If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5

Health Issues

It was great to have Jackie Babin back in church last night. She had surgery early in January and has been at home.

Wanda Smith shared two requests. One is for Jason Lasseigne from Amite, but now living in Baton Rouge. He is the son of of Jon Carl and Lou Hammons. He is facing some serious health problem. Please pray.

 Wanda’s other request is for her grandson, Sean Bruce. He has complicated vision issues.

Gerald Hyde has been placed on hospice care. Please pray for Gerald and his family at this time.

Obituary

Maxine Reese Howell

September 20, 2022 – February 5, 2024

Maxine Reese Howell, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her mama on February 5th, 2024. Maxine, often referred to as Mac Mac, Maxie, and Max, she  was the absolute light and joy of our lives. Max was born on September 20th, 2022 to  the parents Mallie Grice and Jerry Howell Jr. As many know she was born with Zellweger Syndrome, but she never let her diagnoses define her. She loved to sing and “tattletale” any chance she got. Her favorite color was red and she loved watching Bluey. She loved swimming and rocking with anyone who would hold her. She loved shopping at BassPro with her mama and seeing all the fish. Our precious girl can now walk and talk  and we know she ran into the arms of Jesus. She’s more than likely playing fetch and bossing around her puppy pals in heaven. Maxine is survived by her parents, Mallie Grice and Jerry Howell Jr, her maternal grandparents, Allison and Timothy Keating and Carl Wayne and Stephanie Grice, her paternal grandparents, Deonna and Jerry Howell Sr, maternal great grandparents Paul and Delphine Fussell and Jo Ann Grice, paternal great grandparent Donald Hartman, her Aunts Tristan Grice (Justin), Carly Grice, Arizona Whitlock (Robert), Hayley Keating (Tanner), Raylynn Keating, Diamond Perez (Scott), and Angel Howell, her Uncle Leif (Miranda), her cousins Ila and Robert Whitlock and Ryder Perez. The pallbearers will be Tanner Buckley, Leif Grice, Timothy Keating, and Justin Williams. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, February 8, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Matt Gazaway. Interment Mixon Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA. In lieu of flowers, we would like to honor Maxine’s mother with monetary donations to assist her in this time of  need. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Prayer Focus

Pray for the lost in out community. May they all grow to know, love, and serve God.

Read the Bible

• Exodus 21:1 – 22:20
• Psalm 19:1-6
• Proverbs 4:18-19
• Matthew 24:15-35

OCC

We have accomplished a lot of preliminary tasks in the “Shoebox” process. We will meet again in the morning from 9:00-11:30 in the OCC area in the basement. Thanks to the volunteers who have been helping us. You have been great help!

Until tomorrow . . . .

Anna Lee

To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure.

In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.

Titus 1:15

OBITUARIES

Penny Hemphill Perrin

November 25, 1982 – February 5, 2024

A resident of Ponchatoula, LA, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024 at her home. She was born November 25, 1982 in Independence, LA and was 41 years of age. She is survived by her  2 sons, Charles Trey Floyd, III, and Terry Jacob Perrin, III; 1 daughter, Gracie Perrin; fiancé. Joseph Toth; parents, Jeffery Steven Hemphill and Judith Ann Hemphill; sister, Gennie Walzer; niece, Hadley Walzer; and her four legged son, Beaux Duke Toth. Preceded in death by her grandparents, Frank and Ruby Maeline Hemphill and Leo and Genevieve Rose Hutson. Visitation at First Pentacostal Church of Roseland from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Glynis Gale “G.G.” McElveen, Jr.

