Category: Praises, Requests, & Updates

Monday Additions

Mr. I. W. Simmons is not feeling well.  Please add him to your prayer list if he is not already there.

 

Arthur Warren “A.W.” Reed

November 03, 1934 – February 17, 2018
A.W. Reed passed away on February 17, 2018 at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge at the age of 83. Born and Raised in Bastrop, Louisiana, he attended Bastrop High School and graduated from LA Tech with a B.S. in Forestry. With his degree he became a certified forester in Louisiana and Mississippi for almost 50 years and was a member of the Louisiana Forestry Association, along with the Tangipahoa Parish and St. Helena Parish Forestry Associations. Along with this he owned and operated a retail business in Kentwood for 10 years, was an active member in the Kentwood United Methodist Church, a member of the Kentwood Rotary Club, and the Louisiana Athletic Foundation. He had a passion for outdoors and sports, most importantly baseball. Many know him of coaching little league baseball for many years. Passionate about his career, he began by buying and selling timber. In the later years, he cared and managed timberlands for numerous families in the state of Louisiana. He leaves behind wife of 46 years, Sandy McGehee Reed; son, John Brent Reed and wife, Tara; daughter, Cynthia Reed Miller; and son, Ken Roberts  and wife, Kasey. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Blair Easley Widas and husband, Clay, Michael Preston Roberts, Reed Nelson Miller, Darby Blanche Miller, Halle Jane Roberts, Tess Elizabeth Miller, Regan Layne Reed, and Kassidy Warrick.  He is preceded in death by his father, Carl Foglesong Reed Sr. and mother, Rose Mizell Reed along with his children: daughter, Melissa Reed Easley, son, Gregory Winter Reed, daughter, Lainey Carol Reed ,step-son,  Russell Preston Roberts; brother, Carl Foglesong Reed, Jr. and sister, Dorthey Reed Hodge. Visitation at Kentwood United Methodist Church from 9 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Percy Frazier. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. Pallbearers will be Bryan Spears, Earl Peek, Earl Walls, Van Easley, Preston Roberts, and Reed Miller. Honorary Pallbearers will be Carlton Faller, Ray Ydarraga, Bob Stollenwerck, Bruce Harrell, Jamie Spears, and Phil Connerly. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Mary Beth Magee

February 14, 1942 – February 17, 2018

Mary Beth Magee, a resident of Kentwood, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2018. She was born February 14, 1942 in Garner, TX and was 76 years of age. She is survived by her son, Rick Baker and wife, Richie; daughter, Ronda Bales and husband, Mike; grandchildren, Addy Baker, Anthony DiPalma, Travis DiPalma, Conner Bales, Chantel Babin and husband, Jacob; great grandchildren, Dryston and Bethani DiPalma, and one on the way, Jake Babin; 2 foster children, Joshua and Kristen Baker; sister, Margaret Hosman; brother, James Threatt and wife, Bernice; and 10 nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Sidney Glen Magee; parents, James Arthur Threatt and Ina Odessa Threatt Voth; stepfather, John Voth; nieces, Barbara Threatt Pounds; and nephew, Jeff Baker. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from  12 Noon until religious services at 2 PM Thursday, February 22, 2018. Services conducted by Pastor Jeff McKneely. Interment Bolivar Cemetery, Bolivar. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Monday

But you, LORD, do not be far from me.

You are my strength; come quickly to help me.

~Psalm 22:19~

 

Please pray for Gail Morris Miller Smith.  She is hospitalized with pneumonia and fluid around her right lung.  I know she and her family will appreciate your prayers.

 

 

Ora Lee Wilson feels better after talking with another doctor.  Pray for her as she undergoes testing to help the surgeon determine exactly what her problem is and what is the least he needs to do to help her feel better.  He feels less surgery is a good option in her case.

 

 

Pray for the family of Mr. A.W. Reed as they finalize funeral arrangements for him.

