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

Tuesday

“I am the door;

if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved.”

~John 10:9 NASB~

Pray for Mike Lambert who is hospitalized again. Your prayers will be appreciated by his family and friends.

Read and Write the Bible Today – Hebrews 6: 16-18

If you have beads and other nice throws from recent parades, those items can be used in packing shoeboxes. Also, small to medium size stuffed animals are also good. You can leave these items in the church office or in the classroom next to the choir room. Thanks for sharing your freebies.

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

Disaster Relief provides help in many forms. The Gospel is shared with people in times of need in addition to meeting physical needs. You can become one of those who go and serve as needed when needed.

SBDR shines ‘ray of hope’ after southern storms

by David Roach, posted Monday, April 15, 2019 (14 hours ago)

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was updated April 15 at 3:25 p.m. with information from Louisiana.

Franklin, Texas, was among the storm-struck regions where Southern Baptist Disaster Relief workers deployed following mid-April tornados across the South that left at least eight people dead.

Screen capture from KXAS.

ALTO, Texas (BP) — Southern Baptist Disaster Relief units have deployed across the South following a weekend of storms that caused at least eight deaths, injured dozens more and left damage from Texas to Georgia.In east Texas, DR units from both Texas Baptist Men and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention deployed after an EF-2 and an EF-3 tornado touched down. At least four people in Texas died, according to media reports, including two children who were killed when a pine tree fell on the car carrying them near Pollok, Texas.

“When things seem really bad, we’re able to come in and just introduce that ray of hope for them to take the next steps,” Texas Baptist Men spokesman Rand Jenkins told NBC’s Dallas affiliate.

Texas Baptist Men, a ministry of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, deployed DR teams to the hart-hit towns of Franklin and Alto, Texas, April 14, according to a BGCT news release. Their ministry has included feeding units, chainsaw crews, shower and laundry units, temporary roof installation, assessment and chaplaincy.

SBTC volunteers were headed toward Franklin with a quick-response mobile kitchen within two hours of an April 13 tornado, the North American Mission Board told Baptist Press. Self-contained like a food truck, the quick-response mobile kitchen is designed to serve a few hundred simple meals quickly before a larger feeding operation can be established. The unit also focuses on evangelism, the SBTC said.

A second SBTC DR team dispatched to Alto and focused on feeding and recovery.

“Lots of [church] members have gone out with chainsaws helping to clear the trees and the debris,” said Gary Pridemore, pastor of First Baptist Church in Alto, where the SBTC team has established a base of operations. Locals and outside volunteers “have been working like beavers getting all the trees cut up and roads cleared.”

In Mississippi — where at least one person died according to media reports — six local chainsaw teams deployed along with three teams focused on chaplaincy and assessment, NAMB said.

In Alabama, a DR team did chainsaw work in the city of Troy while another team did chainsaw and roof tarping work in Etowah County, Alabama Baptist DR director Mark Wakefield said.

At least one county worker died near Birmingham, Ala., when a vehicle struck him as he attempted to clear fallen trees from a roadway, according to media reports.

In Louisiana — where at least two deaths were reported — a DR team from Blanchard performed tree removal and roof repair work, according to Louisiana’s Baptist Message newsjournal. The team also distributed Bibles and water.

At one point on April 14, nearly 90,000 people across the South were without power because of the storms, the Associated Press reported.

Pridemore, of Alto, Texas, requested prayer for the safety of DR workers, the recovery of injured people and the spread of the Gospel.

“Pray that [DR work] will open doors to the ministry of the churches,” Pridemore said.

Thanks for reading and praying today. As you pray, also remember those whose names have been listed lately and those whose names were not listed, but who have spiritual, physical, emotional, medical, or financial needs.

Anna Lee

Palm Sunday

God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.

Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

~Acts 2:32-33~

Read & Write the Bible Today – Hebrews 6: 13-15

Today’s death notice is for a lady we have know for years and have seen several times in the last couple of years.

