I often tell you about the benefits of sending shoeboxes to children, but today I want to link you to Samaritan’s Purse and Franklin Graham for some different opportunities to help all over the world. This gives you the opportunity to help families in many ways.
Today, we want to thank God for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of families around the world. Let’s pray for the people who benefit from these Christmas gifts. Pray the families benefit financially and eternally.
READ the BIBLE
Week 43 – TRUST: LETTING GO
Psalm 20
Psalm 49: 5-15
“To have a victorious life, I must stop . . . .”
THANKFULNESS
Today, I am thankful for the love and concern many people shoe us. It often “makes our day”! I cannot imagine life without the opportunity to love others and have the joy of others loving us.
DROP-OFF WEEK
We begin a long week, Monday – Monday, of being the collection point for area shoeboxes. I love seeing all the shoeboxes that have been packed. Many churches try to pack a few more each year or every few years. The people who come are smiling and joyful as they give us the boxes to place in cartons and ship to their next destination. They usually tell us the number of boxes while wearing a big smile. They are thankful for their church and people working together to accomplish such a big task.
I have a reminder to those who packed the boxes. If you have some “leftovers”, you can place them in ordinary brown boxes and leave theem with us to send to the processing center. There our “leftovers” become “filler” for boxes that need more items. Help make sure no boxes have any extra room so no child will have to look at their friends and see how much more other children have received. LET’S TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HELP EACH CHILD TO RECEIVE A BOX IS SO FULL IT DOES NOT RATTLE WHEN SHAKEN!
THANK YOU to the churches and individuals who have packed this year. See some of you soon during the collection hours as you bring your boxes to us!
Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.”
I Chronicles 16:35
PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s pray for all the young men and women who serve or have served to protect our country. Say special prayers today for those serving in the Middle East today.
CHURCH SERVICES
SUNDAYS – Sunday School at 9:15
Worship Service at 10:30
Worship Service at 6:00
WEDNESDAYS – Service at 6:00
The Sunday School lesson is from Mark 14.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD DROP-OFF WEEK
Location – FBC, Kentwood’s Fellowship Hall
Monday’s Time – 8-10 A.M.
COMING IN DECEMBER
Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions. Be ready to give to share God’s Word all around the world (Everwhere but Canada and the United States is covered by this offering).
THANK-YOU for reading, praying, and sharing the link with others.
Pray for the churches who have not packed their shoeboxes yet. It’s a big job, no matter how many you are packing! For new OCC leadership, it is especially difficult. I know they will appreciate your prayers. They probably could use some extra help. Ask if you can help!
Read the Bible
Friday
I Timothy 4: 9-22
“Tough times demand that I become . . . .”
Personal Prayer Time
Pray for the people on your prayer list. All of you are aware of needs I do not know of. Often, these needs are family related. Today, pray for those needs.
If you do not have a special place to write needs, today surely is a good day to find something like a little notebook ($1.00 at a dollar store) and begin.
Obituary
Jerry Woodard Fairburn
May 22, 1953 – November 8, 2023
Jerry Woodard Fairburn May 22, 1953 – November 8, 2023 On November 8, 2023 at 12:20 am, Jerry went home to heaven. There he would meet our Lord and would be reunited with his many loved ones. Jerry was a person who loved to work with his hands. As a mechanic, he loved to rebuild machines and then sell them. He was a carpenter for many years. His greatest love was woodworking. Jerry spent many hours making gifts for family and friends. Jerry is survived by his wife Sharon of 45 years and son Kevin and wife Jessica and grandsons Jack and Greyson. Also daughter Lynette Edwards and husband Keith and grandchildren Allison, Russell, and Elizabeth Edwards. Jerry is also survived by brother Darrell and Tish Fairburn, sister-in-law Carol Fairburn, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents Woodard and Ozell Fairburn, brothers Gerald and Roger Fairburn. Visitation Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 9 am until religious services at 11 am. Conducted by Brother Matthew Gazaway and Brother Danny Smith. Interment in Spring Creek cemetery. Pallbearers will be Brandon Fairburn, Anthony Sloan, Darren Fairburn, Blake Fairburn, Ryan Fairburn, Mike Langely, and Roman Rad. In lieu of flowers, the family request donation made to Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
As churches pack their shoeboxes, if they have any extra items that they will not pack and do not intend to save until another year, please share with others. You can pack them in REGULAR cardboard boxes and turn them in at FBC, Kentwood during Drop-Off Week. We will sent them on with the boxes. They will be opened at the packing center where they will be used to FILL boxes that need something else or given to a group that will have a use for them.
