Thursday

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

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

~Job 2:13 (NLT)~

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

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

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

Jan Hammons’ dad:

Harold Joseph Ard

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

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

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

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

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

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

Burial will follow at Loranger Cemetery.

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

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

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

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anna Lee

Sunday

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

~Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)~

Please pray for the following friends with Covid-19 or recovering. Some are progressing better than others. These friends are asking for your prayers.

Diane Easley

Debbie Luce Clark

Wayne and Nona Jones

Harrell and Susie Sharkey

Please pray for Joe Easley who is hospitalized with pneumonia. Thankfully, he has again tested negative for Covid-19.

If you missed the Christian rally in Washington yesterday, you can find video footage online.

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 27

Isaiah 54:1-57:14
Ephesians 6:1-24
Psalm 70:1-5
Proverbs 24:8

If you are not attending church in person, you have many online services available as well as the old standby, televised services. I’ll post a facebook link to services at FBC, Kentwood just before 10:30 this morning and 6:00 this afternoon.

Pray for churches in our country and other countries that pack “shoeboxes”. May lots of love, prayer, and gifts be shipped in the coming months.

Today, lets pray for the churches around the world where the “shoeboxes”will be distributed. May they use the “shoeboxes” in such a way to influence the boys and girls to want to learn about Jesus.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

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

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

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

~Ephesians 1:4-5 (NLT)~

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

Leone (Rogers) Reynolds 1925 – 2020

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

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

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

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

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 23

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

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

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

Anna Lee

Monday

Submit yourselves, then, to God.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you

~James 4:7~

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

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

Julius Ladell Birch

October 03, 1937 – September 19, 2020

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

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 21

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

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

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

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

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

Be a blessing to others today!

Anna Lee

Saturday

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

~Hebrews 11:25 (NIV)~

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

Georgia Barnette Offering for missions in Louisiana – Day 7

“The Right Time to Replant”

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

James Eugene White

February 20, 1940 – September 16, 2020

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

Virginia Burnthorn White

Send Flowers

January 01, 1939 – September 16, 2020

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

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 20

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

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

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

Anna Lee

Wednesday

For the wages of sin is death,

but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

~Romans 6:23~

The Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief kitchen team that cooks for other volunteers needs some help. Contact Bro. Stan Statham in Franklinton or Bro. Gibby McMillan to volunteer for any length of time.

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

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 16

Isaiah 22:1-24:23
Galatians 2:17-3:9
Psalm 60:1-12
Proverbs 23:15-16

Please continue to pray for those being impacted by Hurricane Sally and those still dealing with a new way of life/living since Hurricane Laura. As thankful as we are that these storms did not hit our area, we still have to realize they hit another area. Consider what you can do to help these people in a time of need.

Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana Missions

Day 4 – “The Right Time to Plant”

https://georgiabarnette.org/week-of-prayer-english/#day4

Two obituaries – I taught all four of the Williams children at school and both of the Lea girls piano lessons. There have been many deaths lately.

Clyde Gerald “Jerry” Williams

February 24, 1943 – September 14, 2020

Clyde Gerald “Jerry” Williams passed from this world peacefully on September 14, 2020 at his home in Culpeper, VA. He was born February 24, 1943 in Independence, Louisiana and was 77 years old. Jerry married Faye (Jenkins) on June 21, 1963 and together they raised four children, Jerri Faye, Lee, Terri, & Len. He spent many years in Louisiana where he worked as a barber, carpenter, and dairy farmer. He moved his family to Virginia in 1987 where he lived until his death.

During his brief battle with cancer, many dear friends traveled thousands of miles to see him, which brought him and his family great comfort.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary Faye Williams (Jenkins), Culpeper, VA; 2 daughters, Jerri Faye Pevey (Dennis) and Terri McClure (Steven); 2 sons, Lee Williams (Jill) and Len Williams (Jamie); grandchildren D.J. Pevey, Emily Pevey Haase (Tony), Wyatt Carroll, Garrett Carroll, Sydney Williams, Lydia Pevey, Margaret Williams, Ruby Williams, Clayton Williams, Audrey Williams, and Ila Williams; great grandchildren Ryleigh, A.J. & Elijah Haase. Jerry also leaves behind a special cousin, Melanie Patterson (Bankston) who remained by his side and provided support to his family throughout his brief illness.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Elmus Williams and Clara Eva Brashears (Bankston), his brother, James Robert Williams, and an infant son.

Memorial services will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

I understand that Rod Lea also passed away. I’ll post his obituary when one becomes available.

I’ll share the link to Prayer Meeting at FBC, Kentwood on my FB page just before 6 P.M. tonight.

Don’t forget that the pick-up for the Fall Food Round-Up is coming. Get your donations to the church by Sunday. Call the church office for a list of the most needed items.

