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"Lord, I believe; help my unbelief."

7/6/2020

"Fear not"

To the Morning Star Baptist Church Family and Friends:
In Isaiah 43, the Prophet recorded the Lord giving the following instructions to Israel. He said, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1b). The Lord went on to describe several scenarios wherein the children of Israel may have reason to fear, and He told them, “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 43:5a). Finally, to ensure congruency of message in both the Old and New Testaments, the Apostle Paul, when speaking to his beloved pupil, Timothy, reminded him that “God has not given you a spirit of fear but of power, and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Therefore, regardless of the challenge, believers are not to fear, but to exercise a measure of faith trusting in the Holy Word of God and the more than 7,000 promises set forth therein.

I know you may grow weary. I know that you may suffer undue burdens. I know that you may feel as if you are overwhelmed.

Whatever your response to the challenge of the day, please do not despair, fret, but most importantly, do not allow fear to take hold of you.

Fear will paralyze you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Fear will cause you to second guess yourself and allow doubt to rise up in your decision making. There are many responses to the various challenges we are facing, but fear is not one of them. Fear is a sign of unbelief and demonstrates a lack of trust for God. If you find yourself falling prey to the emotion of fear, I humbly ask that you cry out to God the Father and declare with your mouth, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). He will do just what He said He would do. He will make you whole and give you what you need not to fear and to overcome.

I pray God’s blessings be upon you and that you remain safe, committed, and sold out for the Lord Jesus Christ. I miss and love you much.

The Resurrection is Truth,

John H. Whitfield, Pastor

STAY HOME! SAVE LIVES!
Remain Faithful and not Foolish!

1. STAY home as much as you can
2. KEEP a safe distance
3. WASH hands often
4. COVER your cough
5. SICK? Call ahead

Email: morningstar@msbcgulfport.org
Website: www.msbcgulfport.org

Pastor John H. Whitfield

You say...

I can’t figure it out

I’m too tired

It's impossible

Nobody loves me

I can’t forgive myself

It;s not worth it

I'm not smart enough

I'm not able

I can’t go on

I can’t do it

I can’t manage

I'm afraid

I feel all alone

God says...

I will direct your steps
Proverb 3:5-6

I will give you rest
Matthew 11:28-30

All things are possible
Luke 18-27

I love you
John 3:16

I forgive you
Romans 8:1

It will be worth it
Romans 8:28

I will give you wisdom
1 Corinthians 1:30

I am able
2 Corinthians 9:8

My grace is sufficient
2 Corinthians 12:9

You can do all things
Philippians 4:13

I will supply all your needs
Philippians 4:19

I have not given you fear
2 Timothy 1:7

I will never leave you
Hebrews 13:5

____________________________________

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Morning Star Baptist Church
2050 Thornton Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39501

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10 Essential Health Tips For Seniors

6/5/2020

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Today, there are more people living longer than at any other time in history. In fact, baby boomers will number 78 million by 2030. "This generation, associated with social change including the civil rights and anti-war movements in the 1960s, has another important cause ”staying healthy," says soon-to-be 65-year-old Arthur Hayward, MD, a geriatrician and clinical lead physician for Kaiser Permanente.

Dr. Hayward recommends these 10 easy health tips for seniors to help baby boomers live longer and thrive:

