Thursday

“Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights.

No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.”

~Job 2:13 (NLT)~

Sometimes, the greatest comfort is simply sitting with a person. No words are necessary!

Please pray for Beverly Estevan. This is a prayer request I received:

Urgent prayer request from Greg for Beverly. He said she is very low, still in ICU, family is there

Jan Hammons’ dad:

Harold Joseph Ard

May 7, 1930 – September 27, 2020
Loranger, Louisiana

Harold Joseph Ard, age 90 of Loranger, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2020 at Oak Park Village in Hammond. He was born on May 7, 1930, and lived a very active life until about four months ago when illness set in. He was a farmer and a truck driver who loved horses and loved being outdoors. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Independence. He loved reading his Bible and talking about the Lord.

He is survived by his children, Jonathan (Susan) Ard of Chico, California, Janet A. Hammons of Chesbrough, Randolph Ard of Loranger, Johanna A. Austin of Oakvale, Mississippi, and Jared Ard of Loranger. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Delores A. and Emmett Smith of Baton Rouge; his companion of 20 years, Shirley Hingle of Franklinton; his grandchildren, Amanda, Sarah, Patrick, David, Randy, Christina, Caitlin, Jacob, Jared, Troy, and Zack – as well as many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby P. Ard; parents, Ivy and Iva Ard; brother, Alfred Ard; sister, Oneida Ard; sons-in-law, Pete Hammons and Kenny Austin; and niece and great nephew, Carolyn and Corey Saragusa.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 3, 2020 at First Baptist Church of Independence, 548 W 5th St, Independence, Louisiana 70443 from 10:30 am until 1:00 pm with services immediately following.

The Funeral Service will be conducted by Brother Mitch Williams. Immediately following the service, the family requests that everyone join them in the fellowship hall of the church for a Celebration of Life which will include a meal and time to honor Harold’s 90 years.

Burial will follow at Loranger Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Randy Ard II, Zack Fiscus-Ard, David Hammons, Jacob Austin, Brad Smith, Jim Kennedy, Delton Ard, Clayton Garza, and Dennis Schilling. The family would like to thank the attendants at Oak Park Village for their kind care during their dad’s illness.

Face masks are now mandatory to attend any visitation or service.

An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 1

Isaiah 62:6-65:25
Philippians 2:19-3:3
Psalm 73:1-28
Proverbs 24:13-14

The link to the recorded version is: https://oneyearbibleonline.com/nltaudio/?nltdt=1001

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

The prayer meeting service for FBC, Kentwood will be posted on FB and YouTube this morning. Last night, the live service was of the See You at the Pole youth service. The group seemed to be composed of youth and youth leaders from Spring Creek, Amite, and Kentwood. I enjoyed the message presented by Eric Latham of Spring Creek. If you missed it check our the page for Kentwood First Baptist Church.

It’s not too late to contribute to the offering for mission work in Louisiana, the Georgia Barnette Offering. Contact the church office to participate.

Today, our prayer focus for Operation Christmas child is on those who will travel overseas and personally hand out boxes to pastors and churches around the world. Pray for each person who goes and for each “shoebox” that is sent.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.

This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”

~Ephesians 1:4-5 (NLT)~

Please continue to pray for Barbara Daniels Yerby. Yesterday, she was given a treatment to help clear/heal her lungs and had no complications. Then, she was sent home to rest and let the treatment work.. Your prayers will be appreciated by Barbara and her family.

Leone (Rogers) Reynolds 1925 – 2020

(Mother of my friend. the Louisiana Baptist WMU Director, Janie Wise)

