Jesus answered,

“I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me

~John 14:6~

Let’s pray for our cities, both large and small.

Please add law enforcement to your prayer list if it is not already there.

Pray for criminals today to know Jesus and with Him, a reason to change their lives.

Read the Bible in 2020 – June 6

1 Kings 1:1-53
Acts 4:1-37
Psalm 124:1-8
Proverbs 16:24

Mr. Lester Zachary is progressing with his treatment for Covid-19. Be thankful with and for his daughter, Lisa. Pray for others who are fighting the same problem.

Pray for Buddy Morris as he begins another round of treatment next week. Pray for others who are also fighting cancer.

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

Pray for churches as they plan alternative worship services because of the virus. Pray for the Vacation Bible Schools in each community and for any summer church camps that haven’t been cancelled.

We don’t get out a lot, but when we do we still wear our masks. I hope you do too.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

You are my refuge and my shield;

I have put my hope in your word.

~Psalm 119:114~

Mr. Sherrill Caraway was able to return to his home yesterday after spending an uncertain week in the hospital in Baton Rouge. Pray he will feel good and improve at home.

Christian Ratlliff’s ear surgery went well. Once he is healed from surgery, his new devices will be turned on. Pray all go as smoothly as planned.

Julie Smith Eudy, my sister, will be having surgery at Ochsner Hospital on Jefferson Monday. Please begin to cover her with your prayers. Please pray for the surgery and the recovery period.

Julie and I have completed the process of cutting, surging, folding, and grouping more than enough colorful washcloths for the shoeboxes we will pack in October. They are beautiful! I am anxious for the children to have them to enjoy for many years. Our present projects include stuffing two-pocket folders for the boys and girls in the two older age groups.

Read the Bible in 2020 – January 21

Genesis 42:18-43:34
Matthew 13:47-14:12
Psalm 18:16-36
Proverbs 4:7-10

The January Bible Study of Jeremiah is going well at New Zion Baptist Church. There are two more nights. It’s not too late to join the group. They start at 6:30 P.M. with Bro. Darryl Miller teaching the group.

The Kentwood youth are planning for the annual Valentine Banquet which will be Saturday, February 8. A steak supper will be served that night. You can purchase your $20 tickets at the church office or from a youth. Proceeds from the banquet will help with the cost of youth camp this summer.

We all know about being selfish. Let’s practice being selfless today in our prayers and actions.

Anna Lee

Monday

“You bless all who depend on you for their strength.”

~Psalm 84:5 CEV~

This morning, I sadly report that Tessie Strickland still has not been found. Today is day four for this family. Let’s keep praying for Tessie and her family. As you pray for Tessie and her family, also pray for safety for those who are searching for her.

A number of people from our area are touring all the sites that are so important to us as we study our Bibles. Pray for safe and meaningful travels. May they have great memories of this trip and better relate to the places they visit as they continue to study their Bibles for the rest of their lives.

The youth of FBC, Kentwood shared yesterday morning about their week at M-Fuge at Ridgecrest, North Carolina. They each shared their own testimony with a sign they made. It was truly an inspiring presentation.

The July guide for Scripture writing is now available in the church office. You can stop by the church for a copy.

I think I missed one day last month, so here is the reference for Day 30.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – Romans 8: 28-32

The topic for July is “Patience and Perseverance”. Day 1 – Psalm 40: 1-3.

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

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

Let’s march into July with a purpose of loving God and loving others. Each of us is a unique person, so we each have own ways to show our love for God and for others. The thing that is important is that we show that love daily. Let’s go into July with a bold goal of showing that love each day this month.

Anna Lee

The Lord’s Day

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

~Galatians 5:1~

Pray for the mission team from Line Creek Baptist Church as they leave for Houston today.

Pray for friends from Alabama who are in Mexico on a mission trip. Part of their work there is rebuilding storm damaged church property.

Please add Lisa Taylor back to your prayer list. She went home from the hospital Tuesday and has developed issues that have her back at North Oaks.

