Category: Baptist Press

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for

and certain of what we do not see.  

~Hebrews 11:1~

 

Please say special prayers for Mrs. Hazel Smith and Mr. Bobby Lawson.

Howard Ricks Fussell

July 13, 1937 – February 22, 2015

Howard Ricks Fussell passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2015 in Covington, LA. A native of North Tangipahoa Parish, LA, he was born on Tuesday, July 13, 1937, to Edna Ricks and Freler Fussell.

The beloved husband of Laura Varnado Fussell, he is survived by three sons – Jeffrey F. Fussell (Kelly), Howard Michael Fussell (Shannon) and Stephen L. Fussell (Jill); two brothers – Harold L. Fussell (Bettye) and Paul F. Fussell (Delphine); and nine grandchildren – Mikki and Dalton, Amanda, Megan, Bryce, Jacob and Madison, Lanie and Kate; and one great grandchild – Marla. His parents precede him in death.

Growing up in North Tangipahoa, Howard graduated from Spring Creek High School in 1955. In 1959 he graduated from LSU with a degree in Journalism and worked for Gulf States Utilities as a copywriter and photographer. Earning his M.A. in History from Lamar University, Howard’s Master’s thesis was published by the Texas Historical Society. He went on to earn his J.D. from LSU, joining the law firm of Barranger, Barranger and Jones in 1968. Howard took great pride in his professional career and along with its partners; the firm grew to become what it is today… Jones Fussell, LLP. Although retiring in 2009, Howard remained close to his Jones Fussell family. The American flag that flies over the offices of Jones Fussell will be flown at half-staff Friday through Sunday.

Howard loved football and watching their three sons play at Covington High School, where he was active in the athletic association. LSU football was also a big part of his social life, usually enjoyed with the 10th Street Rowdies and neighborhood friends. He enjoyed officiating games for many years and was a member of the Louisiana High School Officiating Association.

An avid reader, Howard enjoyed music, history and to travel. He sang with the First Baptist Church Celebration Singers, Christwood Singers and the First Methodist Church choir, where he was a member.

Most of all, Howard loved his family, his wife of 57 years, three sons and their exceptional wives, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend memorial services at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Ave. Covington, LA 70433.

Visiting hours are scheduled to take place Friday, February 27, 2015 from 5-8:00 PM and also on Saturday beginning at 9:00 AM.

Immediately following Saturday’s service, the Fussell family would like to invite everyone to join them at the Covington Lion’s Club to raise a glass in celebration of Howard and a life well lived.

Interment will take place privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Covington Food Bank, 840 N. Columbia St. Covington, LA 70433 or to Heifer International, www.heifer.org or by calling (855) 948-6437.
Sign the family guest book or offer condolences to our tribute wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Howard Ricks Fussell please visit ourSympathy Store.

Samaritam’s Purse

  • Operation Christmas Child

Two weeks ago in Mexico, over 140 children received their shoebox gifts! One young girl, Duce, waited patiently to receive her box. When she opened it and found the photo of the children inside, she immediately clasped her hands over her mouth in surprise and began to cry. The little girl in the photo was a friend – she described the girl as her only friend in 3rd grade – whom she recognized from when she had lived in the United States. Duce and her brother, Jonathan, were born in the US, but returned to Veracruz about four years ago with their mother and she has not been in touch with her friend since then. You can read the full story here:http://bit.ly/OCCDuceStory

  • Happy Birthday Samaritan’s Purse—45 years old today! The purpose of Samaritan’s Purse is to meet emergency needs in crisis areas around the world and to do that in the Name of Jesus Christ. In all that we do, whether here or abroad, we want to make Christ known. I thank God for the donors and prayer warriors who stand behind us faithfully year in and year out.
Baptist Press – bpnews.net
Read the Bible in 2015
Devotional, Scripture, and a Song
  • “His Choice” – http://odb.org/
  • God from the beginning                                                                                                                             chose you for salvation.                                                                                                                                 ~2 Thessalonians 2:13~
  • “A Child of the King” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/h/childkin.htm 

Ladies’ Night: Love Letters 

  • Thursday at 6:15
  • Fellowship Hall of FBC, Kentwood
  • Begins with desserts
  • Program participants from Kentwood, New Zion, Kedron, and Roseland
  • All ladies from 3 – 103 invited

 

  • I hope you are planning to be there.
  • I will have it nice and warm for us.

