Category: Baptist Press

Thursday

“When I shut up heaven and there is no rain,

or command the locusts to devour the land,

or send pestilence among My people,

if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves,

and pray and seek My face,

and turn from their wicked ways,

then I will hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin and heal their land” .

2 Chronicles 7:13–14 (NKJV)

 

Turn To Jesus: Calling Women to Pray

led byAnne Graham Lotz

DATE: Pentecost Sunday
May 31st, 2020

TIME: For the same one hour:

5:00 PM to 6:00 PM | PT
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM | MT
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM | CT
8:00 PM to 9:00 PM | ET

Please join us as we pray through these Prayer Points:

1. We Are Compelled to Cry Out:

…By our problems:

  • The collapsing world around us
  • The devastating virus
  • The disastrous economy

…By God’s promises:

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing…Joel 2:12-14

2. We Are Confident as We Cry Out:

3. We Are Contrite as We Cry Out:

  • We live like practical atheists, no longer acknowledging the one, true, living God.
  • We have worshipped gods of pleasure, wealth, technology, pornography, drugs, alcohol, entertainment, sex and sports.
  • We have put our hope in ourselves, trusting in our own knowledge, strength and ability.

4. We Are Clear in Our Requests:

  • O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your Name’s sake. (Daniel 9:19)
  • Forgive us. Protect us. Defend us. Comfort us. Deliver us. Heal us.
  • Shine the light of Your glory into the darkness that is covering our land. (Isaiah 60:1-2)
  • Pour out Your Spirit on all of us. (Acts 2:17)
  • Make us bold to rise up, to live for You, and to share the hope of the Gospel. (2 Timothy 1:7)

 

 

 

 

I saw a sign about VBS at FBC, Kentwood in a member’s yard.  I’m waiting for details on VBS.  I’ll share them later.  In the meantime, please pray for Vacation Bible School, 2020 in our various churches.  

 

 

 

I would like to remind you to check with the various area churches sites about their livestream services.  One especially good thing is that we can view services at a convenient time from home and can view multiple services, not all at the same time.  For those still on lockdown, this is a great opportunity.  It is also a good opportunity for those who have time for multiple Bible studies during the week – all from the comfort of home.

 

 

 

Please pray for Mrs. Mickey Cade.  She was able to return home yesterday.  Be thankful for the progress she has made since her fall.   Also, please pray for those helping with her care.

 

 

 

The Covid-19 virus has not gone away.  It is still extremely important for older people and/or those with a compromised health situation to be on guard.  Our nursing homes, which are designed to care for our older folks who require special help, seem to be the place where most of the cases, and deaths, occurred.  Please spend some time in special prayer for the patients and the staff of each facility.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 28th

  • 2 Samuel 13:1-39
  • John 17:1-26
  • Psalm 119:81-96
  • Proverbs 16:6-7

 

 

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

 

 

Continue to pray for the children of our area.  It’s time for summer vacation break to begin!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

~Exodus 20:12~

I think this is a good verse to ponder today since we are between Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day and like my first principal said, “Everybody has a mother and a father!”

 

 

 

Baptist Press –http://www.bpnews.net/

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 26

  • 2 Samuel 9:1-11:27
  • John 15:1-27
  • Psalm 119:49-64
  • Proverbs 16:1-3

 

 

Ricky Russell is slowly improving.  He said he appreciates your prayers.

 

 

 

This “stay at home” time is different in different families.  Some, with children, center life around them.  Couples, young or old, have each other to communicate with and care for.  Others, with a single, older person may not be so busy, but possibly more lonesome than usual.  Some still have school or work to keep up with daily.  Others, just have another 24 hours at home and alone.  Today, think about and pray for others around you who may be alone or in need.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

“Call to me and I will answer you.

I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.”

~Jeremiah 33:3 (The Message)~

 

 

 

Mr. Buddy Waller is in North Oaks, but will possible be coming home today.  Please keep him in your prayers.

