He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me.

From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.

~Jonah 2:2~

Mr. A.W. Reid passed away yesterday. An obituary is not yet available.

The Children’s Ministry Day was celebrated yesterday. Children from East Fork, FBC, Kentwood, and possible other churches participated. East Fork visited the nursing home and delivered valentines and socks. Children from Kentwood assembled various kits and made items for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Both groups showed God’s love and worked in a meaningful ministry. Thanks to the youth and adults who helped guide the children yesterday and who serve are good role models all the time.

Hillsdale Baptist Church is reorganizing their WMU with a big project for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. The invite ladies from our association to join them Saturday at 10:00 at H.B.C. where they will host a brunch and explain their plans. A follow-up meeting will be in April. To confirm your attendance, please call Katie at 974-4752. They ask for your RSVP.

The Friday Morning Bible Study will begin the book of Romans soon, but first we will spend two weeks completing Ezekiel. We meet at 10 A.M. in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood.

Read the Bible

Leviticus 18-20
Proverbs 21
Mark 11

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day. If you do not have a church home, visit a church today. It may be a perfect match for you! Any of our area churches would be happy to have you worship with them.

Anna Lee

Saturday

The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

~Zephaniah 3:17~

Today is the day! We will meet at the fellowship hall at 9:00 A.M. to make some items, many of them kits for children to do the crafting. I know there are many things to do on a Saturday morning rather than to go to to create something to give away, but I think this will bless your heart more than most of these other activities. Bring your children or grandchildren. There’s something for everyone to do! Most of all, the more we do the more we have to give away! We also get to send some love with each item! Best of all, each shoebox will lead to an opportunity to lead a family to Jesus. Thursday night, I got to talk with someone from another church that packs many shoeboxes each year. There was such an excitement in her voice as she told about what they do. Giving is a real blessing!

A week from today, Hillsdale Baptist Church is hosting a brunch at 10 A.M. They want to share their idea about an opportunity to help the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. The WMU ladies (and others) are invited to participate. If you plan to attend, please contact Katie at 985-974-4752. Let’s get involved in the effort to help the children and in Hillsdale’s efforts to revive their WMU. Give them a call with the count from your family, class, or group.

Read the Bible

Leviticus 16-17
Psalm 21
Mark 10

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee

Friday

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,

that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

~John 3:16~

A great report: Dee Dee B. Matthews, niece of Betty Simpson and Ora Lee Wilson, has shown good improvement. She still has a lot of issues, but is certainly better than she was right after the accident. Keep praying.

Yesterday, I was asked to request prayer for someone, but not to give a name. Today, I have been asked to report that Angela Headrick is the person who had a thyroid test that was inconclusive. Results from a more recent biopsy have not given results yet. In the meantime, you are asked to pray for Angela as she awaits the report.

Mrs. Bessie Hayden is still at home and waiting to go back to the hospital in a few weeks. Please pray for her diabetes related circulation problem.

Adrian Phillips is having a problem with another buildup of fluid. Pray medication will solve his problem.

Dorinda M. O’Brian

October 23, 1958 – February 14, 2018

Dorinda M. O’Brian, a resident of Slaughter, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at Baton Rouge General. She was born October 23, 1958 in Lake Charles and was 59 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Bertha O’Brian; 2 sons, Arnie “Ray” O’Brian, Jr. and wife, Rachel; and Teddy O’Brian and wife, Kelly; 5 grandchildren, Ethan, Lacey and Sidney O’Brian, and Makayla and Zaylee Feierabend; sister, Melissa Bordeln; and her brother, Tony Mustin. Preceded in death by her husband, Arnie “Ray” O’Brian, Sr.; parents, Harry and Dorothy Mustin; sisters, Cindy Mustin Buras Kauffman, Jenny Holden, and Crystal Buras; and her brothers, Kerry Buras and Eric Buras. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 AM until religious services at 11 AM Saturday, February 17, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Marshall Wallace. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

The group at the cabin last night included two new guests as well as representation from eight different churches. We were so blessed by all present, the devotional shared by Bro. Darryl, and the wonderful music shared by James Rimes and Sherman Cutrer. Sherman has had some serious health issues and numerous (I think he said 13) surgeries since he was last at the cabin sharing with us. It was another great Third Thursday. Feel free to join us sometime.

The Friday Morning Bible Study will meet at 10:00 this morning in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood.

Tomorrow morning at 9:00, we will meet in the fellowship hall to begin preparation of items for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. Everyone is invited to spend the morning with us. Working together on this project will help get us started on our collection process for the Christmas season deliveries around the world. Children, K-5, the age group of the Wednesday night missions class are especially encouraged to come. It is not too late to bring some of the items previously listed. They can be left in the red basket at the church or left in the fellowship hall TODAY.

