The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3 NIV

Prayer Focus

If you are a person who completed your work week yesterday, be thankful. You probably have Saturday and Sunday off. If you must still work today, be thankful that you have a job. Work well today. Work and earn your pay. Serve the Lord on His day!

Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful to do many things. I had a dear friend, Mrs. Anniebel Harrell, who told me that even though she could not do so many of the things she had gladly done for many years as she took care of her family, her yard, and her house, she could and did do something that was of great importance. She could PRAY! If I ever get limited like that and forget to be thankful, please, remind me! I hope I can still pray for my family, my church, my friends, etc.

Today is Day 23. What are you thankful for?

Operation Christmas Child

We only had one church to deliver shoeboxes yesterday, but we are thankful for them. Their boxes are in cartons and ready to place in the trailer Monday. That’s when we turn in the remailing shoeboxes for 2024.

Schedule for last days:

Saturday 10:00-Noon

Sunday 4:00-6:00

Monday. 8:00-10:00

(We have already sent a trailer load of cartons of boxes to Hammond. We always make two trips, with the second one being Monday Hopefully, it you are bringing items Monday, you will come early because we will be working to fill the trailer and complete all the paperwork before taking everything to Hammond.)

I’m thankful for the extra items that were turned in as FILLER and have already included that filler with filler from our church. (No church names are written on the boxes.) If you haven’t brought your boxes yet, pack up your excess items in plastic bags for us to send in as FILLER. I have purple “FILLER” labels ready for your items. We will accept your FILLER as long as we are working.

The FILLER will be used by the processing center in Dallas to add to boxes they needed to remove something from, such as toothpaste, that is not allowed or if the box was too full. Sometimes we purchase items that are too big, like a doll. If the processing center cannot use your filler, they will pass it on to another location, such as a hospital playroom for children who are patients. They will gladly put it to use.

Read the Bible Today

• November 23
• Ezekiel 24:6-26:6
• Psalm 129:1-8
• Proverbs 28:9-11
• James 5:1-20

Obituary

Ouida Parker Dykes

March 23, 1936 – November 21, 2024

Ouida’s Obituary

Ouida Fay Parker Dykes, age 88, of Kentwood went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 21, 2024. She was born on March 23, 1936 to Rev. H.C. and Eunice Parker in Crosby, Mississippi.

Ouida moved to the East Fork community as a teenager when her father was called to pastor East Fork Baptist Church. She often shared her memory of sitting on the porch of the parsonage and telling her sister, “yall can stay here if you want to, but I’m not!” Turns out, she never left. She graduated from Spring Creek High School. Ouida met Charles N. Dykes Sr. when he returned from his military service in Germany, and (by his recollection) promptly declared “I am going to marry him”. They were married and built a little yellow brick house in East Fork – just next to the church that she had planned to leave as soon as she was able. Together, they had three children, eight grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Ouida was the school secretary (also, nurse, teacher’s therapist, sippy stand money counter, substitute teacher scheduler, and many other roles) at Spring Creek Elementary for 30 years. She was known for her kind and caring spirit – she took care of people. She took care of her family as well. She cooked countless meals in the kitchen of the little yellow brick house – with only a couple of minor fires. She fed Charles, her children, her siblings, lots of pastors and their families, and the grandchildren. Mawmaw Ouida was known for “rolling out” a pan of biscuits, spooning the bacon grease on top of the fried eggs, chicken fried steak, chicken and dumplings, roast with rice and gravy, crawfish etouffee, and ALL the cakes and pies. She loved the Lord, and it was evident by the way she loved people – a life well lived.

The visitation will be 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sunday, November 24, 2024 at East Fork Baptist Church, Kentwood. Visitation will continue at the church on Monday, November 25, 2024, 9:00 a.m. until funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jay Avance officiating. The burial will be at East Fork Cemetery.

She is proceeded in death by her husband of 57 years, Charles N. Dykes Sr.; parents Rev. H.C. and Eunice Knight Parker, and stepmother Ruby Parker; sisters, Doris Cabler, Eloise Lambert, Betty Bankston; brothers, H.C. Parker Jr., Harold Parker, and Charles Parker.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her children Charlotte Alford (Tim), Mindy Klinger (Michael), Charles N. Dykes Jr. (Rachel); grandchildren Jesse Alford (Molly), Jeremy Alford (Whitney), Carrie Dunn (Joe), Kyle King (Nikki), Kady King, Caleb Dykes (Jordan), Nicholas Dykes (Kristie), Ethan Dykes; 14 great grandchildren; sister, Patricia Rushing; and loving caregivers, Carolyn Romero, and Barbara Brown.