Funeral services for Leone Reynolds, 95, of Portales, will be 10:00 AM, Wed.nesday, September 23, 2020, at the University Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Smith officiating, assisted by Timothy Smith. Burial will follow in the Portales Cemetery with Glen McAfee, Gene Bundy, Tommy Kent, Don Keneipp, David Moon, Mike Madden, John King and Lance Hill serving as pallbearers. All her many friends will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home, P O Box 629, Portales, NM 88130 or to the Gideon’s International. The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 PM.
Leone Reynolds was born July 31, 1925, in Dickens County, TX to the home of Nona Leone (Battle) and Riley Elmer Rogers, and died September 19, 2020, in Albuquerque. Mrs. Reynolds grew up in Dickens County, and graduated from Patton Springs High School in 1941. On September 9, 1941 at the Dickens County Courthouse she was married to George Reynolds, who was on leave from the Army. They moved to El Paso, and while living there, Leone worked at Mountain Bell Telephone. When he was sent overseas, Leone joined her family who were living in Dora, NM. When he returned from his duty, she rejoined him in El Paso. Upon his discharge, they came to Roosevelt County and farmed south of Portales. For the first few years she was a stay at home mom. Eventually she went to work in the school cafeterias, first at Lindsey Elementary, and later later at L. L. Brown. Eventually, she went back to work for Mountain Bell, where she worked until the Portales office closed. Her last place of employment was at the University Library where she was a Special Collections Librarian until her retirement in 1989. Even after retiring, she returned as a volunteer for several more years.
Leone was a very active member of the University Baptist Church where she taught nearly every age group at one time or another, teaching Sunday School classes, as well as Vacation Bible School. She was very active in mission work, and was a faithful member of the Gideons Auxiliary. Leone enjoyed gardening, but her main interest was always in helping others, especially in their Christian walk.
She is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Faith Gaudern of Albuquerque, Janie and Roger Wise of Alexandria, LA and Alica and Tom Norvell of Sacrameno, CA; six grandchildren, Robert Lee Gaudern, Christopher Allen (Loretta) Gaudern, Tommy (Dawn) Norvell, Carey Norvell, Arledge (Michael) Smith and Anna (Jason) Suter; and 19 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Riley, Marvin, Jimmy and Dale Rogers; four sisters, Clema Phillips, Avis Lewis, Ina Littlefield and Betty Rowland; a son-in-law, Eugene Gaudern; a grandson, Daron Gaudern; and by her husband, George Reynolds, who died December 24, 2010, after more than 69 years of marriage.

Yesterday, David and I painted some of the shoebox lids so each child receives a message and sees a picture every time they open their box. David also put the boxes together and stacked them until we pack next month.

Today, let’s pray for all the girls, 10-14 years old, who will receive “shoeboxes” this year. As you pray for them, also pray for the families. May they learn about Jesus and invite Him into their hears.

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 23

Isaiah 41:17-43:13
Ephesians 2:1-22
Psalm 67:1-7
Proverbs 23:29-35

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

Today is a good day to call someone you have not seen lately, just to check on them.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

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

Monday

Submit yourselves, then, to God.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you

~James 4:7~

Today, the truck from the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home will visit FBC, Kentwood to pick up your donations. THANK-YOU for being so generous again this year!

Please pray for my former classmate, Barbara Daniels Yerby, who was hospitalized yesterday for pneumonia and low oxygen levels. She has been trying to overcome Covid-19 for a couple of weeks. You prayer will be greatly appreciated by Barbara, her family, and her many friends.

Julius Ladell Birch

October 03, 1937 – September 19, 2020

Julius Ladell Birch, a life-long resident of Kentwood departed for his heavenly home on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at his residence in St. Helena Parish at 82 years of age. Ladell graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, he began his state employment career with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and retired from Louisiana Facility Planning and Control. He then continued his career as an Engineer Consultant on many state projects, his last being an Oversight Consultant on behalf of the Judges on the new courthouse in Downtown Baton Rouge. He was 72 years of age when he “deemed” himself unemployed. He continued to work just as diligently on his cattle farm until his death. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Nancy Gray Birch; his three daughters, Julia Birch Travis, Michelle Birch Fitzgerald and husband, Justin, and Resa Birch; seven grandchildren, Jansen Fitz and husband, Cragg, Garrett Fitzgerald and wife, Rachel, Brennan Lee and husband, Ethan, Sutton Travis and wife, Stephanie, Cullyn Breeland and husband, Andrew, Joshua Delee and wife, Madison, and Allie Delle; 12 great-grandchildren, Kenlea Wilkinson, Case and Kit Lee, Lola, Lyla, and Stoney Fitzgerald, Wes and Lennon Fitz, Sadie, Sage, Slade, and Sophia Travis; one brother, Kenneth Birch and wife, Yvonne. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mabel Birch; brothers, Roy, Dewey, and Gerald “Buddy” Birch; and sisters, Maude Henderson, Lena Barnett, Jeanne Krebs, Joyce Watson, and Shirley Frazier. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, 3841 Hwy 38, Kentwood, LA, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. Services conducted by Rev. Gibbie McMillan. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers will be Garrett Fitzgerald, Sutton Travis, Joshua Delee, Jeff Birch, Baxter Birch, Kyle Birch, Jerry Watson and Barry Birch. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 21

Isaiah 37:1-38:22
Galatians 6:1-18
Psalm 65:1-13
Proverbs 23:24

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

If you missed the online services from FBC, Kentwood yesterday, you can view them at your convenience any time on Facebook or YouTube. It’s listed at Kentwood First Baptist Church. I think you will receive a blessing no matter what day of the week you watch.

