“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Micah 5:2

Mike Strickland is hospitalized with both flu and pneumonia. Please pray for him.

Several people, whom I will not name, have had surgeries or procedures in the last week. Pray for them as a group unless you know the individual situations.

Read the Bible – Revelations 10-11 & Psalm 43

The “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party will be at 11 A.M. tomorrow at The Cafe.

Third Thursday at the Cabin – We will meet this week at 6:30. Come join us.

Contributions to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering are being accepted at all Southern Baptist Churches.

The Friday Morning Bible Study will not meet this week, but plans to meet the following week.

Christmas is a wonderful time to help meet needs.

Anna Lee

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

This morning at 8 A.M., you can begin your day by attending the breakfast buffet at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church. Better than the wonderful breakfast is knowing your donation goes to a worthy need in this general area. The ladies do a great job in providing the breakfast and in selecting the person/cause to give the funds to.

Many area churches will be having Christmas programs of some sort either this morning or this afternoon. FBC, Kentwood will be celebrating with the music of the children and the adults tonight at 6P.M.

“Three Ways Lottie Moon’a Calling was Centered in Christ” – https://www.imb.org/2017/12/13/lottie-moons-calling-centered-christ/

“What is an IMB Missionary? – https://www.imb.org/2016/11/02/what-is-an-imb-missionary/

FBC, Kentwood will have their missions march for the Lottie Moon Offering this morning. This is an opportunity to give and to make a visual statement of your support for missions by walking with those who are giving. Of course, this is not your only opportunity to give to the offering. You can give at any time. I think it is great to know 100% of our money given goes directly to support missionaries and their work around the world.

Read the Bible – Revelations 7-9 & Psalm 42

I’ve been told that many people are having Christmas gathering/meals today. No matter when you gather, remember the reason is to celebrate the day long ago when Jesus was born on this earth as a little baby. My, the plans His Father had for Him!

Anna Lee

Saturday

For God loved the world in this way:

He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

~John 3:16 HCSB~

Carol Bennett Sealey’s husband, Steve, had four bypasses and is doing very well. He may be able to leave the hospital today. Thank God for a good report.

Carl Wayne Stevens has been sick for a while, but earlier this week he was able to return home. Thank God for His watchcase.

Rusty Benoit is home and doing well. Thank-you for praying for Rusty and his family.

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Ruby Dillon. She’s at home.

Read the Bible – Rev. 4-6 & Psalm 41

The Missions March for the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions will be during the worship hour at FBC tomorrow.

There will be a Christmas Cantata tomorrow night at 6 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood.

“A Legacy of Faith – Christmas Memories” – https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/1605a49fb07005c0

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

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Remember, this holiday is about the earthly birth of the Savior of the world.

Anna Lee

Friday

He sent the message to the Israelites,

proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ-

-He is Lord of all.

~Acts 10:36 HCSB~

Ashby Reeves had a procedure yesterday that resulted in very good news. Join Ashley and her family and friends in thanking God.

Michelle LaBarbera Murphy has surgery yesterday. All went much better than expected. Her family is elated and gave God the praise and glory for the good news they received yesterday.

Michael Franklin Lane passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at the age of 73. He was born on Thursday, November 30, 1944 in Blytheville, Arkansas to the late Martha Matilda Bombalaski and the late Herman Lane. He was a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Ann Carney Lane; daughter, Lana Lane Fletcher and her husband Bo; son, Michael Franklin Lane, Jr. and his wife Mishelle; step-children, Shannon Smith and her husband Matt, Terry Mixon and his wife Kristy, and Craig Mixon and his wife Tonya; grandchildren, Christopher Cantrell, Joseph Cantrell, Michael S. Lane, III, Olivia Lane, and Benjamin Lane; 8 step-grandchildren; and 6 step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herman Lane; mother, Martha Matilda Bombalaski; and siblings, John, Bill, and Jerry Lane.

