For no one is cast off by the Lord forever.

Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.

Kristi Alford having her last treatment today . Please pray the side affects aren’t so awful . She had a rough time last night . But I am so thankful she was able to do her last treatment for this week today . Now she will have a 21 day rest period . Lord I ask u to infuse her with supernatural strength. Let this 21 day rest renew her strength like that of a eagle . Soaring to heights in her health that she could never imagine happening . U Lord can hold back the bad effects of these treatments. While healing her body completely. Using the hard thing to bring out the very best thing in her life . A Healed Well Body . What a great testimony this will be and has been . We Praise & Thank U Jesus . Psalm 103 1 Bless the Lord oh my soul & all that is within me bless his holy name 2: Bless the Lord oh my soul & forget not his benefits 3:Who forgives all of our iniquities. Who HEAlS all our diseases Kristi . 4: Who redeems your life Kristi from destruction, who crowns you Kristi with loving kindness & tender mercies . 5:Who satisfies your mouth with good things . So that Kristi your youth is renewed like the eagles . Praying His Word over you everyday.

Another update on Bryan Tate:

The travelers made it home. Not in time to Meet the Jackets though. They wanted to be back In support of Brody who’s a senior this year. A pharmacy mix up and Lake Charles traffic delayed them.

But Bryan got a good report. Total remission! He will still have to complete the 16 months of maintenance. Best News is he won’t have to travel to Houston for one day each month during the three months he’s home. He has been put back under Dr Saux’s care for the monthly infusions and can take them in Covington! Every 4th month he will be in Houston for a month to do the immune therapy.

Thank you for the prayers that have been sent in his name . Asking for Continued prayers as he continues on this journey. He will always be connected to MDA for follow ups. Just so fortunate to have received the best care from the doctors, nurses, staff and our special “angel” there.

God is faithful to his promises.

Debi M Wilkinson also made it home from MD Anderson. She makes monthly trips to Houston.

It’s back to school time. Some schools have already begun a new year. Others will do so soon. Please say a special prayer for the Tangipahoa Parish School System which will be working without much of the technology they have depended on.

Scripture Writing – August 10 – Lamentations 3: 31-32

The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home will soon be collecting food for the annual Fall Food Round-Up and picking up at FBC, Kentwood on Monday, September 16th. Some of the items they need the most are:

BBQ Sauce
Disinfectant Spray
Flavoring for Baking
Instant Potatoes
Velveta Cheese

Operation Christmas Child

A donation of $9.00 is critical for the project. It provides for

Collection of the shoeboxes
Processing
Shipping to over 100 countries
Training in local churches
The “Ministry Partner Guide”
The “Greatest Gift Gospel” Booklets

Give online through “Follow Your Box” to receive a tracking label and discover the destination of your shoebox gift.

I often hear people say something about the cost of shipment. My reply is that in years of shipping personal packages overseas, I can seldom send a shoebox-sized box for less than $50.00. The $9.00 fee seems very reasonable to me.

This morning we will be making a count of what we have at this point. Park near the patio area to help.

Anna Lee

Friday

“Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’”

~Luke 1:46-47 NIV~

Coming soon! The annual Fall Food Roundup for the LA Baptist Children’s Home is next month. Items will be picked up on Monday, September 16th at FBC, K. Some of the items they need the most are:

Bottled water
Cleaning supplies
Canned fruit
Instant oatmeal
Paper towels
Salad dressings
Sugar

Deborah Bales shared this request for prayer.

“I am asking for prayer tonight for Kristi Alford . She’s at MDA taking harsh treatment for ovarian cancer . She has been cancer free for 2-3 yrs & it’s back again . Tonight is a bad night for her . Today was her 3rd treatment many more to come . She has to stay well enough to continue taking the Chemo . At this point the cancer is in-operable . The Drs hope is the tumor will shrink enough they can go in remove it . But tonight she’s desperate for all the prayers she can get . We as Christians know when we seek after the Lord he hears & he will answer . Pray for Jeremy her husband Eli her baby boy who is 10 & Logan & Noah Bales our two grandchildren & Sue Schexnayder her Mother who is with Kristi .. Logan called her Mother earlier Kristi was to weak to talk to her . Plz pray for Kristi Alford tonight she’s needs our prayers.”

