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.

Frances Pehota McElveen

July 31, 1921 – July 17, 2019

A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at her home. She was born July 31, 1921 in Middlefield, CT and was 97 years of age. She was a U. S. Navy Veteran. She is survived by 2 daughters, Carol Jenkins and Pamela Alston; son, G.G. McElveen and wife, Cathy; sister, Stasia D’Aquilla; 2 brothers, Donald Pehota and wife, Ann, and Eugene Pehota and wife, Judy; 10 grandchildren, Brandon McElveen and wife, Ashley, Kacey Leyrer and husband, Greg, Lori Trahan and husband, Cory, Ryan Jenkins and wife, Misty, Daniel Alston, Matthew Alston and wife, Claire, Kelli Schwebel and husband, Jacob, Katie Derbins and husband, Peter, Patrick Alston, and Dustin Alston; 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Glynis G. McElveen; parents, John and Caroline Pehota; brother, Tom Pehota, 4 sisters, Florence Sokolaski, Nell Beckley, Cecilia Stannard, and Helen Iverson; 2 sons-in-law, Gerald Jenkins and John Alston. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall on Friday from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 12:00 Noon on Friday, July 19, 2019. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Two weeks short of being 98! She’s certainly one of the ladies I have know who have lived a lone time!

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – I Thessalonians 5: 15-18

We received a call last night about the need for trained disaster relief workers to help with flooded houses as a result of that storm named Barry. If you care trained and able to give some time to help others, call the to volunteer,

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

If you haven’t picked up some items for Operation Christmas Child yet, today would be a good day to do so.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“There is no fear in love;

but perfect love casts out fear,

because fear involves torment.

But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

~1 John 4:18~

I have three good reports to share today.

Carol Bennett Sealey is again improving. This lady is a fighter!
Adrian Phillips – “All was good at Heart Dr today Next goes to Oral Surgeon to have all teeth pulled before he goes to have Heart Valve Surgery His stents are doing good.”
David‘s blood count was up to 7.7. The nurse practitioner said David will get a larger does of Procrit next week which should help his blood build itself up.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience & Perseverance” – I Thessalonians 5: 15-18

Look for some bargain buys today for the “shoeboxes” we will pack in a couple of months as part of Operation Christmas Child.

There are churches having VBS this week. Get the kids involved, especially if they have not had the opportunity to another VBS this year.

Have a great day as you make someone’s day brighter.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. ~Colossians 2:9-10 (NIV)~

Please pray for Mr. John Fulda of Amite. He is having a heart procedure today.

David W. Bennett

May 15, 1965 – July 12, 2019

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2019 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born May 15, 1965 in Amite, LA and was 54 years of age. David’s legacy will live on through the multiple “gifts” he donated through the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency. He is survived by his loving mother, Dorothy Davidson Bennett; 1 son, Michael Rogers; 2 brothers, Lonnie Lee Bennett and wife, Stacy, and Darryl Keith Bennett; nephews, Brock Layne Bennett and William Brogan Bennett; nieces, Mary-Catherine Bennett and Raelynn Nicole Jackson. Preceded in death by his father, Edgar Lee “Bear” Bennett; 1 brother, Donnie Ray “Bo” Bennett; 2 sisters, Connie F. Bennett and Krissy N. Bennett; grandparents, Homer Lee Bennett, Janie Barlow Bennett, Sim Thomas Davidson and Ida Lee Galloway Davidson. Memorial Services will be scheduled on a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – I Timothy 5:11-16

The Hope Center in Roseland is is need of clothing for premie babies. If you have some and are willing to share, they will have items to give to meet needs.

Operation Christmas Child – School supplies are now widely available in stores. As you shop, keep your eyes open for items that will be useful in shoeboxes. Suggestions are single subject notebooks, copy paper, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, pencil sharpeners, big erasers, safety scissors, glue sticks, pencil boxes, etc. Your purchases can be left in the church office or in the Sunday School room next to the choir room. Thank-you for helping to provide items for the shoeboxes. Don’t miss the good deals.

Operation Christmas Child – fishing kits! I have received a bag of small containers that will be perfect for fishing kits. Items needed are fishing line, hooks, weights, and small floats.

Operation Christmas Child – Clothesline kits – Items needed are wooden clothespins and clothesline string.

Operation Christmas Child – Tic Tac Toe games – Items needed are flat glass stones and small felt or foam sheets.

Operation Christmas Child – Eating utensils. – Teaspoons are used in most places. You can either purchase spoons alone or you can get sets with a knife, fork, and spoon.

