Category: Uncategorized

Sunday

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 

3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

~Psalm 46:1-3~

Richard “Rick” Wayne Carter

March 09, 1948 – January 13, 2021
Richard “Rick” Carter died January 13, 2021 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, Mississippi. Rick was known for his encouraging spirit, contagious smile, love of horses, operatic singing, inspirational worship leading and overwhelming pride for his family, especially his grandchildren. 

Rick graduated from Ludwigsburg American Highschool in Ludwigsburg, Germany in 1966. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Montevallo in Alabama in 1972 and a Master’s Degree in Music from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1974. He served with the International Mission Board from 1986-1992 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, teaching at the International Baptist Seminary and working with area churches. He enthusiastically served the Lord for over 50 years. He ministered in churches in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee as a Minister of Music, Administrator, and Youth Minister.

Preceding him in death are his daughter, Rebekah Carol Carter; son-in-law, Samuel Jeremy Cochran; his sister, Lenore Suzanne Turpin; and his parents, John Cullen Carter and Ruth Culberson Harrison. He is survived by his sweetheart of 48 years, Nedra Hurst Carter; children, John Richard Carter and wife, KeithAnn, and Marie Carter Cochran; 4 grandchildren, Rebekah and MaryAlex Carter, Will and Caroline Cochran; his siblings, Kay Lachance, Denise Carter, Patti Sexton, and Bo Harrison.

Funeral service and internment will be held at Inspiration Park Memorial Gardens (283 Inspiration Park Drive Kentwood, Louisiana 70444) on Monday, January 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

The family extends a special thank you to the medical team at South Central Regional Medical Center. Memory Chapel Funeral Home, Laurel, has an online guestbook, visit http://www.memorychapellaurel.com/

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Rebekah Carter Memorial Scholarship at Mississippi College established in 2006. Donations may be sent to:

Rebekah Carter Memorial Scholarship
Box 4005
Clinton, MS 39058

Eunice “Tiny” Jenkins Phillips

July 15, 1945 – January 16, 2021


A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at her home. She was born July 15, 1945 in Independence, LA and was 75 years of age. She is survived by two daughters, Liz Phillips and Sonya Garon and husband Richard; son, Kevin Phillips and wife Rebecca; four grandchildren, Brittany Miller, Gena Dussold and husband Jacob, Cauy Phillips, and Cady Phillips; two sisters, Betty Robertson and Janice Varnado. Preceded in death by her husband, Joe Phillips; son, Glenn Phillips; sister, Catherine Tillman; brother, Enwin Jenkins; and special friend, Mary Ann Burnett. Private Services will be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Ruth Burton

Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home

Ruth Burton

Ruth, age 51, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 14, 2021. She was a resident of Albany, LA. Ruth was a dedicated teacher for 20+ years. She worked at Courtney Christian School and taught English, Math, and Bible. Ruth was a devoted member of The Wellspring Church. Both Ruth and her husband were extremely active and never missed a service. Ruth was truly a selfless woman and always put others before herself. She absolutely adored children and had a slight obsession with cats. Ruth truly left an impact on all who knew her and will be forever missed.

“And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request, for all the people of my town know that you are a virtuous woman.” Ruth 3:11

She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Josh Burton; daughter, Dr. Beth Burton; sons, Ben Burton, Matt Burton; parents, Dawn and Robert Hafele; and brother, Robert Hafele.

The family has requested that anyone who attends the visitation please wear a mask and practice social distancing. In honor of Ruth, the family has asked that everyone please wear some form of Ruth’s favorite color, purple.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a visitation from the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, 12012 Hwy 190 W. Hammond, LA 70401, on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Private family services will follow.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – January 17

GENESIS 45:16-47:27

Online services from FBC, Kentwood today

10:30 A.M.

6:00 P.M.

David and I often have trouble with reception, so when that happens, we watch a replay early on Monday morning. I know others have this issue too. When it is clear that the reception is not going to be good, turn it off and try at another time. We don’t usually have that reception problem on Wednesday nights.

PrayER Focus to Today

Today, let’s pray concerning Covid-19 issues.

  • Those who are sick at this time
  • Families which covid issues
  • Those who are quarantined
  • Those who struggle, but still wear masks when away from home.
  • Businesses that are closed
  • Businesses with limited service
  • People who work daily in environments where others do not wear masks
  • Medical professionals
  • Vaccinations that will reduce future covid numbers
  • Students who have virtual classes
  • Families who have lost family members to covid

Thanks for your prayers for these and other concerns. I believe in prayer!

Anna Lee

Saturday

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,

for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

~Isaiah 41:10~

Please continue to pray for David’s sister, Bonnie, who is hospitalized with several issues. Pray for her children as they make decisions and changes.

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Jeanette McGehee and her daughter- in-law, Rhonda. They seem to be improving. Also, pray for Allan McGehee, who is not doing as well.

