As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep.

I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.

~Ezekiel 34:12~

Prayers Needed

James Rimes shared these prayer needs.

Elaine Cutrer is in St Tammany Hospital possibly with pneumonia. Ronnie is sick at home waiting for the doctor to call and give him his diagnosis. (Upper respiratory).

Please pray for these two friends of many of us.

Obituary

Angie Nielsen’s mother passed away.

Ms. Clayton Tay A. Mercer Cotton

Moms funeral arrangements:

Saturday, January 6,2024

Greenoaks Funeral Home and Cemetery, Baton Rouge, LA

Visitation – 10am- 12 pm ; Service at 12:00pm

Burial service afterward

Read the Bible

• Week 49 – Death: Heading Home
• Genesis 27: 2
• I Samuel 20: 1-3
• Job 7
• “The very thought of dying makes me . . . .”

Encouragement

Holidays can be wonderful, but they can be very difficult for those who live alone. Be an encourager at the end of this holiday week.

Anna Lee

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;

he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Psalms 55:22

Prayer Focus

Today, I would like to mention some people to you, but you can also pray for those on your prayer list.

Dan’l Johnson continues to improve. Thankfully his family is on a long holiday vacation from school.

Roy and Diane Turner – at home

Andy and Betty Taylor – at home

Rondi Booty and Tiffany Lee who are both expecting babies in the next three weeks.

Dwayne Creel – Outpatient surgery yesterday, but home now.

Diane Buckley – Waiting for final diagnosis and treatment

Bro. Darryl – In a waiting period, but all is going well so far.

Older, Homebound Friends - Lots of people who would appreciate some of your time and concern.

Read the Bible Daily

• Afflictions: Roses and Thorns
• Psalm 107
• Revelation 7: 13-17
• “God delivered me from trouble when . . . .”

Health Focus

It seems many folks have bad colds, coughs, flu, Covid, etc. Pray for each one to recover well and quickly.

Sunday School

We will be studying about Cain and Abel and their families. Even though you have heard this story for years, there is always more to learn. Attend Sunday School and learn what God has in store for you this week. If you need help choosing and locating a class, David and I will help. Give us a call so we can meet you at your car. Also, Luther Terrell who is located just inside the front door of the fellowship hall is available. Usually, Bro. Darryll is on the sidewalk somewhere and would be glad to help you. Come and let us get you involved in a class.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

David and I can see/feel the need for us to give to this offering because of our family members who served so long as overseas missionaries. If we all do our part, many unsaved people can learn about Jesus and have the opportunity to accept Him as their Lord and Savior. The missionaries are in place. Let’s make sure adequate funding is too. One hundred percent of your gift will go to meet the needs of out missionaries as they serve around the world.

New Readers Praying with Us

Every week some of you pass the word about reading The Prayer Link to others, many of whom who attend other churches. God finds a way to use these thoughts to help them in their own churches.

If you attend FBC, Kentwood with me and know of some new members who could be introduced to TPL or older folks who would appreciate you setting their phones so they can read TPL easily, you would be greatly appreciated. Thank-you ahead of time for these ways we can be be encouraging and informative. 

Prayer is the key. We can all pray on our schedule, but hopefully this guide can be helpful.

Thanks,

Anna Lee

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

Matthew 2:10

Read the Bible

• Job 5: 6-26
• Ephesians 3: 16-20
• “During struggles, I can have confidence . . . .”

