Please pray for Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson who is hospitalized and awaiting additional testing today.
Continue to pray for Mr. George Eddie Lee. He is blessed to be at home.
Steven Raacke passed away yesterday. He went to school with David. His obituary is not yet available.
Prayer Focus: Today. let’s pray for Christians who are tormented or tortured simply because they are Christians. We are thankful for our freedom to worship, but often don’t think about those who do not have that freedom.
READ THE BIBLE TODAY
January 16 = Matthew 20:16
Had I been one of the first workers hired that day, I would have felt . . . .
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER MEETING
January 18
“God’s Love”
Romans 5:6-11
LOTTIE MOON OFFERING
If you didn’t turn in your offering for this annual focus, it is not too late. Remember, one hundred percent of it goes directly to the international missions work on the field. Mark your offering “Lottie Moon”.
OCC , MONDAY UPDATE
Thank you to the individual who handed me money last night to spend “as needed” for OCC. Our current plans are to look for more calculators and travel-size toys.
Thank you to the individual(s) or class(es) who was/were the first to put their gifts in the basket at the front of the church. The bags contained small cars, small dolls, and pretty colored pencils. The basket will be checked three times each week by two of our men.
Thank, too, to the individual who worked at home to remove some stubborn price stickers on notebooks and to the individual who returned filler paper that was counted out in preparation for placement in folders. That individual took another stack of filler paper to count out this week. Another person is working to draw pictures of cars on the bags that have been made for the small cars. Thank you to the seamstress who made the bags and the artist who is drawing the cars.
BAPTIST PRESS
Read today’s Baptist news including how Disaster Relief is responding to the tornado outbreak we had last week.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
~Jeremiah 29:11~
Beverly Lynn Hughes Holden
July 11, 1962 – January 13, 2023
Beverly Lynn Hughes Holden, a resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023 at her home. She was born July 11, 1962 in Glenwood California and was 60 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Ted Holden; two sons, Nick Smith and Wyatt Holden; mother, Anne Hughes; 2 sisters, Becky Raiford and Cindy Holton; 2 brothers, Steve Hughes and Dale Hughes; 3 step-children, Francis Varnado, Richard Holden and Russell Holden; 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by father, Roland Bruce Hughes, Sr.; 2 brothers, Roland Bruce Hughes, Jr. and Howard Hughes; mother-in-law, Irene Holden; father-in-law, Alvie Holden. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM. Interment will follow at Sharon Baptist Church Cemetery, Amite LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
READ SCRIPTURE TODAY
January 15 – Luke 10: 25-37
The characteristics of the Good Samaritan found in my life are . . . .
Trail Life’s First Meeting
Yesterday, Kentwood’s Trail Life organization had its first meeting. It was well attended and appreciated by boys and parents alike. Fifty boys were in attendance. Future gatherings are already scheduled. Thank you Robert Ladd Turner and all the other adults who helped. Waiting for and expecting great things from the “young men” who will be involved in Trail Life.
OCC Update
Yesterday morning, I shared about the need for SPOONS for our shoeboxes, We had only been able to locate 12. Later, David and I made one of our “shoebox hunting” trips. In six stops, we were able to locate just over 100 more. That was encouraging! We were also able to locate additional bandanas, bowls, toys, crayons, filler, etc .We had a great time and were back at the church about noon. Thank you, Jesus, for the great day and all the items that will help to fill the “shoeboxes” in a few months. Keep on praying for our addition purchases as well as those by others. Together, we will be able to do all that is needed to pack many “shoeboxes” this fall.
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Let’s pray for the fifty young men who signed up for Trail Life yesterday and their families. May Trail Life have a positive influence the lives of the participants, the boys, and the many homes the boys represent.
MAY THIS LORD’S DAY HAVE SPECIAL MEANING IN MANY LIVES!
Pray for this family, church family, and the NAMB team of Clint Clifton. The accident was Thursday evening.
NAMB = North American Mission Board
NAMB and Send Network Mourn Loss of Church Planting Staff Member
BY NAMB STAFF
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Today, NAMB President Kevin Ezell shared the following email with NAMB and Send Network staff and missionaries:
Dear NAMB Family:
It is with a grieving heart that I share some tragic news with you. Clint Clifton, our brother and fellow NAMB family member, died last night in a small plane crash in North Georgia. He had just started the flight back to his home in Virginia after having been with us during Alpharetta Week.
We have delayed sending this email so Clint’s family, close friends and members of his church could be notified first.
