Mother’s Day

“I am determined to obey you until I die.”

~Psalm 119:112 (TLB)~

Roscoe Allen Goynes

August 16, 1933 – May 08, 2020

A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2020 at his home. He was born August 16, 1933 in Pine Grove, LA and was 86 years of age. He was a Mason and a Shriner. He is survived by son, Randy Noland and wife Debbie; 4 grandchildren, Terry Noland and wife Sara, Geoffrey Noland, Christopher Noland and wife Manetta and Daniel Harrison; 11 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Leona S. Goynes; daughter, Tanya Harrison; 1 grandchild, Phillip Harrison. Graveside Services will be held privately. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Bible Project to use at home when your church is not open or any time you choose.

https://bibleproject.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=quarantinemail&utm_content=wote

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 10

1 Samuel 8:1-9:27
John 6:22-42
Psalm 106:32-48
Proverbs 14:34-35

Today, you can watch some church services online. Check out your favorite churches, previous pastors, relative’s pastors, etc. Churches will soon be announcing when services in their sanctuary will be available. Many churches will continue to live-stream their services. Stay alert to changes in the current way of worshipping.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Rejoice always,

pray continually,

give thanks in all circumstances;

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

~‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18~

If you are discouraged and tired of the present circumstances, take some time to focus on and pray about believing the verse above. This verse may help you get through some difficult days. Then, take action and do some things that will help you and others.

Make some phone calls to others who might need encouragement.
Send some “just because” cards or even text messages or emails.
Pick some flowers or share a plant with a gardener.
Cook and share a meal or a treat.
Volunteer with a church or organization that is helping others.
Teach someone how to use FB or You–Tube to locate church services to view.
Cut grass, weed-eat, or mulch for someone who appreciates their yard, but is unable to do so for themselves.
Prepare a flower arrangement for someone in the cemetery.
Pick up basic groceries for someone who is unable to shop for themselves.
Take a bag of light bulbs with you and volunteer to change those that are out at the homes of older people.
Share a plant or a single flower.
Offer to read the Bible or pray fort someone over the phone.
Make your own prayer list. Pray. Adjust the list daily. Pray.
The list is endless. Think about needs and take action! What you can do for others will be a help to them and to you!

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 9

1 Samuel 5:1-7:17
John 6:1-21
Psalm 106:13-31
Proverbs 14:32-33

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

Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

Annie Armstrong Offering – https://www.anniearmstrong.com/about/the-mission/

Give thanks in all circumstances. Remember, God is in control.

Anna Lee

Friday

LORD, you establish peace for us;

all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

Isaiah 26:12

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 8

1 Samuel 2:22-4:22
John 5:24-47
Psalm 106:1-12
Proverbs 14:30-31

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

Gertie M. Cutrer

May 10, 1924 – May 04, 2020

Gertie Hernandez Cutrer, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great- grandmother, sister, aunt, and a great friend, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2020. She was to be 96 years old on May 10. Her unforgettable presence brought sunshine through her endless commentary, singing, dancing and smiles. We are forever changed by her costly generosity, bravery and resilience. She provided a home on her country hill where we all longed to return to be with her.

Gertie is survived by her children, Diane (Tommy) Simmons of Osyka, Ms. and Byron (Vickie) Cutrer of Omaha, NE.

Grandchildren and great-children are Tom (Veronica) Simmons and their children, Chaning (Trenton) Strange and Mason.

Ginger (Wendell) Simmons and their children

Jeff (Meagan) Simmons and Chelsea.

Corrie (Bobby) Fritts and their children Olivia, Ella, and Noah

Byron (Amanda) Cutrer II, and their children Isabella, Eve, Eden, and Lily.

Casey (Nathan) Chapman and their children Brakian, Betsy, and Jed.

Carlie (Zach) Dodd and their children Banner, Vivi, Mercy, Luca, and Deacon.

Barrett (Sarah) Cutrer and their children Mila and Oliver.

Great-great granddaughter Caroline Simmons. daughter of Jeff and Meagan Simmons.

Gertie is survived by her brother Ernie (Brenda) Hernandez and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband C.B. “Country Boy” Cutrer who was a radio broadcaster in Baton Rouge on WIBR and WAIL and Governor Jimmie Davis’ drummer. Parents, Dugas and Enola Hernandez. Siblings, Shirley Adams Zimmerly (J.D. and Tinker), Douglas (Evelyn) Hernandez, Pearl (Ivy) Thompson, Gertrude (Lionel) Bergeron and Ronnie Hernandez.