Of course, there are lots of other churches also providing the same services. You might want to check out the services where you have family members attending or know the pastor, possible because he was a former pastor you knew in the past. That’s what I do..

FBC, Kentwood will be packing shoeboxes in small groups this year. There will be preparation teams and packing teams working in October. Wearing of MASKS will be a requirement. I will be looking for six teams of two or three people. Be praying to see if God leads you to participate. You can contact me if you feel led to participate. We will need additional help in November to pack our cartons when they arrive and to work during the drop-off week. There will be an opportunity for everyone to help. Thanks so much. In the meantime, our focus will be on praying for the boys and girls who will receive a shoebox that FBC, Kentwood sends. Today, let’s pray for the girls, from 2-4 years old and their families. Pray that we will have helpful and fun items for each girl. Pray their families learn about Jesus and how He can change their lives for eternity.

Be a blessing to others today!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“[Moses] chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.”

~Hebrews 11:25 (NIV)~

Today , I’m going to give you one last reminder. Take your food/cleaning supplies to church tomorrow. The truck from the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home will make the pick-up early Monday morning.

Georgia Barnette Offering for missions in Louisiana – Day 7

“The Right Time to Replant”

https://georgiabarnette.org/week-of-prayer-english/#day7

James Eugene White

February 20, 1940 – September 16, 2020

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away tragically with his wife, Virginia Burnthorn White, on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at his home. He was born February 20,1940 in Amite, LA and was 80 years of age. He is survived by his 6 children, Allen White and wife, Dawn, Jeanie Cox and husband, Rob, Connie Lindsay and husband, Hank, Robert White and wife, Renee, Marvin White and wife, Ginger and Kevin White; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; numerous great-great-grandchildren; sister, Brenda Hayden; brother, Marvin Earl White. Preceded in death by his parents, T.C. and Bertie White; sister, Helen Mitchum; brothers, Buddy, Stan and Charles White. Graveside Services will be held at Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger, LA at 10:00AM Monday, September 21, 2020. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Virginia Burnthorn White

Send Flowers

January 01, 1939 – September 16, 2020

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away tragically with her husband, James Eugene White, on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at her home. She was born January 1, 1939 in New Orleans, LA and was 81 years of age. She is survived by her 6 children, Allen White and wife, Dawn, Jeanie Cox and husband, Rob, Connie Lindsay and husband, Hank, Robert White and wife, Renee, Marvin White and wife, Ginger and Kevin White; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; numerous great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Lloyd Burthorn and Carlos Burnthorn; 1 sister, Elaine Thompson. Preceded in death by her parents, Earlo and Effie Burnthorn; brother, Leroy Burnthorn. Graveside Services will be held at Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger, LA at 10:00AM Monday, September 21, 2020. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 20

Isaiah 30:12-33:9
Galatians 5:1-12
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 23:22

October will be “shoebox” packing month at FBC, Kentwood. We will pack each age level on a separate day. We’re always open for something new.

The cooler air the last few days has been wonderful. Thank you, God, for sending it to us.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all of our troubles seem like nothing.”

~2 Corinthians 4:17 (CEV)~

Jason Dean shared his good news: He is no longer connected to the oxygen tank he has used lately. Thank God for this step Jason was able to make.

Reminder: The memorial service for Martha Griffith will be this morning at FBC, Kentwood. Visitation will begin at 11:00 with the service at 11:30.

Blake Welton Brumfield

January 07, 1994 – September 09, 2020

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 12

Isaiah 10:1-11:16
2 Corinthians 12:11-21
Psalm 56:1-13
Proverbs 23:6-8

You have one more week to contribute to the “Fall Food Round-Up” for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. Contact the church to learn of the “most needed” items this year. You can leave your donations at the church this week during office hours or on Sunday.

Disaster relief items can still be sent with our teams. We will have teams leaving from our area to help in other areas of our state. Contact Bro. Stan’s office in Franklinton to learn of the current needs. The church can provide the phone number if you need it. Reading articles in the Louisiana Baptist Message will help you to learn what has already been done and what you can help to do. https://baptistmessage.com/

Tomorrow, we begin the annual Week of Prayer for Baptist mission work in Louisiana. The 2020 theme is “The Right Time”. If you attend services in person, you will receive a brochure that will guide you this week. If you are an online worshipper, I will provide you with information to read and pray about. Gifts can be given, at you convenience, in the coming weeks.

Thanks to all who have contributed to the items that will be packed next month. You are greatly appreciated! The “Shoeboxes” will be delivered to countries all around the world because of you! Special thanks to the individuals and classes who have gone “Above and Beyond” this year!

