Category: FBC

Tuesday

“That is why we never give up.

Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.

For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long.

Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.

For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” 

~2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT~

 

 

 

Please pray for Pete Hughes of Roseland.  He will be having open heart surgery tomorrow to repair five blockages in his heart.

 

 

 

Buddy Waller was hospitalized because of heart blockages, but thankfully was found that they were not bad enough to require surgery.  (Thanks, James, for sharing this.).  Keep Buddy in your prayers as he continues his daily routine.

 

 

 

Ben Smith of Greensburg is hospitalized in New Jersey because of gall bladder surgery.  He had a lot of infection and inflammation which cause the surgery to be done “the old way”.

 

 

 

Jewell R. Eaves

June 27, 1937 – September 09, 2019

On September 9, 2019 at 2:30 AM, Jewell Randolph Eaves was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven. His wife and daughters were able to be in this peaceful moment knowing when he breathed his last breath, he was in Jesus’ arms. Known to others as JR, Sonny, dad, and grandpa, he was a great Christian man who was loved by many. JR was born 82 years ago on June 27th, 1937 in Texas. He served our country as a US Army 82 Airborne Paratrooper. He has worn many hats through his years, but his favorite ones were being a husband, father, granddad, and great grandpa. He wore those proudly. JR truly loved life and lived it to the fullest through the simple pleasures of fishing, hunting, farming, chicken raising, and watching over his friends and family. He is preceded in death by his parents Jewell Johnny and Nettie Mae Eaves and his brother Jerry and sister in law Pat Eaves. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Nadalee McNab Eaves, his sister Yvonne Woods, and his brothers Robert (Nancy) Eaves and Arthur (Sally) Beasley. He leaves a rich legacy starting with his children, his son Randy Eaves, and daughters Jennifer (Timmy) Thornton, Jolie (Scott) Gulledge, Joni (Garrett) Matherne, and Jamie Dehnel. He also leaves behind to carry on his humor, wisdom, and dreams- his 13 grand children- Nicole, Patrick, Travis, Jeremy, Justin, Allyssa, Jessica, Matthew, Katlyn, Ashton, Jacob, Natalee, and Aubrey and his 5 (and counting) great grandchildren. Family, friends, and others whose lives JR touched are invited to join us as we celebrate his life at Montpelier Baptist Church (2241 St. Helena Avenue. Montpelier, La 70422) on September 12th begining at 10 am. Services to follow at 12 PM and will be led by Bro Rusty Durand. The burial to follow in Montpelier Cemetery where he will be carried to his final resting place by his grandsons- Patrick Dehnel, Travis Thornton, Jeremy Dehnel, Justin Dehnel, Matthew Matherne, and Jacob Matherne. Even though we lay to rest the earthly body, we know JR is celebrating his joyous entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven to see friends and family. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Connie Lee Madden Raborn

July 16, 1952 – September 08, 2019

Connie Lee Madden Raborn of Kentwood, Louisiana passed away September 8, 2019, surrounded by her family. Connie was born at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska on July 16, 1952, was a 1970 graduate of Fort Zumwalt High School, O’Fallon, Missouri, and a life-long Girl Scout. Connie married the love of her life, Sam Raborn, U.S. Air Force, Retired, on April 26, 1975, in Tucson, Arizona. She spent the next 20 years serving her country as a military wife, raising her three daughters, traveling the world, and participating in Girl Scouts. After retirement, they settled in Louisiana where Connie spent her time taking care of her cows, chickens, horses, and grandkids. There was nothing she loved more than spending time with her family. Connie was an active member of First Baptist Church of Arcola, where she enjoyed her ladies’ meeting and helping with Vacation Bible School. Connie was loved by everyone who knew her. She never met a stranger, and she spent her life caring for others, especially her beloved husband. She loved researching her family history, often traveling the world to follow in their footsteps. She was a friend and “mom” to everyone she met. Connie is preceded in death by her mother, Rose Lee Oetting Madden; her father, William Lee Madden, Sr.; her mother-in-law, Margaret Jones Raborn; and her father-in-law, Loid Noel Raborn. Left to cherish her memory is her devoted husband, Samuel Merwin Raborn; her daughters Margaret Elizabeth Raborn Andrews (Eric); Angela Darlene Raborn Stone (Rob); and Renee Sandra Raborn Molland (Quincy); her grandchildren, Dusty, Dakota, Ethan, Erica, Luke, Ella Rose, Samantha, Addison, Colleen, and Parker; her sisters, Dawn Carrigg and Susan Cleveland; her brothers, William Madden, Jr., and Shawn Madden; numerous nieces and nephews; her life-long best friend, Sandy Stefanski; and many, many more friends and family. The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church of Arcola on Thursday, September 12, 2019 from 6:00PM until 8:00PM and on Friday, September 13, 2019 from 10:00AM until the funeral service at 12:00 Noon. Interment will take place in Osyka Cemetery, Osyka, MS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Metavivor, Metastatic Breast Cancer Research, Support, and Awareness Organization or the Girl Scouts of the USA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – September 10 – John 16: 10-24

