This week we have focused on the Vacation Bible Schools in our area. Last night, David and I were blessed to attend the commencement of Kentwood’s VBS. It is such a blessing to see all the children and their families there. Pray the effort put into VBS this year has/will greatly impact children and their families.
The Bible is still the same. God’s love is still the same. Let me remind you of one of the songs that touched my heart long ago.
It didn’t look like this, but looked like little boys and girls singing from their hearts the word of this song. I have often been in groups of adults taking about their VBS experiences as children. Yes, even back them, we had VBS. There are similarities and differences. The greatest similarity is the excitement of the VBS and the message of Jesus’ love. The greatest difference is that I remember VBS lasting two weeks! What a great time we had! The grape Kool-Aid served in “jelly glasses” and two cookies served each day were lovingly served by the same sweet ladies each day. What an impact VBS was on our lives!
I hope you have time to sit back with your eyes closed and listen. Then, I hope you pray for the boys and girls of Kentwood and beyond Kentwood as they grow up. Pray they receive the same simple message into their hearts.
To them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever.
Please pray for Tommy Hood, son of Kenna Settoon and Bobo Hood. Tommy had to have emergency surgery to remove a tumor from his brain yesterday. Pray for Tommy and his family, please.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
June 9, 2023
Psalms 19: 7-11
Psalms 119: 1-40
“My spirit is strengthened when I read . . . . ‘
PRAYER FOCUS THIS WEEK
This week we are praying for three Vacation Bible Schools – FBC, Spring Creek, and Greensburg. Pray for the children and adults to finish the week strong. May there be wonderful memories of growing in the Lord. Pray for families who do not attend church regularly to be drawn into the flock of believers.
Have a fantastic day. Let you “little light” shine!
Mr. “Cete” Dillon spent the day yesterday and last night at North Oaks. He may be able to come home later today.
OBITUARIES
Frank Enly Erwin, Sr.
December 28, 1935 – June 5, 2023
In loving memory of Frank Enly Erwin Sr. who was called home to meet his savior on Monday, June 5th, 2023. Frank is survived by his immediate family, his wife of 66 years, Barbara Ann Hays Erwin. He is preceded in death by a daughter Drew Ann Erwin Bourdonnay and a son Frank Enly Erwin Jr. He is survived by a daughter Leisha Marie Erwin of Kentwood and a son Gregory Tate Erwin and wife Miranda McDaniel Erwin of Sugar Land, Texas. Frank is preceded in death by a grandaughter Allison Lorraine Penny and grandson Thomas Riley Penny Jr. He is survived by three grandchildren, Alexandra Christine Penny Morgan and husband Hugh Emlin Morgan II of Chester, Virginia, Kelsey Marie Erwin of Sugar Land, Texas, and Tyler Enly Erwin of Sugar Land, Texas. He left us with two great grandchildren, Hugh Emlin Morgan III and Riley Lorraine Morgan both of Chester, Virginia. Frank was born in Kentwood, Louisiana in 1935 and graduated Kentwood High School in 1954, He went on to graduate Southeastern Louisiana University in 1959. He was a life long citizen of Kentwood as well as a life long member of the Kentwood First Baptist Church. Frank began his career selling cars for the Lewis Chevrolet company of Kentwood and finished his career with the Shell Oil Company working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and in the countries of Syria and China. He retired in 1998 and devoted the rest of his life to his lifelong hobby of coon hunting. Frank will be sorely missed by both his family an friends. Visitation at First Baptist Church in Kentwood from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers are Percy Taylor, Ray Burgan, Sim Peek, Glen Magee, Vince Estes, Troy Adams, Tyler Erwin, and Brandon Martin. Honorary Pallbearers are Bryan Tate, Benjie Morgan, Chris Miaoulis, Brad Toney, Bryan LeJeune, and Tommy Simmons. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Dorothy Ann Busby Williams
December 21, 1939 – June 6, 2023
Dorothy Ann (Busby) Williams, a resident of Roseland, LA, passed away at Ponchatoula Community Care Nursing Home June 6, 2023. She was born December 21, 1939.
She is survived by sons Ricky Williams and Jeffrey Williams and daughter Carla Williams.
11 grandchildren, Krissy, Kasey, Cole and Kayla Williams, Ashley Simmerman, April Small, Bryan Loyd, Kristine Newton, Cody, Toby and Brittany Williams.
