If any of you lackdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you

James 1:5

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

February 8
Luke 24: 36-49
Mark 16: 14-18
John 20: 19-29
“In some ways I am like Thomas because . . . . “

ILLNESS

Let’s continue to pray for Andy and Betty Taylor. Andy has made both forward and backward steps in recovery. He was in the process of being checked out to go home when a new issue developed. He’s back in the hospital and being treated for that additional issue. Betty is exhausted! She needs our prayers too.

DEATHS

Barry Gene Powers

September 30, 1964 – February 4, 2023

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023 in Mt. Hermon, LA. He was born September 30, 1964 in Independence, LA and was 58 years of age. He is survived by his 3 sons, Cody Powers, Dillion Powers, and Austin Powers and wife, Chloe; 1 brother, Jimmy Powers, Jr and wife, Rebekah; 1 niece, Hannah Powers; 1 nephew, Joshua Powers; girlfriend, Patricia Parker; 4 grandchildren, Dominick, Isabella, Jase and Jacob. Preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy Powers, Sr. and Wilmagene Powers. Pallbearers will be Dillion Powers, Austin Powers, Cody Powers, Joshua Powers, Dylan Butler and Marshall Smith. Honorary pallbearer will be Scott Abbott. Visitation at Tangipahoa Baptist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, February 10, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Greg Stewart. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

James W. “Pete” Williams, Sr.

March 7, 1932 – February 5, 2023

James W. “Pete” Williams, Sr., passed peacefully into eternal life on February 5, 2023, at the age of 90 years young. A whip-smart prankster, Bluebell ice cream connoisseur, and devoted family man, Pete was born to Euliss and Johanna on March 7, 1932. He grew up in the Pine Ridge Community of St. Helena Parish, where he met the love of his life, Audrey Blades. They married in 1955 and spent almost 65 beautiful years together, raising four children. Their love story was one for the ages. His tenacity and humor won over the valedictorian and high school cheerleader, and when she suggested dating around, he kindly offered to join her on those dates. Even in her final days, as she fought a raging battle with dementia, he was there, holding her hand and protecting her heart. Following an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force, he retired after 36 years working at the James Rivers Papermill. He was a self-made man, born to modest means, and worked tirelessly to give his family a better life. He was often found sporting his signature sweatband and red handkerchief, toiling in his yard and taking pride in the repair of his home. There was something indescribable and irreplaceable about Pete. Was it the twinkle in his eye and the joke that lay constantly at the edge of his lips? Perhaps it was the echoes of laughter ringing out in his wake? Part of it, certainly, was his effortless way of making you feel right at home in his presence, a warm handshake and mischievous grin ever there to greet you. In a crowded room, everyone was drawn to Pete Williams. A man of honor, charm, and humor with a hard-working sensibility that he instilled in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was an expert vegetable gardener, southern home-cooking aficionado, class clown, back yard fort builder, newspaper comic enthusiast, little league coach, golfer, and passionate LSU fan. During certain games, you might even have caught him cheering on the court with the LSU cheerleaders. Constantly telling jokes, often at his own expense, he filled his life and the lives of others with abounding joy at every opportunity. He had a soulful and compassionate way of listening, an enveloping hug that could cure any heartache, and lived his life in selfless service to others. There is nobody on Earth like Pete. His loss is profound and as far-reaching as each and every smile he sent into the world during his time here. We find solace in his long-awaited reunion with his soulmate, Audrey, whom he has so dearly missed since her passing in 2021. And with sorrow, we bid farewell to everyone’s favorite joker and the greatest man we’ve ever known. Until we meet again, “I’ll see you in the funny papers.”

James W. “Pete” Williams, a member of First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge, is survived by his sons James W. “Rusty” Williams, Jr. (Mary); Randal Williams; daughters Mari Ellen Wintz (Al); Sheryl “Sherry” Williams-Jenkins; grandchildren Adam Childers; William “Will” Wintz; Alison Balkey; Jamie Sillivent; Michele Solomon; Chad Williams; Nicole Williams; Charles “CJ” Jenkins; Luke Jenkins; great-grandchildren Sarah and William “Liam” Wintz; Noah Childers; Grey and Micah Balkey; Gage and Ryker Sillivent; Brooks Solomon; Ann Louise Jenkins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Euliss Richard Williams, Sr., and Johanna “Totsy” Phillips Williams; brothers, Euliss Richard Williams, Jr., Charles Hubert Williams, and Willie Irvin Williams; sisters, Vivian Williams Young, Veda Williams Valentine, Mary Williams Boeneke, Susie Williams Reeves, Sadie Mae Williams Carter and Zelma Lea Williams Welch; son-in-law Charles “Chuck” Jenkins; and grandson John Randal Williams.

Visitation at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church from 4:00PM until 7:00PM on Friday, and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Dr. Michael Townsend. Interment Pine Ridge Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Donations can be made to Pine Ridge United Methodist Church or the Audrey and Pete Williams Social Work Field Education Scholarship at SLU. Check/money orders may be made out to and mailed to the Southeastern Foundation at SLU 10293, Hammond, LA 70402. Credit card donations may be made online at http://www.southeastern.edu/givenow. Select “Other” for Designation and type in Audrey and Pete Williams scholarship. Or you may call (985) 549-5356. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, I encourage you to pray for those who are doing disaster relief anywhere in the world today, but especially in Turkey and Syria, where there was an awful earthquake. These people put their lives on the line to help rescue others. Disaster relief is especially difficult in earthquake situations. Be thankful for those who desire to help people, no matter how difficult the situation. Pray for them and the people they rescue. After their rescue, people face medical issues as well as housing, family, job, and other issues. I simple cannot imagine how difficult their situation is. I can pray for them. You can too.

TRAIL LIFE

I don’t have a report on the meeting of these boys and their leaders last night. They will be meeting every other Tuesday night at FBC. I do know we can pray for them and offer encouragement. May the leadership be able to guide these young boys in many ways, especially in living Christian lives while they are young and continuing throughout all the years of their lives.

Have a wonderful Wednesday. Prayer meeting at FBC begins at 6:00. I encourage you to join us.

Anna Lee