Thanksgiving Eve

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 

 For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.

~Psalm 95:2-3~

 

Rob Anderson had surgery Tuesday.  Shiela Wilson Anderson was able to get out of Boston Wednesday, but missed Rob’s surgery.  Thankfully, all went well with the surgery.  Pray for Rob as he recovers.

 

 

Pray for the mission team from Montpelier Baptist Church as they continue to serve on the mission field this week.

 

 

There will be NO Friday Morning Bible Study this week due to the holiday.

 

 

Working the collection week for Operation Christmas Child was a real blessing.  An unexpected blessing was to meet some daily readers of The Prayer LInk. That is always special to me.  I appreciated each of you who read and pray.  Another blessing was when a man arrived from a distance away from Kentwood.  He was delivering a shoebox his wife had packed and wanted to be sure it was sent.

I cannot say enough about the people from FBC, Kentwood who came and worked.  At times, we all worked hard, but we also had times when we sat and visited. as we waited for the next delivery.  It was an opportunity to get to know our own people a little better.  That was a blessing too!

Volunteer at a Processing Center

Millions of shoeboxes are collected during National Collection Week. Before these special gifts can bring hope and joy to children around the world, each one has to be carefully inspected and made ready for overseas shipment by volunteers like you. You can help prepare shoeboxes for delivery by volunteering at one of our eight processing centers across the United States. About 80,000 volunteers serve annually at our processing centers.

We have opportunities at the processing centers for volunteer groups of all sizes. You can volunteer as an individual or with family and friends.

 

You can read more about the process, see the sites for packing, and select the dates that fit your schedule.  You can go as an individual or a part of a team.

This is a goal of mine I hope to achieve one day.  Please let me know if you get to go and what you think.  I have talked to other friends who have gone.  They highly recommend it!

 

Read the Bible – I Thessalonians 5 & Psalm 17

 

Be sure to celebrate this holiday with thankfulness in your heart. Use this day to begin to make your list of blessings this morning.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

 

But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you.

What I have vowed I will make good.

I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’ ”

~Jonah 2:9~

 

First of all, I want to give you the Operation Christmas Child totals for the FBC, Kentwood Drop-off Location.

  • 1705 shoeboxes
  • 87 cartons of shoeboxes
  • 12 volunteers
  • 92 hours worked during the week

The Hammond site were our shoeboxes went to yesterday collected 14,120 shoeboxes from 8 drop-off locations.

All these boxes are being shipped to Atlanta this year.

Thanks to the many people in each church who participated by making donations, buying the items, packing the shoeboxes, and delivering them to the drop-off locations around the world this past week.  Focus on the many, many children who will receive a shoebox, the families who will be touched, and all those who will learn about Jesus and ask Him into their hearts because of a simple shoebox.

I have some new ideas for OCC next year and can hardly wait to begin packing the next boxes this time next year!

 

 

Steve Miller of Line Creek had a successful hip surgery yesterday.  Pray for him as he heals.

 

 

Read the Bible – I Thessalonians 3-4 & Psalm 16

 

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

 

Hymn of the Day – “What a Day that will Be”

There is coming a day,
When no heart aches shall come,
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye,
All is peace forever more,
On that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There’ll be no sorrow there,
No more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain,
No more parting over there;
And forever I will be,
With the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be

Hymns with a Message – http://barryshymns.blogspot.com/2012/02/what-day-that-will-be.html

U-Tube of Hymn – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40lCmHvmcCY

 

 

I’m thankful you read and pray each day.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Monday Addition

Ora Lee Wilson requests prayer for her son-in-law, Rob Anderson.  He is having emergency surgery now.  Not only that, but his wife, Sheila, is in Boston with no available flights out.  Their daughter, Sheila, had to leave to take a final.  Brandon, the youngest, is “in-charge” until Sheila can get there.  The family feels the stress of their complicated situation and would certainly appreciate your prayers.