Please pray for members of the Amite High School class of 1966. We have several classmates fighting cancer, covid, and other health issues. Also, pray for those who have had deaths in their family lately. I’m sure this is true for other schools and other classes, but members of my class share prayer concerns with each other regularly so I know more about them.

David had an appointment with a dermatology surgeon Thursday. All is well, except his actions are rather limited for the next few weeks. Pray he can follow the guidelines to good healing.

Read the Bible in 2021 – January 16

GENESIS 42:1-45:15

Operation Christmas Child, 2021

Work is already being done to begin the boxes we will pack in about nine months. There is much so do, so starting early allows us to pack more “shoeboxes”. I was thrilled yesterday to get a phone call from a member of our church who volunteered to make fishing kits for 150 older boys, ages 10-14. Her heart was touched and the family wanted to “get on board” early so they could accomplish this project and possibly others this year. This is a wonderful example of “Helping Hands”. If you have an idea for a family project, or would like some suggestions, please let me know.

Today is a good day to choose one or more of these activities:

___Call someone you are thinking about

___Write a note to someone

___Pray for a need

___Rejoice with someone about an accomplishment

___Check on someone in the hospital (by calling)

___Volunteer to work in a yard, water flowers, clean windows, etc.

___Deliver a meal or a “treat”

___Share a Scripture

___(Fill in this blank.)

I know/have known people who used Saturday as a day of preparation for Sunday so they could focus on God on Sunday. For example, I remember my daddy polished a pair of shoes for each one of us so they would look like new on Sunday. He did this every Saturday. Now, that is not such a big need, but there are other things that could be done to make Sundays run smoother. I also have know ladies to cook all the food for Sunday on Saturdays. Think about what would be helpful in your home.

Anna Lee

Friday

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

~Jeremiah 29:11~

Thanks to all of you who donated clothing to the family whose home burned. Larry Miller said they now have a sufficient supply of clothing. Thank-you for your continued prayers for them.

Some of our friends with covid had a better day yesterday, but not all of them. As you pray for the covid patients, please remember their families, friends, and co-workers.

Mr. “Cete” Dillon will be returning to his home today. I think he and “Miss” Ruby will be very glad to be together after this time of separation due to covid.

Loretta Wilson sent this yesterday morning after we left for an all day medical appointment. I’m sure today is not to late to pray for Kevin Travis and his family.

Please remember my cousin Kevin Travis, he has lung cancer, they are doing a biopsy this morning at 8am. This is Kenneth “Koo Boo” Travis’s son. We , the family, would appreciate all prayers as we go through this. Thank you all in advance. We know God is on his throne and he has a plan already in place. I thank God that Kevin knows this.

Ronald Carruth Laird

May 16, 1941 – January 07, 2021

Ronald Carruth Laird, a retired Certified Public Accountant, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2021, at East Jefferson General Hospital at the age of 79. He was a native of New Orleans and a resident of Harahan. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Terrie Carrington Laird; brother, J. Russell Laird, Jr. (Rosalind) of Fort Worth, TX; twin brother, Donald Curtis Laird (Barbara). He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Russell Laird, Sr. and Lola Carruth Laird. Ronald received his accounting degree from Louisiana State University in New Orleans in 1967. He served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve for six years. Ronald was successful in obtaining a patent for a drill press table having a disposable wooden table section mechanism on September 11, 1990, from the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. A special thanks to his good friends, Gary F. Reynolds, and Wayne and Estelle Palmisano and to the caregivers of Peristyle Residences – Richland House, plus the staff of Metro Med Pass. A private burial service was held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – January 15

GENESIS 40:1-23
GENESIS 35:28-29
GENESIS 41:1-57

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Baptist Message

https://baptistmessage.com/

I took time to read several articles from Baptist Press and the Baptist Message this morning. I’m sure you will find some that speak to you too.

I believe in prayer and trust you do too.

Anna Lee

Thursday

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you;

he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

~Deuteronomy 31:6~

Mrs. Dot White‘s surgery has been postponed. Continue to keep her in your prayers.

Mrs. Jeanette McGehee is hospitalized. Pray for her. Pray for caregivers as the virus is also in the family.

Please pray for David’s sister, Bonnie Newman. She may need to make some big changes at this time. Bonnie lives in Bay St. Louis, MS.

If you have had the covid vaccination, don’t ease up on staying at home and wearing your mast when you are around people. You need to also have the booster shot and wait for about two weeks after that.

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – January 14

GENESIS 37:1-38:30
1 CHRONICLES 2:3-6
1 CHRONICLES 2:8
GENESIS 39:1-23

If you get a chance, today might be a good time to enjoy some sunshine. A ride in your automobile will get you out for a while. It’s my “prescription” for the day.

Even on the “cold, rainy stay-at-home days”, find ways to check on others and to let them know you care about them. Maybe, in another month, many of us will have more freedom to go places. David and I are like many of you – ready to go to church, a restaurant, etc. Read that introductory Scripture again.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up;

do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

~Isaiah 43:19~

Mr. “Cete” Dillon will stay where he is now for therapy. Please continue to pray for the Dillon family.