I do this with many of my extras. It frees up space for new items in my room and gives an immediate use for the items somewhere else. That’s like the “Decluttering of a home”! I encourage other churches to try this.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
No Post Tuesday
My keyboard quit. It’s a long story, but I got the new keyboard installed this morning.
Thankfulness – November 8
Today, I’m thankful to have my computer going again so I can reconnect with you. I felt like I was incomplete yesterday.
Obituaries
Dannie Dewayne Huber
October 25, 1942 – November 5, 2023
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023 in Springfield, LA. He was born October 25, 1942 in Natchez, MS and was 81 years of age. Dannie was a true family man and was happiest surrounded by those he loved. He was a wonderful husband, loving father, and the best pawpaw and uncle you could ever have. Dannie will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Patsy Cox Huber; daughter, Tammy Threeton and husband, Billy; 2 grandchildren, Chelsea Phillips and Hunter Threeton; brothers, Robert Dalton “Boozie” Huber and wife, Sue, William Huber and wife, Deanna, and Keith McDaniel; and many family members and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Artie Blades and Dick Huber; and sister-in-law, Margaret Grice Huber. Graveside Services will be held at Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA at 10:00AM Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Ray Schenk. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
LINDA HUMPHREY REEVES
December 7, 1940 – November 4, 2023
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born December 7, 1940 in Easleyville, LA and was 82 years of age. Miss Linda retired after 30 years of service with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. She is survived by 2 grandchildren, Kasey Reeves Foster and husband, Zachery, and Lucas Reeves and wife, Kailyn; 3 great-grandchildren, Saphera Foster, Ronen Foster, and Evelyn Reeves; brother, Sylvester Humphrey; sister, Lolita Blades; niece, Mindy Simmons Carter and husband, Mitch; and great-niece, Sydni Brown. Preceded in death by her husband, Leslie L. Reeves; 2 sons, William Boyd Reeves and Calvin West Reeves; parents, Percy and Thelma Birch Humphrey; sister, Paulette Simmons; niece, Deana Simmons Warwick; and 2 nephews, Clifton Wayne Simmons and Brian Blades. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, November 9, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Byron Humphrey. Interment Shiloh Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Thomas James Hood, III
May 9, 1998 – November 7, 2023
On November 7th, 2023 at 12:47am, Thomas James Hood, III, took his last breath. The gates of Heaven opened and the angels rejoiced as Tommy gazed upon the face of Our Lord and reunited with his loved ones that went before him while Tommy’s family and friends left behind flooded the Earth with their sorrowful tears. This beautiful soul leaves behind his father, Thomas James Hood, Jr., his mother, Kenna Settoon (Edgar Smith), his brother, Bill Hood, his second mother, Keri Settoon, his maternal grandparents, Joan and Dudley Settoon, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and a tremendous work family at Smitty’s Supply. Visitation will be held at Cornerstone Church of Amite on Thursday, November 9th, 2023 from 9am until religious services at 1pm led by Pastor Mike Foster. Interment at the Amite Memorial Gardens to follow. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.
Prayer Focus
Tommy Hood’s family has traveled a long journey with his illness. The families of the other two people I listed probably traveled the journey with their relatives too. Today, pray for other people who are sick, but who do not have family members to travel that journey with them.
Read the Bible
II Timothy 4:6-8
Revelation 2:10
“To endure in times like ours calls for ….”
Illness
I know of three Kentwood families with a patient at St. Tammany who was facing possible gallbladder surgery yesterday. I don’t know if any of the surgeries actually came about. Please pray for all those hospitalized today.
