“We are not fighting against human beings

but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world.”

~Ephesians 6:12 (GNT)~

Read the Bible in 2020- October 13

Jeremiah 14:11-16:15
1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13
Psalm 80:1-19
Proverbs 25:1-5

Charles “Pete” Hughes

September 01, 1948 – October 09, 2020

Charles “Pete” Hughes, a resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2020 at his home. He was born September 1, 1948 in Independence, LA and was 72 years of age. He was owner and operator of Hughes’ Bar and Lounge, a family business, for 54 years where he never met a stranger and was a friend to all. He is survived by his wife, Paula Doughty Hughes; 2 daughters, Terri Hughes and husband, Richard Swindell and Tamie Christmas and husband, Michael Christmas; 2 grandchildren, Michael Christmas, II and Reese Ann Christmas; mother, Virean Carter Hughes; 1 brother, Cecil “John” Hughes. Preceded in death by his father, Carl Hughes. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, October 14, 2020. Services conducted by Rev. Trey Waldrop. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Tangi Humane Society. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Ricky D. Mapes

July 12, 1979 – October 05, 2020

Mr. Ricky D. Mapes, 41, of Lumberton, MS, passed from this life on Monday, October 5, 2020 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS.

Mr. Rick was born on July 12, 1979 and was the son of Andy Taylor and Betty Taylor. He was a man of many talents and had the gift of design. His favorite time of year was Christmas and was known for his decorations. He won many awards in design and he loved creating beauty. He loved flowers. He was a family man. He enjoyed his time spent with his family and his fur babies, Princess and Tucker as well as his many friends. In his final gift to this world, he was an organ donor and gave three organs to save three lives. John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by one sister, Ronda Dianne Mapes; grandparents, Edward Zeigler and Ruby Lee Zeigler and Loretta King; his great-grandmother, Ruthie Phelps and one uncle, Hal King.

He is survived by his parents of Osyka, MS; one brother, Tommy Mapes of Osyka, MS; three sisters, Pennie Garcia and Mayra of Crestview, FL, Rebecca Lynn Alexander and Mickey of Summit, MS and Melissa Tate and Leo of Loranger, LA; four nephews, Micah Tolar, Tyler Alexander, Preston Alexander and Ryan Tate; two nieces, Autumn Carty and MeKenna Tate and host of uncles, aunts, cousins and other family and friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020 from 10AM until time of memorial service at 12PM at First Baptist Church of Kentwood, LA with Bro. Darryl Miller officiating and Sharkey Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Due to COVID-19, we ask that masks are worn and social distance is observed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ricky Mapes to The First Baptist Church of Kentwood, LA building fund or music dept.

Please pray for all those who are sick, discouraged, misguided, lacking purpose, grieving, or without the Lord.

Anna Lee

“Through Christ, God made peace between us and himself, and God gave us the work of telling everyone about the peace we can have with him.”

~2 Corinthians 5:18 (NCV)~

Don Schneeweiss fell and tore his rotator cuff. Pray for Don and Firma Kay as they meet with a surgeon today to discuss plans for surgery.

I watched the associational service that was held last night at FBC, Kentwood. I hope you will take time to do the same if you were unable to be there in person.

https://www.facebook.com/KentwoodFirstBaptistChurch/videos/668019130513844

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 12

Jeremiah 19:1-21:14
1 Thessalonians 5:4-28
Psalm 82:1-8
Proverbs 25:9-10

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

I read several news articles this morning concerning the virus. They use us to continue to wear masks and to practice social distancing. This problem is not over with yet. Be sure to do your part.

Please pray for churches as they work to continue services and to stay aware of all they need to do to prevent the continued spread of the disease. Pray for families that are currently experiencing having the virus.

Anna Lee

“This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.  

Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’

~Zechariah 7:9-10~

This is the Lord’s Day. There are lots of options for church services today. Most churches are having live “regular” services. Many churches have an online service. Others are without power. Some have churches damaged by the recent hurricanes and have no facilities or alternate facilities for today. No matter where or how you worship today, God is still God and glad you are worshiping. Line Creek Baptist Church, in our area, will not have church due to a power outage. Those folks, and others like them, can visit another church in person or online or have their own worship at home. Just don’t leave God out of the day!