Some of my friends had good days, but others did not do so well with Covid yesterday. Please pray for all those who have covid and wear a mask when in public places.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – January 13

GENESIS 36:1-19
1 CHRONICLES 1:35-37
GENESIS 36:20-30
1 CHRONICLES 1:38-42
GENESIS 36:31-43
1 CHRONICLES 1:43-2:2

Don’t be discouraged. All these references are in only two chapters of the Bible, Genesis 36 and I Chronicles 1.

This is Wednesday. Plan to attend or view pray meeting services tonight. You can join the services of FBC, Kentwood on Facebook at 6 P.M.

Prayers make a difference!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

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~

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read the Bible in 2021 – January 12

GENESIS 32:1-35:27

I hope you are finding this doesn’t take “all day” to accomplish and are enjoying reading some passages you haven’t read lately.

Operation Chirstmas Child, OCC ,functions best with lots of people involved. Coming soon: “Helping Hands”, your opportunity to help using your sewing talents, using your counting abilities, using your painting talents, using you shopping talents, using your organizing talents, using your collecting talents, using your repurposing talents, etc. There is a need for your talent! Pay attention for the upcoming announcements about how you can help. Also, we will soon be working on shopping talents. If you can help, please let me know.

Let’s end the day with a bit of good news. Mr. “Cete” Dillon may get to come home today.

Anna Lee

Monday

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~

John and Kirstin Lee Antoon proudly announced the birth of their son last week. Beckham Richie Antoon was born January 4, 2021 at 1:21 P.M. weighing in at 7 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring 19.6 inches long. His three sisters are enjoying having their brother at home.

Mrs. Mildred Birch asks for prayers for her daughter and son-in-law, RHONDA AND ALLEN MCGEHEE, who have covid. She is home, but he is hospitalized. “Miss” Mildred lost a good friend, her brother, and now has this concern. Pray for her as you pray for her family.

As you pray for the McGehees, please also pray for all the others who are sick with covid. Several of our friends seem to be “holding their own” at this time.

The people whose home burned last week have received clothing from some of you. Thank-you for your quick responses. More clothing appropriate for the cold weather would also be helpful. Donations can be dropped off at Larry Miller’s home. He will deliver to the family.

Operation Christmas Child, 2021 is beginning at FBC, Kentwood! Be thinking about how you will donate items, money, or time/talents. All are appreciated and will benefit poor children in the form of a “shoebox” filled with school supplies, hygiene items, fun toys, and a book & opportunity to “meet” Jesus! The shoeboxes will travel and “speak” to the children in places where we will never have the opportunity to visit or “share Jesus”.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

GENESIS 30:25-31:55

May you be richly blessed in all you do today.

Anna Lee

Sunday

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

The old has gone, the new is here!

~2 Corinthians 5:17~

Chronological Bible Reading for January 10

GENESIS 28:6-30:24

If you are not attending church in person, online services are available from many church services. Services from FBC, Kentwood will be streaming at 10:30 A.M. and 6 P.M. Sometimes, I watch several churches. I can hear former pastors, pastors I have known a long time but never heard, enjoy music at other churches, watch multiple holiday programs, see grandchildren from another state, etc. If you attend church in person, you have the option to hear a sermon again, visit other churches, etc.

Today, is a good day to think of others. You might want to update your personal prayer list, share an inspirational book/magazine, write notes to others, call and check on friends and relatives, cook/bake something to share, etc.

It has been nice to hear of “baby-steps” of improvement from several of my friends who are hospitalized. Don’t always took for an instantaneous total improvement. Celebrate each little improvement.

It is never too late to give to the Lottie Moon Offering for international missions or any other offering.

I’ve been doing some sewing for Operation Christmas Child. Yesterday, a man told me his church had already turned in their shoeboxes. He was surprised to hear me say the items are for Christmas, 2021. Today, FBC, Kentwood will share some photos of OCC, 2020. It’s never too early to begin working. With more time to work, more boxes can be packed!

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee

Friday

“I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

~1 Corinthians 1:4, 7 (NLT)~

Chronological Bible Reading – January 9

GENESIS 25:27-28:5

Mr. “Cete” Dillon is in rehab in Kentwood at Ltach. He is in room 11 where the phone number is 229-9193.

Several friends who have covid are doing a little better. It is very hard on the patient and the family to not be together. Please pray for all the covid families.

Thanks to those of you who have stepped up and donated clothing to the family whose home was destroyed by fire Thursday.

Please continue to pray for our country, its leaders, and all the people. Pray for God’s wisdom and His leadership.

Pray today for the church services that will be held tomorrow. Pray for pastors as they prepare to share the message God lays on their hearts and musicians who prepare and share the wonderful music that touches our hearts. Pray for listening ears and receptive hearts. Pray for technology and tech crews as they work to get the services out to those of you who are unable to attend at this time.

Make today count!

Anna Lee