Edwina Vining Ballard

May 07, 1934 – April 13, 2019Edwina Vining Ballard, a resident of Chesbrough passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg. She was born May 7, 1934 in Amite and was 84 years of age. She was a member of the 1952 Amite High School Basketball State Champions. She served as Justice of the Peace for 34 years in Ward 4 of Tangipahoa Parish, was a notary for over 50 years, and was a member of First Baptist Church in Amite. She is survived by her son, Brett Ballard and wife, Angela “Boo Boo” Travis Ballard; 2 grandchildren, Shelbi Lyn Ballard and Braydon Lane Ballard; 2 sisters, Gloria Hood and Virgie Morgan and husband, James; brother, David Vining and wife, Carleen. Preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Shelton “Shell” Ballard; parents, Edwin and Estelle Vining; brothers and sisters, Jimmy Vining, John Vining, Eddie Vining, Abbie Pasko, Dorothy Vallance, and Juanita Campbell. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Trey Waldrop. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

If you are in attendance at FBC, Kentwood today, you will have an opportunity to see some items to purchase for Operation Christmas Child, “Shoeboxes”. Please take time to examine the contents of the box.

I can think of no better place to be today than in the Lord’s House. If you are unable to attend in person, please turn in to a good worship service on TV, your computer, or phone.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.”

With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

~John 19:30~

Read and Write the Bible

April 9th – 2 Thessalonians 1: 6-10
April 10th Colossians 1: 9-11

“Bryan’s Journey” – Rita wrote a good update telling of the latest progress and plans in Bryan’s treatment and a little of their life when in Kentwood.

Jason and Becki took David to the doctor Monday. David blood level was 7.6. The doctor decided to hold off on the blood, but to give the Procrit injection. Friday, we will be going for more blood work. The doctor is beginning to think David’s blood level is possibly okay at this level. I’ll let you know what happens Friday.

Gaylon Cutrer seems to be having a setback with his MDS, one of the problems David also has. Pray for him as he is spending more time seeking help.

By the way, both Bryan Tate and David Alford were able to be in church Sunday. Isn’t that great? They both need your prayers as they continue to face their medical problems.

As you pray for Gaylon, Bryan and David, please pray for Ruth, Rita, and me as we lovingly try to be the caregivers God would have us to be. We are all thankful God is making each stop of this journey with us.

This is Wednesday. I hope that you will make it to one of God’s earthly houses to hear God’s Word being shared.

Every day is a good day for missions! I’ve been so anxious to do some shopping and crafting for Operation Christmas Child, one of my favorite missions. I like to be ‘hands-on” with some of my missions, so this works for me.

Today, in places far from Kentwood, lots of mission work is being done by those who have answered God’s calling on their lives. Please pray for them. Thank God for their willingness to serve, Do your part in supporting them. One way you can participate is to give or give again to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.

Anna Lee

Friday

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

~John 1:29~

Read & Write the Bible Today – 2 Corinthians 6: 3-5

Eva Naquin McNabb

March 22, 1934 – April 03, 2019

Eva Naquin McNabb, a resident of Kentwood passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at Landmark Nursing Home in Hammond. She was born March 22, 1934 in Houma and was 85 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Jo Ann Pitre, Independence; a son, Donald Barousse, Hammond; 4 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Kirby Naquin, Kenner and Joseph Naquin, Metairie. Preceded in death by her husband, Bobby L. McNabb; 3 infant children, Bobby, Keith, and Cheryl McNabb; 4 sisters, Edna Carroll, Leona Perkins, Annie Gautreau, and Rita Savoya; 2 brothers, Andrew Naquin and Percy Naquin; parents, Joseph and Ophelia Naquin. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Don Meadows. Interment Hutchinson Cemetery, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press – bpnews.net

Missions comes in many forms.