Services were private. (Harry McKneely Funeral Home)

This morning we will have the Friday Morning Bible Study at 10:00 at FBC, Kentwood.

FBC, Kentwood will have their annual Christmas program Sunday evening at 6 P.M.

Read the Bible – Rev. 1-3, Psalm 40, and video on Rev. 1-11 at http://bibleproject.com

Annual Lottie Moon Missions March – Sunday morning at FBC, Kentwood. Prepare to show your support by giving and/or walking during morning worship time.

As you make your Christmas plans, please remember those who need encouragement or support at this time. It’s all about love!

Anna Lee

Thursday

The Word became flesh and took up residence among us.

We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

~John 1:14 HCSB~

Please continue to pray for Pam Seller’s friend, Vicki.

Steve Sealey is Carol Bennett Sealeys husband. Many of you will remember Carol from Roseland or OFA. Steve will be having three or four bypasses today. Please pray for this procedure to be successful.

Michelle LaBarbera Murphy of Amite is having cancer surgery today. Pray all goes well for her. Pray for her many family members and friends.

Mrs. Fay Shoemaker is home from Ochsner. Pray for her as she adjusts to being at home.

Sunday, we had an opportunity to talk with Phillip Strickland. He told us about his trip to M.D. Anderson this week and his hopes for a good report. He’s there now. Let’s pray for Phillip and his family as he learns more about his health.

Read the Bible – Jude, Psalm 39, and video on Jude

Baptist Press – http://baptistpress.com

The Friday Morning Bible Study will meet tomorrow at 10 A.M. at FBC, Kentwood. You are welcome to join us.

The monthly “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party will be early this month. We will meet on Tuesday, December 19th at The Cafe at 11 A.M.
The monthly Third Thursday at the Cabin will be next Thursday, one week from tonight. We meet at 6:30. Join us for this great night.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. We received enough money last week to “light up” on light on our string of Christmas lights. When all the lights are “lit”, we will have achieved our goal. Sunday, we will be having our yearly “Missions March for the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions”. A full 100% of out gifts given through the offering goes to support missionaries who are serving somewhere in the world. We will march on Sunday. Gifts can be given any Sunday. I hope you are enjoying the videos at church on Sunday mornings.

Today, I want to leave you with this idea for sharing the Gospel. I hope some of you will use it with your neighbors or co-workers. https://www.imb.org/2017/12/11/christmas-hospitality-incarnation/?

https://www.imb.org/2017/12/11/christmas-hospitality-incarnation/?utm_campaign=On%20Mission%20Today&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=59341728&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–X7YWxw8jC88sIUAa6e1LfnD4ZnXMT2T2jxJ7bmnhOXf0vAu6obvptcm635YpklmVfmokw-Lc0uAMLGiZlCdCazSedPw&_hsmi=59341728

Share some real CHRISTmas spirit this holiday season.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

~Isaiah 7:14~

Pray for two Amite people who are fighting battles with cancer.

Debbie Miller Wilkinson just got home from M.D. Anderson. She learned her cancer is not actively growing/spreading now. Pray for this precious lady as she continues her battle.
Jimmy McGraw also just returned from M.D. Anderson. The placebo he was taking was not effective in stopping the spread of his cancer. He was put on the real medication which hopefully will be more effective.

Lynette Cogan has been sick for a while. She has a number of serious problems and is hospitalized in Huntsville. Please add her to your prayer list.

Josiah Huckaby’s Nine Month Update

Josiah has been in the NICU for 279 days & turned 9 months old this past Friday. He had to go back on the non-invasive vent after being on high flow oxygen for several days…but once he rested & recovered, they weaned him to CPAP. He’s doing really well with that. We’ve been talking with the doctors about surgery for Josiah’s kidney & today we decided that the current risks overwhelming outweigh the benefits. He will most likely need this surgery in the future but we are going to wait until it’s an absolute necessity. He’s decided he only likes “sweet” foods (sweet potatoes, carrots, pears). The Moose is still his favorite toy. I really need to get a spare. Scooby Doo & Veggie Tales are his favorite shows. He has had the best “laugh” faces this week. He also got to go on a wagon ride Saturday…which is HUGE deal for him (and us) because he hasn’t been out of his room except to go to procedures or move rooms. God is so good & faithful to us… we can’t help but give Him all the glory!!!