 

Update on Dennis Walker

“He’s doing better. He had a heart attack on Saturday, 3 stents put in on Sunday and was diagnosed with diabetes. He’s home now and trying to figure out this new lifestyle. Prayers please!”

Monday

 

Give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

~1 Thessalonians 5:18~

 

I’m thankful to say that Philip Strickland will be doing his last chemo treatment today.  Let’s pray for him as he goes through this last treatment.

Ora Lee Wilson was so thankful yesterday as she said that her nephew who had two heart attacks last week was now back at home after learning the two heart attacks brought the doctors to another heart problem and allowed them to save his life.

Pray for Wendell Simmons as he has gall bladder surgery Wednesday. He will be glad to finally get this done and to move on with his life.

 

 

 

Theophile “Ted” Titus

March 14, 1934 – November 18, 2017

 

Theophile “Ted” Titus was born on March 14, 1934 and passed away on November 18, 2017 at home surrounded by his family and loved ones. He is survived by 2 daughters, Cheryl Strickland and husband, Jimmie, and Gwen Pezant; 7 grandchildren, Kenny Bagot and wife, Susan, Scott Bagot, Eric Pezant and wife, Meaghan, Christi Bagot Robertson and husband, Beau, Tedd Titus and wife, Kayla, Erin Pezant, Matthew Titus and wife, Ashley; and multiple great-grandchildren of which he was so proud. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl Elizabeth Sibley “Libby” Titus; mother, Fannie Titus; daughter, Belinda Titus; and son, Cliff Titus; as well as a very special Aunt “Nante” and his grandmother “Gagi”. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 1 p.m. until religious services at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2017. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa. Pallbearers will be Eric Pezant, Scott Bagot, Kenny Bagot, Tedd Titus, Matthew Titus, and Tristan Robertson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible – I Thessalonians 1-2, Psalm 15, and video on I Thessalonians

 

Today is the last day for OCC drop-off locations.  Bring your “shoeboxes” to turn in this morning.  It will be helpful if you bring them early as we will be trying to finish up packing the trailer and sending them to their next location.

 

The Community Thanksgiving service at FBC, Kentwood was helpful in getting us in the spirit of Thanksgiving.  Have a good week of preparations for travel, big gatherings of family members, and special holiday food!

Anna Lee

 

Sunday

“The Helper, the Holy Spirit,

whom the Father will send in my name,

will teach you everything

and make you remember

all that I have told you.”

~John 14:26 GNT~

 

 

Operation Christmas Child drop-off of “shoeboxes” continues.

  • Sunday – 2-4 P.M.
  • Monday – 8-10 A.M.

Don’t forget you can send any extra items you have as fillers.  Be sure to put them in a box that looks nothing like a “shoebox”.

 

Pray for the Montpelier mission team as they minister in Nicaragua this week.  The church continues to send mission teams as they have for several years.

 

Read the Bible – Colossians 3-4, Psalm 14, and video on image of God

 

Don’t forget the Community Thanksgiving at FBC,Kentwood tonight at 6 P.M.

 

Be blessed by the services in your church today.  If you are without a church, I can recommend several to you.

Anna Lee

 

 

Saturday

“Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.”

  ~1 John 3:21-23 NIV~

 

Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off 2017 – We are excited to say the vehicles with “shoeboxes” keep rolling in.  Today, we will be open to receive more “shoeboxes” from 9-12 Noon.  Sunday, we will be open from 2-4 P.M.  I thank all those who have helped man the drop-off center this year.  You have been so cooperative and hard-working.  We couldn’t do this without you.  I know you can “picture” each shoebox in the hands of a boy or girl one day soon.  You expect great things to happen when children and their families hear about Jesus.  God bless each of you!

 

It hasn’t been easy, but Jimmy Alford was able to learn he has two tumors in his liver.  There is no treatment plan yet, but at least this was a giant “step”.  Please keep praying for Jimmy and Janie, as well as other family members.

