Gerald Griffith passed away about 1 A.M.
Please pray for all those who know him through church, work, etc. He meant so much to his family, church, the fire department, and the community in general.
He and his skills will be greatly missed.
Author: Anna Lee
FRIDAY
Daily Bible Reading
- March 21
- Hebrews 11-13
Prayer Focus
As we approach one week following the storm, let’s pray for the hearts of those most touched by the tornadoes.
Prayer List
Dorothy Wall has been moved from North Oaks to Hood Memorial where she will have physical therapy.
Gerald Griffith continues to need our prayers. As you pray for him, please also pray for his family and his many work and church friends.
Baptist Press
Sunday School Lesson for Sunday
- “Our Witness”
- I Peter 2:11-17 and 21-25
- If you do not have a book, read the Scripture and study any additional resource you have available.
Annie Armstrong Offering for North America
- You may think there are plenty of churches and preachers in our country, but you don’t understand all the needs we still have.
- Think about it. How many family members, friends, and neighbors do you have who are not interested in a heavenly home for eternity?
- I don’t know how much has been given locally, but I do know more can always be used.
- If you can name at least one person who needs Jesus, give and then, give some more.
Operation Christmas Child
“God saved me and I became a Christian through The Greatest Journey. I shared what I learned with my best friend, Dulguun, and the next day he came to church with me. Today, Dulguun is following Christ, too!”
–Munkhbold, 11, Mongolia
When we pay shipping chargers on the filled boxes, the fee also covers the price of this literature.
So far, 46+ million children have had the opportunity to learn about Jesus through this literature. The literature is printed in the language of the country where each child lives. I think the literature is priceless.
Please take a few minutes to look over this site to learn what I am referring to and to see some pictures, watch some video, and learn more about shoeboxes.
“The Greatest Journey”
I am always available to tell you more, to talk to a group, or to show a packed shoebox.
Have a great Friday!
Anna Lee
THURSDAY
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s prayer for our friends who are homebound. Many people find themselves in a condition where they cannot get out. At the same time, they do not have friends or family members who stop by and visit a few minutes. Homebound folks sometimes feel so alone. As you pray for them, God may lead you to connect with them. How blessed they will be! How blessed you will. be!
Daily Bible Reading
- March 20
- Hebrews 7-12
Hospital
Please continue to pray for Geral Griffith (Covington) and for Dorothy Wall (Hammond). Add others you are aware of.
Rehab
Please continue to pray for David Sellers and others you are aware of.
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
This offering provides for missions in North America, including the United States. It includes helping churches get started, missionaries working in large parks, homeless on the streets of many of our larger cities, Vacation Bible Schools where there are none, etc. Mark your church envelope Annie Armstrong and help those who are working with the lost across our country.
Disaster Relief
Pray for safety of those who are working to help in the clean up following the tornados that hit East Fork, Tylertown, and all the other places. Help is coming from neighbors, local businesses, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief, and others.
If you find yourself with the opportunity to help in any way, please do so. You will help others and receive a great blessing.
Operation Christmas Child
You can place your donations in the green tote in the hallway downstairs under the sanctuary. Thank-you for your help as we prepare to ship 450 shoeboxes to boys around the world who will be blessed with the contents of the boxes AND A BIBLE AND LITERATURE THAT WILL HELP THEM LEARN ABOUT JESUS. Shoeboxes also influence sibling, parents, grandparents, and other family members and acquaintances.
Encouragement
Please find some time today to encourage someone with words, food, appropriate gifts, Christian literature, and your time. As you encourage and bless others, you will receive a blessing too.
Anna Lee
WEDNESDAY
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s continue to pray for those whose homes were damaged by the tornado Saturday in the East Fork community. You probably know someone with a need because of the storm. What an opportunity to help others!
Daily Bible Reading
- March 19
- Hebrews 1-6
Prayer Meeting
At FBC, Kentwood, we meet at 6 P.M. and have a nursery, a kids group, a youth group, and and adult group. That’s a place for everyone! There’s always room for one more!