8 great grandchildren. Cohen Williams, Michael Tincher, Cheyenne Avila, Preston Small, Marissa, Layla, Zamira Boggs and Kyla Ann Williams.
Sister, Kim Busby Robinson and brother, Morris Busby.
Preceded in death by her husband, Roy S. Williams, daughter, Laverne Loyd, daughter in law, Ricky’s wife Pamela J Williams, sister Betty Jean, grand parents, Mr and Mrs Eddie C Broughton, father, Percy H. Busby, and mother, Jessie Juanita Clements.
A private service will be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
PRAYER FOCUS for the WEEK
This is day four of praying for local Vacation Bible Schools.
A resident of Denham Springs, LA, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born December 1, 1942 in Baton Rouge, LA. She is survived by her brother, Clyde W. King. Preceded in death by her father and mother, Clyde and Corinne King; twin sister, Rhea D. King. Graveside will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA at 12:00PM Wednesday, June 7, 2023. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
Our prayer focus continues to be on the many children and workers in area Vacation Bible Schools (Kentwood, Spring Creek, and Greensburg).
READ the BIBLE TODAY
June 7, 2023
Matthew 22:29
John 20: 30-31
Acts 17:11
“I need to search the Scriptures more so . . . . “
Update your personal prayer list as needed. Then, pray.
A resident of Denham Springs, LA, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born December 1, 1942 in Baton Rouge, LA. She is survived by her brother, Clyde W. King. Preceded in death by her father and mother, Clyde and Corinne King; twin sister, Rhea D. King. Graveside will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA at 12:00PM Wednesday, June 7, 2023. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Sharon Faye Booty Rainey
September 23, 1948 – June 4, 2023
A resident of Albany, LA, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at The Carpenter House in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born September 23, 1948 in Tylertown, MS and was 74 years of age. She is survived by her son, Jim Davis and wife, Barbara, of Gainesville, GA; 3 grandchildren, Lauren Williamson, Alyssa Wolfson, and Jaimee Davis Hutka and husband, Taylor; great-grandchildren, Lily Williamson, Calvin Williamson, and Jackson MacDonough; sisters, Jeanette Barker of Texarkana, TX, Darlene White of Texarkana, TX, and Melinda Lillie of Bolivar, LA ; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her father, James Booty; mother, Myrtis Booty. Visitation from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 1:00PM at New Jerusalem Pentecostal Church at 1:00PM on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Interment New Jerusalem Cemetery, Bolivar, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Jerry Arnold Doughty
February 27, 1944 – June 3, 2023
First Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Jerry A. Doughty passed away in the early hours of Saturday, June 3, 2023. He was surrounded by his loved ones. Jerry was married to June Battles Doughty for 41 years. They were married on March 06, 1982. Their love was an intense love and devotion and shared many wonderful times. Jerry was the son of H C Doughty and Vera DeLee Doughty, Chipola LA. He is survived by his wife, June Battles Doughty; three children, Kimberly Doughty, Michael Doughty (Lindsey) and Chris (Misty) Davis; grandchildren, Everleigh Doughty, Alex Davis, Christopher Davis, Brittany Cutrer, Baylor Cutrer (Baileigh) and John Tyler Travis (Lainey) and three great -grandchildren, Owen, Eden and Ellie Cutrer; his Aunt Mavis DeLee Sharp; brother, Clay Doughty; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Judy Smith (Larry), Robert Battles (Mary) Margie Davis (Gerald) and Linda Reynolds; and 18 nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, H C Doughty and Vera D. Doughty; brothers, Lionel, Doyle and Todd Doughty; grandparents, H C and Eva Allen Doughty, and Augustus and Lillie Covington DeLee; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clifford and Geraldine Battles; sister-in-law, Glenda B. Booth. Jerry’s mother was a DeLee a wonderful fun loving family. They had great Sunday dinners as he grew up. Jerry loved his aunts and uncles, Minnie Abrams, Hazel Hurst, Marie Kendrick, Mavis Sharp, Collean Hanks, Lillie Harvey and Bonnie Eckart, A W DeLee, Archie DeLee, Willie DeLee and Elvis Arnold Delee. Jerry was named after his Uncle Elvis. These two had some fun times together. Jerry grew up on the Amite River. He described his childhood as perfect. With his cousins and friends they enjoyed the river, motorcycling, drag racing. Jerry loved to hunt and fish. