Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.”

And the woman was healed at that moment.

~Matthew 9:22~

Mr. Gaylon Cutrer got home from the hospital Thursday night. He is better, but still week from him time in the hospital. Pray he regains his strength soon.

Operation Christmas Child Update

The McKenzie four helped us for a couple hours yesterday.
I found the felt and foam I needed. It wasn’t where I purchased it before, but I found it and bought all they had. Good crafting ahead – pencil pouches and some toys!
We will be working at 9:00 this morning.
If you would like to help next week, please get with me on when we can schedule the time.
Sunday, you will find two signs with a list of needs at FBC, K. You can sign up for items to purchase in August.
We have made some good progress in the last month. We got a later than usual start, but will be in good shape for our big Christmas Packing Party at the end of October.

Scripture Writing Challenge – August 3 – Genesis 4:7 (Read, write, & pray.)

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

Make the most of this day!

Anna Lee

He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

~1 Peter 2:24~

Adam Carter

Update on Adam. Infection has already started setting in. He goes back to the hand specialist tomorrow in Covington. We will know more tomorrow.

Mrs. Robert Pate

I talked with Mr. Pate yesterday while we were both pumping gas. He said his wife has been very ill and asked for prayers for her. She is 90. He is 91.

Scripture Writing Plan – August 1 – This month we are also asked to write a prayer after we reflect on the Scripture we have written.

August 1 – I Peter 2:24

If you would like a written list of August Scriptures, ask at the office of FBC, Kentwood. Copies are available in the sanctuary.

Operation Christmas Child – I believe in supporting this ministry because if impacts so many lives. Those of us who were not called to be career missionaries can impact many lives for Jesus through this ministry. One thing to remember is to “shop early and shop often”. That is my philosophy for packing lots of shoeboxes for boys and girls. I encourage you to watch the video I posted on Facebook yesterday and to look up Operation Christmas Child on Google. “Read all about it!” I think you will be encouraged to participate too.

David and I had a call from a friend who lives in a nearby town and who is involved in a local Baptist church. She is helping with OCC there. I was thrilled to hear her talk about the plans at her church and to learn of her excitement to spread “Jesus” one child at a time. I hope you have the same excitement.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

~John 1:12-13 (NIV)~

Adam Carter

Will you please add Adam to the prayer link. Sunday he got rebar though his hand. It went in about the middle of his hand below his little finger and came out by his index finger. He had to have emergency surgery to remove it. His index finger is numb and he can hardly move his fingers. Surgery went fine. He will go see a hand specialist tomorrow and we will find out what has to be done and if there is any more surgery that has to be done, and how much damage was done. Thank you
Lawana

Hinsdale County Office of Emergency Management

We’re sad to report that a body found along the Rio Grande River has been identified as Tessie Strickland.

LAKE CITY, Colo., July 29, 2019 – On July 25 at approximately 4 p.m., the body of Tessie Strickland was found along the Rio Grande River in Hinsdale County. Hinsdale County Coroner Jerry Gray pronounced death at approximately 6:30 p.m. that evening.

The body was transported to the morgue at Montrose Memorial Hospital for identification and was positively identified late Tuesday afternoon, July 30. Strickland’s husband has been notified.

Mrs. Strickland, 64, of Kentwood, Louisiana, was reported missing on June 27 after being swept downstream in Pole Creek near the border of Hinsdale and San Juan counties. Her body was discovered approximately four miles downstream from where Pole Creek empties into the Rio Grande River.

Mrs. Strickland and her husband Tommy Strickland were returning to Silverton from a day trip to Creede, Colorado, on Forest Service Road 520, a four-wheel drive road that crosses Pole Creek. Although passable in the morning when the Stricklands crossed on their way to Creede, the creek had become swollen with spring runoff by the early evening when they returned. When the couple attempted to cross the creek again, their Jeep stalled in the fast-moving water and was carried downstream. In an effort to save themselves, the couple jumped for the stream bank. While trying to help his wife climb up the bank, Mr. Strickland said he was swept under the water. After resurfacing, Mr. Strickland could not see his wife and could not locate her. Passing motorists found Mr. Strickland and assisted him in notifying authorities.

