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

Wednesday

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

~John 1:12-13 (NIV)~

Adam Carter

Will you please add Adam to the prayer link. Sunday he got rebar though his hand. It went in about the middle of his hand below his little finger and came out by his index finger. He had to have emergency surgery to remove it. His index finger is numb and he can hardly move his fingers. Surgery went fine. He will go see a hand specialist tomorrow and we will find out what has to be done and if there is any more surgery that has to be done, and how much damage was done. Thank you
Lawana

Hinsdale County Office of Emergency Management

We’re sad to report that a body found along the Rio Grande River has been identified as Tessie Strickland.

LAKE CITY, Colo., July 29, 2019 – On July 25 at approximately 4 p.m., the body of Tessie Strickland was found along the Rio Grande River in Hinsdale County. Hinsdale County Coroner Jerry Gray pronounced death at approximately 6:30 p.m. that evening.

The body was transported to the morgue at Montrose Memorial Hospital for identification and was positively identified late Tuesday afternoon, July 30. Strickland’s husband has been notified.

Mrs. Strickland, 64, of Kentwood, Louisiana, was reported missing on June 27 after being swept downstream in Pole Creek near the border of Hinsdale and San Juan counties. Her body was discovered approximately four miles downstream from where Pole Creek empties into the Rio Grande River.

Mrs. Strickland and her husband Tommy Strickland were returning to Silverton from a day trip to Creede, Colorado, on Forest Service Road 520, a four-wheel drive road that crosses Pole Creek. Although passable in the morning when the Stricklands crossed on their way to Creede, the creek had become swollen with spring runoff by the early evening when they returned. When the couple attempted to cross the creek again, their Jeep stalled in the fast-moving water and was carried downstream. In an effort to save themselves, the couple jumped for the stream bank. While trying to help his wife climb up the bank, Mr. Strickland said he was swept under the water. After resurfacing, Mr. Strickland could not see his wife and could not locate her. Passing motorists found Mr. Strickland and assisted him in notifying authorities.

Extensive search operations were conducted to locate Mrs. Strickland, which included more than 25 personnel from Hinsdale County Sheriff’s Department, Mineral County and San Juan County. Helicopter surveillance was provided by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. Personnel conducted foot searches along the banks of the Pole Creek and the Rio Grande River, a search and rescue dog was employed, and a drone was used for aerial searches in areas not accessible on foot.

Please lift up Tessie’s family during these difficult days.

Gordon Jones

October 16, 1937 – July 29, 2019

Gordon Jones, a resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 16, 1937 in Independence, LA and was 81 years of age. He is survived by wife of 57 years, Gloria S. Jones; 3 daughters, Arlene Jones Armstrong, Sonya Jones David and husband, Corey and Stacie Jones; 1 son, Allen Jones and wife Jonni; 9 grandchildren, Kristin Garner, Duane Garner, Timothy Cassidy, Christopher Hall, Deaven David, Rosita David, Ryan Jones, Matthew Jones and Macayla Jones; 9 great-grandchildren, Harleigh Cassidy, Calem Jones, Liam Jones, Jaxon Garner, Eli Garner, Kaiden Garner, Grayson Jones, Maisie Jones and Abby Mason; 1 brother, Herbert Jones; 2 sisters, Etta Baham and husband Gerald and Katherine McGlothern and husband Brad; 1 brother-in-law, Bobby Adams. Preceded in death by parents, Howard and Myrtis Jones; 1 sister, Rita Adams. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM Thursday, August 1, 2019, and from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM Friday, August 2, 2019. Services conducted by Bro. Tim Moffett. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Both Spring Creek and Osyka are having Youth VBS this week. Check them our to see if your youth would be interested in attending.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10

If you didn’t get a copy of the Scripture writing plan for August, they are available in the sanctuary of FBC, Kentwood.

Continue to pray for the many others who have various needs.
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

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

Tuesday

“Why do you notice the little piece of dust in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood in your own eye? . . . You hypocrite!

First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to take the dust out of your friend’s eye.”

