Tuesday

“Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving,

let your requests be made known to God.”

~Philippians 4:6~

David’s niece Janet A. Melanxon has a teen daughter hospitalized in Baton Rouge. Pray for Harley to get better soon, so she can continue her school week.

Pray for Mrs. Pauline Strickland to get stronger and for her children Donna Fay, Firma Kay, and Billy Carl as they help take turns with a sitter to care for her. The family thanks you for your continued prayers for “Miss” Pauline and for themselves.

Today is the day the Hatchel family were scheduled to return to the Czech Republic. Due to blood clots in his left calf, doctors and he IMB have put the return trip on hold indefinitely. Pray for them as they seek God’s leadership during this time. Also, pray for the doctors who are working with Boyd.

Modern slavery is known as human trafficking. It is real and exists all over the world.

Slavery is a bigger problem today than it has ever been in human history. It is estimated that there are 27 million slaves around the world–most of them involved in human trafficking. In India alone millions of girls are without hope as their bodies are sold again and again. http://ow.ly/8CXMg Pray for these victims to be set free–physically and spiritually.

Dorothy B. Ricks
(March 28, 1934 – January 29, 2012)

A resident of Kentwood, LA, died on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Specialty LTCH of Hammond in Hammond, LA. She was born March 28, 1934 in Tangipahoa Parish, LA and was 77 years of age. Graveside Services will be held at Mixon Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Survived by daughter, Diane Turner and her husband, Roy, Kentwood, sister, Carolyn Morere, Ponchatoula, 3 grandchildren, Daniel Turner and his wife, Angela, Donald Turner and his wife, Andrea, and Ladd Turner and his wife, Christy, 4 great-grandchildren, Joshua Turner, Chloe Berberette, Chase West and Cheyenne West. Preceded in death by husband, Floyd G. Ricks, parents, Noah Booty and Mildred Fairburn Booty Wall. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Please pray for Diane and her family in the coming days. Caring for “Miss” Dot has been one of her primary activities for a long time.

Thought for the Day: Fighting the Battle Alone

The story is told of an old lady who had moved to the United States from Europe when she was a child, but now she wanted to officially become a citizen of this country. After months of going through all the necessary red tape, she was finally ready to take the required oath.

“Raise your right hand, please.”

She raised her right hand.

“Do you swear to defend the Constitution of the United States against all its enemies, domestic or foreign?” was the first question.

The little old lady’s face paled and her voice trembled as she asked in a small voice, “Uhhh . . . all by myself?”

I know the feeling. When I read what the apostle Paul had to say about the great spiritual battle going on, I tremble a bit. Paul said,

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12)

The thoughts of waging such a battle alone is enough to cause even the most stout-hearted to tremble. But we don’t go into battle alone! We go forth as a part of the army of God, led by the Son of God in all his glory, and side by side with every brother and sister in Christ on the face of this earth. The battle is still a difficult one. There will be many casualties along the way. But, thank God, we do not fight it alone!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Have a blessed Tuesday!

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Thank you for praying for Jadon again. He is home again!

Update on Jadon Pailet

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/2012/01/catching-up.html?spref=fb

“Miss” Lorna’s service was very appropriate. I came away with two words: love & smile. If you missed the service, be sure to ask someone.

There has been an addition to “Miss” Catherine’s obituary. I post it as it now is.

Catherine W. Simmons was born February 23, 1938 and passed away Friday, January 27, 2012 in Kentwood. She was 73, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Spring Creek.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved her family, serving her church and community. She was an accomplished gardener, seamstress and quilter. She was looking forward to welcoming and rocking 2 new great-grandchildren this summer, one her namesake.

Ms. Catherine is survived by her husband of 55 years, Gene L. Simmons, Spring Creek; a daughter, Janet S. Pike and husband George, Spring Creek; 2 granddaughters, Kelsey P. Williams and husband Rev. Jacob, Amite and Kendal P. Batuyong and husband, R. J., Lumberton, TX, great grandson, Noah Williams; sister, Norma Jean Rogers and husband Floyd, Brandon, MS.

Preceded in death by her son, Kevin L. Simmons and parents, Homer & Mattie Lea Waller.

Visitation will be at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kentwood, on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 12 Noon with Dr. Danny Smith and Rev. Jacob Williams officiating. Interment in the Spring Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, %Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kenwood, LA 70444

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

The graveside service for Mrs. Dorothy Ricks is tomorrow at 2 P.M.