We are shocked and heartbroken by this news. Please keep Clint’s wife, Jennifer, and their five children in your prayers. Of course, everyone at Pillar Church, the church he founded, has been hit hard by this news as well.
God generously gifted Clint in so many ways. He had a pastor’s heart and was a talented church planter with a passion for reaching people for Christ. He loved what we do here at NAMB and poured his heart and life into it. We miss him already and he leaves a void that can’t be filled.
Clint Clifton (center, in white) joins his NAMB teammates during a meeting at NAMB’s headquarters.
As we pray for and encourage Clint’s family and closest friends, let’s all take care of each other as we walk through the grief and shock of this moment. Nothing can prepare you for news like this, but we have a Savior who will carry us and sustain us in the days ahead.
We will be communicating more information with you soon.
Serving Together,
Kevin Ezell
PUBLISHED JANUARY 13, 2023
DONNIE TRAVIS is doing well following successful surgery Thursday. Yesterday, he got to go home for more recovery. Please pray for him and his family.
READ THE BIBLE TODAY
January 13 – Matthew 12:5-13, Mark 2:1-5, and Luke 6: 6-11
When I am opposed for doing good, I . . . .
January 14 – Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25
A storm that I need Jesus to quiet is , , , ,
HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY THAT I AM A BELIEVER AND SUPPORTER OF OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD? HaHa!
This week David and I have shopped for items we need and worked at the church to be organized and prepared for our next workday, which is Feb. 4th. We have more to do, but are excited and enthusiastic to do this work.
Yesterday, we purchased our first SPOONS for the year. We purchased all they had, 12, but will need 400. If you have a little extra time, check for them as you shop. We can use both teaspoons and tablespoons. The usual cost is 3/$1.00 or 4/$1.00.
PREPARE for SUNDAY’S MESSAGES
A.M. – “Obedience is Not Optional” – John 14:15
P.M. – “Reward?’ – 2 Samuel 4
Get involved in missions and other activities at your church.
Pray for Donnie Travis of Arcola as he recovers from neck surgery.
The flu, head colds, etc. seem to be making their way around this area again. Be careful not to pass these problems on to others, especially those with a weakened immune system or advanced age. Do what you can to help those who are sick, but try to keep your distance.
READ THE BIBLE TODAY
Jan. 13
Matthew 8: 5-13; Luke 7: 1-10
“The person who has the greatest healing influence in my life is . . . . “
PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s pray for those who are sick. The weather change we are moving into may make it more difficult/slower to return to good health.
OCC
Thanks to those who brought items for OCC Wednesday night. Thanks for your support.
The person who has had the greatest healing in my life is . . . .
Today’s Prayer Focus
Today is a good day to focus our thoughts and prayers on those who are homebound. Winter is especially difficult for many of them as they try to stay warm and healthy. I believe a short visit with or without something special like a lunch your purchased or prepared yourself, a plant, some vegetables from your garden, etc. will mean a lot to then. Something I was reminded of this morning is getting help with changing of light bulbs or the air conditioner filter, etc. when David was sick. Pray for these people and their needs – food, household help, transportation, heat, yard work, etc. What can/will you do for someone today?
SUNDAY’S SERMONS
Morning – “Obedience is Not Optional” – John 14:15
Evening – “REWARD” – 2 Samuel 4
YOUR PRAYER JOURNAL
Update the list of names and concerns you have in your prayer journal. Pray for the current needs.
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desire to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Had Jesus invited me to join Him on the water, I would have . . . .
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today, I will focus my prayers on people who are lonely. I will pray for those who live alone and/or those who cannot/do not get out to be among people very often. Loneliness comes in two form, but both have the same results. Today, when we pray for lonely people, let’s pray for God to direct us to be a better friend and/or neighbor to them.
“WHY ARE WE TROUBLED ?”
That’s the topic for tonight’s prayer meeting at FBC, Kentwood. Read Romans 5: 1-5 for a background to this message. Prayer meeting is at 6 P.M. and meets in the sanctuary. Classes for nursery age, children, and youth will also be happening at the same time. Of course, they will have their own lesson topics.
UPDATE YOUR PRAYER JOURNAL
Assuming you keep a daily prayer journal, I suggest you periodically update it. This will often lead you to a time of thankfulness as you focus on how God has answered many of your prayers.
The best thing I ever did for a friend was . . . .
JAN. 10 – MATTHEW @: 1-4; MARK 1: 40-45; %: 12-13
I CAN SHOW THE POWER OF LOVE TO THE UNTOUCHABLES IN MY COMMUNITY BY . . . .
