All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 4:15

Update

Bro. Darryl’s surgery went well. The surgeon decided to perform the stent part in about 10 days. Bro. Darryl and “Miss” Laurie stayed overnight. The plans are for them to come home today or tomorrow. Their children plan to prepare a special meal tomorrow for the family to celebrate thankfulness.

Thankfulness

Speaking of thankfulness, we can all be thankful this problem of Bro. Darryl’s was found and he was able to have surgery yesterday. Let’s pray he has a good recovery.

Obituaries

Shirley Durham O’Quin

July 3, 1933 – November 19, 2023

Shirley Durham O’Quin of Osyka, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on November 19 after a brief illness. She was 90 years old. Shirley was born in Durant, Mississippi, on July 30, 1933, to William Edward and Mary Ellen Durham. After graduating from Durant High School, she received a degree in education from Delta State University. She then embarked on a more than 30-year career as a teacher and basketball coach. Coaching basketball was Shirley’s passion. During her career, she had more than 500 high school wins, and her Spring Creek high school basketball team made it to the Sweet 16 of the Louisiana State playoffs several times. She lived a wonderful, full life doing exactly what she loved: coaching, working in the garden, planting flowers, making jellies, and playing any and every sport she could. She considered it a privilege to have the opportunity to shape so many young lives throughout her career, and she often spoke fondly of her many basketball girls and students. Shirley is survived by her sons, Don O’Quin and Kerry O’Quin; her daughter, Terri O’Quin; her grandchildren, Jennifer Anstey, Jeffrey O’Quin, Jakob O’Quin, Cheyenne O’Quin, and Layla O’Quin; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack O’Quin, and her six older siblings. A graveside service will be held at Line Creek Cemetery, Kentwood, on Saturday, November 25, at 10:00 am.  McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Mary Ellen Knight

March 19, 1938 – November 20, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023 at her home. She was born March 19, 1938 in Kentwood, LA and was 85 years of age. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Amanda Knight Sharp (Terry) and Melissa Knight Miller (Conrad); 6 grandchildren, Kylie Sharp Ott (Anthony), Morgan Taylor Sharp, Peyton Sharp, James Christian Miller, Jackson Clay Miller, and Madeline Rae Miller; 1 great-grandchild, Addison Grace Sharp. Preceded in death by her husband, Joseph L. Knight; parents, Charles and Mae Ellzey; sisters, Kathryn Faye Ellzey and Betty Rae Lewis. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Matthew White. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Mary Lou Varnado Blanchard

July 14, 1953 – November 20, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023 at Hood Memorial Hospital  in Amite, LA. She was born July 14, 1953 in Magnolia, MS and was 70 years of age. She was a 1972 graduate of Hammond Votech for nursing. She was a nurse at Hood Memorial Hospital from 1972 until 2019.  She is survived by her daughter, Rebekkah McClendon; grandson, Devin Mixon and wife, Candis; 2 brothers, William “Bill” Varnado and wife, Angela and Michael L. Varnado and wife Barbara; sister, Carole V. Frey and husband, Chris; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Norma Varnado; nephew, Alan Varnado. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read the Bible

• Matthew 18: 21-35
• Ephesians 4: 31-32
•   Romans 12: 9-21 
• “When I have been hurt, I need to . . . .”

Time to Go . . .

Boyd, Jennie, Madison, and Mason just surprised us and walked in the door early!!!!! We had expected them mid-afternoon. As of now, I think Jason and his family will come mid-afternoon. Time to leave the computer today!!!!!

Anna Lee

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Psalms 95:1

PRAYER REQUEST

Please be in prayer for Bro. Darryl Miller as he has surgery at East Jefferson this morning.

THANKFULNESS

The eight days of OCC Drop Off are completed and our shoeboxes were safely delivered to Hammond where they were placed on an 18-wheeler for their trip to Dallas. The Kentwood Drop-Off Center collected 2043 boxes that were delivered to us by 15 churches. We packed them into 129 big cartons before their trip to Dallas and beyond. Thanks to the many volunteers who worked with us this week! In Dallas, the boxes will be prepared for their big journey to various countries where they will be given to poor and often unchurched children around the world. In addition to the boxes, children will receive a Bible and a Bible workbook written in their language. They will also have special classes to learn about Jesus.