Monday

“Now that the worst is over,

we’re pleased we can report that we’ve come out of this with conscience and faith intact,

and can face the world—

and even more importantly, face you with our heads held high.

But it wasn’t by any fancy footwork on our part.

It was God who kept us focused on Him, uncompromised.”

~2 Corinthians 1:12 MSG~

Both “Miss” Gail Pittman-McDaniel and “Miss” Carol Jean Gill are improving. “Miss” Gail is no longer in ICU. Continue to keep these families in your prayers. Pray also for the families of “Miss” Lorna Smith as her memorial service is today and “Miss” Catherine Simmons’ is tomorrow. Continue to pray for two churches and a hurting community.

“Miss” Lorna – Visitation begins at 10 A.M. with memorial service at 2 P.M. today
“Miss” Catherine – Visitation begins at 9 A.M. with memorial service at Noon tomorrow

Jadon Pailet was admitted to the hospital because of his high temperature. So far, tests have not identified a problem, but thankfully have ruled out some serious problems little Jadon could have developed. Continue to pray for Jadon and those caring for him.
Holly Kliesch shared a request for prayer for the people of Senegal.

http://af.reuters.com/article/senegalNews/idAFL5E8CS00520120128?sp=true

Barbara Ricks Reed

(Died January 28, 2012)

REED, Barbara Ricks Reed of Birmingham, AL. died at the University of Alabama Medical Center on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 9:45 PM. Beloved wife of Jack Ray Reed who preceded her in death. Mother of Arthur M. Boudreaux of Birmingham, AL., Mark D. Boudreaux, of Arlington, VA, Barry W. Boudreaux, of Mandeville, LA, and Rachel Reed Relaford, of Birmingham, AL. Daughter of the late Lillian Wade Ricks and Frank Albert Ricks, Jr. Sister of Janet Ricks Alfortish and Frank Albert Ricks, III. Preceded in death by grandson Joshua Mark Boudreaux. Also survived by 9 grandchildren. Wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Barbara was a prolific songwriter and singer, who performed opera, gospel, and country western music. Barbara also was the lead actress in many plays at the NORD Theatre at Gallier Hall in New Orleans. She had a strong faith in the Lord. Age 77 years. A native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of Birmingham, AL. for over 10 years. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at McKneely Funeral Home, 501 Ave. G, Kentwood, LA from 12 Noon until services at 2 p.m. followed immediately by a graveside service at the German Cemetery, Highway 51, Kentwood, LA.

Heart to Heart with Holley: Walk On

God not only walks with us through hard times…

…he turns them into stepping stones that take us

places we never could have gone without them.

Two words for today: Walk on!

This is not easy or what we would have chosen, but this is the path we are on.

Anna Lee

Sunday Afternoon

Mr. Kenneth Felker said that both “Miss” Helen Grace and B. J. hav infections at the sites of their recent surgery. Please be in prayer for this family.

Sharon Martin’s dad, Mr. Earlo LaBauve, was taken to the ER this morning with back problems. Please be in prayer for this family.

Jadon Pailet was also taken to the ER because of 105.4 degree temperature. Play for this child and his family.

Dorothy B. Ricks

(March 28, 1934 – January 29, 2012)

Saturday Afternoon

I’m thankful to hear “Miss” Carol Jean and “Miss” Gail seem to be doing well, even if they are still in ICU. Pray for healing of their hearts as well as their bodies.

Lorna Kay Smith
(May 11, 1937 – January 27, 2012)

a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2012 at the result of a motor vehicle accident near Kentwood. She was a resident of Kentwood, LA and was born May 11, 1937 and was 74 years of age. She was an active member of Community Gardenettes since 1962 and was a retired registered nurse with Public Health Unit. Visitation at First Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday, January 29, 2012, and from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Joey Miller. Interment Spring Cemetery, Amite, LA. Survived by husband of almost 53 years, J. D. Smith, Kentwood, 3 daughters, Dorothy McCuskey and her husband, Robert, Cordona, TN, Debbie McGinnis, Kentwood, and Donna Linton and her husband, Brian, Ponchatoula, grandchildren, David Anthony and his wife, Ashley, Amanda McGinnis Foster and her husband, James, Kelly McGinnis, Lauren Linton, and Joshua Linton, 1 sister, Loretta Youtsey and her husband, Gale, Springfield, CO, Preceded in death by parents, Roger and Eva Forrest.. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.,