Bro. Darryl’s Wednesday Night Message
“Why are We Troubled”
Romans 5: 1
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today, let’s pray for those who provide daily childcare for precious little ones in our community. Some are family members, some neighbors, some small home care providers, and some large-scale businesses. Their common factor is children. Pray for love and concern to abound, no matter the setting.
Christopher Hubert Robertson
September 20, 1971 – January 9, 2023
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, January 9, 2023 at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington, LA. He was born September 20, 1971 in Independence, LA and was 51 years of age. He is survived by his father, Eddie Leland Robertson; mother, Christine Ann Robertson; daughter, Lilith Gaines Reid; sister, Heather Robertson Alston and husband Jay; brothers, Beau Jacque Robertson and wife Christi and Jonathon Eddie Robertson; maternal grandparent, Anna Mae Parker; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Edith Mae Taylor and Vincent Leland Robertson; maternal grandparents, Hubert Abraham and Helen Voisin and Clint Michael Parker; paternal great grandparents, Alice Agnes Durnin and David Davoil Robertson and Betty Elizabeth Hughes and Harrison Wiggins Taylor; maternal great grandparents, John Voisin and Alfreda Rose Bourg and Sam Canizaro and Mary Ann Varuso. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall from 8:00AM until 10:00AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 10:00AM on Thursday, January 12, 2023. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Montpelier Community Cemetery, Montpelier, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Pray for God to show you ways to show love and concern for others.
Please continue to pray for Andy and Betty Taylor. Pray for Andy as he faces some testing and begins physical therapy today.
Pray for Diane Buckley and others who have been sick and unable to attend church.
Continue to pray for George Eddie Lee and others who are homebound.
I want to give a big thank-you to all those who helped with the OCC workday Saturday. You accomplished so much in a few hours and did a good job with every task. Thanks to those working on some tasks at home too. Best of all was the sweet spirit and fellowship among all the workers. Thanks to the members of the OCC team who visited Sunday School classrooms yesterday. The next workday will be the first Saturday of February.
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY – Begin to pray now for the children aho will receive the “Shoeboxes” we pack in 2023. May God prepare their hearts to have a desire to learn about Him.
Yesterday, Bro. Darryl shared about our need to and benefit from reading the Bible more. Here’s some verses you might want to add to your regular reading plan today.
John 11: 1-46
If I had seen Jesus’ tears, I would have . . . .
Have a wonderful day today. Find some ways to be encouraging to others.
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
Today, I’m thanking God for healing Damar Hamlin for two reasons.
First, because he is alive. Second, because his health is a result of answered prayers of many people, both. on and off the football field. I hope this will turn around the thoughts of many that say there is no place for public prayer. My prayers also include hopes that this young man will lead a Christian life that is an example for others, both on and off the football field.
Dominic Terrase
My classmate, Dominic Terrase is in ICU in Covington. I got to visit with him at a class reunion in Amite just before Christmas. He has struggled with different health issues for a while. Your prayers will be appreciated.
Tommy and Diane Simmons
This couple represents many couples where both have had winter illnesses and one is now better than the other. Pray for continue health improvement for both of them.
Yesterday at FBC, Kentwood
Yesterday, there were two opportunities for people at our church.
TheOperation Christmas Child Workday was fantastic. We had a bigger work crew than ever before and much was accomplished in a few hours. Church members had an opportunity to work with others and get to know other people. Mostly, we got to focus on being a part of children around the world having an opportunity to hear about and accept Jesus into their hearts.
We had seven first-time workers. Also, I would like to recognize the best represented Sunday School class yesterday. It was Charlie Schwartz’s men’t class. Good job ,Charlie and class members!
The people who attended the Focus on the Family Conference was also large in number. I don’t have a first-hand report of the meeting, but the number of cars there represented a large number of people who were still there when we left. I’m anxious to hear from them today.
There was yesterday another group at church yesterday. Children were in the nursery allowing their parents to attend the meeting.
Today, there are other opportunities at church.
Sunday School begins at 9:15 and morning worship at 10:30. Evening worship is at 6:00. Bro. Darryl’s morning sermon topic is “Reading Your Bible is Required” based upon Matthew 4:4.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for people to allow God to work in their hearts and lives at church services today.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
John 2
These different aspects of Jesus tell me . . . .
Obituaries
Russell Paul Conger, Sr.
October 30, 1947 – January 4, 2023
Russell Paul Conger, Sr. of Amite, Louisiana departed our earthly world for his eternal rest with our Lord on January 4, 2023, at the age of 75. A veteran, father, and husband; Russell was a true gentlemen with a soft spoken nature and kind heart. He was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and will be dearly missed. He grew up in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, as the oldest of three boys. Russell was an exceptional student and graduated as valedictorian of the 1966 class of Belle Chasse High School. He went on to graduate from Louisiana State University in 1970 before being drafted and serving two years in the United States Army.