~Matthew 7:3, 5 NCV~

Remember that today is the day for the birthday party for “young” ladies over 50. All ladies are invited to meet at the Burger Basket at 11:00 to honor the birthday ladies. Lunch is Dutch treat.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Hebrews 6:10-12

I have been sharing news of friends who are involved in missions. Several local groups are doing missions now. I just learned that a cousin and his sweet family from another state will be serving in Honduras this week. Ricky, I’m so thankful for the way you and your family serve the Lord every day of the year and especially today. May this trip be fruitful for the Lord!

James Rimes told me Buddy Waller has been sick due to a change in medicine. A change to correct the problem has already been made. Pray to God for remove this time of sickness so Buddy can return to his routine.

Beth Brabham saw a surgeon yesterday and will have gall bladder surgery next Monday. Pray for her as she waits until this health issue can be corrected. She will be at North Oaks for surgery.

Frances Gay asks for prayers for her granddaughter Kaylee Houeye who will have out-patient surgery this morning at North Oaks to remove her tonsils. In addition to praying for her surgery, please pray for the recovery time for her. Your prayers will be appreciated.

My brother-in-law, Donnie Eudy of Ponchatoula, continues to fight damage the sun has done to his fair skin. He latest report is leading to additional appointments and procedures. Keep Donnie and others with the same issue in your prayers.

David saw his oncologist yesterday. The blood level was a little lower, 7.3, but the decision was made NOT to get more blood at this time because of the additional fluid his body would have to deal with. The Procrit injection was increased from 40,000 to 50,000 units. It seems the body is making the blood, but the liver and spleen are acting like sponges and absorbing it. In the meantime, David’s exercises are helping him regain strength and endurance.

David has been strong enough to sit and help unpackage items for Operation Christmas Child and was able to shop for more OCC items in a store on the way home from Baton Rouge. This is rewarding to both of us because we have been in another country when the “shoeboxes” were distributed. Not only do the boys and girls get needed items like toothbrushes and soap and they get school supplies and gifts, but they get an opportunity to learn about Jesus. Each box is found to impact an average of seven people with the message of Jesus. We believe this is a great mission opportunity and costs us so little.

If you need to know how to get involved with OCC, please ask us. We would love to give you an opportunity to get involved.

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

Friday

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,

but the way for the wicked leads to destruction.

~Psalm 1:6~

Pray for Bill Frazier today. He is having neck surgery at 1 P.M today at OLOL in Baton Rouge. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

I’ve had updates on Carol B. Sealey and Carl “Chicken” Gaines. They are both improving.

Disaster relief response update

Disaster relief response update

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to do some more shopping for Operation Christmas Child. I’m so excited to get all these items from the trunk and start to prepare and organize them for the “shoeboxes”.

Yesterday, someone gave me money to spend on fishing items. That was done too.

Some of the items I was able to purchase were school crayons, highlighters, small toys, flashlights, craft supplies, soap, dishcloths, pencil sharpeners, large erasers, pens, pencils, marbles, eating utensils, craft felt. scissors. plastic tablecloths, and pencil holders.

I had a great time buying these items and will have a good time working with them in the coming days. I have to get busy now, so the shoeboxes can be ready for November collection. Don’t miss out on the joy of “shoeboxes”!

If you want to pack your own shoeboxes, let me know. I will have them ready for you Sunday morning. If you want to shop and turn in items for us to pack together, you can drop your items off at the church office or the classroom next to the choir room. If you want to donate you can give through the offering at church and labeling your donation to “OCC” or “shoeboxes”. If you want me to shop for you, I’ll do that and give you a copy of the receipt.

There are many ways to get involved. The main thing is that you “get involved” and pray for the boys and girls who will receive the shoebox gifts and an opportunity to learn about Jesus. That is the main reason for “shoeboxes”!

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Colossians 1: 9-11

What will be the most important think you do today?

Check on someone in the hospital
Deliver food to someone
Call and encourage someone
Take someone to lunch
Study your Bible
Share a plant or flowers
Give someone a ride
Babysit for a young mother
Purchase items for Operation Christmas Child
Invest some time in a chid or teenager
Be a role model for newlyweds
________________________________________

Anna Lee