Operation Christmas Child
Please pray for the churches and individuals who are working to complete the packing of their shoeboxes today. Also, please share the Drop-Off Schedule I posted Monday with anyone who might need it.
Prayer Meeting
Prayer meeting will begin at 6 P.M. today for those attending in person and watching live. I suggest that being there in person is the most meaningful, but watching live services is wonderful when you cannot be there in person. A third option is to watch at another time that is convenient for you.
Baptist Press
I hope you have time to read some interesting articles today.
I must begin by saying the movie at FBC last night was fantastic. We had the special opportunity to view “The Blind”. It was very heart-touching. I hope all of you have the opportunity to view it. It surely can be life-changing!
Read the Bible
II Timothy 4: 1-5
Hebrews 12: 1-3
“The secrets of this lifestyle is . . . .”
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray the movie “The Blind” impacts many lives because people were able to view it in many local churches in our area.
Operation Christmas Child
Many of our area churches have packed their shoeboxes and collected funds to pay for shipping and delivery. Pray each box is an opportunity for a child and family members to learn about Jesus and invite him into their heart,
Holidays are especially difficult times of the year. Do something special for the ones who are home alone or missing some family members since this time last year.
Today, I am thankful for my husband of 56 years. We make a good team working together, balance out each other, and have very similar values.
Day of Preparation
Today, is the day to finalize your preparatory work for Sunday. This included your cleaning, cooking, laundry, Sunday School lesson, etc. When you are ready for Sunday, the day goes much smoother.
Prayer Focus
Today, lets focus on family and friends. Some need a phone call, some need a visit, and some need a task done for them. You’ll rest much easier when you know you have taken care of these things. They will too.
“The Blind”
The movie about the Phil Robertson family (Think Duck Dynasty.) will be shown at FBC, Kentwood tomorrow evening at 6 P. M. Tickets can be purchased online.
Read the Bible
Hebrews 11: 1-6
I Peter 4: 12-19
“Sometimes it’s difficult to have faith . . . . “
Time Change
Tonight, change all the clocks back one hour. You will have and extra hour Sunday. Use it as you please.
I talked with Robert Wilson. He said Ora Lee’s shoulder surgery went well. She will probably get home sometime late today. Pray for her recovery period.
Please continue to pray for Tommy Hood and his family. Pray for peace and comfort for everyone.
Today’s Prayer Focus
We’ve had our first little cold spell. Think hard about your family, neighbors, and friends. Who needs firewood or propane? Who needs a new heater or an electric blanket? Etc. If you can come up with some needs, help them or connect them with someone who can help them.
Thankfulness – Day 3
Today, I am very thankful for my faith, my church and my church family. These three help me to have a purpose in life.
Read the Bible
I Corinthians 16:13
Colosians 2: 6-7
Jude 3
“In endurance, I rate myself ….”
Outreach
Any form of outreach, phone calls, cards, gifts of food, visits, etc. will be appreciated by others. You’ll be surprised what a blessing it is to you when you reach out to others. Give it a try.
Today, I am thankful for my family. My parents helped mold me into who I am. My grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles helped too, but acted in minor roles. My sisters helped me learn to get along with others. I am thankful for the value system and love others taught me.
Surgery Updates
Ora Lee Wilson will be having shoulder replacement this morning.
Yvonne Birch is doing well following foot surgery.
Jane Duncan continues to make progress.
Susan Rimes continues to improve and has less pain.
Health Issues
Tommy Hood and his family need continued prayers.
Betty and Andy Taylor
Rita and Bryan Tate
Ferrie Gene Blackmon
Bro. Joe and “Miss” Barbara Baugh
Read the Bible Today
Week 42 – Endurance: The Final Lap
Philippians 3: 12-25
“On the Christians journey, I tend to ….”
