Today, let’s focus on the children who do not attend Sunday School, VBS, weekly classes, choir practices for special children’s programs, etc. They are missing so much. It is our responsibility to encourage the children and the parents. Usually, once a child attend VBS, they want to attend other activities. Let’s remember to invite families with young children to get involved at church.
Once we have prayed for the children for a while, God will place the next step on our hearts. Pray with expectation.
OCC Cutting Party
We have the location, instructor, and even beautiful fabric. We need ladies to do the task. Please. come help us cut some beautiful fabric so other ladies can sew the totes. That will be the next. step in preparing totes for every child who receives one of our “Shoeboxes”. Ladies, we hope to see you tomorrow at 9 A.M. in the fellowship hall. If you have sewing shears, a cutting board, etc. please bring them.
Sunday School (9:15 on Sunday mornings)
The lesson last week was certainly interesting. I learned new facts. The deeper you study, the more you will learn. I love the discussion in my class as different ladies ask questions and share information.
Our lesson this week will introduce us to Abram, later named Abraham. It is from Genesis 12-13. Come be a part of studying about Abram from the beginning. We’ll soon be talking about “Father Abraham”.
Prayer List
Use your prayer list for praying today. That way, you will have the names of your family members, your neighbors, your friends, and your church people. The key is for each of us to pray for those on our prayer list. You don’t have to write a lot about each person. Of course, it is always fine to write a sentence or two about some people. Do what works the best for you to help you remember to pray.
It is okay to pray for church services, special events, and families you meet while you are shopping. Just choose some people and begin praying.
Please pray for our world. If everyone carried Jesus in their heart, I think we would not hear talk of war. In the meantime, pray for peace to be on the hearts of everyone.
Today, let’s pray for all those who made decisions at the front of our churches or in the pews yesterday. Let’s pray for those who made decisions in the pew to be bold enough to make that decision public next week.
Operation Christmas Child
Many local churches have begun the process of making or buying itemss for their “Shoeboxes” next year. Don’t miss out on being a part of this wonderful ministry.
Wednesday, you will have the opportunity to join a group as they cut fabric for making totes. All ladies are invited to be a part of this effort Wednesday morning at 9:00 in the fellowship hall. Bring cutting shears, a rotary cutter, a cutting board, cutting ruler, pins, and marking pencils if you have them. If not, come anyway. We’ll work together and share.
If you cannot attend this week, plan to try to attend the next workday. You will always be welcome in our ministry.
Grow in Christ
Attend a Sunday School Class.
Attend a weekday Bible Study.
Read your Bible daily following a plan such as the one listed above.
Teach a Sunday School Class.
Teach a weekday Bible Study.
Pray for Others
People have many needs. Pray for those on your prayer list. Update your personal pray list weekly.
We completed the readings for 2o23, so we only have the readings for 2024.
Everyday Bible Readings – January 28, 2024
Genesis 49:1 – 50:26
Psalm 17: 1-5
Proverbs 3:21-24
Matthew 18:10-15
Prayer Focus
Please pray for those who had plumbing issues during the cold weather and now are sick. I’ve heard many people talk about “cold-weather illnesses” that have lasted for weeks. That’s a long time!
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.”
We completed reading the passages from 2023 that I did not give to you earlier. Now, we will only do the Everyday Bible Reading plan for 2024.
Read the Bible Every Day in 2024
January 27, 2024
Genesis 46:28 - 48:22
Psalm 16:7-11
Proverbs 3:19 - 20
Matthew 17:14 - 18:9
Weather
We did without rain for so long. Now, the ponds look much better. Spring will show which plants did and did not survive the drought. Hopefully, the highly unusual weather is over for now.
