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Tuesday

“Our message is not about ourselves.

It is about Jesus Christ as the Lord.

We are your servants for his sake.”

~2 Corinthians 4:5 (GW)~

It’s good to hear from people that they and family members are better after a couple weeks of Covid-19. It is hard to hear how badly they felt and that they still have issues. Let’s all do our part in preventing the spread of the virus.

I talked with a member of a church in our area. They have online services for those unable to attend worship, but they go a step beyond that. They have an early morning service on Sundays for the older people. Wearing of masks, social distancing, and other precautions are taken allowing the people to get back in the sanctuary where they have always worshipped. What a great opportunity! It may be common, but it is the first I have heard about. It’s like using lemons to make lemonade!

Mr. Harlon Toney and Mr. “Cete” Dillon are both home after stays in the hospital. Please keep both of these men in your prayers as they return to a more normal schedule at home.

Please continue to pray for Toby Miller as he has just begun a new phase of treatment for cancer. Prayers are appreciated.

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 17

Ezekiel 35:1-36:38
James 1:1-18
Psalm 116:1-19
Proverbs 27:23-27

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Operation Christmas Child Update

Day 1 of Drop-OfF Week

796 Shoeboxes from 5 Churches

The men who packed the boxes in the cartons worked long and hard!

I’m so thankful for the volunteers who helped yesterday.

Thankfulness – Day 17

Today, I’m thankful for erasers and other devices that allow us to have a second chance. On paper, we often use correction tape now. In life, we use other methods to get a second change. Sometimes, we simply call these correction methods apologies. They can be in person, over the phone, or in a written form. They allow us to say I’m sorry, I made a mistake, I apologize, please forgive me, etc. Sometimes, they come with a hug, a handshake, or even tears. Best of all, they come with a fresh start and an awareness our weaknesses. Often, they are not easy. May God bless our efforts to apologize/start over and do/say the things He would have us to do/say!

May you find joy in this day as you realize how you are blessed. May you also find joy in blessing others!

Anna Lee

Monday

“We have this treasure from God,

but we are like clay jars that hold the treasure.

This shows that the great power is from God,

not from us.”

~2 Corinthians 4:7 (NCV)~

Today begins the Drop-Off Week for the Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes. Collection at FBC, Kentwood will be from 10 to 12 today. Follow the signs. Collection will conclude next Monday at 10. Be sure to bring your boxes during the time listed so there will be someone to assist you.
Masks and gloves will be worn. Social distancing will be practiced. Information can be shared “paperless” using your phone. You never have to leave your vehicle.

Thankfulness- Day 16

Today, I am thankful for Operation Christmas Child and all those who give so needy children in many countries can be blessed with a box of hygiene items, toys, and school supplies. It is usually the only gift they have ever received. Best of all, they will have an opportunity to learn about Jesus. Today, individuals, groups, and churches will begin to turn the boxes in so they can begin their trip to the destination points. I’m thankful for all the people who share their love and God’s love this way. What a blessing it had been to David and me to participate for many years. It is our greatest mission field!

Sally Lynn Rumskey Piatt

July 6, 1937 – November 12, 2020
Sally Lynn Rumskey Piatt

SALLY LYNN RUMSKEY PIATT
Sally, age 83, of Bellaire, Ohio and a long-time resident of Kentwood, LA loved spending time outdoors, entertaining with al fresco dinners, beach picnics, mowing the grass, and traveling the world by train, boat or plane. She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Donald Piatt, Sr.
She is survived by her daughter, Robin (Dr. Randolph) Howes, her son, Jaye (Stacie) Piatt, grandchildren, Zacherie, and Zoey, and her brother, John Rumskey.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Gladys & Otto Rumskey, her brothers, Otto Jr and Pete and her son, Don Jr.
She worked for many years in Atlanta as a re-insurance broker and then went on to work later in New Orleans for USAir. She loved meeting new people and never knew a stranger. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, quilting, reading, movies, playing cards and board games, laughing, and a big football fan. She enjoyed fashion and was always a sharp dresser and was an elegant, classy, polished lady. She had found her bliss. Go rest high on that mountain, Sally.
A private memorial will be given on Monday, November 16, 2020. For an online guestbook, visit www.thompsoncares.com

READ THE BIBLE IN 2020 – NOVEMBER 16

Ezekiel 33:1-34:31
Hebrews 13:1-25
Psalm 115:1-18
Proverbs 27:21-22

The video for online services at FBC, Kentwood last night had some technical issues last night, but was posted earlier this morning. You can view at your convenience.