December 21, 1946 – February 5, 2024

A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024 at his home. He was born December 21, 1946 in Magnolia, MS and was 77 years of age. “G.G.” was the owner and operator of the Roseland Malt Shop for 55 years. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Davis McElveen; 2 daughters, Kacey Leyrer (Greg) and Katie Derbins (Peter); son, Brandon C. McElveen (Ashley); 2 sisters, Carol Jenkins and Pam Alston; grandchildren, Brayden Leyrer, Logan Leyrer, McKay Leyrer, Blythe McElveen, Mason Derbins, and Molly Derbins; great-grandson, Beckham Cole Leyrer. Preceded in death by parents, Glynis & Frances McElveen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leo E. Davis and Ione Davis; 2 brothers-in-law, Gerald Jenkins and John Alston. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Roseland from 12:00 Noon until Memorial Services at 2:00PM on Friday, February 9, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Rick Elder. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Every Day

• February 7. 2024
• Exodus 19:1 – 20:26
• Psalm 18:43 – 50
• Proverbs 4:14-17
• Matthew 224:1-14

OCC Updates

Today, some ladies will be working on preparing folders and items,sorting folders, and filling folders from 9:00 – 11:30 this morning. Ladies, if you are available, join us.

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s pray for the children as many of the boxes have already been distributed. Many of the older children now have special “Sunday school type” classes offered to them and Bibles in their own language. At the end of the series of classes, the children have the opportunity to choose to receive Jesus. Their families have an average of eight other people to also choose Jesus. What an impact the boxes can make!

Tonight at FBC, Kentwood

• Prayer meeting
• Youth class
• Children’s classes
• Nursery

Be an Encourager

Call, write, cook, visit,etc. to encourage someone today. 

Until Tomorrow ….

Anna Lee

Consider the blameless, observe the upright;

a future awaits those who seek peace.

Psalms 37:37

Prayer Focus

Pray for all the families with illnesses and recent deaths. There are many.

You can add the specific names on your prayer list.

Read the Bible

• Exodus 16:21 – 18:27
• Psalm 18:37- 42
• Proverbs 4: 10-13
• Matthew 23: 23-39

Operation Christmas Child

Here it is the first week of February and yesterday three people joined me for working to prepare items for the “Shoeboxes”. That means they have “caught the vision”!

Early Day

We need to be up extra early this morning. I hope you are still sleeping.

Anna Lee

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Read the Bible Today

• February 5, 2024
• Exodus 14:21 – 16:20
• Psalm 18:30-36
• Proverbs 4:7-9
• Matthew 23:1-22

OCC Workdays and Times this Week

We got a good start, but it is always slow at first. Call me if you would like to help this week. I will give you my schedule for three opportunities to join me.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for those who have RSV and are having a hard time getting over it. Be careful not to get sick.

Anna Lee

Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it.

Psalms 34:14

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus on the problems of the area east of the Mediterranean Sea. Pray for the people involved on both sides to seek peace. Pray for those who have been injured and those who has been seriously injured. Pray for the families of those who have lost their lives. Pray for world leaders as they make decisions that affect the whole world.

Operation Christmas Child

David and I have made three shopping trips. to purchase calculators, glue sticks, balloons, etc. Pray for us, and others, as we make decisions about how to use our donations and personal funds. If you plan to make some purchases, please ask for an idea to shop for.

We also worked at the church to do inventory, work with folders, etc. Let me know if you would like to help us. It’s fun to work with others and to get to know them better as we work.

Sunday School

FBC, Kentwood has classes for all men, women, and children. Come find a place to study God’s Word. Today, Adult classes are studying about Abram.

Read the Bible

• February 4
• Exodus 12:37 - 14:20
• Psalm 18:25 – 29
• Proverbs 4:5-6
• Matthew 22: 23-46

ILLNESS

Pray for all those who are sick and who have undergone medical testing.

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Proverbs 3:5

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for the differences between our country and other countries. May we all learn to be at peace with one another. May we all learn to care for our own people and for all all people. May people of every nation learn of the love of God.

Also, please pray for those who are ill, their caregivers. and family members.

Sunday School

The lesson for Sunday is about Abram and can be found in Genesis 12 and 13. The more I research and study, the more I learn. We can never be satisfied with our Biblical knowledge.

Read the Bible Today

• February 3
• Exodus 10:21 – 12:36
• Psalm 18: 20-24
• Proverbs 4: 3-4
• Matthew 22: 1-22

Thank-you for “tuning in” today!

