“For it is from God alone that you have your life through Christ Jesus. He showed us God’s plan of salvation; he was the one who made us acceptable to God; he made us pure and holy and gave himself to purchase our salvation.”
~1 Corinthians 1:30 (TLB)~
Rev. Leroy McElveen had a stent placed in his heart. He’s feeling much better now. Thank God for this pastor’s improvement.
Beverly Estevan, wife of Greg, my classmate, had two blood clots in her lungs. She needs lots of pray for the next couple of days.
Bill Pope was transferred from Hood Memorial to North Oaks for treatment. He seems to show some improvement. Please pray for him.
I have some requests concerning people from Chesbrough. These were shared by Gerald Hyde.
Sherry and Bruce Fortenberry have health concerns.
Jimmy Cannon has the virus. Jimmy’s relatives who are caring for him include his wife, Sadie, son Pete, and Pete’s wife.
Operation Christmas Child is looking good. I need volunteers to help get the boxes packed. Please contact me via this link or call me at home. Thanks to all who have made contributions this year.
Today, we will pray for the girls 10-14 who will receive shoeboxes. Pray for their families too
“It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.”
~Ephesians 1:11 (The Message)~
Please pray for Bill Pope of Amite. He has been taken from Hood Memorial to North Oaks.
Please continue to pray for Buddy and Eleanor Morris. They are “handing in there” with lots of medical appointments for Buddy.
Mrs. Mickey Cade had another surgery on her ankle to remove a plate. Let’s pray that as she recovers. she will have an improved ankle.
Please continue to pray for Barbara Daniels Yerby. It will be 3-5 days before the success of her treatment can be determined. I know she and her family are most appreciative of your prayers.
This is a good source of Christian news and is published five days a week.
Ronald Lewis Alford
Ronald Lewis Alford, 85, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Our Lady of the Lake, Baton Rouge. He was a native of Tangipahoa Parish and longtime resident of Denham Springs, LA. He served his community and retired as Captain from Baton Rouge City Police Department. He then served his state through the Louisiana Circuit Court of Appeals and attended the Law Enforcement School of LSU, the University of Colorado and eventually graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA serving his country through as a Criminal Investigator. Over the years he received many honors including Lawman of the Year. He was a member of the Baptist faith, attending Lanier Baptist Church with his family for many years and also helped build several Baptist churches. Ronald was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Lillian Jo Ann Alford; sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald James “Jimmy” Alford (Cherryl), and Gary Glynn Alford (Jana); grandchildren, Kelli Alford (Bo), Amber Bermudez (Danel), Lindsey McClure (Thomas), Adam Alford (Brandy), and Chad Alford (Andrea); 8 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, A.W. Alford and Mae Bennett Alford; and siblings, Wendell Alford, Alton “Bob” Alford, Carl Alford, and Carol Jean Bridges. Visitation will be held at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, Friday, September 25, from 12 p.m. until service at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.. Please share your condolences at www.sealefuneral.com.
Today, let’s pray for the 5-9 year old boys who will be receiving “shoeboxes” this year. What a good age in which to learn about Jesus and to make a decision to follow him for a lifetime! Remember to pray for the family too. Many family members are led to the Lord because of a child this age who has an opportunity to learn and then share the Good News!
There are many ways to be used by the Lord. Today might be a good take to cook or bake something to share.
“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.
This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”
~Ephesians 1:4-5 (NLT)~
Please continue to pray for Barbara Daniels Yerby. Yesterday, she was given a treatment to help clear/heal her lungs and had no complications. Then, she was sent home to rest and let the treatment work.. Your prayers will be appreciated by Barbara and her family.