Pallbearers will be Jesse Alford, Jeremy Alford, Kyle King, Caleb Dykes, Nicholas Dykes, Ethan Dykes, and Eli Alford.

Don’t forget your Sunday School Lesson.

We are finishing up our study of Acts today. You will also need to pick up new literature for next Sunday.

Be a blessing to someone today!

Anna Lee

Verse of the Day

‘Rejoice, O Heavens!’ (Re. 12:10-12)

“Then I heard a loud voice
shouting across the heavens, “It
has come at last — salvation
and power and the Kingdom of
our God, and the authority….”

Prayer Focus for Today

Let’s pray for shoeboxes as they are collected across the country today. Pray for the packer, all those whose hands the shoeboxes go through, and for the recipient. We had a good day at the drop-off location at Kentwood yesterday. Pray for more shoeboxes to be delivered to us today and to many other locations. Thank God for the volunteers who have served in our drop-off center each.

Schedule for Drop-Off at FBC Kentwood

Today – 2-4 P.M.

Saturday – 10-12 Noon

Sunday 4-6 P.M.

Monday- 8-10 A.M.

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 22
• Ezekiel 23:1-24:5
• Psalm 128:1-6
• Proverbs 28:6-8
• James 3:13-4:17

THANKFULNESS – Day 22

Today, I am thankful for pastors and volunteers from each church who deliver boxes to drop-off locations. Help me pray for those who serve in this important role for churches.

Scripture for Sunday’s Lesson

Acts 27:31-44

As you study, pray for your teacher and all the other teachers.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

What would the top three news articles from your church or my church be today?

• Positive?
• Encouraging?
• Leadership or congregation?
• Age of people focused?
• Music, preaching, etc?
• Baptisms?
• Bible study?
• Inviting?
• Etc.

Thanks to you, the readers, who pass on the link to others.

Anna Lee

‘Even the Children Were Shouting!’

The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them. The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.”

Matthew 21:14-15 NLT

Thankfulness Today – Day 21

Today, I am thankful for those who purchase items for the schoboxes. They vary from individuals to families to classes. I am thnkful to each one.

OCC

We are thankful for those who come to help us move shoeboxes from cars to the building, pack them into the cartons, number them, and organize them for storage until they are moved into a trailer. Yesterday afternoon, we added a new thankfulness. Our men worked on a new church van and a new and larger church trailer to get a hitch installed so they can be used today. Then, they placed 57 large carton into the trailer and placing them “just right” for their next move to a conveyor belt in Hammond today. Thank you, men!

Today we will be collecting in the church fellowship hall from 10-12. All shoebox packers are invited to come during that time.

Prayer Focus for Today

Pray for cartons of shoeboxes as they make the journey to the collection site from various drop-off sites. May God watch over the drivers, vehicles, trailers, cartons, and individual boxes that have been filled.

Thank God for the churches, contributors, shoppers, packers, and delivers. Many people are involved in the wonderful and organized process. Thank God for each one.

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 21
• Ezekiel 21:8-22:31
• Psalm 127:1-5
• Proverbs 28:4-5
• James 2:18-3:12

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I’m thankful you are reading TPL this morning. Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

“Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!”

— Matthew 21:9 NLT

Happy Wednesday to each of you today!

Read the Bible Ever Day

• November 20
• Ezekiel 20:1-21:7
• Psalm 126:1-6
• Proverbs 28:1-3
• James 1:22-2:17.

Prayer Focus for Today

As we get some cooler days, let’s pray for people whose homes are not warm in the winter. Pray they will find a way to improve their conditions. Pray we will be fast to help anyone who needs some help.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Be sure to scroll down into the black section and read some of those recent articles too.

OCC Collection Week

We had two OCC area leaders visit yesterday. No area churches came to drop-off their boxes. Today, Wednesday, we will be waiting from 4-6 P.M. for churches to bring shoeboxes.

I am thankful for the dedicated volunteers who gave of their time to wait for more boxes. I think they fit the description of someone who is “is available”.

CORRECTION

The papes hanging on doors at the church has the wrong time for Monday. We will follow our usual schedule and work from 8-10. The Samaritan’s Purse website is correct. If you are waiting until Monday to turn in your boxes, please bring them to us from 8-10 A.M. Our boxes will join with thousands of other boxes for the ride to Dallas for the processing center.