Dollie Frazier needs prayers for her eyes.

“I am at the Eye Doctor again. I came this morning and Dr. Rhodes checked my eyes out again. My right eye is swollen a little. My left eye has been giving lots of problems. It looks like a gray film over it and felt like something is in it. Dr Rhodes said it appears the retina in my left eye is torn. Therefore I am seeing another Eye Specialist here in Hammond this evening to have a second opinion. He is the specialist who does surgery on torn retina of eye.
Prayers please…I have seen the other Specialist this evening to find out I have had a stroke in my left eye. I will put drops in eye. Have blood test done tomorrow. Trying to make appointment for a Neurologist whereas I have had a stroke in the left eye. Earliest appointment is Sept. 19, 2019 in Baton Rouge.
Thanks for prayers”

Tessie Jane Strickland

August 6, 1954 – July 25, 2019

Tessie Jane Brabham Strickland was born on August 6, 1954 in Marrero,
Louisiana. Being born on her daddy’s birthday, she was his birthday present.
Tessie was a quiet child that always managed to win the hearts of those around
her.

She was a member of New Zion Baptist Church for most of her life. In fact,
she met the love of her life while attending a Sunday School party. She and
Tommy were married for almost 48 years. They raised their four sons in the New
Zion community of the sixth ward of St. Helena Parish. They have 11
grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Tessie loved to travel with her family, especially to the town of Silverton.
One of her favorite things to do was riding trails through the mountains.
She and Tommy were always the life of the party when they stepped on the
dance floor. They won several contests, including a grand prize for a dance off.
Tessie attended college at Southeastern Louisiana University and
graduated with a Bachelor of Arts at Baptist Christian College in Shreveport,
Louisiana (while raising her four sons).

or a total of 27 years Tessie demonstrated her love for teaching and made
a positive impact in lives of students at ASC, Mt. Hermon, Kentwood Elementary,
and Spring Creek Elementary.

As an active member of the St. Helena Sixth Ward fire department, Tessie
served as both the secretary of the board and a firefighter.

Her patriotism was evident since Tessie always flew an American flag in
their yard, often over a flower bed of red, white, and blue flowers.
By just looking at her beautiful yard, everyone knew that Tessie had
inherited her mother’s green thumb. As a life-time member of the Kentwood
Garden Club Tessie served as an officer many times. She proudly won Yard of the
Month and Yard of the Year several times.

Tessie is survived by husband, Tommy Strickland; sons, Joseph Strickland,
wife Paula; Timothy Strickland, wife Becky; Charlie Strickland, wife Jessica;
Trenton Strickland; brother, Jessie Reed; sisters, Ruth Blackmon, Theresa
Blackmon, and Thelma Schenk.

She went to her heavenly home to join her mother, Carmelita Barrios
Brabham; her father, Thomas Joseph Brabham; her brothers, Edgar Joseph Reed
and Timothy Brabham; and her brothers-in-law, Hugh Wayne Blackmon, Bobby
Strickland, Eddie Earl Strickland.

To know Tessie was to love her, and no amount of time would have ever
been enough to have had her with us. But we praise God for her life and her love
and we wait for the day when we will see her again. In the sweet bye and bye. . .
our spirits will sorrow no more.

Visitation will be Saturday evening at New Zion Baptist Church. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2 P.M.

Scripture Writing for August 9 – Proverbs 19:11

Operation Christmas Child – We will be at the church about 8:30 this morning to paint, sort, craft, etc. Feel free to join us. Saturday, about the same time, we will do our counting to see where we stand at this point. Feel free to join us.

God has given us this day. Are you thankful? What part of this day will you give back to him? What will you do?

Anna Lee

Monday

“Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.”