 

 

 

Dora Lee Brown Miller

April 03, 1938 – May 23, 2020
Dora Lee Brown Miller, age 82, passed away on May 23, 2020. She was born April 3, 1938 in Roseland, LA, the daughter of Jessie Lee Ricks Brown and Frank Brown. She married Shelby W. Miller of Hillsdale, LA on July 12, 1956.
Shelby and Dora Lee established their home west of Kentwood after their marriage, and raised three children there on their dairy farm. Dora Lee was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and nurse. When her oldest child was in college she enrolled in nursing school and went on to obtain her nursing license. Dora Lee was employed at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA and Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA for approximately 25 years. She was also a proud volunteer with the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization in her community.
Anyone who met Dora Lee would know within a matter of minutes that her family was her pride and joy. Her role as a selfless and dedicated mother and grandmother was truly her calling in life, and she was a natural caretaker. 
Dora Lee is survived by her children Mary Fay Williams (Mickey), Shelby Lane Miller (Carroll Jo), and Terry Miller (Joetta); her brother Nick Brown; her grandchildren Erika Sledge, Danielle Miller, Shellie Amedee, Lanny Miller, Daniel Miller, Taylor Miller, Alex Williams, and Christy Brooks; great-grandchildren Coll, Swayze, Everly, Tucker, Jax, and Eli.
Dora Lee was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her sister Johnnie Fay Brown Saizan.
A private service will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood, LA on May 27, 2020. Internment at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.  For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

LSP ANNOUNCES PASSING OF TROOPER GEORGE BAKER

HAMMOND – Today, the Louisiana State Police is deeply saddened to inform the public that Trooper George Baker has succumbed to injuries sustained in the performance of his duties.

Trooper Baker sustained severe injuries during the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 20, as he joined with other Troopers assisting the Hammond Police Department with a vehicle pursuit.

Baker was a 33-year-old, 10-year law enforcement and military veteran. A vigil of family, friends, and his fellow Troopers remained at the hospital from the very beginning until his passing.

Trooper Baker is survived by his wife Heather, their young daughter Harper, his parents, his sisters, and his extended family.

Trooper Baker served as a Trooper at Louisiana State Police Troop L since November of 2017 and is the first LSP line of duty death since Senior Trooper Steven Vincent, Troop D, in August of 2015. Troop L has not lost a Trooper in the line of duty since the passing of Trooper Rudolph H. Miller on September 8th, 1962. Trooper Baker is the 30th Trooper to lose his life in the line of duty in the history of the Louisiana State Police.

Trooper Baker had a lifelong desire of becoming a Louisiana State Trooper. In preparation for that goal, he spent 8 years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve including one combat deployment in the Middle East. He began his law enforcement career with the Greensburg Police Department, where he worked for 4 years. He then served the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office for 3 years before joining the Louisiana State Police.

In a statement to Troopers, State Police Superintendent, Colonel Kevin Reeves said, “Trooper Baker passed today leaving our hearts heavy but full of pride as he exemplified our values of duty, selfless service, and personal courage.” Even after his death, Trooper Baker continues to show his commitment to community and selfless service by donating his organs so that others may live. Arrangements are incomplete at this time, but Trooper Baker will be afforded full honors earned with a line of duty death.

For information on providing assistance to the Baker family during this tragic time, please visit http://www.latroopers.org and direct donations to the Louisiana Troopers Charities – Trooper Baker.

 

As you pray for the Baker family and friends, remember this death touches the lives of all the troopers and their families.  Please pray for them too.

 

 

 

Today is Memorial Day.  I haven’t know many who died while serving in the military, but our country was founded because of brave men and women who lived extraordinary lives so we can have that freedom.

Over the weekend we watched a Bill Gathier special, “God Bless the USA”.  If you haven’t seen it lately, you may be able to see it today if you search for it.  I have seen it before and would gladly watch it again today.  My family passed on to me a deep love for God and our country and for those who have helped to make a country the special place it is.  I hope I have passed that on to my children and grandchildren too.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 25

  • 2 Samuel 7:1-8:18
  • John 14:15-31
  • Psalm 119:33-48
  • Proverbs 15:33

 

 

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

 

 

 

FBC, Kentwood is getting back on its full schedule.  If you feel comfortable being there, please join them.  If not, tuning in is a great opportunity to feel a part of the church and to hear all the messages from Bro. Darrell.  Be smart in making this decision.