Death

With sadness, I report that Brandon Hammons passed away yesterday. Pray for Brandon’s parents, wife, and three daughters, as well as his brother. An obituary is not available yet.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus for the Day

The rain is almost over for the night and the temperatures will drop for the next few nights. I’m thankful the weather changes all during the year and that God uses the weather as one way to show us His faithfulness. Thank Him for that today.

Obituaries

Donald “Buck” Addison

June 3, 1934 – November 16, 2024

Donald “Buck” Addison, 90, of Sweetwater, gained his heavenly wings on Saturday, November 16, 2024, peacefully surrounded by his loving family. 

Buck was born on June 3, 1934 to Floyd and Gladys Chambers Addison. A graduate of Independence High School, where he excelled as both a baseball and football, demonstrating the determination and spirit that defined his life.

He served his country with honor in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed overseas in Stuttgart, Germany. After his active duty, Buck continued to protect and serve through the Army Reserves.

Following his military career, Buck spent majority of his career being a long distance truck driver, spending countless hours on the road to provide for his family. At home, his time was dedicated to his true passions—teaching his children and grandchildren how to work on tractors, play baseball, and embrace life’s lessons with humor and resilience. Whether hunting, fishing, or sharing playful banter with Betty, Buck cherished the simple joys of life surrounded by the people he loved most.

Buck is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Gladys Chambers Addison; his brothers, Lloyd Addison, PI Addison, Tom Addison, and Darryl Addison.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Betty Wood Addison; his children, Moody Addison (Ann), Wanda Miley (Wendell), and Byron Addison (Shanda); his grandchildren, Aaron Miley (Jennifer), Russ Addison (Suzzette), Wade Miley (Katy), Chas Addison, Cody Addison (Jacey), and Daniel Addison; and his greatest pride and joy, his great-grandchildren, Jeb Miley, Emma Addison, Ellie K Addison, Adley Miley, Trace “Gibby” Miley, and the soon-to-be-born Gracie Addison.

To know Buck was to love Buck. A man with a heart as big as his smile, Buck was truly one of a kind. His quick wit, sense of humor, and unwavering integrity left an unforgettable impression on all who met him. Whether it was his extraordinary athleticism, his knack for farming and fixing anything, or his boundless love for his family, Buck lived life with a greatness that inspired everyone around him.

To his grandsons, he was a superhero, teaching them how to work the land, throw a perfect curveball, and live with purpose and pride. He wore many titles throughout his life—son, husband, uncle, and dad—but none as dear to him as “Pawpaw.”

Buck had a unique gift for bringing joy to every room and leaving every person better for knowing him. His legacy of love, strength, and laughter will continue to live on through his family, who honor his memory by carrying forward his values and sharing his stories.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and hospice nurses who brought comfort to Buck in his final days, as well as the friends and family who supported him with love and care. Above all, we thank our mighty God for blessing him with 90 incredible years of his presence in our lives.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM on Friday and at Oak Grove Church of Christ, Independence, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Dale Ziebarth. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA.

He was a man we’ll never forget and a Pawpaw we’ll always treasure. His legacy will not be measured by years but by the love and laughter he brought to all who knew him. Thank you, Buck, for showing us what it truly means to live and love.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” -2 Timothy 4:7

Horace Lysander Ensign, Sr.

July 6, 1932 – November 15, 2024

Horace L. Ensign, Sr. , a longtime resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. 

Born on July 6, 1932 in Roseland, LA. He was 92 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Dorchelle Ensign; sons, Greg Ensign, Kevin Ensign, and Tim Ensign and wife, Teresa; Numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Theresa Myrl Ensign; parents, Edwin and Mae Ensign; son, Horace L. Ensign, Jr.; brothers, J.D. Ensign and Edwin Ensign, Jr.; sisters, Claribel Strode and Ruby Sands.

Horace proudly served his country as a 20-year Air Force Veteran. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, always willing to lend a helping hand when he could.