Obituaries

Francis Smith Griffin

March 7, 1937 – December 26, 2023

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at her home. She was born March 7, 1937 in Magnolia, MS and was 86 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Barber and husband, Troy E. Barber; son, Mark Varnado and wife, Judy Varnado; 3 grandchildren, Clif Bryan and wife, Fern Bryan, Clay Bryan, and Emily Varnado; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Celia Ann Smith and Rachel Coggins and husband, Michael Coggins. Preceded in death by husbands, Donald Varnado and David Griffin; granddaughter, Raina Bryan; parents, W. Deloy Smith, Sr. and Neva Burch Smith; brother, W. Deloy Smith, Jr.; and sister, Diane Strickland. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 11:30AM on Friday, December 29, 2023. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Jack Vincent Liuzza

June 28, 1938 – December 22, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born June 28, 1938 in Amite, LA and raised in Amite, LA. He was 85 years of age. He graduated in 1956 from Amite High School and spent two years in the United States Army 503 Military Police Battalion. His rank was Corporal. While with the Military Police Unit, he was sent to provide security and protection on the campus of Ole Miss University in 1962. He retired as director for the Louisiana Federal Surplus Property Agency after 27 years of employment. He is survived by his brother, Steve Liuzza, Jr. Preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Fay Harling Liuzza; parents, Steve Liuzza, Sr. and Catherine Rispone Liuzza; brother, Joseph Anthony Liuzza. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite from 8:00AM until 10:15AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 10:30AM on Friday, December 29, 2023. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for students who are enjoying a long holiday from school. Pray for good choices for their care when young and for them to make good choices in all they do as they get older.

Prayer Meeting

Tonight at 6:00 at FBC, Kentwood. It is never long, but always meaningful.

Reach Out. . .

. . . to someone who is lonely, sick, needy, etc. today. You will get a blessing.

Anna Lee

The Day After Christmas

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

Luke 2:13

I hope you all had a blessed Christmas and were a blessing to others.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Churches will continue to collect this offering for international missions. Remember these two facts.

• 100% of the money given goes directly to mission work.
• It is never too late to contribute to the Lottie Moon Offering.

End of the Year Singing

• Spring Creek Baptist Church
• Lots of singing
• Refreshments
• Firework display
• Begins at 6:00 P.M.

Read the Bible Today

• I Corinthians 4: 9-13
• Romans 8: 17-37
• II Corinthians 6: 3-13
• “Even in poverty, victory is mine because . . . .”

Prayer Focus – Churches

As we end one calendar year and begin another one, let’s keep some prayer focus on our church and other churches in our area.

Baptist Press – New Jesus Film

‘Jesus’ film producers plan release of new animated version in 2025

https://theprayerlinksite.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=39960&action=edit

Operation Christmas Child

Plan for TODAY – Many stores have good discounts after Christmas. You are encouraged to SHOP TODAY and look for school supplies (calculators, erasers, pencils, coloring books, etc), hygiene items (toothbrushes, wash cloths, band aids, cotton balls, and Q-tips., clothing items - socks and underwear for boys and girls (Size 12)., and small toys for boys and girls, ages 9-14 (small dolls, marbles, small trucks, and hair ornaments. These are not all the items we will need, but a good start.

Sunday School Lesson for Sunday

Adam, Eve, Cain, Able, and Seth

You are invited to come study with us at FBC, Kentwood. We have a class for everyone! About a month ago, I was asked to teach my class. Please come learn, or review, with us. Our class is named New Hope! I didn’t join the class for the name, but it certainly is a name that can draw you in. We would love to have you visit and decide for yourself.

Changing Gears

We will be leaving 2023 behind and moving into 2024 in every aspect of our personal and church lives. Be ready to move ahead.  Our schedule for next Sunday is the same as usual with the exception of the evening service being at Spring Creek.

Thanks for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2:11

Today, read Luke 2 to a member(s) of your family.

Read the Bible

• II Corinthians 11: 22-33
• Phillipians 1: 12-26
• Phillipians 4: 10-13
• “Even in poverty, victory is mine because . . . .”

Church Services. . . .

. . . . were wonderful yesterday at my church. I hope you also had some good services to enjoy and appreciate.

Thank God

Thank Him for all the boys and girls who will be happy today. Thank Him for those who had very limited Christmases, but are appreciative for what they received. Pray other people will be able to help all of them to realize this day is all about Jesue!

Prayer Point

Thank God for sening his son to earth with a plan of living and dieing as an example so we might have the opportunity to go to heavven for eternity.

