But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

~Romans 5:8~

Scripture Writing – August 4 – Romans 5:8

Jerry H. Brumfield

April 10, 1935 – August 02, 2019

Jerry H. Brumfield passed away to join his mother and father in Heaven on August 2, 2019. He was 84 years old, born in Roseland, Louisiana, but lived most of his life in Kentwood. He attended Louisiana School for the Deaf and worked many years with his father, Herbert Brumfield, for Brown Funeral Home in Kentwood. Jerry enjoyed attending area fairs, festivals and football games, and fishing with his buddies. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert H. Brumfield and Winnie Sandifer Brumfield of Kentwood, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his sister, Betty Brumfield Young and her husband Eugene Young of Baton Rouge, one nephew, Scott Young of Atlanta, Georgia; one niece, Dr. Sheryl Young and her husband, Philip Zuspan, and Sheryl’s two daughters, Sarah Zuspan and Jenn Zuspan, of Leawood, Kansas. Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at First Baptist Church in Amite, Louisiana, beginning at 8:30 a.m. until services at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Dr. Trey Waldrop and Rev. Thomas Willis, Minister to the Deaf. Interment in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery. Many thanks to staff at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home and Community Care Hospice workers for their care and comfort. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I trust you will be found in God’s house today.

FBC, Kentwood

9:15 Sunday School
10:30 – Morning Worship
6:00 – Evening Bible Study and Worship

Anna Lee

Sunday

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

~Hebrews 13:5-6~

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience & Perseverance” – James 5: 10-11

Please pray for Bro. Ernest Graham and two others from East Fork Baptist Church as they do mission work in Canada this week. Pray those they minister to will have their eyes and hearts open to Jesus.

Barbara Dale Travis Carter

May 15, 1954 – July 19, 2019

Barbara Dale Travis Carter died Friday July 19, 2019 at Lakeview Regional Medical Center of Covington. She was 65, a native of St. Helena Parish, Louisiana and a long-time resident of Franklinton, Louisiana. Barbara was a graduate of Greensburg High School, Southeastern Louisiana University, and LSU Law School. She was preceded in death by her parents, Huey Marvin Travis and Araminta (“Polly”) Bennett Travis; and her sister Connie Kathleen Travis Jenkins. She is survived by her husband Clay Alston Carter; her son Lee Alston Carter, daughter-in-law Annie Cazenave Carter, and grandson Jackson Thomas Carter; son Thomas Travis Carter; sister Valerie Suzanne Travis Lane; and brother Huey Marvin (“Bubba”) Travis. Barbara was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church of Franklinton. Her love for her community was only surpassed by her love for her family. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 23, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, Louisiana with religious services to follow conducted by Rev. Brian Ridgedell. Burial will follow in the Greensburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church of Franklinton at 1015 Cleveland St., Franklinton, LA 70438. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I know I have been sharing about the Operation Christmas Child “shoeboxes” lately. I do so because I believe in sharing the gospel. “Shoeboxes” have proven to be an effective outreach to many, many children each year. Today, I am going to ask you to commit to making some purchases for OCC this week. I ask you to purchase school supplies for boys and girls who are between the ages of 2 and 14. This site, https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/, will be helpful in guiding you this week. I like to buy multiple items of several different categories when I shop. You may find you enjoy buying for one boy or girl, but want to buy everything they will need. The choice is yours. Don’t think two year olds are too young for school supplies. Think of thick crayons, coloring books, blank paper, pencils, water colors, rounded scissors, glue sticks, etc. Bring your purchases to the church office by next Sunday morning. I will be grateful for your purchases and excited for the children who will receive the boxes and have an opportunity to learn about Jesus, much like our local boys and girls do at Sunday School.

This is my challenge to you this week. Get out and enjoy shopping for school supplies for a child or children from very disadvantaged countries. Let’s work together to make this world a better place for others. Let’s work together to help others learn about Jesus. One week! School supplies!

If FBC, Kentwood is not your church, find out how your church, school, organization, etc. is working to help. You can work through another group or you can help us in Kentwood.

