What, then, shall we say in response to these things?

If God is for us, who can be against us?

~Romans 8:31~

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Bessie Hayden. She will be seeing a doctor today about her toe problem to make an important decision.

Eric Lee is at a hospital in Texas concerning a recently diagnosed problem. Please pray for him and his family.

David and I saw Mr. and Mrs. I.W. Simmons Sunday. He is now hospitalized because of a breathing problem. Pray for him and his family.

Two young children whose father was a pastor at New Zion have scarlet fever. Pray for both the parents and children.

William “Little Bill” Ersin Geismer

September 19, 1966 – January 05, 2018

William Ersin “Little Bill” Geismer, 51, passed away at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans on January 5, 2018. He was a resident of Kentwood and a native of Istanbul, Turkey. He is survived by his wife, Paige Brown Geismer; 5 children, Kacie LaFleur, Colby Geismer and wife, Megan, Thomas Geismer, Randi Geismer and Kason Geismer; step daughter, Kaila Lester; mother, Turkan Geismer; father in law and mother in law, Bill and Eugenia Brown; sister, Barbara Sonnier and husband, Jason; sister in law, Danielle Brown; brother in law, Hunter Brown and wife, Mindy; 5 grandsons, Kaleb, Connor and Karson Guerra and Gage and Logan Geismer; niece, E’stelle McKinney; and nephew, Oscar Sipes. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Katie Lee Geismer; father, William Henry Geismer; and his grandparents, Oscar Henry Geismer and Elizabeth Black. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 11 AM until Memorial Service at 2 PM, on Saturday, February 3, 2018. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible

Exodus 25-26
Psalm 14
Matthew 23

Children’s Missions Day

F.B.C., Kentwood
9 A.M. – Noon
Ages K – 5th Grade

Five Consistent Sources of Discouragement for Pastors – Rainer Report #1 and other recent posts

http://thomrainer.com/blog/

Thanks for reading and praying each day.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“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~

It seems like someone I know passes away every day!

Lydia Moore Hawkins

September 26, 1927 – January 30, 2018

Read the Bible

Exodus 23-24
Proverbs 13
Matthew 26

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Children Missions Day

Saturday, February 17
9 A.M. – Noon
FBC, Kentwood
Children K-5th Grade

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party

Tuesday, February 27th
Celebrating February birthdays
The Cafe @ 11 A.M.

Bible Sunday

Completing Ezekiel soon
Fridays at 10 A.M.

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

The Lord’s Day!

Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Be strong and courageous.

This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.”

~Joshua 10:25~

Frank “LaRue” Forbes

February 23, 1951 – January 26, 2018

A resident of Pine Grove passed away on Friday, January 26, 2018 at Baton Rouge General Medical Center. He was born February 23, 1951 in Bogalusa and was 66 years of age. He retired as the owner of St. Gabriel Valve. He is survived by 2 daughters, Angela Forbes and Melissa Forbes Hughes; mother of his daughters, Sandra Spears Forbes; sister, Paulette Forbes Spears; nieces and nephews, Davin Bates, Craig Bates, Kirk Spears, Lyndy Varnado, and Kerry Spears. Preceded in death by father, Frank Forbes; mother, Opal Seals Forbes; sister, Barbara Forbes Bates. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2018. Services conducted by Bro. Mason Miley and Bro. James Thornhill. Interment Sharon Cemetery, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Alyne Yarborough Campbell

March 19, 1935 – January 25, 2018

A resident of Greensburg passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 25, 2018. She was born March 19, 1935 in Liverpool, LA and was 82 years of age. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Kirby Campbell; 2 sons and daughters in law, Scott and Cindy Campbell, Central, LA, and David and Danette Campbell, Greensburg, LA; 5 grandchildren, Eric Campbell and wife, Stephanie, Adam Campbell and wife, Angela, Chase Campbell and wife, Reagon, Maggie Campbell, Cade Campbell and her 3 great grandchildren, Addy Campbell, Wade Campbell and Brody Campbell. Preceded in death by her parents, H.O. and Gussie Yarborough; 3 brothers, Elbert Yarborough, Aubrey Yarborough, and H.O. Yarborough Jr.; and 2 sisters, Hilda Yarborough Hanks, and Doris Yarborough Venable. Visitation at First United Methodist Church, Greensburg, LA, from 9 AM until religious services at 11 AM on Monday, January 29, 2018. Interment in Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers will be her granddaughter, and great grandchildren. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

