Category: Women’s Ministry

Wednesday

“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~

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 12
  • Psalm 93
  • Colossians 2

 

 

The Children in Action got to see their video last night.  Some adults also came in to see it last night.  You’ll be able to see it soon at a Southern Baptist church in Louisiana or by going to the Georgia Barnett site a little closer to September 16th when we focus of Louisiana missions during the Week of Prayer.

 

 

Thom S. Rainer is an American writer, researcher, speaker, and current president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.  He is the writer of one of my favorite blogs.  I mention him regularly on The Prayer Link.  Today, I want to steer you to read some of his recent posts and encourage you to sign up for his blog.

 

 

Waylon Bailey is the senior pastor of FBC, Covington.  I have been in his church for some meetings and have followed his blog too.

 

Thank-you for reading my posts, but branch out and read some others written by professional people and gain some new insights.   The blogs I listed were the most recent.  You can learn much more by doing some research on a particular topic and reading these individuals regularly.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday

““Tell them to use their money to do good.

They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.”

 ~Timothy 6:18-19 NLT~

 

 

Today, I want to share information about five pastors I know.  I could tell you about many others, but these all have reason to celebrate this week.

  1. Rev. Chip Sloan has been a friend for 44 years.  He and his wife, Martha, are celebrating 47 years of marriage,  Roseland Baptist was his first church. He is still a pastor, just not so close to us any longer.
  2. Bro. Bob Simpson began his pastorate at Arcola Baptist Church 39 years ago.  He and his family “took root” in the area and are still here.
  3. Bro. Bobby Spinks just had surgery and is now home.  They attend church in Montpelier.  He and his wife have a calling to missions and are in the process of becoming international missionaries.
  4. Rev. Tommy Smith has moved from Greensburg to Franklinton where he will be the new pastor at Hillcrest.
  5. Rev. Brock Burch will be transitioning from youth minister at East Fork to being the pastor at Silver Springs Baptist Church.

Today, let’s pray for these and other pastors who have been called by God and serve Him.

 

 

The Georgia Barnett Offering is collected each fall to support missions in our state.  We begin the annual offering focus with a Week of Prayer each year.  The children of FBC, Kentwood will have a preview viewing of a portion of that video tonight at 6 P.M.  If you want to join us, feel free to attend.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 11
  • Job 36
  • Colossians 1

 

 

 

Our August Mission Projects Day will be Saturday, August 18th from 9:00 to noon.  Please join in the fun as we prepare to give to others.  Each “shoebox” will likely be a factor in influencing seven lives for the Lord.  Our “shoebox” efforts are both far-reaching and long-reaching.

 

Thanks of reading and praying today.  As you pray for those mentioned here, please add any others you feel led to pray for today.  

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.  

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

~Isaiah 53:4-5~

 

Bobby Spinks‘ surgery went well yesterday.  Pray his recovery also goes well.

 

Ira Cleveland‘s back procedure went well yesterday.  He is at home and facing a long recovery period.  Pray he can be still long enough to heal.

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 10
  • Psalm 92
  • Philippians 4

 

Operation Christmas Child Needs 

  • Hotel size soap
  • Crayons
  • Large erasers
  • Pens
  • Brushes
  • Card of flashlights with batteries (Walmart)

Thank-you to all who have brought items for shoeboxes and to those who have taken shoeboxes to pack.  Let’s send some hygiene items, school supplies, toys, clothing, etc. and give children and their families an opportunity to learn about Jesus.  

 

 

Project Day for Missions – Third Saturday of August 9 A.M. to Noon

 

 

I made a mistake yesterday on the date for the Young at Heart meeting when Bro. Stan is speaking.  It will be the third Tuesday of August.  I hope you have a free schedule and can go then to hear Bro. Stan share about his recent Haiti mission trip.
Anna Lee

Monday

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

~Philippians 4:19 NLT~

 

 

Read the Bible

Sunday

Isaiah 9

Job 35

Philippians 3

Monday

Reflect on God as humble.

Catch up on any missed readings.

 

 

Clay Widas is doing better now as he recovers from the copperhead bike.  Thank you for praying for him.

 

Please continue to pray for Glenda Harrell and Yvonne Birch as they are are home making recoveries from recent procedures.