I’m thankful to report that David is better than he was a few months ago and a year ago. He has been able to sit and help unpackage items, sort items, create useful items, etc. I feel so blessed that he can help now. Ask him about helping our son-in-law give out shoeboxes in Romania a few years ago. He has some awesome stories to share. He and I are firm believers in this Franklin Graham Samaritan’s Purse project. I hope you will want to join us again or for the first time.

Anna Lee

Monday

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

~Psalm 103:2~

Read and Write the Bible Today – Lamentations 3: 22-26

I was blessed to attend an early worship service and later to watch the second service via computer with David! You can find links to both services on my facebook page.

Now that Easter egg hunts are over for this year, I will ask that if you are discarding plastic Easter eggs that you please leave them at FBC, Kentwood so we can use them in several different ways for Operation Christmas Child.

There is a tote on the organ at church with some ideas of items to purchase for Operation Christmas Child. Look through the tote and get some ideas. Then, happy shopping. Please leave your donations at the church office or in the classroom next to the choir room. May I suggest you make a decision to spend a certain amount each week (or month). Then shop frequently! If you cannot shop frequently, I suggest donating to OCC by putting your donation in an envelope marked OCC or to hand your donation to me when you see me. I love to shop of OCC. Packing day will be here before you know it!

There are many ways to share the message of salvation. Today, let’s pray for ministers who do that from a pulpit, in hospitals, and other places every week. Pray for Sunday School teachers and mission leaders who teach regularly the same message. Also, pray for missionaries and their families who live the same lifestyle, but who do it on mission fields around the world. Pray regularly for those who share the Good News. May it become who you are and what you do.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to.”

~Matthew 6:32-33 TLB~

Pray for Mrs. Joann Travis. She has had a recent leg procedure.

Andy Taylor said he has had some problems with recent changes in his medication. Keep Andy and Betty in your prayers.

Pray for Renee Terrell who had a fall yesterday when a dog tripped her up. She has several sore areas.

Also, thank God Mrs. Carol Jean Gill is okay after a fall because of her dog that landed her in a fire ant bed that Mr. Fernie Ray had poisoned the night before. Thankfully, she had no ant bites.

Pray for the family of Mrs. Catherine Yarborough.

Mrs. Othell Williams is in Camelot Community Care and doing well. She will soon celebrate her 97th birthday.

Ronnie Byrd

Tuesday Morning: They started Ronnie on dialysis, the doctors didn’t want to wait any longer because He was starting to get an infection.

Wednesday: Ronnie is doing better, doctors may remove him off dialysis tonight. If he continues to do good, he may be going home tomorrow we hope. “Isn’t GOD GREAT”

Thank God for the great improvement Buddy and Eleanor have made.

Jennie Grace Ridgedell Frohn

September 29, 1932 – March 05, 2019

Jennie Frohn, 86, of Amite, Louisiana passed away peacefully on March 5, 2019. Jennie was born on September 29, 1932 to the late Thomas J. and Grace Hayden Ridgedell. She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Tom Ridgedell, Jr., Wade Ridgedell, and C.W. Ridgedell, and two sisters, Helen Ridgedell and Evelyn Ridgedell Bennett. Jennie graduated from Amite High School. She married the love of her life, Robert Henry Frohn on January 22, 1955. They just celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. They were lifelong residents of Amite, Louisiana. Because of her love of flowers, she fulfilled her dream by owning and operating Frohn’s Florist and Gifts for many years. She was a dedicated Christian lady who shared her love of God with her family and friends. Some of her favorite pastimes included being outside gardening, cooking delicious meals, and playing bridge. She is survived by her husband, Robert Frohn; sister, Jenelle Ridgedell Lawrence, Baker, LA; sister-in-law, Jill Ridgedell; one daughter, Alison Frohn Field and husband, Ricky, Amite, LA; three grandchildren; Christopher Bordelon, Hammond, LA; April Field Kemp and husband Jonathan, Hammond, LA; and Richard Henry Field and wife Kelly, Amite, LA; and three great granddaughters, Grace Kemp, Gretchen Field and Hayden Field; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Friday, March 8, 2019 at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, Louisiana from 8-11 am and religious service at 11 am conducted by her nephew, Rev. Brian Ridgedell. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read & Write the Bible Today – Ephesians 2: 8-10

Saturday night will be the day to change your clocks again. Move the time ahead or you will be late for Sunday School and church.

