You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

~Ephesians 4:22-24~

Gerald Wayne Broussard

June 14, 1953 – December 29, 2021

A loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Gerald Wayne Broussard a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana passed away in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. Gerald was born on June 14, 1953 in Abbeville, Louisiana to Willis John Broussard and Thelma Marie Landry Broussard. He graduated from Delta Heritage High School in 1972. He married Patricia Ann Prest in May 26, 1973 and started their family. Gerald loved life, family and his friends and enjoyed them to the fullest. He is survived by his three sons and daughter and daughters-in-law, Jeremy and Wendy Broussard, Jason and Christy Broussard, Jon Broussard and Serra Thibodeaux and Jenny Broussard and grandchildren, Gabe, Ashton, Trevor, Annsley, Brayden, Tabitha, Johnny and Jacob. He is also survived by his brother Mark Broussard and Donna Broussard, nephew and niece Blake and Brooke Broussard LeBouef and Craig and Marybeth Broussard, nephew and niece Connor and Olivia. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Carol and Tim Simmons and nephews and niece Matthew, Jacob and Jill. Gerald is preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend Pat Broussard, parents, grandparents and many others who he will now rest in their arms. Visitation services will be held on Saturday January 22, 2022 at Pine Ridge Methodist Church from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Pine Ridge Methodist Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

Paul Lester Crawford

On Sunday, January 9, Paul Crawford passed away peacefully listening to the loving words of his daughter and son.

Born on February 12, 1951, he was given the name Paul Lester Crawford. He grew up in Bolivar, LA where he has always called home. He attended Spring Creek High School and was quite popular and showed tremendous athletic ability. He played every sport Spring Creek had to offer. He was elected “Most Athletic” his senior year. Once, his coach was getting together a group of athletes to compete in the Louisiana State Track and Field competition and decided that Paul should compete in the javelin throwing event. While Paul had never held a javelin let alone thrown one, the coach spent the afternoon showing him the mechanics of how to hold and throw a javelin. The next day, Paul competed in the state competition and won the javelin throwing event.

To those who knew Paul, you knew that he had an opinion on everything. He didn’t base his opinions on hear say. He researched all views and made his opinion based on what he considered facts and evidence. He never shied away from any topic including religion. Paul had read the Bible from front to back multiple times and even read the Quran to better understand the religion. Also, if you knew Paul you would know that unless you agree with his opinion, you had better have time for a lengthy debate in which you would either concede because he convinced you he was correct, or you just absolutely grew tired of arguing about it. You learned that it was simply easiest not to contradict him to begin with. Technology opened Paul’s opportunities to express his opinions via Facebook. There was always a controversy waiting to happen.

Paul was a good person. He was extremely compassionate. He did not like to see anyone mistreated or suffer. He tended to take up for the underdog and less fortunate. He had a big heart and would give you the shirt off of his back. Paul always helped those who needed jobs and was always generous to those who were going through tragedies. To have him as a friend was to have a loyal, supportive friend for life.

Paul had the nickname “Free Bird”. Many people never knew him by any other name. His son, Christopher realized this when he was working in a plant in California. As he was explaining who he was in relation to his dad, he realized the worker did not recognize the name “Paul”. He offered up his nickname, “ Free Bird” and the worker with a Big smile on his face quickly acknowledged Paul. As Christopher worked different jobs across the country, he came to realize that “Free Bird” was well known and well liked from coast to coast. The name “Free Bird” stuck to Paul because it seemed to represent the free spirited attitude and approach to life that he lived.

While Paul loved rock and roll music and riding his Harleys, his Greatest Love was that of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. They were his pride and joy. He attended every football, baseball, and basketball game possible of his grandsons. He has also been known to make a trip from Bolivar, LA to North Pike High School, MS just to deliver a fried chicken lunch that his grandson, Ayden had requested. He cherished every moment of their company and was so very proud of them. He was also proud of his daughter and son and the people they had grown to be. His love for them was immeasurable. While his daughter, Christi, and son, Christopher, are now 50 years old, he still called them “Baby Girl” and “Baby Boy”. Paul’s last words were “I love you babies”. Christi and Christopher will forever hold their Daddy’s words in their hearts.