Obituaries from the Last Week
Debra Langlois Alford
February 4, 1955 – January 19, 2024
A resident of Jackson, LA, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 at her home. She was born February 4, 1955 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 68 years of age. She is survived by her 2 sons, Levi Perret, and Cody Perret (Brandi); 4 grandchildren, Westin Perret, Landrey Perret, Bo Perret, and Lilith Perret; 5 sisters, Elaine Johnson, Karlene Carpenter, Darlene Wascom, Brenda David, and Kathlenne Langlois; 2 brothers, Leo Langlois and Johnny Langlois; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sister, Joyce Ann Langlois; parents, Leo and Rose Mary Langlois. Visitation at Psalm 23 Ministries Church of Hope from 4:00PM until Memorial Services at 6:00PM on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Services conducted by Pastor Mike Stafford. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Virgie Lindsey Slaven
July 29, 1949 – January 21, 2024
A resident of Robert, LA, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at her home. She was born July 29, 1949 in Independence, LA and was 74 years of age. She is survived by 2 sons, Joe Slaven, Jr. (Sarah Haggard) and Jason Slaven; grandchildren, Ruston Slaven, Brandon Slaven, Jayden Slaven, Nathan Slaven, Sky Blackwell, Jeremy Slaven, Lason Slaven, Aiden Sackett, Ian Sackett, and Jaze Sackett; great-grandchildren, Auroya Kinchen, Liam Slaven, and Natalie Slaven; 3 sisters, Margaret Cutrer, Thelma Bennett Guillory, and Betty Howell. Preceded in death by parents, William Lindsey, Sr. and Louella Lindsey Kennedy; daughter, Gail Slaven; grandson, Jordan Slaven; brother, William Lindsey, Jr.; 3 sisters, Geneva Wall, Ida Mae Carter, and Viola Bennett. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Friday, January 26, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Austin Joseph Casanova
November 25, 1926 – January 21, 2024
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at his home. He was born on November 25, 1926 and was 97 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Mary Casanova; 3 children, Linda Ballard (Gene), Veronica Arlene Boutian (Daniel), and Kerry James Casanova; 2 grandchildren, James Kendrick Casanova (Kim) and Benjamin Paul Boutian; 2 great-grandchildren, Chelsea Doby and Roger Leon, IV; 3 great-great-grandchildren, Autumn Doby, Ayden Doby, and Elijah Leon. Preceded in death by parents, Monroe and Virena Husser Casanova; 2 brothers, Dwight Casanova, Sr., and John “Jimmie” Casanova. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until 11:00AM on Monday January 29, 2024 until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday January 29, 2024. Interment at St. Dominic Mausoleum. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Matthew Dane Shockley
December 3, 1982 – January 24, 2024
Matthew Dane Shockley, a resident of Loranger, LA, left this life surrounded by family on January 24, 2024. He was born December 3, 1982 at Seventh Ward General Hospital in Hammond, LA. Matthew was 41 years of age. He is survived by his beautiful daughter, Adilynn Grace Shockley; wife, Mattie Dyess Shockley, parents, Kathy Ridgedell Drude, Thomas and Pat Husser Shockley, and stepfather, Richard Drude; sister, Brittany Shockley Olivier and husband, Thad; brothers, Tyler Drude and Logan Gill; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Preceded in death by paternal grandparents, William and Helen Burnthorn Shockley; Wade and Catherine Kilpatrick Ridgedell; uncle, Kenneth Ridgedell, cousins, Douglas Shockley and Hillary “Morgan” Shockley. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00 a.m. until religious services at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Services conducted by Pastors Richard Drude and Brittany Olivier. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. Pallbearers will be Thad Olivier, Riggin Lee, Jason Puls, Jacob Puls, Kevin Shockley and Scott Dyess. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Karla Michelle Warren Douglas
November 29, 1979 – January 24, 2024
A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. She was born November 29, 1979 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 44 years of age. Karla was loved by so many people especially by her friends and coworkers. It was impossible not to love her. She was a graduate of Oak Forest Academy and Southeastern Louisiana University and has spent the last 25 years teaching at Independence Leadership Academy. Karla was a strong Christian and was a member of First Baptist Church in Greensburg where she used her beautiful voice singing in the choir. She is survived by her husband, Michael William Douglas; daughter, Mikayla Jo Michelle Douglas; parents, Mitchell and Jodi Warren; father-in-law and mother-in-law, P.J. and Fran Breaud; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and family members. She was preceded in death by her sister, Theresa Renee’ Warren; grandparents, Ruth and Rhea Belcher, Addie Bell Cutrer, Deloyd Cutrer, and Carl Warren; and an uncle, Carl Warren, Jr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Shawn Ostoj. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. Pallbearers will be Brian Rivet, Jesse Warren, Austin Warren, Casey Montegut, Dante Montegut, and Monte Montegut. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for all these grieving families. The grieving process can be long and hard. It varies from person to person. We can be kind and helpful to the families.