James Edward Gurry

August 27, 1946 – January 26, 2018

A resident of Amite passed away on Friday, January 26, 2018 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite. He was born August 27, 1946 in New Orleans and was 71 years of age. He retired from Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and Louisiana Department of Agriculture after 30 years of service. He attended Southeastern Louisiana University and later received an Associates Degree from Delgado in Civil Engineering. He was a U. S. Army Veteran. He had a great work ethic that carried on to his daughter and taught her to be an independent woman. He was a collector of many things and a breeder and exhibitor of English Bulldogs for over 40 years. He was a member of the First Families of Mississippi, First Families of Texas, First Families of Florida Parishes, Sons of the Confederacy, Sons of the American Revolution, and the Swedish Society. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather that was devoted to his wife and family and will be sadly missed. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sheryl Freeman Gurry; daughter, Mikele Simoneaux and husband, Rob; grandchildren, Nathan R. Simoneaux and Megan S. Simoneaux; 2 sisters, Jane Buckman and husband, Jay, and Tammy Chutz and husband, Gerald. Preceded in death by parents, Edward Phillip Gurry and Lula Mae Bankston Gurry; brother, Jack E. Gurry. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible

Exodus 19-20
Proverbs 12
Matthew 24

Friday Morning Bible Study – If you want a study guide for the remainder of Ezekiel, let me know. This was the most I have ever taught from Ezekiel. It has been a good experience. I’m glad we didn’t shy away from Ezekiel.

We will be beginning a new study about the first of March. Do you have any suggestions?

Thom R. Rainer – http://thomrainer.com/blog/

Waylon Bailey – http://waylonbailey.com/

I understand there are a number of road closures in our area due to the tremendous amount of rain we had yesterday. Be careful!

Anna Lee

Friday

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

~Ephesians 3:16~

Pray for the Strickland family as Mike will soon be moved home.

Jimmy Alford is doing better. Please continue to pray for Jimmy and his family.

Peoples of Northern Zambia

“This year is going to be a great year in the Lord! We know that God is doing amazing things in the lives of the people of Kaputa in answer to your prayers. Our Northern Evangelism Team is encouraged by their commitment to his kingdom growth. Please pray for Kaputa Main Baptist Church as they continue to have the missionary task of planting churches in the district of Kaputa. Pray for the church-planting efforts that are taking place there right now. Ask God to raise up strong men to lead this new work!”

Hadramaut Yemeni Arabs of Yemen

(HAH-drah-maht YEH-muh-nee) – The white sandy beaches of the Hadramaut, along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, beckoned visitors. In the winter, families from the cold north packed up their tents or reserved hotel rooms to come to the beach and enjoy swimming in the refreshing salt water. No longer is that luxury allowed. Soldiers have replaced vacationers. The freedom to travel is gone. Please pray that the war in Yemen will cease. Pray that talks around the negotiation tables will be successful. Pray Isaiah 2:4 (ESV) for the Hadramaut Yemeni Arabs: “and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”

Last Frontier

In Colossians 4:7-18, the apostle Paul mentions eight partners with whom he worked. These partners were precious, practical, and essential to Paul in the ministry that God gave him. The same is true for some workers today, and they ask you to pray specifically for a new partnership. Pray for the development of this relationship and for there to be collaboration and good communication. Ask that this new partner will be a key to reaching a people.

Read the Bible

Exodus 15-16
Proverbs 11
Matthew 22

Bible Study

FBC, Kentwood
10 A.M. this morning
Ezekiel 38-39
Good news for God’s people!

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

I’m looking forward to teaching Sunday School at 9:15. If you are looking for a good Sunday School class, FBC, Kentwood has plenty to choose from.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

I can do all this through him

who gives me strength.

~Philippians 4:13~

I have some updates I failed to give earlier.

Mrs. Bessie Hayden has not had foot surgery yet. She home and resting for now.”’

Miss Fay Shoemaker is doing very well. She is pleased with her “apartment” which have a large picture window to allow her to watch birds, a long-time joy. I failed to get her address, so if you have it and would share it, I would appreciate hearing from you.

Adrian Phillips is back at home. He received the care he needed at Greensburg and is thankful to be feeling much better.

Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher has been home for about a month. Her Sunday school class has been faithful to visit and share with her.