~Psalm 62:8 NLT~

Update on Adam Carter:

Adam had to have surgery on his hand again Thursday. So we have been in Covington at St Tammany Parish Hospital. Saturday the Dr said it looked better. There was still some infection in it but just a little. He said if it stilled good today he would tell us when we could go home. It will be today or tomorrow. Poor Adam is ready to come home now.

Request from Jan Yarborough:

Tomorrow I’ll be having left shoulder replacement at the Baton Rouge Orthopedic Surgical Center on Blue Bonnet. If all goes well I’ll be home Tuesday. Asking for prayers. Thanks, Jan!

Scripture Writing – August 5 – Ephesians 1:7

If you would like to help with OCC, I have two suggestions:

Sign up to purchase some needed items during August. The lists of needed items is posted on the back door of the church near the patio and on the table just inside the front door of the church. Items can be left in the church office or in the classroom next to the choir room. Thanks!
If you are available to help, do as Wanda Smith did yesterday. Ask me when a good time to work will be. I know I will need a couple of people to make some counts, possible on Saturday. We are painting a surprise in each shoebox, so you you have the talent to hold a paintbrush and we have the boxes and the ideas. It is peaceful work, but leaves you with great satisfaction. We will work several days, so just ask to see when your schedule fits in with our schedule. I love when people volunteer.

When people get trained to be Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Volunteers, they can never imagine where, when, and how God plans to use them. The recent shootings in our country have caused our volunteer chaplains to be available for counseling with families, workers, first responders, and others as people have so much sorrow to cope with. God can use the volunteers in many ways, all without cost. Go, volunteers!

Have a great week. Make it a week that counts for something positive.

Anna Lee

Sunday

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

~Romans 5:8~

Scripture Writing – August 4 – Romans 5:8

Jerry H. Brumfield

April 10, 1935 – August 02, 2019

Jerry H. Brumfield passed away to join his mother and father in Heaven on August 2, 2019. He was 84 years old, born in Roseland, Louisiana, but lived most of his life in Kentwood. He attended Louisiana School for the Deaf and worked many years with his father, Herbert Brumfield, for Brown Funeral Home in Kentwood. Jerry enjoyed attending area fairs, festivals and football games, and fishing with his buddies. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert H. Brumfield and Winnie Sandifer Brumfield of Kentwood, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his sister, Betty Brumfield Young and her husband Eugene Young of Baton Rouge, one nephew, Scott Young of Atlanta, Georgia; one niece, Dr. Sheryl Young and her husband, Philip Zuspan, and Sheryl’s two daughters, Sarah Zuspan and Jenn Zuspan, of Leawood, Kansas. Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at First Baptist Church in Amite, Louisiana, beginning at 8:30 a.m. until services at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Dr. Trey Waldrop and Rev. Thomas Willis, Minister to the Deaf. Interment in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery. Many thanks to staff at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home and Community Care Hospice workers for their care and comfort. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I trust you will be found in God’s house today.

FBC, Kentwood

9:15 Sunday School
10:30 – Morning Worship
6:00 – Evening Bible Study and Worship

Anna Lee

Saturday

Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.”

And the woman was healed at that moment.

~Matthew 9:22~

Mr. Gaylon Cutrer got home from the hospital Thursday night. He is better, but still week from him time in the hospital. Pray he regains his strength soon.

Operation Christmas Child Update

The McKenzie four helped us for a couple hours yesterday.
I found the felt and foam I needed. It wasn’t where I purchased it before, but I found it and bought all they had. Good crafting ahead – pencil pouches and some toys!
We will be working at 9:00 this morning.
If you would like to help next week, please get with me on when we can schedule the time.
Sunday, you will find two signs with a list of needs at FBC, K. You can sign up for items to purchase in August.
We have made some good progress in the last month. We got a later than usual start, but will be in good shape for our big Christmas Packing Party at the end of October.

Scripture Writing Challenge – August 3 – Genesis 4:7 (Read, write, & pray.)

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

Make the most of this day!

Anna Lee

Friday

“Rejoice with those who rejoice,

weep with those who weep.”

