Wednesday

“If you love Me,

keep My commandments.”

~John 14:15~

Scripture writing plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Hebrews 6:13-15

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

Operation Christmas Child – I’m so thankful David is well enough now to help me with getting items ready for Operation Christmas Child. He was unable to help last year. David is great at removing the packaging and letting me put things in the proper place. His walker is perfect for carrying bags and boxes from the car to the room at the church. Without his help I would not have made as much progress as I have. If you have some free time and would like to help, there is always something to do for Operation Christmas Child. Of course, you can always help by shopping. I love walking into the church office or the Sunday School room and finding items someone left for OCC.

I am appreciation of someone asking for boxes to pack and for others who have given money to help with purchases. You can pack your own boxes or purchase items to add to the collection so we can pack the boxes at our packing party.

One thing we use a lot of is clear plastic bags, snack, quart, and gallon size. If you can supple some bags, that will be a big help.

If you are going to pack individual boxes and want to use the red and green ones, please let me know. I will make sure I have some ready for you.

If you want to come pray over the items that will be shipped, please do so. It is never too early to pray for how the boxes will be influential in the lives of boys and girls.

This morning, David and I have already talked about the progress that has been made. I’ve already looked up some new crafts for us to try. OCC is firmly in our hearts and often in our conversations.

Anna Lee

Monday

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

~Psalm 27:1~

Scripture Writing – “Patience and Perseverance” – 2 Peter 1:5-9

The monthly “Young” Ladies Birthday Party will be tomorrow at 11 at the Burger Basket. Join the group in celebrating July birthdays. Everyone is invited to have lunch with us Dutch treat.

It was good to see Kenneth Birch back in church yesterday. Let’s continue to pray for good results from his back surgery.

Beth Brabham will be seeing a surgeon today to set up a date for gall bladder surgery. Let’s pray for her to get relief soon.

Please continue to pray for Mr. Frank and “Miss” Barbara Erwin. I certainly miss seeing them when they are unable to be in church.

Mr. “Cete” and “Miss” Ruby Dillon were back in church yesterday. They enjoyed hearing Bro. Wendell Rhodus preach yesterday.

Gaylon Curter‘s blood level got low so he was admitted to the hospital for platelets and two units of blood. He is home and feeling better now. Continue to pray for him and his family as his continues to fight his battle with MDS.

Don’t forget to purchase some school supplies for OCC this week. You can drop them off in the church office any day but Saturday. School will be beginning soon. School supplies will be less available them. Every shoe box we pack will need school supplies so help us get enough for all the boys and girls. Thank-you!

Anna Lee

Sunday

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

~Hebrews 13:5-6~

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience & Perseverance” – James 5: 10-11

Please pray for Bro. Ernest Graham and two others from East Fork Baptist Church as they do mission work in Canada this week. Pray those they minister to will have their eyes and hearts open to Jesus.

Barbara Dale Travis Carter

May 15, 1954 – July 19, 2019

Barbara Dale Travis Carter died Friday July 19, 2019 at Lakeview Regional Medical Center of Covington. She was 65, a native of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana and a long-time resident of Franklinton, Louisiana. Barbara was a graduate of Greensburg High School, Southeastern Louisiana University, and LSU Law School. She was preceded in death by her parents, Huey Marvin Travis and Araminta (“Polly”) Bennett Travis; and her sister Connie Kathleen Travis Jenkins. She is survived by her husband Clay Alston Carter; her son Lee Alston Carter, daughter-in-law Annie Cazenave Carter, and grandson Jackson Thomas Carter; son Thomas Travis Carter; sister Valerie Suzanne Travis Lane; and brother Huey Marvin (“Bubba”) Travis. Barbara was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church of Franklinton. Her love for her community was only surpassed by her love for her family. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 23, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, Louisiana with religious services to follow conducted by Rev. Brian Ridgedell. Burial will follow in the Greensburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church of Franklinton at 1015 Cleveland St., Franklinton, LA 70438. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I know I have been sharing about the Operation Christmas Child “shoeboxes” lately. I do so because I believe in sharing the gospel. “Shoeboxes” have proven to be an effective outreach to many, many children each year. Today, I am going to ask you to commit to making some purchases for OCC this week. I ask you to purchase school supplies for boys and girls who are between the ages of 2 and 14. This site, https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/, will be helpful in guiding you this week. I like to buy multiple items of several different categories when I shop. You may find you enjoy buying for one boy or girl, but want to buy everything they will need. The choice is yours. Don’t think two year olds are too young for school supplies. Think of thick crayons, coloring books, blank paper, pencils, water colors, rounded scissors, glue sticks, etc. Bring your purchases to the church office by next Sunday morning. I will be grateful for your purchases and excited for the children who will receive the boxes and have an opportunity to learn about Jesus, much like our local boys and girls do at Sunday School.