Catherine W. Simmons
(February 23, 1938 – January 27, 2012)

Catherine W. Simmons was born February 23, 1938 and passed away Friday, January 27, 2012 in Kentwood. She was 73, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Spring Creek.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, %Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kenwood, LA 70444

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Frances Marie Spitale Petitto
(August 2, 1927 – January 27, 2012)

Frances Marie Spitale Petitto, 84, was born on August 2, 1927 and passed away on January 27, 2012. She was a housewife and co-owned one of the leading strawberry farms in the state of Louisiana along with her husband Frank. No one could match her culinary skills or the love of cooking. One of her passions was creating beautiful braided breads, Italian cookies, cakes, and savory foods for the St. Joseph’s altar every year as well as feeding crowds of family and friends. It was a real treasure to receive one of her exquisite hand crocheted blankets, scarves, or booties. She will always affectionately be remembered as Aunt Frances or Mawmaw by family and friends. She has fed many people in this area. If you didn’t want to eat, she pulled your ear or pinched you cheek and made you eat. Even after a hard days work in the field, she would bake cakes and deliver them to the fire department, police department, and nursing home. That was her pleaseure, giving to people. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Virginia Campo Spitale and her husband of 57 years,Frank J. Petitto, Sr. Left to cherish her memories are her four sons : Salvadore Santo Petitto of Monroe, La. and his children Santo Petitto, Jr. and Katie Petitto; Frank J. Petitto, Jr. and wife Kathy of Bossier City, La. and their children Dr. Francis Petitto, III, Dr. Jennifer Olivier and husband Shane, and Phillip Petitto; Anthony “Possum” Petitto and wife Diana of Amite, La. and their children Sara Petitto, A.J. Petitto, Jr. and Luke Petitto; Michael Petitto of Amite, La. and his children Michael Petitto, Jr., Christopher Petitto, Andrew Petitto, and Kasey Petitto; her sister Mary S. Currier of Amite, La; brothers Tony Spitale and wife Bessie of Baton Rouge; Vincent Spitale ofAmite, La; Guy Spitale of Amite, La; Nick Spitale and wife Catherine of Baton Rouge, La; and Sam Spitale, Jr. and wife Linda of Morgan City, La. Frances lived a full and active life. She was a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, and daughter. She will be remembered by her warm, loving, and inviting smile and adoring love for her family. Not dwelling on material things in life, she was sustained by the love of her husband, children , grandchildren, and extended family and friends. She was a woman of strong faith and integrity with love for God and was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church. Visitation will be Monday, January 30, 2012 From 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, La. Rosary will held on Monday evening. Visitation will continue at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 9 a.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012 until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard and Deacon Michael Agnello. Interment will be a Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite, LA. Honoring “Mawmaw” as pallbearers will be her grandsons and honorary pallbearers will be her beloved granddaughters. The family would like to thank the many friends and family members who supported and loved her throughout her life. Special thanks to all the staff at Belle Maison Nursing Home in Hammond, La. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Saturday Addition

Marguerite Bennett Baudin
(November 1, 1920 – January 27, 2012)

A resident of Kentwood, LA, died on Friday, January 27, 2012 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born November 1, 1920 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 91 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 A.M. Monday, January 30, 2012. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Resthaven Garden of Memory, Baton Rouge, LA at 2 p.m. Survived by daughter, Carol Burke and her husband, Robert, Baton Rouge, son, John Baudin and his wife, Midori, Kentwood, 2 grandsons, Joe Baudin and Lucas Burke, 3 sisters, Louise Bennett Fletcher, San Angelo, TX, Laura Lea Waters, Central, and Bobbie Joyce Neyland, Centeral. Preceded in death by husband, Joseph H. Baudin, 3 sisters, Annie Bennett Martin, Flarrie Bennett Baudin, and Inez Bennett Ward, 2 brothers, Wallace Levi Bennett and Boyd Bennett. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Lucille White Lewis
(October 20, 1922 – January 26, 2012)

A resident of Amite, she died at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. She was born October 20, 1922 in Hammond and was 89 years of age. She is survived by her son, Mark Lewis and his wife, Marsha Murrell Lewis, Watson; granddaughter, Tracy Lewis; great-grandson, Ashton Lewis; sister, Gladys Harper, Hammond; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Wise and Zora Compton White; 2 brothers, Jim and Ogden White; 3 sisters, Lillian Landry, Zelda DeHann and Opal Bauerer. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Michael Williams. Interment Oak Grove Cemetery, Loranger. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Saturday

“Now that the worst is over,

we’re pleased we can report that we’ve come out of this with conscience and faith intact,

and can face the world—

and even more importantly,

face you with our heads held high.

