Teach me to do your will, for you are my God;

may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

~Psalm 143:10~

Read and Write the Bible – Abiding in Christ – Colossians 2: 6-7

Please continue to pray for Susie Sharkey as she has knee replacement surgery today. It may seem like a routine surgery until it happens to you. Then, you will really appreciate the prayers of others.

Enjoy a Monday without rain, but stay alert to flooding from all the recent rains.

M is for Monday Missions! – Choose your own mission activity to do today.

I’ll post again this afternoon.

Anna Lee

Thursday

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand.

But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Daniel 3:17-18

(These are the very verses we learned in our missions class last night.)

Brett Frazier did start back to “light” work Monday. I’m sure the regular routine was a good change for him. Please continue to pray for him.

Please pray for a young teen, not from our area, who tried to take her life with pills. Jaelyn is getting treatment for anxiety. She’s a beautiful young lady living in a

Please pray for Dollie Frazier as she has eye surgery this morning.

Please . pray for my cousin, Scott Tolleson, who has HD. He has had complications from recent falls and is hospitalized.

There will be a fundraiser at FBC, Greensburg for Ronnie Webb, Jr. I was told he is out of state getting treatment. The lunch will be Friday at noon. Contact FBC, Greensburg for more information or to request tickets.

May is the month to purchase hygiene items for Operation Christmas Child.

Soap
Washcloths
Toothbrushes
Stick deodorant
Combs
Brushes
Bath scrubbers

Read and Write the Bible – John 15: 4-5

Don’t forget today is the National Day of Prayer. Join in tonight at FBC, Amite at 6:30. You will be blessed.

Thank-you for praying today.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“You are my friends if you do what I command.”

~John 15:14 NLT~

Baptist Press – www.bpnews.net

Baptist Message – baptist message.com

Make your plans to attend the National Day of Prayer meeting at FBC, Amite tomorrow night at 6:30.

Read & Write the Bible “Abiding in Christ” – Psalm 91: 1-2

Thanks go the person who sent a box of beads for use in the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Also, thanks to those of you who have contributed plastic Easter eggs for the shoeboxes. Each and every item will go in shoeboxes in the fall. We collect now and pack later. Don’t forget to take the time to check out the items in the tote on the organ. These items represent some of the items we will use this year. You can also contribute by giving to the Operation Christmas Child Fund at church. Marking you envelope “OCC” or “Shoeboxes” is all you have to do.

The weather has been beautiful. We have enjoyed sitting on the patio. Pray for everyone to be able to get out or to look out and enjoy God’s creation.

Please continue to pray for those who have needs. They might be spiritual, physical, emotional, etc.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”

~Acts 5:20~

I find “shoeboxes” a way old and young alike can help share the Good News about Jesus!

I hope you are thinking about and making purchases to pack some OCC kits. Some examples of kits are:

Hair fixin’s (ribbons, pony tail holders, combs, brushes, etc.)
Handyman items (screw driver, screws, small hammers, nails, measuring tapes, etc.)
Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc.)
School supplies (pens, pencils, makers, erasers, 6 ” rulers, push pins, post it notes, etc.)
Fishing kits (hooks, floaters, sinkers, string, etc.)
Jewelry making items (beads, elastic string, crosses, etc.)
Kitchen kits (measuring spoons, dish cloths, stirring spoons, serving spoons, etc.)
Sewing kits (scissors, fabric, thread, buttons, lace, etc.)
Small toys for boys (cars, tractors, plastic animals, marbles, etc.)
Band aids of various sizes and designs
Puzzle with a photo copy of picture from box
Let your imagination be your guide,

Some packing ideas I shared with a neighbor are the tall rectangular cans that hold drink mixes, chip containers, small pencil cases, and medicine bottles. These can be used to hold any of the items listed above. Note: It is helpful if you remove the labels or cover them with contact paper or colorful duct tape. It is also helpful if you wash all you containers so there is no residue from the original contents.

I suppose you get the idea by now, that now is the time to make purchases for “shoeboxes”. If you need any additional information so you, your family, a class, a church, a school, etc. can get started, please contact me. I love to help get others started in this wonderful opportunity we have every year.

Read and Write the Bible – Psalm 62: 5-8 .

Copies of the May Scripture references will be available at FBC, Kentwood today or during the week (by going to the church office). You can also go to the following like to print your own copy. I’m using the one on the right.

http://www.wholemagazine.org/scripture-writing-plans/may-abiding-in-christ

Anna Lee

Saturday

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” ~Luke 19:10 (NIV)~

Operation Christmas Child is the program that sends “shoeboxes” filled with clothing, toiletries, school supplies, and toys to children around the world. By taking your gifts out of the bulky packaging, you can put more items in the “shoeboxes”. I have a tote on the organ at church that contains some suggestions for purchases. I hope you will check it out and have a great trip shopping. If you attend another church in our area, feel free to go to the office during office hours and ask someone to show you where to look. These are not the only items, but are good ideas of some of the things that can be purchased year-round.