This is my challenge to you this week. Get out and enjoy shopping for school supplies for a child or children from very disadvantaged countries. Let’s work together to make this world a better place for others. Let’s work together to help others learn about Jesus. One week! School supplies!

If FBC, Kentwood is not your church, find out how your church, school, organization, etc. is working to help. You can work through another group or you can help us in Kentwood.

I’m thankful to report that David is better than he was a few months ago and a year ago. He has been able to sit and help unpackage items, sort items, create useful items, etc. I feel so blessed that he can help now. Ask him about helping our son-in-law give out shoeboxes in Romania a few years ago. He has some awesome stories to share. He and I are firm believers in this Franklin Graham Samaritan’s Purse project. I hope you will want to join us again or for the first time.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.

Anyone who does what is good is from God.

Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

~3 John 1:11~

Bill Frazier‘s neck surgery went well yesterday. Pray for him as he recovers from surgery.

A small church in our association is again sending s mission team to another country. This trip will include 14 mission volunteers and lots of support from others who cannot make the trip. They are small in size, but BIG on missions!

Tangipahoa Baptist Church is also sending a mission team to a central American country. I got this information verbally and do not have an exact number of those going. I did learn the church gathering items to send. I’ll post a list of items if I can get one.

V.R. “Cuestick” Blades, Jr.

August 12, 1933 – July 15, 2019

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2019 at his home. He was born August 12, 1933 in Greenlaw, LA and was 85 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Shelia Anderson; 2 sons, Gary Blades and James Allen Blades; 2 sisters, Evelyn Glenn and Pearline Coker; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Rita Dunn Blades; his mom, Annie Rhodes Blades; his dad, Vernie Red Blades, Sr.; 1 son, Brian Scott Blades; and 1 daughter, Rebecca Blades. Interment was held at Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Clarity Hospice. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – James 5: 7-9

Operation Christmas Child in very important to me. I am enjoying some time shopping and gathering as well as unpackaging and organizing. Let me know if you want to help in any way – purchasing, crafting, organizing,

A neighbor brought me three bags of medicine and baby food containers she washed and prepared for packaging small items. A lady gave me money for fishing supplies. I bought some items needed and look forward to packaging for boys to enjoy using. Another lady gave me money to shop with. I bought pencils and pens with her money. One class at church has purchased bandanas and stuffed animals. A lady gave me some handmade stuffed animals. Another lady drew faces on them.

Do you need me to shop for you? Do you need me to give you suggestions for your purchases? If so, Walmart has one subject composition books for a quarter. It certainly would be helpful if some of you would purchase boxes for these while they are on sale. Do the math. That is a good deal on notebooks. You can leave your purchases in the church office or in the classroom by the choir room.

I can always use more craft items like beads, school supplies like highlighters, crayons, and markers, and soap and washcloths. We open the soap and let it harden so it doesn’t mold and so it will last longer. I certainly have learned lots of tricks.

If you have time and a pair of scissors, I can always use help cutting t-shirts to make jump ropes. I think there is an opportunity for everyone.

Anna Lee

Sunday

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

There is no commandment greater than these.”

~Mark 12: 30-31~

This day will be a good day to practice these verses.

Fay Chadwick Todd is doing well following surgery. She thanks those who prayed for her.

The storm, Barry, is still around and still forecasted to bring us a lot of rain today. I know some churches have cancelled services for today. Other churches have adjusted schedules. Some churches will have church as usual. Other churches have not made a decision yet. Be sure you are aware of your church’s schedule.

I don’t know of any flooding or serious problems in our area. I do know that the Baptist Disaster Relief will be busy helping people who have damage. I did read about one church that had roof damage.

Are you able to help? Are you willing to help?