If you want to contact me, just click on the word “Contact” at the top right of this page. I love to hear from you. It is also a good way to add information to TPL, but does not automatically post when you write.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one other.”

~Romans 14:12-13 (NIV)~

Nancy Stokes’ dad is back in his room after dealing with Covid-19. Thank God for that big improvement. Thank you for praying for him.

Mrs. Nita Russell Miller, who will soon be 95, is also back in her room after a battle with the virus. Thank God for this miracle.

William “W.A.” Potts

September 24, 1944 – September 14, 2020

William “W.A.” Potts, a resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2020 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born September 24, 1944 in Osyka, MS and was 75 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Juan Blades Potts; children, William Todd Potts and wife, Cathy, Randall Kirk Potts and wife, Renea, Darla Potts Bridges and husband, Khris; grandchildren, Russton Potts and wife, Julia, Haley Potts, Brandy Potts, Amy Caine and husband, Dustin, Chelsey Hammons, Lana Fairburn; great-grandchildren, Tayler Potts, Ona Sterling, Annabelle Caine and Harper Hammons; step-mother, Bobbie Potts; sister-in-law, Myrna Potts; numerous step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, James M. Potts and Wilma Dean Sanders Potts; brother, Robert Earl Potts. Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, September 18, 2020. Interment East Fork Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Meg Stevens is working on a mission project for Louisiana Baptist Relief in the area affected by Hurricane Laura.

Friends-The following items have been requested by our Disaster Relief team at Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles.Diapers, sizes 4-6.Cleaning supplies- every thing Also- I’m gathering t-shirts. Both colored or white.They can be stained or torn. ( we are making bundles of cleaning rags as well as jump ropes for shoeboxes)Please contact me if you have questions or if you’d like to volunteer.985 514 2690Items can be dropped off in the Sharing Shed behind my mailbox or ill be happy to pick up. Thanks!Blessings!

Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana Missions

“The Right Time to Show Compassion”

https://georgiabarnette.org/week-of-prayer-english/#day3

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

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 15

Isaiah 19:1-21:17
Galatians 2:1-16
Psalm 59:1-17
Proverbs 23:13-14

Update on Operation Christmas Child

My list shows all purchases for this year have been made. We have one order, for additional calculators, that will be here any day.
A group of ladies has faithfully made totes for years that we place inside each box. They are colorful and just the right size for the “shoeboxes”. Yesterday, we were blessed with 361 totes for our boxes this year. Thank you, ladies!
My sister helped us tremendously this year through making wonderful items and purchasing other items.
Two of my faithful young friends have helped me for years. They helped me at the beginning of the year. When they grow up, I fully expect they will still be involved in OCC.
A church family has ordered a number of items for us this year. They also shopped locally to complete our supply of coloring books and add to the supple of Mardi Gras beads.
We are officially focusing on collecting money for postage. A week ago, we paid to ship over 25% of our boxes. Yesterday, I received checks from two ladies and a message about a donation from a third lady. God is blessing us through these friends!
Several classes have faithfully purchased monthly. I’ve learned to enjoy their Amazon shopping. Thanks to a friend who helped by doing the shopping for some of the classes.
During 2020, we are blessed to be ahead of where we usually are at this point! I greatly appreciate all the help and know the boys and girls will be so blessed when they open their boxes.
Speaking of boxes. We have 150 of them painted and ready to go. Fifty more are being worked on. Special thanks to the late Martha Griffith who painted hundreds of boxes last year. We are using about 100 of “her boxes” this year.
David has been able to help me much more this year than the last few years. We worked alone except for the first couple of months of the year due to the virus. We were able to accomplish more than usual by working a few hours at a time.
Janice Hornsby, the church secretary, has been an asset too. She kept track of what was turned in and physically carried a number of boxes down from the office so they would be ready for us.
Thanks to FBC! Thanks to everyone!
God has greatly blessed the “shoebox” process this year!
You are helping to change the world through children and the shoeboxes!

The year, 2020, has been a good “shoebox” year! Coming soon – packing in October and serving as a collection site in November.

Anna Lee

Saturday

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

~2 Corinthians 4:17 (CEV)~

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

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

Blake Welton Brumfield

January 07, 1994 – September 09, 2020

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anna Lee

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

Friday

Blessed are all who fear the LORD,

who walk in obedience to him.

You will eat the fruit of your labor;

blessings and prosperity will be yours.

~Psalm 128:1-2~

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

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

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

Lucretia King Farr

August 15, 1966 – September 03, 2020

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

Helen Ruth Cox Bankston

July 30, 1946 – September 02, 2020

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

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

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 4

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

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

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

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

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

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else,

and live righteously,

and he will give you everything you need.”

~Matthew 6:33 (NLT)~

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

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

Linda Nell Russell

March 22, 1945 – August 27, 2020

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

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anna Lee