FBC, Kentwood Service Times
9: 15 – Sunday School
10:30 – Morning Worship
6:00 – Evening Worship
6:00 – Prayer Meeting (Wednesday)
Announcement for OCC
Wednesday morning, at 9 A.M. we will meet in the fellowship hall to prepare tote bags for sewing. We will pin and cut fabric. All ladies are invited to participate. If you have seving shears, rotary cutters, pins, a cutting board, and/or cutting ruler, please bring them. Together and with the fabric we already have, we can prepare many totes for the next step. Please join us for the fellowship and for the progress we can make working together. If you know of a lady who might not get this message, but who would enjoy working with us, please share this message.
During February, we will do a count of items we have for the 2024 boxes and give a list of items we will be collecting during 2024. This is a huge task, so we work all year to prepare for packing and shipping. You are invited to help us as you are available.
Sunday School Lesson
We will be studying about the Tower of Babel from Genesis. I have a number of pictures to share in case anyone would like to see them. I will be sharing in the New Hope ladies’ class. Join us Sunday if you are not already committed.
A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. She was born November 29, 1979 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 44 years of age. Karla was loved by so many people especially by her friends and coworkers. It was impossible not to love her. She was a graduate of Oak Forest Academy and Southeastern Louisiana University and has spent the last 25 years teaching at Independence Leadership Academy. Karla was a strong Christian and was a member of First Baptist Church in Greensburg where she used her beautiful voice singing in the choir. She is survived by her husband, Michael William Douglas; daughter, Mikayla Jo Michelle Douglas; parents, Mitchell and Jodi Warren; father-in-law and mother-in-law, P.J. and Fran Breaud; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and family members. She was preceded in death by her sister, Theresa Renee’ Warren; grandparents, Ruth and Rhea Belcher, Addie Bell Cutrer, Deloyd Cutrer, and Carl Warren; and an uncle, Carl Warren, Jr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Shawn Ostoj. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. Pallbearers will be Brian Rivet, Jesse Warren, Austin Warren, Casey Montegut, Dante Montegut, and Monte Montegut. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Have a very blesssed day! Be a blessing to others today.
Today, let’s pray for those who do not attend a church regularly so they can learn what God’s Word has to say about many topics – love, marriage, families, salvation, children, death, eternity, etc. If we don’t know what is in God’s Word, we don’t know His plans for our life, and our eternity.
Operation Christmas Child
Each year when we pack “Shoeboxes”, we include a tote made especially to hold the shoebox and/or contents later. We have a team of ladies who cut, iron, sew, and add cords so the totes. This year, my sister provided fabric she hand chose for the totes from the inventory of a store that was going out of business. Thank you, Julie.
Wednesday, anyone interested can meet with us in the fellowship hall at 9:00 A.M. to help the ladies by doing the cutting for them. I hope to see many of you there so we can cut the fabric in preparation for the next step, sewing. If you are able to come, please bring your sewing shears, a rotary cutter, pins, a cutting mat, and the measuring guide that is used with the mat. We will try to cut many totes in preparation for the ladies who will sew them at a later time.
If you can help, please join us Wednesday in the fellowship hall at 9:00 A.M. Many hands will make the progress go much faster.