Extensive search operations were conducted to locate Mrs. Strickland, which included more than 25 personnel from Hinsdale County Sheriff’s Department, Mineral County and San Juan County. Helicopter surveillance was provided by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. Personnel conducted foot searches along the banks of the Pole Creek and the Rio Grande River, a search and rescue dog was employed, and a drone was used for aerial searches in areas not accessible on foot.

Please lift up Tessie’s family during these difficult days.

Gordon Jones

October 16, 1937 – July 29, 2019

Gordon Jones, a resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 16, 1937 in Independence, LA and was 81 years of age. He is survived by wife of 57 years, Gloria S. Jones; 3 daughters, Arlene Jones Armstrong, Sonya Jones David and husband, Corey and Stacie Jones; 1 son, Allen Jones and wife Jonni; 9 grandchildren, Kristin Garner, Duane Garner, Timothy Cassidy, Christopher Hall, Deaven David, Rosita David, Ryan Jones, Matthew Jones and Macayla Jones; 9 great-grandchildren, Harleigh Cassidy, Calem Jones, Liam Jones, Jaxon Garner, Eli Garner, Kaiden Garner, Grayson Jones, Maisie Jones and Abby Mason; 1 brother, Herbert Jones; 2 sisters, Etta Baham and husband Gerald and Katherine McGlothern and husband Brad; 1 brother-in-law, Bobby Adams. Preceded in death by parents, Howard and Myrtis Jones; 1 sister, Rita Adams. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM Thursday, August 1, 2019, and from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM Friday, August 2, 2019. Services conducted by Bro. Tim Moffett. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Both Spring Creek and Osyka are having Youth VBS this week. Check them our to see if your youth would be interested in attending.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10

If you didn’t get a copy of the Scripture writing plan for August, they are available in the sanctuary of FBC, Kentwood.

Continue to pray for the many others who have various needs.
Anna Lee

Monday

“A word of encouragement does wonders!”

~Proverbs 12:25 TLB~

Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher is in need of our prayers. She fell yesterday morning.

Please pray for Tommy Strickland and his family today.

Avis O. Hope

November 10, 1934 – July 27, 2019

Avis O. Hope, a native of Kentwood, La and current resident of Denham Springs, entered her heavenly reward Saturday, July 27, 2019 at the age of 84. Her loving, devoted family surrounded her bedside as a witness to the amazing mother and grandmother she was to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed! Avis was married to her beloved Otis 49 years. She faithfully served God and her family for her entire life. She was a current member of First Baptist Church of Denham Springs where she was an active Sunday school teacher. Visitation will be held Monday, July 29th at First Baptist Church of Denham Springs from 8-11am followed by a service beginning at 11. Graveside service and burial will follow at Hope-Oliver cemetery in Kentwood, La. She was preceded in death by her husband, Otis Houston Hope and two granddaughters, Lauren and Alexandria. Avis was survived by her 5 loving sons and their spouses: Otis R Hope, Richard and Cynthia Hope, Ronnie and Debbie Hope, Rocky and Janice Hope, and Reggie and Stephanie Hope. 17 grandchildren: Kristy, Michael, Kyle, Faith, Ashley, Katie, Amie, Ricky, Heather, Brian, Tyler, Courtney, Lindsey, Allison, Alyshia, Marcus, Regina Hope. 25 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great granddaughter. The family would like to extend their appreciation to her pastor, Leo Miller and Dr. Militello, her long time physician. We’d also like to mention the wonderful staff at the butterfly wing of BR General Hospice Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Hospice of Baton Rouge, 3600 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, La. 70806. As she always said: WE LOVE YOU THE MOST

Gladys Turner Culbertson

August 25, 1937 – July 27, 2019

A resident of Amite passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at her home. She was born August 25, 1937 in Pink Hill, NC and was 81 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Brent Culbertson, Amite; 2 sons, Robert Culbertson and wife, Staci, Hammond, and Jody Culbertson and wife, Haydee, Amite; 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous brothers and sisters. Preceded in death by parents, Tap and Ruth Bishop Turner; and numerous brothers and sisters. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Galatians 6:7-10

The Scripture Writing Plan for August is available in the sanctuary of FBC, Kentwood. Feel free to take one.

“A word of encouragement does wonders!”