 

Buddy Morris was at church last night.  Pray for him as he has his second round of chemo Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

 

 

Pray for all the teachers, students, and support staff who are preparing for the start of school soon.  Pray it will be a good academic year for all of them.  Pray it will be a good year when students and teachers will “let their light shine” for Jesus each day.  Pray there will be a decrease in bullying and other actions that have no place in our schools.

 

 

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

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

Waylon Bailey – http://waylonbailey.com/

Thom Rainer – https://thomrainer.com/

 

 

The new college and career class at FBC, Kentwood is off to a good start.  Their teachers will be Jeff and Deana Simmons.  All young adults who graduated from high school in recent years are encouraged to join them at 9:15 each week.

 

Saturday, Bro. Stan Statham was telling us a little about his recent mission trip to Haiti when there was an uprising there.  He, and all the others, are safely back at home.  Now, he is telling the story of their experiences and God’s great power and work during the week.  TheyTomorrow, he will be speaking at the monthly Young at Heart meeting at New Zion Baptist Church west of Kentwood on Highway 38 at 10 A.M.  New Zion will be thrilled to have you there to hear the story and to share lunch with them.  This is a community event.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  They will gladly share their covered dish lunch will all.

 

 

There was a segment recently recorded at FBC, Kentwood to tell about Louisiana missions as part of the Georgia Barnett Week of Prayer for 2018.  We will be watching the video at 6 P.M. Wednesday night.  Come view it with us!  May it inform and encourage the mission work being done in Louisiana.

 

 

The satellite problem has finally been solved.  I’ll spare you the long, difficult story.  I’m just thankful to be back.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday

My server works briefly in the early morning hours and suddenly goes off, so this will probably be it for the day.  It will be some time next week before we get the problem corrected.

 

“Where your treasure is,

there your heart will be also.”

~Matthew 6:21 NIV~

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 8
  • Psalm 91
  • Philippians 2

 

There are many people with health issues.  Here is a list of some of them.

  • Glenda Harrell came home, but still needs surgery.  Prayers are needed and appreciated.  She came home yesterday afternoon.
  • Rev. Bobby Spinks has done the pre-op work and is waiting for surgery next week.
  • Linda Callihan is scheduling her treatment (5 days a week for 5 weeks).
  • Buddy Morris has three days of chemo next week (Wednesday – Friday) in Covington.
  • Phillip Strickland continues to need our prayers.
  • Continue to pray for Jacob Yarborough’s family,
  • Buddy Waller needs our ongoing prayers.
  • Yvonne Birch is doing very well.

 

 

Of course, there are many who have issues other than health issues.  Please pray for God’s watch-care over each one of them.

 

Summer vacation is almost over for teachers and students.  Do your part to help a child/family who is struggling to prepare for the new school year.  Say special prayers for students who will be in a different school this year.

 

 

The Children in Action have learned there are several things we can do for missions – study, pray, give, and do.  During the month of July, we focused on “do”.   It has been a fun and productive month.  You may soon see some of the results of our efforts to share Jesus in Kentwood.

 

 

Tomorrow is God’s Day,  Be sure to give Him His day.

FBC, Kentwood

  • 9:15 – Sunday School for all ages
  • 10:30 – Morning Worship
  • 6:00 – Evening Worship and special classes for children and youth
  • Nursery always available during church services

Anna Lee

Friday

I’ve been having problems with internet connectivity, so this will be short.

 

“They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.” 

~1 Timothy 6:18-19 NLT~

 

David Bert Gray, CDR, SC, USN, Ret., 71, of Five Forks Road, died July 23, 2018. A native of Amite, LA, he was a retired Navy officer and CPA, and a member of New Branch Community Church in Windsor. CDR Gray said he already experienced heaven on earth starting with the day he met his loving wife Vickie. Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Victoria M. Gray; sons, CDR David B. Gray II (Christy) of Pickerington, OH, Jonathan Gray (Meredith) of Norfolk, VA; and daughters, Mary Shriver (Scott) of Charlottesville, Amy Rowe of Norfolk, and Lindsay Schrader (Paul) of Virginia Beach; grandchildren, Sarah, Colby, Gabrielle, Andrew, Emily, Bryan and Cohen; sisters, Terry Voight of Amite, LA, Vera Brennan (Paul) of Kingston, NY; and brother, Lee Gray (Patsy) of Amite, LA. The family would like to thank the outstanding professionals of Sentara Obici and Norfolk General Hospital for their exceptional care for Bert while he was struggling with his various ailments over the last couple of years. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 30, at 10:30 AM in New Branch Community Church, Windsor, VA by Pastor John Hunter. Burial will be in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, VA. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the NewBranch.net or Lion’s Club of Windsor, VA. http://www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com

 

 

Esther Alford Campbell

September 21, 1939 – July 25, 2018

Esther Alford Campbell,78, passed away July 25, 2018 at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA.