There will be a graveside service at 12:00 PM on Saturday, May 9, at the Roberts Cemetery on Line Creek Road in Osyka, MS.

Please pray for the Cutrer family.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart;

don’t try to figure out everything on your own.”

~Proverbs 3:5 (The Message)~

Today is our National Day of Prayer for our country!

Please pray for Henry McKenzie’s family. He has two very sick family members, a brother and a step-brother.

Please continue to pray for all those sick with the virus, the medical personnel working with them, and the families who are often unable to see their loved ones.

Pray for wise choices as people are getting out and about more. Social distancing is easier outside than inside. Make your gathering small and on a porch or in the shade as much as possible. Wear masks inside or when in closer contact with people. Use soap and water or sanitizer often.

Pray for churches as they begin to make decisions about returning to their sanctuaries for services. May their leadership seek support and decision making advise from people in-the-know.

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 7

Genesis 16:1-18:15
Matthew 6:1-24
Psalm 7:1-17
Proverbs 2:1-5

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

Morgan Dean Easley

July 26, 1992 – May 05, 2020

A native of Kentwood, LA and a resident of Hammond, LA, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at his home. He was born July 26, 1992 in McComb, MS and was 27 years of age. He is survived by parents, Tammy and Sammy Ott and Dean and Vickie Easley; sister, Ashley Easley Simmons and husband Kevin; step brothers, Michael Ott and wife Bonnie, Daniel Ott and wife Stephanie, Christopher and wife Bee, Cody and Travis Shaw; nephews and nieces, Tanner Raborn, Laney, Lynlee, Tyler and Landry Simmons, Grayson and Emma Ott; grandparents, Webster and Bette McGehee and a host of uncles, aunts and cousins who loved him dearly. Preceded in death by grandparents, Clayton and Carolyn Easley; cousins, Travis Easley and Douglas Glass. Pallbearers are Brady Johnson, Logan Johnson, Colton Newman, Jared Travis, Tanner Raborn and Daniel Ott. Services at East Fork Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA will be held privately. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Arrangements for Mrs. Gertie Cutrer Saturday

Private family service
Graveside service at Robertson Cemetery at 12:00

Prayer is powerful. Use if often! No limits to its use!!!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Then I said: “LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,

~Nehemiah 1:5~

Tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer. You are invited to join other Christians across our country from 8-10 P.M. using live-streaming from the Billy Graham Library as we pray that God is glorified by our nation, communities, and homes. You can click on this link to connect.

https://billygraham.org/live/national-day-of-prayer/?utm_source=bgea+05.05.2020&utm_medium=bgemail&utm_campaign=national+day+of+prayer&utm_content=BY205YNDP&SOURCE=BY205YNDP

Of course, praying throughout the day tomorrow is also very important, as is praying any day.

“FOR THE EARTH WILL BE FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF THE LORD AS THE WATERS COVER THE SEA.”
— HABAKKUK 2:14 NIV —

FBC, Kentwood will live-stream prayer meeting tonight at 6 P.M.

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 6

Ruth 2:1-4:22
John 4:43-54
Psalm 105:16-36
Proverbs 14:26-27

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

Some of the members of FBC, Kentwood for you to pray for during this pandemic. I will not try to list all of the people of this age group, but you get the idea. Pray for them as they deal with children out of school and college who are home for parental instruction, businesses that have been closed, parents working from home, extra cooking responsibilities, too much television and computerized games, aging patents, etc.

Frank and Chinero Fowler
Gretchen Simpson
Jason and Larissa Dean
Jody and Laura DeBlanc
Leslie McKenzie
Robert and Jill Brister
Brett and Susan Frazier
Jeff and Deana Simmons
Dan’l and Natalie Johnson
Dwaine and Jana Creel
Scott and Kristi Womack
Robert and Shontell Strickland
Lionel and Michell Estay

Ollie Simmons is doing much better. Thank God for Ollie’s improvement.

Buddy Morris has completed the cycle of radiation. Now, he will resume care at Ochsner. Pray for the family as the await more information today.

Pray for all the families who have been touched by Covid – 19, medical personnel who have helped others fight this problem, families who have been separated due to the virus, etc.