Anna Lee

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:9

Read the Bible Every Day

• February 2
• Exodus 9:1 – 10:20
• Psalm 18: 13 – 19
• Proverbs 4:1 -2
• Matthew 21: 28 – 46

Illness

• Coach Shaw – Hospitalized
• Jackie Babin – Improving after a setback
• Dorothy Wall – Slowly improving
• Mildred Birch – Fell again yesterday

Obituary

Thomas “Tom” Floyd Shaw

March 24, 1959 – January 30, 2024

A resident of Robert, LA, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2024 at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington, LA. He was born March 24, 1959 in Napoleonville, LA and was 64 years of age. Tom spent most of his life in sales management in the travel industry. He recently retired and opened Coach’s Fencing. He was an avid outdoorsman, an animal lover, loved LSU and supported SLU Alumni and many local athletic teams that were Coach Shaw’s legacies. He is survived by his spouse, Kim Skipper; father, Elton “Coach” Shaw; 2 brothers, Ronald Elton Shaw and wife, Donna, and Mark Clay Shaw; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his mother, Jewell Maxine Shaw; and brother, Lance Milton Shaw; grandparents, Floyd “Slim” and Alma Fowler and Henry Clay and Hazel Shaw. A celebration of Tom’s life will be announced at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Operation Christmas Child

We had a successful Cutting Party Wednesday and have now scheduled another one of the 21st of this month. If you are available to cut some fabric to be used to make totes, feel free to join us. You don’t have to be a seamstress to mark and cut. We will meet in the fellowship hall that morning at 9:00 and stop about noon.

International Missions

We, as Southern Baptists, have about 5,000 missionaries serving in different ways all around the world. The Lottie Moon Offering supports them and their projects with many lost people. When you give, you can be confident that 100% of your gift will be used for that purpose. 

Until Tomorrow …

Anna Lee

Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”

Psalms 3:2

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for children who do not have the opportunity to attend church and participate in all the activities for children there. It is very important for children to learn about Jesus!

Read the Bible Every Day

• February 1
• Exodus 7:1 – 8:32
• Psalm 18:7-12
• Proverbs 3:33 – 35
• Matthew 21:12-27

Obituaries

James Emmett Watson

July 14, 1933 – January 29, 2024

James Emmett Watson, 90, of Kentwood, Louisiana passed away Monday, January 29, 2024, at his residence. He was born Friday, July 14, 1933, in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm and on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, at New Zion Baptist Church in Kentwood, Louisiana. Masonic rights will be given on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 10:30 am, at New Zion Bptist Church, followed by the Funeral services at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery in Kentwood, Louisiana. Rev. Larry Blades will officiate. Special music will be provided by Terry Miller, Mary Faye Williams, and Kim Chadwick. 

Emmett served his nation faithfully as a member of the United States Army. After his years of military service, he always had a job that he was devoted to. He worked in and owned his own slaughterhouse for 30 years, and then bailed hay for many devoted customers for 29 years. No matter what it was, Emmett took great pride in what he did. Everyone knew him as a hardworking, God fearing man, who was honest to the core. Family was of great importance in his life. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and his daughters will always remember him as the first man they ever loved. His loving impact even reached cousins, nephews, and many friends that simply referred to him as “Unc.”

He was preceded in death by his Wife of 47 years, Johnise Pittman Watson; his Parents, Julius & Alma Brumfield Watson; two Brothers, Steward Watson, Donald Duncan; three Sisters, Agnes Hunt, Betty Russell, Nell Williams; one Son-in-law, Chip Bond; and one Step-Son-in-law, Melvin Battles.