Stay warm and dry today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“You are a chosen race,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

a people for His possession,

so that you may proclaim the praises of the One

who called you out of darkness

into His marvelous light.”

~1Peter 2:9, HCSB~

Today, I would like to introduce you to the teenage granddaughter of a former classmate and best friend, Carol Ann Cutrer Cleveland, from my school days. I was blessed to see her Sunday.

Maddie’s Miracle (Facebook)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maddies-Miracles/390075544489525?fref=nf

Obituaries

  • W. E. “Bill” Dykes

    Born: October 23, 1925
    Died: February 23, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2974776&fh_id=10545

  • Harold and Paul Fussell’s brother – I have not located an obituary yet.
  • Kenneth Evans (1932 – 2015)

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/clarionledger/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=174226311

“Living in a Time of Crisis” by Steve Horn

http://stevehorn.org/2015_02_23/living-in-a-time-of-crisis/

Fifteen Reasons Our Churches Are Less Evangelistic Today

 ThomRainer.com

Baptist Press 

bpnews.net

Read the Bible in 2015

Devotional, Scripture, a Quote, and a Song

  • “Expect Great Things” – http://odb.org/2013/03/01/expect-great-things/
  • Who through faith . . .                                                                                                                                 out of weakness were made strong.                                                                                                                                       ~Hebrews 11:33-34~
  • “Expect great things from God;                                                                                               attempt great things for God.”                                                                                                                                        ~William Cary~
  • “To the Work” – http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/To_the_Work/

Frozen Food Sunday

This is the week we send frozen food to two families.  Bring the food to my Sunday School classroom before Sunday School.  It needs to be about 2 cups of food frozen in a quart size bag.  One family needs one course foods such as beans and rice, gumbo, soup, chicken and dumplings.  The other needs fresh or frozen foods that have not been processed or made with processed ingredients – your canned or frozen fruits and vegetables and/or fresh fruits and vegetables.  Delivery will be made to the families Sunday afternoon.

I’m looking forward to a great birthday party today to honor some of our “young” ladies who have been “working” for the Lord for many years.  If you are available, you are invited to join us at The Cafe at 11:00 A.M.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“They should be rich in good works

and generous to those in need,

always being ready to share with others.

By doing this they will be storing up their treasure

as a good foundation for the future s

o that they may experience true life.”

~1 Timothy 6:18b-19 NLT~

 

Terri Easley is home now.  She has stitches both inside and outside her mouth.  Thanks for your prayers for her and her family.

Mrs. Bessie Hayden is having a number of cardiac tests done.  Pray for smooth testing and results that lead to something that can be done to help her.

Mrs. Hazel Smith continues to stay in, but does enjoy little visits from her friends.  She’s in good spirits and has a wonderful outlook.

Dr. Earl Council is home and doing much better.  He will soon have his strength back and be “no worse for wear”.  Thank-you for praying for him.

Women’s Ministry Activities Next Week

  • “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party
    • 11:00 A.M. Tuesday
    • The Cafe
    • Honors ladies with birthdays in February
  • Ladies’ Night (for ladies from 3 to 103)
    • “Love Letters”
    • Thursday, February 26th
    • We begin with desserts at 6:15
    • Fellowship Hall of FBC, Kentwood
    • No tickets needed; Just come
  • Bible Study
    • Fridays in the Fellowship Hall
    • 10:00 A.M.
    • “Esther” on 2-27-15
  •  Coming Soon – Frozen Food Day (March 1)
    • Bring about 2 cups of food already frozen in quart-size freezer bags
      • Gumbo
      • Roast, rice, and gravy
      • Etc.
    • Bring fresh or fresh frozen fruits and vegetables
      • Cannot be processed commercially
      • Cannot contain ingredients which are processed commercially
      • Deliveries will be made Sunday afternoon

Read the Bible in 2015

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Approaching God” – http://odb.org/
  • Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;                                                                                                the whole earth is full of His glory!                                                                                                                                                     ~Isaiah 6:3~
  • “Holy, Holy, Holy” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/o/holyholy.htm

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

I can hardly wait to see what has God’s got planned this weekend?