 

 

Due to David’s health and the pandemic, we spend most of our time at home.  Thankfully, we can see our church services three times a week while at home.  I certainly miss my church family and friends we would see all through the area.  Because of losing some of that weekly contact, we miss out of hearing of needs I would normally put on The Prayer Link.  Wendy Alford Fowler and James Rimes have helped me be informed in the last few days.  I would appreciate if you would send me messages about needs by clicking on “Contact” on this site and sharing.  You can also call us, but we are enjoying some time outside daily and may miss your call.  Please, leave a message.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Friday

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

~Colossians 3:17~

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 22

  • 2 Samuel 1:1-2:11
  • John 12:20-50
  • Psalm 118:19-29
  • Proverbs 15:27-28

 

 

James Milton Blades

December 27, 1946 – May 20, 2020

A resident of Walker, LA, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at his home. He was born December 27, 1946 in Kentwood, LA and was 73 years of age.  He was a U. S. Marine Corps Veteran of Vietnam where he received two Purple Hearts. He was a retired welder from Exxon Refinery after 37 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Swain Blades; son, Jamie Glynn Blades and wife, Mary Ann; grandsons, Ashton Blades and Justin Cutrer; great-grandson, Ariat Cutrer; step-son, Shane Talbot; step-granddaughter, Angell Talbot; step-great-grandchildren, Emily and Bryson Roberie; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by maternal grandparents, George Milton and Vergie Needham; paternal grandparents, James Otto and Mattie Blades; parents, James B. and Katie Needham Blades; brother, Cade R. Blades. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, May 23, 2020. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. Interment Needham Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers will be Kelly Blades, Sheldon Blades, Bill Birch, Shannon Travis, Brandon Carter, and Forrest Sibley. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

I hope you are anxious to get back to Operation Christmas Child.  List of items needed in shoeboxes will be posted at church and available at the church.  I’ll include a list here.  Maybe some will be shopping in the next few days.  If you have been making items at home, you can leave them at the church.  We’ll try to get going “full speed ahead” soon.

Operation Christmas Child

April, May, & June 2020

Updated 5-21-2020

April  May June
Nursery & Preschoolers Jump Ropes Hairbrushes Pens (Red, Blue and Bk)
Grades 1-5 Marbles Dominoes Drawing Books
Youth Jump Ropes Play Dough* Highlighters
College & Career Dominoes Play Dough* Small Notebooks**
Gateway Socks for Boys Play Dough* Small Notebooks**
Joy

Friendship Circle

 $1.00 Scissors Clothesline Hair Accessories
Bank Boys’ Underwear Nails & Sm. Hammers  Key Holders
New Creations

Renewal

 Hair Brushes Clothespins 2/$1.00 Sm. Scissors
Rebekah  Sewing Kits Highlighters Flat Marbles
Seekers

City Hall

Faithful

 Lip Balm $1.00 Calculators Glue Sticks
Staff Highlighters Fishing Kits Nails & Sm. Hammers 

                                                                                    * = 8/Pkg.                        ** – About 3” X 5 “

Usually 3 or 4 for $1.00

If you are not in a Sunday School class,  choose some things from this list to contribute.  T

I’ll remind you of the age groups again.  We pack shoeboxes for both boys and girls.

  • 2-4 Years
  • 5-9 Years
  • 10-14 Years

Thanks to everyone who contributes money or buys items.

 

Baptist Press –http://www.bpnews.net/

 

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

 

Be a blessing to someone today.

Anna Lee

 

Thursday

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you,

no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are

born of water and the Spirit.

~John 3:5~

 

 

 

Glenda Harrell’s Arkansas cousin lost her husband yesterday afternoon.  Please pray for the family.

 

 

 

Please pray for Frank Cavehal, who has had a stroke.

 

 

 

Please pray for Mike Estay who has had a kidney stone issue,

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 21 

  • Genesis 42:18-43:34
  • Matthew 13:47-14:12
  • Psalm 18:16-36
  • Proverbs 4:7-10

 

 

3-member church closed during COVID-19 finds new life

http://www.bpnews.net/54830/3member-church-closed-during-covid19-finds-new-life

 

 

 

11-year-old issues ‘Challenge 32’ to support missions

http://www.bpnews.net/54828/11yearold-issues-challenge-32-to-support-missions

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

David and I appreciate being able to be a part of various online church services, especially those at FBC, Kentwood.  Thank all who make this possible for us.