But it wasn’t by any fancy footwork on our part.

It was God who kept us focused on him, uncompromised.”

~2 Corinthians 1:12 MSG~

Four fine, Christian ladies were in an awful wreck last night. Two are now in heaven. Four families, two churches, and the whole community.

From ActionNews17.com

Troopers investigate Double Fatality Crash in Kentwood

Kentwood, LA – Shortly after 6:00 pm this evening, Louisiana State Police Troop L investigated a double fatality crash on LA 38 east of Kentwood in Tangipahoa Parish.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the crash occurred as a 2005 Lincoln LS sedan, driven by Elizabeth Pittman (W/F age 66) of Kentwood, LA, was stopped in the eastbound lane of LA 38 preparing to make a left turn into a private drive. As the Lincoln remained stopped in the roadway, a 2007 Western Star 18-wheeler, driven by Stennis Taylor (B/M age 50) of Magnolia, MS, was eastbound on LA 38 approaching the Lincoln from the rear. Taylor failed to observe the Lincoln stopped in the roadway and attempted to pass the Lincoln on its left side to avoid a rear-end impact. As the Western Star 18-wheeler, towing a wood chip trailer, crossed into the westbound lane of LA 38, the Lincoln began to turn left and was impacted on its left side by the front end of the truck.

Pittman and front seat passenger, Carol Gill (W/F age 75), were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash and were airlifted from the scene with serious injuries. Pittman was transported to Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington and Gill was taken to Northoaks Medical Center in Hammond where they remain in serious condition. The two rear passengers in the Lincoln, Lorina Smith (W/F age 74) and Catherine Simmons (W/F age 73), were not properly restrained at the time of the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office. All four occupants in the Lincoln were from the Kentwood area.

Taylor was wearing a seatbelt and received no injuries in the crash. He was charged with two counts each of Negligent Homicide and Negligent Injuring and was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail.

Alcohol and/or drug impairment is not suspected to be a factor in the crash with toxicology results from each driver pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.

While motor vehicle crash fatalities have consistently decreased across the state over the past several years, troopers continue to see driver inattention and lack of seatbelt use as major factors in a large percentage of fatal and serious injury crashes. The simple act of avoiding distractions and properly wearing a seatbelt can mean the difference between life and death.

Jill Brister was feeling better yesterday and will be flying home today. Thank God for the laser surgery that has improved her back. Pray she will be more comfortable now.

Velta Morris

TO GOD BE THE GLORY – VELTA’S UPDATE WITH ONCOLOGIST VISIT JANUARY 27

First, I want to thank you, my praying friends and family, for all the love you have shown me since I was diagnosed with cancer earlier this month. You have walked with me, prayed for me and comforted me. I’m grateful and so very thankful for each of you. I have received cards of encouragement from friends I have not communicated with in years! This has been such a blessing. I’ve had prayers lifted from our fellow church members in Kentwood, LA and our church in Greenville, and just knowing we are one in the bond of love is such a source of strength. My church here has covered me like a warm blanket in a cold, scary examining room!

Today my oncologist brought me the very best news I could have hoped and prayed for: he confirmed that, yes, I do have B-cell lymphoma, medically defined as follicular lymphoma; it is slow-growing, low grade. At this time he anticipates no meaningful negative impact in my daily routine. The doctor will monitor me periodically with blood tests and scans, and if/when signs of aggression manifest later, at that time a course of treatment would begin.

Please continue your prayers in my behalf. Having cancer is not something I would have chosen, of course. But I want God to use this experience for His glory, and as someone aptly said, “Why not me?” Being aware of the cancer will always be a constant reminder of my utter dependence on Him,for without Him I am nothing, as the song says, and my prayer for me is that I will honor Him with whatever number of years God gives me.