Those left behind to cherish his memories: daughter, Christi Travis; son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Michelle Crawford; grandchildren, Seth Travis and wife Shelby, Connor Travis and wife Courtney, and Ayden Travis; great grandchild, Laney Travis; sister, Martha Crain; sister-in-law Debbie Crawford; brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Cele Crawford; nephews, Stevie Carrier, Tyler Crawford and wife Alison, Henry Crawford and wife Kristin; nieces, Karesa Aguillard and husband, Carl, and Kalette Crawford; great nieces and nephew, Emeree, Declan, Emilia, and Evynne.

Preceded in death by: his parents, Thelma Cooper Crawford, and Leon and Bonnie Crawford; brother, Douglas Crawford; grandson, Logan Hargis.

Some prayer requests from prayer meeting last night:

Joey Miller – waiting for surgery to be scheduled

Cole Clemons – hospitalized

Fay Schumacher – ill (in Georgia)

BIBLE THOUGHT TO READ AND WRITE TODAY

JANUARY 13 – Luke 21:34

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

OCC REMINDER

Start to gather some pencil pouches and items that might be placed in them.

Bring them to the fellowship hall on Feb. 5th or leave them hanging on the door of the room next to the choir.

It’s time to begin our work for 2022.

Thanks to all who help and have helped with OCC in any ways for many years.

Anna Lee

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear the LORD

and put their trust in him.

~Psalm 40:3~

Donald C. Laird

May 16, 1941 – January 04, 2022

Donald Curtis Laird passed away after a long illness on Tuesday, January 4. He was a lifelong residence of New Orleans and was born on May 16, 1941. He attended Warren Easton High School and LS U. Donald served honorably in the Coast Guard for 6 years and then was self employed in construction. Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Lola and Joe Laird , his twin brother Ronald and beloved companion Barbara Balser. He is survived by his brother Russell and wife Rosalind, sister in law Terrie Laird and by a nephew and three nieces. Burial will be at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Kentwood on January 12. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

BIBLE READING AND WRITING FOR JANUARY 12

Matthew 15:11

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

You might want to read about the needs of pastors.

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/u-s-pastors-identify-their-greatest-needs/

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Did you make a start on buying pencil cases and some items for them?

GIfFT CARDS FOR TORNADO VICTIMS

This week is a good time to purchase some gift cards which will be sent to Kentucky by the Director of LA Baptist Disaster Relief, Dr. Stan Statham. Suggested stores for the purchase of gift cards are Walmart, Dollar General, and Lowes.

Thank-you for “tuning in” and praying.

Anna Lee

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 

24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

~Ephesians 4:22-24~

Margaret “Peggy” Irene McNabb Freeman

July 03, 1951 – January 08, 2022

Margaret “Peggy” Irene McNabb Freeman went to be with her Lord on Saturday, January 8, 2022 in Hammond, Louisiana, after a long battle with COPD. She was born to Edgar “Mac” McNabb and Margaret Klyce McNabb on July 3, 1951 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Known for her very friendly personality and welcoming heart, Peggy will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. Peggy is survived by her two sons Clinton White (Ashley) and Brian Freeman (Aimee), as well as her brother Richard McNabb (Barbara). She is also survived by her loving step-mother Kathryn Thomson McNabb and two step-sisters, Katrina and Karla of Huntsville, Texas. “Maw Maw Peggy” will be missed by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as her loving work family at Foundation Health Services of Baton Rouge. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jerry Freeman, and her granddaughter Margaret BreAnna White. Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, Louisiana on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from 11:00AM until 1:00PM. A graveside service will be held at 2:00PM at the Hutchinson Family Cemetery in St. Helena Parish. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Compassus Hospice, 1301 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, LA 70471. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Be careful, there is a lot of covid all around us. The good news is that if your vaccinations were up-to-date, you probably won’t be too sick and will be well quickly.