 

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Reflect on God who is faithful.
  • Catch up on readings if you are not up to the current readings.

 

 

 

Ladies, if you plan to attend the Saturday Brunch at Hillsdale Baptist Church, please give me your name or call Katie at the number I posted yesterday.  The brunch begins at 10 A.M.

 

 

Thank God for this day and all the other blessings He has provided for us.

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.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Sunday

“A new command I give you:

Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

~John 13:34~

 

Rev. Bill Ichter, former minister of music in FBC, Amite and long-time missionary in Brazil is hospitalized with the flu.  Please be in prayer for him and his family.

Mrs. Bessie Hayden may be released from the hospital today, but will be returning to the hospital in two weeks for more surgery.
The Valentine Banquet at FBC, Kentwood was very good last night.  If you missed it, plan now to be there next year.  Thanks, Youth and all others who helped to provide a great night and to earn some serious money for the youth to go to camp.
James Rimes will be featured at the cabin Thursday.  He sings and plays in a way that lets you clearly see his heart.  David and I hope to see many of you at 6:30.
We will call next Saturday Children’s Missions Day, but it will really be an opportunity for ALL of you to share in doing mission projects.  Sign up on the RED clipboards.  Let’s have an focus on doing for others so they may be introduced to Jesus.
Read the Bible
  • Leviticus 4-5
  • Proverbs 18
  • Mark 5

 

Have a great Lord’s Day!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday

 “Think about Jesus’ example.

He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him.

So do not get tired and stop trying.” 

~Hebrews 12:3 NCV~

 

 

Update on Eric Lee

Thank you all for your prayers, calls, love and support. Dads surgery was this morning. The surgeon said it was a very straight forward surgery. Everything went well. He is not sure if the tumor was cancerous or not. It will take two days for pathology to get results back to us. He said the tumor was not attached to any major blood vessels so there was minimal blood loss. Dad is awake and in his own room now. The surgeon said the next step is to get the pathology results and we will go from there. Overall, it was the best news we could’ve gotten!

 

 

 

Jesse James “JJ” Grice, Jr.

August 22, 1970 – February 08, 2018

A resident of Kentwood passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was born August 22, 1970 in Memphis, TN and was 47 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Katherine Grice, of Kentwood; brother, Charles Grice, Sr. and wife, Judy, of Brooklyn, MS; sister, Teresa Woodard and husband, Ronald, of Kentwood; nieces and nephews, Laurie Miller and husband, Toby, of Kentwood, Duane Grice, Jr. and wife, Lacey, of Brooklyn, MS, Brandon Reinninger and wife, Johanna, of Watson, and Kevin and Trey Grice, of Brooklyn, MS; and great nieces and great nephews, Parker and Paisley Miller, and Hayden, Landen and Lincoln Grice; uncle, Stephen Wrightman, Puyallup, WA. Preceded in death by father, Jesse James Grice, Sr.; and a special aunt, Jean Wrightman and numerous other aunts and uncles. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood. Pallbearers will be Brandon Reinninger, Duane Grice, Kevin Grice, Trey Grice, Toby Miller, and Milton Young. Honorary pallbearers will be Luther Burch, Nick Rutland, Jason Marsalis, John Marsalis, Don McKenzie, Matthew Huffman, Shane Wilson, Carter Gholson, Daniel Norris, Joey Goldbaum, Jim Tidwell, Gary Powell, Thomas Escobar, Lynda Cash, Katrina Goldbaum, and Ruth Phillips.  For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Exodus 39-40
  • Proverbs 17
  • Mark 2

 

 

Friday Morning Bible Study

  • This morning at 10:00 at FBC, Kentwood
  • Ezekiel 41 & 42

 

 

Children’s Mission Day

  • Saturday, February 17, 9:00 A.M. – Noon
  • Projects for children, youth, and adults
  • Please sign the list at the church (229-8111) so we will know how many to expect.

 

 

Third Thursday at the Cabin – next Thursday.  I hope you are planning to come.