Pray for Mrs. Ruby Dillon. Hopefully, her current problem can be treated without another stay at the hospital.

Jimmy Alford is feeling better and eating more now that he stopped the chemo he tried that wasn’t effective. Pray for him as he waits for the 19th when the doctors will try something different to treat this cancer. Jimmy is enjoying these good days.

David saw his retina specialist yesterday. His eyes are doing well. The doctor and David both enjoyed a few minutes of giving God the glory for David’s eyesight. The doctor said he will always remember David as one of the worse cases he ever treated when David went in with both eyes having detached retinas at the same time.

Anthony Julien Durio

November 21, 1939 – December 11, 2017

U.S. Veteran

A resident of Amite, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2017. He was born November 21, 1939 in Opelousas and was 78 years of age. He was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force, a member of First Baptist Church of Amite, Past Master of Amite Masonic Lodge #175, member of Acacia Shriners where he was Potentate in 2003, a member of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry 32 degree KCCH, and a member of the American Legion. He is survived by wife, Frances Lupo Durio, Amite; son, Vincent Anthony Durio and wife, Pam, Hammond; grandson, Brandon Anthony Durio, Houston, TX; sister, Rose Marie Durio Savoie and husband, Leroy, Pearland, TX; brother, John Russell Durio and wife, Renee, Amite. Preceded in death by parents, Joseph Durio and Ada Marie Zeringue Durio. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 12 Noon until Memorial Service at 2 PM on Friday, December 15, 2017. Services will be conducted by Bro. William Hyde. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

George Richard (Dick) Toups

November 28, 1942 – December 09, 2017

George Richard (Dick) Toups, DVM, 75, of Baton Rouge, died peacefully on December 9, 2017. He was born to Wilbur A. Toups, Sr. and Virginia LeBon Toups in New Orleans on November 28, 1942. Dick graduated from Jesuit High School in 1960 where he captained the Blue Jay football team. He attended Tulane University and played football there as well. He went on to graduate in 1974 from Texas A&M University with honors, where he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. He began his career as a veterinarian in Metairie and Amite before opening his practice in New Iberia, where he and his family lived for several years. In 1989 he joined the USDA as a federal veterinarian until his retirement in 2008. Survived by his wife, Betty Jo Bel Toups, whom he cherished for 53 years; daughter, Ashley Toups Raborn and husband, Jeff of Winston Salem, North Carolina; three perfect grandchildren, Jane Ashley, Jack and Hunt Raborn; his brother, Wilbur A. (Wil) Toups, Jr. (Sheryl), brothers in law, Larue delaHoussaye, Buddy Bel (Claire), Pat Bel (Elena) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of good friends. Preceded in death by his parents, son, Scott Richard Toups, and sisters, Mary Toups and Theresa Toups delaHoussaye.Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00 AM until 12:30 PM on Monday, December 18, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite. Services conducted by Fr. Harry Bugler and Deacon Wil Toups. Burial to follow at Amite Memorial Gardens. Serving as pallbearers will be Jay delaHoussaye, Phillippe delaHoussaye, Hunt Raborn, Jack Raborn, Tim Toups and Tony Toups. Honorary pallbearers will be Larue delaHoussaye, Joe Baiamonte, Lee Miller and Jerry Streva. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Athletic Department, 1725 NC 66, Kernersville, North Carolina 27284. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible – I John 5 – III John & Psalm 38

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Have a blessed day, but also be a blessing to someone today. Remember, we celebrate the birth of Jesus during this wonderful season.

Anna Lee

Monday

Nations will come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your radiance.

~Isaiah 60:3 HCSB~

There are many with cold, allergies, flu, bronchitis, etc. First, pray for those you are aware of. Second, do something to help them out.