Quit smoking. Take this critical step to improve your health and combat aging. Smoking kills by causing cancer, strokes, and heart failure. Smoking leads to erectile dysfunction in men due to atherosclerosis and to excessive wrinkling by attacking skin elasticity. Many resources are available to help you quit.
Keep active. Do something to keep fit each day, something you enjoy that maintains strength, balance, and flexibility and promotes cardiovascular health. Physical activity helps you stay at a healthy weight, prevent or control illness, sleep better, reduce stress, avoid falls and look and feel better, too.
Eat well. Combined with physical activity, eating nutritious foods in the right amounts can help keep you healthy. Many illnesses, such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis, can be prevented or controlled with dietary changes and exercise. Calcium and vitamin D supplements can help women prevent osteoporosis.
Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Use the Kaiser Permanente BMI (body mass index) calculator to find out what you should weigh for your height. Get to your healthy weight and stay there by eating right and keeping active. Replace sugary drinks with water, water is calorie-free!
Prevent falls. We become vulnerable to falls as we age. Prevent falls and injury by removing loose carpet or throw rugs. Keep paths clear of electrical cords and clutter and use night-lights in hallways and bathrooms. Did you know that people who walk barefoot fall more frequently? Wear shoes with good support to reduce the risk of falling.
Stay up-to-date on immunizations and other health screenings. By age 50, women should begin mammography screening for breast cancer. Men can be checked for prostate cancer. Many preventive screenings are available. Those who are new to Medicare are entitled to a "Welcome to Medicare" visit and all Medicare members to an annual wellness visit. Use these visits to discuss which preventative screenings and vaccinations are due.
Prevent skin cancer. As we age, our skin grows thinner; it becomes drier and less elastic. Wrinkles appear, and cuts and bruises take longer to heal. Be sure to protect your skin from the sun. Too much sun and ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer.
Get regular dental, vision, and hearing checkups. Your teeth and gums will last a lifetime if you care for them properly which means daily brushing and flossing and getting regular dental checkups. By age 50, most people notice changes to their vision, including a gradual decline in the ability to see small print or focus on close objects. Common eye problems that can impair vision include cataracts and glaucoma. Hearing loss occurs commonly with aging, often due to exposure to loud noise.
Manage stress. Try exercise or relaxation techniques, perhaps meditation or yoga as a means of coping. Make time for friends and social contacts and fun. Successful coping can affect our health and how we feel. Learn the role of positive thinking.
Fan the flame. When it comes to intimacy and aging, age is no reason to limit your intimacy. Learn about physical changes that come with aging and get suggestions to help you adjust to them, if necessary.

https://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/10-essential-health-tips-for-seniors/

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COVID-19 Guidance for Older Adults

5/23/2020

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Older adults, 65 years and older, are at higher risk for severe illness. COVID-19 is a new disease and we are learning more about it every day. Information is available in multiple languages.

Guidance for Older Adults at Higher Risk

https://www.cdc.gov/

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Revelation Gems

5/15/2020

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The symbolic chronological purpose or identification of the seven churches, with their respective characteristics, serve as a prophetical preview of the seven great periods in Christendom from Pentecost to the Rapture. The symbolic suggested outline for this predictive panorama may be seen as follows:

1. Ephesus (A.D. 30-300) – Its name means “Desirable” and it was known as the Apostolic Church.
2. Smyrna (A.D. 100-313) – Its name means “Myrrh” and it was known as the Martyr Church.
3. Pergamos (314-590) – Its name means “Marriage” and it was known as the Compromising Church.
4. Thyatira (590-1517) – Its name means “Continual Sacrifice” and it was known as the Roman Catholic Church.
5. Sardis (1517-1700) – Its name means “Remnant” and it was known as the Reformation Church.
6. Philadelphia (1700-1900) – Its name means “Brotherly Love” and it was known as the Revival Church.
7. Laodicea (1900-rapture) – Its name means “People’s Rights” and it was known as the Worldly Church.

As you consider the nature of each of the seven churches and their assigned period within Christendom you should be able to see more clearly the cyclical nature of the church and its relationship with the Lord Thy God.

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COVID-19 FAMILY FINANCES

4/3/2020

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by lynnfitchnews@ago.ms.gov<mailto:lynnfitchnews@ago.ms.gov>
As rent and bills come due this week, many families are wondering how they will make ends meet. The health impact of the Corona virus has been severe, but we are just beginning to see the level of damage to our family finances.

I want to thank the many businesses that have gone that extra mile to help their employees and their customers during this very difficult time, even as they suffer as well. It is heartwarming to hear about utilities suspending fees and landlords sitting down with their tenants to work out payment plans. We will get through this emergency and emerge stronger if we stand together.

I have gotten several questions about these personal financial matters and the help that may be available. I wanted to share some answers with all of you and I hope this guide is useful to you and your family as you try to navigate this crisis.

Rent and Mortgage Payments

Stimulus Checks

Unemployment Benefits

Student Loans

401(k) and Retirement Funds

Utilities Payments

Rent and Mortgage Payments

The CARES Act, often called the Corona virus stimulus package, included a temporary, nationwide eviction moratorium to renters whose landlords have a mortgage backed or owned by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or other Federal entities. The moratorium is in place for 120 days from the date of passage, which was March27. These landlords also can’t charge any fees or penalties for rent non-payment.

To help landlords, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced on March 23rd that, amongst other things, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will offer mortgage forbearance for multi-family property owners that suspend evictions for renters unable to pay rent as a result of this crisis.