 

 

Saying thanks to God for many blessing would be appropriate today or any day.

Anna Lee

 

 

Thursday

“I have made up my mind to obey your laws forever,

no matter what”

~Psalm 119:112 CEV~

 

 

Pray for Eric Lee as he has surgery.  Pray for peace for him and for each member of the family.

 

 

Mrs. Bessie Hayden will have additional surgery tomorrow in Baton Rouge to try to help blood flow in her legs.  Pray for her, please.

 

 

Miss Fay Shoemaker will be moving from rehab to her apartment tomorrow.  Pray for her.

 

 

Mrs. Betty Simpson asked me to share the following medical update about her niece, Dee Dee Matthews.  The update was written by Dee Dee’s daughter.

Thanks everyone for the prayers. She is stable but in lots of pain. Her blood pressure is staying kind of low so they aren’t able to really give her much pain meds until her pressure rises some. she had some internal bleeding, her spleen was ripped, her liver was bleeding but they were more concerned with where the seatbelt was on her stomach. They had to take out a portion of her small intestines and are waiting a day or so to make sure she doesn’t because septic before reconnecting it. She has a very large laceration on her leg, her femur is broken close to her hip, and we are thinking her ankle is broken as of right now. the orthopedic surgeon is coming in tomorrow to let us know more about what’s going on and if there are anymore broken bones. she is sedated and on a breathing machine as of now. please keep the prayers coming. My God is awesome and I know my Mama will pull through!

 

 

Tish Fairburn has made another trip to MD Anderson and came back with the report she is cancer-free.  Let’s join her in thanking God for this report.

 

 

Michelle Murphy will be going to MD Anderson to get an evaluation.  Please pray for Michelle and for her family.

 

 

 

Edward “Jeff” Davis

June 07, 1966 – February 07, 2018

Edward “Jeff” Davis, a resident of Amite, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at his home. He was born June 7, 1966 in Amite and was 51 years of age. He was employed by the Tangipahoa Parish Government and enjoyed working, fishing, gardening, and being outdoors. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Susan O’Brian Davis; daughter, Julie Davis; grandson, Landon Davis; 3 brothers and 1 sister, Troy Davis, Tammy Scafidel, Mike Davis, and Roy Daniel Davis; step mother, Elaine Davis; step brother, Troy Adams; and numerous nieces, nephews and close nit group of friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Roy E. Davis and Norma Neal Davis; daughter, Alicia Davis; and step brother, Gary Adams. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 PM until 9 PM on Thursday and from 9 AM until religious services at 11 AM on Friday, February 9, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Dewitt Coleman. Interment Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Calvin Ray Cernich, Sr.

April 08, 1927 – February 06, 2018

A resident of Greensburg passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Tangi Pines Nursing Center in Amite. He was born April 8, 1927 in New Orleans and was 90 years of age. He was a Veteran of the U. S. Merchant Marines. He is survived by 13 children, Carolyn Cernich, Calvin Cernich, Jr., Edward Cernich, Lloyd Cernich, Lawrence Cernich, Claire Thompson, Joan Allen, Albert Cernich, Daniel Cernich, Florence Addison, Andrew Cernich, Norma Nicholas and Oscar Cernich; sister, Nora Cernich McCullough; 2 brothers, Willie Cernich and Alfred Cernich; 28 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Marie Cernich; son, Byron Vincent Cernich; 11 brothers and sisters. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Exodus 37-38
  • Psalm 17
  • Mark 1

 

 

Valentine Banquet at FBC, Kentwood – There are a few more places open for the meal Saturday night.  You can also order take-out boxes.  This will be for a steak dinner.  Cost $15.00.  Today is the last day to purchase tickets!

 

 

Children’s Mission Day on Saturday, February 17th is for everyone.  Youth and adults can come to set a good example for out children.  There will be projects that everyone can work on.  Please call the church office to get your name on the list.

 

 

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee