Roger Dale Ainsworth is not deceased!

When Charlie called a few days ago about Roger Dale, I only wrote his name. Then, I missed including the request yesterday. Today, was too long for me to wait. I got it wrong!!! I apologize.

Roger Dale is sick. He needs our prayers as he deals with his illness.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on tomorrow, Sunday. May each church and gathering place be prepared to share God’s Word. May each listener pay attention and absorb the Word. I pray many decisions are made in churches tomorrow. May lives. be changed!

Scriptures for Sunday School Tomorrow

• “Separation”
• February 9
• Leviticus 9:15 – 10:3

Deaths

Charles Donald Fajoni

November 13, 1946 – February 6, 2025

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero, LA. He was born November 13, 1946 in Independence, LA and was 78 years of age. He is survived by wife of 51 years, Beth Chapman Fajoni; brothers, Michael Fajoni and wife, Denise, and Richard Fajoni and wife, Angie; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Bailey, Martha Simpson and Brenda Ballard; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Salvador and Lucille Lupo Fajoni; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harmon and Alice Henderson Chapman; brother-in-law, Randy Simpson. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:30AM until religious services at 2:30PM on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Harrell Sharkey. Interment Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA. Pallbearers will be Michael Fajoni, Richard Fajoni, Ty Fajoni, Justin Pellegrini, Christian Fajoni and Jackson Bartlett. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Today

• February 8
• John 11-12

OCC Donations

Your gifts to OCC can be turned in downstairs in the green tote in the hallway. Thanks for being a part of introducing children to Jesus. Each distribution site have a series of special lessons with literature specifically written to introduce the boys and girls to Jesus. I get so excited to know I am a part of that process.

THANKFULNESS

I am thankful for my church and for your church. May each one be used to teach others about Jesus and encouraging people to know and love Him.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for all the people in New Orleans this weekend for the Super Bowl. I am not concerned about the score or even which team wins. ( I just asked David who is playing!) I am concerned about safety and that people will choose to make good decisions and do what is right in God’s eyes. I also have a special prayer request for Dan’l Johnson, Ladd Turner, and Jake Fowler, three men from our church, who are there to protect people this weekend. God, please protect all three of them as they protect others and the law.

Daily Bible Reading

• February 7
• John 9-10

Obituary

Clara “Irene” Webb Brumfield

September 29, 1950 – February 5, 2025

Clara Irene Brumfield passed away on February 5, 2025, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, Louisiana at the age of 74. She was born September 29, 1950, in Amite, Louisiana to Pete and Olivia Webb. She was a native of St. Helena Parish and resided in Amite, Louisiana.

Irene graduated from Greensburg High School in 1968. She attended Southeastern Louisiana University and graduated with a degree in Education and later completed her Master’s degree. After teaching thirty- three years she retired in 2006.

Irene was married to the love of her life, Tom Ed Brumfield, for fifty-one years.

She was a lifelong member of Hillsdale Baptist Church and regularly attended Amite First Baptist Church.

Irene was the first pageant director for the Amite Oyster Festival and served as the Amite Oyster Pearl in 2018. She blessed her family, friends, community and church with her overwhelming generosity, strong faith and southern hospitality. She was a natural nurturer known to many as “Aunt Irene”.

She is survived by her husband Tom Ed Brumfied; five siblings, Sylvia Crouch, Patsy Bufford (Ronnie), Mary Helen Hughes (John), Barbara Carter, and Louis Webb.

Preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Olivia Robertson Webb; grandparents, A.D. and Myrtle Robertson and Robert Clark Webb and Oma Williams Webb; brother, Wayne Webb; brother-in-law, Clyde Carter; and mother-in-law, Helen Cefalu Brumfield.

Visitation at First Baptist Church of Amite, from 9:00 a.m. until religious services at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Trey Waldrop and Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment at Amite Cemetery, Amite.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the youth group at First Baptist Church of Amite.

(Tom Ed graduated with me at Amite Hight School. We see him often while in Amite, especially at funerals.)

Operation Christmas Child

Thank-you for all the hygiene items you purchased for OCC during the last month. We’ll get a count and let you know if we have enough.

If you are a member of an adult Sunday School Class at FBC, Kentwood, look for Wanda Smith or Jackie Babin to come to your classroom to show example of items we will focus our collecting on this year.

If you are not a member of one of our Sunday School classes, I’ll give you three items you can purchase this month for our boxes.

• Solar Calculators
• Large erasers
• Pencils and pens

That might be four, but it seemed natural t0 say “pencils and pens”. Spend what you choose on these items. Next month, we’ll have a new list for you. Every item you purchase helps.

The green tote is now in the hallway of the basement of the sanctuary. Please leave your contributions there.

Thank you for helping others with a shoebox of items they will be thrilled with and given the opportunity to learn who Jesus is and have the opportunity to take him into their heart.

Prayer Journal

I encourage you to pray for entries in your prayer journal. You can get some suggestions from TPL and add prayer needs that are personal to you.

Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for hugs. I didn’t grow up hugging people at church and other places, but I certainly do love to receive them now.

Looking for some this weekend . . . .

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on those who have bitterness in their hearts. Let’s pray they ask God to forgive them so they can live a better life, a life more like the way God would have them live.

Daily Bible Reading

• February 6
• John 7-8

Please Pray

Illness – Please continue to pray for these who are sick.

• David Sellers – Still in ICU, but with his heart is looking stronger
• T.J. Reid – Cancer issues
• Linda Guy Phillips – North Oaks Patient
• Eddie Keith Schwartz – Home
• Kim Schwartz – Home
• Chance O’Hern – Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Improving
• Alice Mary Honeycutt – Better and released from hospital
• Mike Hornsby – Still hospitalized
• Janice Hornsby – Somewhat better

Death

Irene W. Brumfield (Mrs. Tom Ed Brumfield of Amite)

Please pray for Tom Ed Brumfield.

Coming Soon

• Wednesday, February 12 at Noon
• Lunch for Ladies’ Bible Study Group at Pine Ridge

Beautiful Weather

Enjoy some beautiful weather compliments of God!

What’s your plan for today? Did you include something special to benefit someone other than yourself?

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Today, as we pray let’s continue to pray for David Sellers who came through his surgery but is now facing the recovery process.

Daily Bible Reading

• February 4
• John 5-6

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Superbowl

You might be surprised to learn I do not know or care who is playing in the Superbowl in New Orleans Sunday. I don’t follow any professional teams. I am though concerned for all the people who will be in New Orleans for the event. I pray for them to be safe while there.

No matter how interested you are in the game, I know you also pray for the safety of all who attend. We only have a few more days to pray for safety of all the players and fans. Pray for safety and a calm spirit to prevail in the city.

Operation Christmas Child

I will soon be posting a list of items you can easily purchase locally. Every child we are packing for will need these items, so it doesn’t matter if you buy 100 or 3 of these items.

I would also like to thank “a reader” who sent me a check to help for OCC. I will use your funds to purchase some of these items for our boxes. I also want you to know how appreciative I am for you and your regular donations to OCC.

Be Both Blessed and a Blessing to Others Today

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for people to read their Bible today in any or all of these ways.

• Sunday School Lesson Preparation
• Daily Bible Readings
• Prayer Meeting Service
• Bible Study Classes
• Scriptural Picture on TPL
• Random Verses that Come Your Way

Surgery

David Sellers will be having heart surgery this morning at North Oaks. I told him lots of people would be praying for him. Let’s all pray. His sibling and children will be counting on us too join their prayers.

Update

Richard Spears has improved and is now home from North Oaks. Thank you for praying for this child.

Obituary

Virginia Kay Allen

January 24, 1944 – February 1, 2025

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born January 24, 1944 in Rushville, IL and was 81 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Joe William Allen; 2 sons, Joe Earl Walker, Jr. and Michael Todd Walker; and 2 grandchildren. Preceded in death by father, Lester Giles Campbell; mother, Theora Grace Steele; 2 sisters, Mary Ellen Dodds and Carol Ann Muncy. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Daily Bible Reading Scriptures

• February 4, 2025
• John 3-4

Prayer Focus

Today, I want us to pray for drivers to be safe as they ride by themselves, with their family, with a school class or team, school bus loaded with children, carry sick people to a hospital, etc. Let’s pray for all drivers and their passengers to be safe!

Thankfulness

I love to see the little boys and girls at church. These children will have a good Biblical foundation and a great love for God. I pray for all their leadership at church and at home. David was talking about some children he talked with Sunday and said he felt the parents we working hard to raise their children up “in the church”.

I see that happening because I know the parents were raised that way. God bless and guide the parents of young children, the children’s leadership at church, and each precious boy and girl we all have an opportunity to influence. I am thankful for each of you.

Have a great day!

Be a blessing and a positive influence today.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on those around us at work, on the highways, in our homes, and in the places we visit. May we live our life today in a way that is pleasing to God.

Illness

Today, let’s pray for David Sellers and his family. David is now in North Oaks.

I also heard some of those who have been sick are now doing better. Let’s keep praying.