Visitation will be Monday July 30, 2018 from 9:00 AM  until services at 11:00 AM at New Zion Baptist Church in Kentwood.   Bro. Robert “Bob” Simpson will officiate. Private burial will be in East Fork Cemetery in Amite, Co.  Hartman Jones Funeral Home in McComb will be in charge of the arrangements.

Mrs. Campbell was born September 21, 1939 in New Orleans, to Johnny P. Alford and Nannie Lea Frazier Alford.

Esther was a member of New Zion Baptist Church.  She attended Jefferson Baptist  Church in Baton Rouge.  She was a native of St. Helena Parish, but a resident of Baton Rouge, LA.  She loved living in the city, but she was most comfortable spending time at the camp in Mississippi.  She spent many hours watching the deer and the birds.  She loved life and her family.  She will be greatly missed by those that knew and loved her.

Mrs. Campbell was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Clifton Campbell of Baton Rouge; her daughter and son-in-law, Debra Lynn Campbell Portier and Thomas of Roseland, LA; a brother and sister-in-law, Johnny Alford and Beverly of Baton Rouge, LA; two grandchildren, Ashley Adamson and her husband Jeremy and Aaron Portier; three great grandchildren, Liam, Collin and Ashlynn Adamson; a nephew, Parrish Alford and his wife Laurie of Tupelo, MS; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be:  Tom Portier, Aaron Portier, Parrish Alford, Kyle Alford, Jeremy Adamson, Liam Adamson.

Honorary pallbearer will be Collin Adamson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Zion Baptist Church in Kentwood ,  3841 LA-38, Kentwood, LA 70444 or East Fork Baptist Church, 4505 N Greensburg Rd; Smithdale.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 7
  • Job 34
  • Phil. 1

 

 

Pray to our services tomorrow.  Plan to be a part of Sunday School and worship.  Invite someone to attend.

 

Thank God for watching over us during these very hot days.  May we be alert to those who have special needs during these days of extreme heat.  Be thankful He is sending rain this weekend.

 

 

I’m looking forward to sharing a little about Operation Christmas Child Sunday.  This is the Franklin Graham organization that distributes shoe boxes all around the world.  I’m so thrilled we have an opportunity to send gifts and giving children an opportunity to learn about Jesus to so many children.  If you need to learn more or have any questions about packing, shipping, places the boxes are send, etc., please ask me.  My personal goal is always to pack as many as I can.  I do this by collecting, packing, collecting, and packing.  You get the idea.

 

 

There are many with various needs due to sicknesses and deaths.  Address each one as God leads you to.  Also, spiritual needs abound.  Pray for these situations and act as God leads you to.

Anna Lee

 

 

Tuesday

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 

For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”

~Acts 18:9-10~

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 4
  • Psalm 89:27-52
  • Ephesians 4

 

 

 

Please pray for Clay Widas and his family.  He was bitten by a copperhead Sunday night in his backyard.  He is home recovering now.

 

 

Howard Williams was not expected to live through the night.  Please keep his family in your prayers.

 

Amber Prine Ragan

Recovery Update: 7/23/18 – We received some really exciting news today! Amber will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow (Tuesday). We were told at first, once she was discharged that we would have to stay in the Houston area for a day or two. Dr. Lang does not feel like that is necessary anymore. She is really doing great! She continues to amaze the medical staff here with her progress. We were moved from ICU last night into a regular room on the Neuro floor. The noise level is much better here and we have more privacy. Amber has been up walking more today and we plan to take her for a stroll later this afternoon. We wanted to share another Super Star Hero with all of you. Meet Dr. McPherson, this is the anesthesiologist that held Amber’s hand throughout the 10 hours of surgery. We all fell in love with him immediately. His gentle eyes and his soft comforting Australian voice is something that Amber will always remember. He is the one that made it possible for Amber to call us from the operating room. He came by to visit with her this morning. He told her that she was a huge help in the successful outcome of the surgery. We have met so many wonderful people during our stay at MD Anderson. Her discharge will take place sometime after lunch tomorrow. We will have to stop often for Amber to walk around and stretch her legs. Once again, we feel truly blessed to have been placed here under the care of the best medical team in the world!!

https://www.facebook.com/AmberPrineRaganWereInThisTogether/

 

 

There was a set of Gray twins, Bert and Jack, who grew up in Amite.  Jack died a year ago last March.  Bert just passed away in Virginia.  I’ve been told both of them died as a result of falls.  Please pray for the extended Gray family, many of whom still live in this area.