Another group of Bibles were delivered to the church yesterday. Three calendars were brought to the cabin last night. These items will be used by inmates of the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. I will get these items to the group that ministers there on Thursday mornings. Thank-you for doing your part in helping to collect items. Pray for the many men and women there.

Read the Bible

Leviticus 13-15
Proverbs 20
Mark 9

The February “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party will be on the 27th. Mark the date on your calendar.

God gives us opportunities to minister to others in many different ways.

Anna Lee

Thursday

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

~1 Corinthians 13:4~

I have been asked to share an unspoken request for someone who has had to have a medical test repeated and is awaiting results. Pray for a good report and/or patience and calmness during the waiting period.

Please pray for the Strickland family as they have the celebration of life service Mike.

Read the Bible

Leviticus 11-12
Psalm 20
Mark 8

Third Thursday Gathering at 6:30 tonight! Music by James Rimes and devotional by Bro. Darryl.

There is excitement in the air about the missions day Saturday morning in the fellowship hall. Feel free to join us for the event that will be a blessing to us Saturday as we make plans to bless many others through OCC.

No matter what you are doing today, make sure you share the love God freely gives to us.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed,

yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,”

says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

~Isaiah 54:10~

Michael Phillip Strickland
(November 11, 1950 – February 11, 2018)

Michael Phillip Strickland, 67, of Osyka, passed away, Sunday, February 11, 2018 at his residence.

He was born November 11, 1950 in Magnolia, MS. He was the son of the late Percy Edward and Sharron Varnado Strickland.

Mr. Strickland was a retired auto mechanic. He was a longtime active member of Osyka Baptist Church where he served on the usher committee and loved attending his Pioneer Sunday School class.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Colleen Lambert Strickland of Osyka; his son and daughter-in-law, Phillip and Mindy Strickland of Osyka; his daughter and son-in-law, Shelia and Andy Childress of Kentwood; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Tim and Allison Strickland of Summit and Randy and Tammy Strickland of Osyka; two sisters, Sandy Smith of Chatawa and Sheree Strickland of McComb; five grandchildren, Silas Childress, Meredith Childress, Amelia Childress, Laila Baham and Lilly Strickland and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation is Thursday at Osyka Baptist Church from 9AM until 12PM. Celebration of Life services will be at 12:30PM with Bro. Gene Richards and Bro. Milton Kliesch officiating. Burial will be in Osyka Cemetery under the direction of Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit.

Pallbearers are Keith Strickland, Chad Strickland, Blake Strickland, Colton Smith, David McKinney and Dustin Mack. Honorary pallbearer is Silas Childress.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Osyka Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 152, Osyka, MS 39657.

Share condolences at catchingsfuneralhome.com

Earl Quinton Stinson passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2018, in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 68. He was born on Sunday, January 26, 1950 in Kentwood , Louisiana to the late Addaliede Labrache Stinson and the late Earl Stinson. He was a native of Kentwood, Louisiana.

Earl is survived by his wife, Ann Stinson; step-daughters, Ashley Welch and her husband Dale, and Stacey McDonald and her husband Scott; step-son, Louis Russell LaRocca, Jr.; sisters, Linda Burt, and Lois Pittman; brother, Paul Stinson; grandchildren, Ava Welch, Shantel Power, Lathon LaRocca, Jordan McDonald, Jacob McDonald, Grace Ann McDonald, and Annalise LaRocca; nieces and nephews, James Burt, Steven Burt, Michelle Burt, and Michael Burt.

He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Stinson; mother, Addaliede Labrache Stinson; sister, Peggy Jean Stinson; and nephew, Raymond M. Burt, Jr.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Friday, February 16, 2018 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Saturday, February 17, 2018, from 9:00 am until the Funeral Service at 11:30 am.

Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery in Kentwood, Louisiana.

Please pray for the Strickland and Stinson families.

Read the Bible

Leviticus 8-10
Proverbs 19
Mark 7

Children on Mission will meet at 6:00 P.M. tonight. Children, K-5, are invited to join us.

I’m excited about the missions activities Saturday from 9:00 – Noon.. We will be working on fillers for Operation Christmas Child. Everyone is encouraged to be a part of this ministry.

Third Thursday Gathering – Tomorrow!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Be completely humble and gentle;

be patient, bearing with one another in love.

~Ephesians 4:2~

Rev. Bill Ichter is doing better, but will continue to recover from the flu. He is thankful for your prayers.