He is survived by his Wife, Mary Estelle Warren Watson, of Kentwood, LA; three Daughters, Alma Harrison (Joe), Yolanda Carter (Billy), Lee Ann Bond; one Step-son, Kyle Warren (Tanya); two Step-daughters, Kristi Battles, Karole Traylor (Mark); six Grandchildren, Natasha Caillet (Rob), Eva Galloway (Neil), Katelyn Fielder (Lee), Will Carter (Amanda), Blake Carter (Courtney), Jayla Watson; ten Step-Grandchildren, Khodi Sparks, Marrah Ransbottom (Jeff), Autumn Myers, Nathan Battles, John Traylor (Ashley), Zachary Traylor (Cristan), Ashley Bitters (Ryan), Brady Warren, Kylee Hronis (Chase), Alec Sparks; seven Great Grandchildren, Ethan Hunt, Devon Spencer, Beau Fielder, Rory Fielder, Bentley Carter, Kylie Carter, Adli Carter; and four Step-Great Grandchildren, Kasen Ransbottom, Ryleigh Ransbottom, Presley Ransbottom, Charles Traylor.

Pallbearers will be Mike Holton, Blake Carter, Devon Spencer, Ricky Holton, Will Carter, and Kyle Warren. Honorary pallbearers will be Harlon Tony, Chuck Coburn, and Don Carter. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to New Zion Baptist Church, 3841 LA-38, Kentwood, Louisiana 70444, or to Pine Ridge Cemetery, 3893 LA-440, Kentwood, Louisiana 70444.

Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit is in charge of arrangements. Friends can sign an online guest register book at http://www.sharkeyfuneralhome.com

Tommy Shaw

No obituary yet.

Missions: Operation Christmas Child

Yesterday, we had a good group of ladies who worked steadily to mark, cut, and fold fabric that will be made into totes. A group will sew the totes and then, one lady inserts the cording for the ties. This process works well and helps to give several people the opportunity to work on each tote. Thank-you, ladies!

Thank-you for reading! ”See” you tomorrow.

Anna Lee

Cutting Party at FBC @ 9 A.M.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY – Ladies’ Day

Jackie Babin – healing from surgery and hoping to be at church soon

Dorothy Wall – Dealing with respiratory issues

Thank God for all those who have recovered from respiratory problems and are healthy again.

OBITUARIES

Reggie Lynn Bennett

July 1, 1952 – January 29, 2024

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7. Reggie Lynn Bennett was born July 1, 1952 in Independence, LA to Charlie Edward and Charleen Bennett. Reggie met his heavenly Father on Monday, January 29, 2024 after a long battle with the cruel disease of Alzheimers. Reggie was married for over 51 years and truly devoted to, Rose Langlois Bennett, the love of his life that he fondly referred to as “Miss Rose.” First in his life was his love for God. Reggie leaves behind many family members and friends and he loved them all dearly. He was member of Oak Grove Church of Christ, Independence, LA and also attended Pine Grove Church, Independence, LA for many years. Reggie played the Guitar and sang gospel music in nursing homes all over the parish since a teenager. He and his Dad and friends started a band, The Sunshine Gospel Band. Many, many thanks the Anzalone Family. Reggie was employed with Anzalone Construction for 44 years. We were family not employees. Love you all dearly from the bottom of my heart Frank, Rosetta, Frank Jr., Kim and Samuel. I also want the thank Debi Fleming, Executive Director of the Tangipahoa Voluntary Council on Aging, and all the employees. Reggie was allowed to be at the office with me in the last few years and everyone was so loving and helping in taking care of Reggie at the office. I love you all. Thanks to all our friends and neighbors, many church members for all the food and support whenever I needed it, especially Brother Dale Ziebarth and Karen and children. I love you dearly. Also thanks to my best friends, David and Terry Fauntleroy and Otto and Bea Passman. Many Thanks to Modern Home Health and Hospice who did a great job including Karol McKean, Kayleigh, Lauren, Gwen, Kylin, and Lyndy. Please forgive me in not naming everyone by name, you all know who you are and I thank you all and please forgive me and pray for me. May God bless you, I love you all.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Tangipahoa Voluntary Council on Aging, 106 North Bay Street, Amite City, LA 70422. Visitation at Oak Grove Church of Christ, Independence, from 10:00AM until memorial services at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, February 3, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Dale Ziebarth. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

