Please pray for these friends who also served in Brazil while our daughter served in there. They are retired now, but still serve for short assignments when needed.
Please pray for us as we leave early Monday morning, February 6th, on a small mission plane to go to a town named Jacareacanga. We will be there through Friday, February 10th translating for a theological training course for pastors, mostly from the Munduruku people group. Pray for safety, good health, clarity of mind and speech and for open hearts. We’re not sure where we’ll be sleeping – whether on mattresses in the church, hammocks, someone’s home, but we thank God for the opportunity to be part of what He’s doing in that area.
READ THE BIBLE
February 5
Matthew 28: 1-15
“My life testifies in Jesus’ resurrection because people can see . . . .”
OCC WORKDAY
What a great day! God sent lots of willing and hard workers. We accomplished everything we hoped to get done, got everything back in our storeroom, and got the fellowship hall arranged for the next event. Thanks to those who chose to spend their Saturday morning working in God’s House. Yesterday, we removed packaging, packed pencil bags, and filled 400 folders in preparation for the next step in the process.
God sent us diligent workers. The most common question to me yesterday was “What do you want me to do next?” Our church is blessed with great people who can picture “Shoeboxes” arriving in the hands of boys and girls all around the world.
Prayer Focus Today
Let’s focus on the testimony of our life as others see us. We all need some improvement. Let’s begin today to make the changes that God would approve of.
A missionary serving in Romania shared this today. It was written by Kathy Lockwood.
The fellowship hall is filled with items that need some prep work done – tags cut, refolding, sorting, bagging, etc. The work is not hard, but many hands can get it done in a short time. That’s our goal today. We are ready and looking forward to a morning of taking care of those needs, sharing snacks, visiting with friends, meeting new friends, etc.
Our workdays are such fun and very productive. Best of all, we get lots of items ready for packing at a later date. David and I look forward to a great morning as we share this time and prepare the items for shipment to boys and girls around the world. We covet your prayers for a great WORKDAY for each person who comes. May God be glorified! May you be blessed by praying and/or attending.
OBITUARY
Jerry Addison
October 15, 1948 – February 2, 2023
We are sad to announce the passing of Jerry Gene Addison of Amite, LA on February 2, 2023. He passed away at his home in Amite, LA on Bell Rd.
He is survived by his sister, Sandra Addison; brother, Donald Addison and wife Janice both of Amite, LA; sisters-in-law, Linda Addison and Brenda Addison; also survived by numerous nieces and a nephew who loved him very much. Also a special neighbor, Ms. Audrey Lanier.
Preceded in death by his parents, Herbert S. Addison, Sr. and Josephine Willie Addison; brothers, Wayne Addison and Herbert S. Addison, Jr.
He retired from Hood Super Shell as the manger. After retirement he spent all his time in his garden, growing an abundance of vegetables. He will be missed.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00 PM on Monday, February 6, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Eric Latham. Interment Lee Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Please pray for this family.
LOOKING AHEAD
Bro. Darryl’s messages at FBC, Kentwood tomorrow:
A.M. – “Heaven Will be Heavenly” – Rev. 2: 1-4
P.M. – “Dancing for the Lord” – 2 Samuel 6
Please join us in person or online if you are not attending another church. We would love too have you worship with us.
It’s not too early to begin praying for Vacation Bible School. There will be a brief meeting in the fellowship hall following morning worship Sunday. Pray about how you will participate in/support VBS this year at FBC, Kentwood.
SENION ADULT LUNCHEON
*Wednesday, February 15
*Middendorf’s
*Bus leaves church at 10:15
*Sign-up at church
MISSIONS – OCC WORKDAY
*Help prepare items for “Shoeboxes”
*Tomorrow in the Fellowship Hall
*9 :00 A.M.
*School age children – Senior adults
*Bring a snack to share and Something to pack
(Pencils, Soap, Washcloths, Solar Calculators, etc.)
*Help a child work, meet people, learn about OCC, etc.
When I was working on “shoeboxes” earlier this week, the secretary told me a visitor in the office requested prayer for Gerald Hyde. I forgot to add him to TPL. We were told he was hospitalized. I don’t know where or if he is still there. Hopefully, someone will inform me today. (HINT! HINT) Please pray for Gerald, his family, and his friends.
LONG TERM ILLNESSES T
Today, I want to list some additional homebound people who are sick.