Anna Lee

Friday

“In the same way faith,

if it doesn’t have works,

is dead by itself.”

~James 2:17, HCSB~

 

Koltyn Gafford arrived at his home in Amite about 12:30 yesterday.  He was welcomed by a number of people and numerous blue balloons and blue bows.  The following was written by his dad, Bra.

What amazing day! Kristin and I would like to thank everyone for coming out to support us as we arrived home with our little miracle.
As soon as we got off the Amite exit we were escorted by the Amite Fire & Police Dept. It was so amazing to see all our friends and family along the road waving and displaying their blue ribbons for Koltyn. We can’t thank our community enough for the vast amount of support they have shown us. Please continue to pray for Koltyn’s progress. He is a miracle indeed!!!

Terri Easley, who resides on highway 441, was bitten in the face by a dog yesterday.  She was sent by North Oaks to Baton Rouge.  Please pray for her.

Joe Easley, who lives in the New Zion area, was moved from North Oaks to North Oaks rehab.  Please continue to pray for Joe, Jean, and their family.

Mrs. Bessie Hayden is home and improving.  Please keep her in your prayers.

Anne Ellzey, a retired school teacher and a former co-worker, has been having difficult health issues.  The next 36 hours are critical.  As you pray for Anne, please pray for her children and grandchildren.

Martha Pevey Drago completed her last chemo and is waiting for surgery to be scheduled.

Mr. Cush Shaw, brother of Mrs. Kathryn Kuss and Coach Elton Shaw, has had his first chemo.  Pray for the family as they love and support this man.

Gerald Norman “Buddy” Birch 

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theadvocate/obituary.aspx?n=gerald-norman-birch-buddy&pid=174195087&fhid=17421

Third Thursday

The cold weather and schedule conflicts did not prevent another successful night of fellowship, music, and worship last night.  We welcomed some new guests too.

Read the Bible in 2015 – Isaiah 40-44

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Weighed Down” – http://odb.org/
  • Let us lay aside every weight,                                                                                                           and the sin which so easily ensnares us,                                                                                           and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.                                                                                                                                           ~Hebrews 12:1~
  • “Burdens are Lifted at Calvary” –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgkZznGP3dY

God keeps on blessing and blessing!  Oh, that reminds me of another song to sing in my heart today!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

He said:

“In my distress I called to the LORD,

and he answered me.

From the depths of the grave I called for help,

and you listened to my cry.  

~Jonah 2:2~

 

Pray for smooth transitions

  • Mildred Birch – St. Helena Hospital after heart surgery in Baton Rouge
  • Koltyn Gafford – home in Amite following recent physical therapy at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans

Hammond – Joe Easley was able to get up and eat yesterday.  Pray he continues to improve.

Martha Drago – At home in Arcola following her last chemo yesterday.  Next step, surgery!

Deaths/Obituaries

 

Willie “Billy” Leon Prine

Born: August 04, 1938
Died: February 16, 2015

              http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/10545/id/2967986

Michael Allton “Mike” Passman

Born: April 22, 1941
Died: February 17, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?                                                                     action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2968899&fh_id=10545

Jake Wilson Allen
Born: October 31, 1948
Died: February 17, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2968579&fh_id=10545

Alton Warren of Roseland

Mr. Alton has been very ill.  A niece reports his death.  I’ll post an obituary when one is available.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Read the Bible in 2015 –  Psalm 18-20

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “Mirror, Mirror” – http://odb.org/
  • He who . . . is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,                       this one will be blessed in what he does.                                                                                                                                                              ~James 1:25~
  • “Be Ye Doers of the Word” 

Stay warm and safe today.  It’s a good day to put on a pot of soup to share and even to make some visits by phone.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Therefore, He is always able

to save those who come to God through Him,

since He always lives to intercede for them.