Anna Lee

 

 

Wednesday

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.

                                                                                              ~Matthew 6:5-12  (NIV)~

 

 

 

Glenda Harrell has a relative in Arkansas with serious health issues.  Please pray for him.

 

 

 

 

Buddy Morris will complete a round of three chemo treatments today and then get a short break before starting the next round.  Pray for Buddy and Eleanor as they travel and for strength and endurance during all the traveling.

 

 

 

Richmond E. McElveen, Jr.

October 10, 1927 – May 19, 2020

A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at his home. He was born October 10, 1927 in Hammond, LA and was 92 years of age. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Karen McElveen and Aimee McElveen Millhouse and Jeff; son, Loren Blythe McElveen and Stella; 4 grandchildren, Jennifer Stabile Evans and Cody, Matthew McElveen and Shelly, Griffith Millhouse and Susie and Hayley Blythe Carrier and Joseph; 8 great grandchildren, Gavin, Mylee Blythe, Chandler, Ben, Grayson, Mason, Lilly, and Jacob; 2 sisters, Carolyn McElveen Baham and Elsie McElveen Danley; brother, Jerry McElveen and Sue. Preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Shirley Munchausen McElveen; parents, Richmond McElveen, Sr. and Lela McElveen. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday and from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, May 22, 2020. Services conducted by Bro. Mitch Williams. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Carol Conerly Hopper

July 01, 1945 – May 17, 2020

Carol Conerly Hopper, age 74, passed away on May 17, 2020, with her family by her side. She was born July 1, 1945 in Baton Rouge, the second of four children. Her father was the branch manager for Sealtest Foods while her mother ran the house. Carol graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1963 and earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from LSU where she met Michael “Mike” Hopper. Mike and Carol married in 1967, Carol earned her master’s, and the couple moved to Houston. Carol taught math and later became the Assistant Principal of Curriculum at Aldine Junior High. A few years after their first daughter was born the couple decided to move back home to Baton Rouge. In Baton Rouge Carol taught middle school math off and on while Mike worked at the Exxon plastics plant, and their second daughter was born. Carol made sure both of her children graduated high school with honors and were very involved in both church and school activities. Throughout her life Carol remained an avid sports fan, especially of LSU, the Saints, and the Astros. In her later years Carol enjoyed many an afternoon on the Amite River with her family, a book from her extensive home library, and the daily New York Times crossword puzzle. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, James and Evelyn “Dutch” Varnado Conerly. She is survived by her husband, Michael Hopper; daughter, Lindsay Hopper; daughter, Erin Rogers, her husband, Kendal, and their son, Hayden; older sister, Lelia Prange, and her husband Joseph; younger brother, James Conerly Jr., and his wife Betty; and younger sister, Jane Blades, and her husband Wesley. A private memorial service for the family will be held at Pine Ridge Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pine Ridge Methodist Church, 3893 Hwy 440, Kentwood, Louisiana 70444, or to a charity of your choice. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 20

  • 1 Samuel 26:1-28:25
  • John 11:1-54
  • Psalm 117:1-2
  • Proverbs 15:22-23

 

 

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

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for:

  • Nursing home residents
  • Graduates
  • Teachers and students
  • Those with family members hospitalized
  • Missionaries
  • Housebound individuals without anyone checking on them
  • Churches making plans to resume regular schedules

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

“Since only your rules can give me wisdom and understanding, no wonder I hate every false teaching.”

~Psalm 119:104 (TLB)~

 

 

 

 

Renee Faith Deck Terrell has surgery yesterday.  All went well.  Pray for her as she goes through a healing period.

 

 

 

Ricky Russell had his surgical procedure repeated yesterday, a week after the first one.  Pray the results and the recovery are better this time.  As you pray for Ricky, please pray for Brenda, Jeana, Vernon, and Susan (his sister that I realized I left off last week).

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 19

  • 1 Samuel 24:1-25:44
  • John 10:22-42
  • Psalm 116:1-19
  • Proverbs 15:20-21

 

 

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

 

 

 

Thanks for praying for these and other needs today.  Enrich you life by reading the Bible and Baptist Press.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

“Never stop reciting these teachings.