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 11

Jeremiah 16:16-18:23
1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3
Psalm 81:1-16
Proverbs 25:6-8

Check with your local church to see how they have progressed with Operation Christmas Child. You may be able to do something to meet a need for some of the shoeboxes. You may be able to provide shipping costs for some shoeboxes. Do whatever you can to help ship wonderfully filled “shoeboxes” to many children around the world. It’s not a competition. It is about the children and their opportunity to learn about God. We can all PRAY for the shoeboxes and their impact of homes around the world.

Thankfully, most of us in the Kentwood area did not have major damage because of Hurricane Delta. Many of us only had power outages which have already been cleared up. Be sure to thank God for taking good care of us.

As you are able and aware of needs, help others with their cleanup. Your pastor may be able to suggest people you can check with concerning cleaning up yards. Working as a group is a good idea. The task seems more like fun than work. (No, I am not asking for help. We will be able to do that ourselves, but there are others who would greatly appreciate your help.)

Anna Lee

“‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”

~Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)~

Today is a good day to spend talking to God and thanking Him for sparing us again as well as praying for those that were more affected by the storm than us.

We have hundreds of little branches down, but the roofs, walls, and trees are all in the same places. We lost power for about 12 hours, but the temperatures and breezes made for a good day inside and outside. Thank you, Lord! Be sure to thank Him too.

I received work that Pete Hughes of Roseland passed away. He has fought a long battle with cancer. Please be in prayer for his family. I’ll post an obituary when one is available.

Gavin Blake Graham

April 18, 1992 – October 07, 2020

Gavin Blake Graham, a native of Kentwood, was born April 18, 1992 in Slidell, LA. He left this earth on October 7, 2020 at dusk. Gavin was a person who would give you the shirt off of his back and a lot of times he would take some of his clothes and food to give away to someone in need. Gavin is survived by his mother, Kim Hayden (Daniel); father, Carey Graham (Carol); sister, Cara Graham(Abraham); brother, Kamdon Hayden; step-sister, April Rester (David);step-brother, Jeremy Jenkins (Lacie); step-brother, Hunter (Dralyn); step-sister, Kelsie Hayden; 3 nephews, Easton, Karson, and Haize; 1 niece, Linley; grandparents, Jimmy and Sherry Graham of Kentwood; uncle, Shane Graham (Missy); 3 aunts, Susan Patterson (Mike), Debbie Stewart (Dennis), and Tammy Shaffett; and numerous cousins. Preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Margaret and Morris Strickland; paternal great-grandparents, LC and Faye Graham; maternal great-grandparents, Charles and Nezalee McDaniel. Services will be held privately. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

It’s time to make plans to support the Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief effort though funding or bringing in items that are greatly needed. Contact Bro. Stan Statham at the missions office in Franklinton or work with a church in an area where there is a big need.

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 10

Jeremiah 14:11-16:15
1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13
Psalm 80:1-19
Proverbs 25:1-5

I plan to reschedule the packing of the shoeboxes for the end of the week. Please continue to pray. This week, pray for a successful packing with many items able to fit in each shoe box. May each child find items that seem to be packed in their boxes “just for them” as response to their wants and needs.

Please continue to pray for those who are grieving and those who are sick. May God provide for their needs at this time.

Anna Lee

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. 

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

~Romans 14:17-19~

Jeremy Greer‘s eye surgery went well. Pray for recovery and improvement.

Rachel Buckley‘s neck surgery also went well yesterday. Surgery went well. The doctor said the problem was greater than he expected. Pray for good recovery with a minimal amount of pain.

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 9

Jeremiah 12:1-14:10
1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8
Psalm 79:1-13
Proverbs 24:30-34

Pray for those in the path of Hurricane Delta. The people of southwest LA have already had a hurricane and a tropical storm this year. The thought of another hurricane now is disheartening. Pray the the people will now lose the spirit to recover again and to try to move on. Pray for others to unite and help those who have needs.

Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief has been busy. May they continue to find ways to minister to the people following the storm. May we all do our part in helping too.

https://louisianabaptists.org/disasterrelief

Ways to help: prayers, supplies, volunteering, and donations. You can donate through a local Baptist Church or online.

https://louisianabaptists.org/disasterrelief

I know several people who have already helped in the Lake Charles area this summer. Some have already served a second time in the last few weeks. Volunteers are a necessary part of this ministry, which is part of the Men’s Ministry of Louisiana Baptists. They use both men and women in the ministry. Pray about becoming a part of this team of volunteers.

