Friday

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.

And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

~Hebrews 12:1 NLT~

Let’s pray for Mr. Frank and “Miss” Barbara Erwin and Tate and Leisha who are their faithful caregivers at this time. Mr. Frank is back in Baton Rouge and “Miss” Barbara had more foot surgery, but is home now. The doctors didn’t have a diagnosis on Mr. Frank as of yesterday afternoon, but are still looking.

Pray for Heather Miller of the New Zion area. She is on trip to the Ukraine where she will be working in a camp. She is on a mission to serve as called.

Pray for Sandra Hughes, the mother of Cheryl and Linda for many of you. She fell and broke a hip yesterday. She will need our prayer as she deals with this issue.

Pray for the youth of FBC, K and their leaders as they are at Ridgecrest in NC this week. Pray they draw closer to God and each other.

Rebecca Darlene McMorris Ballard

October 20, 1951 – June 17, 2019

Rebecca Darlene McMorris Ballard, born October 20, 1951 in Baton Rouge, LA, went to her eternal home with her Lord on June 17, 2019. A devoted and loving wife of almost 50 years to Ronald Keith Ballard. She was a resident of Pine Grove, LA and an active member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She is retired from LA Home Builders Association. She was a special lady. Always with a smile for everyone and willing to help in any way she could. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Darlene is survived by her husband, Ronald Keith Ballard; mother, Rebecca Simmons McMorris; sisters, Diane M. Snyder (Tom) and Lucinda M. Tarver (Gene); sister-in-law, Brenda Ballard McMorris; nieces and nephews; Holleigh McMorris Crow (Brett), Valmon Evans Mcmorris (Nikki), Shawn Revel (Lana), Shannon Revel Brasseaux (Josh), Jeremy K. Ghaffari, and numerous great nieces and nephews; She was preceded in death by her father, Valmon J. McMorris, Sr., and brother, Valmon J. McMorris, Jr. Visitation will be Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Pine Grove , LA from 1:00 PM till funeral service at 3:00 PM , conducted by Rev. Paul Cantrell with interment in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Honorary Pall Bearers, Ralph Thompson; Pall Bearers, Manny Falcon, Dwight Falcon, Murphy Jenkins ,Collins Jenkins, Paul Carpenter, Valmon McMorris, Brett Crow and Josh Brasseaux. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Louis Edward Thigpen

November 26, 1931 – June 18, 2019

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born November 26, 1931 in Meridian, MS and was 87 years of age. Louis was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite. He will be remembered as a hard-working man who truly loved his family. An avid storyteller, he most enjoyed sharing memories and proud moments about his life and theirs. He is survived by 7 children and their spouses, 27 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Louis is survived by his current wife of 16 years, Frances Virginia Martin Bridges Thigpen, along with her 2 children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Louis was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his 9 children, Mary Ellen Lacobee Thigpen, daughter, Jessica Louise Thigpen Mullins, son, Edward Clozell Thigpen, grandson, Anthony Marcus Gourdon, and son-in-law “Bill” Joseph William Gourdon. Private services will be held to honor his life at a later time. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – John 15: 1-5 and 15-16

Pray for the Hatchels as they make their way to Kentwood today. They will be the “best medicine” David has had in a long time. I will be thrilled to see them too. They will be driving in two vehicles because Boyd will pick up one they are renting before coming here. We would roll out the “red carpet” if we had some!

Many of you have prayed for them for years. We hope you will continue to do so.

Anna Lee

Thursday

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’

But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

~Revelation 3:17~

Wesley Blades stopped by yesterday to say his wife, Jane Blades, has been hospitalized because of the results of wearing a heart monitor. She is in Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center. An angiogram will be done this morning. Pray for Jane, her family, and the medical staff caring for her.

The Hatchels got phone service and a vehicle for Boyd yesterday. Most importantly, they got to spend time with Boyd’s family.

Please pray for Aaron Hatchel who is having back issues. Tests have been done. They will get results today. Be in prayer, please.

Please continue to pray for Brady Haynes as he deals with pain and nausea related to kidney stones and surgery.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – John 1 : 12-13

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

I haven’t been able to work on Operation Christmas Child as I usually do. I will need some of you to step up and help this year. Make some purchases. I think the best plan is to pict a couple of items and purchase multiples of that item. Need suggestions? Soap, washcloths, combs and brushes, toys, clothes pins, Play Dough, Lego blocks (large packs that can be divided), fishing needs, individual spoons, flash lights, batteries, flat glass marbles, colorful duct tape, sewing supplies, stick deodorant, small dolls, balls, etc. Get your family, class, co=workers, and school involved. Items can be dropped off at the office of FBC, Kentwood. Thanks! Remember, each shoebox we pact will impact an average of seven people with the knowledge of Jesus! What a great way for be a missionary!

We are not all alike, but each of us have unique ways to share Jesus. Share Jesus in your own style today.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.

And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

~Hebrews 12:1 NLT~

Please continue to pray for Deanna “Bug” Reynolds. Recovering from her tonsil surgery has not been as easy as she hoped. Your prayers will be appreciated.

