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

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.

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.

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

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

Sunday

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

~Romans 12:2 NIV~

Read the Bible

Exodus 31-32
Proverbs 15
Matthew 26

I’m getting excited and working hard on preparing for the Children’s Missions Day. Remember to check for the RED clipboards under the balcony stairwell if you wish to participate in any way. The items we make will be used for Operation Christmas Child.

There of many churches available to you today. If you are needing a church hope, I feel sure you will be welcome in any of them.

Even in the difficulties of life, it is good to be able to see a bright spot.

Happy Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Monday

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you;

he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

~Deuteronomy 31:6~

Please pray for Mansell Stinson who is hospitalized at North Oaks with a diabetes problem concerning his feet. This has been a long, hard battle.

Rob Anderson, who was recently hospitalized in Houston in now hospitalized in Boston, where the family now lives. Pray this is only the flu, not something related to the previous problem.

Don Yarborough, son-in-law of Mr.. Philip Harrell, fell while working in the bathroom. His most serious injuries seem to be to his head and his left arm. Pray for him today.

Freddie Rick

June 25, 1939 – January 13, 2018

A life long resident of Kentwood passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2018 in Amite. He was born June 25, 1939 in New Orleans and was 78 years of age. He was a U. S. Navy Veteran and made a living in the welding business. He was a Past Master and 32 degree Mason with the Kentwood Lodge #248 F&M Masonic Lodge. He is survived by his son, Freddie Rick, II; 2 sisters, Jennie Rogers and Leona Spackey; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Frank Rick, Sr. and Martha Louise Hughes Rick; 5 brothers, Joe Rick, Frank “Ed” Rick, Jr., Monroe Rick, Charlie Rick, and Jimmie Rick; 2 sisters, Winnie McBeth and Jessie Loraine Clement. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until Funeral Services at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Because of the extremely cold weather this week, we will NOT have the Third Thursday gathering at the cabin this month. Please put the Third Thursday of next month on you calendar.

If you are packing shoeboxes, Operation Christmas Child suggests you purchase hats, gloves, and scarves this month. You may be able to find them on sale at this time of the year.

Read the Bible

Reflect on God as a provider
Catch up if you are behind in your readings.

Don’t miss today’s WMU meeting at East Fork. We will meet as a leadership team at 9:00. Then, the regular meeting will begin at 10:00. A potluck meal will follow the meeting. Our speaker will be Dr. Ernest Graham, pastor of East Fork. Those of you off from work today are invited to join us for the morning. We gladly invite you to bring your girls with you.

Many of you did not have electricity for much of the day yesterday. I know this was especially hard on some families. I pray this doesn’t happen again during the cold we will have all this week.\

Anna Lee

Saturday

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.

~Psalm 40:3~

John Herbert Kilpatrick

March 03, 1930 – January 11, 2018

John Herbert Kilpatrick, 87, of Amite LA, died January 11,2018 at the home of his son while surrounded by his family and his beloved dog, Ralph. Born March 3, 1930, in New Orleans, LA, he was the son of the late Myrtle Pipes and Stephen Milton Kilpatrick. After graduating from LW, John worked for and retired from Ethyl Corporation after 33 years. During his life he enjoyed many hobbies, including building and flying model airplanes, and riding his bicycles. A founding member of The Crescent City Cyclist Bicycle Club, John rode his bicycle for some 47,000 miles over a thirteen-year period.

His family and many friends will miss his endless stories about life growing up in Amite, LA Before his memory failed, he was a family historian, and will take with him much of this history. His favorite past time was riding on country roads and talking about his best friend, his dog, Ralph.

He was well known as the Red Headed, Irish Tenor, who faithfully sang “Oh Holy Night” at every Christmas Eve Service at The Amite First Methodist Church until his health began to fail.

He is survived by his sons, John Stephen Kilpatrick and his wife Elaine, of Shreveport LA, James David Kilpatrick, and Richard RP Kilpatrick and wife Kathleen; two granddaughters, Morgan and Christina Kilpatrick of Shreveport.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Bertie Jane Greenhill Kilpatrick, his sister, Catherine Kilpatrick Ridgedell, his wonderful dog, Pete, and many other family members.