You can easily contact me by using the contact button at the top right of this page.

Today, as we get closer to thanksgiving, find a way to bless someone. I was always taught it was better to give than to receive. Thankfully, many of you were taught that too. Ir is certainly one of the greatest lessons I ever learned!

Anna Lee

Sunday

My Father’s house has many rooms;

if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I AM.

You know the way to the place where I am going.”

John 14:2-4

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 15

Ezekiel 31:1-32:32
Hebrews 12:14-29
Psalm 113:1-114:8
Proverbs 27:18-20

Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off Week

FBC, Kentwood will be accepting shoeboxes starting tomorrow morning at 10 A.M. We will be available two hours each day Monday through Monday. The hours change for your convenience. We are so excited to serve as a “middle-man” site. Please check the schedule for times either on Samaritan’s Purse website or on yesterday’s “The Prayer Link”.

Bryan Tate has run into complications again. He has pneumonia, which means he needs additional medication and doctor visits. He will be back at home, but getting treatment in Covington three days a week. Please pray for Bryan and Rita.

Glenn Gabriel Reid

September 21, 1962 – November 13, 2020
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2020 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born September 21, 1962 in Magnolia, MS and was 58 years of age. Husband. Father. Grandfather. An avid horseman who lived for his family and to spend time with his grandkids. He was a long-time, self-employed owner of Reid Automotive. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dana Wallace Reid; daughter, Nicole Reid Coxen and husband, Bo; 2 sons, Glenn Gabriel Reid, II and Koy Michael Reid and wife, Rebecca; grandchildren, Aniston and Anslee Coxen, Rylee and Ryder Reid, and a granddaughter on the way, Addi Coxen; 2 sisters, Sylvia Gail Bond and Kathy Reid Seal and husband, Allen; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Glenn and Doris Seals Reid; 2 sisters, Sandra Reid and Debora Lynn Reid; brother-in-law, Ken Bond. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. Services conducted by Rev. Trey Waldrop. Interment Sharon Cemetery, Amite, LA. Pallbearers will be Ryan Seal, Aaron Seal, Trey Toups, Scott Seal, Bradley Seal, and Christopher Waskom. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thankfulness – Day 15

Today, I am thankful for holidays. The one we will soon be celebrating is good because it focuses on family and on thanking God. We don’t have to have the most costly possessions to be thankful. Possessions are certainly not the most important things in our lives. Let’s pray God helps us to get our priorities straight and keep them that way.

Today is the Lord’s Day. Worship in person on online with any number of churches.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

~Psalm 23:6~

Jana Dillon Gill‘s surgery went well yesterday. She’s already back in Kentwood. Please pray for her recovery time.

Elizabeth Benefield Simmons

December 08, 1950 – November 10, 2020

Elizabeth Benefield Simmons, a resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. She was born December 8, 1950 in Apalachicola, FL and was 69 years of age. She is survived by 1 son, Les Simmons; grandchildren, Sydnie Simmons and Lauren Simmons; sisters. Bridget Miller and husband, Bill, Bonnie Carline and Eva Liles; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, E.W. “Dub” Benefield and Clara Benefield. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and Memorial Services at 8:00PM Tuesday, November 17, 2020. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith . McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thomas “Tommy” Ray Johnson

January 10, 1953 – November 08, 2020

Thomas “Tommy” Ray Johnson, age 67, died peacefully in his sleep at home with his loving wife at his side on November 8th 2020, after a long battle with ALS disease.

