Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Saturday

“The LORD bless you and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;

the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” 

~Numbers 6:24-26 NIV~

 

 

 

Jimmy Harrell is thankful for his recent reports.  His cancer treatment seems to be working.  Most of the cancer is now gone.

 

 

 

Dora Harrell is wearing a neck brace and facing neck surgery.

 

 

 

Have you heard about the Louisiana truckstop ministry?

http://www.bpnews.net/53916/from-the-states-arkansas-northwest-louisiana-ministry-news-god-is-ahead-of-us-at-every-turn

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – November 16 – 2 Corinthians 9: 6-9

 

 

 

Thankfulness – Day 16 – Today, I am thankful for generous people, the kind who would give you the shirt off their backs.  We often hear about needs of people in our area.  We don’t ofter hear how those needs are met, but there are wonderful giving people all around us who are looking for ways to help others.  I’m thankful for those who reach out to others and share of time, talents. resources, etc.  May God richly bless you if you fit in this group.  I know He blesses cheerful givers.

 

 

 

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Thursday

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

~Psalm 23:6~

I think most of you will be able to sing a song you learned years ago that is a paraphrase of this song.  I know it immediately ran through my mind when I read the verse.

 

 

 

Thankfulness, Day 14 – Today, I am thankful for reliable transportation.  Not the newest or most expensive, but reliable.  Reliable transportation gets us to the doctor, to the grocery store, to church, etc.  Thank-you, God, for reliable transportation!

 

 

 

Please pray for Don Hammons of Arcola.  He had surgery this week and is recovering at home.

 

 

 

Emilie McKenzie  has also had surgery, on her elbow.  She will have a second surgery soon.

 

 

 

Vinessa Capro Harrison

April 10, 1951 – November 10, 2019

Mrs. Vinessa Capro Harrison, born April 10, 1951 in New Orleans, quietly departed this life the evening of Sunday, November 10, 2019 in Amite, LA. Vinessa was an active and beloved part of her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She loved bringing the family together and sharing her wonderful cooking. She never met a stranger and was always there with a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold. As a result of her generosity, caring and fun personality, she was loved by many. Her spirit and influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents Vincent Capro Jr and Florence Langlinais, her beloved husband Dennis J. Harrison, and her sister Kerrie Crocker. She is survived by her children: son William G. Henrich III, wife Mira and children Sam, Violet, Jack & Logan of Conyers, GA; daughter Kelly A. Henrich and her daughter Jarrin of Amite, LA.; son Timothy P. Henrich, wife Lori and children Emma & Adam of Sioux Center, IA.; son David J. Lambert of Amite, LA; daughter Florence Espinal, husband Abel and daughters Eva & Grace of Yorktown, VA; son Dennis J. Harrison Jr, wife Ginny & their son Henry; daughter Amanda Harrison; Paul Lambert Jr, wife Denise and their four children; and two great-grand children Liam & Adeline Creel.She is also survived by her significant other David Carroll of Amite, LA; sister Dana Poche Donovan of Slidell, LA; brothers-in-laws William Ola & Joseph Crocker; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services to be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019 at 2pm at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vinessa’s name to the American Heart Association http://www.2.heart.org.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing for November 14th – Psalm 115: 12-19

 

 

 

Coming Soon! – Lottie Moon Christmas Tea at Spring Creek Baptist Church

 

 

 

OCC Collection Week begins Monday.  FBC, Kentwood will be a collection site.  If you are not close to us, please check the OCC website for locations and time at a site near you.  Remember, each site has their own hours.  They will NOT be open all day every day of the week.

 

 

 

More than 3,600 Southern Baptists chose to leave the comfort of their homes so they could share the gospel with the nations as IMB missionaries. How many more can we send together through this year’s Lottie Moon Christmas Offering?

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday

“Your attitude must be like my own,

for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served,

but to serve,

and to give my life as a ransom for many.” 

~Matthew 20:28 TLB~

 

 

 

Ora Lee Wilson is doing well.  Please remember to thank God for her health and life following a dog attack..