Others

As you. go about this day, may you be aware of adults or children around you that you might can introduce to Jesus!

Be Blessed …

… and be a blessing to others today.

Anna Lee

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

1 John 4:99 

Read the Bible Today

• Jeremiah 26:11-15
• II Corinthians 4: 8-12
• “My view of trials has changed because . . . .”

What a wonderful day to be in God’s House.

I want to encourage you to attend church today and bring your family with you. Tonight’s half-hour service will be so special for families. I sincerely hope you and your family will be at at FBC at 6:00 P.M. You will certainly be welcomed. That applies to everyone!

Scripture for Sunday School Lesson

We will be studying Luke 2 today. Come learn something new. I already have, just by preparing for the lesson.We have a class for everyone. Let us direct you to the location of a class.

Prayer Time

• Thank God for His plan for your life.
• Thank God for your family.
• Thank God for your church family.
• Thank God for all the opportunities He provides for you to share His Word with your family, friends, and others.

Obituary

Fay Wall Wilson Simmons

November 20, 1935 – December 22, 2023

Fay Wall Wilson Simmons, died peacefully from congestive heart failure at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS with family at her bedside. She was born November 20, 1935 and was 88 years of age. She was Valedictorian at Kentwood High School and later an honors student at Southeastern Louisiana University where she received her Master +30 while working and raising her children. She was an accomplished musician where she played piano for First Baptist Church in Kentwood and later was an assistant organist and pianist at Magnolia First Baptist Church. Fay was a retired Educator, Librarian, Administrator and Principal. She is survived by her children, Sylvia Wilson Day (Tim), Tammy Wilson Strickland (Jesse), and Melanie Wilson Eldridge; grandchildren, Ginger Lambert, Jeremy Schenk (Tara), Corey Schenk, and Cody Wilson (Amy); great-grandchildren, Brodie McElveen (Destinee), Landon Bullock, Colton Bridges, Sage Bridges, Kadyn Schenk, Kalette Schenk, Nevaeh Schenk, Stevie Jo Wilson, and Harvey Lowell Wilson; great-great-grandchildren, Caysen and Aubrey McElveen; brother, Charles M. Wall; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by mother, Juanita Short Wall Griffin; father, Clarence “Sonny” Wall; first husband and father of her children, Lowell “Whip” Wilson; second husband, Thad Simmons; sisters, Reba Wall Howard and Doris Wall Robinson; brothers, Meredith Lee Wall and Clarence Adrian Wall; son-in-law, Michael Eldridge; and infant twin daughters. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 11:00AM at Line Creek Cemetery. Services conducted Dr. Danny Smith. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

To Do List

Share the message of Jesus with someone today! Be sure the children around you can tell the story found in Luke. Share it within your family and with others.

This is such a special time to think of others. Do a little something to show your love for them. Be a Christmas blessing!

Anna Lee

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord….”

Luke 1:46

Special Bible Reading – Luke 1

Birth of Jesus

God

Mary

Angel

Joseph

Read the Bible Schedule

• Jeremiah 26: 11-15
• II Corinthians 4: 8-12
• “My view of trians has changed because . . . . “

FBC, Kentwood Christmas Eve Schedule

9: 15 A.M. - Sunday School

10:30 A.M. – Morning Worship

6:00 P.M. – BRIEF Evening Worship

Baptist Press

( Top 10 Stories of the Year and other current news)

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Obituary

Audrey Bye Dowden

January 28, 1945 – December 21, 2023

Audrey Bye Dowden, age 78, passed away at her home on December 21, 2023.

Audrey grew up in the West Bank and graduated from Immaculata High School. Afterwards, she ventured through different careers including being a beautician and sales clerk. Before retiring, she was a phlebotomist at North Oaks Medical Center. She spent her free time sewing, volunteering in hospice, and spending time with her family. She was a long-time and committed member at Mater Dolorosa Parish.