Pam Sellers’ friend, Vicki, who has a brain tumor is being monitored and has not required surgery yet. Pam thanks all the “prayer warriors” for praying for Vicki and Chris.

Edgar “Bear” Bennett

March 10, 1938 – January 22, 2018

A resident of Amite passed away on Monday, January 22, 2018. He was born March 10, 1938 in Amite and was 79 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy Jane Davidson Bennett; surviving children, Lonnie Bennett and wife, Stacy, David Bennett and Darryl Bennett; grandchildren, Brock Bennett, Michael Rogers, Emily Wales, Mary-Catherine Bennett, Brogan Bennett, and Katelyn Bel; only great granddaughter, Kimberly Bennett; brother, Earl Bennett and wife, Nell, and his daughter in law, Susan Fitzhugh. Preceded in death by his father, Homer Bennett; mother, Janie Barlow Bennett; son, Donnie “Bo” Bennett; daughters, Connie and Krissy Bennett; brothers, Jerry and Ronnie Bennett; and his sister, Mildred McDaniel. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 AM until religious services at 1 PM Thursday, January 25, 2018. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite. Pallbearers will be Justin Bennett, Daniel Bennett, Brock Bennett, Brogan Bennett, Bryan Dykes and Jack “Catfish” Granger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible

Exodus 11-12
Proverbs 10
Matthew 20

Don’t get discouraged if you fall behind. You have several options that are much better than quitting.

You can work steadily and catch up at some point.
You can pick up where you are and read as often as possible and just take a little longer to complete the Bible.
You can choose a variation of this plan, such as reading the Old Testament passages this year and reading the others next year.
The point is to READ! Find what works for you.

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

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

Thom S. Rainer – http://thomrainer.com/blog/

Waylon Bailey – http://waylonbailey.com/

I’m looking forward to seeing the children for missions class tonight. They are practicing some of the things they have learned at their young ages. One joy each week is our circle prayer time for missionaries.

Let’s all continue to learn the things God would have us to learn and then, to apply those things. It’s never too late to work at such a wonderful goal!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

The LORD gives strength to his people;

the LORD blesses his people with peace.

~Psalm 29:11~

Adrian Phillips felt much better after some fluid was removed. Keep praying,

Pray for Andy Taylor. He has had a difficult time staying healthy lately. Pray for his faithful wife/caregiver, Betty, too.

Pray for Cheryl (Iley) Dillon as she has retina repair in Mobile today.

The Kodiak, Alaska area had an earthquake that has caused a tsunami warning for Alaska. Pray for people as they try to get to higher ground now.

Katherine Blood Cheramie

November 17, 1946 – January 20, 2018

A resident of Kentwood passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2018. She was born November 17, 1946 in Convent, LA and was 71 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Robert V. Cheramie; 2 sisters, Beth Sabella and husband, John, and Carol Schneider and husband, Mike; 2 nephews, Matthew Sabella and Christopher Schneider; and her niece, Lauren Schneider. Preceded in death by her parents, William CJ Blood and Marie Canatella Blood. Graveside Services will be held at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite at 10 AM Wednesday, January 24, 2018. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party this morning at 11:00 at The Cafe. We’re celebrating January birthdays. All ladies are welcome.

Read the Bible

Exodus 9-10
Psalm 10
Matthew 19

FBC, Kentwood received enough money for missions Sunday to add another “light” to the poster.

Today is a good day to share the love of Jesus.

Anna Lee

Monday

The name of the LORD is a fortified tower;

the righteous run to it and are safe.

~Proverbs 18:10~

Pray for Adrian Phillips. He is hospitalized in Greensburg.

Please continue to pray for all who have the flu.

Operation Christmas Child!

I received mail at church yesterday. It was a letter and a picture of a girl in Mexico who received one of the shoeboxes. I was thrilled. In all the years I have sent shoeboxes, this is the first time, I heard from a child who was a recipient. Special thanks to the lady from New Jersey who took the picture and sent it to me.

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party

We will meet tomorrow at The Cafe at 11 A.M. Come join us for lunch and birthday cake as we honor ladies with January birthdays.

Read the Bible

Today, reflect on God as ALMIGHTY.
Read Scriptures of you choice.
Catch up on something you missed.

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

May God bless you today. May you be a blessing to others.