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Clear Creek Church, P.O. Box 129, Clinton, LA 70722, St Jude or any other of your choice. Special thanks to Dr Derris Ray, Hood Memorial, OLOL Hospital Staff, and Hospice of Baton Rouge. Jerry was the most loving husband to June. They shared a special relationship. Love endures all. He was funny, loved to tease, have fun, and loved all of his family. Visitation at Clear Creek Church, Felixville, from 12:00 Noon until religious services at 3:00PM on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Ken Graham. Interment Clear Creek Cemetery, Felixville, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com
Tina Eileen Warren
July 21, 1963 – June 3, 2023
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Capital House Nursing and Rehab Center in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born July 21, 1963 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 59 years of age. She is survived by her brother, John Warren and wife, Marilyn; nephews, Steven Warren and wife, Ashby and Trenton Warren and fiancé, Megan; great-niece, Collins Warren; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by her parents, Rhoney and Gale Warren; brother, Dan Warren; niece, Kaitlyn Warren. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Thursday, June 8, 2023.Interment Kedron Cemetery, Hillsdale, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE WEEK
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS
FBC, Kentwood
Spring Creek
Greensburg
READ the BIBLE TODAY
June 6, 2023
I Peter 1: 10-12
I Corinthians 2: 10-16
I Corinthians 14: 37-38
“Knowledge of Scripture enables me to . . . . “
Have a great day, possible with some rain, which is greatly needed in our community.
Mr. Frank Erwin went to his heavenly home this morning. He will be greatly missed by many people. Please pray for “Miss” Barbara and the rest of his family.
Jerry A. Doughty passed away in the early hours of Saturday, June 3, 2023. He was surrounded by his loved ones. Jerry was married to June Battles Doughty for 41 years. They were married on March 06, 1982. Their love was an intense love and devotion and shared many wonderful times. Jerry was the son of H C Doughty and Vera DeLee Doughty, Chipola LA. He is survived by his wife, June Battles Doughty; three children, Kimberly Doughty, Michael Doughty (Lindsey) and Chris (Misty) Davis; grandchildren, Everleigh Doughty, Alex Davis, Christopher Davis, Brittany Cutrer, Baylor Cutrer (Baileigh) and John Tyler Travis (Lainey) and three great -grandchildren, Owen, Eden and Ellie Cutrer; his Aunt Mavis DeLee Sharp; brother, Clay Doughty; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Judy Smith (Larry), Robert Battles (Mary) Margie Davis (Gerald) and Linda Reynolds; and 18 nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, H C Doughty and Vera D. Doughty; brothers, Lionel, Doyle and Todd Doughty; grandparents, H C and Eva Allen Doughty, and Augustus and Lillie Covington DeLee; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clifford and Geraldine Battles; sister-in-law, Glenda B. Booth. Jerry’s mother was a DeLee a wonderful fun loving family. They had great Sunday dinners as he grew up. Jerry loved his aunts and uncles, Minnie Abrams, Hazel Hurst, Marie Kendrick, Mavis Sharp, Collean Hanks, Lillie Harvey and Bonnie Eckart, A W DeLee, Archie DeLee, Willie DeLee and Elvis Arnold Delee. Jerry was named after his Uncle Elvis. These two had some fun times together. Jerry grew up on the Amite River. He described his childhood as perfect. With his cousins and friends they enjoyed the river, motorcycling, drag racing. Jerry loved to hunt and fish. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Clear Creek Church 17887 Hwy 432, Clinton, LA 70722, St Jude or any other of your choice. Special thanks to Dr Derris Ray, Hood Memorial, OLOL Hospital Staff, and Hospice of Baton Rouge. Jerry was the most loving husband to June. They shared a special relationship. Love endures all. He was funny, loved to tease, have fun, and loved all of his family. Visitation at Clear Creek Church, Felixville, from 12:00 Noon until religious services at 3:00PM on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Ken Graham. Interment Clear Creek Cemetery, Felixville, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
All this week we need to focus on VBS at FBC (8:30 – 11:30) and Spring Creek ( I cannot find the time this morning, but it is at night. You have time to call them for the times.)
