Monday

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you;

he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

~Deuteronomy 31:6~

 

Please pray for Mansell Stinson who is hospitalized at North Oaks with a diabetes problem concerning his feet.  This has been a long, hard battle.

 

 

Rob Anderson, who was recently hospitalized in Houston in now hospitalized in Boston, where the family now lives.  Pray this is only the flu, not something related to the previous problem.

 

 

Don Yarborough, son-in-law of Mr.. Philip Harrell, fell while working in the bathroom.  His most serious injuries seem to be to his head and his left arm.  Pray for him today.

 

 

Freddie Rick

June 25, 1939 – January 13, 2018

A life long resident of Kentwood passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2018 in Amite. He was born June 25, 1939 in New Orleans and was 78 years of age. He was a U. S. Navy Veteran and made a living in the welding business. He was a Past Master and 32 degree Mason with the Kentwood Lodge #248 F&M Masonic Lodge. He is survived by his son, Freddie Rick, II; 2 sisters, Jennie Rogers and Leona Spackey; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Frank Rick, Sr. and Martha Louise Hughes Rick; 5 brothers, Joe Rick, Frank “Ed” Rick, Jr., Monroe Rick, Charlie Rick, and Jimmie Rick; 2 sisters, Winnie McBeth and Jessie Loraine Clement. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until Funeral Services at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Because of the extremely cold weather this week, we will NOT have the Third Thursday gathering at the cabin this month.  Please put the Third Thursday of next month on you calendar.

 

 

If you are packing shoeboxes,  Operation Christmas Child suggests you purchase hats, gloves, and scarves this month. You may be able to find them on sale at this time of the year.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Reflect on God as a provider
  • Catch up if you are behind in your readings.

 

 

Don’t miss today’s WMU meeting at East Fork.  We will meet as a  leadership team at 9:00.  Then, the regular meeting will begin at 10:00.  A potluck meal will follow the meeting.  Our speaker will be Dr. Ernest Graham, pastor of East Fork. Those of you off from work today are invited to join us for the morning.  We gladly invite you to bring your girls with you.

 

 

Many of you did not have electricity for much of the day yesterday.  I know this was especially hard on some families.  I pray this doesn’t happen again during the cold we will have all this week.\

Anna Lee

 

Sunday

“That is why we never give up.

Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long.

Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” 

~2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NLT~

 

 

Update on Jimmy Alford:  Jimmy had three or four hard days following his procedure Monday, but he is now feeling much better.  Keep praying for him and his family.

 

 

 

Sheldon Leon Dykes

February 17, 1965 – January 12, 2018

Sheldon Leon Dykes was born February 17, 1965. He went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 12, 2018. Sheldon succumbed to his brief battle with lung cancer at North Oaks Hospital in Hammond, Louisiana, surrounded by those that loved him most. He was survived by daughters, Samantha (Yancy) Hughes, Shelby (Richie) Magee of Kentwood, La; Emily Dykes (fiancé, Chance Travis) of Calhoun, La; and their mother Anna Givens Hodges of Kentwood, La; Grandchildren Joshua and Charlie Hughes, and Brayden Magee; Mother, Nellie (Rodney) Perryman; siblings Donald, Walter, Betty, Libby, Raymond, Denell, Mark and Kim; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Dykes. Sheldon was a nurse by trade and worked in the health care field for over 30 years. He was currently serving as the Administrator of Kentwood Manor Nursing Home. He proudly served the community at this facility for more than 15 years in various roles. He was a pillar of strength and love for his family and all of those who knew him. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood, Louisiana on Saturday, January 20th from 10-11 am. Visitation with the family before the service will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please honor Sheldon by making donations to Kentwood Manor Nursing Home.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Genesis 43-44
  • Proverbs 6
  • Matthew 12

 

 

Missions poster – I put eight new “lights” on the poster Friday morning.  I hope you will notice the progress we are making.

 

 

I hope all of you made it through the low temperatures last night without any trouble.  Tonight won’t be so bad, but then the very low temperatures will be back.  Take care.  Keep warm!