He was a kind and caring man who accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. 
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Mike Starkey. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Patricia Daigle “Patsy” Terrell

June 30, 1941 – November 16, 2024

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. She was born June 30, 1941 in Breaux Bridge, LA and was 83 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Paul W. Terrell; 3 children, Lori Stillwell (Adam), John Terrell (Keenan), and Madeline Ricks (Bennie); 6 grandchildren, Mallori Stillwell, Carrie Ricks, Joshua Ricks, Walter Forsythe, Marian Forsythe, and Kolbe Forsythe; sister-in-law, Pam Daigle. Preceded in death by her father, Paul Daigle; mother, Edith Daigle; brother, Alfred Daigle; and family friend, Rickey Lapine, Sr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8:30AM until 10:30AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 11:00AM on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Pearline Tarver Smith

January 20, 1928 – November 17, 2024

“Forever and evermore”, surrounded by her only granddaughter, Rachel, and oldest great-grandson, Owen, Pearline Smith peacefully went into the arms of Jesus on Sunday morning, November 17, 2024. Pearline grew up in the town of Kentwood and spent most of her 96 years there. She spent her youth being a wife and a mother and later decided after her kids were grown to become a nurse. She completed the program and began working at Hood’s Hospital at the age of 49. Her favorite shift was 2-10pm so that she would have time to help her daughter with her small children and house chores during the day. She retired at the age of 69. She was a hard worker by nature, always giving her all in whatever it would be. She always put others first. Her smile was contagious and could light up a room. She loved to laugh. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her world. She is survived by her granddaughter, Rachel Fedele Spitale and husband, Matt Spitale; 8 great-grandchildren, Owen, Isabella, Noah, Alyssa, Lyla, Joni Claire, Bear, and Gatlin Spitale. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvie Smith; son, George Bryant; James Tarver whom she raised as a son; daughter, Bernice Fedele and husband, Dominick; grandson, Don Fedele; parents, Marcus Zeno and Minerva Cummins Tarver; 9 siblings, Louella Morgan, Christine Brooks, Ida Mae Rhodus, Glady Simmons, Leon “TJ” Tarver, Percy Tarver, Curtis Tarver, Clarence Tarver and George Tarver. The family would like to thank Ponchatoula Community Care and Passages Hospice for all of their care and love shown to their “Pearl” in her elder years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s pray for all the drop-off locations and all the churches involved in the collection of shoeboxes that will be delivered in the coming year. FBC, Kentwood collected 906 shoeboxes yesterday. That was our big day for the week! We will collect seven more days and make two deliveries to the next site where the boxes will be packed in big trailers for the next leg of their journey. Today, our collection time is 2-4 P.M. Our time varies to make it easy for all the area churches to drop-off their boxes.

Special thanks to the churches and individuals who helped in any way to get the boxes packed and delivered to us. We had some new churches to make their delivery to us yesterday. In talking to them, I learned how interested the people are in the shoeboxes and expect them to continue next year with even more shoeboxes. Some churches faithfully come the first Monday to leave their boxes. They increase their number a little each year. May God richly bless the churches and the individual members who pack the boxes.

Read the Bible Today

• November 19
• Ezekiel 18:1-19:14
• Psalm 125:1-5
• Proverbs 47:25-27
• James 1:1-21

Thankfulness – Day 19

Yesterday, I met another reader of TPL who recognized my name when I introduced myself to her. There are still many I do not know, but I appreciate each one of you and hope to meet you one day. Thanks each one of you who reads TPL. I hope it is beneficial to you and helps you with your prayer journey.

Anna Lee

Thankfulness-Day 18:

I am thankful for Kentwood, my home town for the last 45 years, It has grown on me since the first night I spent here and wondered if I had made the right decision. Kentwood allowed my family to make new friends, worship in a different church, and other things. What a blesssing to me and my family.

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 18
• Ezekiel 16:35-17:24
• Psalm 124:1-8
• Proverbs 27:23-24
• Hebrews 13:1-25

Women and Girls on Missions had good meetings last night.

I am thankful we have this opportunity to learn and serve at church.

Operation Christmas Child

Today we begin out Dropoff Week, really eight days. We will be at the church to receive shoeboxes from others and to pack them in boxes to ship to a processing center. From there, the “Shoeboxes” will be send all around the world to boys and girls.

Be sure to check here, online at Samaritan’s purse, or with the church office to know when we will be working each day.I am so thankful for the spiritual impact of this ministry!

Today we will receive boxes from 10 A.M. to Noon in the fellowship hall.

Have a wonderful day.

Anna Lee

Thankfulness – Day 17

Today, I am thankful for children. David and I both love children, so many of our friends are children. I hope you also love and appreciate the children in your life.