You may want to craft some items: tote bags, jump ropes, bean bags with plastic pellets or small pebbles, pencil pouches, shirts, dresses, pillowcases, lap blankets, etc. You can check Pinterest for many ideas.

Boxes will need $9.00 for postage. Printed materials to introduce the children to Jesus will be added. The printed materials are in the language of the country where the children live. It is not a good idea to send printed materials written in English.

In early November, the boxes can be sent to a collection site. FBC, Kentwood is one of the more local sites for many of you. You can check the OCC site on the computer for more information about sites, packing, deadlines, etc.

Read & Write the Bible Today – Psalms 40: 1-3

Pray for the many people in Ruston and other areas who had tornado damage. Below is a partial list of items you may want to contribute.

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Meg is currently on site in Ruston. You can contact her in a few days or the missions office in Franklinton (Bro. Stan).

While I was reading about “No Clothing”, I thought of the Hope Center in Roseland. They accept donations of various kinds, including clothing, Tuesday through Friday 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.

I hope you have received some ideas of how you can minister here in Louisiana and around the world. Missions has many faces. Learn to look for opportunities.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

~2 Timothy 1:7 TLB~

Read & Write the Bible Today – Psalms 25: 1-5

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party

Fourth Tuesday of each month
11 A.M. at the Burger Basket in Osyka
Honors ladies with birthdays that month
All ladies are welcome to attend.
No invitation needed; Just come.

The Operation Christmas Child “shoeboxes” takes gifts and the message of Jesus’ love to children around the world. I’m so thankful we are able to participate in this ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, which is a part of Franklin Graham’s ministry. Remember that each shoebox impacts an average of seven people. We need to do our part to reach the children for the Lord.

The Lottie Moon Easter Offering for North America continues. Thank-you to those who have contributed to the need to reach out to the lost in Canada and the United States.

I don’t have any new information about Debbie Stewart, but will post it when I hear. Let’s keep praying for her and her family.

Pray for David Sellers as he has an angiogram this morning at St. Tammany Hospital in Covington.

Reach out to encourage others today through a call, a card, a visit, etc. There are many ways you can minister to others – music, transportation, cooking, prayer, etc. Don’t miss the opportunities God gives you each week.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“But if we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other.

Then the blood of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from every sin.

If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

1 John 1:7-8 NCV~

David‘s blood level continues to run low, but about the same. The doctors are beginning to think this is the “new normal” for him. Yesterday, he was given an option regarding receiving a unit of blood. David chose not to get it yesterday, but to wait until he feels the need more. He can get his blood any day this week, so we don’t have to wait until next Monday. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Linda Gabel Brown

November 07, 1947 – April 21, 2019

A resident of Amite passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 7, 1947 in Denham Springs and was 71 years of age. She was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite. She is survived by her husband, Harold Brown; 3 daughters, Ronda Durbin and Robbie Lee, Donna Cutrer and husband, Ric, and Sheree Peek; grandchildren, Brandon Voight and wife, Lauren, Todd Voight and wife, Georgette, Devin Peek and wife, Jessica, Kayla Populis and husband, C.J., Kyle Hayden and wife, April, Kelly Ewing and husband, Dustin, Tyler Durbin, Brittany Cutrer, Baylor Cutrer and wife, Baileigh, and Justin Cutrer and wife, Pam; great-grandchildren, Daisy Voight, Hunter Voight, Ryleigh Voight, Triston Voight, Keaton Peek, Anna Peek, Eli Peek, Carter Stephens, Karigan Ewing, Tinsley Populis, Lawson Hayden, Luke Hayden, Levi Hayden, Ariat Cutrer, Owen Cutrer, and Eden Cutrer; brothers, Paul Gabel and wife, Gloria, Red Gabel, and Carroll Gabel and wife, Karen; sisters-in-law, Ann Hall and husband, Jimmy, Dianne Brown, Marilyn Russell and husband, Lawrence, Carolyn Santangelo and husband, Tony, Missy Miller and husband, Ricky, and Robin White. Preceded in death by father, Ernest P. Gabel; mother, Grace Grantham Gabel Raborn; step-father, Clyde Raborn; grandson, Stephen Voight; brothers, Cecil Gabel, Robert Gabel, and Doodle Gabel; sister, Beverly Van Osdell; sister-in-law, Tammy Brown. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday with a Rosary Service at 5:30PM. Visitation will resume at McKneely Funeral Home from 8:00AM until 10:00AM on Wednesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 10:30AM on Wednesday, April 24, 2019. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. Pallbearers will be Brandon Voight, Todd Voight, Devin Peek, Kyle Hayden, Tyler Durbin, and C.J. Populis. Honorary pallbearers will be Ric Cutrer, Jimmy Hall, Dustin Ewing, Carroll Gabel, Baylor Cutrer, and Robbie Lee. The family would like to thank Dr. Oubre and staff, Dr. Robert Kidd and staff, Americare Hospice and North Oaks Medical Center for their excellent care. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read & Write the Bible – Lamentations 3: 27-31

