Friday

“Remember this:

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,

and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

~2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV~

Pray for our grandson, Miles as he prepares to leave Monday to serve in the air force.

Please continue to pray for Donald Alford. Today could possible be the day he gets his first radiation treatment. Pray for his wife and children as they faithful stick with him during this difficult time.

Every time I work on the donations for Operation Christmas Child, I think of the link between two people, the person who donates and the person who will receive the items in the shoeboxes. They will probably never meet, but one knows Jesus and hopefully the other one will know Him soon. Thank-you to all who have given during January. Now, it’s on to February. Below you will find the items we suggest you donate at FBC, Kentwood during February.

Operation Christmas Child, February 2020

Nursery & Preschool	Bandaids
Grades 1-5	Pencil sharpeners (Dollar Tree)
Youth	Small cars
College and Career	Plastic animals, large (Dollar Tree)
Gateway	Boy’s underwear (Size 2-16)
Joy, Friendship Circle. & Bank	Batteries (AAA)
New Creations & Renewal	$1.00 solar calculators
Rebekah & Seekers	Spoons for eating, not cooking
City Hall & Faithful	Ziplock bags
Staff	“Barbies” (Dollar Tree)

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 31

Exodus 12:14-13:16
Matthew 20:29-21:22
Psalm 25:16-22
Proverbs 6:12-15

It’s hard to believe January. 2020 is ending today. Let’s end the month doing something that is meaningful to others, not just ourselves!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel:

‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.

~Zechariah 4:6~

My sister’s surgery went well. She’s home and ready to heal. Please continue to pray for Julie Smith Eudy.

Please continue to pray for Kristi Alford, Chuck Brister and Donald Alford. Pray also for their families.

Terry Gray Voight

September 22, 1934 – January 27, 2020

“Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
Matthew 25:21

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2020 at her home. She was born September 22, 1934 in Amite, LA and was 85 years of age. She retired fom the State of Louisiana after 33 years and performed volunteer work after retirement. She won numerous awards for her volunteer service and was an advocate for child literacy in our community, parish, and state and was a former Girl Scout leader and 4-H leader. She is survived by son, Weston Voight of Amite; daughter, Kimberly Pinion and husband, Jeffery, of Amite; grandchildren, Brandon Voight and wife, Lauren, Crystal Alexander and husband, Wendell, Todd Voight and wife, Georgette, Whitney Guitrau and husband, Dustin, Jaci Dinger and husband, Marion; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Lee Gray and wife, Patsy; sister, Vera Brennan and husband, Paul, of Kingston, NY; numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lewis Voight; mother, Norma L. Davis; father, Henry Gray; daughter-in-law, Catherine “Lalou” Voight; grandson, Stephen L. Voight; sister, Mary Ellen Davis; 2 brothers, Bert and Jack Gray; step-parents, Ernest Davis and Pat Gray; in laws, C.Y. and Aurie Belle Voight. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 1, 2020. Services conducted by Bro. Paul Brennan. Interment Shiloh Church of Christ Cemetery, Amite, LA. Special thanks to Modern Hospice, Runekia Bran and Natasha Barnes. In lieu of flowers donations may be made CYE c/o Justin Simmons, P.O. Box 411 Glenmora, LA 71433. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 29

Exodus 8:1-9:35
Matthew 19:13-30
Psalm 24:1-10
Proverbs 6:1-5

We had a number of items turned in at church Sunday for Operation Christmas Child. They have all been opened and grouped for shoeboxes. Lots of love is going into the shoeboxes. David and I are dedicated to/addicted to shopping, organizing, and packing for them.

I love to tell about shoeboxes and do “shoebox show and tell”. Pray with me as I consider how to best spread the word about the shoebox ministry.

Anna Lee

Monday

“Trust in your money and down you go!

Trust in God and flourish as a tree!”

~Proverbs 11:28 TLB~

Julie Smith Eudy, my sister, is having surgery midmorning today at Ochsner on Jefferson. Please pray for her today and during her recover during the coming weeks.

Pray request sent by Lois Pittman: Donna Manning & Kelsey Schillings

Donna is my niece, lives in Mt.Hermon,she has health problems,Kelsey has been in Tulane since last Sun.,she is on a feeding tube right now ,please put them both on the prayer link,thank you,she also lives inMt.Hermon

Operation Christmas Child – We are almost at the end of our first month of church-wide collection by Sunday School classes for OCC. FBC, Kentwood has continued to prove how generous they are when it comes to missions. Thanks to the OCC team of Frank Fowler, Beth Lee, and Wanda Smith for helping to get the message out to the classes. Looking ahead, what a joy it will be for many children to open the shoeboxes that you helped send at the end of this year. Thank you for your love for missions.