There have been a number of deaths in our community lately. Please pray for the families who have lost their loved ones during the holiday season.

Sunday, December 17th, FBC, Kentwood will have their annual Lottie Moon Missions March. Come walk inside the walls of our sanctuary to say you support missions. It’s also a good time to contribute to the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions.

“Why the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is Collected at Christmas” – https://www.imb.org/2017/12/06/lottie-moon-christmas-offering-collected-christmas/

Read the Bible – I John 1-2, Psalm 36, & video on I-III John

Baptist Press –http://bpnews.net

Ladies’ Bible Study – We missed class Friday due to the snow. We will put Friday at 10 A.M. back on our schedule for this week.

Next Week

Tuesday (19th) – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party celebration at The Cafe at 11 A.M.
Thursday (21st) – Third Thursday at the Cabin at 6:30 P.M.

I think the snow was pretty, but I’m glad it is melting away now. Let’s keep praying for those who still do not have electricity!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love.

Death can’t, and life can’t.

The angels won’t, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God’s love away.

Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are — high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean — nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us”

~Romans 8:38-39 TLB

I was asked to add the name of Carolyn Raborn. She broke her leg and is in North Oaks. She will be going to rehab when the proper paperwork is approved.

Baby Luke who was born the day following a traffic accident in slowly improving. He’s up to 3.2 pounds. Keep praying for Baby Luke and for his family.

Many people in our area are still without electricity following the snow that fell Friday. If you know of someone whose home does not have electricity, do your best to help them in any way. If you can’t help them, find someone who can.

Read the Bible – II Peter, Psalm 35, and video about II Peter

Week of Prayer for Lottie Moon Offering for international missions – Day 8 – “Why Prayer Matters” – https://www.imb.org/day-8/

I think the roads are clean so everyone can get to church today. If your church is not able to have services due to a lack of heat, I know you will be a welcome guest in another church. We all have a lot to be thankful for today. Come celebrate the birth of the Savior in His house. Many churches will celebrate for several weeks.

Anna Lee

Saturday

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us,

not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,

so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

~Titus 3:4-7~

Please pray for the families that have had recent deaths. The days following deaths when the weather is difficult seem to be more stressful. Pray a little extra for these families.

Read the Bible – I Peter 3-5 and Psalm 34

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer – Day 7 – “What God Has Done” – https://www.imb.org/day-7/

Days seem much longer when we cannot go about our normal activities. I’m thankful to be able to say I have “normal” days. I also think of those who live in war zones and for other reasons do not know “normal”. I’m also thankful for those who worked hard yesterday and continue to work hard to help us all get back to “normal”. Yesterday, as we were talking about the electrical workers out working, I was reminded of growing up knowing that when the weather made life difficult my neighbor, Johnny Pritchett, who worked for the power company and my daddy, Grant Smith, who worked for the phone company world be called upon to help restore “normal” to the lives of others.

Let’s show our appreciation to all those who step up and help us in our times of difficulty – electrical workers, telephone workers, police, EMTs, firemen, pastors, truck drivers, store owners and employees, hospital workers, military, etc. It doesn’t hurt us at all to say “thank-you”, but it certainly encourages others.

Be an encourager!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“We know that in all things

God works for good with those who love him,

those whom he has called according to his purpose.”

~Romans 8:28 TEV~

There are many people having tests, waiting for results, dealing with cancer treatments, having surgery, etc. Please pray for those that you are aware of.

Students are facing semester tests in some schools. Pray for them as they prepare.

Rusty Benoit‘s heart surgery went well at Ochsner yesterday. He’s in ICU now. Please continue to pray for him, the medical staff, and his family.

The Friday Morning Bible Study will continue the study of Ezekiel Friday.

Read the Bible – James 4-5 & Psalm 32

Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Day 5 – https://www.imb.org/day-5/

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

The weather has been both cold and wet. Be careful to stay healthy and safe.

Anna Lee