To God Be the Glory – great things He has done – and is doing!

Velta G. Morris

Baptist Press: Courageous is number one in DVD sales

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37058

Thought for the Day: Do you know where you are going?

There was a time when Albert Einstein was going on a train to an out-of-town engagement. The conductor stopped by to punch his ticket. The great scientist, preoccupied with his work, with great embarrassment rummaged through his coat pockets and briefcase to no avail. He could not find his ticket. The conductor said, “We all know who you are, Dr. Einstein. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it. Everything is okay.”

The conductor walked on down the aisle punching other tickets. Before he moved to the next car, he looked back and saw Dr. Einstein down on his hands and knees looking under his seat trying to find his ticket. He came back and gently said, “Dr. Einstein, please don’t worry about it. I know who you are.”

Einstein looked up and said, “I too know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going!”

Like Einstein, we often don’t know where we are going. That’s why we are often compared in the Scriptures to sheep — animals which have a very poor sense of direction. They have no idea where they came from or where they’re going. That’s one of the reasons they are in such dire need of a shepherd.

Like sheep, we have all “gone astray.” (Isa. 53:6). We need someone to show us the way. And Jesus not only shows us the way — he IS the way!

“Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” (John 14:5-6)

Thanks be to our God, who provides us with direction.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

There is sadness in Kentwood today because of the awful wreck that happened last night. Thankfully, we can say all four of these ladies knew where they were going. Two of them have already made the journey. If the same thing happened to your vehicle today to you, could your family say you were in heaven?

As you pray for the four families represented by those in the wreck, please remember to pray for Spring Creek Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Kentwood. Pray for Bro. Danny and Bro. Joey as they minister to the families and friends.

Anna Lee

Friday

“But to You I have cried out, O Lord,

and in the morning my prayer comes before You.”

~Psalm 88:13~

Jadon Pailet is making amazing progress. He is able to scoot around on the floor much better, repeat sounds and words better than he ever has, and give a high-five with his right hand. Go, Jadon! Thank you, Jesus!

Mr. Kenneth Felker seems to have his hands full lately. “Miss” Grace Helen seems to have an infection in her knee. She will be moved back to North Oaks for more attention on her knee.

Robert Lee Beaver

McKneely Funeral Home, Amite

Robert Lee Beaver relinquished the bonds of this world to join another that he strove for his whole life on January 25, 2012. Born January 25, 1930 in Martha, West Virginia to Charles Wesley Beaver and Vesta Lovejoy Beaver. A faithful servant to God, devoted husband, father, brother and trusted friend to all he shared his rich life with. Bob was a teacher of the Word of God and the skills of the hand to many. A retiree of Union Carbide Corporation with 35 years of service. Bob was raised and lived in Hurricane, West Virginia, later residing in Luling, Amite and Zachary, Louisiana. Bob is survived by wife, Ann Welsh Beaver, 3 daughters, Donna Ericson, Diana Herrera and husband, Don, Devon Jeffcoat and husband, Jerry, son, Scott Beaver and wife, Susan, step-son, Kohn Milton and wife, Patricia, brother, Bill Beaver and wife, Jean and sister, Helen Beckett. Bob was blessed with grandchildren, Krista, Morgan, Chelsea, Mitchell, Joshua, Meagan, Steve, Adam, Thomas, Eric, Catherine and Brittany. Also sharing his love with great-grandchildren, Brianna, Carissa, Mallory and Colin. Bob is preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Loretta Wise Beaver, son, Mitchell Dean Beaver, brother-in-law, Bill Beckett. Special Thanks from the family go to Zachary Manor Nursing Home for the long term care given to Robert and for the many thoughts and prayers from the special friends that have joined in the adventurous life journey with Bob. Visitation at First United Methodist Church, Amite, from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Brady Whitton. Interment services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Lakelawn Mausoleum, Metairie. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

ENCOUNTERING JESUS

A number of years ago, there was a woman in Kansas City who walked into a Haagen-Dazs ice cream shop. While she was waiting in line, she turned around to find actor Paul Newman standing behind her. He was in town filming the movie Mr. & Mrs. Bridge, and he didn’t realize it, but he was standing behind one of his biggest fans.