The Hammond location posted that our boxes were part of a group of 14,935 shoeboxes they placed on three trailers for the ride to Dallas.. That’s 779 more than last year.

Let’s thank God for all the many people who packed the shoeboxes and sent them where they are needed. This statistics are awesome – With an average of eight people being touched with the message of Jesus per box, that makes 119,480 people because of the efforts of our area supporters. We are only one of those who “feed” their boxes through Dalles. There are also seven other places like Dallas in our country. Many countries contribute boxes . . . .!

If your church does not participate, let me encourage you to do so. The blessings are abundant and overwhelming! If you already participate, do you want to touch more young lives next year? Our church has already decided to increase our goal for next year! Maybe, you will too!

READ the BIBLE

• Luke 12: 22-31
• Psalm 42:11
• Psalm 40: 1-5
• “The lesson I need to learn is . . . .”

OBITUARY

Pearl Junkins Travis Dykes

May 9, 1937 – November 18, 2023

Pearl Junkins Travis Dykes was born May 9, 1937 in Kennedy, AL passed away peacefully surrounded by her step-son and daughter-in-law, Jerry Lee and Cathy Dykes of Mt. Hermon, LA.

She is survived by one sister, Susan Griggs of West Columbia, SC; step-children, Kenny and Betty Aron of Kentwood, LA, Joseph Dykes of Mt. Hermon, Jacky Dykes of Osyka, MS, and Faye Carney of Kentwood, LA; daughter-in-law, Judy Travis of Actworth, GA; grandchildren, Beverlee (Adam) Clay of Actworth, GA, Joey, M-Kayla, Maggie Dykes of Franklinton, LA; her dearest friend in Christ Mrs. Mary Rushing; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her first husband, Dennis Travis; their son, Norman Wayne Travis; grandson, Dennis Wayne Travis; her second husband, Coy Dykes, Jr.; great-granddaughter, Chapel Rae Dykes; 2 sisters, Mildred Patterson and Peggy Hoover; brother, Sam Junkins; Step-children, Jimmy, Carl, Phillip and Ruthie Dykes, Eugene Travis and Lila Watson.

Visitation at My Father’s House Church from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00PM on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Melvin Rushing, Jr. Interment Lewiston  Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.  A special Thanks to the crew at Modern Hospice Care. We love you all!!! McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

You are appreciated!

Thank-you for sharing about what you read here. May others be encouraged and informed! May God be glorified!

Anna Lee

“But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’ ”

Jonah 2:9

Sickness

There are a number of people in our area who are sick, some much more so than others. Pray for those on your prayer list. Update it frequently.

Obituary

Monroe Robert Rutland, Jr.

November 14, 1942 – November 18, 2023

A resident of Arcola, LA, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born November 14, 1942 in Roseland, LA and was 81 years of age. He was a devoted Feed Mill Man, responsible for helping build and maintaining the Arcola Feed Mill for over 53 years. He became the longest tenured employee of Purina Mills before retiring. After retirement he enjoyed his other hobby known as WORK. He loved his tractor, chainsaw, and lawn mower almost as much as his family which he cherished dearly. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marilyn Travis Rutland; 1 daughter, Kasey Rutland Shaw (Russell Shaw); 1 son, Tyler Rutland (Natalie Vining); 3 grandchildren, Mickey Shaw, Katelyn Shaw, and Kori Vining; 2 sisters, Estelle Neal and Katherine Jenkins. Preceded in death by his father, Monroe Rutland, Sr.; mother, Eloise Rutland; sisters, Louise Murphy and Evelyn Ballard; brother, Sidney Rutland. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Surgery Tomorrow

Bro. Darryl Miller of FBC, Kentwood will have surgery in East Jefferson tomorrow morning. Please be in prayer for him, his family, his many friends, and his church.

Recovering from Surgery

Both Ora Lee Wilson and Yvonne Birch were able to be at church yesterday following their recent surgeries. They are both progressing with their recovery. Thank God for their recovery progress.

Operation Christmas Child

Today is the last day to turn in “Shoeboxes” at any Drop-Off location. Check the schedule and get there as early as you can. I’ll have a final count of shoeboxes and packed cartons for our Drop-Off site tomorrow.