Tommy Ray, who grew up in Greensburg, Louisiana, was a star football player and track star at Greensburg High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1973, and transitioned into the Army Reserves after active service. Master Sergeant Johnson was a proud and humble veteran of the Gulf War, who was a Bronze Star recipient, and later served in Afghanistan and Guatemala. Tommy also received the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal.

After returning from active service, Tommy enrolled at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond in 1983, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies and a Masters in Health and Kinesiology, with a certification in Adapted Physical Education. After graduation, Coach Johnson became a social studies teacher and football and track coach at several junior and senior high schools in the Tangipahoa Parish area. His experience in the military played an important role in the discipline and goal-oriented focus that he inspired in his students through his work as a coach and with special needs childrens’ physical education. He was an active volunteer with Special Olympics and at the Berean Children’s Home as a House Parent and Mentor. He is remembered as living a life of service while being a humble and loving gentleman; a low-key man of honor with a great sense humor and wit.

Tommy Ray was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Simmons and her husband, Alva and his father, Billy Ray Johnson and his wife, Ruby. Tommy is survived by his loving wife, Jeannine “Gigi” Baer Johnson; his stepsons Christopher Barrett Lewis and Blake Hunter Lewis; his brothers Dr. Larry Simmons and his wife, Cheryl and Lawrence Brenner, Sr. and his wife Sybil, as well as many extended family members and friends.

The celebration of Tommy’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Greensburg, LA, with a viewing beginning at 9am, followed by his service at 11am. If you are unable to join us in person, the service will be livestreamed on the First Baptist Church of Greensburg’s Facebook Page. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 14th

Ezekiel 29:1-30:26
Hebrews 11:32-12:13
Psalm 112:1-10
Proverbs 27:17

Thankfulness – Day 14

Today, I’m thankful for “dependability“! It comes in many forms: automobiles, appliances, mail carriers, grocery stores, household appliances, hot water, janitors, bus drivers, secretaries, volunteers, family members, etc. Today, I’m thankful for a heating system that came on with an easy click. Yes, it did smell like lint burning for a few minutes, but the heat came on and quickly warmed the house. (David got up earlier than usual and turned the heat on.)

Today’s Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for all those who are finishing up packing “shoeboxes“. The greatest benefit is for all the children who will get a “shoebox” and who would have missed out if the last minute boxes were not passed. It’s not too late to include one more child!

Some churches are having services as usual tomorrow, but others are not because of Covid-19. Examples: Kentwood, yes & Osyka, no. You may need to check before you drive!

Anna Lee

Friday

 Do not forget the covenant I have made with you,

and do not worship other gods.  

Rather, worship the LORD your God;

it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.”

~2 Kings 17:38-39~

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Louisiana Baptist Message

https://baptistmessage.com/

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 13

Ezekiel 27:1-28:26
Hebrews 11:17-31
Psalm 111:1-10
Proverbs 27:15-16

Elizabeth Benefield Simmons

December 08, 1950 – November 10, 2020

Elizabeth Benefield Simmons, a resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. She was born December 8, 1950 in Apalachicola, FL and was 69 years of age. She is survived by 1 son, Les Simmons; grandchildren, Sydnie Simmons and Lauren Simmons; sisters. Bridget Miller and husband, Bill, Bonnie Carline and Eva Liles; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, E.W. “Dub” Benefield and Clara Benefield. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and Memorial Services at 8:00PM Tuesday, November 17, 2020. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith . McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thomas “Tommy” Ray Johnson

January 10, 1953 – November 08, 2020

Thomas “Tommy” Ray Johnson, age 67, died peacefully in his sleep at home with his loving wife at his side on November 8th 2020, after a long battle with ALS disease.

Tommy Ray, who grew up in Greensburg, Louisiana, was a star football player and track star at Greensburg High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1973, and transitioned into the Army Reserves after active service. Master Sergeant Johnson was a proud and humble veteran of the Gulf War, who was a Bronze Star recipient, and later served in Afghanistan and Guatemala. Tommy also received the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal.