~Romans 12:15 ESV~

Beth Brabham is doing well following her gall bladder procedure. Pray she continues to do well.

Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher is in room 5404 (if I remember correctly) at North Oaks. When she is ready to leave there, she will be going to Bell Maison in Hammond to continue improving.

Henry, Virginia, Erica, and Emily McKenzie spent yesterday afternoon helping with OCC. We are thankful for others who realize the impact “shoeboxes” make on families around the world. Barbara Hutchinson can to get some totes and one more shoebox. every box packed will find its future home in the coming months. I recently purchased some felt rectangles and some colorful foam, but I don’t remember where it was. If you see some as you shop, please purchase some and/or tell me where to look. Thanks. The felt makes into the cutest pencil pouches and the foam makes wonderful toys.

Scripture Writing – August 2 – Luke 18:42-43

August tends to have some sales on school supplies. It’s a good time to make purchases for OCC. It’s is a perfect time to buy composition books, pencils, pens, big erasers, calculators, pencil sharpeners, etc. Look around and listen as God “tells” you what He wants you to ship this year.

Anna Lee

Thursday

He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

~1 Peter 2:24~

Adam Carter

Update on Adam. Infection has already started setting in. He goes back to the hand specialist tomorrow in Covington. We will know more tomorrow.

Mrs. Robert Pate

I talked with Mr. Pate yesterday while we were both pumping gas. He said his wife has been very ill and asked for prayers for her. She is 90. He is 91.

Scripture Writing Plan – August 1 – This month we are also asked to write a prayer after we reflect on the Scripture we have written.

August 1 – I Peter 2:24

If you would like a written list of August Scriptures, ask at the office of FBC, Kentwood. Copies are available in the sanctuary.

Operation Christmas Child – I believe in supporting this ministry because if impacts so many lives. Those of us who were not called to be career missionaries can impact many lives for Jesus through this ministry. One thing to remember is to “shop early and shop often”. That is my philosophy for packing lots of shoeboxes for boys and girls. I encourage you to watch the video I posted on Facebook yesterday and to look up Operation Christmas Child on Google. “Read all about it!” I think you will be encouraged to participate too.

David and I had a call from a friend who lives in a nearby town and who is involved in a local Baptist church. She is helping with OCC there. I was thrilled to hear her talk about the plans at her church and to learn of her excitement to spread “Jesus” one child at a time. I hope you have the same excitement.

Anna Lee

Monday

“A word of encouragement does wonders!”

~Proverbs 12:25 TLB~

Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher is in need of our prayers. She fell yesterday morning.

Please pray for Tommy Strickland and his family today.

Avis O. Hope

November 10, 1934 – July 27, 2019

Avis O. Hope, a native of Kentwood, La and current resident of Denham Springs, entered her heavenly reward Saturday, July 27, 2019 at the age of 84. Her loving, devoted family surrounded her bedside as a witness to the amazing mother and grandmother she was to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed! Avis was married to her beloved Otis 49 years. She faithfully served God and her family for her entire life. She was a current member of First Baptist Church of Denham Springs where she was an active Sunday school teacher. Visitation will be held Monday, July 29th at First Baptist Church of Denham Springs from 8-11am followed by a service beginning at 11. Graveside service and burial will follow at Hope-Oliver cemetery in Kentwood, La. She was preceded in death by her husband, Otis Houston Hope and two granddaughters, Lauren and Alexandria. Avis was survived by her 5 loving sons and their spouses: Otis R Hope, Richard and Cynthia Hope, Ronnie and Debbie Hope, Rocky and Janice Hope, and Reggie and Stephanie Hope. 17 grandchildren: Kristy, Michael, Kyle, Faith, Ashley, Katie, Amie, Ricky, Heather, Brian, Tyler, Courtney, Lindsey, Allison, Alyshia, Marcus, Regina Hope. 25 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great granddaughter. The family would like to extend their appreciation to her pastor, Leo Miller and Dr. Militello, her long time physician. We’d also like to mention the wonderful staff at the butterfly wing of BR General Hospice Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Hospice of Baton Rouge, 3600 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, La. 70806. As she always said: WE LOVE YOU THE MOST