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – November 13 – I Chronicles 16: 23-36

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

 

 

 

Thankfulness, Day 13 – Today, after working in the cold to make sure we were going to be okay when warmer temperatures arrive in a few hours, I am thankful to have a home to live in.  It’s 3:30 A.M.  I got up to check on things at 2:00 A.M.  I wouldn’t have to work and check on things if I hadn’t been blessed with so much.  I’ve seen lots of homeless people on television lately and heard some shelters have been opened for the homeless in New Orleans.  I’m thankful God blessed me with this  place that is warm and still has running water and electricity.  Nights like this help us count our blessings!  We’re snug as two “bugs in a rug”!  I pray you are too!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lord’s Day

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

 ~2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NIV~

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – November 10 – Psalm 136: 1-12

 

 

 

Thankfulness, Day 10 – Today, I’m thankful for telephones.  That’s how we regularly stay connected with our children since they do not live near us.  It was fun listening to David call them during commercial breaks in the LSU game yesterday.

 

 

 

I hope you believe in keeping the prayer-lines busy.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Saturday

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD.

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

~Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)~

 

 

 

I think we need to pray about the cold weather which is expected soon.  Be prepared.  Stay in when the roads are icy.  Stay warm.  Who do you need to pray for during this extra cold season?  Who do you need to help in some way?  Make good decisions!

 

 

 

Louisiana is leading the state in flu cases!  That fact, plus David’s compromised immune system, caused us to decide to limit our crowd exposures for a while.  We plan to miss services at church Sunday mornings.  David does not have a new problem, but we are hoping to prevent one.  We are trying to keep him as healthy as we can.

 

 

 

Please pray for our friends, Cete and Ruby Dillon.  She is not feeling her best.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – November 9 – Psalm 100: 1-5

 

 

 

Begin to pray for us as we make plans for the Operation Christmas Child Collection Center which will be receiving shoeboxes November 18 – 25.

 

 

 

It’s time to cook some winter foods.  Enjoy them this week.  Pray for those who do not have proper food, clothing, or heat.  If you know of a need, please call the church office or someone whom you think can help out.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

~Psalm 23:4~

 

 

 

Dollie Frazier‘s biopsies went well yesterday.  She was no pain, but has to wait a week for results.  Pray the week goes quickly for her and the results are good.

 

 

 

Make preparations now for the COLD weather we are predicted to have next Tuesday.  Pray for and help people who are not pared for the cold weather we will soon be facing.

 

 

 

Shoeboxes will be collected November 18-25.  It’s not too late to pack some boxes!  If you would like to pack a box, I will supply you with a box.  Let me know before Sunday and I will give you one then.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – Day 8 – Philippians 4: 4-9

 

 

 

Thankfulness, Day 8 – Today, I am thankful to have modern transportation which allows me to live in the area I choose to live in.  I’m not a horse and buggy person like my ancestors who lived here years ago.  I’m thankful for the greater distances we can drive in order to see doctors, take quiet afternoon rides, visit family and friends, etc.  I fly when necessary, but not lately.

 

 

 

Before you pray today, make your prayer list so you can focus on those you choose to pray for today.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

Thursday Addition

Mrs. Marilyn Phillips, one of our neighbors, has had heart issues and received two stents.  Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

 

 

 

Ora Lee Wilson was attacked by a pit bull while walking a block from her house this afternoon.  She was bitten twice on her elbow.  She has received treatment in Amite and is back home.  Let’s thank God for protecting her from more injury.  As I sometimes say, “It could have been much worse!”

 

 

 

Ferrie Gene Blackmon had some spots removed from her lungs so they can be checked.  Pray for her and her family.

 

Obituary for Kenneth Carl Istre

Kenneth Carl Istre closed his Bible for the final time on November 4, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. His daily life for the past 90 years was a living testimony of his faithfulness and love for the Lord. He was a man that enjoyed family, people, and life.

Kenneth was born on Feb 8, 1929 in Jennings, Louisiana to Ivy Joseph Istre and Betty Valdetero Istre. He attended Jennings High School and during this time his desire to help people and share his faith was evident. Kenneth began to lead singing at his local congregation and soon accompanied his father on revivals. On one occasion, at Hayden’s Grove in Amite, his father became ill and Kenneth not only led the singing but delivered the sermon. The bonds made at Hayden’s Grove would span well over 70 years.