The time to consider funds for shipping “Shoeboxes” for Operation Christmas Child is fast approaching. Remember, it costs $9.00 per box for shipping and for providing 12 weeks of “Sunday School” type lessons for the older children so they will understand who Jesus is and why they need to trust Him. My reminder to you is that “Each box has been shown to impact an average of seven people for Jesus”. How much is that really worth? Please consider this when you give.

I’m thankful for all your support for Operation Christmas Child this year !

Anna Lee

Isaiah 10:1-11:16
2 Corinthians 12:11-21
Psalm 56:1-13
Proverbs 23:6-8

Saturday

Look at the birds of the air;

they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not much more valuable than they?

Can any one of you by worrying

add a single hour to your life?

~Matthew 6:26-27~

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 5

Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14
2 Corinthians 8;1-15
Psalm 49:1-20
Proverbs 22:20-21

Mission Opportunities

Fall Food Round-Up for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home – You have two more weeks to get you food/cleaning supplies turned in.
Weekend Food Ministry – See Janice Hornsby in the church office
Georgia Barnette annual offering for Louisiana Missions – The Week of Prayer is September 13 – 20th. Gifts can be made anytime during the next couple of months.
Operation Christmas Child – It’s time to begin paying for the shipping of our boxes. The cost is $9.00 per box which pays for shipping and for Christian literature in the child’s native language and on an appropriate reading level. Donations can be given in the church office. About 125 boxes have already been paid for. Now, we have to pay for about 225 more boxes,

Please. continue to pray for those who are quarantined due to the virus. Also, pray for those at home or hospitalized with the virus. Pray, too, for a vaccination that will stop the spread of Covid -19 and for people to be wise and faithful in not spreading the virus to others.

In your own way/words, tell others about Jesus today. Have you thought about all the beautiful signs with Scriptures on them?

You can have them in your home and/or work environment.
You can give them as gifts.
They are readily available.
You can create your own.

Anna Lee

Friday

Blessed are all who fear the LORD,

who walk in obedience to him.

You will eat the fruit of your labor;

blessings and prosperity will be yours.

~Psalm 128:1-2~

Pray for the people who live in areas damaged during Hurricane Laura. No gas, no groceries, no water, no electricity, and no/damaged homes are some of their problems. A classmate who lives there said it would be the 19th before their power is restored. Pray for those living in these conditions during a very hot season. A cousin has chosen to stay in this area until things get better there. Pray for the volunteers of Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief as they minister in that area and for residents and business owners who have big decisions to make.

Please be in prayer for Buddy Morris and Eleanor. I know they will appreciate your prayers.

Please be in prayer for Rev. Bob Simpson of Arcola. He has had another back surgery and needs some rest time to heal his back.

Lucretia King Farr

August 15, 1966 – September 03, 2020

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at her home. She was born August 15, 1966 in Fayettville, AR and was 54 years of age. She is survived by her son, John Ryan Farr and wife, Melanie Gladney Farr; daughter, Blaith Farr Cuppy and husband, Casey Cuppy; 3 grandchildren, Bryce and Rorie Farr and Cash Cuppy; parents, Ronald Lee King and Melrose Lawrence King; 2 sisters, Marnie King Muse and husband, John Muse, and Christy King Cook and husband, Keith Cook; niece, Lena Cook; 2 nephews, Kent Muse and William Cook; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives. Preceded in death by her grandparents, John Albert King, Jeanette Martin King, James William Lawrence, Sr. and Mildred Hueschen Lawrence. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 2:00PM until 3:30PM on Saturday, September 5, 2020. Graveside services will be held at 4:00PM on Saturday. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Helen Ruth Cox Bankston

July 30, 1946 – September 02, 2020

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

Helen went to be with her Savior on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 1:04PM. She was born July 30, 1946 in Amite, LA and was 74 years of age. She is survived by her son, Curtis Ray Bankston, Jr.; a daughter, Cheryll Lynn Bankston Shea (Paul); 2 grandsons, Matthew and Daniel; sister, Carolyn Hyde; and 4 brothers, James Cox, Floyd Cox, Dwane Cox, and Ronnie Cox. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jewel and Annie Mae Stokes Cox; husband, Curtis Ray Bankston, Sr.; sister, Shirley Jean Bennett; grandparents, Otto Stokes, Sr. and Cora Lee Lebo Stokes and Philon Cox and Deane Mulina Cox. Graveside Services will be held at Lewiston Cemetery, Kentwood, LA at 10:00AM on Friday, September 4, 2020. Services conducted by Pastor Jeff McKneely. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 4

Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18
2 Corinthians 7:8-16
Psalm 48:1-14
Proverbs 22:17-19

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

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

September 20th is the deadline for turning in food/household supplies for the Louisiana Baptist children’s Home. Items can be left at FBC, Kentwood until the 20th.