The stimulus package also prohibits lenders from foreclosing on single-family mortgages that are backed by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae for 60 days. Borrowers with federally backed mortgage loans can also request forbearance on their payments for up to 6 months for a single-family home or 90 days for multi-family property. They will be asked to demonstrate financial hardship directly or indirectly related to the Corona virus. Interest may accrue, but there will be no additional fees, penalties, or extra interest.
Ginnie Mae, which guarantees mortgages for 12 million homeowners, is also helping mortgage companies with a Pass-Through Assistance Program (PTAP). The PTAP will help ensure up to $100 billion in liquidity to make up shortfalls from missed mortgage payments.

I also want to thank the Mississippi Apartment Association and Mississippi Association of Affordable Housing Providers for their encouragement of apartment managers and landlords to work with renters who are unable to make their rent payments on time during this crisis. It is encouraging to see this kind of compassion and citizenship.

Stimulus Checks

The CARES Act included direct payments to citizens to help ease cash flow and financial problems caused by this crisis. The checks will be based on 2019 income taxes or 2018 if you have not filed this year yet. Most adults will get $1,200 or $2,400 for a married couple. Those with adjusted gross income of $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples) or less will get the full amount. The amount gets phased out as incomes rise to $99,000 for individuals or $198,000 for couples. Taxpayers filing as heads of household will get the full payment if they earn $112,500 or less.

An adult who is claimed as a dependent cannot get a payment of their own. For families with children, payments will include an additional $500 for each qualifying child age 16 or younger.

To see what your adjusted gross income is, look at Line 8b on your 1040. You do not have to do anything to get this check, which is technically an advance on a tax credit to your 2020 federal taxes. If the IRS has your bank information for direct deposit, it will be deposited. Otherwise, it will be mailed based on the address from your filings.

It is important to note that the IRS will NOT contact you to ask for your Social Security Number, bank account, or other personal information. If you are contacted by someone who claims to be from the IRS and asks for this information as a condition of getting your check, you should not share it.

Unemployment Benefits

With stores and restaurants closing or reducing hours as a result of this pandemic, many hard-working Mississippians are suddenly out of work. To help, unemployment insurance benefits have been expanded to include the self-employed, independent contractors, part-time workers, and even those who are only partly unemployed as a result of the Corona virus pandemic. Determinations of eligibility will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Mississippi benefits can typically be collected for up to 26 weeks. Under the CARES Act, benefits can be extended an additional 13 weeks. Governor Reeves waived certain regular program directives, including work search requirements and the 1-week waiting period. Claims are typically effective the Sunday of the week you file your initial claim.

The maximum Mississippi benefit is typically $235 per week. But, eligible workers will get an extra $600 per week on top of State benefits. This extra payment will last for up to four months, covering the weeks of unemployment ending with July 31, 2020. The extra $600 counts as income when determining eligibility for some means-tested programs, but not for Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The Mississippi Department of Employment Services (MDES) has set up a call center to help people apply at 1-888-844-3577 and it is available seven days a week. You can also apply online at

www.mdes.ms.gov<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001QIbKv_cz-6KyvcHBPNNS5zx0fu_N_PcvySQHJZCw2DaDjRfcZyb1kfUiop4eWnt3lqi43amDJieYBKUE6dsvu1YU7MolWyBu5X3Z8FnwCO8MUZ8tuhjMM9Dux0tO6f0MhLd_Ez9Q4d1oI-AdpBg0XA==&c=iIR5dGcHtscuQ1ZvQTyyWJPnkCKN0WjUODK8hVNpuxDTWdsXhsIQBA==&ch=3TN-zDpGH9e2yVi9-KAnYI68gfjiRiQEyP0HV0IljZqO3h8ChdieqA==>. MDES has also set up an email address to help answer questions: cv19@mdes.ms.gov.

Student Loans

Until September 30, 2020, there is an automatic payment suspension for any student loan held by the Federal government. Interest is frozen for that period as well. But, borrowers should check to make sure their servicers have reset their billing systems. An estimated 95% of borrowers have Federal loans.
The U.S. Department of Education will stop all requests to the U.S. Treasury to seize tax refunds, paychecks, or Social Security benefits on Federal student loans in default. It will not transfer any new accounts to its private debt collectors through September 30 as well. And, the Department of Education is returning $1.8 billion to more than 830,000 defaulted borrowers whose money was withheld on or after March 13, the day President Trump declared a national emergency.
Several private lenders are also offering help. For example, Discover Financial is allowing some borrowers to extend their payments or postpone them without accruing interest for 2 months. Citizens Bank is waiving late fees and offering forbearance for 3 months. Sallie Mae is offering a 3-month suspension of payments. And, Wells Fargo is providing a 90-day payment deferral.