~Hebrews 7:25, HCSB~

 

Dr. Earl Council is hospitalized in South Caroline and sicker than he was the last time.  Please pray for this kind gentleman and his family.

Mrs. Mildred Birch is scheduled for her transfer to the Greensburg Hospital later today.  Pray for her as she continues to recover from heart surgery.

Loretta Knight Binder

Born: June 22, 1935
Died: February 15, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2967802&fh_id=10545

Shirley Creel Little

Born: November 02, 1937
Died: February 15, 2015

http://www.mckneelys.com/home/index.cfm?action=public:obituaries.view&o_id=2967411&fh_id=10545

Camp Living Waters 

Thanks to all who helped provide some of the other items needed at Camp Living Waters.  I’m sure your contributions will make the coming season at CLW more successful.  I appreciate your generosity.  Monica Maddox from CLW is overwhelmed with your generosity.

Operation Christmas Child

Yesterday, I was asked to remind you of the boxes for Operation located in the hallway across from the kitchen at FBC, Kentwood.  You can choose a brown paper bag, fill it, and return it to the same area.  The bag tells you what to purchase for the shoeboxes we will be packing in the fall.  If your items do not fit in the brown paper bag, simply attach the bag to the outside of the larger bag with a string/ribbon.  Let’s get the items we will need to pack the shoeboxes to bless little children around the world with gifts and the opportunity to meet Jesus.

Baptist Press

bpnews.org

Friday Morning Bible Study

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Third Thursday

  • Two more days!
  • David and I are looking forward to a cabin full of people who love felloswhip, food, music, and a good devotional.
  • 6:30 P.M.
  • Need directions? Contact me.

Read the Bible in 2015

Remember to let your little light shine today.

Anna Lee

Saturday

                            Though the mountains be shaken  

                                      and the hills be removed,    

              yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken

                     nor my covenant of peace be removed,”

                                              says the LORD,

                            who has compassion on you.    

                                           ~Isaiah 54:10~

 

Sherry Day had a full body MRI this week that came back clear.  Let’s thank God for this good report.

Barbara B. Gaines got the report of the lympth nodes that were removed a couple weeks ago.  She got an “all clear” report.  I’m thanking God for this wonderful report.

Michael Hornsby, Chinero Fowler’s step-dad, had a massive heart attack and will be having surgery this weekend.  Pray for the family and the medical team working with him.

Callie Cole is the young lady from Brookhaven who had an accident a few years ago.  She has some issues now that her mother would like for us to pray about.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Read the Bible in 2015

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “A Matter of Love” – http://odb.org/
  • You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,                                                                   with all your soul,                                                                                                                                       and with all your strength.                                                                                                                                                                                             ~Deuteronomy 6:5~
  • “Love Lifted Me” – http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/l/lliftdme.htm

Have a great day.  Show some love to others today!

Anna Lee

Friday

Let the little children come to Me,

and don’t stop them,

because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,”

~Luke 18:16b~

 

Macy Gueldner

 http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal/view/id/54dd7094cb16b47e1d620615

Mildred Birch

Just went to visit Ms Mildred, her heart rate is too high and she’s running a temp. They called the Dr and got her some medicine for her heart rate. She still hasn’t been up to walk. Praying for a better day tomorrow. Thanks so much for the continued prayers! God Bless you all (Written by Sharon Birch)

Koltyn Gafford

First big outing – the zoo!

Discharge date – soon!

Hope Center is continuing their 75% off sale of winter merchandise in preparation for putting our clothing for the spring season.

Camp Living Waters

Monica Maddox, Director of Volunteers, is thrilled and overwhelmed with your contributions for the five trailers and for your willingness to prepare a meal for a group of Campers on Mission who will be there to work March 23-27.  It not too late to call and volunteer.

We are asking that your church or group provide either lunch or supper for this group (40 – 60) Monday-Thursday. I will know for certain on Sunday, March 22 the total number.

We will provide the drinks.

Lunch is served at noon. Lunch is usually something light, such as soup, sandwiches, or hamburgers. Side items have included chips, salad, or fresh fruit.