Thank-you for praying today. Before you do so, add you to prayer list as you see needed.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else,

and live righteously,

and he will give you everything you need.”

~Matthew 6:33 (NLT)~

Robin Alford, daughter of Walton and Peggy Alford, posted an update on her ankle problem. It’s been six months since her surgery. The foot looks better, but there is still pain when she tries to walk. Please continue to pray for Robin as she works to regain her normal walking ability.

A number of people from our area are working with LA Baptist Disaster Relief in the west Louisiana. Pam Kliesch said they have worked with tree removal, roof repair, giving out donations, feeding, distribution of water, etc. Many people needed encouragement. Pam even had the opportuity to serve as a chaplain. What a blessing our folks are to those who were hit so hard by Hurricane Laura!

Linda Nell Russell

March 22, 1945 – August 27, 2020

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born March 22, 1945 in Foxworth, MS and was 75 years of age. Linda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister. She had a kind heart, a beautiful smile, and a shoulder for anyone who needed it. She loved music, reading, and cooking but her true joy was her family, Astros, and Elvis. Her life was simple but she had a huge impact on many. She was a member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church where she served for many years. She is survived by her son, Brendan Russell (Janet); 2 daughters, Alayne Russell Granat (Rod) and Jacquie Russell Summerford (Jerry); 4 grandchildren, Kyle Granat, Justin Summerford, Madelyn Granat, and Gabriella Summerford; sister, Mary Saxon Johnson; brother, John Wayne Saxon; sister-in-law, Kay Crawford Saxon; former husband, Conley Russell; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Saint Elmo Saxon, Sr. and Johnnie Mae Forbes Saxon; brothers, Saint Elmo Saxon, Jr. and Linnie Saxon; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Olaf and Edith Russell. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, September 5, 2020. Services conducted by Rev. Randel Carmadelle. Interment Russelltown Cemetery, Roseland, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 2

Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Psalm 46:1-11
Proverbs 22:15

Please remember the Fall Food Round-Up for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. Your items need to be at the church by September 20th for the September 21st pick-up. The list of most needed items is available at the church. This food drive restocks the pantry at the home for the next year. This is our 2020 opportunity to help.

Operation Christmas Child is making progress despite Covid-19. If you have items to contribute, please get them to the church office. If you have funds to help with shipping ($9.00/box). please turn that in soon. Thanks for all your help in sending “Jesus”. toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to children around the world. Contact the church office or me for more information. You can use the link at the top of this post to contact me.

Tonight, at 6 P.M., FBC, Kentwood will give you an online opportunity to participate in Prayer Meeting. I am thankful for this service and always look forward to the next time I can worship with my church family.

September brings us the Week of Prayer for state missions. The focus week is September 13-21. The theme for this year is “The Right Time”. Your contributions help with many different ministries in Louisiana.

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

Today is an empty slate. What will you use this day to do? Will it all be for selfish purposes or will you spend some time doing for others?

Anna Lee

Lord’s Day

“Be patient,

resting your hearts on the ultimate certainty.”

~James 5:8 (PHILLIPS)~

Update on John Orr of Sulphur Springs, TX

John’s valve replacement went very well according to his doctor. John will be 94 on September 10th. A while back he sang a special at his church. It was “The Longer I Serve Him, the Sweet it Grows”. It was absolutely beautiful and so special.

Revival continues at FBC, Kentwood.

Join us in person or online, like most of us, for the final service at 10:30 this morning. This morning’s speaker is Bro. Joe Weaver.

Sickness Continues

Please continue to pray for victims of Covid-19 and their families. Once it hit our area, it seems like the conditions here are allowing it to stay and involve more and more people.

Deaths

Amanda Dorsa ‘s brother Timmy Alford passed away. Their mother, a classmate, recently passed away. I remember them best as they attended church in Roseland many years ago. I was able to reconnect with Amanda a few months ago.
Leroy Wilkinson died Friday. His wife and mother-in-law passed away six weeks ago. Leroy leaves a great legacy for his siblings and three sons and their families. Please pray for the Wilkinson family.
I just realized both of men who died were twins.

Read the Bible in 2020 – August 30th

Job 34:1-36:33
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Psalm 44:1-8
Proverbs 22:10-12

Continue to pray for all who live in the path of Hurricane Laura as they begin to work for recovery of their personal property and communities. Pray for those who are there to help them. May God watch over all the volunteers.

Don’t forget the revival service this morning. You can worship with us in person or online during the service or online later.

Stay safe and healthy.

Anna Lee