Obituaries
Alma “Claudia” Ellis Shelley
January 20, 1944 – October 28, 2023
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at her home. She was born January 20, 1944 in Pensacola, FL and was 79 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Marnee’ Ellis Staggs (Mike Williams); son, Derek Boyd Ellis; grandchildren, Beau Brewer (Meagan); great-grandchildren, Brantleigh and Brayden Brewer; brother, Claude Boyd, II (Melody). Preceded in death by husband, Norman Shelley; granddaughter, Elettra Lillian Jewel Ellis; and parents, Claude and Harriett Boyd. Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 11:00AM at Florence Cemetery, Florence, MS. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Henry Rufus Williams
May 16, 1937 – October 31, 2023
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at his home in Kentwood, LA. He was born May 16, 1937 in Kentwood, LA and was 86 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margie Sullivan Williams; 2 daughters, Laura Annette Causey and husband, M.L. and Scarlet Broussard and husband, Marty; 4 grandchildren, Landon Estay and wife, Alisha, Jarrod “Boom” Estay, Alex Broussard and Kami Douglas, and Bonnie Blue Baham; 3 great-grandchildren, Abigail Estay, Caleb Estay, and Cooper Baham; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Marshall Marion and Ethel Williams; great-grandchildren, Claire Isabella Estay and Noah Landon Estay; 5 brothers, Howard Duvall Williams, Clifford Terry Williams, Thomas Williams, Malone Rivers Williams, and an infant brother. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 9:00AM until Memorial Services at 11:00Am on Saturday, November 4, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Darryl Miller. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Lucretia Noelia Verdin Cerigny
September 18, 1932 – October 29, 2023
Lucretia Noelia Verdin Cerigny, wife of the Late Andre’ Simon Cerigny, a resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. She was born September 18, 1932 in Golden Meadow, LA and was 91 years of age. She has One surviving brother-in-law Noah Serigny, Countless Cousins, Nieces & Nephews. 8 Children Patsy Shepherd/Steve * Andre’ Anthony Cerigny * Wanda Batson * Donna Cerigny * Frances Husson/Charles III * Mary Martin/John (Gee) * Tammy Payne/Mike * Renee’ Butler/Benjamin. 22 Grandchildren Wayne (Mat) Landry/Christy * Michael & Meagnon Ali * James, Jeromiah & Melaun Sheppherd* Dyron & Daquay Cerigny * Lena, Leon & Lucretia (Myra) Batson * Tracy Arceneaux, Stacy Heron & Christinna Cerigny * Areka Gomez/Alonso * Mandy Cerigny, Mindy Martin, Jade Pons/Charles & Jenny Cerigny * Thomas Gerald/Shanda * Kenneth & Karissa Butler. 40 Great Grandchildren Ryder True, Rayven Ali. * Christian, Devon & Meagnon (Jolie) Wrenn, Hayden Ali * James Jr., Abigail & Taylor Sheppherd * Kayla Sheppherd * Brandon Badeaux, Jr. * Jonathan & Magdelyn Cerigny * Drailyn Hayden/Hunter, Brandon & Ali Payne, Cameron Martin * Dakota & Sheena Batson, Cheyenne Wehmeyer * Jeman & Jimmy Arceneaux * Ajay and Chelsey Cerigny, Emelly Heron * Mia Alford * Peyton & Briana Gomez * Hope & Ronald (Ty) Cerigny, Hank Yates * Walter Kaufeman, Cassie Pikey & Ashlyn Cabibi * Savannah & Aleeah Bangs * Charles Pons * Julia & Thomas, Jr. Gerald * Alayah Butler * 5th Generation * 11 Great Great Grandchildren Haize & Hudson Hayden * Nolan & Baylor Dykes * Hayden & Atreus Arceneaux * Ajay Cerigny, Jr. * Zaiden Nunez * Joel Clouatre, Jr. & Alex Chicozola * Helena Cerigny. Preceded in death by her parents Willie & Felicie Verdin, brother Anthony Verdin, sisters Marie Vizier/Victor, Helen Caulfield/Peter, Rose Marie (Teayoy) Serigny/Ulysse Sr. (Cocky) Countless Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, In-laws, Nieces & Nephews. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, November 3, 2023. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I’m so proud and thankful for your participation in praying for these and other needs. If you want me to include a prayer request or update, please click CONTACT. I will receive your message. the next morning.
The Prayer Link 
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