Paul Newman smiled at her and said “hello.” She took one look at those blue eyes and her knees almost buckled. She tried to speak, but nothing came out. Mortified, she turned back around, paid for her ice cream, then quickly walked out of the store.

When she was outside, she sat down on a bench and took a moment to catch her breath. As she calmed down, she realized she didn’t have her ice cream cone. She was getting ready to walk back in to get it when Paul Newman walked out. He asked her, “Are you looking for your ice cream cone?” She was still speechless but she nodded. He said, “You put it in your purse with your change.”

There are some people who hold such great significance in our lives, that meeting them affects us in a powerful way. But if a celebrity or an athlete can have that kind of effect on people, just imagine how much difference it would make in a person’s life to come face-to-face with Jesus Christ!

Think of the difference made in the lives of the Samaritan woman, the man possessed by a multitude of demons, Zaccheus, James and John, the lame man by the pool of Bethesda, the paralytic lowered by his four friends, Saul (later known as Paul), the woman caught in adultery, the blind man, the leper, the thief on the cross, and countless others.

There’s a popular video making the rounds on Youtube this week (with over 14 million hits!) entitled, “Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus”. There is much I like about the video and some that I don’t like. Religion is not the problem; false religion (hypocrisy) is. Many people fail to realize that Jesus was a religious person himself! But, it is true that religion (in and of itself) cannot save us; Jesus can. Religion cannot change our hearts; Jesus can. Religion cannot empower us to live holy lives; Jesus can.

Our goal as Christians should not be to get people to follow a religion. Our goal should be to bring people to Jesus, to let them see him for themselves, and to allow that encounter to change their lives. Perhaps the most powerful thing we can say to people is what Philip said to Nathaniel (John 1:46) and what the Samaritan woman said to the villagers (John 4:29): “Come and meet Jesus for yourself.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I hope you have “encountered” Jesus!

Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon

Joan Hagan is doing well, but please pray for her mother, Mrs. Betty Bethel, who is dealing with congestive heart failure.

Andy Taylor will be having surgery at 10:30 in the morning at Hattisburg. Please keep Andy and Betty in your prayers.

Donald Ray Willson
(February 19, 1933 – January 25, 2012)

A resident of Kentwood, he died at 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg. He was born February 19, 1933 in Liberty, MS and was 78 years of age. He was a retired dairy farmer and spent many years in local politics where he served as Justice of the Peace and Police Jury, 6th district, St. Helena Parish. Survived by his wife, Antoinette Gray Willson, Kentwood; 2 sons, Paul Willson and wife, Mary Ann, Kentwood and Jimmy Willson and wife, Laurie, Houston, TX; daughter, Tracy Willson Desselles and husband, Gary, Abita Springs; 7 grandchildren, Jim Willson, J.J. Willson, Adam Willson and his wife, Lori, Bracy Willson, Christen Willson Blades and her husband, Landon, Colby Desselles and Bailey Desselles; 2 brothers, Malcolm Willson and wife, Kathy, Liberty, MS and Joe Willson and wife, Carolyn, Port Arthur, TX; 2 sisters, Velma Leigh Boyd, Zachary and Tommie Stewart, Yazoo City, MS. Preceded in death by his parents, John and Alma Easley Willson; 2 brothers, James Howard Willson and John “Pete” Willson. Visitation at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church, Pine Ridge, LA, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Kevin Smith. Interment Pine Ridge Cemetery, Pine Ridge, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Tuesday Death Notice

Roy Virgil Russell
(August 19, 1955 – January 23, 2012)

A resident of Roseland, he died at 11:27 a.m. on Monday, January 23, 2012 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. He was born August 19, 1955 in Amite and was 56 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Juanita Bowman Russell Miller, Amite; 3 sisters, Fairba Cade and her husband, Raymond, Osyka, MS, Nancy Forbes and her husband, Bobby, St. Rose and Julie Kathy Russell, Osyka, MS; brother, Lloyd Russell, Amite; 2 step-brothers, J. C. Miller and his wife, Debbie, Kentwood and Wendell Miller and his wife, Diane, Hillsdale; 3 nieces, Laura Ricuard, Celeste Cade and Christie Quin and her husband, Ray; 2 great-nieces and 3 great-nephews. Preceded in death by his father, Roy V. Russell. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. Services conducted by Dr. Joe Baugh and Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Gideons International or the American Heart Association. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.