Read and Write Bible Thoughts in 2022

January 11 – Proverbs 3:5

January Mission Project

Gift cards for tornadoes in Kentucky

Ideas – Walmart, Dollar General, or Lowe’s

Bro. Stan Statham is our LA Disaster Relief State Leader and will see that the cards get to those who need them.

February Operation Christmas Child Workshop – Feb. 5. We will be packing pencil bags for the boys and girls. (Some children are not allowed to attend school because they do not have a PENCIL or a PORTION OF A PENCIL! Let’s help solve this issue.)

Suggestions of some items to bring:

Pencil bag/box of some school supplies (Ideas – mechanical pencils, pens, pencil colors, erasers, pencil sharpeners, glue sticks, etc.

You might also want to bring a mid-morning snack to share.

Thanks to you for your love of missions and people who don’t know God. May your efforts make a difference for many of these children.

You are a blessing to them!

Anna Lee

See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.”

~Isaiah 42:9~

BIBLE READINGS AND WRITINGS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE MONTH

You may want to copy these for future references.

Take 10 minutes each day to read that day’s
Bible verse and the surrounding passages.
Write it in your journal and pray over it. Ask
God to reveal to you what He wants to show
you through His Word.

10th – Jeremiah 33:3
11th – Proverbs 3:5
12th – Matthew 15:11
13th – Luke 21:34
14th – Matthew 22:37
15th – Romans 7:25
16th – Psalm 19:14
17th – 1 Corinthians 2:11-16
18th – 1 Peter 1:13
19th – Isaiah 43:18-19
20th – Psalm 139:17
21st – Romans 1:28
22nd – Ephesians 4:23
23rd – Psalm 90:12
24th – Psalm 139:23-24
25th – Mark 7:21-22
26th – Isaiah 55:8
27th – Philippians 4:6-7
28th – Romans 8:6
29th – Romans 12:3
30th – Mark 12:30
31st – Psalm 94:11

I’m up-to-date. Are you? Even if you have not started yet, it’s still early in the year and not too late to play “catch-up”.

TODAY’S OBITUARY

Bobbie R. Carruth

July 09, 1933 – January 08, 2022

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith – 2 Timothy 4:7.

Bobbie R. Carruth, a resident of Greensburg, LA, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. She was born July 9, 1933 in Kentwood, LA and was 88 years of age. She was known for her good heart and kindness as well as her chicken and dumplings. She worked in the medical field for many years and made lifelong relationships with her co-workers and clients. She is survived by her 5 children, Lana Easley and husband Leo, Sandy Carruth Dees and husband Harvey, William “Wick” Carruth and wife Jimmie, Deborah Carruth Pruett, Greg Carruth and wife Karen; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, James V. Wilson and William L. Wilson. Preceded in death by her husband, Elton Carruth; parents, J. W. Wilson and Imogene Foster Wilson; 2 brothers, Farrell Wilson and Huey P. Long Wilson; sister, Norma Jean Hilbun. The family would like to thank Modern Hospice and especially Lisa King and Vanessa Creel. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and at First Baptist Church of Greensburg on Tuesday from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM. Services conducted by Rev. Tony Hand and Rev. Shawn Ostoj. Interment Center Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

David and I have been blessed to have had sweet friends to check on us during his, and now my, illnesses. Find your ways of being a special blessing – cards, food, visits, calls, etc. – to others.

Share a little joy today!

Anna Lee

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:

The old has gone, the new is here!

~2 Corinthians 5:17~

Baptist Press – https://www.baptistpress.com/

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

Today’s Bible Reading – Colossians 3:1-2 (Read and write in your notebook.)

Covid seems to be all around. The good news is that in most cases it is not a serious problem. Thank God for that change. Pray for those who have more serious cases.

Weekly Bible study, often called Sunday School, is available in many churches around us. Check out what is available and who is teaching those classes, then sign up to become involved.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Even though Christmas has passed, it is never too late to contribute to this offering for international missions.