 

 

 

Saturday, we will be painting “shoeboxes” in the fellowship hall.  It can be done in a simple way or in a more complicated way, if you choose.  Meet in the fellowship hall at 9 A.M. to be a part of this fun day.  Let me know if you are coming so I will be prepared.

 

 

 

Coming soon (Monday):

  • Fall Food Round-Up for LA Baptist Children’s Home
  • Two Rivers Associational WMU meeting at Hillsdale at 10 A.M.

 

Thanks for your prayers today.  Thank-you for making a difference in many lives.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

 ~Matthew 6:32-33 NLT~

 

 

 

Scripture Writing for September 8th – James 1:2-4

 

 

 

Fall Food Round-Up for LA Baptist Children’s Home – You have one week to bring in your donations.  Check with the church office if you need ideas about what to contribute.  Remember, we are feeding the children for a year with our donations.

 

 

 

Georgia Barnette Mission Offering for Louisiana – This will be the focus of the Two Rivers Associational WMU meeting Monday, a week from tomorrow.  The meeting will begin at 10 A.M. and conclude with a covered dish lunch.  Everyone is invited to participate at Hillsdale Baptist Church that day.

 

 

 

Sunday School begins at 9:15 this morning at FBC, Kentwood.  The worship service begins at 10:30.  This is Bro. Darryl’s introduction/invitation for today.

Good morning.
This morning we pick up our journey through Numbers in chapter 19. What are you doing to prepare to meet God in worship this morning? In this chapter we learn what God told His people about preparing to worship. We are to be clean. How do we get clean? We are to start out by being obedient. Next, God asks us to become sanctified or “clean”. And lastly, we are to be reverent and to fear God (show respect for Him). The path to salvation mirrors this. We are to be obedient to God by obeying His call to return to Him. We are to ask Him to forgive us for our sins and transgressions against Him. This cleanses us. We are to respect God in the same way that we respect a loving parent. A loving parent will do what is necessary to help us become the person that we are supposed to be. This means support, love, encouragement, correction, and discipline. True worship of God comes when we enter His presence in a renewed state of mind and spirit. Are you truly prepared to worship today? Join us this morning at FBC Kentwood as we renew our commitment to God through Christ. (We will be leaning on Exodus 19 today).

 

For those who cannot be in attendance, you can view the service on Facebook (Kentwood, First Baptist Church) at 10:30 A.M.

 

 

 

Don’t forget to pray for the victims of Hurricane Dorian and for the many volunteers who are already serving to help the victims.

 

 

 

Have a blessed Lord’s Day!  Be a blessing to someone else this Lord’s Day.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Wednesday

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

~2 Timothy 1:13-14 (NIV)~

 

 

 

Today, I want to focus on unspoken prayers.  Many people keep their troubles to themselves for one reason or another.  Remember these people as they carry a big load on their shoulders and in their hearts.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – September 4 – Isaiah 9: 1-7, 12:6

Reminder: The form for the month of September is available in the sanctuary of FBC, Kentwood if you would like one for your Bible or just to keep.

 

 

 

Fall Food Round-Up – September 16

Get your items turned in by the 15th.  A list is available at FBC.  Remember, this is to stock the LA Baptist Children’s Home for the next year.  What an honor it is to help the children by providing food for their meals!

 

 

 

Katie McElveen will be sharing about the Georgia Barnette Offering at the Two Rivers WMU meeting on September 16th at Hillsdale.  You will want to hear how our funds are used for missions in out state.

 

 

 

Remember our families with children and youth as they try to adjust to new schedules that include church, school, and extra activities.  Pray that God guides them as they make both long-term and short-term decisions.

 

 

 

Continue to pray for those in the path of Hurricane Dorian and those who have traveled or will be be rushing to help in various ways.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

“A branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.

Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.

For apart from me you can do nothing.”

 ~John 15:4-5 NLT~

 

 

 

Last night, I tried to write TPL for today because we were leaving for Baton Rouge at 5:45 this morning.  I didn’t get it done. During the night, I once again thought I was going to write it, but again it didn’t happen.  We are home from Ochsner and a very good stop at Dollar Tree near the hospital.  I love shopping for Operation Christmas Child and getting to answer questions about what I am doing.  Two ladies provided me most of the money I spent today.  Thank you C. and A.!