Obituaries
Margaret Ann Webb Lee
December 4, 1942 – March 17, 2025
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025 at her home. She was born December 4, 1942 in Clinton, LA and was 82 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Bennie Ray Lee; daughter, Carmen Varnado and husband, Jimmy; son, Todd Lee and wife, Rhonda; daughter-in-law, Melissa Lee; 10 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her son, Eric Lee; parents, J. K. Webb and Neva Bryant Webb; and a sister, Virginia Brabham. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Scott Spinks and Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Wales Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Pallbearers will be Tyler Varnado, Corey Varnado, Benji Varnado, Colton Lee, Austin Lee, Brady Lee, and Ross Lee. Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Maddox, John Antoon, Aiden Varnado, Chris Holland, Shelley Swartz, and Timmy Glass. A special thank you to Jennifer Hasty for always being there for us and Mom and thanks to Modern Hospice. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Wilburn Douglas Newcomb,Jr.
January 17, 1942 – March 15, 2025
Known to many as Dee, Wilburn Douglas Newcomb Jr. joined his beloved wife of 46 years, Carolyn Sue Newcomb, in everlasting glory on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the age of 83. Despite the historic storms brewing outside, he spent his final moments in the comfort and peace of his home with his family and his three-legged dog Shadow. Dee was a retired union boilermaker who loved fishing, gardening, motorcycles, cooking and spending time in his shop. He was deeply loved for the time he gave to his friends and family.
In a busy world, Dee Newcomb made time for laughing, sharing stories and helping others in every way he could. This may have meant sharing a meal, making silly jokes, fixing your vehicle or prepping a plot for spring planting. If he wasn’t on the road, then you could find him on his back porch swing…. truly appreciating his days on Earth and the people he was given to love.
He is survived by an abundance of family who lovingly called him “Daddy Dee” or “DaDee”: daughters Alice McFarlain (Adam) and Meg Stephens, sons Mark O’Hern (April) and John Bascom (Paula), grandchildren Amanda (Timmy), Megan (Pierce), Katrina (Neil) and Hannah, Sasha, Ariana, Chance, Warren and Claire, Ruston, Michaela (Fredrick), Madeline, his namesake Matthew Douglas, MaKenna and Rae Anne, John (Lacie) and Raven, Krista and Courtney (Alex).
Many great-grandchildren were blessed to know him: Morgan, Jadyn, Brantley, Halle, Stephen, Jocelyn, Kollin, Gabriel, Mason, Zoe, Theodore and his wife’s namesake Elizabeth Carolyn, Eli, Bascom, Riley and Heaslett. He leaves behind his siblings Harvey Gene Newcomb (Francis), William Mason Newcomb Sr. (Brenda), Jerry Wayne Newcomb Sr. (Dottie), Melissa Carol McKinney Farr (Robert) and Charlie Everett McKinney (Carla), along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Dee was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Sue “Suema” Newcomb, son John Joseph O’Hern III, grandchild Angel Alexander Rodriguez and great-grandchild Evelyn Rose Parsons, son-in-law Jeff Pittman, as well as his parents, Wilburn Douglas Newcomb and Nora Lee Cooksey Wilkerson, his sisters Wilma Lee Newcomb Wilkerson, Shirley Jean Newcomb Brown and Valerie Jo King Meyerding, and his brother Wade Lamar Newcomb Sr.
A Celebration of Life, filled with family, friends, food and music, will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dee’s honor to his grandson Chance in support of his transplant journey at https://gofund.me/39a3f968. Donations for Chance can also be made in Alice McFarlain’s name at Hancock Whitney bank. The family warmly asks those who knew and loved Dee Newcomb to do one small act of kindness in his memory each day, because he found great happiness in helping others. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Baptist Press
I liked the story about kids riding their bikes for missions in GA.
Thankfulness
Today, I am so thankful no lives were lost because of the tornado. Thank God for families in that area where the lives of all the people were spared. Let’s be specific. As you pray, mention some people by name today.
Anna Lee
Tuesday
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus our prayers on all the families across a large agea of our countryside that have been touched by the recent tornadoes. That includes a number of local families! Pray for the families you know of and for the families of those you do not know. It also includes some families from FBC. Say prayers for all of them, please.