 

“Bobby” John Robert Langford

November 16, 1954 – November 17, 2017

A resident of Kentwood, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2017 at his home. He was born November 16, 1954 in Kentwood and was 63 years of age. He was our ray of sunshine who forever changed the lives of everyone he met. His Down Syndrome was never a disability, it was a different ability. He truly lived every moment, laughed every day and loved beyond words. He was dearly loved by his two sisters, Alma Beth Potts and husband, Dennis, and Judy Langford McElveen; nieces and nephews, Andrew Potts, Amy and Matthew Desrosiers, Matthew and Heather Potts, Michael and Jennifer McElveen, Debbie and Luke Simeon, John and Rachel McElveen, Sonia and Jeremy Blalock, Jeanine and Bart Matthews; great-nieces and great-nephews, Dillon Boyle, Matthew, Macaelyn, Ethan, Jennessa, and Jalynn Desrosiers, Brodie and Destinee, Emily, and Sawyer McElveen, Riley and Shalayne, Hannah, and Julianah Simeon, Anthony and Jayde McElveen, Dawson, Brayden, and Lathan Blalock, Evienne Schwartz and Ezra Matthews; great-great-niece, Rilynn Simeon. Preceded in death by parents, John and Ethel Jenkins Langford; brother, Charles J. “Buddy” Langford; brother-in-law, Nathan Joe McElveen; nephew, Will Joseph McElveen. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 12 Noon until religious services at 2:00PM Tuesday, November 21, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Matthew Booty. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Read the Bible Today – Colossians 1-2, Psalm 13, & video on Colossians

 

Community Thanksgiving – Sunday night at FBC, Kentwood at 6 P.M.

 

STAMPED Christmas Cards for Prisoners – due Dec. 3rd.  Some people at church have made this one of their class Christmas projects.  That’s a easy, but meaningful project.  This is a project for the whole associations.  One church has already turned in some.  I trust you will want to get involved to help the prisoners and their families.

 

I’ve been counting my blessing.  They are numerous!  

Anna Lee

 

Friday

With men this is impossible,

but with God all things are possible.

~Matthew 19:26HCSB~

 

 

Read the Bible – Philippians 3-4 & Psalm 12

 

Obituary for William Bruce Clemons = http://stephensondearman.com/services.asp?page=odetail&id=1750&locid=1

 

Operation Christmas Child Drop Off Schedule for First Baptist Church, Kentwood

  • Friday – 4-6 P.M.
  • Saturday – 9-12 Noon
  • Sunday – 2-4 P.M.
  • Monday – 8-10 A.M.

 

Third Thursday at the Cabin

We met at the cabin last night and had six first-time guests with our guests from eight different churches.  It was another meaningful night for us.  Those of you who came really blessed our hearts.  We’ll be looking forward to the next gatherings which will be on December 21st.

 

Looking Ahead

  • Today – Friday Morning Bible Study – Fellowship Hall @ 10 A.M.
  • November 26th – Breakfast at Pine Ridge which benefits a worthy cause
  • November 28th – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party at the Cafe
  • December 3rd – Lottie Moon Tea at FBC, Kentwood at 2 P.M.

 

Send me a message if you have a prayer request you want me to share here.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Thursday Addition

Rev. Dennis Walker is in ICU at North Oaks due to heart issues.  Please be in prayer for him, his family, and his church family.

 