While in high school, Kenneth excelled receiving many athletic awards which led to football scholarship offers at the collegiate level. After seeking advice from his parents and hours in personal prayer, he chose to focus in the field of ministry and education. This led him to Harding College, Kentucky Bible College and East Tennessee State University where he received a bachelor degree. He continued his ministerial studies receiving a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Kenneth married his childhood sweetheart, Betty Jane Reddell, on December 26, 1950. Their 39 years of happiness started in Johnson City, Tennessee where Kenneth stepped into the pulpit and began his life of fulltime ministry. In 1953, Kenneth and Betty moved to Dallas, Texas where he began mixing his talents of teaching and preaching. He was not only a fulltime minister, but was a teacher and administrator at East Dallas Christian School. His love and caring for people brought him great success. In 1964 Kenneth and Betty returned to South Louisiana as their ministry in Amite began. Kenneth also taught high school, coached, and enjoyed farming during his time in Amite. In 1979 Kenneth and Betty returned to Jennings to be with their aging parents. Kenneth returned to his alma mater, Jennings High School, where he was a teacher and coach while preaching at Abbeville Church of Christ. After the passing of Betty in 1990 Kenneth continued teaching, preaching and taking care of people in need while living in Jennings.

Kenneth married Patsy Green Field on November 26, 1991. Their 26 years of happiness began in Jennings and then Watson and Hammond. Kenneth taught high school, college and preached at Hayden’s Grove and Shiloh until his health declined in 2015. Kenneth also became involved in the lives of Patsy’s children and grandchildren. After the passing of Patsy in 2018 Kenneth moved to Dallas, Texas where he continued to be a great encourager to others.

Kenneth’s ministry spanned over 64 years, from 1951 to 2015. His enthusiasm for sharing God’s word never seemed to grow dim. The churches he served as minister were Locust Street Church of Christ, Johnson City, Tennessee; Piedmont Church of Christ, Dallas, Texas; Amite Church of Christ, Amite, Louisiana; Big Creek Church of Christ, Arcola, Louisiana; Hayden’s Grove Church of Christ, Amite, Louisiana; Abbeville Church of Christ, Abbeville, Louisiana, and Shiloh Church of Christ, Loranger, Louisiana.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents Ivy Joseph Istre and Betty Valdetero Istre and his brother Richard Ivy Istre.
Preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Jane Reddell Istre, Kenneth is survived by their children Kenneth Dwaine Istre and wife Natalie, Kathleen Istre Alonso and her husband Roland, Kristine Istre Yeldell and her husband Layne, 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his second wife Patsy Green Field Istre, Kenneth is survived by her children Richard Benton Field and his wife Alison, SuEllan Field Moore and her husband Carmon, Tanya Field Mearse and her husband Bill, her 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Kenneth also was the last living member of the Founding Board of Directors for the Christian Youth Encampment. He spent many summers there working and teaching to meet the needs of area youth. This was always a very special place for him as well as Betty and the children. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to:
Christian Youth Encampment
Attn: Justin Simmons
P.O. Box 411
Glenmora, LA 71433

The Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Jennings Church of Christ, in Jennings, LA. on Saturday, November 9, 2019. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM with the service at 2:00 PM Interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Thursday

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart!

I have overcome the world.”

~John 16:33~

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for Dollie Frazier.

OK PRAYER WARRIORS TOMORROW, THURSDAY I WILL HAVE BIOPSY DONE ON BOTH SIDES OF MY HEAD AT THE TEMPLE AREA. TO BE THERE 6:30 AM AND BIOPSY AT 8:00 AM. THANKS FOR BEING THERE FOR ME.

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – Nov. 7 – Psalm 107: 1-9

 

 

 

Thankfulness – Day 7 – Today,  I am thankful for my family and for David’s family.  We have two younger generations now, two children and spouses, and six grandchildren.  

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Thom Rainer – https://thomrainer.com/blog/

 

 

 

Waylon Bailey – http://waylonbailey.com/

 

 

 

I hope you have time to check out some of these people and their thoughts.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 

~1 Timothy 6:17 NIV~

 

Josiah (Home Monday)

We are finally home!!! It was quite a stressful day yesterday waiting to be discharged…and it’s a bit of a long story but they were finally able to discharge us around 6pm last night. It feels so good to all be under the same roof again! Josiah was so excited to be home & he fell asleep watching us unload his stuff.
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After 23 days in hospital for what started out as tracheitis and rhinovirus and then he ended up with Norovirus…we will definitely be doing “winter lock down”. We wish this wasn’t necessary but this was a big reminder for us that although he is doing really well, common illnesses can hit him REALLY hard.
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TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!
Job

 

I admire Job and KK so much!  They eagerly took on all the challenges of his medical needs.  I was thrilled to again read their closing statement, “TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!”  I’m thrilled the doctors were able to get Josiah well again.  I know you are too.