Audrey was preceded in death by her mother, Eula Bye; her father, Gillis Bye; her brother, Gillis Bye Jr; and her son, James H. Dowden, III.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, James H. Dowden, Jr.; her brother, Robert Bye; her daughter, Julie (James) Blount; her grandsons, Bradley Flynn, Zachary Blount, and Chase Blount; and her great-grandson, Dallas Flynn; granddaughter, Jammie Dowden.

Friends are invited to join the family for the visitation, funeral, and burial services. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until 10:30AM on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 with Funeral Mass to follow at St.  Dominic Catholic Church, Husser, at 11:00AM. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment at St. Dominic Cemetery, Husser, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Prayers Needed

*Families with deaths this year

*Families with serious illnesses

*Families with fires and accidents this year

*Families with differences

*Families who do not know Jesus

Most of us fall into this list one or more times.

The same is true for other families.

Lots of prayer is needed.

Christmas is about Christ, not Santa!

Anna Lee

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

Luke 1:68

Read the Bible

• Mark 13: 9-13
• Luke 6: 22-23
• Luke 21: 12-19
• “Compared to them, my troubles are . . . .”

Obituary

Sharon Lynn Blades

February 10, 1943 – December 20, 2023

Sharon Lynn Blades, a beloved resident of Gonzales, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023. She was born on February 10, 1943, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Raymond Harold Pauley and Mary Idanell Hensley. After graduating from McAllen High School in 1961, Sharon moved to Baton Rouge, where she attended Louisiana State University and met the love of her life, Wilbur “Bo” Blades. They were married and shared a remarkable bond filled with love, laughter, and devotion to each other and the family they created. Their legacy of love and dedication will forever be cherished and an example to their family and all who had the privilege of knowing them together.

Sharon was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was a pillar of strength and an unwavering support system for her family and anyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her love was a lifeline, a source of strength that her family could always rely on. She was known for her selflessness, generosity, and ability to remind others to not take life too seriously.

Having the talent for anticipating the needs of others, she never came to an event empty-handed and didn’t wait to be asked for help. She used this same God given gift to devote years of her life volunteering with her church to provide and be a soothing presence for those in need. She was always there to listen whether that was on the front porch in her rocking chair with a cup of coffee or a phone call away. She was a rock to lean on for many and even made sure to never miss the birth of a grandchild or great grandchild throughout all of her years.

Sharon was also known for her sense of humor, and her quick wit brought laughter on many occasions. Her family fondly remembers her humorous remarks during ball games, saying things that would leave Bo and the rest of the family holding their breath as her grand babies and great grand babies could do no wrong in her eyes.

Sharon’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of her loved ones. She was a vibrant and spunky soul, always radiating positivity and nurturing the spirit of her loved ones. Her unwavering support and love will forever be a guiding light, reminding those who knew her to believe in themselves and embrace life’s challenges with courage, determination, and of course laughter.

Sharon was predeceased by her parents, Raymond Harold Pauley and Mary Idanell Hensley. She is survived by her loving husband, Wilbur Ralph Blades, and their children: William Gene Blades (and Julie), John Ralph Blades (and Suzann), Jennifer Lynn Blades Howell (and Cliff), and James Rafe Blades (and Carrie). She is also survived by her half brothers: Mike Pauley (and Susan), Mark Pauley (and Donna), and Jeff Pauley (and Judy). Sharon leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion through her grandchildren: Bryndi Blades Dixon (and Jonathon), David Malone, Jacee Blades Allison (and Brandon), Hannah Howell Goloforo (and Drew), Landen Rafe Blades, Austin Cole Blades, Victoria Howell Bashrum (and Dillon), Scout Elizabeth Blades, and Cooper James Blades. Her great-grandchildren Kali Malone, Layton Dixon, Grace Malone, Brody Dixon, Adlee Dixon, Olsen Goloforo, Ashton Blades, Elliott Allison, Dawson Bashrum, and Bowen Bashrum will forever cherish her memory. Sharon also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were blessed to have known her.