 

 

Geraldine Calmes Lanier

April 27, 1937 – July 22, 2018

Geraldine Calmes Lanier, a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 22, 2018 at her home in Amite. She was born April 27, 1937 in Thibodaux, LA and was 81 years of age. She was a retired bookkeeper for Tangipahoa Parish Teachers’ Credit Union. She was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church where she sang in the choir and an active member of the Amite Art Club. She is survived by her children, Bill Lanier, Paul Lanier and wife, Marta Raquel, Steven “Brown” Lanier and wife, Joel, Randy Lanier and wife, Janelle, Marc Lyle Lanier and wife, Donna, Marcheta Lanier, and Joan Rose Lanier Padgett and husband, Clint; brother, James Calmes and her numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Mark Wells Lanier; son, K.P. Lanier; parents, Floyd and Ophelia Bouterie Calmes; and her sisters, Mildred C. Martin and Kathleen C. Husser. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday from 6 PM until 9 PM and at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall on Friday, July 27, 2018 from 9 AM until 11:30 AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 12 Noon. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Shiloh Church of Christ Cemetery, 20145 E. Bell Rd., Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

Today at 11 – “Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party at The Cafe   Please feel free to join us.

 

 

Livia-and-A Necklace (Operation Christmas Child)

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/shoebox-stories-livia-and-a-necklace/

It is less than four months until the shoeboxes are collected and begin their trip to boys and girls this year!

       What a joy it is to pack and ship shoeboxes each month!

 

Two church staff changes in our area

  1. Jacob Williams, a former youth minister at Osyka, was voted in to return as pastor at Osyka.
  2. Brock Birch, the youth minister at East Fork will be moving to Silver Springs to serve as pastor.

 

Be thankful the weather is going to be slightly cooler today.  Rain will probably not be here until next week.  Help others who may have a problem with staying cool and hydrated.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

~Psalm 27:1~

 

 

What a blessing to see Jeb and Katie Brabham have their two boys dedicated to the Lord yesterday.  What precious boys!  Such a sweet family!

 

 

Please pray for Bro. Darryl Miller’s family.  His parents are not in good health.

 

 

Continue to pray for those in our community who are battling serious health issues.

 

 

Pray for those who have to be outside for extended time periods during this hot weather.  Everyone be careful.  Take care of the older and younger folks who are out in the heat.

 

 

Read the Bible Today

  • Catch up on any readings you missed last week.
  • Reflect on God as High Priest

 

 

“Young” Ladies’ Birthday Party 

  • Honoring ladies with July birthdays
  • Tuesday at The Cafe at 11 A.M.

 

 

Children in Action

  • Wednesday nights at 6 P.M. in Children’s Department
  • Working on Operation Christmas Child projects this month
  • Children K-5th grade (boys and girls)
  • Children had a good time working at the mission project day Saturday.

 

 

Yesterday morning, David and I enjoyed breakfast at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church.  They do this every month as a benefit for someone with a special need.  Yesterday, our donations went to Lalou Schwebel Voight who has breast cancer.  Good job, Pine Ridge ladies!  Lalou, we wish you improved health.  You are in our prayers.

 

People are kind and thoughtful in many ways.  Travis Day has planted a large area of sunflowers and is allowing others to enjoy them, “Drive Thru and Pick a Few!”  His sunflower patch is on highway 440, about 4.5 miles west of the interstate at Tangipahoa.  Make some memories and some pictures!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Sunday

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Hebrews 13:5-6

 

 

 

Amber Prine Ragan

Recovery Update: 7/21/18 (12:00 PM) Dr. Lang came by to discuss the results of the MRI. There is a very small layer of the tumor remaining in the insula area under the cerebral cortex. This was the area that he was concerned about because of causing damage to the blood vessels that could have caused paralysis. The next step is the plan of treatment to attack this area. It will be a 6 week combination of chemotherapy plus radiation. We will meet with an oncologist when we return for the post-op visit on August 8th. At that time we will know more about the plan of attack! We will continue to post recovery updates.
We wanted to share a picture with everyone of our perfect patient and her Super Star Hero, Dr. Lang.