Prayer Focus

Let’s pray for each other as we worship in various churches.

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 17
• Ezekiel 14:12-16:34
• Psalm 122:1-123:4
• Proverbs 27:21-22
• Hebrews 12:12-29

Sunday School Lesson – Acts 26

Shoeboxes

• Complete packing, if not already done.
• Drop-Off Week: Begins Monday
• FBC, Kentwood will again serve as a drop-off location.
• Each location has their own schedule, but all will be open two hours a day for the next eight days
• Monday’s hours at FBC are 10:00-12 Noon.
• The schedule for various locations is listed online on the Samaritan’s Purse site. I’ll try to remember to post our schedule daily.

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Today’s Prayer Focus – Company

When we have company, if we know in advance, we tend to work hard to make sure everything is as perfect as possible. As we think of our heavenly home, think of God preparing heaven for us. I know there is an old song about “Company’s Coming”. Thinking of preparations in heaven for me, I hope they are happy and sing this, or a similar song, as they work.

Cooler Temperatures

It’s below fifth again today. I think most of us will be smiling about that!

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 16
• Ezekiel 12:8-14:11
• Psalm 121:1-8
• Proverbs 27:19-20
• Hebrews 11:32-12:11

Scripture for Tomorrow’s Lesson

Acts 26:19-29

Even if you don’t have a Sunday School book, you can read the Scripture and meditate on it.

Thankfulness – Day 16 – Company

I have always loved to have company. At my house it always meant pies in the oven. Usually it meant other children to take into the yard and to play with. Now, it might mean coffee and a treat of some kind. It means sitting down, inside or outside, and “Visiting”. “Heart to heart talking” is the best! I am always thankful for company. Thursday, we had two people stop by, one right after the other. How great it is to sit and “visit” with long-time friends. One was strictly a visit to talk a while. The second one was someone bringing fish he had caught and cleaned for us. We always enjoy these sweet breaks in our routine and special treats like the fish. We are very thankful for the friends and the visits.

Your Prayer List

I have lots of little composition books that have been my daily prayer lists. I hope I have encouraged you to start your personal list. We all know different people with different prayer needs. We all have our own family prayer needs. Your list is personal to you! It fits you just like your shoes fit you and probably not me. It’s personal! It’s fitting for you prayer time.

Only One Day Until Sunday

Use this day to prepare for the Lord’s Day if you need to do a couple more things to be ready. I can still see all the family’s Sunday shoes spread out where Daddy had polished them all for Sunday. We don’t have to polish shoes like that every week, but there is always something we need to do to look or be our best for the Lord’s Day. I was taught to give Him the best in all we do. I know I have failed too often, but “my best” is always the goal.

Anna Lee

“…and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

Ephesians 6:17-18

Prayer Focus for Today

Pray for next Wednesday NOT to have the dangerous winds and rains here or anywhere else. Ask God to calm that storm.

Read the Bible Today

• November 15
• Ezekiel 10:1-12:7
• Psalm 120:1-7
• Proverbs 27:17-18
• Hebrews 11:13-31

Obituary

Don Carlos Nevills

May 25, 1943 – November 12, 2024

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at his home. He was born May 25, 1943 in Fayetteville, TN and was 81 years of age. He is survived by his brother, Phillip Nevills and wife, Margaret; step-children, Chris Richard and Zoe Lopitz; grandchildren, Jacob Nicholas Cassel, Matthew Ryan Richard and Melanie Marie Richard; 4-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, J.R. and Jesse Nevills; 2 brothers, Ray Nevills and Jackie Nevills; 2 sisters, Jean Hover and Juanita Sims. Graveside Services will be held at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Kentwood, at 11:00AM on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

After you look at this page and the sites it connects you with, look on down and find some recent articles you may have missed. I think at least one of them will catch your attention.

Louisiana Baptist Message

https://www.baptistmessage.com/

Several more local articles may catch your eye on this page.

Christmas Cards for Prisoners

The Two Rivers Associational WMU is collecting STAMPED CHRISTMAS CARDS to give to the prisoners at the parish jail. This will give them an opportunity to write to relatives they would usually visit during the holidays. Please get your cards to me by the second Sunday of December. If your church is in St. Helena, please deliver your cards to Judy Noonan of FBC, Greensburg.

