Read the Bible in 2025

November 26
Jeremiah 51-52

Thankfulness – Day 26

Today, I am thankful for automobiles that make life much more convenient than walking, riding in a buggy, or riding a horse. They allow us more choices when we shop, provide timely transportation for travel to church, stores, school, etc. We can travel without constant weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold or rain. They make travel faster and take larger or small groups to their destimations. They also save time and allow us to stay on our schedules. I’ve only lived during the area of automobiles, for which I am very thankful.

OCC Statistics

These are the statistics for the Kentwood Drop-Off

13 volunteers who put in 133 hours in 8 days
Collected shoeboxes from 15 churches and 2 individuals
Collected a total o 1639 shoeboxes which were packed in 110 cartons (all they gave us) and leaving three more boxes we turned in separately.
Two van-driving and trailer-pulling drivers made two trips to Hammond to deliver to an 18-wheeler who delivered them to the processing center in Charlotte before being sent across the Atlantic to countries where they will be delivered to the children who have been selected.

What an organized plan that works so well!

If you an any part in collecting the item that were purchased, providing funds, organizing, packing shoeboxes, moving cartons, filling cartons, loading on the trailer, driving a van, or PRAYING for the process, the child, or the family I thank you. I know we all had little parts, in a big project touching many lives, and leading to salvation for many, many children and family members.

Blessing to all off you who packed and to all who helped provide for purchases and shipping of the shoeboxes!

Obituary

Bobby Ray Simpson

August 19, 1933 – November 24, 2025

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025 at his home. He was born August 19, 1933 in Gillsburg, MS and was 92 years of age. Bobby was a devoted husband, father, and PawPaw. He was a proud U. S. Army Veteran and a cherished member of the community. He was known for his kind spirit and passion for sports and brought joy to everyone he met. Bobby lived a life dedicated to serving God and sharing His love and warmth with everyone. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Betty Simpson; 2 daughters, Melissa Simpson Stutzman and husband, Buddy, and Kay Simpson; daughter-in-law, Gretchen Varnado Simpson; 4 grandchildren, Brooke Speed and husband, Dan, Kayla Johnson, Micah Simpson, and Sarabeth Simpson; great-grandchildren, John and Lily Speed and Murphy and Finley Evans.

Preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Bertha Simpson; wife and mother of his children, Sara Martinez Simpson; son, Marty Simpson; 2 grandchildren, Dustin Johnson and Joshua Johnson; brothers, Earl, Jewel, and Burnell Simpson; 5 sisters, Reba Jane Simpson, Geneva Varnado, Bertie Hughes, Marty Alice Blackwell, and Dell Gore.

Visitation at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.