Operation Christmas Child items to bring to the classroom next to the choir room:

Hair brushes

Small purses

Marbles

Flashlights with batteries

Hair ornaments

Plastic soap containers

Small games and puzzles (must fit inside a shoebox)

Spoons to eat with

Small plastic cups and bowls

Clothes pins and cording for clothes lines

Small cars, trucks, and tractors

Fish hooks, bobbins, floats, and fishing line

Pot holders, plastic measuring cups, dish towels, and serving spoons

I hope you will look for some of these items as you do your regular shopping.

Have a wonderful day. Do something special to help someone today.

Anna Lee

Saturday

9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices

10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator

~Colossians 3:9-10~

Continue to pray for Mrs. Bessie Hayden. She’s home and learning more and more about living independently.

Continue to pray for those who are homebound. Make a call, deliver a meal, send a card, or just visit them. You will both be blessed.

David had two medical visits yesterday.

He learned his blood level has increased since Tuesday. The Procrit must be working.
He went to a dentist because he was having trouble eating and his gums were sore, He will begin some new dental work Tuesday. I think the dental issue is a result of the fall he had outside on Christmas evening.
We never know which way this journey will take us, but we know God is with us on the journey.

Hazel Elizabeth McKnight

May 14, 1939 – January 03, 2019

Hazel Elizabeth “Beth” McKnight, 79, born in Clinton, LA and a resident of Zachary, went to her eternal home on Thursday, January 3, 2019. She worked for Nunn Electric Supply for 21 years before retiring.
Visitation will be at Zachary United Methodist Church on Monday, January 7, 2019 from 9:00 am until service time at 11:00 am conducted by Dr. Greg Davis, Rev. Harold Babin and Rev. Rickey Willis. Burial will follow in Day’s cemetery, Greensburg.
Beth is survived by her husband of 62 years, Kenneth Charles McKnight, nieces and nephews, Denise Dyer Stewart(Blake), Rickie McKnight(Kelli), Randy McKnight(Kelli), Todd Castello(Desiree) and Earl Allen (April) and special great nieces, Ashby Warren(Steven) and Aley Stewart.
She is preceded in death by her father, Toler Hurst, Mother, Hazel Hutchinson Hurst and sister, Beverly Hurst Dyer.
Pallbearers will be Mark Hurst, Rick Hurst, Blake Stewart, Rickie McKnight, Randy McKnight and Todd Castello. Honorary pallbearers are Terry Travis, Donald Duncan and Mike Ray. She was a member of United Methodist Women for many years, Emmie Montegeudo Circle and loved greeting all of her church family on Sundays.

Read (and Write) the Bible

Psalm 17:15
Psalm 18:49
Psalm 22:22

Be sure to underline “I will” in each part.

The college and career class of First Baptist Church returned from “Passion” in Atlanta. Thank God they were able to go to the event and grow from the experience. Also, thank God for their safety.

The items to bring during January for Operation Christmas Child are scarves, hats, and gloves. You can bring them to my Sunday School classroom. Thanks! It’s time to start over for the boxes we will send toward the end of the 2019 year.

You never know which way your journey of life will take you, but you can know God is with you. If you don’t have that assurance, contact a local pastor or church member. That could be the best decision you make during your lifetime.

Anna Lee

Friday

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

~Micah 6:8 (NIV)~

Buddy Morris had a clear scan yesterday and was given another three months with no treatment. Thank-you, Lord! Pray for Eleanor Morris as she makes plans for hip surgery.

Please continue to pray for others who have tests, treatment, traveling, etc.

Buddy Waller
Linda Callihan
David Alford
Bryan Tate
Phillip Strickland

Read the Bible and mark “I will ….”.