Leone (Rogers) Reynolds 1925 – 2020
(Mother of my friend. the Louisiana Baptist WMU Director, Janie Wise)
Funeral services for Leone Reynolds, 95, of Portales, will be 10:00 AM, Wed.nesday, September 23, 2020, at the University Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Smith officiating, assisted by Timothy Smith. Burial will follow in the Portales Cemetery with Glen McAfee, Gene Bundy, Tommy Kent, Don Keneipp, David Moon, Mike Madden, John King and Lance Hill serving as pallbearers. All her many friends will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home, P O Box 629, Portales, NM 88130 or to the Gideon’s International. The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 PM. Leone Reynolds was born July 31, 1925, in Dickens County, TX to the home of Nona Leone (Battle) and Riley Elmer Rogers, and died September 19, 2020, in Albuquerque. Mrs. Reynolds grew up in Dickens County, and graduated from Patton Springs High School in 1941. On September 9, 1941 at the Dickens County Courthouse she was married to George Reynolds, who was on leave from the Army. They moved to El Paso, and while living there, Leone worked at Mountain Bell Telephone. When he was sent overseas, Leone joined her family who were living in Dora, NM. When he returned from his duty, she rejoined him in El Paso. Upon his discharge, they came to Roosevelt County and farmed south of Portales. For the first few years she was a stay at home mom. Eventually she went to work in the school cafeterias, first at Lindsey Elementary, and later later at L. L. Brown. Eventually, she went back to work for Mountain Bell, where she worked until the Portales office closed. Her last place of employment was at the University Library where she was a Special Collections Librarian until her retirement in 1989. Even after retiring, she returned as a volunteer for several more years. Leone was a very active member of the University Baptist Church where she taught nearly every age group at one time or another, teaching Sunday School classes, as well as Vacation Bible School. She was very active in mission work, and was a faithful member of the Gideons Auxiliary. Leone enjoyed gardening, but her main interest was always in helping others, especially in their Christian walk. She is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Faith Gaudern of Albuquerque, Janie and Roger Wise of Alexandria, LA and Alica and Tom Norvell of Sacrameno, CA; six grandchildren, Robert Lee Gaudern, Christopher Allen (Loretta) Gaudern, Tommy (Dawn) Norvell, Carey Norvell, Arledge (Michael) Smith and Anna (Jason) Suter; and 19 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Riley, Marvin, Jimmy and Dale Rogers; four sisters, Clema Phillips, Avis Lewis, Ina Littlefield and Betty Rowland; a son-in-law, Eugene Gaudern; a grandson, Daron Gaudern; and by her husband, George Reynolds, who died December 24, 2010, after more than 69 years of marriage.
Yesterday, David and I painted some of the shoebox lids so each child receives a message and sees a picture every time they open their box. David also put the boxes together and stacked them until we pack next month.
Today, let’s pray for all the girls, 10-14 years old, who will receive “shoeboxes” this year. As you pray for them, also pray for the families. May they learn about Jesus and invite Him into their hears.
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Barbara D. Yerby was better yesterday than the day before. Please continue to pray for her improvement.
Tori Havlin, wife of a former New Zion youth minister who now serves in MS, ,has Covid-19.
Friday: Around 6:30pm Tori was tested for COVID and the results came back positive. Her symptoms were fairly mild, but the onset of a fever was the concerning part. Saturday: Brynnlee and I learned how to manage while Tori was secluded to the master bedroom. Tori’s symptoms stayed mild, which was a great thing. Brynnlee struggled to understand why she couldn’t see momma. Big thanks to Kris Hollis and Laura Hollis who came through in the clutch to bring some soup ingredients! Sunday: I “preached” but it was prerecorded before Tori got sick. I chalk that up to God’s planning! Tori’s symptoms improved slightly, as she had not run a fever since Saturday. Brynnlee and I have had multiple “come to Jesus meetings” as I try to do school work and keep the house in order while taking care of everyone.Today: We’ve almost completed our third day of quarantine. Other than a persistent cough, Tori’s symptoms have subsided. We are extremely thankful to God that neither Brynnlee or I have gotten sick, but if we do we hope and pray our symptoms are as mild as Tori’s.**Neither Brynnlee or I have been tested, but it could be possible we are asymptomatic carriers. We will be quarantining the entire time.The virus is no joke, no matter if you are extremely ill with it or have a mild case. I’d encourage you to remain vigilant with hygiene, wear a mask when around others, and continue to pray for those who are afflicted. We rest in Christ’s words, that we can come to him with our weariness and burdens and he will give us rest. God bless!
I cannot resist telling you that David received an even better lab report yesterday than two weeks ago. At that time, we were thrilled with a blood level of 12.4. Yesterday, without having any blood. iron, or Procrit, his blood level had increased to 12.6. God has really blessed David!