Tessie Strickland is still missing. Keep praying! As you pray for her, please pray for safety for the rescue teams and for peace and comfort for the family.

It’s the fifth Sunday of the month. Many area churches are having special music, food, and other activities. Join in and be blessed.

Some churches are concluding VBS. Others are beginning. I love to hear boys and girls tell of their time in VBS. Churches are doing a wonderful job this year, as always.

Youth from some churches have returned from camp. Other youth are leaving for camp. Hearts are touched and lives changed forever. Pray for each one.

Scripture Writing Plan – Romans 8: 28-32

May this Sunday be a blessing to you! May you be a blessing to others today!

Anna Lee

Saturday

Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

~Joshua 1:9~

Jane Blades is back in the community. Additional testing did not show a heart problem. She has a new medication and an appointment with her cardiologist.

Mr. Frank Erwin had another procedure yesterday that will hopefully help him. He and “Miss” Barbara will appreciate your prayers.

Bryan Tate has completed another phase of treatment at MD Anderson. Pray for him and Rita as they get to spend more time at home and less time in the hospital.

The Hatchels who flew into the country Tuesday have now driven to Kentwood. Granddaddy and I were so thrilled to see them. Four years since seeing three of them is too long! We will be having a good time together.

Pine Ridge United Methodist Church will have their monthly breakfast Sunday morning at 8:00 A.M. You are invited to join them for a delicious buffet and donate to a worthy cause they have chosen to support this month.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – Matthew 5:13=16.

Please continue to pray for the youth of FBC, Kentwood as they continue to be at camp at Ridgecrest in North Carolina.

Several churches has very successful Vacation Bible Schools this week. If you have children who are interested in one to the coming week, I’m sure there will be one or more to choose from.

I’m so thankful for all of you who pray for these and other needs. You make a difference!

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

Wednesday

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

~Matthew 5:43-44 NIV~

Our mission team of 35 who were in Haiti made it to New Orleans about 1:30 this morning. Thank God for watching over them. The five Hammond people from The Mission Church hope to leave Haiti today. Pray for them to be able to travel safely too.

Debbie Bales had a heart test that showed good results. Not only was she at peace during the testing, but she was able to help calm another lady who was stressed out about having a nuclear stress test. Debbie says thanks to all who prayed for her.

Please continue to pray for Bro. Darryl and his family as they deal with sick and aging parents. I miss seeing his parents at church.

Yvonne Birch called yesterday to ask me to add her name to the prayer list. She learned she will have five by-passes next Wednesday, the 18th. She asks for your prayers. As you pray for her peace during this time, please also pray for Dr. Breaux and other medical staff who will be working with her at Lakeview Hospital in Covington.

Read the Bible

Neh.6-7
Job 27
2 Cor. 12

Pray for the children from FBC, K as they complete camp and return home. I think they will get back about 2 P.M. Pray that lives were changed during this time.

Despite our VBS always being the first week of June, many other churches are having their VBS now. Pray young lives are touched by the various VBS opportunities.

Dates to remember

July 16 – WMU at SCBC (Show and tell for crafting for missions)
July 21 – Mission Project Day at FBC from 9:00 to noon
July 24 – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party at The Cafe at 11 A.M.

The new college & career age Sunday School class is meeting in the house across the street from the FBC fellowship hall at 9:15 each Sunday.

Today, I will be at the church working on mission projects. If you wish to join me call me early this morning or come to the church when you can.

The Children in Action class will meet at 6 P.M. tonight and will work on some fun mission projects to share with others. Come join the fun as we learn by doing.

Pray for missionaries around the world as they serve to tell others about Jesus.

Pray for out Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Once again, yesterday, I had the opportunity to tell a store clerk about OCC. They just have to ask how I am using all the things I get to purchase. I, like some of you, cannot let the opportunity pass without sharing about this wonderful ministry. I get to inform children about Jesus and inform clerks about the OCC ministry at the same time.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“I’m a mess.