Psalm 16: 7-8
Psalm 17:3

You are invited to attend Sunday School with the Friendship Circle class. Judy Dickinson will be teaching out lesson this week.

Pray for the college and career class of FBC, Kentwood as they return from a conference in Atlanta and begin applying what they learned.

I’m thankful for the ending of this rain we have had. Now, let the roads, pastures, yards, playgrounds, etc. dry up for a while.

Anna Lee

Sunday

For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

And this is the word that was preached to you.

~ Peter 1:24-25 (NIV) ~

Ronnie Nielsen was hosted for a meal in a church that he helped “plant” ten years ago in Romania. He also has had numerous opportunities to share the gospel through an interpreter. Pray for the team as they continue their mission trip.

Glen Magee will be having surger on a date not yet determined. Pray for him as he waits to be placed on the surgery schedule.

Betty Taylor’s cataract surgery and recovery went well. Pray for her as she plans for the other eye to have surgery Thursday in McComb.

Maddie’s Miracles

Maddie is about the same. They added some meds and took some meds away. She will eat crackers and broth and a baked potato today if she even gets hungry. They will start with scrambled eggs and toast in the morning. If that stays in she can go home tomorrow if not she will have to stay until they figure this out. Thanks for the love and prayers.

Read the Bible

Jeremiah 41-42
Proverbs 5
Revelation 17

Pine Ridge United Methodist Church will host their monthly breakfast benefit this morning beginning at 8 A.M. What a great opportunity to help a needy situation and to have a good Sunday morning breakfast.

May you be blessed through Bible study and morning services today.

Anna Lee

Lord’s Day

This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.

~Ecclesiastes 5:18~

Read the Bible

Isaiah 45
Song of Solomon 6:1-5
Hebrews 9

Days and Dates to Remember

Sundays
- S.S. at 9:15
- Church at 10:30
- Youth on Mission at 5 P.M.
- Church at 6 P.M.
Wednesdays
- Youth at 5
- Children in Action and Church at 6 P.M.

Saturday, September 15 – Mission Project Day form 9 – Noon

Monday, September 17 – Associational WMU Meeting at Hilldale at 10 A.M.

Kay Bennett of Friendship House will be our guest speaker
Potluck Lunch following Meeting
Bring items to donate to Friendship House
- Individual snack items (fruit, pudding, etc,)
- Vienna Sausage
- Protein Bars
- Bug Spray
- Women’s Medium Athletic Pants
- Gift cards
  - Walmart
  - Lowe’s
  - Home Depot

Operation Christmas Child – Now packing shoeboxes

See me to get boxes and to return boxes
I’ll pack them for you, if you choose

Have a fantastic Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Lord’s Day

“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead.

You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.”

~Matthew 16:24 The Message~

We had a very good missions project day yesterday. I think it may have been the most productive one yet. Special thanks to all who came and helped!

Today, there will be a new mission opportunity. At 5 P.M. in the missions classroom in the L-wing, we will officially begin Youth on Mission for middle school and high school students. This will be a project/activity focused group.

Please continue to pray for all those who are sick, receiving treatments, and undergoing tests. Do something to show your concern. Prayer is always appropriate!

Continue to pray for students as they begin a new school year. Many post-high school students will begin classes tomorrow.

Read the Bible

Isaiah 27
Song of Solomon 1: 8-17
I Timothy 5

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day. Draw closer to Him through Bible study and worship.

Anna Lee

Monday

Read the Bible

Reflect on God as Father.

Catch up on any reading you missed.

So go and make followers of all people in the world.

Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach them to obey everything that I have told you to do.

You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time.”

~Matthew 28:19-20 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)~

This is the Great Commission in an easy to read version.The words “Great Commission” help us to understand this is what God has for us to do.

Yesterday, at church, I shared that one part of our mission purpose in working with children on Wednesday nights is to “DO” missions! We did just that by painting rocks and placing them around the church on cement or bricks where they would be easy to find and out of the way of lawn mowers. The rocks had crosses, flowers, hearts, “Jesus Loves You”, etc. on them. We call our rocks “Witness Rocks”. Personally, I have plans/permission to place them in some other special places. People were asked to take them and either keep them or pass them on to others. I hope our rocks travel far and reach many for Jesus in their simple way. The children loved doing them!