Carolyn Sue Newcomb
July 10, 1944 – September 20, 2020
On September 20, 2020, when it felt like the year’s first day of fall and her family was gathered nearby, Carolyn Sue Newcomb welcomed everlasting peace. Born in Kentwood, LA on July 10, 1944, Sue was known to many of us as “Suema”. She was a life-long seamstress who was both incredibly creative and expertly skilled. She mended items for people many times when they should have been thrown away but sewing was a gift she used to care for those around her. Crafting and painting with her best friend of 50 years, Patsy Brumfield, was one of her favorite hobbies. Much of her love was given through hugs, back rubs, hearty meals, and the sweetest phone calls. Just her voice made our days better. Just her love made our lives brighter. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Wilburn “Dee” Newcomb. After nearly five decades of marriage and on her last day of battling cancer, Sue made sure to get one last kiss before he left for the day. Though he will miss his wife, he will not be alone in the days to come. Sue shared unconditional love with her five children: John “JB” Bascom, Margaret “Meg” Stephens, Alice McFarlain and husband Adam, John O’Hern and Mark O’Hern. Each Christmas, she hung dozens of red and white stockings on the wall for our entire family beginning with the grandchildren. Sometimes she was given a hard time about who’s stocking was hung first or that her dogs’ stockings got more treats, but everyone with a stocking felt extra special. She hand painted the names of each grandchild whether by birth or marriage: Amanda, Megan, Katrina and Neil, Hannah, Sasha, Ariana, Chance, Warren, Claire, John Joshua and Lacey, Raven, Michaela, Madeline, Matthew, Makenna, and Ruston. Also in glittery gold paint were the names of her great-grandchildren: Morgan, Jadyn, Jocelyn, Brantley, Halle, Gabe, Mason, Zoe, Stephen and Kollin, Riggs and Ariel. Suema was excited to know that soon there would be one more, when Michaela’s child is born. She also had grandchildren in Alabama: Krista, Courtney and Alex and great grandchildren Ely, Rily and Emy. In Heaven, Suema will be joining her grandchild “Baby Angel” and great grandchild Evelyn Rose, sisters Doris and Delores and parents Beulah and Finis Stephens. Pallbearers will be Pete Cannon, John Joshua O’Hern, Brantley Shoup, Jadyn Shoup, Chance O’Hern, Ruston Slaven and Matthew O’Hern. Honorary pall bearers will be Mason O’Hern, Kollin Stewart, Gabe Thomas and Stephen Allen. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 4:00PM until religious services at 6:00PM on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. Private Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday at Spring Creek Cemetery. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Janie Wise, LA WMU leader. lost her mother, Mrs. Leone Reynolds. If you would like to honor Janie or her mother, the family asks for donations to the Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana Missions in their honor. You can give through your local church and send a meno to Janie at the Louisiana Baptist Building in Alexandria.
Today, let’s focus some prayer time on the OCC “shoeboxes” we will pack for the younger boys, ages 2-4 years old. Pray that each box gets to the right child, as only God knows. and that each box has a powerful influence on the child and the family. May God’s love shine through each “shoebox”.
Today, the truck from theLouisiana Baptist Children’s Homewill visit FBC, Kentwood to pick up your donations. THANK-YOU for being so generous again this year!
Please pray for my former classmate, Barbara Daniels Yerby, who was hospitalized yesterday for pneumonia and low oxygen levels. She has been trying to overcome Covid-19 for a couple of weeks. You prayer will be greatly appreciated by Barbara, her family, and her many friends.