Operation Christmas Child – Sewing kits – Small spools of thread, sewing needles, assorted buttons, small scissors, etc. If you want to add some small pieces of fabric and trim, that would be good.

Operation Christmas Child – Necklace/bracelet kits – Assorted beads, cording, etc.

Operation Christmas Child – Miscellaneous items – Washcloths and soap, $1.00 flashlights and extra batteries, small stuffed animals, small dolls, small balls, jump ropes, dominoes, small plastic animals, small trucks and cars, small farm figure, but now military figures or weapons.

What would you as an individual, your family, your class, your club be willing to do to provide some of the items for children in many poor countries this year? Remember, now is the time to collect. We have to pack the boxes and ship them by November. I am available to answer questions you may have. Call me or contact me through this page.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”

~Romans 10:9-10 NLT~

Please pray for Tommy Strickland and family as the search continues for Tessie in Colorado. Also, pray for safety for those who are searching for her.

Almost two weeks later, woman swept away in stream remains missing

https://pinerivertimes.com/articles/106705

Please pray for my lifelong friend, Fay Chadwick Todd, from Roseland. She is having surgery today in Baton Rouge. Fay and her family will appreciate your prayers.

David has seen doctors Monday and Tuesday. He is “hanging in there”. Yesterday, his blood level was 7.6. He got the Procrit injection.

Madison was back here last night. Jennie and Madison are “On the Road Again” traveling to Texas. Pray they have a good traveling day.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Ecclesiastes 3: 11-14.

Ladies, don’t forget to mark you calendars for Monday so you will be in Spring Creek for the Two River’s Quarterly WMU meeting. Janie Wise will be there!

Thanks for reading and praying today.

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

Tuesday

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

~Isaiah 61:1~

Great news to share this morning. Carol Bennett Sealey has been moved to rehab and dialysis. Please continue to pray for Carol and her family.

Jimmy R. Williams is at Lakeview hospital with a possible heart attack. Testing is being done. Please pray for Jimmy and Linda.

Mr. John Phillips is still in rehab. Pray for him as he continues to improve following two broken arms.

There is no news about Tessie Strickland this morning. Keep praying!

Heather Miller is home from her Ukraine trip. Pray for her as she continues to serve where God sends her.

Matt and Shea Williams are beginning a long journey to Mississippi where they will be staying for a while. Pray for them as they travel and get to spend some time with family.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Psalm 62: 5-8

Coming soon – Two Rivers Associational Meeting – July 15th at Spring Creek

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Monday

“You bless all who depend on you for their strength.”

~Psalm 84:5 CEV~

This morning, I sadly report that Tessie Strickland still has not been found. Today is day four for this family. Let’s keep praying for Tessie and her family. As you pray for Tessie and her family, also pray for safety for those who are searching for her.

A number of people from our area are touring all the sites that are so important to us as we study our Bibles. Pray for safe and meaningful travels. May they have great memories of this trip and better relate to the places they visit as they continue to study their Bibles for the rest of their lives.

The youth of FBC, Kentwood shared yesterday morning about their week at M-Fuge at Ridgecrest, North Carolina. They each shared their own testimony with a sign they made. It was truly an inspiring presentation.

The July guide for Scripture writing is now available in the church office. You can stop by the church for a copy.

I think I missed one day last month, so here is the reference for Day 30.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – Romans 8: 28-32

The topic for July is “Patience and Perseverance”. Day 1 – Psalm 40: 1-3.

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

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

Let’s march into July with a purpose of loving God and loving others. Each of us is a unique person, so we each have own ways to show our love for God and for others. The thing that is important is that we show that love daily. Let’s go into July with a bold goal of showing that love each day this month.

Anna Lee

The Lord’s Day

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

~Galatians 5:1~

Pray for the mission team from Line Creek Baptist Church as they leave for Houston today.

Pray for friends from Alabama who are in Mexico on a mission trip. Part of their work there is rebuilding storm damaged church property.

Please add Lisa Taylor back to your prayer list. She went home from the hospital Tuesday and has developed issues that have her back at North Oaks.

Tessie Strickland is still missing. Keep praying! As you pray for her, please pray for safety for the rescue teams and for peace and comfort for the family.

It’s the fifth Sunday of the month. Many area churches are having special music, food, and other activities. Join in and be blessed.

Some churches are concluding VBS. Others are beginning. I love to hear boys and girls tell of their time in VBS. Churches are doing a wonderful job this year, as always.

Youth from some churches have returned from camp. Other youth are leaving for camp. Hearts are touched and lives changed forever. Pray for each one.

Scripture Writing Plan – Romans 8: 28-32

May this Sunday be a blessing to you! May you be a blessing to others 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