Updates on Carol Bennett Sealey:

My mom was moved from ICU to a regular room tonight. Kidneys are wanting to work, the NG tube has been removed, and she’s not on O2 anymore. She was able to eat a very little bit today. Most importantly, Camille and Adalynn were able to see her in person for the first time since May 28. She’s come so incredibly far, and she still has so far to go, but she has fought and overcome so much. Thank you all for the prayers, visits, calls, and texts. Has meant the world! Austin
My brother in law texted me this morning said Carol had a good night. Have removed all oxygen. Going to take NG tube out and try letting her eat. Maybe moving her out of ICU to the floor. Going to put in some kinda of port for dialysis which she will have sometime today. Yes Carol you win the award for most determined fighter of anyone I know. Finally stopped with those baby steps and doing the long jump. Wow so hsappy to hear all your progress. Will see you soon!!

Barbara

Carl “Chicken” Gaines

Just want to send out a big thank you to all of those who have had Carl on your prayer list. He is making progress and doing so much better in just one week. He is busy with Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Also thank you to all of you who haved called, texted, and visited him. We have relayed every phone call and text. Also since he doesn’t FB we read him every comment. Gosh thank you big to everyone that has sent food, it has been so much appreciated and everything has been great. We are so blessed with the best friends and family and send a big hug and a big thank you to all!!!

Barbara

Steve Miller of Line Creek has eye surgery yesterday. Pray for Steve and Wendy as they keep the eyedrops schedule going as follow-up to the procedure.

Josiah Huckaby celebrated his the first anniversary of when he got out of the hospital to live with KK and Job. Keep this sweet family in your prayers.

Pray for Brady Haynes, a former youth minister at FBC, K, as he has surgery to have some big kidney stones removed today. Later, he will require surgery on the other kidney. Your prayers will be appreciated.

At 10:48 last night, Jennie let me know they made it to Dallas. I’m not sure what time it was this morning when they got to where they will be staying, but they are there. Sleep will be their priority this morning.

Rebecca Darlene McMorris Ballard

October 20, 1951 – June 17, 2019

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – James 4:7

Today’s quote – Short, but powerful – “Your impact is exponential!”

Make a big impact today!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

For where your treasure is,

there your heart will be also.

~Matthew 6:21~

Please pray for Lisa Taylor. She has had blood pressure and diabetes issues sincee having surgery. She is not getting her regular medications. Pray for her body to adjust to the medications and for physical therapy to help her get stronger.

Pray for Rev. Charles Dean’s wife, Vickey. She had back surgery and will need to be dependent on others for a while.

David‘s blood level was 8.4 yesterday. He got his Procrit shot and we came home. No blood needed! Pray he will be able to control his desire for fluids and crushed ice.

Pray for the Hatchels as they fly to Dallas today. It will be a long day. Please pray for them as God brings them you your mind today.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – Hebrews 2:11 and 4:16

Yesterday was a little cooler. Let’s pray today is also cooler.

Anna Lee

Monday

“If the Son sets you free,

you are free through and through.”

~John 8:36 The Message~

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – Galatians 3: 13-14

If you missed church at Kentwood yesterday, please check out my Facebook page and watch the video from Sunday. I know you will be blessed.

None of us know in the morning how or where our day will end, but we can all know who walks through the day with us. Let’s all get going on this Monday. God has plans big for us today.

Anna Lee

Father’s Day

“He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted.”

~Luke 4:18 NKJV~

Please pray for Gaylon Cutrer. He has been hospitalized in Franklinton this week, but is better now. He had five small ulcers and required both blood and platelets. Thank God for medical staff who recognize a need and send their patients to the ER when needed.

Jimmy Harrell has been getting treatment. Like others, he has experienced problems with nausea. Pray he soon gets past this phase of treatment.

Donald Duncan tripped and fell while serving others at church and requiring a number of stitches. Thank God Donald is recovering.

Mike Lambert continues to be very will. Your prayers for Mike and his family will be greatly appreciated.

Update on Carol B. Sealey, written by her sister, Barbara:

I have talked to Carol two or three times in the last week, but today I answered my phone and it was Carol calling to check on Carl and I. Really you have been in a fight of your life for your life and you are calling checking on us. I asked her how she was doing? She told me good but I have a long way to go. I replied you don’t have a clue how far you have come! I told her, boy do I have some stories to tell you about the last month! Gosh it was good to hear her today. As long as she has been sick for all these years I have never heard her complain or say why me? She pushes forward and keeps going. She calls me to encourage me and let me know through all her trials she has others on her mind. I love my sister and I ask everyone to continue praying for her that God will continue healing her body. He is not through with her. What a testimony she already has of God’s Goodness!! Keep moving forward Carol Bennett Sealey I love you and will see you soon!!!