~Proverbs 12:25 TLB~

I like the word “encourager” and love to be able to apply it to people I know. Many people have been an encourager to me. I thank you for that. Be an encourager to others today.

Anna Lee

Thursday

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

~Romans 8:38-39~

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Hebrews 6:16-18

I’m planning on doing more work in the Operation Christmas Child room this week. If you would like to come help Saturday from 9-12, please let me know so I have work ready for you, Reply to this post by clicking on “Contact”. This is the perfect time to purchase school supplies for the shoeboxes. I’m working at figuring a number of shoeboxes I hope to pack. Then, I will purchase additional boxes.

As you move through your life today and see the people God has place in your pathway of life, try to make a positive difference in their lives.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.

Anyone who does what is good is from God.

Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

~3 John 1:11~

Bill Frazier‘s neck surgery went well yesterday. Pray for him as he recovers from surgery.

A small church in our association is again sending s mission team to another country. This trip will include 14 mission volunteers and lots of support from others who cannot make the trip. They are small in size, but BIG on missions!

Tangipahoa Baptist Church is also sending a mission team to a central American country. I got this information verbally and do not have an exact number of those going. I did learn the church gathering items to send. I’ll post a list of items if I can get one.

V.R. “Cuestick” Blades, Jr.

August 12, 1933 – July 15, 2019

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2019 at his home. He was born August 12, 1933 in Greenlaw, LA and was 85 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Shelia Anderson; 2 sons, Gary Blades and James Allen Blades; 2 sisters, Evelyn Glenn and Pearline Coker; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Rita Dunn Blades; his mom, Annie Rhodes Blades; his dad, Vernie Red Blades, Sr.; 1 son, Brian Scott Blades; and 1 daughter, Rebecca Blades. Interment was held at Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Clarity Hospice. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – James 5: 7-9

Operation Christmas Child in very important to me. I am enjoying some time shopping and gathering as well as unpackaging and organizing. Let me know if you want to help in any way – purchasing, crafting, organizing,

A neighbor brought me three bags of medicine and baby food containers she washed and prepared for packaging small items. A lady gave me money for fishing supplies. I bought some items needed and look forward to packaging for boys to enjoy using. Another lady gave me money to shop with. I bought pencils and pens with her money. One class at church has purchased bandanas and stuffed animals. A lady gave me some handmade stuffed animals. Another lady drew faces on them.

Do you need me to shop for you? Do you need me to give you suggestions for your purchases? If so, Walmart has one subject composition books for a quarter. It certainly would be helpful if some of you would purchase boxes for these while they are on sale. Do the math. That is a good deal on notebooks. You can leave your purchases in the church office or in the classroom by the choir room.

I can always use more craft items like beads, school supplies like highlighters, crayons, and markers, and soap and washcloths. We open the soap and let it harden so it doesn’t mold and so it will last longer. I certainly have learned lots of tricks.

If you have time and a pair of scissors, I can always use help cutting t-shirts to make jump ropes. I think there is an opportunity for everyone.

Anna Lee

Monday

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,

“Whom shall I send?

And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I.

Send me!”

~Isaiah 6:8~

That should be our response when God calls us to do something small or something big!

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Hebrews 10: 35-36

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

All our family members arrived safely back at their homes except for Jennie who will be here a couple more days. Thanks to all of you who showed your love for our family this weekend.

Anna Lee

Monday

“[God] canceled the debt, which listed all the rules we failed to follow.

He took away that record with its rules and nailed it to the cross.”

~Colossians 2:14 NCV~

Lawanna Carter sent me word yesterday that her sister, Sandra Breeland Fontonot, passed away. Please be in prayer for that family. I’ll post an obituary when one is available.

This morning I am thankful for the rain because it will make may plant watering much easier this morning. Mostly, I’m thankful for the rain because it will mean a high temperature of 87 today, a nice break from the higher temperatures we have been having. The rain also made my satellite quit working for a while, but I’m back online now.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” -Philippians 4: 6. 13. 19.

Any day, rain or shine, is a good day for VBS. It will not be cancelled, so get the children in your family to VBS in a local church today. They will have a great learning opportunity as well as a fun time. I endorse all the local VBS programs!Other kids and youth are at various church camps or making plans to go soon. I know that is a wonderful opportunity for them. Let’s be thankful for our churches for providing these opportunities.