Cooking for a family who has had a death in a family
Helping a child pay to attend church camp
Visiting a family who moved into your neighborhood and telling them about church opportunities
Giving items for a children’s home
Giving household items to a church operated thrift store
Supporting mission offerings in your church
Packing a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child
Providing school supplies to a family having a difficult time
Giving a Bible to someone who doesn’t have one and teaching them how to use it.
Invite your neighbors to your home for coffee and a dessert while getting to know them better.
Take a needy child shopping for seasonal clothing or church clothes.
Etc.

I know many people just survive Fridays so they can do weekend activities. Put some effort into making this Friday productive.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

[Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time]

Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem.

On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law.

They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified.

On the third day he will be raised to life!”

~Matthew 20: 17-19 (NIV)~

Today, I have three prayer requests for you.

Five month old Jules Tanksley will be at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans for a heart cauterization at 8 A.M. Please be in pray for her family and the medical staff caring for her.
Brett Frazier is in rehab and at the stage where visitors are not allowed as they really introduce Brett to what he needs to do. This is often a hard time for everyone. Pray for the Frazier family today.
Pray for those in the nursing homes and those who are homebound. These people are often “out of sight” and “out of mind”. Make this a day to remember them and pray for them.

Read and Write the Bible – I Thessalonians 5: 12-14

Operation Christmas Child – April

During April, you are asked to donate small stuffed animals. Of course, any items will be gladly accepted. Items can be left in the classroom next to the choir room.

Thank you for “tuning-in” each day to read and then to pray.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“God’s family is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”

~1 Timothy 3:15 GW~

I don’t know about homecoming today at FBC, Kentwood, but I do know the the talented group from years ago, Gloryland, will perform at Gillsburg Baptist Church tonight at 6 P.M. This will be the first time they have sung as a group in many years. They will sing at 6 P.M.

Viola R. Jones

September 24, 1933 – March 28, 2019

VIOLA RAYBOURN JONES, (85), loving wife and mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, left this earthly life on March 28, 2019. Viola Mae Raybourn was born September 24, 1933 , the third child of James Alfred Raybourn and Etta Mae Broome Raybourn. Viola married her husband of 61 years, Darrell Dwight Jones of Maurepas, Louisiana, on May 7, 1955. Viola attended Kentwood High School. She met Darrell while attending business college in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Shortly after their marriage, Darrell entered the US Army and Viola moved with him to Fort Polk in Leesville, Louisiana, where she worked on post as an office assistant. Viola and Darrell moved to Brusly in 1964 where they raised their three children. She worked out of the home for many years, doing upholstery work and making custom draperies, and also as a substitute teacher. She later became the office manager for Brusly High School. Viola maintained a strong faith in God, and was active in her Baptist faith, most recently at First Baptist Church in Plaquemine, La. She was a long-time member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Viola and Darrell were avid campers and loved to travel. They were fortunate to visit many of our countries grandest places, traveling to every state except Hawaii. In 1988 they camped their way all across the US and Canada up to the Denali valley in Alaska. One of their all-time favorite places was Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City, Georgia, where they returned for many summers. Their children have many wonderful memories of this park and its rangers, who came to be old friends to Darrell and Viola. In their later years, they spent several weeks each summer in Southfork, Colorado and several weeks during the winter at San Benito, Texas, from which they always returned loaded down with grapefruit. Viola was preceded in death by her loving husband Darrell on April 28, 2016. Viola is survived by one daughter, Deborah Suzanne Jones Torres, and her husband Lyle Charles Torres; and two sons: James Darrell Jones, and his wife Lauren Suzanne Massey Jones; and Daniel Leroy Jones, and his wife Melissa Ann Cade Jones. She had seven grandchildren: Leigh Nicole Jones Adams and her husband Richard Todd Adams; Phillip Matthew Mack and his wife Michelle Clare Folse Mack; Rachel Layne Jones Chappell and her husband Cory Donald Chappell; Jaime Elizabeth Mack Chenevert and her husband Cody Joseph Chenevert; Jennifer Michele Jones Browning, and her husband Gage Daniel Browning; Evan Darrell Mack, and Jared Michael Jones. She also had six great-grandchildren: Piper Eloise Mack, Alice Violet Mack, Georgette Viola Adams, Raylen Leigh Chappell, Silas James Mack, and Jones Ganson Chappell. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings James Houlon Raybourn, Bonnie Verlie Smith Crawford, and Zettie Janette Raybourn Rhodus. She is survived by two brothers, Percy Ben Raybourn and Adren Lavon Raybourn. As per her wishes, Viola will be laid to rest with a small gravesite ceremony at the Line Creek Cemetery in Kentwood, Louisiana on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation (www.alzfdn.org).

