was born September 21, 1939 in New Orleans, to Johnny P. Alford and Nannie Lea Frazier Alford.

Esther was a member of New Zion Baptist Church.  She attended Jefferson Baptist  Church in Baton Rouge.  She was a native of St. Helena Parish, but a resident of Baton Rouge, LA.  She loved living in the city, but she was most comfortable spending time at the camp in Mississippi.  She spent many hours watching the deer and the birds.  She loved life and her family.  She will be greatly missed by those that knew and loved her.

Mrs. Campbell was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Clifton Campbell of Baton Rouge; her daughter and son-in-law, Debra Lynn Campbell Portier and Thomas of Roseland, LA; a brother and sister-in-law, Johnny Alford and Beverly of Baton Rouge, LA; two grandchildren, Ashley Adamson and her husband Jeremy and Aaron Portier; three great grandchildren, Liam, Collin and Ashlynn Adamson; a nephew, Parrish Alford and his wife Laurie of Tupelo, MS; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be:  Tom Portier, Aaron Portier, Parrish Alford, Kyle Alford, Jeremy Adamson, Liam Adamson.

Honorary pallbearer will be Collin Adamson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Zion Baptist Church in Kentwood ,  3841 LA-38, Kentwood, LA 70444 or East Fork Baptist Church, 4505 N Greensburg Rd; Smithdale.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 7
  • Job 34
  • Phil. 1

 

 

Pray to our services tomorrow.  Plan to be a part of Sunday School and worship.  Invite someone to attend.

 

Thank God for watching over us during these very hot days.  May we be alert to those who have special needs during these days of extreme heat.  Be thankful He is sending rain this weekend.

 

 

I’m looking forward to sharing a little about Operation Christmas Child Sunday.  This is the Franklin Graham organization that distributes shoe boxes all around the world.  I’m so thrilled we have an opportunity to send gifts and giving children an opportunity to learn about Jesus to so many children.  If you need to learn more or have any questions about packing, shipping, places the boxes are send, etc., please ask me.  My personal goal is always to pack as many as I can.  I do this by collecting, packing, collecting, and packing.  You get the idea.

 

 

There are many with various needs due to sicknesses and deaths.  Address each one as God leads you to.  Also, spiritual needs abound.  Pray for these situations and act as God leads you to.

Anna Lee

 

 

Thursday

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

~Romans 8:38-39~

 

 

Glenda Harrell had some complications during her heart procedure yesterday.  She is now in Lakeview Hospital in Covington and was doing better as of the last report I heard.  Please continue to pray for her.

 

 

Penny Doss had a back procedure yesterday, but is doing well.  Please pray for her as she makes a full recovery.

 

 

Amber Prine Ragan (in her own words)

There is so much I want to say, and so many I want to say “THANK YOU” to. But let me start here, I received a picture at the Hospital Shower before I left that simply said, “You are Loved.” This picture could not be more true. The love and support I have felt this last week is absolutely amazing. The night we checked into the hospital I found a card in the parking lot and it could not have been anymore perfect for me. Simply saying, “Life is Tough but so are You.” I have to say that I’ve even amazed myself this last week at how tough I can be! I have so many stories to share and lots of giggles from the experiences. When the kids came back home last night, the world felt right again having everyone back under one roof. I was greeted by the best sound of a little bell jumping up into my lap to greet her mommy home, it was like she was trying to hug me. Cuddles was so happy to be back home too. Also, I had a beautiful grey “Welcome Home” balloon bouquet with a stuffed rabbit attached to them on our front porch. Thank you to whomever left me this sweet surprise.
Let me end by again expressing the heart felt THANK YOU to everyone for the love and prayers you showered me with this past week.

 

 

Ernestine Lanford Miller

July 25, 2018

Ernestine Lanford Miller, a resident of Mandeville, Louisiana, went home to her Lord and Savior at 9:10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. Mrs. Miller was a former resident of Mt. Hermon, Livingston, and Port Sulphur, Louisiana. She graduated from Franklinton High School in 1955 and from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1970 with a degree in elementary education. She was a retired school teacher and also spent many years teaching adult Sunday School classes. Mrs. Ernestine loved to sing, and enjoyed many hobbies such as needlepoint, art, crochet and gardening. But she was most happy when surrounded by family.

Mrs. Miller is survived by her husband of 63 years, Charles C. Miller.

Children: One son: Darryl (Laurie) Miller; four daughters: Sue Ellen St Ann, Terry Woodson (Norm) Frosch, Barbara Ann Freiler Miller (Jack), and Sandra Kaye Painter.

Grandchildren: Valerie Orazio, Jaime LaCrosse, Charles St Ann, Christopher St Ann, Tiffany Miller, Sydney Freiler, Jeremy Painter, Trent Painter, Ashley Hutto, Ryan Miller and Phillip Miller.

Great Grandchildren: Austin Coleman, Gabrielle, Damian , Trendon, and Grayson St. Ann, Kaylee and Caleb Orazio; Rowan Miller and Zadyn Portis, Emma, Amelia and Joseph Wayne Hutto; Prestyn and Dylan Painter.

Brothers and Sisters: Charles (Rachel) Lanford; Lena Leonard; Carolyn (Albert) Lebo; Peggy (Jessie) Strickland.

She had numerous nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews that she treated as her own children.

She was preceded in death my her father and mother, J.L. and Ollie Dykes Lanford; stepmother Allie Lanford; brothers-in-law Bobby Miller and Don Leonard.

Honorary Pallbearers: Charles St Ann, Christopher St Ann, Jeremy Painter, Trent Painter, Ryan Miller, Phillip Miller, and Austin Coleman.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home (1109 Bene St., Franklinton, LA) on Saturday July 28th from 11 am until 1 pm. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1 pm Saturday.

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, calls and visits. We would also like to thank the staff of Lakeview Hospital, AMG Rehab, and a special thanks to Heart of Hospice for their care and support during this difficult time.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 6
  • Psalm 90
  • Ephesians 6

 

 

Don’t get too hot today!  This weather makes it hard to be cool and hydrated, but that is important.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Wednesday Death

Mrs. Ernestine Lanford Miller, mother of Bro. Darryl Miller, passed away about 8:30 this morning.  Visitation will begin Saturday at 11:00 at Crain Funeral Home in Franklinton.  The service will be at 1:00.  The obituary is not available yet, but I will post it when it becomes available.  Please pray for comfort for the family.