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – I Peter 2: 19-23

Need some interesting reading today? Try Thom Rainer’s blog.

https://thomrainer.com/blog/

Thankful to have electricity this morning! Thankful to have water! Thankful to have a roof! Thankful to be safe and dry!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations.

But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them . . . I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’”

~Nehemiah 1:8-9 NLT~

Beth Graham Lee gave a gift with numerous items for boys and girls to Operation Christmas Child at FBC, Kentwood in honor of David. I thought that was great for OCC and certainly an honor because David firmly believes in OCC because in addition to the gifts they receive, boys and girls around the world in the poorest countries have an opportunity to learn about Jesus. I think I will have to package some gifts in honor of some people. You may want to do the same. I will place the package from Beth on display so you can see it and get some ideas. School supplies, small games, small puzzles, jump ropes, brushes, plastic dishes, spoons, toothbrushes, flashlights, and other small items would be perfect items to pack.

Scripture Writing Plan – Psalm 25:1-5

Janie Wise, the Louisiana WMU director, will be speaking at the WMU meeting at Spring Creek next Monday morning at 10. Make a special effort to meet this sweet lady who loves Jesus and loves missions. She’ll bless your heart.

Let’s get busy and see how many people we can honor by giving gifts to OCC this year.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

~Matthew 11:28-29 NIV~

Kathy Jo Thompson‘s brain surgery went well. Most of the tumor was removed. Pray for Kathy Jo as she continues to recover and improve.

Jennie Rick Rogers

April 09, 1932 – June 26, 2019

Jennie Rick Rogers, a resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at her home in Amite. She was born April 9, 1932 in New Orleans and was 87 years of age. She is survived by children, Dewey Hayden and wife, Rose Ann, Amite, Glenda Cannatella and husband, John, Metairie, Juanita Scroggin and husband, Bruce, Amite, Marvin Hayden and wife, Brenda, Amite, Jerome Rogers and wife, Freida, Tennessee, Charles F. Rogers, Jr. and wife, Debbie, Amite, Cheryl Capdeboscq, Amite, Jeanie Stewart and husband, Melvin, Amite, Jason Rogers, Amite; special great-granddaughter that she raised as her own, Mallory Rogers; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; sister, Leona R. Spackey. Preceded in death by husband, Charles F. Rogers, Sr.; parents, Frank and Martha Rick; son, Kenneth Rogers; grandsons, Jeremy Rogers and Reuben Rogers; great- grandsons, Caleb and Chase Bankston; siblings, Frank Rick, Jr., Monroe Rick , Sr., Charlie Rick, Sr., Freddie Rick, Sr., Jessie Rick, Jimmie Rick, Joseph Rick, Sr. and Winnie Rick. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Steven Keyes. Interment Lowery Cemetery, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Margie “Maw” Phillips

November 29, 1945 – June 27, 2019

A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at her home. She was born November 29, 1945 and was 73 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Kevin Phillips; 2 daughters, Lisa Williams and Jill Broussard; 1 son, John Jones and wife, Cheryl; mother, Anna Belle Hayman; 2 sisters, Winnie H. Killebrew and husband, Charles, and Becki Hayman and Paul Teston; 2 brothers, Thomas W. Hayman and Edward W. Hayman and wife, Connie; 14 grandchildren; 16 great- grandchildren. Preceded in death by father, Thomas E. Hayman. Visitation at Shiloh Baptist Church, Pine Grove, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Services conducted by Bro. Laverne King. Interment Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery, Pine Grove. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Timmy Dale Stewart, Sr.

September 10, 1961 – July 03, 2019

Timmy Dale Stewart, Sr., a resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at his home in Amite, LA. He was born September 10, 1961 in Hammond, LA and was 57 years of age. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Arcola. He is survived by his mother, Merylin Ragan Robeau; 1 son, T.J. Stewart, Jr. and Selena, Amite; 4 grandchildren, Jayda Marie Stewart, Gage Allen Stewart, Mya Leigh Stewart and Cayden Allen Stewart; 2 sisters, Patricia Abadie and Penny Smith; 1 brother, Rocky Stewart. Preceded in death by his wife, Susan Denise Stewart; father, Wallace Stewart; brother, Ricky Stewart. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Monday, July 8, 2019, and from 8:00 AM until religious services at 11:00 AM Tuesday, July 9, 2019. Services conducted by Bro. Bob Simpson. Interment Natalbany Cemetery, Independence, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thank-you to all who attended “David’s Party” yesterday. He was honored and blessed by your attendance, love, and encouragement. Our family thanks you too.