Glenda Lynn Holden Cox

July 27, 1965 – January 30, 2024

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at The Butterfly Wing in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born July 27, 1965 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 58 years of age. She is survived by her  loving husband of 25 years Ronald Troy Cox; 4 daughters, Tammy Landers and husband Steve, Theresa Roberts, Tonya Phillips and husband Rev. Brandon, Tabitha Roberts and Zachary Netherland; 3 step-daughters Christina, Victoria, and Ashley; One son, Ronnie Polezcek Jr. and wife Kailye; son-in-law, David Lambert Jr.; her furry faithful companion Midnight; sisters Linda Smith, Brenda Arnone, Sabrina Polezcek, Cindy Callais, Viola Callais, Mary Theoux, Lea Holden, Carolyn Holden, and her angel Margaret Thompson; she had one stepbrother, Billy Brabham;  She had 16 grandchildren who was her heartbeat Devan Roberts, Zachary Lambert, Brooke Lambert, Madelynn Lambert, Destinee Gray, Ethan Landers, Nevaeh Landers, Ridge Landers, Hannah Phillips, Brantley Phillips, Damyn Cutrer, Kayle Cutrer, Abriane Varnado, Alayna Polezcek, Bowen Polezcek;  4 great-grandchildren, Xaine Helton, Kainen Helton, Emberlynn Cutrer and Destyn Cutrer. Preceded in death by her parents, DeWitt Holden and Mae Callais; step-mother, Elaine Simmons Holden, sister Flora Mae Breshear; grandson Koen Landers; father-in-law, Ronald Cox.  Glenda had a love for fishing and  spent a lot of her time by the water with her family. A private Memorial Service will be scheduled for a later date.  McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of Arrangements. 

Operation Christmas Child

1. Cutting (of totes) this morning at 9:00 in Fellowship Hall. Sewing will be done later.
2. Working on inventory – Let me know if you have a morning or afternoon to count.

Read the Bible Every Day of 2024

• January 31
• Exodus 5:1 – 6:30
• Psalm 18:1-6
• Proverbs 3: 29-32
• Matthew 20:20 – 21:11

Don’t complain. Look at people all around who would be thankful to be in your place. 

Focus on others. What can you do for someone else today?

Anna Lee

“The LORD is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

Exodus 15:2

Read the Bible Every Day of 2024

• Exodus 3: 1 – 4:31
• Psalm 17:13-15
• Proverbs 3: 27 – 28
• Matthew 19: 23 – 20:19

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus on the children who do not attend Sunday School, VBS, weekly classes, choir practices for special children’s programs, etc. They are missing so much. It is our responsibility to encourage the children and the parents. Usually, once a child attend VBS, they want to attend other activities. Let’s remember to invite families with young children to get involved at church.

Once we have prayed for the children for a while, God will place the next step on our hearts. Pray with expectation.

OCC Cutting Party

We have the location, instructor, and even beautiful fabric. We need ladies to do the task. Please. come help us cut some beautiful fabric so other ladies can sew the totes. That will be the next. step in preparing totes for every child who receives one of our “Shoeboxes”. Ladies, we hope to see you tomorrow at 9 A.M. in the fellowship hall. If you have sewing shears, a cutting board, etc. please bring them.

Sunday School (9:15 on Sunday mornings)

The lesson last week was certainly interesting. I learned new facts. The deeper you study, the more you will learn. I love the discussion in my class as different ladies ask questions and share information.

Our lesson this week will introduce us to Abram, later named Abraham. It is from Genesis 12-13. Come be a part of studying about Abram from the beginning. We’ll soon be talking about “Father Abraham”.

Prayer List

Use your prayer list for praying today. That way, you will have the names of your family members, your neighbors, your friends, and your church people. The key is for each of us to pray for those on our prayer list. You don’t have to write a lot about each person. Of course, it is always fine to write a sentence or two about some people. Do what works the best for you to help you remember to pray.

It is okay to pray for church services, special events, and families you meet while you are shopping. Just choose some people and begin praying.

Please pray for our world. If everyone carried Jesus in their heart, I think we would not hear talk of war. In the meantime, pray for peace to be on the hearts of everyone.

You can make a big difference!

Anna Lee