 

 

Do you want to be blessed?  Make a few visits to senior adults who are homebound.  You will be greatly blessed.  Your visit will be the highlight of their day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.

~Psalm 40:3~

 

John Herbert Kilpatrick

March 03, 1930 – January 11, 2018

John Herbert Kilpatrick, 87, of Amite LA, died January 11,2018 at the home of his son while surrounded by his family and his beloved dog, Ralph. Born March 3, 1930, in New Orleans, LA, he was the son of the late Myrtle Pipes and Stephen Milton Kilpatrick. After graduating from LW, John worked for and retired from Ethyl Corporation after 33 years. During his life he enjoyed many hobbies, including building and flying model airplanes, and riding his bicycles. A founding member of The Crescent City Cyclist Bicycle Club, John rode his bicycle for some 47,000 miles over a thirteen-year period.

His family and many friends will miss his endless stories about life growing up in Amite, LA Before his memory failed, he was a family historian, and will take with him much of this history. His favorite past time was riding on country roads and talking about his best friend, his dog, Ralph.

He was well known as the Red Headed, Irish Tenor, who faithfully sang “Oh Holy Night” at every Christmas Eve Service at The Amite First Methodist Church until his health began to fail.

He is survived by his sons, John Stephen Kilpatrick and his wife Elaine, of Shreveport LA, James David Kilpatrick, and Richard RP Kilpatrick and wife Kathleen; two granddaughters, Morgan and Christina Kilpatrick of Shreveport.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Bertie Jane Greenhill Kilpatrick, his sister, Catherine Kilpatrick Ridgedell, his wonderful dog, Pete, and many other family members.

In his last days his body was very strong but his mind failed him because of his Alzheimer’s Disease. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Family would like to thank his caregiver, Vivian Desormeaux, and St. Joseph’s Hospice as well as all those who took time to visit him and send him cards.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday and at First United Methodist Church, Amite, from 10:30 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Josh Milliron. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Don’t forget to pass the word about the associational  WMU meeting Monday at East Fork Baptist Church.  We will honor WMU ladies who passed away during 2017 and get to listen to Dr. Ernest Graham talk about families who pass on a love for missions.  We will have a leadership meeting at 9:00, the meeting at 10:00, and then, a potluck lunch.   A nursery will be provided.  Your girls who may be out of school are invited to attend too.

 

 

I know I’m sounding like a broken record, but check on others who may have needs during this extremely cold weather.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Genesis 38-42
  • Psalm 6
  • Matthew 11

 

 

Keep praying.  Keep reading.

Anna Lee

Friday

“By our baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life.”

 ~Romans 6:4 GNT~

 

Mrs. Felicia (Rev. Mark) Robinson is improving.  Thank you for praying.  Keep praying along with the ladies of FBC, Greensburg.

 

 

Two Kentwood obituaries:

  1. George Elliott DeBlanc

    October 05, 1939 – January 10, 2018

    A resident of Kentwood passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at North Oaks Medical Center. He was born October 5, 1939 in Osyka, MS and was 78 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Tinsey DeBlanc; 6 daughters, Debbie (Larry) Lambert, Magnolia, MS, Debbie (Barry) Rhodus, Magnolia, MS, Carol (Amanda) DeBlanc, Haslet, TX, Sharon (Bill) Birch, Kentwood, LA, Shannon (Donald) Hill, Amite, LA and Rachael (Trey) Buckley, Kentwood, LA; 9 grandchildren, Chris and Justin Lambert, Luke Rhodus, Josh and Jonathan Hill, Kirstie Sanchez, Kallie Birch, and Taylor and Calin Buckley; 9 great grandchildren, Tristen, Landon, Koben, Chance, Landon, and Karli Lambert, Peyton McCurry, Mckenzie Hill, and Tayton and Easton Buckley; siblings, Genevieve (Billy) Johnson, Leesville, LA, Robert (Susie) DeBlanc, Long Beach, MS, Joe (Patricia) DeBlanc, Osyka, MS and Roy DeBlanc, Greensburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Elliott Robert DeBlanc and Geneva McElveen DeBlanc; brother, David DeBlanc; and 2 sisters, Deloris Bethel and Annette DeBlanc. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 PM until 8 PM on Friday and from 9 AM until religious services at 11 AM on Saturday, January 13, 2018. Services conducted by Rev. Reid Travis, Dr. Danny Smith, and Rev. Joe Everett. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