Prayer List
Please add Linda Callihan’s name to your list. She was in North Oaks when we talked yesterday mornning.
Obituary
Joe Allen Easley
January 23, 1947 – March 16, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved father, Joe Allen Easley, who passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025 at 2:00AM, at the age of 78, in his home in Kentwood, LA. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, our dad served his country with honor and courage in The Vietnam War. After being wounded twice, he was discharged with a purple heart. Not only was our Dad a soldier, but he was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He loved his God, family, church and community. As a member of New Zion Baptist Church, his heart for service was unmeasurable, giving freely of himself wherever he saw a need without hesitation. He was our rock, our compass, our “I’ll take care of everything” Dad. Our lives will forever change and he will forever be missed. We know we are not alone for the countless lives our father touched grieve along with us. He is survived by his wife, Dianne Easley; daughters, Jody Denise Easley and Stacy Easley Cassel; sons, Buddy Lynn Easley and Joe Allen Easley, II; grandchildren, Trenton Scott Bailey, Thomas Trey Bailey, Matthew Blake Easley Bridges, Drew Allen Davidson, Ethan Michael Cassel, Isabella Rose Fisher, Carter Douglas Easley, Kenadie Marie Easley, and Kade Allen Easley; great-grandchildren, Taylor Elizabeth Bailey, Taylon Thomas Bailey, Addison Grace Bailey, Cruze Anthony Maddox, Madelyn Rhea Bridges, Blakely Katherine Bridges, Thomas David Bailey, and Lucus Aiden Cassel. Preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Clark Easley; father, Walter Buddy Easley; mother, Jewel Allen Easley; sisters, Donna Lynn Bracy and Carolyn Geter Troquille. Pallbearers are Trenton Bailey, Trey Bailey, Matthew Bridges, Drew Davidson, Ethan Cassel, and Kade Easley. Honorary Pallbearers are Al Travis, John Troquille, Larry Dale Allen, and Mike Guy. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 8:30AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Larry Blades. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Special thanks to Uncle John for always being there when we need him and Cousin Al for his love and support during this time. Al has said plenty times, “Joe is the best man I’ve ever known.” In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Zion Baptist Church or your favorite charity. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Joe was a wonderful Christian and a friend to many. We are so thankful for having the opportunity to know him.
Visits
David and I enjoy making visits to the home of those who are sick, grieving, etc. Today, we had some of those opportunities. The people we visited “made our day”.
Daily Bible Reading
- March 18
- Titus – Philemon
Baptist Press
Thanks to those who prepared and/or purchased spaghetti dinners Sunday. You helped to “send a youth to camp” next summer.
Anna Lee
MONDAY
Prayer Focus:
Let’s pray for those who had damage from the tornadoes locally and across the South. At this time, authorities say the death total is 35. None of those are Kentwood.
While we are focused on the tornado, others in our country are focussed on fires, dust storms, etc. There are many victims to be prayed for. Thankfully, God is able to help those who have all these needs at the same time. What a mighty, loving, and caring God!
Daily Bible Reading
- Monday, March 17
- II Timothy 1-4
Other Prayer Needs
- Alcyon Hayden – emergency surgery recovery
- Connie Labarbara – Amite
- Family of Joe Easley – New Zion area, No obituary at this time
- Rachel Buckley – recovery from surgery
- Toni Holland – recovery from surgery
- Ferrie Gene Blackmon – recent falls
- Gerald Griffith – St. Tammany Hospital
- Victims of tornadoes
- Residents of nursing homes
- Homebound folks
- Kenneth and Yvonne Birch were able to be back at church following their recent accident. Please continue to pray for them.
Baptist Press
Tornadoes, wildfires, blinding dust sweep across U.S. as massive storm leaves at least 35 dead
Chuck Kelley details journey of grief during return to NOBTS
Fifth Sunday Singing
In two weeks, we will have a singing at FBC. It will involve people from several churches. The 5:00 P.M. gathering will end with a time of fellowship and refreshments. Everyone is invited to attend.