Today we have a new prayer request from Curt and Sharon Martin. Their grandson, Richard Spears, was admitted to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans early yesterday. Up until that time, his condition had not been diagnosed. Richard’s parents are Destiny and Austin.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Operation Christmas Child

Yesterday, I was pleased to receive a bag of toothbrushes. When I went to store them, I found a bag of miscellaneous items for hygiene kits and a class donated to our expenses. I’m thankful for all of these donations. I will put the green donation box out in the hallway in the basement for you to leave your donations there. On top of that, we will have two boxes delivered to the church with items paid for by classes last week. I guess we can now say we have “Hit the ground running” . What a blessing!

Bible Reading Plan

I’m so glad for those of you who have been reading the Bible according to the plan I post each day. In just over a month we have read three books of the Bible (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Today, we begin John.

• February 3
• John 1-2.

It’s not too late to join us in reading the Bible. You can start with John today, read with us for the rest of the year, and then go back and read Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Be thankful the Lord has a plan for us today.

Anna. Lee

Prayer Focus

Let’s say special prayers for the people of our town to have and show love to each other.

Bible Reading

• Sunday, 2-2-25
• Luke 23-24
• This finishes the reading of Luke, the third book of the Bible for us.
• Keep up the good work.
• Tomorrow, we will begin the book of John.

Obituary

Robert Lee Carter

July 6, 1938 – January 19, 2025

Robert Lee Carter, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2025, at the home of his daughter in Sparta, TN. He spent his last 20+ years living with his son in Brandon, MS before which he was born July 6, 1938, to the late Curtis Carter and Clara Mae Young Carter and lived most of his life in Kentwood, Louisiana.

Robert was a kind, loving and caring person who always had a helping hand with family and friends. He was a loving father to his children who he loved dearly and was very proud of and in return, his children were always there for him.

Robert is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Evelyn I. Cutrer Carter, his brothers Shelby Joe Carter and Jeffie Carter, and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He is survived by his children, Sarah Marie (Michael) Dolan, and John Robert (Sherry) Carter; grandchildren, Casey Quinn (Hannah) Gullotta, and Jessica Louise (Collin Beatty) Dolan; great-grandchildren, Harrison Gullotta and Miller Jean Gullotta; brothers, Wayne Carter and Roger Carter; sister, Irene Carter Mitchell; and several aunts, uncles, cousins,  nieces, nephews, and friends also survive. 

Robert’s family honored his wishes to be cremated, and the family will have a celebration of life at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, on Saturday, February 1, 2025 with visitation from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM. 

REMINDER

Sherry Ann Gill Simpton

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 2 at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church from 1 p.m.to 4 p.m. with funeral conducted at 4 p.m. by Reverend Ray Wuerzer . In lieu of flowers,the family would like for donations to be given to Mt. Hermon Baptist Church (HospitalityFund).

Special Assignment

(You know I was a school teacher for almost forty years.)

Think of those around us who could use a little attention and plan to call, visit, cook, do some needed yard work, etc. Make a contact with them and do an act of helpfulness for them. Guess who will be blessed – Both of you, but you will probably be blessed the most!

Be blessed on this Lord’s Day. Be a blessing too!

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus some of our prayer time on leaders in our churches. Pray for them as they guide and carry out activities in our churches.

Let’s also pray for people in our town to have love, not anger, for other people. I hope we all want to do more to show God’s love for other people.

Daily Bible Reading

• 2-1-25
• Luke 21-22

Saturday

This is a day of preparation for Sunday. In your household it may include Bible Study, selection and preparation of clothing for church tomorrow, preparation of food for lunch, cleaning in and around the house, etc. These tasks vary from household to household. Whatever you need to do, get busy and get it done.

Operation Christmas Child

I have been told donations were given and items ordered to include in the hygiene kits for our “Shoeboxes”. Thanks to those who donated. The hygiene kits will be one of our first “Shoebox” projects this year. I hope these donations will be an encouragement to others to give and or do tasks for OCC.

Special Prayers Today

Please pray for the following people: I know they will all appreciate your prayers.

• Mrs. Mary Varnado
• Mrs. Barbara Erwin
• Mrs. Ferrie Gene Blackmon
• Mrs. Alice Faye Lee
• Mrs. Theople Hurst

Thank-you for reading today. Remember to include these names and the names of those on your personal prayer list. Remember to get out and do some things to help these people and/or others on this list and your prayer list.

I’m looking forward to the Lord’s Day.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on our community. Pray we all have love and show kindness to others. May we be gracious and giving so nobody “goes without” and everyone is shown love and appreciation. Smile! Greet everyone you see! “Meet” someone you don’t know.