Kay Simpson
Bobby and Betty Simpson
Elton ShawE
Mickey CadeRM
Andy and Betty Taylor (Andy is scheduled to go home Monday.)HOMEBOUND
OBITUARY
Diane Hymel Butscher
1947 – 2023
iane Hymel Butscher, 75, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at her home on January 26, 2023. She was born on July 25, 1947, to Emile and Mickey LeBourgeois Hymel.
Diane was a graduate of Hammond High School and Southeastern Louisiana University where she received her bachelor’s degree in education. She spent her life giving to others as an educator, mentor, friend, wife, mother, and grandmother.
Osyka, Mississippi held a special place in her heart and was also where she raised her children and spent her life with her husband, W.A. Butscher, Jr. Her Kentwood High family was also a special part of her life.
She is survived by one brother, Larry Hymel, and one sister Cheryl (Mike) Rogers; her daughters, Yvette (Damon) Smith and Laurie (Mike) Diaz; her five grandchildren, Cassidy Smith, Kyndall Smith, Gabriel Diaz, Kathryn Diaz, Grace Garcia and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband William Butscher, Jr. of Osyka and her parents Emile and Mickey Hymel. She touched more lives than she knew and left a legacy of love. She will be missed by all.
A private memorial will be held for family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause dear to her and her family.
OCC WORKDAY SATURDAY
Our workshop begins at 9:00 in the Kentwood FBC fellowship hall.
You will be preparing items for the shoeboxes which will be packed in a few months.
Adults and school age children are invited to come help.
Please bring a snack to share and some items for the shoeboxes (ink pens, pencils, solar calculators. washcloths, or bar soap)
Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.
~Psalm 3:2-6~
HOSPITAL
Beth Brabham sent me a message about her mother, Mrs. Mildred Birch. The update is that she doesn’t have diverticulitis, but colitis. Her clear liquid diet is changing to a liquid diet. She was feeling better yesterday.
OBITUARY
Ursula Patricia Cefalu Campo
April 30, 1937 – January 30, 2023
A resident of Franklinton, LA, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023 at her home. She was born April 30, 1937 in Amite, LA and was 85 years of age. She is survived by her 1 daughter, Toni Hobgood and husband, Keith; 1 son, Patrick Campo; 2 grandchildren, Alan Hobgood and Mark Hobgood; 3 great-grandchildren, Levi Hobgood, Ryder Hobgood, and Addisyn Hobgood. Preceded in death by her father, Anthony V. Cefalu; mother, Myrtis Wales Cefalu; brother, Vincent James Cefalu. Graveside Services will be held at Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite, LA at 2:00PM, Wednesday, February 1, 2023. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
If you are able and available, we will be moving tables and chairs about 5:30 tonight in the Fellowship Hall in preparation for Saturday’s workday at 9 A.M.
OCC has a donor in Hammond. Yesterday, she delivered a bag of items she found listed on TPL. Thanks, friend.
The Bank Sunday School Class gave a donation this week. Wanda Smith, our online shopper, was able to order underwear for almost half of the Shoeboxes. Thanksthe , Bank Class and Wanda.
Sunday, James Rimes will give an update on our progress and the OCC team members will visit SS classrooms.
Mrs. Laurie Miller took her class of young children on a field trip Sunday. They delivered “Stickers” to the collection basket in the Sanctuary. What a great idea! Children, we appreciate you and your donation. Teacher, we appreciate your idea.
Isn’t if great to be involved in a mission project that takes the name of Jesus to many children all around the world every year?
Mrs. Mildred Birch is in the hospital in Greensburg for a few days. Her doctor thinks she has diverticulitis and is treating that. Please be in prayer for her and her family as well as the medical staff treating her.
RECENT DEATH
DIANE BUTSCHER RYAN , formerly a resident of Osyka and a long time teacher at KHS, passed away last week. I have not found an obituary, so if any of you locate one, please send me the link.
READ SCRIPTURE TODAY
Matthew 26: 17-30
Luke 22: 7-38
Had I heard Jesus’ words, I would have . . . .
PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s pray for the flood situations in our area because of the recent rain. I traveled east of town both Sunday and Monday and was surprised with the amount of water on the lower areas of land. Pray for this area as we will continue to have rain this week. Pray the Tangipahoa River basin and other river basins in southeast Louisiana will be able to contain the water.