Girls on Mission

This group will meet at 4:00 Sunday afternoon in the area of the old nursery at FBC, Kentwood. They will study about a missionary family presently serving with the International Mission Board. They will also have a craft project and create cards to send to girls they know. Be sure to be on time because the children’s music program begins early for the next few weeks.

Teen age girls are invited to visit us Sunday for the craft project and the regular monthly meeting. This group could develop into our third mission class. Wouldn’t that be great?

THANKFULNESS – Volunteers

Today, I am thankful for volunteers. (Mission Organizations, Music for Children, Bible Stories for Children, Sunday School Teachers, Weekday Bible Study Leaders, Deacons. Welcoming Volunteers, Choir Members, Soloists, Kitchen Workers, and so many more at my church, at your church, and at all the churches.) Could your church operate without volunteers? They give of themselves and do not receive a salary of any kind.

I remember the day I realized all the people who seemed to do many of the most important jobs, like teaching my classes both morning and night and spending lots of time in the summer teaching VBS at my church were not paid. I couldn’t understand why, but I do now! I consider it a great opportunity and a wonderful lesson for me to volunteer now.

Let me tell you about one volunteers you may not be aware of. Rusty Purvis, son of Dr. and Mrs. Ben Purvis, a former pastor at our church, is in charge of operating the equipment and learning more and more technology so our services can be broadcast. It doesn’t take just any volunteer, but a willing and knowledgeable one. When we must miss church and depend on that broadcast, we really appreciate his skills. Some people only witness church this way. Think how thankful they are for a church member who can design a system like we have. Thank you, Rusty. You are a true leader!

This cool morning can be the start to a wonderful day. Make it a productive day and one in which you can give of yourself to help someone else or to teach/spread God’s Word.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Today, I hope you will join me in prayer for Brandon Hammons, 59, of the Amite area. He has a terminal brain infection. About two months ago his family noticed a problem. Since then, his condition has quickly worsened.

He has chosen to spend his last days a his mother’s home. Brandon had a small family business. His wife and three daughters have stopped their jobs or schooling to be with him now. Brandon is a Christian.

Not only is Brandon a former student, but I picked him (and his brother, Hagan) up for several school years to transport them from Roseland to school at Oak Forest.

Thankfulness – Day 14

I am thankful for former students. I see them frequently all around Amite and the surrounding area. They are home makers, teachers, doctors, pharmacists, dairy owners, business owners, nurses, secretaries, lab workers, designers, therapists, truck drivers,etc. Some are even retired! I am thankful for them and the lives they have lived. I love the hugs I get NOW and know they remember me striving to teach them all I could while I had them in the classroom, mostly academic material, but also some standards, ideals, goals, through observation.

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 14
• Ezekiel 7:1-9:11
• Psalm 1119:169-176
• Proverbs 27:14-16
• Hebrews 10:32-11:12

Shoebox Packers, Groups or Individuals

When you finish packing boxes, if you have any items left over, Samaritan”s Purse has severals different ways to use your items. They use most of the items to add to a box when they have to remove something (Example: a liquid). The “Filler” is used to fill that empty space. When they no longer can use the items themselves, they have a list of organizations they share with. I find this so much better than leaving them sitting in a box in the corner or a room until the next year when they might or might not use them!

I have been sending “filler” to them for several years. Samaritan’s Purse provides a special form to drop off locations for this purpose. We can add the form to your taped box, box, but NOT A SHOEBOX! If you choose, you can bring your items in a plastic bag(s) and we will add it to other bags of “filler goodies”. We Do NOT add it to any boxes we have or someone else turns in.

We DO NOT open any boxes for any reasons. We only count them, pack them in cartons, and send them on to the trucks that will transport them to Dallas. We WILL tape some special “filler” forms to the filler boxes you have filled.

You can bring your filler in bags or taped boxes. I have made copies of the filler for on purple paper this year. You can see the boxes in the back of our packing room waiting to go into the trailer last. If you have “leftovers” please send them to FBC, Kentwood so we can ship them on to be used by Samaritan’s purse.

One more thing. Do not write on your box or the bag. That information will not be used. I indicate on paperwork when someone turns in filler.

Women and Girls on Mission

We will have our monthly meeting at 5 P.M., but we will meet early to participate in a craft project at 4 P.M. in the New Hope Classroom in the old nursery area before the regular meeting.

Friends

I know we are thankful for those we call our friends. but do those people call us their friends? Why not? Think and pray about that. You may even need some action to change that.

Anna Lee