Read the Bible Every Day

• Friday, January 31
• Luke 17-18

Wintertime Illnesses

The cold weather has a special way of bringing sniffles and coughs to us. I have learned that Alice Mary Honeycutt and Mike and Janice Hornsby have been fighting pneumonia. Pray for them and others who are fighting pneumonia and other winter illnesses.

Obituary

Sherry Ann Gill Simpson

July 11, 1958 – January 29, 2025

Our beloved Sherry Ann Gill Simpson, a resident of Mt. Hermon, passed away
peacefully on January 29 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana and entered her heavenly home with her savior, Jesus Christ. She was born July 11, 1958, and was 66 years of age at the time of her passing. Sherry was a graduate of Mt. Hermon High School class of 1976. She was an active member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church where she headed the Hospitality Committee and showed her love through taking care of others. Sherry was a true servant for the Lord, her church, her family, and friends. She never hesitated to serve others in an unselfish manner, expecting nothing in return. Sherry was a great cook and candy maker and made countless batches to give to others each holiday. One of her favorite things to do was to make M & M cookies with her grandchildren and those close to her. She was also an avid sports fan, especially when it came to her LSU Lady Tigers. Sherry worked at Dairymen Incorporated for 13 years and later went on to Kentwood High School to work until retirement where the students and faculty adored her. She loved to hunt and fish alongside her husband of over 45 years, Ricky. She took great pride in telling you about her sons, daughter-in-law, and grandsons. Visiting her family was what she enjoyed most in life.

Sherry is survived by her husband, Ricky Simpson; children, Brandon Simpson (Laura), and Britt Simpson; grandsons, James Boyd “JB” Simpson and Alexander Gregory Ray “Aggie” Simpson. She is also survived by two brothers, Kenneth (Melody) Gill and Mike (Betty) Gill; brother-in-law, Wayne Simpson (Susan), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friend Lou Alford Jennings whom she treated as her own daughter, Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, Billy and Dorothy Gill; father-in-law, Burnell Simpson, and mother-in-law, Hazel Simpson.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 2 at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with funeral conducted at 4 p.m. by Reverend Ray Wuerzer . In lieu of flowers, the family would like for donations to be given to Mt. Hermon Baptist Church (Hospitality Fund). Thank you to all the family and friends for your visits, phone calls, and prayers

Pallbearers: Korey Gill, Kyle Gill, Jason Simpson, Kerry Simpson, Deven Martin
Honorary Pallbearers: Andrew Gill, Caleb Jennings

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sherry Ann Gill Simpson please visit our Sympathy Store.

(Sherry and I worked together at KHS where she was always seen doing for others.)

Operation Christmas Child

We have officially started collecting items for the hygiene kits for the 450 boys we are sending “Shoeboxes” to this year. Our focus will be on older boys, ages. 10-14. This a is group that hasn’t been receiving enough boxes in recent years.

You are invited to participate as a family and/or a Sunday School class this year. We have two ladies, Wanda Smith and Jackie Babin, who will gladly shop for you on Amazon so you don’t have to worry about locating items in stores. Talk with them if you would appreciate their help.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

ORLANDO, Fla. – What is Brad Crawford’s one message to those who may be disheartened about the darkness in the world and what that might mean for the next generation? His one message is a simple three words: “God is greater.”

PITTSBURG, Kan. (BP) — Elijah “Touch” Touchton was a big believer in the big impact missions can have on a church.

If you have ever read an online review for a restaurant, hotel or product, you know that there are those who love to complain. The truth is, we all complain at one time or another.

Volunteers Appreciated

If you have a time or a talent, it can be used at your church. Two of these opportunities that probably can use you are helping in the nursery or being a substitute teacher. You can volunteer to help without it being a weekly task if that is more appealing. You can volunteer to help when a teacher or leader is absent. Choose some classes you would like to work in or volunteer to help “as needed”. Help someone periodically who regularly serves.

You can turn your name in at the church office or with a particular leader/teacher. Help someone who serves regularly like when they are ill or have a family event they need to attend elsewhere, often in the church of a family member.

You will be greatly appreciated for serving in this way! Volunteer today!

Learn about Missions and Annie Armstrong

Sunday afternoon, February 23

For all girls and ladies and anyone else with a desire to learn more about missions.’

Members of other churches can probably work this into their Sunday afternoon without missing anything at their own church. Let me know if you need more information.

I’m so thankful you “Tuned in” today. Feel free to help someone else learn how to “Tune in”. Until tomorrow morning . . . .

Anna Lee