January Mission Project at FBC, Kentwood – Collecting gift cards to Walmart, Dollar General, and Lowe’s, etc. which will be sent to the tornado victims in Kentucky. Bro. Stan Statham, LA Baptist Disaster Relief, will be in charge of seeing that the cards are properly distributed.

Coming Soon – OCC Workday at FBC, Kentwood – We will be filling pencil bags and doing other projects. If you wish to contribute to the pencil bags, you might want to brings some pencils, pens, erasers, pencil sharpeners, glue sticks, SMALL plastic toys, bracelets, etc. to help fill the bags. We usually meet in the fellowship hall and work from 9 A.M. to noon. The date will be Feb. 5th. Mark your calendars.

Thank-you for reading and praying today. Remember, if you cannot be a part of the church services today, you can watch them live or later on Facebook. Sometimes, my internet service is not up-to-par, so I just wait until the service is over to watch. I prefer to watch live if possible.

The online services can also be used to listen to the sermon again, hear a special musical performance again, let young children hear the children’s message, etc. Use them in a way that works best for you and yours.

Anna Lee

For we know that our old self was crucified with him

so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,

that we should no longer be slaves to sin 

because anyone who has died

has been set free from sin.

~Romans 6:6-7~

This morning I am happy to announce the birth of Annie Ruth Thornton.

Born 1-6-22 at 8:25 P.M. weighing 8 lb.14 oz. and 19 in. long

Annie Ruth is the fifth child of Josh and Danyelle Thornton of Arcola.

Annie Ruth is fine. Danyelle has some minor complications you can pray about.

Please pray for Ananda Miller McKenzie, daughter of Steve and Wendy Miller of Line Creek. Amanda began a round of chemo yesterday. The family requests your prayers.

We are asking for prayers that she will remain strong to tolerate the treatments necessary to rid her body of cancer and fight the battle that is before us. We have turned this over to God and trust His will.

Please pass the work. Two Rivers Baptist Association WMU will meet on Monday, January 17th, at Spring Creek Baptist Church. Church leadership members will meet at 9:00 with the meeting at 10:00. Please plan to attend and bring a friend or two. The meeting will be followed with a lunch. You are asked to bring a side dish or a dessert.

Don’t forget that the January Mission Project is giving gift cards for victims of the recent tornado in Kentucky. Suggestions for the cards include Dollar General, Walmart, annd Lowe’s.

Today’s Bible Reading Plan for 2022

~Philippians 2:5~

Bless someone by your works or actions today.

Anna Lee

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.  

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

~Lamentations 3:22-23~

Please pray for the teachers, students, and support staff of all our local schools who have just returned or will soon return to class.

Daryl and JoEllen Carruth had tornado damage to their home. For four months, they have been removing items and walls. Their home is now down to the studs. They are thankful for the help of many friends and family members as they prepare to begin reconstruction. It didn’t hurt that they have a number of family members in the area and a Baton Rouge son who is an architect. Please pray all goes smoothly and safely so they will soon be back in their home.

Mr. Bobby Raborn, Yvonne’s brother, is back at home home. Thank you for praying for him.

David says I am better. I know I still hurt, but I did sleep better last night than I have in months. I am so thankful for the sleep. I’m waiting for the next sign of a successful procedure..

Read and Write a Scripture in 2022

January – “Thoughts of the Mind”

Take 10 minutes each day to read that day’s
Bible verse and the surrounding passages.
Write it in your journal and pray over it. Ask
God to reveal to you what He wants to show
you through His Word.