I’m nothing and have nothing; make something of me.

You [God] can do it; you’ve got what it takes.”

~Psalm 40:17 The Message~

Two messages from Haiti this morning telling out local team hopes to return today. Be praying!

Good morning from Haiti. We will be remaining here in the compound again today. This trip did not go as planned but the Lord has been faithful to bless in so many ways. Our original plans to return home tomorrow evening are still in place. The city is showing some signs of normalcy. Please pray for our flight to leave on time and for the process of leaving the country to be smooth and timely.

My Parents and other family will be trying to travel to the Airport early tomorrow morning… 35 people in 2 ten Passenger vans… it will be a long day for them… please pray for safety as they travel home!!!!!

Update on Buddy Morris

Journal entry by Ellen VandeVuss — 5 hours ago

Two weeks… it has almost been two weeks since we heard the words cancer. Two weeks is how long it took us to find the doctors that we liked to treat this rare and aggressive cancer. Two weeks is the time from diagnosis to start of treatment. Two weeks that were filled with countless tests. It seems like it has been an eternity. These two weeks had highs and many lows. We met many wonderful people who showed us kindness, patience, and compassion. There were others we encountered that didn’t have these qualities, and those were the days with many emotions and tears. We saw 4 different doctors, 2 of them were not the right doctor for us, and the other two will be a team and work together. Daddy will be seeing Dr. Carinder at St. Tammany Hospital and Dr. Ramirez with Oschner in New Orleans. Dr. Carinder is a general oncologist that has practiced oncology for many years, and Dr. Ramirez specializes in Neuroendocrine Tumors. Today we saw Dr. Ramirez and got the results from all of the many tests. It is hard to believe that all of these tests in the past two weeks were condensed into one appointment that lasted about an hour.

What we learned today… We learned that the cancer has spread. We knew that it was in some lymph nodes, but we learned today there are a few spots on his bones. This is not uncommon for this type of cancer. It is very rarely diagnosed and not spread to some extent at the time of diagnosis. We are thankful that it has NOT spread to other organs. His liver, lungs, and brain did NOT have any signs of cancer.

The plan… Dr. Carrinder and Dr. Ramirez agreed on the same treatment, which is chemotherapy. Tomorrow, Daddy will get his port, and Wednesday he will start the first round of chemo. He will have three days of chemo and three weeks in between rounds. He will have two rounds and then have another scan to see how he is responding to chemo. After the two rounds of chemo and another scan he will go back to Dr. Ramirez to determine the next steps of treatment. During this time he will also have appointments with Dr. Carrinder to monitor the progress. We are thankful that he will be able to do the chemo in Covington, and we will not have to drive to New Orleans each time.

Prayers and Praises… We are so thankful to have found these doctors. It was a huge burden lifted once this decision was made, and we felt at complete peace in choosing this team of doctors. Please pray that Daddy responds to the chemo. We have been told these tumors respond well to chemo, and he will feel better after the first round. We are so thankful for everyone that has called, texted, and visited in the last two weeks. Thank you to everyone that has been there as a listening ear. It means so much to us. Most of all thank you for your prayers, we have surely felt them and are very grateful for all of the prayers that have been lifted up on our behalf.

Let us keep running the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1b
Let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16
When all seemed hopeless… Abraham believed God and continued hoping. Romans 4:18

Linda (and Robert) Callihan will be spending a couple of days in Houston to get biopsy results and a treatment plan. Keep praying for Linda’s health and strong faith.

Please continue to pray for our children and adult helpers who are at camp this week. I heard yesterday that the children were having a great time. I trust the adults were too!

Read the Bible

Neh. 4-5
Job 27
2 Cor. 12

Prayer Meeting and Children’s Missions tomorrow night at 6 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood.

I will be working on Operation Christmas Child at church tomorrow. You can choose your own hours. If anyone would like to help, please let me know today.