Gladys Turner Culbertson

August 25, 1937 – July 27, 2019

A resident of Amite passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at her home. She was born August 25, 1937 in Pink Hill, NC and was 81 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Brent Culbertson, Amite; 2 sons, Robert Culbertson and wife, Staci, Hammond, and Jody Culbertson and wife, Haydee, Amite; 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous brothers and sisters. Preceded in death by parents, Tap and Ruth Bishop Turner; and numerous brothers and sisters. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Galatians 6:7-10

The Scripture Writing Plan for August is available in the sanctuary of FBC, Kentwood. Feel free to take one.

“A word of encouragement does wonders!”

~Proverbs 12:25 TLB~

I like the word “encourager” and love to be able to apply it to people I know. Many people have been an encourager to me. I thank you for that. Be an encourager to others today.

Anna Lee

Sunday

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 3:14 (NIV)~

There have been baptisms and will be more baptisms in our area churches. Yesterday, as I was getting bread and milk a teenager I know from another church proudly told me she will be baptized today in her church. I think that is exciting for her and her family. I know others who have invested in this teen’s life. We never know when decisions will be made, but are always so thankful when they are made. Today, let’s thank God for the decisions that have been made and pray for others to be made. The teen who shared with me yesterday certainly made my day! I pray that today will be a day for more decisions in our Kentwood area.

Thanks to Beth and Mary Anna Lee, as well as David, for helping with Operation Christmas Child yesterday. We had a productive day. It is a real blessing to work with others who have a heart for the “shoebox” ministry. This week I hope some of you will check out Office Depot where notebooks are ten cents and Dirt Cheap where they are twenty-five cents. I bought notebooks at Dirt Cheap and read about the ones at Office Depot. There may be other locations with good prices, but everywhere else I looked they were from $1.00 to $2.99. Pray the availability holds out until people have enough for their shoeboxes and for family use too.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – 2 Corinthians 6:6-10.

Mr. Frank Erwin is better. I hope he will be able to be in church today. Kenneth Birch and the Dillons were back in church last week. Bryan Tate, Buddy Morris, and David Alford were all there. It’s wonderful to see how God’s people return to church as soon as they physically can after an illness or surgery.

I’m hoping to see you there today. If not at Kentwood, attend at the church of your choice.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person.

Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.”

~Proverbs 3:27-28 The Message/GNT~

Scripture Reading and Writing – “Patience and Perseverance” – 2 Corinthians 6: 3-5

Pine Ridge Methodist Church will serve their buffet breakfast as their monthly fundraiser Sunday morning at 8:00. You are welcome to participate. The breakfast is delicious.

Keep Operation Christmas Child in mind when you do your regular shopping. There’s many things available that will be helpful in the “shoeboxes”. Some ideas for you today:

5″ flashlights from Walmart
Extra batteries for flashlights
Highlighters
Glue sticks
Ivory soap
Washcloths
Small baby dolls
Marbles
One-subject notebooks
Crayons
Calculators

You can leave your items in the church office or in the classroom next to the choir room at FBC, Kentwood.

Coming soon – Fall Food Roundup for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home – Pickup at FBC, Kentwood will be Monday, September 16th. They need family-size quantities. Some of their most needed items are:

BBQ Sauce
Bottled Juice
Children’s Cereal
Cleaning Supplies
Dishwasher Detergent
Flavoring for baking
Canned Fruit
Jell-O Pie Filling and Pudding
Kool-Aid
Instant Oatmeal
Paper Towels
Pickles and Relishes
Spaghetti Sauce
Sugar

If it is easier to give money than to buy and transport food to the church, a check is always welcome and allows them to get items that are still needed. This once-a-year collection has to feed the children in all the cottages at the children’s home for a year. Be generous.

Don’t live a life focused you yourself, but focus your life on other people. There is a great old hymn “Others” that comes to mind this morning.

Have a great Saturday!

Anna Lee