ACROSTIC
Simple, but mine for Sunday School
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I’m sorry about not getting proper spacing, but that is the best I can do here this morning. I hope you get the idea.
Today, let’s pray for those in Sunday School and church to learn and heave their hearts touched. Let’s also pray for some people who haven’t been attending to do so today. May the Sunday School teachers present wonderful lessons and the pastors’ messages touch many hearts for God.
Alton Ray Grace of Kentwood went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 31, 2023 at the St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, La. He was born on April 6, 1937 and was 86 years old. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Christina Miller Grace; and one sister, Wilda Fay Oxholm of Kentwood. Preceded in death by his son, Billy Wayne Grace; and parents Leemon and Bell Grace. He enjoyed wood working, driving his tractor and walking his dogs. He retired after 30 years from Community Coffee. Pallbearers will be Joshua Robertson, Rod Graham, Travis Graham, Roger Wayne Carter, and Russ Carter. Visitation from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 conducted by Pastor Doyle Ball and Pastor Jesse Johnson at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in Kentwood, La. Interment at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Let’s focus our prayers on devoting more time to God. That can include more Bible study, more prayer time, reading religious literature, visitation, teaching, or whatever you think is most important for you.
A WORD OF APPRECIATION
Thank-you so much for supporting The Prayer Link with your time and your prayers. I am so humbled to know there are people who follow my posts daily. Thank you! May God by glorified by the words here.
The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.
There are many folks connected to our church who could use prayer. They have lived in our community for many years and faithfully worked in our community and/or served in our church. I’ll begin my list with Mr. “Cete” Dillon, who is currently the oldest living member of FBC, Kentwood.
“Cete” and Ruby Dillon
Bro. Joe and Barbara Baugh
Gary and Mary Varnado
Frank and Barbara Erwin
Bob and Faye Raborn
Coach Elton Shaw
Bobby Raborn
Mrs. Velma Anthony
Mrs. “Micky” Cade
Mrs. Ferrie Gene Blackmon
Mrs. Theople Hurst
Add additional names to your prayer list (family members, neighbors, etc.)
Charles Alfred Oliver, Sr.
November 4, 1946 – May 31, 2023
A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at his home. He was born November 4, 1946 in Independence, LA and was 76 years of age. Mr. Charles enjoyed fishing, gardening, and playing with his dog, Sandy. He had a strong faith in the Lord and loved spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Joann Oliver; daughter, Alicia Owens and husband, Terry; sons, Charles Oliver, Jr. and Jody Oliver; grandchildren, Sidney Oliver, Bailey Oliver, Kaleb Oliver, Blair Davis and husband, Zach, Ashley Miceli, Dustin Oliver and wife, Bailey, Alayna, Austin, and Macee Owens; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Joshua, Jaxson, Mark, Hannah and Jackson; daughter-in-law, Pam Seals and husband, Clint; sisters, Beverly Coburn and Edna Leonard and husband, Sam; half-sisters, Irene Blades and Mickey Cade; brothers, James “Jimmy” Oliver, Jr. and wife Janie; brother-in-law, Everett Bernard; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, James Alvin Oliver and Gladys Seibert Oliver; son, Mark Oliver; sisters, Gladys Bernard, and Helen Sharp; brother, Ivy Oliver; brother-in-law, Allen Coburn; half sisters, Azalene Goetzmann, Katherine Manning, Hazel Smith and Sarah Golmon. Visitation at Amite-Arcola Presbyterian Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 12Noon on Monday, June 5, 2023. Services conducted by Ivy Coburn. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. Pallbearers, Dustin Oliver, Austin Owens, Kaleb Oliver, Clint Seals, Landon Newsom, and Scott Alford. Honorary pallbearer will be Emile “Biggs” Bellavia. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.
READ THE BIBLE TODAY
June 2, 2023
Acts 5: 1-2
I Corinthians 15: 33
Ephesians 5: 6-7
“Temptations can come through . . . .”
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today, let’s pray for all the families who are traveling and vacationing now. Many families begin such trips as soon as the children get out of school. Let’s pray for these families today.
VBS
FBC, Kentwood will have VBS next week. It is not too late to enroll your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors, etc. It’s also not too old to volunteer to help in some way.
Have a wonderful day as you find ways to encourage someone to attend church with you.
The Prayer Link 
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