I am in need of lots of bars of hotel soaps of a special project I’ve been working on. If you have some to share with OCC, please let me know. If you have shampoo and conditioner, I will put it with the items we are sending to the Friendship House in September. Thanks for helping. I am also using lots of yarn, so if you have any scrap yarn or purchase some new yarn, please give it to me or leave in the church office.

Shoeboxes are available so you can pack them yourself. I have painted the inside on some boxes, so if you are going to pack a box for a young boy, you will have a racetrack ready to go with your hot wheel type cars. I’m going to be working on painting some boxes for other groups too. What do you want for your packing?

Another item I am using now for mission projects is rocks. I need rocks 2″ x 4″ or slightly smaller or larger and rather flat. What do you have? These will not go in the shoeboxes! Stay tuned and see the latest mission project….

Thank you for supporting our friends in prayer and for supporting the missions involvement of our church!

Anna Lee

Monday

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

~Isaiah 6:8~

Read the Bible – Today, we are to focus on God as our Refuge. It is also a good day to catch up on any passages we missed this week.

Betty Simpson asked for prayers for Larry and Millie Dunn of Independence. He has bone cancer. She has pancreatic cancer.

Buddy Morris had a number of tests last week. Today he gets the lab results. Tomorrow he learns the treatment plan the doctors have developed for him. Please be in prayer for the family.

Debbie Bales will be having a nuclear stress test early today. Pray she is able to release some of her anxiety about the test and that all goes well.

July 2 post from Taylor Creek Baptist Church

Would you please pray for our missions team as they prepare for the mission trip to Haiti? A team of 4 from TCBC, will join a combined total of 30 people from local churches, leaving this Thursday to serve in Haiti for 5 days. We will be assisting in VBS, construction, preaching in local churches, and teaching breakout sessions to local pastors. We will be updating throughout the trip as much as possible. Thank you

Yesterday’s post from Taylor Creek Baptist Church

FROM THE HAITI MISSION TEAM:

Good morning from Haiti. Things are quiet here in Port Au Prince this morning. As a precaution, the team will remain in our missionary compound again today. We are hoping to resume our mission efforts on Monday. All is well and we are in very good hands. Much of our day yesterday was spent relaxing by the pool. The president of Haiti has released the gas hikes and we are hopeful things here will get back to normal.

Today, we have a unique opportunity to worship with other mission teams from around the US. There are just over 100 of us staying here together.

Rev. Tommy Smith of FBC, Greensburg will soon be moving to Franklinton where he will be the pastor at Hillcrest Baptist Church. Please pray for the two churches and Bro. Tommy’s family as they leave Greensburg where he has served for 5 1/2 years.

The children of FBC, Kentwood and five chaperones left yesterday for summer camp. Pray each one grows in the Lord and that everyone is safe.

Van Earl Ballard, Sr.

August 28, 1924 – July 07, 2018

A resident of the Mount Nebo Community passed away on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg. He was born August 28, 1924 in Amite and was 93 years of age. He was a WWII Veteran of the U. S. Navy and retired 32 years from Louisiana State Penitentiary of Angola. He loved fishing, hunting, and attending football games at Oak Forest Academy and LSU. His greatest pride was his two grandsons. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Ballard; daughter, Cheryl Ballard Chadwick; son, Michael Ballard and wife, Diane; grandsons, Boddy and Colby Chadwick. Preceded in by his parents, Guy Henry Ballard and Alberta Lawrence Ballard; son, Van Earl Ballard, Jr., brothers and sisters, Angus Ballard, Taylor Ballard, Guy “Pete” Ballard, Jr., Winfred “Toots” Ballard, Elma Rae “Tot” Van Dyke, Glenn Ballard, Jewell Ballard Martin, Troy Ballard, and Shelton “Shell” Ballard. Special thanks to his caregivers, Polly Hodges and Lynn Cernich for their faithful and dedicated care to our father. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM Tuesday, July 10, 2018. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

What an awesome God we serve! May we always be able to remember His timing is always perfect.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

~Ephesians 3:12~

Kevin Ryan Keyser

Died: June 30, 2018

“Do not be afraid, I am with you

I have called you each by name

Come and follow Me,

I will bring you home

I love you and you are mine.”

