Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”  

Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Acts 26:28-29

 

 

 

Barbara D. Yerby was better yesterday than the day before. Please continue to pray for her improvement.

 

 

 

Tori Havlin, wife of a former New Zion youth minister who now serves in MS, ,has Covid-19.

Friday: Around 6:30pm Tori was tested for COVID and the results came back positive. Her symptoms were fairly mild, but the onset of a fever was the concerning part. Saturday: Brynnlee and I learned how to manage while Tori was secluded to the master bedroom. Tori’s symptoms stayed mild, which was a great thing. Brynnlee struggled to understand why she couldn’t see momma. Big thanks to Kris Hollis and Laura Hollis who came through in the clutch to bring some soup ingredients! Sunday: I “preached” but it was prerecorded before Tori got sick. I chalk that up to God’s planning! Tori’s symptoms improved slightly, as she had not run a fever since Saturday. Brynnlee and I have had multiple “come to Jesus meetings” as I try to do school work and keep the house in order while taking care of everyone.Today: We’ve almost completed our third day of quarantine. Other than a persistent cough, Tori’s symptoms have subsided. We are extremely thankful to God that neither Brynnlee or I have gotten sick, but if we do we hope and pray our symptoms are as mild as Tori’s.**Neither Brynnlee or I have been tested, but it could be possible we are asymptomatic carriers. We will be quarantining the entire time.The virus is no joke, no matter if you are extremely ill with it or have a mild case. I’d encourage you to remain vigilant with hygiene, wear a mask when around others, and continue to pray for those who are afflicted. We rest in Christ’s words, that we can come to him with our weariness and burdens and he will give us rest. God bless!

 

 

 

I cannot resist telling you that David received an even better lab report yesterday than two weeks ago. At that time, we were thrilled with a blood level of 12.4. Yesterday, without having any blood. iron, or Procrit, his blood level had increased to 12.6. God has really blessed David!

 

 

 

Carolyn Sue Newcomb

July 10, 1944 – September 20, 2020

On September 20, 2020, when it felt like the year’s first day of fall and her family was gathered nearby, Carolyn Sue Newcomb welcomed everlasting peace. Born in Kentwood, LA on July 10, 1944, Sue was known to many of us as “Suema”. She was a life-long seamstress who was both incredibly creative and expertly skilled. She mended items for people many times when they should have been thrown away but sewing was a gift she used to care for those around her. Crafting and painting with her best friend of 50 years, Patsy Brumfield, was one of her favorite hobbies. Much of her love was given through hugs, back rubs, hearty meals, and the sweetest phone calls. Just her voice made our days better. Just her love made our lives brighter. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Wilburn “Dee” Newcomb. After nearly five decades of marriage and on her last day of battling cancer, Sue made sure to get one last kiss before he left for the day. Though he will miss his wife, he will not be alone in the days to come. Sue shared unconditional love with her five children: John “JB” Bascom, Margaret “Meg” Stephens, Alice McFarlain and husband Adam, John O’Hern and Mark O’Hern. Each Christmas, she hung dozens of red and white stockings on the wall for our entire family beginning with the grandchildren. Sometimes she was given a hard time about who’s stocking was hung first or that her dogs’ stockings got more treats, but everyone with a stocking felt extra special. She hand painted the names of each grandchild whether by birth or marriage: Amanda, Megan, Katrina and Neil, Hannah, Sasha, Ariana, Chance, Warren, Claire, John Joshua and Lacey, Raven, Michaela, Madeline, Matthew, Makenna, and Ruston. Also in glittery gold paint were the names of her great-grandchildren: Morgan, Jadyn, Jocelyn, Brantley, Halle, Gabe, Mason, Zoe, Stephen and Kollin, Riggs and Ariel. Suema was excited to know that soon there would be one more, when Michaela’s child is born. She also had grandchildren in Alabama: Krista, Courtney and Alex and great grandchildren Ely, Rily and Emy. In Heaven, Suema will be joining her grandchild “Baby Angel” and great grandchild Evelyn Rose, sisters Doris and Delores and parents Beulah and Finis Stephens. Pallbearers will be Pete Cannon, John Joshua O’Hern, Brantley Shoup, Jadyn Shoup, Chance O’Hern, Ruston Slaven and Matthew O’Hern. Honorary pall bearers will be Mason O’Hern, Kollin Stewart, Gabe Thomas and Stephen Allen. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 4:00PM until religious services at 6:00PM on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. Private Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday at Spring Creek Cemetery. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

 

Janie Wise, LA WMU leader. lost her mother, Mrs. Leone Reynolds. If you would like to honor Janie or her mother, the family asks for donations to the Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana Missions in their honor. You can give through your local church and send a meno to Janie at the Louisiana Baptist Building in Alexandria.

 

 

 

Today, let’s focus some prayer time on the OCC “shoeboxes” we will pack for the younger boys, ages 2-4 years old. Pray that each box gets to the right child, as only God knows. and that each box has a powerful influence on the child and the family. May God’s love shine through each “shoebox”.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 22

Isaiah 39:1-41:16
Ephesians 1:1-23
Psalm 66:1-20
Proverbs 23:25-28

 

 

 

Let’s also pray for our great nation as she struggles today.

 

 

 

Baptist Press – https://www.baptistpress.com/

 

 

 

Your prayers are appreciated by many. May we continue to see God at work in our lives, our families, our churches, and our country.

Anna Lee