Enjoy the beauty of spring flowers!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

~Psalm 46:1 (KJV)~

Train up a child in the way he should go,

and when he is old he will not depart from it.

~Proverbs 22:6~

If you have children in your circle at home, spend some of the extra time together teaching them/reading and discussing the Bible. It will be a real blessing for you and for them. After reading, pray. Teach them home to make a simple craft journal and how to use it.

Mrs. Gertie Cutrer passed away yesterday morning. I’ll post her obituary when it becomes available.

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 5

Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22
John 4:4-42
Psalm 105:1-15
Proverbs 14:25

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

I don’t know when churches in our area will open their doors for corporate worship again, but it is coming soon. Churches will be adjusting the ways things are done. Pray for church leaders in each church as they determine how to safely worship without the spread of the virus.

Some people will choose to wait a little longer to attend in person. Respect their needs.

Let me know as you learn of churches returning to their regular schedules. I’ll post them here to make others aware of their opportunities.

Anna Lee

Monday

Each of the four living creatures had six wings

and was covered with eyes all around,

even under its wings.

Day and night they never stop saying:

“ ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’

who was, and is, and is to come.”

~Revelation 4:8~

Janice Yarborough sent this for me to share:

Just a note to let you know I have to be at North Oaks in the morning (TODAY) for them to break up this kidney stone I’ve been dealing with. If all goes well I’ll be back home tomorrow afternoon. All thoughts and prayers would greatly be appreciated. God is good!

Sherrill Caraway (Greensburg) is slowly improving, but still has a ways to go. Please keep him in your prayers.

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 4

Judges 19:1-20:48
John 3:22-4:3
Psalm 104:24-35
Proverbs 14:22-23

Baptist Press –http://www.bpnews.net/

Yesterday morning we saw three of our neighbors having Bible study/church in a carport. It was heartwarming!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“If you want better insight and discernment . . .

learn the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting him . . .

He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time.”

~Proverbs 2:3-5, 9 (TLB)~

Get ready for church today. It may come as live-streamed, a drive in, a talk from a kitchen table, or a rocking chair on a front porch. Our local pastors have really been creative. This is a good thing. I’m so glad the doors of the the churches were not locked and pastors all took a look vacation. You can make you decisions now about what service or services you plan to attend.

FBC, Kentwood will livestream at 10:30 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. today.

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 3

Judges 17:1-18:31
John 3:1-21
Psalm 104:1-24
Proverbs 14:20-21

Annie Armstrong Offering for North America missions!

How are the gifts used?

Every dollar given goes to train and resource thousands of missionaries involved in church planting and compassion ministries who share the life-transforming gospel of Jesus Christ across the United States, Canada and their territories.

What is this year’s theme, scripture verse and national goals?

The 2020 theme is “It’s All About the Gospel”. The scripture verse is “For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the scriptures.”(1 Corinthians 15:3-4 CSB). The national goal is $70 million.

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“So be very careful how you live.

Do not live like those who are not wise.

Live wisely.

I mean that you should use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times.

So do not be foolish with your lives.

But learn what the Lord wants you to do.”

~Ephesians 5:15-17 (ICB)~

Today, I’m going to let you make your own prayer list. Take your time and fill in the answers. That’s your prayer guide.

Homebound
Hospitalized
Nursing home patients
People who live alone
People who haven’t received a personal phone call lately
People who haven’t received a “Just Because” card or letter lately
Families of those hospitalized
Families of nursing home patients
Families who are at great distances from older members
Families without any relatives close by
Families with recent deaths
Families where someone has lost a job
Families where food is in short supply
Families where students have to do school work without any supervision
Families without church connections and support
Churches that are unable to get their messages out to their flock
Churches that are making decision about reopening
Churches that are not financially strong
Hospitals that have important decisions to make about treatment
Businesses that have been closed
Families unable to pay bills
People who don’t read their Bible and pray
People who are seeking God
Law enforcement personnel
People who have worked many extra hours for the last couple months
Decisions that are more difficult during this pandemic
Etc.

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 2

Judges 15:1-16:31
John 2:1-25
Psalm 103:1-22
Proverbs 14:17-19

If you are at this point in reading, you have read 33% of the Bible already. Keep going. You’re doing very well.