Read & Write the Bible Today – Proverbs 12:9-14

I have the Bible reading guide for April and will try to get it to the church this morning so you can follow it. The theme of the verses for April is “Waiting on God”.

Don’t forget to support the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North America and to bring your donations for Operation Christmas Child. The OCC purchases can be left in the Sunday School classroom next to the choir room. If you prefer to give money to OCC, mark your envelope to say special account for OCC. Thank you for giving so others can learn about Jesus.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

~1 Peter 2:2-3 (NIV)~

Today, I want to share a brief update on the last two days of appointments with David.

Monday, we met with a different oncologist because David’s oncologist was in a different clinic that day. We were told there is a possible change in treatment since the Procrit is not working as hoped. David’s oncologist will make the decision, possibly next week. We have talked to some health professionals and read up on it to learn about the possible treatment. We are waiting to see what the doctor and God have planned.

Tuesday, we saw our regular eye doctor as a follow up to the emergency visit to the eye clinic. David lost some of his vision in one eye Friday a week ago. We know now he is regaining sight in that eye, but time will tell how much it improves. We heard the term “eye stroke” for the first time. That brought some new questions. We are optimistic about the next appointment in four weeks. We are not at the point of seeing the retina specialist again at this point.

God has provided wonderful and intelligent professionals for David. We have been blessed. Despite all the problems, we are enjoying seeing God guide us through them. God is using many family members, church friends, long-time friends, and neighbors to encourage us regardless of the issues. We are so thankful He is in charge and creates the plan. We are making the most of the journey. Thank-you to all who have helped us travel on this journey in so many ways.

Read and Write the Bible – Luke 10: 25-30

I’m looking for some people who can sew and who would be willing to make some items for Operation Christmas Child. Contact me if this describes you. Thanks!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

~2 Thessalonians 2:15~

Read and Write the Bible Today – Luke 6:32-38

Operation Christmas Child – Items Needed

Sewing Kits
Fishing Kits
Clothes Pins and Clothes Lines
Flashlights with Extra Batteries
Marbles
Tools
Jacks and Balls
Legos
Small Cars, Trucks, Tractors, etc.
Plastic soap boxes
Bars of Soap
Washcloths

You may leave your items in the classroom next to the choir room. Thanks from me and from the children who will receive the shoeboxes we pack.

When you plan your church VBS this year, please consider dedicating your offering to help with Operation Christ Child postage.

Today, pray for school children who need extra help.

Anna Lee

Friday

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel.

Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.

~Daniel 10:12~

Read and Write the Bible Today = Ephesians 4: 25-28

Remember to set your clocks forward Saturday afternoon. If you don’t, you will arrive at the next event, hopefully church, too late.

There are still a large number of people with the flu. If you develop the flu, stay home and help stop the spread of this heath issue.

Annie Armstrong Offering for North America

STRONGER IN NUMBERS

LUIS & BEATRIZ SOTO

WEST VALLEY, UTAH

https://www.anniearmstrong.com/soto/

If you don’t want to shop of shoeboxes, Operation Christmas Child, most churches will be happy to accept your donation and shop for you. Check it out

Allen Stewart’s burns are healing. Pray for this couple as they make new plans for their future.

Have a wonderful Friday. Make today a great day to remember by doing something to help others.

Anna Lee