  2. Garrett “Max” Blades

    November 01, 1989 – January 10, 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Garrett “Max” Blades, age 28, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 in a motorcycle accident. Max was a decorated Marine who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, where he earned multiple commendations of valor. He proudly touted that it was some of the best years of his life. He made life long bonds with the Marines who served beside him and never missed an opportunity to tell anyone who would listen why America is the greatest country in the world. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal from the Marines. Max went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and worked in sales and service at multiple Harley Davidson dealerships in our area. He is survived by his mother, Vickie Yarborough Blades; father, Randy Wayne Blades; brothers, Justin Casey Blades and wife, Alison Brocato Blades and Jesse Reeves Blades and wife, Tabitha Bankston Blades; grandmother, Catherine McNabb Yarborough; and his beloved niece and nephews, Halle, Parker, Jonah, and Tanner; girlfriend, Katrina Pittman. Max was blessed with an extensive family including numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, who are also grieving this loss. Preceded in death by his grandparents, Hubert Yarborough, Sr., Laverne Blades and Pearl Blades; aunts and uncles, Joyce Gail Wall, with whom he shared a birthday, Sandy Blades, Mickey Blades, and Rusty Blades and his special great aunt, Doris Kreh. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 12 Noon until Memorial Services at 3 PM, on Saturday, January 13, 2018. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

 

Here’s a perpetual need you, your family, class, or church may want to help with.  Earlier this week, I was contacted to see if I had any more new or used paperback Bibles for the inmates at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail ministry.  Yesterday, we made that delivery.  They were so pleased to have the Bibles you gave.  I will continue to collect the Bibles for the next delivery.  I was also asked for 2018 calendars.  They need to be put together with staples, not the wire spirals.  If you have paperback Bibles and/or calendars, please give them to me or place them in the tote under the stairwell to the balcony of FBC, Kentwood.  Thanks!

 

 

The Friday morning Bible study will be at 10 A.M. this morning.  We will study Ezekiel 34-35.  You are welcome to join us in the fellowship hall this morning.

 

 

 

Very cold temperatures are coming to our area again.  Be prepared.  Check with others to make sure they have what they need to be prepared.

 

 
Here’s the Most Important Thing You Can Do in 2018 – https://www.imb.org/2018/01/08/resolve-proclaim-christ/

 

 

 

Two Rivers Associational WMU Meeting

  • Monday at East Fork Baptist Church
  • Honoring WMU ladies who passed away in 2017
  • Dr. Ernest Graham will speak on a missionary heritage
  • Lunch will follow the 10 A.M. meeting

 

 

 

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Genesis 35-37
  • Proverbs 5
  • Matthew 10

 

 

Jesus loves you!

Anna Lee

 

 

 

Thursday

“For I can do everything through Christ, 

who gives me strength.”

~Philippians 4:13 NLT~

 

 

Miss Fay Shoemaker arrived in Atlanta only to learn she has a broken hip.  Pray for her as she has this taken care of.

 

 

Chase Birch was involved in an accident on I-55 when an 18-wheeler blew a tire.  Chase only has minor injuries and will be fine.

 

 

Mike Strickland has more complications.  Please pray.

 

 

 

George DeBlanc passed away yesterday at Greensburg.  Please be in prayer for his family.

 

 

Max Blades also passed away yesterday.  Prayers for his family will be greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

Read the Bible 

  • Genesis 32-34
  • Psalms 5
  • Matthew 9

 

 

Two Rivers Associational WMU will meet Monday at East Fork Baptist Church.  The leadership meeting will be at 9:00 with the meeting beginning at 10.  A potluck lunch will follow the meeting.  The focus of the meeting will be honoring our WMU ladies who have passed away during 2017.  Our guest speaker will be Dr. Ernest Graham, who will speak about a family heritage for missions.  Since Monday is a holiday for many of you, we invite you to spend some time with us.  Girls are also invited to participate with their mothers.  A nursery will be provided to help mothers with small children.