We had two new churches to turn in boxes this year. Pray they will become regular donors.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read the Bible

• Week 44: Survival: Coping
• Isaiah 53:4
• Matthew 8:17
• Luke 4: 16-21
• II Chronicles 20: 15-17
• “If the battle is the Lord’s, what I need is . . . .”

Thanks to the ladies who gave me encouraging comments about TPL when I saw them at a wake last night.

Until Tomorrow . . . .

Anna Lee

Give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, we are continuing to pray for the war-torn countries around the world and for unrest in our country and other countries around the world.

READ the BIBLE

• I Corinthians 1r: 12-32
• “Death has no power over me because . . . .”

THANKFULNESS

Today, I am thankful for the ten churches who have already brought shoeboxes. The shoeboxes have all been placed in cartons and most of them were delivered to their next destination Thursday. The final shoeboxes will be sent at 10:00 A.M. tomorrow. Thanks to all of you who have provided the shoeboxes for so many children all around the world. We also will be shipping about a dozen cardboard boxes of various sizes containing filler items that can be used at the processing center.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD DROP-OFF SCHEDULE

Sunday – 2:00-4:00 P.M.

Monday – 8:00 – 10 A.M.

The final shoeboxes will be sent to the next destination at 10:00 A.M. Monday.

The Lord’s Day

Be sure to honor and worship Him today. There are many churches in the Kentwood area. Find a church that meets your wants and needs. Be faithful in serving Him.

You and your prayers are appreciated.

Anna Lee

The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.

His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.

~Nahum 1:3~

Prayers Needed

Pam Forrest needs our prayers. She is hospitalized again.

Bro. Darryl Miller will be having surgery Tuesday at East Jefferson.

Obituary

Ruby Faye Ricks

October 13, 1947 – November 16, 2023

A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born October 13, 1947 in Amite, LA and was 76 years of age. She was a retired teacher from Tangipahoa Parish School System after 40 plus years. She was an avid collector of old coins. She is survived by her 6 brothers and sisters, Louise Russell, Mathilda Mize, Robert Ricks and wife, Pat, Thelma Simmons and husband, Hillary, Carroll Ann Corona and husband, Tom, Jewel Hudspeth-Harrell and husband, Danny; special Cousins, Gerald Hyde and Judy Raborn; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by her parents, Bennie and Pearl Bond Ricks; 2 brothers, Maurice Ricks and Alfred Ricks; 3 brothers-in-law, Kirk Russell, L.C. Mize, and Charlie Hudspeth; 2 sisters-in-law, Nancy Ricks and Sharon Ricks. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM on Sunday and from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, November 20, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Tim Lacoste. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray about the drought conditions in our area. Let’s also pray for farmers, their increased costs, and a shortage of their crops, animals, or products. We all know about increased prices by now!

Operation Christmas Child

The Drop-Off Week has been busy. Time is running out. We only have three more days. Monday we will send the remainder of out shoeboxes to Hammond. From there, they will be sent to the processing center in Dallas before being sent to their next destination.

If you are tracking your shoeboxes, we should soon be able to get an idea of where they will travel next. Don’t lose your tracking numbers. Adults and children all like to know where the their shoeboxes are sent.

Pray for the children and their families who will receive a shoebox. May the shoebox lead the child and family members to hear the name of Jesus and to accept Him into their hearts and lives.

Thanks for praying today.

Anna Lee

 Fools give full vent to their rage,

but the wise bring calm in the end.

Proverbs 29:11

OCC Drop-Off Schedule for Today

2:00 – 4:00 P.M. at FBC Kentwood

Yesterday, we received 304 shoeboxes.

Read the Bible Today

• Job 31:24-28
• Psalm 52
• “Trusting God demands I . . . .”

Prayer Focus for Today

Let’s pray for all the shoebox recipients. May the shoebox be in instrument to salvation for them and their family members!

Pray also for the unruly marches/demonstrations in our country to come to an end.

Pray for holiday travelers as many of them will begin their journeys this weekend.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Baptist Messages

http://www.baptistmessage.com/

I’m thankful we have access to both Baptist Press and Baptist Message.

It’s good to stay informed.

May you be a blessing to others today. May I be a blessing to others too!

Anna Lee

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

Read the Bible

• 11-16-23
• I Samuel 17
• “The giant I have trusted God to slay is . . . .”

Operation Christmas Child

OCC Schedule for Today at FBC, Kentwood

10:00 A.M. – Noon

We will be waiting for you in the fellowship hall.