Julius Ladell Birch
October 03, 1937 – September 19, 2020
Julius Ladell Birch, a life-long resident of Kentwood departed for his heavenly home on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at his residence in St. Helena Parish at 82 years of age. Ladell graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, he began his state employment career with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and retired from Louisiana Facility Planning and Control. He then continued his career as an Engineer Consultant on many state projects, his last being an Oversight Consultant on behalf of the Judges on the new courthouse in Downtown Baton Rouge. He was 72 years of age when he “deemed” himself unemployed. He continued to work just as diligently on his cattle farm until his death. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Nancy Gray Birch; his three daughters, Julia Birch Travis, Michelle Birch Fitzgerald and husband, Justin, and Resa Birch; seven grandchildren, Jansen Fitz and husband, Cragg, Garrett Fitzgerald and wife, Rachel, Brennan Lee and husband, Ethan, Sutton Travis and wife, Stephanie, Cullyn Breeland and husband, Andrew, Joshua Delee and wife, Madison, and Allie Delle; 12 great-grandchildren, Kenlea Wilkinson, Case and Kit Lee, Lola, Lyla, and Stoney Fitzgerald, Wes and Lennon Fitz, Sadie, Sage, Slade, and Sophia Travis; one brother, Kenneth Birch and wife, Yvonne. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mabel Birch; brothers, Roy, Dewey, and Gerald “Buddy” Birch; and sisters, Maude Henderson, Lena Barnett, Jeanne Krebs, Joyce Watson, and Shirley Frazier. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, 3841 Hwy 38, Kentwood, LA, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. Services conducted by Rev. Gibbie McMillan. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers will be Garrett Fitzgerald, Sutton Travis, Joshua Delee, Jeff Birch, Baxter Birch, Kyle Birch, Jerry Watson and Barry Birch. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
If you missed the online services from FBC, Kentwood yesterday, you can view them at your convenience any time on Facebook or YouTube. It’s listed at Kentwood First Baptist Church. I think you will receive a blessing no matter what day of the week you watch.
Of course, there are lots of other churches also providing the same services. You might want to check out the services where you have family members attending or know the pastor, possible because he was a former pastor you knew in the past. That’s what I do..
FBC, Kentwood will be packing shoeboxes in small groups this year. There will be preparation teams and packing teams working in October. Wearing of MASKS will be a requirement. I will be looking for six teams of two or three people. Be praying to see if God leads you to participate. You can contact me if you feel led to participate. We will need additional help in November to pack our cartons when they arrive and to work during the drop-off week. There will be an opportunity for everyone to help. Thanks so much. In the meantime, our focus will be on praying for the boys and girls who will receive a shoebox that FBC, Kentwood sends. Today, let’s pray for the girls, from 2-4 years old and their families. Pray that we will have helpful and fun items for each girl. Pray their families learn about Jesus and how He can change their lives for eternity.
Yvonne Birch called last night to say her brother-in-law, Ronald Alford of Baton Rouge, passed away yesterday. That means she lost two brother-in-laws. Please be in pray for both the Alford and the Birch families.
Lawanna Carter sent a message that her surgery went well. She is working to recover from the process. Please keep praying for her.
Janie Wise’s mother passed away yesterday afternoon. Please be in prayer for Janie and her extended family.
Theodore Patrick “Ted” Secott
November 07, 1952 – September 18, 2020
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2020. He was born November 7, 1952 in Coudersport, PA and was 67 years of age. He served as a Sergeant with the U. S. Air Force during Vietnam. He worked many years as an Assistant Supervisor of offshore drilling with Exxon and later worked as a mechanic on pumps and compressors. After retirement, he raised beef cattle. He is survived by his wife, Jill Ann Wickwire Secott; 3 children, Angela Alford, Mathew Secott, and Katie Secott; granddaughter, Jordyn Michelle Secott; and brother, Robert Secott, Jr.. Preceded in death by parents, Robert and Patty Secott; and son-in-law, Donald “Red” Alford. A celebration of his life will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday, September 23, 2020. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Please pray for each family who has a child or children receiving a “shoebox” this year. May it be the introduction the family needs to “meet and accept Jesus in their hearts”.
Thank-you for reading and praying today. Enjoy some outdoor time today, but don’t miss the opportunities to attend church in person or online.
Ted Secott, father of David’s sister-in-law, Angela died yesterday near Holden. Angela’s husband, Donald Alford, passed away six months ago. Please say special prayers for her, her two siblings, and their mother.
Ladell Birch, the only surviving sibling of Kenneth Birch, passed away this morning at home. His wife is Nancy. Please pray for Nancy and other family members.
Ronald Alford of Baton Rouge, who is Yvonne Birch’s relative, is in critical care at OLOL. Pray for God’s sweet mercy on him. (This in NOT Linda Alford of Kentwood’s husband.)
Your prayers for these three situations will be appreciated.
“[Moses] chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.”
~Hebrews 11:25 (NIV)~
Today , I’m going to give you one last reminder. Take your food/cleaning supplies to church tomorrow. The truck from the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home will make the pick-up early Monday morning.