Today, as you think about how busy life is and the needs around us, keep praying. God hears and can meet all of of out requests.
Anna Lee
SUNDAY
Prayer Focus
Today, on this Lord’s Day, let’s pray for people to receive Jesus into their hearts. If they are already saved, let’s pray for a fresh awakening of their lives through Jesus.
Daily Bible Reading
- March 16
- I Timothy 1-6
Prayer Guide
Use your prayer list or one from your church as a guide as you prayer today.
Thankfulness
Let’s thank God for protection during the storm yesterday. As the storm has moved eastward, I think of all the people of our country who did not lose their lives and did not have an serious destruction. Let’s continue to pray for our people as the storm moves on.
God’s House
I trust you will find your way to a House of the Lord today when you can study God’s Word.
‘To Know Him Better’ (Ep. 1:17)
Thanks for praying today.
Anna Lee
SATURDAY
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for the storm headed in our direction today to move through without any major damage and for all people to be careful and safe.
Daily Bible Reading
- March 15
- II Thessalonians 1-3
Baptist Message
https://www.baptistmessage.com/
Sunday School Lesson
I Peter 2:1-10
I hope you have a desire to attend church tomorrow and are able to do so.
Even if you do not attend church tomorrow, you can read and study these verses.
Personal Prayer List
Take time today to look back. over your prayer list and to make updates so you can focus your prayers on current needs.
Day of Preparation
Today is the day to make preparations so you will be able to attend church tomorrow.
Closing Thoughts
‘Signed, Sealed, and
Delivered’ (Ep. 1:13-14)
Quote by Elizabeth Barrett Browning:
“God’s gifts put man’s
best dreams to shame.”
Thanks for Checking in Today
Anna Lee
Friday
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus on Jesus: Learning more and/or sharing more.
Daily Bible Reading
Today, we will be reading another one of the short books of the Bible.
- March 14th
- I Thessalonians 1-5
Sunday School Lesson
I Peter 2:1-10
(Reading chapter one first may be helpful.)
Baptist Press
Today we have some “hard to believe” stories and some “I don’t want to believe “stories”. Learn something and enjoy some new information. You may want to pass on a story or the link to a friend or relative.
That’s Three Ways to Learn More. Now, Sharing More!
- Tell a friend about our Bible reading plan.
- Share the Baptist Press Link
- Pass on this link to someone.
- Tell someone how to watch FBC services on Facebook.
- Help a friend study the S.S. passage and attend a class with you.
- Invite someone to attend church with you.
- Tell someone how much your faith means to you.
Prayer List – Homebound
- Andy and Betty Taylor
- Bobby and Betty Simpson
- Bobbie Maghee
- Mary Varnado
- Bobby Raborn (Yvonne Birch’s brother)
- Add others located near you or related to you.
Weather We are Facing Saturday
Pray the weather doesn’t get as bad as expected and people prepare for and try to avoid being out in the weather. Help others as you can before the weather arrives and then stay inside.
You are Appreciated
Thank-you for reading and learning with me each day.
Anna Lee
THURSDAY
This Verse of the Day is for Rachel and Toni who are having neck surgeries today.
Daily Bible Reading
Colossians 1-4
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for Joe Easley and his family.
Thankfulness
Today, let’s count some of our blessings. Let’s begin with our family members and friends who are going to heaven.
Baptist Press
OCC Shopping List
- Solar calculators
- Small cars
- Pages of Stickers
- Crayons
Thanks to those who are helping us gather the items we will be putting in the Shoeboxes later in the year. This list changes as we are able to meet our needs for various items. You can leave your items in and around the green tote in the hallway in the basement area beneath the sanctuary. We certainly appreciate your help to prepare for packing 450 shoeboxes.
Thanks to my faithful doner from Hammond. You know who you are! We used your recent check to purchase coloring books.
Sunday School Lesson
Many of the adult classes, including mine, are studying I Peter, chapters 1 & 2. If you do not have the literature being used, study these two chapters.
Anna Lee
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