God blesses those who bless others through time, effort, prayers, and donations.

You may enjoy and be inspired by reading about the work of disaster relief.

Articles

If all goes well here, the days of packing shoeboxes at FBC, Kentwood will be rescheduled for next week. We will be packing in a smaller area than usual, so work will be done in small groups in six different sessions. We will wear masks and socially distance. Those of you who are not working with us are urged to pray for the packing process. the traveling of the boxes, and the young recipients of the boxes. May God be glorified and the Good News spread around the world because of “shoeboxes”!

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

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

Thank-you for reading this blog and praying. The praying is the important part. Reading the blog only serves as a guide for your prayers. Of course, there are always others to pray for too, s0 please do not limit your prayers to those on this list.

Anna Lee

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

~Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)~

Rosemary Sabella Graham

March 17, 1936 – October 04, 2020

To God our Creator, Jesus Christ our Savior, Holy Spirit our earthly inner strength and conscience, with the Virgin Mother of Jesus, receive into your heavenly realm Rosemary, showing her mercy and forgiveness for all of her earthly short comings. Rosemary, born on March 17, 1936, passed away on October 4, 2020 leaving in Christ her husband of 65 years, Nolan E. Graham; her four children, Keith (Mary Jo), Donna Campo (Matt), Kevin (Yvonne) and Dana Redmond (Joe); her 9 grandchildren, Jeffrey, Angela, Bryan, Matthew, Rachael, Sarah, Adam, Anthony, Emily and Zach; 13 great-grandchildren, Aivah, Joaquin, Sidney, Addison, Khloe, Preston, Sophia, Wyatt, Henry, Gabe, Barrett, Meritt and Rosemary; also survived by her sister, Jackie Sabella, and nieces, Kristi and Amber. Rosemary was the cornerstone of our family giving love, care, kindness and mercy to family and friends. Her occupation was caring for her husband and children, she took care of everyone, giving help to all that needed it. No one ever left her home hungry or empty handed, always helping others. A faithful Catholic her entire life, she graduated from Istrouma High and shortly afterwards married Nolan who was in the military at Fort Benning. Upon returning to Baton Rouge, they started a family and Rosemary was ever present in the lives of her family and church. Besides being a wonderful cook, she was known for holiday Italian Fig cookies and fruit cakes shared and enjoyed by so many, a tradition passed on to the next generation in her family. A true lover of her husband and family, but especially her Catholic faith. Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, Ross an Tina Sabella; sister, Phyllis Jackson; in-laws, Ernest and Rezelda; brothers-in-law, Fred Moore, Ernest, Jr. and Edsel Graham; and sister-in-law, Maryann Graham. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 7, 2020 from 5:00PM until 8:00PM at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 12:00PM at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite. Interment at Day’s  Cemetery, Liverpool, LA. As much as Rosemary loved her plants and flowers, in honor of her care for others and her faith, please if you desire make contributions to St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

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

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 8th

Jeremiah 10:1-11:23
Colossians 3:18-4:18
Psalm 78:56-72
Proverbs 24:28-29

Change of Plans – The Operation Christmas Child packing parties will be postponed due to Hurricane Delta. Please contact those working on your team.

Hurricane Delta

Pray for people in our area to be safe.

Get prepared.

Help others get prepared.

Pay attention to the weather reports.

Operation Christmas Child

Yesterday, I had an OCC volunteer to ask what they could begin doing to prepare for “shoeboxes” in 2021. That’s never happened before, but it certainly “warmed my heart”. If you would like to volunteer to make something or collect something for 2021, please let me know.

It’s not too late to give to the Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana or to the Louisiana Disaster Relief Fund.

Anna Lee

“Be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”

~Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT)~

This morning we are facing the possibility of Hurricane Delta hitting here in the next few days. I do not feel it is wise to organize for and pack shoeboxes Thursday – Saturday. We will postpone for now. I will make a decision about when to reschedule after the storm passes through.

Hurricane Delta could be very bad. Make plans using wise decisions. Be prepared. Stay safe.

Betty and Andy Taylor are working on plans for a memorial service for Ricky. It will not be this week. In the meantime, please pray for them and their family.

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 7, 2020

Jeremiah 8:8-9:26
Colossians 3:1-17
Psalm 78:32-55
Proverbs 24:27

This is certainly a day for preparation and prayer. If you know someone who might need assistance in getting ready for Delta, please volunteer to help them.