Obituary
Matthew Dane Shockley
December 3, 1982 – January 24, 2024
Matthew Dane Shockley, a resident of Loranger, LA, left this life surrounded by family on January 24, 2024. He was born December 3, 1982 at Seventh Ward General Hospital in Hammond, LA. Matthew was 41 years of age. He is survived by his beautiful daughter, Adilynn Grace Shockley; wife, Mattie Dyess Shockley, parents, Kathy Ridgedell Drude, Thomas and Pat Husser Shockley, and stepfather, Richard Drude; sister, Brittany Shockley Olivier and husband, Thad; brothers, Tyler Drude and Logan Gill; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Preceded in death by paternal grandparents, William and Helen Burnthorn Shockley; Wade and Catherine Kilpatrick Ridgedell; uncle, Kenneth Ridgedell, cousins, Douglas Shockley and Hillary “Morgan” Shockley. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00 a.m. until religious services at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Services conducted by Pastors Richard Drude and Brittany Olivier. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. Pallbearers will be Thad Olivier, Riggin Lee, Jason Puls, Jacob Puls, Kevin Shockley and Scott Dyess. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Today, we have more story weather forecast for our area. Please be careful as you travel, especially this morning.
Thank-you for reading and praying today. May your efforts be instrumental in another soul(s) in heaven one day.
“My hope can be strong since it is based . . . . “
Read the Bible Every Day (2024)
Genesis 42:5 – 43:14
Psalm 15:1-7
Proverbs3:13-14
Matthew 15:10-39
Health Concerns
Dennis Miller
Darryl Miller
Prayer Focus
Think about the various issues in choosing the next president. Choose two or three that are most important to you. Pray for those issues.
Weather
I don’t like to use the weather as one of the prayer concerns so often, but it seems to continue to draw our focus. Today, flooding is the concern in low-lying areas. For most of us, the concern would only be in travel, not our homes.
Old Fashion Revival
Several friends from FBC, Amite have invited us to attend their old fashioned revival beginning on February 4. If you have no schedule conflict, please consider attending.
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 at his home. He was born May 24, 1941 in Amite, LA and was 82 years of age. Sal was a U. S. Army Veteran. He is survived by his brother, Larry Perez and wife, Annie; 2 sisters, Amelia Toten and Anna Castella; numerous nieces and nephews; step-daughter, Richelle Corkern Hoover and husband, Michael; step-grandchildren, Stephenie Reid and husband, Gabriel, Lane Hoover, John Hoover, Brianna Folse and husband, Austin, Thomas Corkern, Dakota Corkern, and Leighann Corkern; step-great-grandchildren, Ellie Mae Reid and Leon Folse. Preceded in death by his daughter, Donna Lynn Perez; parents, Henry and Dorothy Vilardo Perez; and a step-son, Craig A. Corkern. Memorial Services will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Glenda Harrell’s eye surgery went well. She said she would be able to come home later yesterday. Thank God for her successful surgery.
Jackie Babin’s husband said she is now able to move around the house some. Thank God for her progress.
Thankfulness
I hope you are writing your thankfulnesses down daily. I started with a small jar, but will change jars as I fill one up. Yesterday I chose to write my thankfulness about the warmer temperatures and nights above freezing. I wonder if you did too.
If you didn’t start daily writing about what you are thankful for, it is never too late. Maybe you and a friend might choose to talk with each other each day and start the conversation with your daily thankfulness. I like telling God.
It’s all about realizing how thankful you are. God surely would be pleased to hear from you about your daily thankfulness.
Sunday School Lesson
In the past, I read (not prepared) my lessons on Sunday mornings. I have since learned to begin my preparation on Sunday afternoon or Monday and add to it all during the week. I can get so much more from the lesson this way. Sunday’s lesson is about the Tower of Babel, which is found in Genesis 9.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for the people who are having storms in their lives. We all know every day does not go smoothly. Pray for those days in your life and in the lives of others.