 

 

 

Thankfulness, Day 6 – Today I am thankful for young parents like these who have a strong faith and big hearts.  May they be a shining example of daily Christian living to young parents and to others.  “To God be the glory!”

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – November 6 – I Thessalonians 5: 12-18

 

 

 

How will you show your faith and love this week?  Invest in others.  That reminds me of thee words of a favorite hymn.

https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Others/

 

Anna Lee

 

 

Tuesday

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.

And be thankful.

~Colossians 3:15~

 

Today, I want to share an update on David.  It took a year to learn his two issues – MDA,  red blood cells not producing enough blood, and non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.  We don’t know the causes of these diseases, but David has been very sick.  With good medical treatment at Ochsner, he has greatly improved.

I’ve been saying he is the best he has been since the first problems showed up.  Yesterday, we got two good reports.  David is doing more than “hanging in there”.  He feels and looks much better!  The two medical professionals we saw yesterday acknowledged he is doing well, not cured, but better than expected.

His blood level yesterday was 10, higher than it has been since he got sick.  He is in the “low normal range” and was not given Procrit for the first time in many weeks.  He has received 23 units of blood, but none have been needed in about four months.  His liver is doing well.  We go back in three months.  If all continues to do well, he will be put on a six month schedule for his liver.

I want to thank God for David’s improvement.  He has carried us through!  I also want to thank many of you who have him on your daily prayer list.  We are appreciative of all of you who tell us he has been prayed for daily.  Please continue too do so.

 

Thankfulness – Day 5 – Today, I am thankful for the wonderful improvement in David’s health.  Thanks to God for walking with us on the good days and the very difficult days.  Thanks to you for your prayers for David (and me).

 

 

 

John Pierce

January 06, 1966 – November 02, 2019

John Murray Pierce, born in 1966 in New Orleans, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Amite, LA on November 2, 2019. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Murray Pierce and Dorothy Fowler Pierce. His grandparents were Basil and Myrtle ‘Snooks’ Pierce, Albert Floyd, and Alma Fowler. He leaves behind the love of his life, Anissa Pourciau; her son, Gene Pourciau; and beloved dogs Trigger, Hammer, Shooter, and Bullet. He was the youngest sibling of J. Michael Pierce (Teresa), Natchitoches, LA; Brenda Pierce Falanga (James), Metairie, LA; Patti Pierce, Kentwood, LA; and Sandy Pierce Shows (Marshall), Brandon, MS. He also left two nieces (Lisa Falanga Davis and Sarah Shows Odom) and four nephews (Joseph Babin, Jeffrey Falanga, Justin Tyler Pierce and Cameron Shows). John was employed by Smitty’s Supply, Inc., for over 15 years, working in Amite, LA, Shreveport, LA, and Jasper, TX. John graduated from Jewel Sumner High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete. A member of Lewiston Baptist Church, he was a wonderful friend who loved his family and was a master at cooking crawfish for the annual Pierce crawfish boil. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed riding his Arctic Cat with his dogs, family and friends; and getting firewood, building wood racks, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He trained horses and raised many dogs that he loved. He was passionate about football, LSU and Saints! During his time with Interstate Batteries he enjoyed attending many Nascar races and was a big fan of Bobby Labonte. John will be greatly missed.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at Lewiston Baptist Church on November 12 (visitation at 9:00 AM and service at 11:00 AM). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lewiston Baptist Church, 74576 N. Lewiston Road, Kentwood, LA 70444.

 

 

 

Rev. Kenneth Istre moved to his heavenly home.  We have know him a long time and always enjoyed our brief visits with him at Mike’s Catfish Inn.  He was one of three preachers who attended our wedding as a friend.  One of his daughters shared this information.

The Celebration of Life will be held in Jennings, La. on Saturday, November 9th. Visitation will be held at 10:00AM,
Jennings Church of Christ
1812 N. Cutting Avenue, Jennings LA.
with services to follow at 1:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to:
Christian Youth Encampment
Attention: Justin Simmons
PO Box 411
Glenmora, LA
71433

 

 

 

Scripture Writing – November 5 – Colossians 3: 12-17

 

 

 

Putting our thankfulness into printed words is meaningful!  Try it.  It can be done privately and kept that way or shared.  The key is to express your thankfulness.

Anna Lee