 

 

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

 

 

God gives us strength to get through the good days and the difficult days.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:

The old has gone, the new is here!

~2 Corinthians 5:17~

How often have you wished to do away with one thing and just start over?  God gives us this opportunity! 

 

 

Sunday, Margaret Caraway of FBC, Greensburg told me of the illness of the wife of a former pastor of her church.  Feelicia Robinson is in OLOL trying to recover from a stroke.  It is my understanding that Felicia is rather young for a stroke.  Prayers would be appreciated.

 

 

Peter Allen Pedeaux
  • September 2, 1998 – January 4, 2018
  • Springfield, Louisiana

Peter Allen Pedeaux, 19 years old of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2018, in Springfield, LA.
He was born on Wednesday, September 2, 1998, in Covington, LA.
Surviving are his parents, Clint and Betty Hernandez Pedeaux, sister, Lauren Pedeaux(Chad), brother, Jacob Pedeaux, 3 nieces, Nola, Georgia, & Piper, nephew, Sebastian, grandparents, Tracy and Karen T. Hernandez Jr., grandparents, Lyle & Diane Pedeaux McCollum.
He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Georgia Ann K. Hernandez, and grandfather, Milton Scott Pedeaux.
Friends will be received Thursday, January 11, 2018 from 5-7 pm with a Celebration Service beginning at 7pm. Visitation as well as the Celebration Service will be held at The Mission Church with Pastor Scott Boney officiating.
Our precious Peter was so kind, thoughtful, generous, hard-working, loved EVERYONE, and had the heart of a missionary.
Because of who Peter was, in lieu of flowers, Peter’s parents would like contributions to go toward “Peter’s House.” Peter’s House will be a guesthouse located in Jeremie, Haiti to accommodate individuals and small mission teams who go to serve the children and families of Haiti (which Peter loved).
If you would like to give to “Peter’s House” go to: www.lovelikepeter.com
An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.

 

Read the Bible – Today, reflect on God as a Healer.  Read any appropriate Scriptures.  Also, use today to catch up, if needed.

 

 

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

 

 

Thank-you for praying!

Anna Lee

 

 

Tuesday

For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

~Romans 6:6-7~

 

 

Josiah Huckaby

We had a care conference Friday about Josiah and what our steps are for getting to bring him home. Josiah is going to need a trach since he is having some trouble weaning down to the home oxygen settings. He will be able to come home on as much oxygen as he needs with the trach. Also, they think he has some upper airway obstruction (big tongue, small mouth, narrow airway) so the trach will bypass that until he grows enough for those things not to be an issue for him. This will be a long term temporary deal (probably a couple of years). ENT called today and he will most likely have surgery Wednesday. We definitely feel this is the best thing for him. It will be a long tough road but will be so worth it to have him home. We are praising God for the opportunity to get him home soon. He is the toughest little boy & I’m constantly amazed at how he continues to fight & improve daily. Also, several people have been asking about Josiah’s medical bills. His bills are 100% the agency’s responsibility until the adoption is finalized…just one more way God has provided!!! A huge thanks to everyone for your prayers and for all the help with gas/food money as we have traveled back and forth from Memphis over the last 10 months!!! We have the most amazing family, friends, church family, & support system ever!

 

Jimmy Alford‘s targeted radiation procedure went well.  Jimmy and Janie are at home.  Thank you for praying for Jimmy.

 

 

Sammy L. Broyles

December 26, 1937 – January 08, 2018

Samuel L. Broyles, retired chief of Police of Kentwood, born to James Holcomb and Liza Stewart Broyles on December 26, 1937, died January 8, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Roberts Broyles; son, Samuel Eugene Broyles; grandchildren, Samantha Caroll Miller and Robert Eugene Broyles; sister, Faith Alford; and nieces and nephews, Tam and Wayne Blair, James Ellis Alford, Dalton and Missy Alford, Don and Kristi Alford, Lisa and Scott Magee, and Gail and Frank Ashby. Preceded in death by his parents, Holcomb and Liza Broyles; sister, Joyce Fendlason. Visitation at Kentwood Methodist Church from 6 PM until 8 PM on Wednesday and from 8 AM until religious services at 11 AM on Thursday, January 11, 2018. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Gen 28-31
  • Prov. 4
  • Matt. 8

 

Let’s enjoy some warmer and dryer weather today.