Thank-you for your time and attention so you can pray for the things I mention here. I am so thankful to know you include TPL in your days.
Today, I’m thankful for warmer temperatures and rain in the forecast for this week. You surely are thankful for them too! I’m also thankful that most people made it through these hard days with no broken pipes!
Read the Bible (2023)
Romans 5:1-5
Romans 15:13
Galatians 5:5
“I need the Holy Spirit to strengthen my hope when . . . .”
Read the Bible Every Day of 2024
Geneis 39:1 – 41:7
Psalm 12: 6-8
Proverbs3:9-10
Matthew 14: 1-21
Prayer List
Glenda Harrell – Eye surgery today
Russ Tolar – Upcoming kneee surgery
Elaine Tolar Doucette – Virus
Jackie Babin -Improving
Dorothy Wall – Virus
What a Day! Glorious Day!
If you weren’t there, watch the FBC morning worship service on Facebook.
Sanctity of Life
Yesterday, we celebrated Sanctity of Life (conception -> natural death). Think about that. Then pray for the people of our world today.
Operation Christmas Child
Two people, one immediately behind the other, asked me about when we are starting OCC this year. Be ready. Watch for an announcement soon!
Celebrate the Improved Weather
Do something special:
Take a ride.
Cook and share something.
Have a coffee gathering.
Shop for OCC needs.
Pick someone up for lunch.
Have a S.S. class gathering one day M-F.
Sing as you ride.
Buy a new scarf, gloves, or socks. Nothing expensive!
A resident of Loranger, LA, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at her home. She was born August 5, 1963 in Independence, LA and was 60 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Terry W. Brumfield; daughter, Roseann Arnone (James King); son, Harvey Arnone, Jr. (Elizabeth Nettles); grandchildren, Starr King, Julia King, Seth King, Alex Arnone, Mason Arnone, Gage Arnone and Hunter Kemp; great-grandson, Gunner James DeLatte; 2 sisters, Debbie Maxie and Debra Cross; and a brother, Henry Holden. Preceded in death by parents, Delbert G. Cross and Mary Helen Mansfield Cross; sisters, Jannie Lott and Marilyn Cross; brothers, Wayne Cross and Steve Cross. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Elmer Earl “Skeeter” Ballow
February 5, 1948 – January 18, 2024
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. He was born February 5, 1948 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 75 years of age. Skeeter spent the majority of his days at his home on Airport Road. He enjoyed chopping wood, gardening, and fishing. You would typically find him sitting on his porch, listening to the breeze or in his home watching football. He was the self proclaimed number one arrowhead hunter in the state of Louisiana. He loved showing off his collection. He loved his visits from his children and grandchildren. Skeeter was a very simple man, but yet complicated in his own ways. He will be missed by all, for he was a great father, brother and friend. He is survived by his son, Jonah Ballow and wife, Casey; 2 sisters, Patricia Guidry and Earline Harrington; 1 brother, Harry Williamson; 10 grandchildren, Austin Ballow, Darien Ballow Miller, Reese Ballow, Pearce Ballow, Luke Ballow, Lundyn Ballow, Betty Ballow, Emmie Ballow, Peyton Dupuy, and Jordan Dupuy; 1 great-grandson, Benjamin Miller. Preceded in death by his mother, Annie Ballow; father, Earl Ballow; daughter, Honey Ballow Dupuy. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until Memorial Services at 7:00PM on Monday, January 22, 2024. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Thankfulness
Once it warms up this morning, the temperatures should be above freezing for a few days. I’m thankful to have those really cold nights behind us.
FBC Schedule
Until told otherwise, we will be on regular schedule today.
Sunday School – 9:15
Worship. Service - 10:30
Evening Worship – 6:00
If you don’t have a place of worship, come join us this morning.
Prayer List
You may notice I have referred you to your personal list. That’s good for habit-forming and to get the list more personalized for you.
The Prayer Link 
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