Mr. Philip Harrell had a fall recently. Other than some soreness, he seems to be okay. Thanking God!

Michael Phillip Strickland, 67, of Osyka, passed away, Sunday, February 11, 2018 at his residence.

He was born November 11, 1950 in Magnolia, MS. He was the son of the late Percy Edward and Sharron Varnado Strickland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Osyka Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 152, Osyka, MS 39657.

Rev. David Platt article – https://www.imb.org/2018/02/12/platt_announcement/

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

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

Read the Bible

Leviticus 6-7
Psalm 19
Mark 6

Last month, we had to cancel the Third Thursday Gathering due to snow. This month, we are thankful to report no snow is forecast and the temperatures will be unusually warm for February. See you Thursday at 6:30 P.M. at the cabin.

The children’s missions class will meet tomorrow night at 6:00 and again Saturday morning at 9:00 when they will participate in making items for Operation Christmas Child. This will be our first, but hopefully not our last, OCC preparation day this year. Youth and adults are encouraged to come participate with us. If you do not attend FBC, Kentwood, but are interested in what we are doing Saturday, feel free to join us and take some ideas back to your church.

I will empty the “red basket” at church before Wednesday night so there will be room for more items as listed twice in the last week or so. Check the list to see what you already have or what you can easily bring.

Help make a difference in the lives of children around the world through OCC.

Anna Lee

Saturday

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~

Pray for Jim and Fay Carol C. Todd. Jim has some serious heart issues and may need to make some difficult decisions. Pray for God’s leadership as they face Jim’s health issues.

Tonight is the Valentine Banquet at FBC, Kentwood. If you enjoy your meal, thank the cooks. If you think it is pretty, thank Heather Sharkey and her crew of decorators. Most of all thank the youth and Bro.. Wendell.

The next Saturday will be our Kid’s Missions Day. It is set up to be a kids’s day, but at our church it will be for everyone. My house is “exploding” with crafts for boys, girls, youth, and adults to do so we will have many fillers to send along with our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Our fillers will be used to complete shoeboxes that are not completely full. I am excited about this opportunity as well as packing some shoeboxes as a family. Let’s reach out to others in a big way! I hope to get a couple volunteers tomorrow to prepare a kid-type lunch Saturday. I hope the rest of you will be signing the lists on the red clipboards so we will know how many people to plan for.

Items I will be needing that some of you may be able to contribute:

Beads
Fishing supplies (hooks, lines, sinkers, floaters, etc., but no poles)
Fabric scraps
Small colorful pictures
Buttons (colorful and assorted sizes)
Pillow stuffing
Lace or ribbon scraps
Sewing tape measurer
Scissors for older girls
Glue sticks
Used greeting cards, especially Christmas cards

I will have a red basket near the front door of the church tomorrow. You can leave your items there tomorrow.

Thanks to those who so faithfully purchase Bibles for the inmates at the Tangipahoa parish. Once again our donations of Bibles and 2018 calendars were delivered this week. Once again they were greatly appreciated. A clear tote is under the stairwell for your donations. This is an ongoing project.

Friday Morning Bible Study will have three more weeks of Ezekiel before we begin a study of the book of Romans. Plan to join us from the beginning. There is not cost. Just bring your Bible.

The Third Thursday Gathering will be this week. See you Thursday at the cabin at 6:30 P.M.

Read the Bible

Leviticus 1-3
Psalm 18
Mark 3-4

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net

Do your preparations for the Lord’s Day today. That way getting to church will be less complicated. That’s always good.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Consider the blameless,

observe the upright;

a future awaits those who seek peace.

~Psalm 37:37~

Josiah Huckaby

Update: Josiah is doing much better. His infection seems to be gone & they are weaning his sedation by small amounts daily. He will most likely have withdrawls from all the strong meds. We are praying for a smooth, calm transition off of all the sedation meds. They have also been able to wean his vent settings & oxygen. The plan is to start CPAP trials tomorrow…which is a scheduled amount of time on CPAP and then swap back to the vent and so on…YAY!!! Also, Josiah will be 11 months old Friday! Where has the time gone?!?! God is so good!!! We are so grateful for our sweet little man & can’t wait to get him home!!! 💙💛💙💛💙#TheLuckyFew #ExtraSpecial #OurLittleLagniappe

Joseph Roy Giardina

October 11, 1957 – February 05, 2018

A resident of Amite passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018 at his home. He was born October 11, 1957 in Baton Rouge and was 60 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Gloria Ardillo Giardina; brother, Charles Giardina; sister, Lillian Giardina Massey and husband, Michael; nephew, John Lucas Massey; niece, Sarah Kate Massey; and companion of 11 years, Dinah Stelley. Preceded in death by his father, Joseph P. Giardina. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall from 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 12 Noon on Thursday, February 8, 2018. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Frank Braden Bateman