The Blades family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Sharon’s caregivers at The Carpenter House for their exceptional care and support during her final days. Sharon’s presence will be deeply missed, but her love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Visitation will be from 9:00AM until religious services 1:00PM on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at Pine Ridge Methodist Church, 3893 Highway 440, Kentwood, LA 70444. Interment will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers will be Rafe Blades, Cooper Blades, Austin Blades, Drew Goloforo, Dillon Bashrum, Brandon Allison, Jonathan Dixon, and Kenneth Cody. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com. 

OCC Information

The eight processing centers for shoeboxes have completed their work and sent boxes to lots of places around the world. I will check this week to get an idea of where our shoeboxes have been sent.

I’ve been reading reports of those who worked in the processing centers. They were sharing kind words to appreciation for:

• the number of boxes
• well-packed boxes with a variety of items
• items with packaging removed
• school supplies
• no washcloths wrapped around soap and them placed in plastic containers/bags
• decorated shoeboxes
• pictures of packers at packing parties or family pictures
• variety and quality of toys
• church addresses
• labels in proper location on lids
• etc.

Reminder

Don’t forget the invitation to Bolivar Baptist Church tomorrow night to see the lights and sets as well as to enjoy some hot chocolate.

Jesus is the reason for the season. 

Christmas Eve-Eve

David and I with our children remembered our friend/baby-sitter for years on December 23rd. This is the day she brought our children wonderful gifts from her. She chose the 23rd to avoid all conflict with other activities/friends/relatives. She is still remembered and loved!

Share some extra kindness, words, and gifts with others!

Anna Lee

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.

Luke 1:32

Read the Bible

• Week 46
• Afflictions, Roses Among Thorns
• Psalm 69: 1-21
• Isaiah 40:28-31
• “The promise of God that brings me the most peace is . . . .”

Christmas 

Think of the part played. by each one.

1 – God

2 – Mary

3 – Angel

Christmas Lights

We rode to one area of Amite last night to see Christmas lights. I know there are others, but take a ride on North Duncan and be amazed. 

Prayers Appreciated

Dan’l Johnson

Theople Hurst

Jackie Babin

Bro. Darryl Miller

Glen and Bobbye MaGee

Andy and Betty Taylor

Bro. Joe and Miss Barbara Baugh

Those who have recently lost a member of the family

Those who are traveling to be with other family members

Others who are on your prayer list

Death

Sudie Louise Palmer

November 19, 1945 – December 19, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at her home. She was born November 19, 1945 in Bogalusa, LA and was 78 years of age. She is survived by her children, Phildon Keith Miller and Connie Sue Miller Harrison; grandchildren, Darryl Blaine Miller, wife, Ashley, Morgan Bryonna Blades, Daniel Blake Miller, Savanna Kaye Miller, and Tadd Miller; great-grandchildren, Taylar, Case, Clay, Adlai, and Lucas; brother, Bill Adams; sister, Dianne Parker; numerous nieces and nephews; special friend, Larry Byrd. Preceded in death by her father, William Adams; mother, Alma Corley Adams; 6 brothers, TC Adams, Willis Adams, Richard Adams, William Adams, Jr., Roy Adams, and Phildon Adams; 6 sisters, Ophelia Hodge, Ines Woodard, Liza Thomas, Elsie Adams, and 2 infant Adams; son, Darryl Thomas Miller; husband, Tilman Palmer; former spouse, Thomas Miller; grandchildren, Breanna Sue Miller and Keith Paul Harrison; daughter-in-law, LaBreeska Lewis. Visitation at Hillsdale Baptist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Friday, December 22, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Darryl Miller. Interment Hillsdale Cemetery, Hillsdale, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

SUNDAY MORNING – Special Singing by Children

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE – 6 P.M.

SUNDAY SCHOOL – Bring your family at regular time (9:15).

          Read Luke 2.

Remember, this holiday is about Jesus. Read Luke 2.

Anna Lee