1st Romans 12:2
2nd Philippians 4:8
3rd 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
4th 2 Timothy 1:7
5th Proverbs 4:23
6th Ephesians 4:22-24
7th Romans 7:23
8th Philippians 2:5
9th Colossians 3:1-2
10th Jeremiah 33:3
11th Proverbs 3:5
12th Matthew 15:11
13th Luke 21:34
14th Matthew 22:37
15th Romans 7:25
16th Psalm 19:14
17th 1 Corinthians 2:11-16
18th 1 Peter 1:13
19th Isaiah 43:18-19
20th Psalm 139:17
21st Romans 1:28
22nd Ephesians 4:23
23rd Psalm 90:12
24th Psalm 139:23-24
25th Mark 7:21-22
26th Isaiah 55:8
27th Philippians 4:6-7
28th Romans 8:6
29th Romans 12:3
30th Mark 12:30
31st Psalm 94:11

The Family Focus Conference will be at FBC, Kentwood in about a week. It is not too late to sign up for this FREE event which will be a positive help to your family life. Call the church office (229-8111) or sign up on the church’s web page.

The January Mission Project is to collect gift cards for Kentucky tornado victims. You can give them to Bro. Darryl when you see him or to “Miss” Janice in the church office.

Have a wonderful day. Be blessed and pass it on.

Anna Lee

1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8~

Josiah Huckaby had his first day of school yesterday. He smiled all day, as always, and wore himself out having a good time. Thank God for this blessing.

David learned at church last night that Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson fell and broke a couple of ribs. Pray for her as she heals at home.

I’m not sure about the results of my injection yet. Result times vary, so I will be “testing” the results periodically today

Reading and writing the Bible today – Day 6

Ephesians 4:22-24

Family Focus Conference at FBC, Kentwood

Contact the church office to sign up. No fees to pay! Only benefits!

JANUARY MISSION PROJECT

Gift cards for Kentucky tornado victims can turned in to the church office Monday-Friday, 8:00 – 5:00.

Operation Christmas Child

I’ve been unable to shop for OCC, but David has shopped some. If you get an opportunity to shop and see items for the pencil bags, please help us out. Items needed for the pencil bags are: mechanical pencils, pencils, pens, erasers of various sizes, small toys like plastic animals or balls, stickers, etc. You can place your bags on the table in the classroom next to the choir room. Also, anyone who would like to volunteer a few hour to do some easy work for OCC, please let me know.

I’m not able to attend church now and greatly appreciate the online services. I hope you have located the site for time when you are unable to attend Sunday services or prayer meeting on Wednesdays.

Anna Leee

Above all else,

guard your heart,

for everything you do flows from it.

~Proverbs 4:23 NIV ~

Good news and bad news!

Good – The new virus is not bad for most people, especially for people who are fully vaccinated.

Bad – It is very contagious and spreading quickly here.

Please pray for all those who have the new virus.

We saw my pain management doctor yesterday. She is going to do another procedure early this morning. Hopefully, it will help. If you are up early, please pray for a successful procedure on my back.

Read and write Scripture in 2022

Today – Proverbs 4:23

I used it to start today’s Prayer Link.

January Mission Project at FBC, Kentwood

Purchase gift cards which will be given to tornado victims in Kentucky.

Be a blessing to someone today!

Anna Lee

Do not lie to each other,

since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self,

which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

~Colossians 3:9-10~

Read and write portions of the Bible in 2022

2 Timothy 1:7

Grab a notebook and write with us.

Yvonne Lott

February 09, 1937 – January 01, 2022

Yvonne Lott, born February 9, 1937, passed away on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at the age of 84. She was truly loved and an inspiration to all that came into contact with her, sharing the joy of the Lord with anyone that needed a hug, a prayer, or a hand to hold. She is survived by her sister, Beverly Stewart and husband Jerry, brother, Hamilton Miley and wife Katherine; children, Marilyn Passman and husband James, Stephanie and Brown Binder, and Jennifer Lott; grandchildren, Daniel Kennedy and wife Krystal, Cody Binder and Megan, Rachel Lockett, and Regan Kimball; and  numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Roy Babington; husband, Harold Lott; son, Clifford Lott; sister, Barbara Woodard; and grandchildren, Bo Binder and Dana McCullough . A private ceremony will be held among family. 

Please continue to pray for the many who are sick in our comminity.

My back is a little better. Pray for me as I see a doctor today.

January Mission Project – Gift Card for Tornado Victims

Anna Lee