September 27, 1941 – February 05, 2018

A resident of Hammond, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018. He was born September 27, 1941 in Tyrone, PA and was 76 years of age. He was a retired manager of Winn Dixie with over 41 years of service. He is survived by his 2 sisters, Nancy Beichler and Jo Anne Tidwell; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife, Frances Kathleen Spears Bateman, and his parents, Joseph and Norma Frye Bateman. Funeral Services will be held at Wilmer Baptist Church on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 10 AM. Services conducted by Bro. Jason Skipper. Interment Wilmer Cemetery, Wilmer. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

There are a number of Facebook sites that give hints about Operation Christmas Child crafts. Spend some time looking to find the ones you wish to join.

Read the Bible

Exodus 35-36
Proverbs 16
Matthew 28

Children’s Mission Day

We will be filling old prescription bottles with fishing and sewing items after we wash the bottles and cover the labels with contact paper. If you have some medium and large bottles, please drop them off in the red basket at church. Thanks!

I have been preparing for our first Children’s mission day. It will be a lot of fun, but don’t let the children get all the fun. Join us on the 17th from 9 A.M. to Noon. Adult skills, both male and female, will be very helpful to guide the children in their projects.

Catch a vision of how you want to spend your ministry time. Be available. God will fill in the answers to your questions.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

~Matthew 11:28~

Mrs. Juanita Pritchett is doing well. Her boys take turns staying with her. She’s blessed to have them.

Mrs. Ruby Dillon received a good report yesterday.

Today, let’s pray for all the senior adults who live alone. I will let you make your own list. Once you get a list, make an effort to contact them periodically and minister to their individual needs.

Read the Bible

Exodus 33-34
Psalm 16
Matthew 27

I will place a large red basket at FBC, Kentwood to receive Mardi Gras beads, Walmart style loose beads for kids to string, and toys received in “kid” meals at drive in places. I still have the large plastic box for soft-cover Bibles and 2018 calendars. I don’t mind emptying them periodically, so bring your items any time. The Bibles and calendars will be distributed through the jail ministry at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. The beads will be used for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. The smaller the bag of beads, the easier it is to detangle them to organize them with that in mind, please.

There is a sign-up list at the church, on RED clipboards, for adults, youth, and children to sign up to participate/help with our projects for the filler boxes for Operation Christmas Child. We will meet from 9:00 A.M. to noon on Saturday, February 17th at FBC, Kentwood. Anyone who cannot be there that morning can help us collect items of do tasks such as cutting out. I also have some take-home crochet and cutting projects. Everyone can be involved in our Children’s Missions Day! You can also call the church and ask for your name to be added to the list.

As a WMU member, I’m so pleased that some churches in our association are beginning to get involved in women’s ministry again. If you belong to a church that need to organize or reorganize a women’s ministry, please contact me. I can give you some ideas and connect you to other ladies who can assist you. I know it is better when we are able to work together.

Have a great day. Maybe a little rain will cause us to do some indoor ministry, calls, letters, cooking, etc., today.

Anna Lee

Monday

Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it

~Psalm 34:14~

Some people in our neighborhood frequently hike. Saturday, while hiking, Tommy Travis slipped off the trail and fell 15 feet landing with his forehead on a log. He has 26 stitches and 26 staples now. Let’s pray for complete healing as Tommy gets lots of rest in the next week. Let’s also thank God that Tommy was not more seriously hurt.

Mrs. Bessie Hayden is hospitalized in Baton Rouge where she had some stents put in her leg last week to help increase circulation. Pray for all involved in her treatment. Today, they plan to attempt to add more stents. I know she will appreciate your prayers.

Mrs. Ora Lee Wilson has been seeing doctors about her lung issue. Yesterday, she shared that a doctor has recommended surgery. Pray for her as she gets a second opinion and makes decisions.

Read the Bible – Reflect on God as Lord and do any necessary catch-up reading

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

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

Children’s Mission Day – Sign up to be a part of this special day that is coming up on the 17th. We will make some items that will be shipped as fillers for shoeboxes for children at Christmas through Operation Christmas Child. One way many of you might be able to help is to bring us some carnival beads. It is best if they are bagged in limited numbers so we can easily untangle and sort them for packaging. There will be many activities going on. You can choose the ones you wish to do or to help the children do. We will meet at 9:00 A.M.

Many people seem to be fighting a lingering cough. Let’s pray for this to stop spreading.

Anna Lee