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 27

Exodus 4:1-5:21
Matthew 18:1-20
Psalm 22:19-31
Proverbs 5:15-21

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

Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

If you have some time to dedicate to working on OCC, please let me know. You can even get a friend or two to come with you. Come learn what goes on “behind the scenes” and receive a great blessing as you work and consider all the hands that help to get our boxes to the children each year.

Anna Lee

Sunday

Taste and see that the LORD is good;

blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

~Psalm 34:8~

Marion Antoinette “Doll” Gray Willson

July 09, 1936 – January 24, 2020

A life-long resident of Kentwood, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg. She was born July 9, 1936 in Kentwood and was 83 years of age. She was a retired dairy farmer and a member of Pine Ridge United Methodist Church. She is survived by 2 sons, Paul Willson and wife, Mary Ann, Kentwood and Jimmy Willson and wife, Laurie, Houston, TX; daughter, Tracy Willson Desselles and husband, Gary, Abita Springs; 7 grandchildren, Jim Willson, J.J. Willson, Adam Willson and his wife, Lori, Bracy Willson Pinegar and husband, Jeff, Cristen Willson Blades and her husband, Landon, Colby Desselles and Bailey Desselles; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Nancy Birch and husband, Ladell, and Peggy Varnado and husband, Dr. Jimmie W. Varnado; 2 sisters-in-law, Kay Gray and Toni Gray; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ray Willson; parents, James and Nettie Gray; sister, Velma Georgia Gray; 5 brothers, James Hulon Gray and wife, Minette, Huey Gray and wife, Dorothy, Leahman Gray, Philip Gray, and James Monroe Gray. A graveside service will be held at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Pine Ridge, LA at 1:00PM on Monday, January 27, 2020 conducted by Rev. Dr. Michael Townsend. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 26

Exodus 2:11-3:22
Matthew 17:10-27
Psalm 22:1-18
Proverbs 5:7-14

David and I had a good week with OCC. Today, we are announcing what the classes at our church are purchasing for February. If you are not finished shopping for January, it is never too late.

Pine Ridge United Methodist Church will host their monthly breakfast benefit this morning at 8 A.M. Enjoy the fellowship and food. Contribute to a need in the community chosen by a team of ladies who are always alert to needs and have a heart to help out.

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

You are my refuge and my shield;

I have put my hope in your word.

~Psalm 119:114~

Mr. Sherrill Caraway was able to return to his home yesterday after spending an uncertain week in the hospital in Baton Rouge. Pray he will feel good and improve at home.

Christian Ratlliff’s ear surgery went well. Once he is healed from surgery, his new devices will be turned on. Pray all go as smoothly as planned.

Julie Smith Eudy, my sister, will be having surgery at Ochsner Hospital on Jefferson Monday. Please begin to cover her with your prayers. Please pray for the surgery and the recovery period.

Julie and I have completed the process of cutting, surging, folding, and grouping more than enough colorful washcloths for the shoeboxes we will pack in October. They are beautiful! I am anxious for the children to have them to enjoy for many years. Our present projects include stuffing two-pocket folders for the boys and girls in the two older age groups.

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 21

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

The January Bible Study of Jeremiah is going well at New Zion Baptist Church. There are two more nights. It’s not too late to join the group. They start at 6:30 P.M. with Bro. Darryl Miller teaching the group.

The Kentwood youth are planning for the annual Valentine Banquet which will be Saturday, February 8. A steak supper will be served that night. You can purchase your $20 tickets at the church office or from a youth. Proceeds from the banquet will help with the cost of youth camp this summer.

We all know about being selfish. Let’s practice being selfless today in our prayers and actions.

Anna Lee

Friday

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

~Ezekiel 11:19~

I don’t plan to turn this site into a daily weather report, but know we can possibly have some bad weather in the next few days. Stay alert. Pray for all the people who will be affected by this front moving through our area.

Mrs. Annaliese Neal – Corrected information. Mrs. Annaliese was taken to Hood Hospital for tests and released to go home.

Donna Fay Miller is now a patient at Ochsner on O’Neal in Baton Rouge. Please add her to your prayer list.