Today, I’m asking you to pray for the following people:
Mr. George Eddie Lee and Mrs. Alice Fay Lee
Mrs.. Velma Anthony
Andy and Betty Taylor
Nathan Daniels
Those facing important medical testing
Prayer Focus Today
Today, I ask you to pray for Sunday School teachers and those who lead various other classes and activities at church. As you pray, also thank God for their willingness to be in attendance weekly, giving time to prepare lessons, and for loving those in their class and activity.
I clearly remember a conversation about the offering when I was a child at church in Roseland. Up until that day, I believed the preacher and all the teachers got to divide the offering evenly each week! That is the day I learned about the dedication of teachers (and others) at church, and the word “volunteer”!
READ the BIBLE
Matthew 26: 1-16
Mark 14: 1-11
I feel like I one betrayed Jesus by . . . .
OCC WORKSHOP
Our monthly workshop will be Saturday at 9:00. in the fellowship hall.
This is planned for school-age children all the way up to adults. Children and youth will get to select a reward for helping. Adults (and children) will be rewarded by visiting each other and by visiting our “treat” table!
Come and help prepare items for the “Shoeboxes. There are various jobs to do at various levels of difficulty. Many tasks are as easy as cutting off tags or applying stickers over prices that are printed on some items. If you don’t like the activity you have, try another one! It can’t be much easier than that! Remember: Each item you work on will be placed in a “Shoebox” in a few months. Then, you can be a part of doing that too!
Special thanks to four ladies and one man who did additional work at home during the month or helped at the church with tasks such as counting for our inventory. Thank to the man who helped David move same tables before Sunday School yesterday. OCC Volunteers, your work is greatly appreciated!
Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions
Thank-you to those who have contributed to this offering. If you have not done so, it is never too late. Be sure to mark your envelope “Lottie Moon”.
The “Fifth Sunday Singing” last night was very well attended. There was variety in singing and performers from several churches. David and I surely enjoyed seeing friends from at least five churches. I must also say there was a big variety of soups and desserts last night and that the kitchen crew was very helpful as they served! Two more groups of people need to be mentioned, The sound and stage crew and those who moved tables and chairs both before and after the meal. Remember what I said about the word “volunteers” earlier. Those people are vital in our churches.
Another Thank You
Thank-you to those who again identified themselves as readers of The Prayer Link. It is so special and encouraging to know who reads daily. Without you, I would not be sitting here and doing this early each morning. Thank-you!
PRAYERS
I hope you have found some people/events to pray for today. It’s all about prayers! It’s all about those who pray! Be sure to remember some volunteers.
Let’s spend some time today praying for those who take what is not theirs .
OCC THANKFULNESS
Today, I am thankful for a husband who went to a wake yesterday and did OCC shopping on his way home. He made some good purchases. We also were able to purchase a number of items earlier in the week. I am also thankful I had some time alone to group, organize, and write instructions for purchases we will be working with Saturday morning, our monthly workday.
I’m also thankful to a ladies’ class that has turned in a big box of sewing kits. They did a great job collecting money and letting one member do the shopping this month.
I’m thankful for a lady who turned in some purchases for OCC and also took on the big task of dividing many packages of filler paper so it will fit in folders.
I’m also thankful for a couple who worked with us one afternoon this week. We were able to get more done because of their help.
PERSONAL PRAYER LISTS
I want to encourage you to have a personal prayer list so you can pray daily. Having one and praying from it is a wonderful habit to have. This can be as simple as a stack of paper you fold or staple together or an old composition book that has unused pages. My current one is a medium size composition book of graph paper that I purchased in Romania. I started using it last month when I filled my last notebook.