Operation Christmas Child at FBC, Kentwood

Last year, we received parade throws like beads and small stuffed animals. If you have some that you have no plans for, please leave them at the church office or in the classroom next to the choir. We will find them very useful when packing OCC “shoeboxes” later this year. Thank-you so much!
The large basket on the organ has some plastic “eggs” already. If you have some you don’t need to keep, please share them. They will be use for OCC in several different ways.

Children in Action meets at FBC, Kentwood meets at 6 P.M. on Wednesday nights. They have been studying missions in Chile and praying for missionary needs.

Youth on Mission meets at FBC, Kentwood meets at 5 P.M. on Sunday nights. This group recently complete a nice project for the senior adult ladies at church.

Anna Lee

Monday

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

~Psalm 103:2~

Read and Write the Bible Today – Lamentations 3: 22-26

I was blessed to attend an early worship service and later to watch the second service via computer with David! You can find links to both services on my facebook page.

Now that Easter egg hunts are over for this year, I will ask that if you are discarding plastic Easter eggs that you please leave them at FBC, Kentwood so we can use them in several different ways for Operation Christmas Child.

There is a tote on the organ at church with some ideas of items to purchase for Operation Christmas Child. Look through the tote and get some ideas. Then, happy shopping. Please leave your donations at the church office or in the classroom next to the choir room. May I suggest you make a decision to spend a certain amount each week (or month). Then shop frequently! If you cannot shop frequently, I suggest donating to OCC by putting your donation in an envelope marked OCC or to hand your donation to me when you see me. I love to shop of OCC. Packing day will be here before you know it!

There are many ways to share the message of salvation. Today, let’s pray for ministers who do that from a pulpit, in hospitals, and other places every week. Pray for Sunday School teachers and mission leaders who teach regularly the same message. Also, pray for missionaries and their families who live the same lifestyle, but who do it on mission fields around the world. Pray regularly for those who share the Good News. May it become who you are and what you do.

Anna Lee

Good Friday

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

~1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (NIV)~

This is the day we honor the death of Jesus on the cross because He gave His life for us. It truly is a Good Friday. I’m thankful I know the “end of the story” and the purpose of the resurrection.

Read and Write the Bible Today – James 5:7-9

Eggs are a sign of new life. Easter eggs represent the new life we have through Jesus. As your children tire of the plastic eggs this week, if you do not plan to keep them, please bring them to Kentwood First Baptist Church. We would like to give the plastic eggs new life as an item for Operation Christmas Child “shoeboxes“. I will have a large basket at church for the eggs or you can leave them in the church office during the week or in the classroom next to the choir room on a Sunday. Thanks for helping us.

Some of the local churches are having special services today. You may want to check around and attend one.

Sunday, you will have the opportunity to attend sunrise services at Inspiration Park or some of the local churches. I have fond memories of previous sunrise services. I trust you do too. Make a new memory this week.

Sunday, many of our churches will have extra services and special music to celebrate the resurrection. Find you place and join the celebration. Remember, “Up from the Grave He Arose”.

I know many of you plan to honor Debbie Miller‘s life and sweet friendship. I will post her obituary when one is available later today.

Anna Lee

Thursday

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

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

~ Romans 10:9-10 (NIV) ~

Teaching in the missions class last night, I was so thankful to hear the children speak of the real meaning of Easter. They know the difference between the meaning of the cross and the meaning of Easter egg hunts. They also prayed for missionaries, every one of them. That is usually my favorite part of the class, because it shows they understand the importance of telling others about Jesus. What a blessing the children were to me last night!

I see the headline news is all about the weather that is expected her today. Be prepared. Stay alert. This morning, before the weather gets bad, help someone who might have special requirements in preparation for the weather that is forecast. After the storm, it is too late to prepare and to help others prepare.

Read & Write the Bible Today – Isaiah 40:28-31

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

I forgot to tell you Brett Frazier is home with a nurse and a physical therapist going to see him. The family is all under one roof again. Please continue to pray for Brett’s health.

Prepare early and stay safe.

Anna Lee