One way we can “DO” missions is to attend the Mission Project Day on Saturday, August 18th. Show up and find everything ready for you to help create items that will be used in Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. On the 18th, we meet in the fellowship hall from 9 A.M. to noon. I encourage you to participate with us. By the way, it is also fun!

Yesterday morning, when I arrived in my Sunday School classroom, I found a lady getting some shoeboxes. She said she was getting them to fill, just as her mother had packed a shoebox in honor of each of the grandchildren, she was now going to continue doing that for the family. She left with boxes, instructions, and labels. That is another opportunity to “DO” missions.

I also found some unbraided jump ropes in my room that one lady cut and prepared for braiding. She told me another lady was coming to get them to braid this week. I won’t call either name, but the younger lady was 80!!! This goes to show that there is something for everyone.

Two ladies asked me if we are still collecting T-shirts. They will be bring me some so more jump ropes, headbands, belts, bracelets, etc. and be cut out. This means all these items we are sharing with boys and girls are given to us, free!

There is a young lady who told several of her co-workers about Operation Christmas Child. They brought her bags and bags of items we will be able to share. She is changing her job location, but said she would still be telling the original co-workers about what is happening next year. I think her new co-workers will also learn about our mission projects and have the opportunity to help. Have you shared opportunities with family members and co-workers?

When we remember that that printed materials in the appropriate language are added to the shoeboxes, we know boys and girls, and other family members will have an opportunity to learn about Jesus. I cannot imagine a child who receives a shoebox who wouldn’t want to return to the same location to see some of the same people who gave them the shoebox to see what else they might have to offer – Jesus!

Shoeboxes can also be packed by school students, civic organizations, other churches, etc. If you know someone who needs more information, I will be happy to help them or to send someone else to do so.

Last night, after church, a younger lady asked me if we really needed Vienna sausage for the collection for Friendship House in New Orleans. She said she just wanted to ask before she purchased some this week. That and other items have been requested by Kay Bennett, the director there. That will be used with homeless people and to help in getting young ladies off the streets and into better situations, often returning them to families who are so happy to have them back at home. Kay Bennett will be speaking at our next associational WMU meeting. Check a bulletin board at church to learn what other items we will be giving them. You may also have read the front-page article about this ministry in a recent Baptist Message.

We are always collecting new and used Bibles for assisting a team that does the parish prison ministry in Amite. I do not have clearance to participate, but see my mission as a provider. If you have or would like to purchase any Bibles, you can drop them off at the church. Regular or large print is desired because many of the people in the jail who need glasses do not have them. The team always tells me how eager the inmates are for the Bibles.

At Christmas, we take Christmas cards with stamped envelopes to the inmates at Amite and Greensburg parish jails. This gives them an opportunity to communicate with family members. As the Christmas season draws closer, don’t forget to bring some cards with stamped envelopes.to the church.

We always help the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home collect food each year. This year, we also helped by having a special collection for other items they need. We will soon begin the fall food round-up for them.

Can you guess which Sunday School class does the most for missions? It is the class of older ladies who meet in the fellowship hall. Virginia McKenzie teaches the class. Theople Hurst is the unofficial missions leader/shopper for them. How I wish other classes would realize the importance of missions. This class certainly sets a good example!

In a previous post, I told you about the lady who gave us some beautiful quilts to share with those who are presently taking chemo or radiation. I want to report that all the quilts have been delivered. Now, I hope we can help the lady as she makes more quilts which can be used in such a special way. If you would like to participate periodically, please let me know.

Just as I encouraged the children to “DO” missions, I encourage you to “DO” missions too. All mission work is not overseas! There is much we can do! These are some of the ways we are currently carrying out the Great Commission. If you are not participating yet, I hope you will start to realize our purpose should be to take as many as we can to heaven with us one day!

I’ll get off my missions soapbox today, but this won’t be the last time I tell you about mission opportunities.

Anna Lee