Yesterday, two ladies turned in the boxes they chose to pack individually.  Other ladies turned in items that will help to fill several boxes.  One sweet, faithful class turned in many bags of items that were purchased last week.  Thanks to all of you.

I will be working in the OCC room some this week.  If you would like to help, please contact me so we can schedule a suitable time.

 

 

 

 

Today, David‘s blood level was 8.1, the highest it has been in months.  The increased dosage of Procrit is helping!  The early drive and the rain made the drive more difficult than usual, but with thankful hearts, we are glad to be home again.  Your regular prayers are getting us through these days.

Several others from Kentwood are also doing well amid treatments.  Please continue to pray for Bryan Tate, Linda Callihan, and Buddy Morris.

Gaylon Cutrer is having a few more problems than usual, so spend some extra time on your prayers for him.  He and his family will be very appreciative.

Today, with a heavy heart, I share that Lori Rhodes has some serious health issues.  Lori and her husband, Keith, served in our church working with the youth.

“Lori has been diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy. This rare disease is in the Parkinson’s family, but Lori does not have Parkinson’s She has MSA-C (c standing for cerebellum). There is no cure. Life expectancy ranges from 6 years to 15 years based on the onset of symptoms (we really don’t know when her symptoms began but could be up to 5-6 years ago).”

The full report on Lori is on my facebook page.

I also what to share there has been another death, a man from Greensburg.  I’ll post the complete obituary when it becomes available.

Thomas Dover

July 25, 1952 – July 16, 2019

 

 

Jeff Van, the pastor of South McComb Baptist Church, share quotes that seem to touch my heart often.  Today’s quote is:

“It’s easy to praise Him in the sunshine, but your breakthrough comes when you praise Him in the dark…He’s there, we must simply trust the process.”

                                                                                                                              -Tony Evans

Thankfully, my family and the families of many of you understand praising God “in the dark”.  If you don’t, please locate someone who can help you get to this point in your life.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – August 26 – Habakkuk 3:3-4

 

 

 

Yesterday, I was asked about what size cans of food were needed for the LA Baptist Children’s Home in a few weeks.  The answer, is buy items like you would for your family.  The man is going to buy a couple cases of canned goods.  That plan might work for you too!  The pick-up time at FBC is early Monday morning, three weeks from today.

 

 

 

Enjoy the sound of the rain again, but please try to stay dry.

Anna Lee

 

Sunday

“Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ’s body.

We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do.

So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others” 

~Romans 12:4-5 TLB~

 

 

 

This is one of my favorite verses.  I like to think of the people who attend church and see them as the individual parts – the one who made the curtains, the ones who help in the kitchen, the ones who volunteer in the nursery, the ones who pick up in the sanctuary for a funeral, the one who fixes squeaky doors, the ones who help others who need help getting in and out, the ones who welcome newcomers faithfully, the ones who handle the money each week, the ones who teach a class regularly, the ones who fix anything that is broken, etc.  I also love the quiet spirit with which they work.  Look at your church.  Don’t look at the big picture.  Look at all the individuals who do the little things that make your church run smoothly.

Church is not all about what you receive.  It is also about what you do/give of yourself.  Look at your church family in a new light today.  Appreciate each part.  Thank people for their contribution.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing for August 25th – Isaiah 6:3.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Saturday

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.

For when I am weak, then I am strong.

~2 Corinthians 12:9-10~

 

 

 

 

Thankfully, Bro. Don Meadows is about 95% recovered from his Bell’s Palsy problem.  Pray for complete healing.

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child – Interesting Facts

  • 1.9 billion children in the world are below the age of 15.  This is 27% of the world’s population that potentially has the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a gift-filled shoebox.
  • More than 660 billion people live in Latin America and the Caribbean –  an estimated 16.4 million of which are age 14 and under.  Praise God that we’ve delivered Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to over 41 million of these boys and girls and have the ability to reach even more by packing additional shoebox gifts. (The shoeboxes from FBC, Kentwood have been delivered to these boys and girls.)
  • 4.2 million children in the Middle East and North Africa have received a tangible expression of God’s love in a shoebox gift and nearly97,000 of these boys and girls have participated in The Greatest Journey.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – August 24 – I Chronicles 16:10

 

 

 

Do something to make in difference in someone’s life today.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

~Romans 1:17~

 

 

Jerry Doughty of Amite got a good report at MD Anderson yesterday.  Join the family in prayers of thankfulness.