Anna Lee

Sunday

You are my refuge and my shield;

I have put my hope in your word.

~Psalm 119:114~

Jimmy Alford – Jimmy has a bad cough he has not been able to shake this week. Pray he can get better soon. Janie had it too, but she is better.

Marshall Carlton Miller

October 18, 1935 – January 19, 2018

A resident of Walker passed away on Friday, January 19, 2018 at Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge. He was born October 18, 1935 in Amite and was 82 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Miller; daughter, K-K Miller and partner, Elizabeth Loftin; step children, Dana Boyd and wife, Terry and Heather Botsford and husband, John; grandchildren, Marshall McNabb and wife, Angela, Karla McNabb, Logan Hollman, and Connor Miller; great grandchildren, Parker, Ava, Blaise, Allie, Kane, Hayden, Micah and Lucas; and his sisters, Maxine Soileau and husband, John and Teresa Ponder. Preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Eudora Miller; son, Karl Ross Miller and his 3 sisters. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Roger Smith, a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, passed away on January 17, 2018, at the age of 36. He was born on August 2, 1981. He is survived by a son, Dakota Smith, and a daughter, Elizabeth Smith. Father, Jimmie Blackwell; Brother, Adam Smith and wife Laura; Sister, Megan Collette and husband John Brent; Nieces and nephews, Desiree and Steven Smith, and Harlie and Weston Collette; Girlfriend, Nikki Casanova; 2 step-daughters, Destiny Cooper and Joanna Casanova. Proceeded in death by mother, Shirley Blackwell; Grandparents, Dock and Myrtle Blades, and Jessie Smith. Visitation is at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, Monday January 22, at 10 am until services at 12pm. Services will be conducted by Bro. Larry Blades. Interment at Central Cemetery, Greensburg.

Read the Bible – Exodus 7-8, Proverbs 9, & Matthew 17

I will add another “light” to the poster by the piano. Let’s put several on for next week.

Women’s Ministry Project – We are collecting 2018 calendars for the inmates at the parish jail in Amite. We will always take the paper/softcover Bibles for them too.

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday

You will keep in perfect peace

those whose minds are steadfast,

because they trust in you.

~Isaiah 26:3~

Larry Bankston had a heart procedure yesterday. It went well. After staying last night, if all continued to go well, Larry will be able to leave Cypress Point and go home.

Josiah Huckaby – Recent Updates

January 8

Update: Josiah’s surgery will be next Wednesday.

We had a care conference Friday about Josiah and what our steps are for getting to bring him home. Josiah is going to need a trach since he is having some trouble weaning down to the home oxygen settings. He will be able to come home on as much oxygen as he needs with the trach. Also, they think he has some upper airway obstruction (big tongue, small mouth, narrow airway) so the trach will bypass that until he grows enough for those things not to be an issue for him. This will be a long term temporary deal (probably a couple of years). ENT called today and he will most likely have surgery Wednesday. We definitely feel this is the best thing for him. It will be a long tough road but will be so worth it to have him home. We are praising God for the opportunity to get him home soon. He is the toughest little boy & I’m constantly amazed at how he continues to fight & improve daily. Also, several people have been asking about Josiah’s medical bills. His bills are 100% the agency’s responsibility until the adoption is finalized…just one more way God has provided!!! A huge thanks to everyone for your prayers and for all the help with gas/food money as we have traveled back and forth from Memphis over the last 10 months!!! We have the most amazing family, friends, church family, & support system ever!

January 17

5:26 pm: Josiah made it back from surgery around 3:30 pm. It took them a lot less time than they originally told us it would take. Everything went great! He is back in his room resting & will slowly be weaned off the vent as his body allows. They are taking extra precautions to try to prevent a pulmonary hypertension crisis…so he’s getting a few extra meds & is on low stimulation orders for the next few days. Thanks for all the prayers before & during surgery! Hopefully he will continue to do great & they can start weaning his sedation within the next couple of days. God is so good!!! (Sorry it took so long for the update. It took a little while to make sure our immediate family was update & all of his initial assessments were done.) 😊

1:40 pm: They just took him back to prep for surgery.