Prayer Focus Today

Some Kentwood people with prayer needs:

Judy Fowler

Pam Forrest

Jane Duncan

Yvonne Birch

Alice F. Lee

Bro. Darryl Miller

Jackie Babin

THANKFULNESS

Today, I am thankful for three days of drizzle. Yes, we got wet when we brought shoeboxes into the fellowship hall, but the ground/vegetation/animals/ponds needed the rain. Thank-you, Lord, for giving us the rain we needed.

Until Tomorrow . . .

Anna Lee

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

John 14:2

Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for seven men, Kenny Ray Gill, Luther Terrell, Charlie Schwartz, Michael Anthony, Gerald Griffith, Bob Babin, and David Alford, who packed about a thousand shoeboxes in cartons (15-16 per carton) in preparation for sending them to Hammond tomorrow. The tables were stacked five high with boxes from Monday that we did not have time to pack Monday and the additional boxes we received yesterday. We had already packed some boxes, so now we have a total of 1100+ boxes. Jackie Babin and I did paperwork and helped as needed. We are so blessed to have had so much help. Just think of all the children who will have an opportunity to learn about Jesus!

Pray for a day without rain while we are working. It is much harded to get the boxes in quickly so they do now get wet. When they get wet, we have additional work to do.

OCC Schedule – Six more days of opportunity!

Wed, Nov. 15: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Thu, Nov. 16: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Fri, Nov. 17: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Sat, Nov. 18: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Sun, Nov. 19: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Mon, Nov. 20: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

ALTERNATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

You can go to the Samaritan’s Purse website and pack a shoebox online or contribute funds to help with transporting shoeboxes.

Read the Bible

• Wednesday
• II Chronicles 14:2 – 16:14
• Like King Asa, I will fail also if . . . .”

Prayer Focus for Today

Let’s spend time today praying for the people of the Middle East.

You are appreciated!

Anna Lee

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD.

Psalms 23:6

Thankfulness

The first OCC collection day is always the busiest and when the most shoeboxes are turned in. Today I am so thankful for the six churches that turned in 1017 shoeboxes yesterday while it drizzled all day! Over a thousand children and their families will have an opportunity to take God into their hearts and lives! We still have six more days for churches, businesses, and individuals to bring in thoses shoeboxes. The drop off team at FBC, Kentwood works hard and feels blessed by the opportunity to do so.

Read the Bible

• Proverbs 1: 5-6
• Psalm 56: 3-4
• Psalm 57: 1-11
• “Allowing God to work demands that I , , , ,”

Today’s Prayer Focus

Today, I thank God for the rain we had yesterday and are expecting during the next few days. I thank God for the “slow drizzle”, as David calls it, saying it is better for us than a “gully-washer”.

Thanks to all of you who check in each day.

Anna Lee

Rather, worship the LORD your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.”

2 Kings 17:39

Read the Bible

• 11-13-23
• Psalm 91
• “When change threatens, I take refuge in . . . .”

Prayer Focus Today

Today, please pray all the Drop-Off Centers across our country will run smoothly and that many wonderful boxes will be collected and packed in big cartons for shipment to their next location. Pray for an adequate number of trained, friendly, helpful, patient, and willing volunteers to serve during the next eight days. Pray for safety of the drivers and packages as they travel and for all the various trailers, trucks, planes, trains, donkeys, boats, etc. that will deliver the packages to their destinations.

On a local level, pray for adequate, healthy, friendly workers. Today, will be one of our two busiest days days meaning a couple more volunteers would be very helpful. Call if you can help from 10 – 12 this morning. Say special prayers for us from 10:00 – Noon. Thanks so much!

Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for all the volunteers who have helped with shoeboxes in 2023. We have worked together for many hours to accomplish so much. I am thankful for every dollar turned in, every purchase made, and for every hour given to this ministry. It would not be possible without all of you!

FBC, Kentwood

Yesterday was a wonderful Lord’s Day at church. Two people joined the church by letter and a new baby was dedicated. The messages were good, both in the morning and again last night. The children and adults continue to practice for Christmas programs.

Bro. Darrell has surgery on the 21st. That’s next week! He is making plans for services to continue in his absence.

Thanks for your support and encouragement.

You mean so much to me.

Anna Lee