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
~PHILIPPIANS 3: 10-11~
OBITUARIES
Carolyn Jane McElveen Baham
August 4, 1929 – January 17, 2023
Carolyn Jane McElveen Baham, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away on January 17, 2023. She was 93 years old, and throughout her life was known for her nurturing, kind, and thoughtful ways. She was a person of very strong faith and a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Independence, Louisiana. She truly had the heart of a servant and was always there to support, encourage, and advocate for anyone in need. In early adulthood she was employed by Lallie Kemp Hospital in Independence, where she took X-ray dictation and worked in the business office. Later in life she was part owner of Buster’s Furniture in Amite, Louisiana, serving primarily as office manager and administrator. She was preceded in death by her husband, L.E. “Buster” Baham, and her brother, R.E. McElveen, Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Martha Buchanan and Rebecca Fabre (Jody), her granddaughter, Colleen Fabre, siblings Elsie Danley and Jerry McElveen (Sue), and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Due to recent exposure to Covid among family members, a private graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Amite Memorial Gardens. A celebration of life service for family and friends will be planned and announced at a later date. Her family gratefully acknowledges the kind and loving care provided by New Hope Manor skilled nursing facility in Cedar Park, Texas and Silverado Hospice of Austin, Texas. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Helen Hunter
September 20, 1931 – January 26, 2023
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. She was born September 20, 1931 in Rayville, LA and was 91 years of age. She is survived by daughter, Diane Booty (Clyde); son, Robbie Hunter (Sharon); 2 grandchildren, J. Clyde Booty, III (Barbara) and Robbie Hunter, Jr. (Shellie); 5 great-grandchildren, Taylor Felder (Christian), Jathen Hunter, Chloe Guidry (Randy), Jay Booty, and Carson Booty (Stephanie); 2 great-great-grandchildren, Cam and Cason Guidry; 3 step-grandchildren, Darlene Doss (Jim), Donnie Owens, and Randy Fowler; and 8 step-great-grandchildren; 4 step-great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents, Elias and Allie Salsbury; 4 sisters and 1 brother, Ouida McCarty, Jena Cordell, Elias Salsbury, Sadie Evans, and Patricia Brown; and grandson, Ryan Foy. Visitation at New Jerusalem United Pentecostal Church, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Matt Booty and Rev. Jay Mennoa. Interment New Jerusalem Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
ILLNESS
Please say special prayers for Jane Wickham. Her illness causes her a lot of pain. Pray the pain level decreases so Jane is able to do more of the things she enjoys in life.
CLOSE CALL.
Yesterday morning, David and I both were almost hit by a vehicle which was like a minibus-large SUV cross. The elder driver was driving too fast for a parking lot and did not see us crossing to get to our vehicle. David and I both had to move very quickly to avoid being run over. Then, David yelled at the man to slow down. The driver had not seen us and was as shaken and thankful for our safety as we were. The driver came to the car and apologized after he parked his vehicle. We had a car load of OCC purchases. I suppose God wants us to continue shopping for and packing “Shoeboxes”! We thanked/thank God for his protection.
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s say a special pray for all drivers to be alert and aware of the situation they are driving in each time they get behind the steering wheel.
READ SCRIPTURE TODAY
January 28 – Matthew 25: 31-46
The Sheep and the Goats (NIV Version)
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
I reach out to others by . . . .
Tomorrow Morning’s Sermon Topic and Bible Passages
January 29 @ 10:30 @ FBC, Kentwood
“Teaching is Not for the Timid”
Janes 3:1
If you or your class have purchased some items for the “Shoeboxes”, please place them in the collection basket at the front of the sanctuary in the morning.
OCC Workday
One week from today at 9:00 A.M. I’m looking forward to another great day and hoping to have more children and youth to help us.
Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.”
~Joshua 10:25~
READ THE BIBLE
January 27 – John 12: 37-50
If Jesus examined my heart right now, he would find . . . .
Pray Focus for Today
Today, let’s thank God for a pastor, Bro. Darryl Miller, who not only shares God’s Word from the pulpit, but also serves our people is so many ways . He gladly makes coffee, locks and unlocks doors, leads the music, always has the right words to help those with problems or broken hearts, visits those with physical and spiritual needs, moves bulletin boards, puts in new lights, folds blankets in the pews, meets members and guests at the top of the steps and speaks to them before they enter the church, stands outside the front door to shake hands and hears from people as they leave church after every service, takes out the garbage, attempts to meet all visitors, and so many more things. He deserves our continued appreciation, love, and support . He also deserves our words of encouragement and prayers. Spend time today thanking God for a pastor who gladly does so much more than preaching three sermons a week. All these things and many more he does in a quiet, humble manner. May God continue to bless his ministry.
Bro.. Darryl, you are loved and greatly appreciated by your church family
Church family, thank God for your pastor and cover him with your prayers!
You must be logged in to post a comment.