Thanks to our children and their spouses as well as the grandchildren who planned, worked, and worked some more to honor “Granddaddy”. Granddaddy continues to fight his health battles and will win the final victory!

Speaking of family. We were also blessed at home to have everyone here for about 20 hours. Two left last night. Three left early this morning. Four will leave later this morning. Jennie will stay here a couple more days and will go with us to see doctors Monday and Tuesday. We are blessed with a great family. Members of our extended family also helped with the party. Some church family helped by providing desserts and helping to make sandwiches. We appreciate all of you!

May God bless you for showing David and our family such sweet love!

Scripture Writing – “Patience and Perseverance” – Psalm 130: 5-6

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day! Honor and serve Him today!

Anna Lee

Saturday

Scripture Writing – “Patience and Perseverance” – Lamentations 3: 22-26

Jimmy R. Williams is scheduled to be released from the hospital. Pray he will continue to improve at home.

David and some of his many friends will be celebrating their memories today. Join me in thanking God for David today.

Anna Lee

Friday

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living.

But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

~Joshua 24:15~

I have three good reports to share this morning.

Brady Haynes had another surgery. He now has no more kidney stones or stents. Keep him in your prayers as he recovers,
Jane Blades was checked out by a cardiologist this week and passed. He gave the “all clear” report. Thank God for this good report.
Carol B. Sealey continues to slowly improve. Let’s be patient in expecting a fast recovery and faithful in remembering to pray for Carol, her family, and the medial staff.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – Romans 8: 11-14

Shoeboxes Open Doors and Hearts for the Gospel in Liberia

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/shoeboxes-open-doors-and-hearts-for-the-gospel-in-liberia/

What have you purchased this week for Operation Christmas Child?

Small dolls?
$1.00 calculators?
Bars of soap?
Washcloths?
Bags of marbles?
Small cars?
Hair brushes?
48-piece puzzles
School supplies?
Small hammers and nails?
Fishing equipment?
Clotheslines and clothespins?
Stick deodorant?
School supplies?
Metal spoons?
Plastic drinking cups?
Pot holders?
Sewing supplies?
Supplies for bracelet kits?
Small balls?
Plastic animals?
Shirts?
Headbands?
Bandanas?
Yarn?
Etc.

You can leave your items in the office of FBC, Kentwood or in the classroom next to the choir room. Thank-you very much. We are off to a slow start, but want to finish well.

People who want to craft items need to talk to me for ideas or check out the OCC website.

If you have a plastic container, even medicine bottles with labels removed, please bring them. They are helpful in packaging items for the shoeboxes. Also small tins you purchase or recycle are good. Don’t forget plastic eggs also work well too.

Some of you may prefer to have someone else shop for you. If so, give them the money and any specifics on what you want them to purchase. Items can be turned in at the church as they are purchased.

Another option is to turn in money to the church for OCC expenses. Mark your check and/or envelope “OCC” or “Shoeboxes”.

Remember, literature is added to each box to introduce the children to Jesus in the language of the children. Each box impacts an average of seven people for Jesus! That’s a great ministry you can do.

Anna Lee

Thursday

I keep my eyes always on the LORD.

With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

~Psalm 16:8~

Sandra Hughes is now home following her his surgery. Thank God for her progress so far. Pray for continued improvement.

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

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

Bible Reading Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – Romans 8:11-14

Operation Christmas Child

My granddaughter, Madison, and I worked in the Operation Christmas Child (OCC) room yesterday. A lot of progress was made. As I worked, I noticed we need more items. I want to share this link with ideas of items to pack for each age group. I suggest picking items and buying multiple items of those things. All donations can be left in the church office or the classroom next to the choir room. This link will be helpful in getting you started. I bought some zip lock bags and some sale items yesterday. The day before I bought some items from Dollar Tree. School supplies are being put out now. I read this morning that Dirt Cheap has lots of school supplies in. Let’s use the link to see what OCC suggests and the sales to get lots of school supplies.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/

Let’s get the items turned in so we can have a great packing party again this year. Let me know if you have a couple of hours to help preparing items or want to make some items at church or at home.

Anna Lee