After returning from active service, Tommy enrolled at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond in 1983, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies and a Masters in Health and Kinesiology, with a certification in Adapted Physical Education. After graduation, Coach Johnson became a social studies teacher and football and track coach at several junior and senior high schools in the Tangipahoa Parish area. His experience in the military played an important role in the discipline and goal-oriented focus that he inspired in his students through his work as a coach and with special needs childrens’ physical education. He was an active volunteer with Special Olympics and at the Berean Children’s Home as a House Parent and Mentor. He is remembered as living a life of service while being a humble and loving gentleman; a low-key man of honor with a great sense humor and wit.

Tommy Ray was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Simmons and her husband, Alva and his father, Billy Ray Johnson and his wife, Ruby. Tommy is survived by his loving wife, Jeannine “Gigi” Baer Johnson; his stepsons Christopher Barrett Lewis and Blake Hunter Lewis; his brothers Dr. Larry Simmons and his wife, Cheryl and Lawrence Brenner, Sr. and his wife Sybil, as well as many extended family members and friends.

The celebration of Tommy’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Greensburg, LA, with a viewing beginning at 9am, followed by his service at 11am. If you are unable to join us in person, the service will be livestreamed on the First Baptist Church of Greensburg’s Facebook Page. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thankfulness – Day 13

Today, I am thankful for telephones. I’ve always appreciated them. Daddy worked for AT&T for 38 years. In recent years, the telephones and services have greatly changed, but there is still nothing like answering the phone and recognizing the voice of a friend or loved one. Telephones provide a service and brings the outside world into our homes, especially during difficult days like hurricanes, sickness, pandemics, emergencies, etc. My favorite calls will always be from friends and family. Love, joy, hope, encouragement, and other emotions travel through the lines to our house.

Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off Week

Thank-you to those who have volunteered to help us next week. Please call me if you can assist us in receiving and packaging “shoeboxes” for their next destination. Don’t miss the joy of being a part of the process.

Today’s Prayer Focus

Today, let us focus on those who need to be connected to God through a local church and church family. May we be an instrument in that connection being made.

Remember, you can call me or write me using the contact button at the top of this page if there is any way I can be of service to you.

Anna Lee

Thursday

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

 in whom we have redemption,

the forgiveness of sins.

~Colossians 1:13-14~

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 12

Ezekiel 24:1-26:21
Hebrews 11:1-16
Psalm 110:1-7
Proverbs 27:14

Prayer Focus for Today

Please pray for all the people with Covid-19. Hardly a day goes by that I do not hear of one or more new cases in our area. Most cases seem to be mild, but some people are also struggling in ICU.

New Church Offices for FBC, Kentwood

This week the walls went up. Drive by to see the progress.

Operation Christmas Child

Lots of churches and individuals are working hard to complete their “shoeboxes” for 2020. Pray for the packers who are still working to get a few more ready for shipment.

Thankfulness – Day 12

Today, I am thankful the spirit of enthusiasm and Commitment I see in people. I think it is wonderful when they learn more about a mission opportunity and decide to invest in it. Julie, my sister, has learned a lot about Operation Christmas Child this year and has already started on “shoeboxes” for 2021. Let’s pray God blesses her with an abundant harvest of “shoeboxes” which will be instrumental in many young lives having the opportunity to learn about Jesus. May she also be able to influence her friends and family members with this mission opportunity this year.

Thinking ahead….

It’s time to consider the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for 2020. This money is used by the IMB, International Mission Board, to share the Gospel in countries around the world. Without these funds, most of our missionaries would have to leave their field of service. One hundred percent of the money you give goes into supporting God’s work internationally. When you write your check, you simply need to designate it for Lottie Moon.

Each day givens us reasons to be thankful. May we be aware of our blessings each day.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Addition No. 2

Yvonne Birch just called with a prayer request for her two month old great-granddaughter, Collins Antoon, who has just been admitted to the OLOL Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. Pray for the baby and the family as tests are done to identify the problem. Yvonne said she would greatly appreciate your prayers for the baby and the family. Thanks so much!