Supper is served at 5:30. In the past supper has been jambalaya, spaghetti, pork, fried chicken and even pizza. Side dishes that compliment the main course are appreciated. We can provide the garden salad items.

Desserts are not needed as they usually bring enough on their own.

In order for a meal not to be duplicated, please let me know what you wish to provide as soon as possible. I would like to have the meal schedule completed by Feb 16h, 2015.

We also are asking for volunteers to come to the camp and help out with the breakfast meal. This would be Monday – Thursday also. I need 2 volunteers each day from 6:30 – 8:30 a.m. There is no serving line, but I would need help with clean up.
If you have any questions, please call my home. 985-345-3315.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Read the Bible in 2015 – Isaiah 34-39

Valentine Banquet

  • 7 P.M. tonight at FBC, K
  • Over 100 signed up!

Ladies Bible Study

  • Meets in Heritage Room because of the banquet
  • 10:00 this morning
  • “Miriam”

Ladies Night 

  • “Love Letters”
  • Thursday, February 26th
  • 6:15 P.M.
  • FBC,K
  • For ladies between the ages of 3 and 103
  • Bring a group from your church.

Devotional, Scriptures, and Songs

  • “The Word Amoung Us” –http://odb.org/
  • Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.                                                                                                                                              ~Psalm 119:24~                                                   Open my eyes,                                                                                                                                               that I may see wondrous things from Your law.                                                                                                                                                 ~Psalm 119:18~
  • “Open My Eyes, that I Might See”                                                                                                             http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/p/openeyes.htm                                                               “Tell the Good News”                                                                                                                                    http://www.lyriczz.com/lyrics/gene-bartlett/225719-tell-the-good-news/

I hope you are filled with the love of God and others today!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Call to Me, and I will answer you,

and show you great and mighty things,

which you do not know.”

~Jeremiah 33:3, NKJV~

 

 

In my last post I forgot to include Mrs. Bessie Hayden.  She was taken by ambulance to Lallie Kemp Hospital because of chest pains.  Let’s pray for her as she undergoes testing there.

Mansell Stinson is looking forward to surgery next week in West Jefferson Hospital  Pray for him as he continues to wait.

I talked with Mr. Bobby Lawson‘s niece.  She said he continues to have ups and downs. Keep him in your prayers,

Pray for sister, Miss Fay Shoemaker and Mrs. Fern Brennan.  Their love and concern for each other has been steady.  Their health is not as good as it was when I first met them, but they doing the best they can.

Pray for Susan Rimes as she sees a doctor again tomorrow.

Thank God for the improvement Martha Griffith has made in two weeks.

Read the Bible in 2015

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

  • “The Well-Watered Life” – odb.org
  • Blessed are those who “delight in the law of the Lord . . . .                                                       They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.                   Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do”.                                                                                                                                                                             ~Psalm 1:2-3 NIV~
  • “Springs of Living Water” – http://www.anordinarymom.com/sunday-hymn-springs-of-living-water/

Friday Morning Bible Study – Miriam

  • Exodus 2:4-10; 15:20-21
  • Numbers 12:1-15; 20:1
  • Micah 6:4

Have a good day, but prepare for another cold night tonight.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“A new command I give you:

Love one another.

As I have loved you,

so you must love one another.”  

~John 13:34~

 

Joe Easley‘s procedure and surgery went well Monday.  Please continue to pray for Joe and Jean.

I saw Mrs. Robert Pate at the wake last night and asked about the medical tests she had done last week.  She said she got good reports.

Baptist Press – benews.net

Read the Bible in 2015 – Psalms 15-17

Devotional, Scripture, and a Song

Request from Camp Living Waters

  • 2 sets of white queen size sheets
  • 1 set of white full size sheets

You can leave these items in the front stairwell.  Monica Maddox , from CLW, will pick them up.  Just let me know they have been purchased.

Thanks to those who have purchased sheets, microwaves, or shared dishes and other items with CLW to set up the five trailers.  May you be blessed for sharing in this way.

Thanks for reading and praying.  You are good prayer partners.

Anna Lee