401(k) and Retirement Funds

For calendar year 2020, there are no required minimum distributions from IRAs or workplace retirement savings plans. You can also borrow twice the usual amount from your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan. So, for 180 days, you can take out a loan up to $100,000, and the restriction against taking out more than half your balance is suspended. You can also withdraw up to $100,000 this year without incurring the 10% penalty.
You will have to show that your hardship is related to the Coronavirus pandemic. You can qualify if you, your spouse, or a dependent tested positive or if you experienced a negative economic consequence stemming from this emergency.

Utilities Payments

The Mississippi Public Service Commission (PSC) has suspended utility disconnections for 60 days. The PSC did remind customers that they still have a responsibility to pay current and past due bills even during this period. Entergy Mississippi, Mississippi Power Company, Atmos Energy, CenterPoint Energy, and Spire Gas are also working with the PSC to suspend fees for online convenience payments. I applaud this demonstration of good corporate citizenship in this time when people need a little extra help.

The stimulus package also included an additional $900 million for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

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Shelter-In-Place

4/2/2020

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Frequently asked Questions about the governor's Shelter in Place order

FAQs

HOW LONG WILL THIS LAST?

CAN I GO TO WORK?

CAN I GO TO THE PHARMACY TO FILL MY PRESCRIPTION?

CAN I GO TO THE DOCTOR/DENTIST?

CAN I GO TO SCHOOL OR TAKE MY CHILD TO SCHOOL?

CAN I EXERCISE OR WORK OUT?

CAN I GET MY HAIR AND NAILS DONE?

CAN I GO SHOPPING?

CAN I VISIT A FAMILY MEMBER IN THE HOSPITAL OR NURSING HOME?

MAY I HELP AN ELDERLY SHUT-IN RELATIVE BUY GROCERIES, DELIVER MEDICINE, OR TAKE THEM TO AN ESSENTIAL DOCTOR VISIT?

CAN I GO TO THE GROCERY STORE?

WHAT IF I’M LAID OFF WHILE MY BUSINESS IS CLOSED DURING THIS COVID-19 EPIDEMIC?

MY FAMILY REUNION WILL HAVE MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE ATTENDING, MAY I STILL GO?

MAY I STILL VISIT A FAMILY MEMBER THAT HAS BEEN QUARANTINED BECAUSE OF A KNOWN CONTACT WITH AN ACTIVE DIAGNOSED CASE OF COVID-19?

I HAVE A COURT APPEARANCE SCHEDULE DURING THIS SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER, MAY I ATTEND?

WHAT IF MY CITY OR TOWN HAS ADOPTED MORE STRICT REGULATIONS?

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BUSINESS IS ESSENTIAL?

CAN I TRAVEL TO AND FROM WORK IF I LIVE IN THE COUNTY AND WORK OUTSIDE THE COUNTY?

WHEN I’M TRAVELING, HOW CAN I ESTABLISH THAT I WORK FOR AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS OR OPERATION?

CAN I TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE COUNTY TO VISIT FAMILY?

HOW LONG WILL THIS LAST?

It will be in effect from Friday, April 3, 2020 at 5:00 PM until Monday, April 20, 2020 at 8:00 AM.

CAN I GO TO WORK?

If you work for an essential Business or Operation you may continue to go to work.
If your place of work is closed, you may go to work for minimum operations such as maintaining the condition of facilities, for security, to preserve value of business inventory, for payroll and employee benefits,
If you’re working remotely from home, you can go to work to get things necessary for you to continue to work remotely from your home or residence.

CAN I GO TO THE PHARMACY TO FILL MY PRESCRIPTION?

Yes. Travel for health and safety is permitted.

CAN I GO TO THE DOCTOR/DENTIST?

Yes. Travel for health and safety is permitted.
For previously scheduled appointments, check with your healthcare provider before traveling. Your healthcare provider should be observing instructions from the Mississippi Dept. of Health and not conducting non-essential visits or performing elective procedures or surgery. If healthcare visits and procedures can safely be rescheduled they should be.

CAN I GO TO SCHOOL OR TAKE MY CHILD TO SCHOOL?

Travel to or from schools is allowed for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, to receive meals, and for other education related purposes.