If you are not up-to-date, read a little extra each day until you catch up. Another option is to read the assignments, but finish a little later. I’m ahead want to stay there. The main point is just to read and learn something new each day. Let God guide your reading.

Baptist Press –http://www.bpnews.net/

Louisiana Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

Have a wonderful day as you pray for others.

Anna Lee

Friday

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

Try to live in such a way that you will never make your brother stumble by letting him see you doing something that he thinks is wrong.”

~Romans 14:12-13 (TLB)~

I have two BIG requests this morning. I think most of you will want to put in extra prayers.

Lisa Zachary Klemm, formerly of Amite, asks for prayers for her dad, Mr. Lester Zachary, of Amite. He has tested positive for Covid – 19, but seems to be doing okay now. Mr. Lester is a resident of Tangi Pines, the nursing home in off Duncan Avenue, in Amite. Please pray for everyone who lives or works there.

From Keith Rhodes, former youth minister at FBC, Kentwood. They live in the Shreveport area. Lori is his precious wife. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=110441203987079&set=a.101837138180819&type=3&eid=ARAGMH84TuO43rziOEgTup_4UMApESgnY6mKjxJZyP1fi4buXDfDMwDxA9fhWYtW6_dNo1nz2ZSbMeyj. This link is to a picture.It’s been a while since many of you have had an update on Lori.As you may, or may not know, Lori was diagnosed with MSA-C (Multiple System Atrophy – Cerebellum) in August after a trip to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. If you don’t know what it is, Google it so you’re up to speed.
This picture was taken at my parent’s 50th anniversary in December. At this point, she was using her walker daily. We would only use a chair when we went out. The disease has progressed since then.

Lori is now in a wheelchair all the time. We are able to move her, with her help, in and out of the chair. Her legs seem to get weaker every day and standing is becoming more of a challenge.

We are fortunate to have a hospital bed for her now. That has really helped her get a better nights sleep. Getting in and out is a challenge, but we are still working together and making that happen.

I noticed that her stridor (Google that one too) seems to have returned when she sleeps. I noticed this about 2 months ago. Three days ago, she was having trouble speaking and became hoarse. We thought it may be allergies, but scheduled an appointment with her ENT just to be safe.

That appointment was yesterday. We learned the reason for the stridor and voice issues. Her right vocal cord is not moving anymore. Her left one in still moving, but not as well as a healthy vocal cord.

Those of you who know Lori know that she loves to talk. She loves to sing. She could not wait to read books to our grandson and sing to him. Not being able to do either has been hard on all of us. But that’s not what upset her the most yesterday. Watching her, what broke her more than anything was the knowledge that saying the words, “I Love You!” is something she won’t be able to say too much longer to everyone.

This has been an emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting week for all of us. But in the midst of the challenges that keep arising, God has been so faithful.

As much as I’d like to be teaching my kids at school, I get to be here to take care of Lori 24/7. It’s a joy to spend every second with my beautiful bride.

Lori always says, “Someone out there has it much worse than we do.” She always finds a way to make our challenges seem small in comparison to everything else going on.

For us, we just take one day at a time.

What can you do? Pray for Lori Lantz Rhodes. Pray that God will continue to strengthen her and ultimately, heal her. Send her a message or text of encouragement. Please don’t call because talking is something she can’t do over the phone.

Right now, while you still can, call someone and say, “I Love You!” Don’t text it or email it. Actually say it to them. Never take that simple gift for granted.

We love each of you and are thankful that you are (or at one point were) in our lives.

Thursday, May 7, is the National Day of Prayer

In 1952, a joint resolution of the United States Congress established a National Day of Prayer. In 1988, President Reagan set that day as the first Thursday in May.

On this day, Americans from all walks of life join together around the country to call out to God for Him to work in and through our country.

Next Thursday, May 7, we ask you to join us for this day of prayer.

The SBC Executive Committee has created a prayer guide for you and your church, to pray for Seven Centers of Influence in America for the National Day of Prayer.

This prayer guide is available for download below. We encourage you to use it and join us in prayer for our nation next week.

(The download for praying is found at https://mcusercontent.com/0822e7574b80f03f1a1737970/files/4592b389-1245-484e-9018-c75607370fd3/2020_National_Day_of_Prayer.v6.pdf.)

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 1

Judges 13:1-14:20
John 1:29-51
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 14:15-16

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

Thank you for joining your prayers to many other prayers.

Anna Lee