He began a career in personnel management before working 35 years in the banking industry. Russell notably served as the first President and CEO of People’s Bank in Amite for many years before retiring from First Bank and Trust in 2015. He was proud to be part of the Amite community, was an active member of the Rotary Club, and made many life-long friendships throughout his years.
He was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church and served on the board of the St. Vincent De Paul and of the Men of Manresa. Russell dearly loved his three dogs.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Collins Conger; his children Russell Paul Conger, Jr. (Nikki), Andrew Conger (Amelie), and Courtney Rasor (Chad) and their mother, Sandra Conger, and his stepdaughter Elise Curry (Scott) and stepsons Marcus Collins and Tim Collins; his brothers Mark (Laurina) and Steven Conger; his grandchildren Lainey, Russell Paul III, Chloe, Kaleb, Lucien, Margot, and Claire Conger; step grandchildren Audrey, Margaret, Eleanor, and Luke Curry; Londyn Collins and Brklyn Beale, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Roger Fowler and Martha Conger and his half-sister Martha Anne Conger Aroni.
Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, located at 110 E Factory St, Amite City, LA 70422 on Monday, January 9, 2023 from 6:00 pm until 9:00pm and from 8:30am until 10:30am on Tuesday. A mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am on Tuesday at St. Helena Catholic Church located at 122 S 1st St. Amite City, LA 70422. Interment will take place at Westlawn Memorial Park in Gretna at 2:00 pm. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Peggy Ann “Penny” Cox
July 9, 1945 – January 6, 2023
A resident of Albany, LA, passed away on Friday, January 6, 2023 at her home. She was born July 9, 1945 in Magnolia, MS and was 77 years of age. She is survived by 6 children, Lyle Ray Cox, Jeffery Don Cox and wife Brenda, Louis Dewayne Cox and wife Tammy, Dennis Mitchell Cox, Charmon Annessa Cox and her boyfriend Darrell Smart, and Natalie Nicole Gilmore Cox and her boyfriend, Virgil Polezcek; 6 grandchildren, Cassidy Cox, Brian Wells, Dustin Wells, Aaron Cox, Austin Cox and Tatum Cox; 10 great-grandchildren, Carter Cox, Canton Cox, Christian Menke, Brianna Wells, Chole Wells, Brynleigh Wells, Brantley Wells, Alayna Cox, Ryleigh Cox and Briella Cox; and a sister, Betty McFerrin. Preceded in death by husband, Jimmy Don Cox; parents, Percy and Louise Alford; and sister, Faye Whiddon. Pallbearers will be Cassidy Cox, Brian Wells, Dustin Wells, Aaron Cox, Austin Cox and Jim Mcferrin. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8:00AM until religious services at 10:00AM on Monday, January 9, 2023. Services conducted by Pastor Jeff McKneely. Interment Walker Cemetery, Wilmer, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
COMING SOON!
On the 14th, at the Kentwood ball field north of town on highway 51, the boys and young men of our community will have an opportunity to participate in the first meeting of Trail Life. You might want to check this out. I understand there are many opportunities for them both in the outdoor world and to experience God working in their lives. Contact Ladd Turner for more information.
Andy and Betty Taylor continue to request our prayers.
This week, Tommy Hood learned his previous cancer tumors have not shown any growth. He also learned he has new tumors. Pray for him as he begins a new round of treatment with a B.R. doctor who was trained at M.D. Anderson. This allows his to stay at home and continue a more normal lifestyle. The family will appreciate your prayers.
Renee’ Terrell is having some jaw issues following surgery. Pray she can improve and soon.
Thelma Pierce, Luther Terrell’s neighbor, has had serious eye issues. Now, she seems to have additional eye issues. Pray for her vision.
Judy Dickinson had cataract surgery. All seems to be doing well. Please pray for that to continue.
Today’s Prayer Focus – Pray for our newly elected speaker of the house and new congressmen as they work together to help our country improve.
READ SCRIPTURE TODAY
Week 1, Day 7
John 2
These different aspects of Jesus tell me . . . .
Today is the day!– Opportunities at FBC, Kentwood
Focus on the Family Conference (Free of charge) at the Lighthouse 8:30-11:30 (Childcare provided)
OCC Workday in the fellowship hall beginning at 9:00. Grade-school children, youth, and adults are included.
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