Kevin Ryan Keyser, 40, passed quietly from this world, surrounded by family on June 30, 2018. Kevin was born October 13, 1977, in Baton Rouge, LA. He attended Our Lady of Mercy Parochial School from kindergarten through grade eight and was a 1995 graduate of Bishop Sullivan Regional Catholic High School. He joined the Louisiana Air National Guard and entered Southeastern Louisiana University in 1995. He graduated with a degree in Business Management from SLU in 2002. While there, he was a member and officer of Kappa Alpha Order. While with the LA Air National Guard, Kevin was assigned as a member of the 159th Fighter Wing as a Fuels and Oxygen Specialist. His military awards and decorations include the Basic Training Graduate Ribbon, Firearms Expert Ribbon, Air Force Achievement Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Armed Forces Service Medal with “M” device, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, Louisiana Emergency Service Ribbon, Louisiana Achievement Medal, Louisiana War Cross, and Louisiana Longevity Ribbon. Following his service with the USAF, Kevin entered the Louisiana Army National Guard and served as a Fuels Specialist in both the Air Guard and Army Guard, supporting a multitude of State and Federal emergencies, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He gained the respect of both his superiors and his subordinates. Kevin attended the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, graduating in 2007, as a member of U.S. Customs and Border Protection under the U.S. Homeland Security Agency. He was assigned in 2008 to the Port of Houston, then to the Port of Baton Rouge. He was selected to attend the prestigious Firearms Instructor School in West Virginia, and returned to serve as the Firearms Instructor for the Houston Regional Area. While assigned to Houston, he was Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Field Operations, Director of Field Operations, and received the Award for Professionalism, and the Award for Firearms Excellence. Kevin so enjoyed motorcycles, boating, hunting, and all things outdoors. His most treasured times were those spent with his children. Kevin is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Sybil and David Keyser, and his maternal grandparents, Margie and Wally Wells. He is survived by his beloved children Karson Gaines Keyser and Kelsey Anne Keyser of Roseland; parents Colonel (Ret) and Mrs. Gary L. Keyser; and brothers Major (Ret) Gary W. Keyser, Michael Keyser, Chris and wife Lauren Keyser; nieces Kate, Abby, and Emma Keyser of Mandeville, and Caroline and Lillian Keyser of Baton Rouge; and former wife Bridget Gaines Keyser of Roseland, LA. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at Rabenhorst Funeral Home (825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802) from 10:00 am until the Funeral Service at 11:00 am officiated by Father Miles Walsh. Burial will be private. Pallbearers are his three brothers, Gary, Chris, and Michael; his former father-in-law Carl Gaines; Kyle Mandelbaum of Houston, and Reginald Porter of Amite, and his son, Karson. Honorary pallbearers are Shane Ward and Ken Oertling.

Read the Bible

Ezra 1-2
Ps. 81
2 Cor. 5

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

Dulcimers become widow’s instrument for ministry – http://www.bpnews.net/51197/dulcimers-become-widows-instrument-for-ministry

What’s your ministry?

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

Youth from many of our local churches are at camp this week. Pray for safety, a good time, and stronger friendships, but mostly for God’s love to reach hearts.

Some churches are having VBS this week. Pray for all involved in each one.

We all have family and/or friends who are not in the best of health. Pray for each one by name.

We all have family and/or friends in nursing homes/extended living centers. Pray for each one by name.

We all have family and/or friends who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Pray for each one by name.

Many people will be traveling, spending time outdoors, cooking outdoors, and/or doing activities in the heat. Pray for each person to be well hydrated and safe.

Your prayers make a difference to you when you pray for others by name. Your prayers for others always make a difference to them.

Anna Lee