9:45 am: Today Josiah will be having surgery to get his trach put in. This is going to help with his respiratory needs. He is at a higher risk for this surgery because of his respiratory issues but our amazing team is doing everything they can to be prepared for any possibility today! He is on the schedule for 3pm but there is a possibility it could be earlier if any of the outpatients cancel because of the weather. It is about an hour long surgery & he will be gone for about 2 hrs total. Thanks for the prayers! God is good! 😊

January 18

God is so good!!! Josiah seems to be doing good so far. The first 24 hours post-op are behind us. Praying he continues to do good!

Betty Istre Phillips Lawyer

August 25, 1930 – January 14, 2018

Betty Lawyer died on January 14th, 2018 at Provision Assisted Living in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She suffered from dementia and simply expired from old age.

She was born Betty Jane Istre on August the 25th of 1930 in Jennings, Louisiana. She was thpe fourth of six children born to Jack and Lily Istre. She grew up in Jennings, Louisiana. After graduating Jennings High School in 1947, she attended a business school and then worked as a secretary.

She met Neal Phillips as he was passing through the Jennings Church of Christ as part of a missionary team. They married on September 15th of 1953 and were steadfast in their marriage until his untimely death in January of 1990. She and Neal had three sons: David born in September of 1955, Dwayne born in November of 1958, and Dennis born in 1962. Neal Phillips was a Minister of the Gospel. They moved among Church of Christ congregations and lived in Mobile, Alabama, Gallatin, Tennessee, Dallas, Texas, Cardiff, California, and Independence, Louisiana.

After Neal’s death, she married Kenneth Lawyer, also a Minister of the Gospel, in 1992. They were married until his death in 2002.

She is survived by her sister Jeannette Mesh of Lake Charles, Louisiana as well as her sons David with wife Emily in Ellisville, Mississippi, Dwayne with wife Karen in Reston, Virginia, and Dennis in Independence, Louisiana. She is also survived by five grandchildren (Susan Phillips Rogers, and Seth, James, Nathan, and Adam Phillips) several step grandchildren, and four great grandchildren (James, Leah, Olin, and Stephen Phillips).

First and foremost, Betty was a Christian. Raised in the love of the Lord and the study of the Bible at the Jennings Church of Christ, she married two preachers and was faithful in the duties of “the preacher’s wife” teaching children’s Bible classes for several generations and encouraging others in the work of the Lord.

Betty loved her grandchildren. She always took them into her Sunday school class whenever they visited her. A great joy of her life was knowing that they had all chosen to follow God and had been baptized.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Friday, January 19, 2018, and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 9 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2018. Services conducted by Bro. Dale Ziebarth. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Leslie Bethel

June 19, 1976 – January 15, 2018

A resident of Prairieville passed away on Monday, January 15, 2018. She was born June 19, 1976 in Hammond and was 41 years of age. She was a graduate of Amite High School in 1994 and Southeastern Louisiana University in 1998. She received a Master’s of Elementary Administrations and Supervisor Degree in 2001. She was a Kindergarten teacher at Pecan Grove Primary in Gonzales. She is survived by her wife, Marla Cutrer; sister, Rachel O’Brian and husband, Ray; niece, Lacey O’Brian; nephew, Ethan O’Brian; and aunt and uncle, Sharon and Greg Corkern. Preceded in death by her mother, Joan Hagan; grandparents, Aubrey and Betty Bethel; and 2 uncles, David and Leslie Bethel. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday, and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday, January 22, 2018. Interment Arcola Roseland Cemetery, Roseland. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible

Exodus 3-4
Proverbs 8
Matthew 16

Friday Morning Bible Study WILL meet at 10:00 at FBC, Kentwood. Come learn about the “dry bones”.

Anna Lee

Thursday

Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones;

whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones.

~Luke 16:10 GNT~

Thank-you for praying for Kyle Easley yesterday. He was better and able to leave the hospital yesterday.

Larry Edwards‘ daughter said they had to delay his funeral service from yesterday to today due to the weather.

Read the Bible

Exodus 1-2
Psalm 8
Matthew 15

There will be NO Third Thursday Gathering at the Cabin tonight. We’ll see you next month.

Taylor Creek will NOT have school today.

Most of the schools are still out because of the weather. Parklane will have class from 11:00 – 3:00 today.

The Friday morning Bible study group WILL meet tomorrow at 10:00.

I think this dose of cold weather has taught us how unprepared we are for this kind of weather in our area. The snow is pretty, but the resulting halt in activity has caused many issues. If we have made wise choices, we will have lived through these days, made some memories, and be ready to continue our routines.

Anna Lee