 

 

 

Josiah Huckaby (Written by his thankful mom, KK)

Josiah has been working hard & it’s paying off! He sat & played at his activity table for almost 4 mins unassisted on Saturday. His previous record was around 1 min.

We set up a play area in his room Friday…hoping it would be a bit of motivation to work on sitting up & crawling. I guess it’s working. He even crawled under his table…but wasn’t really sure how to get back out.

 

 

 

Iris Tillery Sitman

May 03, 1927 – August 19, 2019

A resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2019 at The Pearl at Jamestown in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born May 3,1927 in Greensburg, LA and was 92 years of age. She was life long member of First Baptist Church of Greensburg and retired Vice President at the Bank of Greensburg. She is survived by daughter, Diane G. Sitman; 2 nephews, Dickie Sitman and Mac Addison; 1 niece, Kay S. Morgan. Preceded in death by her brother, Joe Tillery; parents, Flavis and Celia Tillery; 1 nephew, Randy Sitman. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Greensburg from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, August 21, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Joe Baugh. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – August 20 – Revelation 3:21

 

 

 

 

I’m too sleepy to write more.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Monday

“The LORD does not look at the things people look at.

People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 

~1 Samuel 16:7 NIV~

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child is celebrating ten years of “The Greatest Journey”.

  • The 12-lesson Bible study teaches participants how to follow Christ and share Him with others.
  • It is currently taught by over 920,000 volunteer teachers in more than 100 countries.

 

 

 

Fall Food Round-Up for the LA Baptist Children’s Home – It’s a good idea to bring your items in now, so you won’t forget them later.  The truck will be at our church on Monday,  September 16, so get your items in by the 15th.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – August 19 – Romans 1:17

 

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for all the local families that have had deaths in the last few weeks.

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for our students during the first weeks of a new year.  College students are beginning to move into their dorms now.  Pray the value system the parents taught them will be remembered and honored.

 

 

 

Make a point of doing something special for a ministry of your church this week.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Sunday – God’s Day!

   This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.

~Psalm 118:24 (ESV)~

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for Melinda Russell and others who have had procedures/surgeries.  I mention her name in particular because she is out of our country and undergoing medical treatment.  Also, please pray for those who will have procedures/surgeries in the coming week.

 

 

 

 

The Fall Food Roundup for the LA Baptist Children’s Home is only four weeks away.  Be sure to get your items to the church for the September 16th pickup.  Some of the items they need are:

  • Bottled water
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Dishwasher detergent
  • Canned fruit
  • Paper towels
  • Sugar

 

 

 

I’m looking forward to peeking in bags today at church to see what you have brought for Operation Christmas Child.  David and I are always excited to prepare shoeboxes so children will receive some small gifts and an opportunity for them to “meet” Jesus.

  • The Greatest Journey discipleship course is offered to show children how to know Christ and share Him with others.
  • Children lead their families to faith in Christ and new churches are born.

 

 

Please continue to pray for the family of Douglas Glass, a Zachary fireman from Osyka who was killed on his way to work Friday morning.    I will post an obituary when it is available.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – August 17  & 18

  • I Corinthians 13:12
  • James 1:27

 

 

 

Have a great Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

“Each one, as a good manager of God’s different gifts, must use for the good of others the special gift he has received from God.” 

~1 Peter 4:10 GNT~

 

 

 

Yesterday seemed to be a big day for staff recognition in one form or another.

  • The staff of FBC, K shared their thoughts on their time spent at FBC.
  • Bro. Danny Smith and family will be leaving SCBC to retire after serving there 28 years,
  • Bro. Bob Simpson and “Miss” Mary were honored for serving at Arcola for 40 years!

 

 

 

Caleb Estay had surgery to removed a nonfunctional shunt at Texas Children’s Hospital yesterday afternoon.  All seems to have gone well.  He will be watched and a decision will be made concerning putting in a new shunt.  He is from a large family.  His Kentwood family includes grandparents Mike and Catherine Estay and great grandparents Rufus and Margie Williams.  Keep Caleb and his family in your prayers today.

 

 

 

Our neighbor, Adrian Phillips, passed away yesterday afternoon due to a heart attack.  Please be in prayer for his many family members as they make funeral arrangements and plans for a future without Adrian.  He will be missed by many friends.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing today – August 12 – Habakkuk 3:17-18

 

 

 

Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse.

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

  • Learn how to pack a “shoebox”.
  • Get a Follow your Box label when you pay your shipping online.
  • Find your nearest drop-off location.

 

 

 

Don’t forget the administrator, teachers, staff, and students in the first weeks of school.  Pray for a good year for everyone.

Anna Lee