Friday

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.

And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

~Hebrews 12:1 NLT~

Let’s pray for Mr. Frank and “Miss” Barbara Erwin and Tate and Leisha who are their faithful caregivers at this time. Mr. Frank is back in Baton Rouge and “Miss” Barbara had more foot surgery, but is home now. The doctors didn’t have a diagnosis on Mr. Frank as of yesterday afternoon, but are still looking.

Pray for Heather Miller of the New Zion area. She is on trip to the Ukraine where she will be working in a camp. She is on a mission to serve as called.

Pray for Sandra Hughes, the mother of Cheryl and Linda for many of you. She fell and broke a hip yesterday. She will need our prayer as she deals with this issue.

Pray for the youth of FBC, K and their leaders as they are at Ridgecrest in NC this week. Pray they draw closer to God and each other.

Rebecca Darlene McMorris Ballard

October 20, 1951 – June 17, 2019

Rebecca Darlene McMorris Ballard, born October 20, 1951 in Baton Rouge, LA, went to her eternal home with her Lord on June 17, 2019. A devoted and loving wife of almost 50 years to Ronald Keith Ballard. She was a resident of Pine Grove, LA and an active member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She is retired from LA Home Builders Association. She was a special lady. Always with a smile for everyone and willing to help in any way she could. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Darlene is survived by her husband, Ronald Keith Ballard; mother, Rebecca Simmons McMorris; sisters, Diane M. Snyder (Tom) and Lucinda M. Tarver (Gene); sister-in-law, Brenda Ballard McMorris; nieces and nephews; Holleigh McMorris Crow (Brett), Valmon Evans Mcmorris (Nikki), Shawn Revel (Lana), Shannon Revel Brasseaux (Josh), Jeremy K. Ghaffari, and numerous great nieces and nephews; She was preceded in death by her father, Valmon J. McMorris, Sr., and brother, Valmon J. McMorris, Jr. Visitation will be Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Pine Grove , LA from 1:00 PM till funeral service at 3:00 PM , conducted by Rev. Paul Cantrell with interment in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Honorary Pall Bearers, Ralph Thompson; Pall Bearers, Manny Falcon, Dwight Falcon, Murphy Jenkins ,Collins Jenkins, Paul Carpenter, Valmon McMorris, Brett Crow and Josh Brasseaux. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Louis Edward Thigpen

November 26, 1931 – June 18, 2019

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born November 26, 1931 in Meridian, MS and was 87 years of age. Louis was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite. He will be remembered as a hard-working man who truly loved his family. An avid storyteller, he most enjoyed sharing memories and proud moments about his life and theirs. He is survived by 7 children and their spouses, 27 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Louis is survived by his current wife of 16 years, Frances Virginia Martin Bridges Thigpen, along with her 2 children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Louis was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his 9 children, Mary Ellen Lacobee Thigpen, daughter, Jessica Louise Thigpen Mullins, son, Edward Clozell Thigpen, grandson, Anthony Marcus Gourdon, and son-in-law “Bill” Joseph William Gourdon. Private services will be held to honor his life at a later time. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – John 15: 1-5 and 15-16

Pray for the Hatchels as they make their way to Kentwood today. They will be the “best medicine” David has had in a long time. I will be thrilled to see them too. They will be driving in two vehicles because Boyd will pick up one they are renting before coming here. We would roll out the “red carpet” if we had some!

Many of you have prayed for them for years. We hope you will continue to do so.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

For where your treasure is,

there your heart will be also.

~Matthew 6:21~

Please pray for Lisa Taylor. She has had blood pressure and diabetes issues sincee having surgery. She is not getting her regular medications. Pray for her body to adjust to the medications and for physical therapy to help her get stronger.

Pray for Rev. Charles Dean’s wife, Vickey. She had back surgery and will need to be dependent on others for a while.

David‘s blood level was 8.4 yesterday. He got his Procrit shot and we came home. No blood needed! Pray he will be able to control his desire for fluids and crushed ice.

Pray for the Hatchels as they fly to Dallas today. It will be a long day. Please pray for them as God brings them you your mind today.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – Hebrews 2:11 and 4:16

Yesterday was a little cooler. Let’s pray today is also cooler.

Anna Lee