“What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.” – Ralph Marston

 

 

Clovis W. Sanders

June 22, 1936 – July 20, 2018

A resident of Greensburg, LA passed away on Friday, July 20, 2018 at his home. He was born June 22, 1936 in Liverpool, LA and was 82 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Doris Griffin Sanders; daughter, Rita Allen and husband, Charles E.; 2 sons, Robert “Bob” Sanders and wife, Alice, and Patrick “Pat” Sanders and wife, Jeana; 4 grandchildren, Stephanie Floyd and husband, John, Chauntel Snoddy and husband, Nathan, Tazi McClung and husband, Stan, Travis Welch and wife, Molly, and Bryan Allen and wife, Melissa; 14 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Clyde and Fanny Sanders; former spouse, Margaret P. Sanders; son, Clovis W. Sanders, Jr.; brothers, Lawrence Sanders and James D. Sanders; sister, Ouida S. Wall. He was a member of Red Bluff Baptist Church, American Legion, North Helena Volunteer Fire Department, Lookout Rough Riders, Liverpool Enduro Motorcycle Club and a founding member of the Liverpool Riding Club. Visitation at Red Bluff Baptist Church, Greensburg, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 23, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Joe Day and Rev. Raymond Taylor. Interment Red Bluff Cemetery, Greensburg. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Yesterday completed a wonderful missions week.

  • Monday, we had our “show and tell” craft day for missions at Spring Creek.  We were blessed by some ladies I didn’t expect, but who shared testimonies that brought tears to many eyes.
  • Yesterday, many items were made to be used is mission projects.  I’m so thankful to those, young and older, who came to do their part.  Amazingly, two senior adult ladies took some items home to complete later.  That shows what a blessing their self-imposed “homework” was to their lives. What an example they set!

 

 

Tuesday, we will celebrate church ladies with birthdays in July.  We meet at The Cafe at 11 A.M.  Ladies being honored this month are Bobbie Magee, Barbara Erwin, Janice Hornsby, Martha  Griffith, Debbie Bales, and Anne Hurst.

 

 

Read the Bible today.

  • Isaiah 3
  • Job 32
  • Ephesians 3

 

 

I hope you have a great day of Bible study and worship today.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

~Philippians 4:6-7~

 

 

 

I’m looking forward to seeing some of you at our mission project day this morning in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood.  We will meet from nine to noon.  There is a job for everyone as we do both local and international missions.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Isaiah 2
  • Psalm 89: 1-26
  • Ephesians 2

 

Amber Prine Ragan “We’re in this Together”

Recovery Update: 7/20/18 (11:30 AM)- Amber is doing awesome! All of the medical staff in the ICU keep making comments about how well she is doing. She had a good night last night, they are keeping her very comfortable. She is sitting up in a chair this morning visiting with her Dad and Ashlynn.
Dr. Lang had a little of a challenge at the beginning of surgery because of the scar tissue that had built up from the previous surgery 5 years ago. Once he got past that, he was able to start the intricate removal process of the tumor. As we said before, he feels that he was able to remove the majority of the tumor. Amber being awake and responding to different tasks allowed him to continue deeper into the area of tumor without causing any deficits. They will keep her in ICU for another 24 hours to monitor her closely. We hope to be moved into a room tomorrow. They have been great about letting family members visit with her.
Dr. Lang knows that a majority of the tumor has been removed, but it’s hard to know if it was 100% because of the area he was working in. They will do an MRI today that will confirm the final results of the surgery. Depending on the results of the MRI and tests that will be done on the extracted tumor, they will plan the best possible post-treatment plan for Amber.
We will continue to post recovery updates….

When you don’t know what to do, Pray. Pray until your situation changes. Miracles happen everyday.
Love to all of you from Amber and her family 🙏❤️

 

 

Pray for Bro. Darryl Miller’s family.  Both his parents are sick and living with one of their daughters.  Family members are taking turns caring for then.  Caregiving is a very hard job!

 

 

Please continue to pray for Howard Williams.  He had had ups and downs this week.  Howard is a brother to Rufus and Malone.

 

 

Please continue to pray for others in our area who are facing long-term sicknesses and their caregivers.

 

 

Today is a fantastic day to serve our mighty God!

Anna Lee

 

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