Calvin Henry Warren

December 19, 1932 – June 14, 2019

Calvin Henry Warren passed away on Friday, June 14, 2019 in Uneedus, LA at the age of 86. He was a U. S. Army Veteran. Calvin was a 3rd generation farmer in Cranky Corner. He was passionate about his cows and pigs. He loved sports and never missed his sons’ or grandsons’ games. His heart was to serve the Lord and help anyone in need. Calvin in survived by his wife of over 61 years, Sandra Warren; his children, Patrick (Karen), Tommy (Desiree) and Theresa; his 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; sister, Linda Sharp; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends. Calvin is preceded in death by his parents, Tobay and Maggie Warren, son, Christopher, grandson, Toi; and his brothers, Canute and Louis. Visitation at House on the Rock Church, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. A funeral service celebrating Calvin’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Services conducted by his son, Patrick Warren and Pastor Mike Patterson. Interment St. Dominic Cemetery, Husser. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – Ephesians 5: 17-20

We all have/had an earthly father. Some have been blessed more than others by their earthly father. All fathers have the opportunity to be a great blessing on their children. Let’s pray they work hard to earn and deserve the term “Father”. We also have a wonderful heavenly Father. He is greater and much more than any of us deserve. He’s ours for the choosing! When we live for Him, we are eternally blessed.

Anna Lee

Saturday

The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.

~Proverbs 23:24 (NIV)~

Happy Father’s Day Weekend!

Update on Carol Bennett Sealey written by Austin, her son:

My mom has been having good days. Daddy said she was actually able to stand very briefly when the PT came in. She’s completely alert and responding to everything. She was able to FaceTime with Camille tonight for a little bit. It was good for them to get to talk. It’s been over two weeks. Things are looking great!

Pam Bankston has a long recovery ahead of her now that the neck and spine surgery has been done. Please keep Pam, and Sim, in your prayers.

Deanna “Bug” Reynolds continues her recovery at home. I think having a mom who is a nurse gives her an advantage over some others who have to recover from surgery to remove tonsils. Please continue to pray for “Bug”.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – Ephesians 4: 4-7, 32

Kentwood area children and youth had lots of opportunities to participate in VBS and to attend church camps this week. I’m so thankful to live in an area where adults are so willing to give of themselves in order that children can learn about Jesus and how to live for Him.

I know some special people who will be leaving their home in a few days to travel to the States for the next six months. Pray for them as they complete preparations to travel, travel for hours and hours, and set up in a house that will be their home for the coming months.

Anna Lee

Friday

“The LORD’s kindness never fails!

If he had not been merciful, we would have been destroyed.

The LORD can always be trusted to show mercy each morning.

Deep in my heart I say, ‘The LORD is all I need; I can depend on him!”

~Lamentations 3:22-24 CEV~

Deanna “Bug” Reynolds‘ surgery went well yesterday. A friend who is a nurse was present during surgery. The doctor had prayer with the family. “Bug” did not require the night in the hospital, but was back at home. God was with the family all the way. You are thanked for praying yesterday.

I mentioned a child and a parent who were in a serious accident. The child has multiple breaks that will be a long time healing. The parent is not responsive at this time. Prayers are needed.

I have heard many good reports of VBS again this week. God is good. Adults and youth have worked hard, Songs have been learned. Pledges have been said. Crafts have been made. Missions has been taught. Bible stories have been learned. Children’s lives have been impacted! Decisions to follow Jesus have been made. Thanks to all of you who were involved at any church that had VBS this week.

It’s also the time of the year when many church camps impact our children and youth. I know lives are also impacted and changed at camp. If you have not signed your child or youth up, check into whether or not there are any more openings. Your young person may still get the opportunity to be blessed at camp.

Scripture Writing Plan – June 14th – Ephesians 2: 8-10, 18

Video – “The Example” – Matthew 19:14

https://hereforyou.org/videos/#merciful

Have you ever heard that children learn more by what adults do than what adults say?

What will you do today to set a good example? a Christian example?

Anna Lee

Thursday

“He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

~Psalm 23:2 NIV~

Take a few minutes to think about this verse. Would you feel refreshed afterward?

Buddy Morris is home from the hospital. He is feeling better and has no more fever.

Barbara B. Gaines shared this update on “Chicken” Gaines.

Making progress since we have been home. Been resting most of the day. But got in the pool to get a jump start on physical therapy. Swam from one end of pool to the other and back. Karson had him doing resistance bands and bar bells for pool to build up his muscles. LOL!! Working on slowing down and trying to over pronunciate each word. He tires out quickly but doing oh so much better. Working on getting back 100% Keep him in your prayers. We all love this gentle giant of a man. Our heart!!

Scripture Writing Plan – Who I am in Christ – Ephesians 1: 5-10

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

Despite our imperfections, Jesus loves us still.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.

~Psalm 19:1-2 (NIV)~

Update on Carol Bennett Sealey written by her son, Austin

Update on my mom. Eyes were open, and she was talking to my dad, myself, and Robert Lutz. First time talking to her and her responding in a while. Vitals look great. Still a journey, but she has overcome so much. Thanks for all the continuous prayers and texts.

Pray for Deanna “Bug” Reynolds. She will be having her tonsils removed tomorrow morning at North Oaks.

Anna Sharkey did well with her foot surgery and was allowed to return home later in the day yesterday. Thank you for praying for her.

Buddy Morris was feeling better and wanting to go home yesterday. Please continue to pray for him.

Scripture Writing Plan – Ephesians 1: 1-4

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

Thanks for checking in this morning. I’m glad you believe in prayer like I do.

Anna Lee