Georgia Barnette Offering for missions in Louisiana – Day 7
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away tragically with his wife, Virginia Burnthorn White, on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at his home. He was born February 20,1940 in Amite, LA and was 80 years of age. He is survived by his 6 children, Allen White and wife, Dawn, Jeanie Cox and husband, Rob, Connie Lindsay and husband, Hank, Robert White and wife, Renee, Marvin White and wife, Ginger and Kevin White; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; numerous great-great-grandchildren; sister, Brenda Hayden; brother, Marvin Earl White. Preceded in death by his parents, T.C. and Bertie White; sister, Helen Mitchum; brothers, Buddy, Stan and Charles White. Graveside Services will be held at Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger, LA at 10:00AM Monday, September 21, 2020. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away tragically with her husband, James Eugene White, on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at her home. She was born January 1, 1939 in New Orleans, LA and was 81 years of age. She is survived by her 6 children, Allen White and wife, Dawn, Jeanie Cox and husband, Rob, Connie Lindsay and husband, Hank, Robert White and wife, Renee, Marvin White and wife, Ginger and Kevin White; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; numerous great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Lloyd Burthorn and Carlos Burnthorn; 1 sister, Elaine Thompson. Preceded in death by her parents, Earlo and Effie Burnthorn; brother, Leroy Burnthorn. Graveside Services will be held at Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger, LA at 10:00AM Monday, September 21, 2020. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible in 2020 – September 20
Isaiah 30:12-33:9
Galatians 5:1-12
Psalm 63:1-11
Proverbs 23:22
October will be “shoebox” packing month at FBC, Kentwood. We will pack each age level on a separate day. We’re always open for something new.
The cooler air the last few days has been wonderful. Thank you, God, for sending it to us.
Please pray for Toby Miller and his family. Toby has been diagnosed with colon cancer and will have surgery next week. Your prayers will be appreciated.
Betty Taylor’s brother, Warren Ziegler, had surgery yesterday. All. went well. Recovery is going well too. Please pray for Warren to continue to improvve.
Please continue to pray for the people whose lives were turned upside down by Hurricane Sally. Thanks to weather forecasters and advance notifications, the fatalities were limited in number. Pray for people to recover in a timely way. Also, pray for workers and volunteers as they move into the area and help everyone as needed.
Continue to pray for those who have Covid-19. I have a classmate/friend who is fighting real hard now. Join us in praying for her.
Please continue to pray for relatives and friends who cannot visit with loved ones who are hospitalized or in nursing home facilities. This surely is difficult for everyone.
A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born August 12, 1951 in Independence, LA and was 69 years of age. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and never met a stranger. He was Uncle Buck to everyone even if you were not related. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Victoria Rawlins Lawrence; daughter, Amanda Lawrence Ridder and husband, David; son, Tim W. Lawrence and wife, Meghan; grandchildren, Michael Paul, Jillian, Chad, Seth and Landon; sisters, Melrose King and husband, Ronnie, Marian Taylor and Linda Perez; brother, Herbie Lawrence and wife, Brenda; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, James and Mildred Lawrence; son, Jason Lawrence; sisters, Betty L. Boudreaux, Patricia L. Duncan, Connie L. King and Judy L. Foret; brother, James Lawrence, Jr. and William “Lefty” Lawrence. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00PM on Monday, September 21, 2020. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I’m so thankful and blessed that you read and pray each day. You make a big impact on others!
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
~I John 5:13-14~
Please continue to pray for all the grieving families in our community. Many of them have endured extra hardships because of Covid-19.
Janie Wise is a very special friend who is also the Louisiana WMU director. She and other family members were called to travel to New Mexico because her mother is very ill. Please pray for each family member to feel God’s presence with them during this time.
Let’s continue to pray for those west of us trying to put their lives, homes, communities, and families back together following Hurricane Laura. Now, we can add people east of us who are dealing with all the misery and troubles left behind by Hurricane Sally. I’m not sure why New Orleans seemed to be the targeted area for both of these storms, but they went another way when they got close to shore. I do know we have a responsibility to help the people in need. Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief is busy.
Trinity is hub for disaster relief, ministry, sharing the Gospel
If you cannot go and physically help, give money or items to those who are going. Another way you can minister to the needs is to donate directly to Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief. This puts funds in the right hands immediately. 100% of the donations will be used for disaster relief!
The Prayer Link 
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