You must think about them night and day so that you will faithfully do everything written in them.

Only then will you prosper and succeed.”

~Joshua 1:8 (GW)~

Best instruction book?  The Bible

 

 

 

Today, I want to mention a number of people who are unspoken prayer concerns.  You surely have them too, possibly some of the same ones.  Let’s pray for the requests we cannot openly share at this point and for the requests of others around us.

 

 

 

Let’s continue to pray for the local churches as they adjust to the new regulations they have to address due to the coronavirus.  I think progess toward our “new normal” was made yesterday.

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 18

  • 1 Samuel 22:1-23:29
  • John 10:1-21
  • Psalm 115:1-18
  • Proverbs 15:18-19

 

 

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

 

 

 

Now that restrictions have been lifted, you can feel free to drop off your donations for Operation Christmas Child at FBC, Kentwood.  We will have some “catching-up” to do because of missing church for two months.

 

 

 

Thanks for praying today.

Anna Lee

 

Saturday

“Do not be misled:

‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”

~1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)~

 

 

 

Mrs. Mildred Birch fell at home two nights ago.  Thankfully, she didn’t break anything.  Please pray for her and for others.  Falling happens quickly and ofter makes for big changes in a person’s life.

 

 

 

Died: Joyce Lin, Missionary Pilot Transporting Coronavirus Supplies   –

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/may/missionary-pilot-joyce-lin-died-papua-crash.html?fbclid=IwAR3V8LhYHjFWZjdQS7FWTDOD1pV-r1G8pSuBMOLU4_vHRVuGgeo88iUe-cA

 

 

 

TRUSTEES: IMB approves 59 missionaries, addresses budget concerns

http://www.bpnews.net/54811/trustees-imb-approves-59-missionaries-addresses-budget-concerns?fbclid=IwAR0ypABJfNBy6Upw-L9SrcFvH49rbTq1gYvoYZ8br-UQDUkhvv4JqvlDDVY

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 16th

  • 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24
  • John 8:31-59
  • Psalm 112:1-10
  • Proverbs 15:12-14

If you need a hard copy of the Scriptures for the next four months, they are available at the church office – 229-8111.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

You may want to check out these Bible Project Videos, especially if your church does not offer Sunday School.  I think they might also be a good addition to your summer plans/. The video for this week is number nine – “Hope”.

https://bibleproject.com/explore/

 

 

 

No matter how you plan to participate in worship tomorrow, the key word is “participate”!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Friday

“Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants!

They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”

~Daniel 3:28 (NIV)~

Bro. Darryl preached from Daniel 3 on April 8th.  What is God able to do for you?

 

 

 

Today, I want to think about the children in our church.  They love to sing.  They love the children’s moments.  They love to do crafts.  They love Bible stories, Bible drills, missionary stories, VBS, summer camp, VBS,  and so much more.  I know they have missed their teachers and their friends at church.  Keep them safe at home until you, the parents and grandparents, feel it is safe to get them back in church.  Pray for your children and grandchildren, teach them at home, have them read Bible stories to you, etc,  Invest in them.  Encourage them.  Brag on them.  They will be blessed.  You will too!

 

 

 

Read the Bible in 2020 – May 15

  • 1 Samuel 17:1-18:4
  • John 8:21-30
  • Psalm 111:1-10
  • Proverbs 15:11

 

 

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

 

 

 

IMB temporarily relocates personnel due to COVID-19 –

http://www.bpnews.net/54792/imb-temporarily-relocates-personnel-due-to-covid19

 

 

 

Missionaries strive to advance Gospel as IMB adapts to financial challenges

http://www.bpnews.net/54805/missionaries-strive-to-advance-gospel-as-imb-adapts-to-financial-challenges

 

 

 

FIRST-PERSON: ‘Do nothing’ and ‘do everything’ on social media

http://www.bpnews.net/54794/firstperson-do-nothing-and-do-everything-on-social-media

 

 

 

Pray for our state, Louisiana, as we enter Phase I to open our state up again.  Be careful!  Be safe!  Respect the people who choose to begin the change back to a normal routine.  Respect the people, who for the sake of sickness or age, decide not to return to their previous routine at this time.  Pray for everyone!

Anna Lee