Buddy Bel, Amite’s mayor, fell night before last and is now hospitalized at North Oaks with a concussion. Please pray for him.

Larry Bankston is doing better and may be released from North Oaks to go home Saturday or Sunday. Pray for him to continue to improve.

Read the Bible in 2020 – December 10th

Genesis 23:1-24:51
Matthew 8:1-17
Psalm 9:13-20
Proverbs 3:1-6

It’s beginning to look a lot like . . . Operation Christmas Child! David and I missed out on so much last year when he was not healthy, but are making up for lost time this year. We have had some good help already this year. If you have a couple of hours to give, please let us know. We’ll plan to meet with you and work together. If you are available to shop, check the list on the bulletin and happy shopping. Thanks to those of you who shopped the first week and already turned in some items. I pray this is our best year of shoeboxes ever! Last year’s 415 boxes X 7 people each one influences = 2,905 people who had an opportunity to learn about and grow to love Jesus. The possibility for more people being influenced is up to each of us!

Quote from Andy Stanley:

“You have no idea the number of people that God may want to influence through you.”

Anna Lee

Thursday

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them;

I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

~Ezekiel 11:19~

First, let me tell you I gave you the wrong number for David‘s blood level this week. It was 8.5, which is still strong compared to where he has been in the last year. We are so amazed at the improvements we have seen in his health and thank God.

Ferrie Gene Blackmon‘s surgery Monday went well. So did Katie Brabham‘s surgery yesterday. Keep these two ladies in your prayers as they heal.

Kristi Alford in trying a new treatment because the previous one was not helping. Remember to pray for Kristi and her family.

Freddy Bales is undergoing cancer treatment in Hammond. Pray for him and his family as they make adjustments in their daily routine.

Annalyce Neal was involved in a traffic accident with a garbage truck yesterday. The report I heard was that she is now in North Oaks.

Our daughter and granddaughter have spent the last week preparing their European home for them to move. Today, they will sell many of their possessions and all their furniture. Pray for energy as they complete their task and return to the states.

Christian Ratliff, 13 year old son of Scott and Jodi Ratliff, is hospitalized at OLOL with meningitis. Please pray for all involved in his care.

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 9

Genesis 20:1-22:24
Matthew 7:15-29
Psalm 9:1-12
Proverbs 2:16-22

There will be several showers at church in the next month. Be excited for newlyweds and new babies.

Check on a friend you haven’t seen or heard from lately. They may need your encouragement.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Today I am giving you a choice.

You can choose life and success or death and disaster.

I am commanding you to be loyal to the LORD, to live the way he has told you, and to obey his laws and teachings.

You are about to cross the Jordan River and take the land that he is giving you.

If you obey him, you will live and become successful and powerful.”

~Deuteronomy 30:15-16~

Randy and Melody Walker are asking for prayers as they await results of a MRI to be done tomorrow. Their 16 year old daughter, Leah Grace, who has already had a brain tumor removed will be the patient. She had not problems following the original surgery.

There is much sickness and several procedures happening for friends and family. Please be thankful if you are healthy and prayerful for those who have problems.

Sunday morning, we stayed home to miss the big crowd due to David’s fragile health, but were watching the live broadcast. We are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the service that way. We are thankful for another couple joining our church Sunday. Next Sunday, the service will begin with another baptism. Way to go, God!

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 7

Genesis 16:1 – 18:15
Matthew 6: 1-24
Psalm 7: 1-17
Proverbs 2: 1-5

Thanks to the Sunday School classes/individuals who have made their plans and started to shop for Operation Christmas Child. I hope the participation will help people understand how they can be missionaries to children/families in other parts of the world.

I realize many people don’t sleep at night. Let’s pray for them to get the rest they need at night to function as necessary during the day.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“May [God] keep us centered and devoted to him, following the life path that he has cleared, watching the signposts, walking at the pace and rhythms he laid down for our ancestors.”

~1 Kings 8:58 The Message~

Daily Bible Readings for Saturday, January 4

Genesis 5:1 – 10: 32
Matthew 4: 12-25
Psalm 4: 1-8
Proverbs 1:20-23

A large number of people at FBC, Kentwood picked up a daily Bible reading guide. There were only a couple left yesterday, so more were printed and are now available. I’m thankful that many are interested in reading together this year. Let’s keep it up for the entire year. If you miss a day, just read extra the next day. If you didn’t start yet, it’s not too late, You can get a copy of the plan Sunday and make Sunday day one or read a little extra each day for about a week and be caught up by this time next week. It doesn’t even matter if you choose to read at a slower pace as long as you choose to read your Bible. Remember, extra copies are available at church for those who didn’t get one yet.