Anna Lee

Monday

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them;

I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

~Ezekiel 11:19~

 

 

Today, let’s say special prayers for George DeBlanc and his family.  He is having a very serious health issue.

 

 

One week from today, the associational WMU will meet at East Fork to honor ladies who formerly served with us. but who passed away in the last year.  The meeting is at 10 A.M. and will conclude with a potluck lunch.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Genesis 26-27
  • Psalm 4
  • Matthew 7

 

 

Baptist Press – http://bpnews.net

 

 

What opportunities for helping others does God have planned for us today?

Anna Lee

Sunday

1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8~

 

 

My brother-in-law has been working hard this week to get some flooring back in his house.  It has been a long process since the flood in August 2016.  Today, when you possibly see us, please say a prayer for David’s brother, Jimmy, who will have targeted radiation at Ochsner in Baton Rouge.  Then, pray it will be effective in slowing the cancer.

 

 

Read the Bible

  • Genesis 23-25
  • Proverbs 3
  • Matthew 6

 

 

I hope you will remind your church ladies of the WMU meeting a week from tomorrow at East Fork.  Also, if a WMU lady from your church passed away this past year, please let me know, so they can be honored at our meeting.

 

 

Pray is powerful!  I believe in it.   I trust you do too.

Anna Lee

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday Addition

I forgot to mention that Mrs. Velma Anthony has the flu.  Please add her to you prayer list.

 

 

Patsy Green Field Istre

November 24, 1931 – January 05, 2018

Patsy Green Field Istre peacefully graduated to heaven on January 5, 2018 at her home in Hammond, Louisiana. Her life centered on faith in God through Jesus Christ, and love for her family. Born on November 24, 1931 to Hattie and George Green, she was reared primarily in Wichita Falls, Texas where she was a cheerleader for the Wichita Falls High Coyotes.

Patsy met her first husband, Dick Field, while attending Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. They married on September 15, 1951 and moved to Dick’s home state of Louisiana. Living in Amite, Patsy became involved in activities for their children and sang in the choir at Amite-Arcola Presbyterian Church. She also served as secretary for Amite High School and participated in various school related organizations. After the passing of Dick in 1981, Patsy became involved in the lives of her grandchildren as their MeMe and moved to Hammond.

Patsy married Kenneth Istre on November 26, 1991 living in Jennings and Denham Springs before returning to Hammond. Supporting Kenneth’s ministry as a preacher, she also became involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Members of congregations across Louisiana appreciated her gift of hospitality and faithful service including Shiloh Church of Christ and Hayden Grove Church.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents Hattie and George Green and her brothers and sisters Mozelle Gilbert, David Green, Betty Redwine and Don Green.

Preceded in death by her first husband, Dick Field, Patsy is survived by their children Ricky Field and his wife Alison, SuEllan Moore and her husband Carmon and Tanya Mearse and her husband Bill; her grandchildren Chris Bordelon, April Field Kemp, Richie Field, Brad Moore, Mandy Moore, Amy Moore Weiss, Todd Moore and Matt Moore; and her great grandchildren Grace Kemp and Gretchen Field.

Patsy is also survived by her second husband, Kenneth Istre and his children Kenny Istre and his wife Natalie, Kathy Alonso and her husband Roland and Kristy Yeldell and her husband Layne; his grandchildren Justin Istre, Rick Istre, Cole Bridges, Curt Bridges, Amy Yeldell Stone and Clay Yeldell; and his great grandchildren.

Visitation with family is Monday, January 8, from 6 pm to 9 pm in McKneely Funeral Home at 110 E. Factory St in Amite. The memorial service is Tuesday, January 9, at 11 am with family visitation at 9 am at McKneely Funeral Home immediately followed by a brief graveside service at Amite Memorial Gardens. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.