CAN I EXERCISE OR WORK OUT?

Gyms and health clubs and parks (not including walking trails) are closed during this Shelter in Place. But individual outdoor recreation is encouraged.
This would include running, biking, walking or even shooting baskets by yourself, but no group recreation or activities such as soccer or basketball games.

CAN I GET MY HAIR AND NAILS DONE?

No. Salons, barbershops and other similar personal care and grooming facilities are closed during this Shelter in Place.

CAN I GO SHOPPING?

Yes, but only for food or supplies needed to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operation of your home or for other people who are unable to or should not leave their home.

CAN I VISIT A FAMILY MEMBER IN THE HOSPITAL OR NURSING HOME?

No. Most visits are not allowed. For the safety of residents, patients and staff, visits to hospitals and nursing homes are prohibited except to visit those individuals receiving imminent end-of-life care, or as otherwise allowed by that healthcare facility.

MAY I HELP AN ELDERLY SHUT-IN RELATIVE BUY GROCERIES, DELIVER MEDICINE, OR TAKE THEM TO AN ESSENTIAL DOCTOR VISIT?

Yes. Travel is permitted for health and safety, or to get necessary food, services or supplies for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons.

CAN I GO TO THE GROCERY STORE?

Of course, but we need your cooperation. Make a list and buy your groceries and supplies in as few trips as possible—once a week not once a day.
Go to the grocery store only to buy food or supplies needed to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operation of your home, not for any social gatherings, such as morning coffee club.

WHAT IF I’M LAID OFF WHILE MY BUSINESS IS CLOSED DURING THIS COVID-19 EPIDEMIC?

Contact the Mississippi Department of Employment Security https://mdes.ms.gov/ or your local WIN Job Center for assistance.
You should also consult with your employer.

MY FAMILY REUNION WILL HAVE MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE ATTENDING, MAY I STILL GO?

No. All non-essential, social gatherings of more than 10 people scheduled during the Shelter-In-Place must be cancelled or rescheduled. This includes gatherings like weddings, funerals, reunions, and backyard barbecues.

MAY I STILL VISIT A FAMILY MEMBER THAT HAS BEEN QUARANTINED BECAUSE OF A KNOWN CONTACT WITH AN ACTIVE DIAGNOSED CASE OF COVID-19?

No. Please consult with the appropriate medical and health officials on specific instructions.

I HAVE A COURT APPEARANCE SCHEDULE DURING THIS SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER, MAY I ATTEND?

Yes. Courts are an Essential Business or Operation. But please consult with your attorney and court personnel to be sure of the date and time, or to learn if it has been postponed or rescheduled before traveling.

WHAT IF MY CITY OR TOWN HAS ADOPTED MORE STRICT REGULATIONS?

Combatting COVID-19 in Mississippi is a joint effort with federal, State, County and Local officials working together.
Local or county authorities understand the local community best and may adopt and enforce rules that are more strict as long they do not prevent any Essential Business or Operation as identified in Executive Order No. 1463 from providing essential services and functions.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BUSINESS IS ESSENTIAL?

Essential Business or Operations are established by Executive Order 1463. That order is available on the Secretary of State’s website under Communications and Publications/Executive Orders at https://www.sos.ms.gov/Education -Publications/Pages/Executive -Orders.aspx

CAN I TRAVEL TO AND FROM WORK IF I LIVE IN THE COUNTY AND WORK OUTSIDE THE COUNTY?

Yes. This shelter in place applies to your County. But you should consider taking your most recent pay stub or other record to establish where you work.

WHEN I’M TRAVELING, HOW CAN I ESTABLISH THAT I WORK FOR AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS OR OPERATION?

Have some record that identifies your place of employment—such as most recent pay stub or any letter or identification your employer gives you.
If you have any questions ask your employer and/or review the list on Executive Order 1463 at https://www.sos.ms.gov/Education Publications/Pages/Executive -Orders.aspx .

CAN I TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE COUNTY TO VISIT FAMILY?

Social gatherings of more than 10 people are not permitted
Travel is permitted for health and safety, or to get necessary food, services or supplies for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons whether in or outside of the county.

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"Lord, I believe; help my unbelief."

"Fear not"

You say...

God says...

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

10 Essential Health Tips For Seniors

COVID-19 Guidance for Older Adults

Guidance for Older Adults at Higher Risk

Revelation Gems

COVID-19 FAMILY FINANCES

Shelter-In-Place

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