In his last days his body was very strong but his mind failed him because of his Alzheimer’s Disease. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Family would like to thank his caregiver, Vivian Desormeaux, and St. Joseph’s Hospice as well as all those who took time to visit him and send him cards.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday and at First United Methodist Church, Amite, from 10:30 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Josh Milliron. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Don’t forget to pass the word about the associational WMU meeting Monday at East Fork Baptist Church. We will honor WMU ladies who passed away during 2017 and get to listen to Dr. Ernest Graham talk about families who pass on a love for missions. We will have a leadership meeting at 9:00, the meeting at 10:00, and then, a potluck lunch. A nursery will be provided. Your girls who may be out of school are invited to attend too.

I know I’m sounding like a broken record, but check on others who may have needs during this extremely cold weather.

Read the Bible

Genesis 38-42
Psalm 6
Matthew 11

Keep praying. Keep reading.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“For I can do everything through Christ,

who gives me strength.”

~Philippians 4:13 NLT~

Miss Fay Shoemaker arrived in Atlanta only to learn she has a broken hip. Pray for her as she has this taken care of.

Chase Birch was involved in an accident on I-55 when an 18-wheeler blew a tire. Chase only has minor injuries and will be fine.

Mike Strickland has more complications. Please pray.

George DeBlanc passed away yesterday at Greensburg. Please be in prayer for his family.

Max Blades also passed away yesterday. Prayers for his family will be greatly appreciated.

Read the Bible

Genesis 32-34
Psalms 5
Matthew 9

Two Rivers Associational WMU will meet Monday at East Fork Baptist Church. The leadership meeting will be at 9:00 with the meeting beginning at 10. A potluck lunch will follow the meeting. The focus of the meeting will be honoring our WMU ladies who have passed away during 2017. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Ernest Graham, who will speak about a family heritage for missions. Since Monday is a holiday for many of you, we invite you to spend some time with us. Girls are also invited to participate with their mothers. A nursery will be provided to help mothers with small children.

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

God gives us strength to get through the good days and the difficult days.

Anna Lee

Sunday

1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8~

My brother-in-law has been working hard this week to get some flooring back in his house. It has been a long process since the flood in August 2016. Today, when you possibly see us, please say a prayer for David’s brother, Jimmy, who will have targeted radiation at Ochsner in Baton Rouge. Then, pray it will be effective in slowing the cancer.

Read the Bible

Genesis 23-25
Proverbs 3
Matthew 6

I hope you will remind your church ladies of the WMU meeting a week from tomorrow at East Fork. Also, if a WMU lady from your church passed away this past year, please let me know, so they can be honored at our meeting.

Pray is powerful! I believe in it. I trust you do too.

Anna Lee

Sunday

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

~Isaiah 9:6~

This morning at 8 A.M., you can begin your day by attending the breakfast buffet at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church. Better than the wonderful breakfast is knowing your donation goes to a worthy need in this general area. The ladies do a great job in providing the breakfast and in selecting the person/cause to give the funds to.

Many area churches will be having Christmas programs of some sort either this morning or this afternoon. FBC, Kentwood will be celebrating with the music of the children and the adults tonight at 6P.M.

“Three Ways Lottie Moon’a Calling was Centered in Christ” – https://www.imb.org/2017/12/13/lottie-moons-calling-centered-christ/

“What is an IMB Missionary? – https://www.imb.org/2016/11/02/what-is-an-imb-missionary/

FBC, Kentwood will have their missions march for the Lottie Moon Offering this morning. This is an opportunity to give and to make a visual statement of your support for missions by walking with those who are giving. Of course, this is not your only opportunity to give to the offering. You can give at any time. I think it is great to know 100% of our money given goes directly to support missionaries and their work around the world.

Read the Bible – Revelations 7-9 & Psalm 42

I’ve been told that many people are having Christmas gathering/meals today. No matter when you gather, remember the reason is to celebrate the day long ago when Jesus was born on this earth as a little baby. My, the plans His Father had for Him!

Anna Lee