Anna Lee

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. 

We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

~2 Thessalonians 1:11-12~

Please continue to pray for Andy and Betty Taylor and their family.

Pray for all the many people in the path of the next hurricane. At this time, it is predicted to come right through here. Remember, to pray for the people who will be in it’s path when it comes ashore.

Thank God President Trump is better and able to be out of the hospital.

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 6

Jeremiah 6:16-8:7
Colossians 2:8-23
Psalm 78:1-31
Proverbs 24:26

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

Packing of OCC “Shoeboxes” will take place this week at FBC, Kentwood. Today, let’s thank God for those who provided the items that will be shipped to boys and girls this year.

Today is a good day to contribute to the Georgia Barnette Offering for Missions in Louisiana. Contact the church office.

Speaking of the church office, a new one is now under construction directly across from our church. I look forward to riding by and seeing what God is doing. The plan is to convert the present office area to a nursery.

Have a great day. Today, let’s share a smile with others, even if it is behind a mask. Maybe, people will see the twinkle in your eyes. Try it and see if they share one of those hidden smiles with you.

Anna Lee

“There is nothing in us that allows us to claim

that we are capable of doing this work.

The capacity we have comes from God;

it is he who made us capable of serving the new covenant.”

~2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (GNT)~

Pray for the Andy and Betty Taylor family.

Thanks to all the ladies who are scheduled to pack shoeboxes Thursday through Saturday. This is the earliest we have ever packed. Thanks to those of you who provided items for the shoeboxes. When the large cartons become available, we will pack the cartons.

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 5

Jeremiah 4:19-6:15
Colossians 1:18-2:7
Psalm 77:1-20
Proverbs 24:23-25

We have now read 75% of the Bible.

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

Please feel free to contact me with your requests, updates, and praises.

Anna Lee

A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

~Proverbs 17:17~

Debbie Crawford of Line Creek shared this request:

Please add Jeremy Greer, Minister of Music at Line Creek Baptist Church, to your prayer list. He will have surgery this Thursday to try and save his eyeball. The doctor will have a cornea on standby in case he can do a transplant but it is not likely. Jeremy is one of the finest Christian men in the community.

Beverly Byrd Esteven

August 05, 1950 – October 01, 2020

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born August 5, 1950 in Pascagoula, MS and was 70 years of age. She worked at Ardillo’s Grocery and Restaurant for over 40 years as a bookkeeper and greeted everyone with a smile. She was a devoted wife, mother, Maw-Maw, and sister and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church and Catholic Daughters of America. After retirement, she also enjoyed spending time with her pets, Pup and Kittyman, and riding to Hammond on the “Old People Road” (Highway 51). She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Gregory Paul Esteven; daughter, Susan Esteven McGraw and husband, Brian; son, Gregory William Esteven; 3 grandchildren, Tristen Brian McGraw, Keaten David McGraw and Presley Susan McGraw; sister, Christina Byrd Richard; brother in law, Roy Esteven and wife, Pam; 2 nephews and 1 niece, Brady Hunter, Kaitlin Richard, and James Esteven; great-nephew, Dominic Steffek. She is preceded in death by her parents, Willie Moore “Bill” Byrd, Jr. and Johnnie Shotts Byrd; maternal grandparents, Talnethus Hood Shotts and Benjamin Franklin Shotts; paternal grandparents, Myrtle Lee Byrd and Willie M. Byrd, Sr. The family would like to thank Amite Fire and Rescue, Hood Memorial Hospital, and the staff of North Oaks Medical Center SICU for their excellent care during this difficult time. We would like to thank Fr. Mark Beard, Fr. Howard Adkins, Chaplain Keith Kincaid, and the entire community for all of their heartfelt prayers. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a funeral mass for Beverly will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Full of Grace at St. Helena Catholic Church or Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 4

Jeremiah 2:31-4:18
Colossians 1:1-17
Psalm 76:1-12
Proverbs 24:21-22

Don’t forget the Georgia Barnette Offering for mission work in Louisiana. It’s never to late too contribute at your local Southern Baptist Church.

It’s Sunday. You have options today – Regular church services or online services. FBC, Kentwood will post online services live at 10:30 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Special thanks to those who do the behind-the-scenes work so those of us at home can be part of the service in real time or at any time we choose. Check out Facebook or YouTube to see for yourself.

Anna Lee