Flora Elaine Blades Williams

December 28, 1926 – November 15, 2017

Flora Elaine (Blades) Williams was born on December 28, 1926 and passed away Thursday, November 15, 2017 at North Oaks Hospital. She was a native of Spring Creek Community. She was a retired business teacher with 37 year of service. She taught at Spring Creek High School for 34 years and at Jewel M. Sumner High School for 3 years. She received her BA Degree from Southeastern Louisiana College in 1947. She received her Master of Education Degree in Administration and Supervision from SLU in 1964. While teaching, she belonged to the following organizations: National Education Association (Lifetime Member), NBEA, SBEA and LBEA. After retiring, she became a lifetime member of Louisiana Retired Teachers’ Association and Tangipahoa Parish Retired Teachers Association. She was also a member of the Spring Creek Baptist Church and Walter T. Ott, No. 217 Order of the Eastern Star for 50 years. She is survived by her three children, Jimmy Lynn Williams and wife, Mille, Vickie Gwen Williams Gill and husband, Doug and Sonya Wynne Williams Newman and husband, Karl. Also, she is survived by seven grandsons, Jeremy, Jacob and Jesse Williams, James and Matthew Neyland, and Colby and Asa Newman; ten great grandchildren, Joanna, Emmett, Rue, Noah, Chloe, Holden and Foster Williams, and Mason, Liam, and Aiden Neyland. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Cade Drue Williams; parents, Lynn Elias Blades and Otera Thelma Pierce Blades; three brothers, James Dalton, Winfred Alva and Bobby Lynn Blades and one infant grandson, Gabriel John Newman. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9 AM until religious services at 2 PM Saturday, November 18, 2017. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith and Rev. Jacob Williams. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Jeremy, Jacob, Jesse Williams, James and Matthew Neyland, and Colby and Asa Newman. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kedron Baptist Church, or the charity of your choice. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Annie C. Parsons

November 15, 1940 – November 15, 2017

A resident of Hammond passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born November 15, 1940 in Hillsdale and was 77 years of age. She is survived by 2 daughters, Melissa P. Harrison and Pamela Lynn Parsons; 3 grandchildren, Emily Margaret Harrison, James Elliot Harrison, and William Connor Harrison; twin sister, Nancy Adell Chapman Bartholomew. Preceded in death by parents, Amos Kent Chapman and Emma Brumfield Chapman; siblings, Sybil Courtney, Shelton K. Chapman, and Quincy M. Chapman.  Visitation at Kedron Baptist Church from 9 a.m. until religious services at 12 Noon on Saturday, November 18, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Jake Williams. Interment Kedron Cemetery, Amite. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thursday

2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 

4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

~John 14:2-4~

 

 

Read the Bible today – Philippians 1-2, Psalm 11, and the video about Philippians

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

 

Ora Lee Wilson’s nephew, 50, who had two heart attacks is better and stable.  Thank you for your prayers for him.

Michelle L. Murphy and Ferrie Gene Blackmon both are facing surgery soon.  Pray for them.

Andy Taylor was able to be back at church last night.  Please continue to keep his foot problem in your prayers.

 

 

The Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off Location at FBC, Kentwood is looking forward to receiving lots of shoeboxes today that were packed at churches last night.  Each box is special to those who collected items and packed the box, but much more important to the child and family that receives the box.  The drop-off sites will be open daily through Monday.  The site in Kentwood will be open 10 – 12 noon today, Thursday, and 4-6 P.M. Friday.

 

Churches that are a part of Two Rivers Association are collecting STAMPED, RELIGIOUS Christmas cards until December 3rd.  Then, they will be taken to the local parish jails in Amite and Greensburg and given to prisoners so they can send messages to family members.

 

Friday Morning Bible Study will meet tomorrow at 10 A.M. and continue the study of Ezekiel.

 

Plans for the Lottie Moon Christmas Tea for churches  in our area are progressing.  It will be December 3rd at 2 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood.  Children will be singing Christmas songs for us.  Ladies will be decorating tables with their personal sets of dishes.  It will be beautiful and meaningful.

 

The children in the missions class of FBC, Kentwood were able to hear the first part of the story of the early years of Lottie Moon’s life last night.  They will hear more next week.  Hopefully, as they grow they will remember her story and how important international missions are.

 

TONIGHT, we will meet at the cabin at 6:30.  I’m looking forward to seeing many of you.  We will add a talented musician, Kaye Roberts.  She will be playing some piano offertories for us.  Join us and be blessed.

 

Tuesday, November 28th, the “young” ladies of out church will gather at The Cafe at 11 A.M. to honor ladies with November birthdays.  Feel free to join us.

 

Thank-you for reading and praying for those listed and the events listed here today.

Anna Lee