My sister, Julie, and I worked on cutting and sewing the cutest wash cloths I have ever seen yesterday. We made 182 before running out of fabric. I’ll be purchasing more soon. Who would want a plain wash cloth when they can have a colorful one with dogs, balls, etc.? We also made them in varying sizes for the three different age groups. I think they will be a big hit! We will be working again in two weeks to make more so we will have enough for all the “shoeboxes” we pack.

I also was able to make a number of matching games yesterday. I didn’t get a count yet. I love the idea of working together to make items that will lead to boys and girls learn about Jesus. Isn’t it wonderful how God can use simple things like washcloths, games, tooth brushes, school supplies, and even soap to help introduce children around the world to Jesus? Remember, each “shoebox” impacts and average of seven lives for Jesus!

You can be a part of this ministry too. Let me know how you want to contribute – items, shopping time, labor, funds. I will also be happy to show any of you our project/storage room. It will bring a smile to your face. I know it did for my sister yesterday. It is very rewarding to us to realize the eternal value of this mission project.

Please be in prayer for this ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. It has grown so much and now reaches out to more and more people each year. It’s easy and very rewarding to be a tiny part of sharing Jesus with others. If you know of anyone who needs help getting started packing “shoeboxes”, I will be glad to help them get started.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

Bro. Joe Baugh has a saying he uses to encourage people to get involved. It goes something like this: “If you are not excited about ________. your firewood must be wet!”

I love telling others about Jesus. Our mission is to go and tell. I think “shoeboxes” do an excellent joy of giving us an unlimited opportunity to go and to tell.

Anna Lee

1-1-20

“When you make a promise to God,

keep it as quickly as possible.”

~Ecclesiastes 5:4 GNT~

Mrs. Barbara Gill is doing well. She’s still in Our Lady of the Lake and looking ahead to some time in rehab. Keep remembering her in your prayers, please.

Pray for Sharon Phillips. She is in St. Tammany and expecting to have pacemaker surgery tomorrow.

Your prayers for “Little Adrian” Strickland will be appreciated. He has been moved from McComb to Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. Join the family in praying for this little guy.

Elizabeth Carol New

December 21, 1945 – December 28, 2019

Elizabeth Carol New passed away on Saturday December 28, 2019 at the age of 74. She was born and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana and was a graduate of Kentwood High School class of 1963.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Lucille “Bootsie” New, and her sister and brother-in-law, Flora Lee and Jules Hatcher.

She is survived by her niece, Julee Hatcher, and her daughter and granddaughter, Madison McDonald and Lucille VanMieghem, all of Lafayette, La, as well as her nephew, Jeff Hatcher, his wife, Julia Hatcher and their children, J.C. Hatcher and Eliza Hatcher, all of Badger, Iowa.

Also left to cherish her memory is her friend, Michelle Forrest, and her children and grandchildren, without whom “Libba Carol” would have been lost. Michelle provided so much beyond just friendship and love and our family is forever grateful.

As it was her wish to be cremated, no funeral services will be planned at this time. A celebration of Carol’s life will be held at a later date.

New Orleans’ Baptist Friendship House Marks 75 Years

http://www.bpnews.net/54110/new-orleans-baptist-friendship-house-marks-75-years?fbclid=IwAR2zIIRxT7vfSH4FOcCf2SehQzQN_QdK_QYCZNu_KfToH3ILJEMkclFsELg

“If you have all that you need and see someone else in need and do not reach out to them, how can the love of God be in you? Let us not love merely through words and tongue but in action and in truth,” I John 3:17-18

Today, we begin a new round of “Read Your Bible Through this Year”. It doesn’t matter whether or not you were successful in the past. I have completed a full year and failed to complete a full year. Do your best to read each day! Remember, you can get a copy of this plan when the FBC, Kentwood office opens in the morning or Sunday at regular services.

January 1

Genesis 1:1 – 2:25
Matthew 1:1 – 2: 12
Psalm 1: 1 – 6
Proverbs 1: 1-6

We don’t know what 2020 holds for us, but we do know who holds our hand as we travel through this new year. He will be 100% faithful to us! Let’s do our best to remain faithful to Him.

Anna Lee