Category: Death Notice(s)

Monday

 

 

“My voice You shall hear in the morning,

O Lord;

in the morning I will direct it to You,

and I will look up.”

~Psalm 5:3~

Family connection to Baby Aaron Hill explained by Frann Clark:

Marshall is not related to me.

Aaron is the grandson of my 1st cousin, Jerry Risher, who lives in Enterprise, MS. Jerry’s father and my mother were sister & brother.

Marshall’s parents were from Jackson, MS. Aaron’s mother and father, Faith and Scott, work in Jackson & live in Madison, MS. They were friends of Marshall’s parents, Jennifer & Jeremiah.

Thanks for asking & for your concern.

God Bless You
Frann

Burlon Ray McGehee

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of Death, I will fear no evil.” Psalm 23:4. A native of Osyka, Miss., he went to be with his Lord at 9:49 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2008, at his residence in Walker. He was 76, a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War and retired from AT&T. Visitation at Revival Temple Church, Walker, on Tuesday, April 1, from 10 a.m. until memorial service at 1 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Wes Courtney and the Rev. Richard L. May. Burial in Revival Temple Cemetery. Survived by his wife of 37 years, Bobbye Abney McGehee; daughters and sons-in-law, Roxanne and Gary Nicholls, Wanda and Donald Giles and Rebecca and Chuck Wilkes; son and daughter-in-law, Ricki and Tami Rosenthal; sister and brother-in-law, Patty and Marty Sandifer; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Carolyn McGehee and Rodney and Cathy McGehee; stepmother, Betty Jean McGehee; granddaughters, Michelle Earle, Shasta Jones and husband Chad, Jennifer Rosenthal, Anna Aitken and husband Chris, and Kimberly O’Neal; grandsons, Chris Wilkes and wife Heather, Colbi Rosenthal and Brody Wilkes; and great-grandchildren, Presley and Isabelle Wilkes and Autumn Jowers. Preceded in death by his mother, Elma Milton McGehee; and father, Edward P. McGehee. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to their family, friends, Wes Courtney, pastor, and the Revival Temple Church family, Kaci Grimes, Joni and RIchard May, Dr. David West and Hospice in His Care for all the care and love they expressed. May God bless each one of you. Arrangements by Seale Funeral Service Inc., Denham Springs.

FBC Deacons for Hospital Visitation this week:

  • Bobby Raborn
  • Frankie Gehringer

I shared this devotional thought several years ago. Alan Smith sent it again, so I’m sharing it again. It reminds of a a wonderful concept of God.

CRACKED POTS

The story is told of a water bearer in India who had two large pots. They hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck, but one of the pots had a crack in it. While the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots of water to his master’s house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.”

“Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?”

“I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.

In his compassion, the water bearer said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”

It is an amazing thing (but true) that God is able to accomplish some wonderful things through our efforts, in spite of our imperfections. Paul said of his role as a preacher of the gospel:

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” (2 Cor. 4:7).

Though we may often feel inadequate and useless, if we will continue about the task that God has given us, we will produce fruit and influence lives in ways we may not even be aware of.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (I Cor. 15:58).

May your life “abound” this day in the work of the Lord! Though you may feel like a “cracked pot”, your efforts are not in vain.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

It’s a good think we don’t have to be perfect to be used in His service. I certainly wouldn’t qualify! Would you?

Anna Lee

Sunday – Marshall and Aaron

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

~ Psalm 23:4~

Today is a beautiful day in PA, but our hearts are very heavy. Aaron’s friend Marshall did not make it through his surgery last night. His little body just could not handle it anymore and today he is home in Heaven. There are no words to describe the grief we feel or even fathom the pain Jennifer and Jeremiah are going through today. Please pray for them and their family.

After the loss of Marshall, it is hard to report good news for our Aaron. He had a good night last night and they plan to take him off his ventilator today. His heart rate is down in the 130s this morning–lower than it has ever been, so we are pleased. He is still very swollen and sedated, but better. We are so thankful for all the prayers for healing for Aaron. We pray that God’s will and our desires for closing the residual holes in Aaron’s heart are one in the same. He is a mighty God and He could close these VSDs with a touch of His hand.

Saturday Afternoon

Elizabeth Stewart Biscotto

(May 3, 1919 – March 28, 2008)

Died at 11:50PM on Friday, March 28, 2008 at her residence in Fluker, LA. She was a native of St. Helena Parish, LA. Age 88 years. She was a member of Amite-Arcola Presbyterian Church “Women of the Church”, retired Postmaster at Fluker, LA after 32 years, and a member of United Daughters of the Confederacy. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. Gaylord Dodgins. Interment Jackson Cemetery, Liverpool, LA. Survived by daughter, Beth Morris and husband, Chuck, Kentwood, 2 sons, George I. Biscotto, Jr. and wife, Lyn, Luling, Dewey A. Biscotto and wife, Barbara, San Antonio, TX, 6 grandchildren, 7 great- grandchildren, devoted caregivers, Emma Addison, and Diane Rogers. Preceded in death by husband, George I. Biscotto, Sr., parents, Bulius A. Stewart and Nancy Travis Stewart.

Saturday

And climbing out of the boat,

Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus.

But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid.

And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out His hand,

caught hold of him,

and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14:29-31 (HCSB)

Aaron Hill

Early Friday morning
Frann Smith Clark

This morning brings more disappointment. We had gotten excited yesterday evening when Aaron got moved to a private room. We saw it as a sign of improvement. However, this morning’s x-ray shows that there is more fluid building up on the left side of Aaron’s chest. They stopped his feeds and are putting a chest tube in his left side this morning. They are also doing another catheterization this afternoon. Another scary procedure and it means Aaron will go on the ventilator again. We want them to find the problem so our Aaron can get better, but we are scared for our little man. Please pray for him and for the doctors as they sort out the questions. Please pray that God will solve the problem and heal Aaron.

Friday Evening

Just a quick update for everyone. Aaron has been out of his cath for a bit. The preliminary report is that there is a hole where they closed his VSD and possibly another hole. Because of the holes, the right side of his heart has been pumping three times as much blood as normal. This is the reason his heart has been working so very hard for the past 9 days. It is doubtful that they will be able to close the holes without doing another surgery, but we await the review from Aaron’s surgeon. Aaron has been such a strong little man throughout this trial. Please pray that he will continue to be strong and that God will do a mighty work and close these holes Himself. We will give Him all the glory.

Baby Rebecca will be buried today. Her family delayed the burial because the pastor, family members, and friends were on a mission trip to Mexico this week. Please be in prayer for them as they bury this precious gift that God loaned them for a short period of time.

Mickey Cade

  • 75th birthday party
  • 2-4 P.M. today
  • FBC, Fellowship Hall
  • No gifts

Migrant Kits

  • Due Wednesday

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS

The following have been suggested as some ineffective daily affirmations:

– I have the power to channel my imagination into ever-soaring
levels of suspicion and paranoia.

– I assume full responsibility for my actions, except the ones that
are someone else’s fault.

– I no longer need to punish, deceive or compromise myself. Unless,of course, I want to stay employed.

– I honor my personality flaws, for without them I would have no
personality at all.

– I am grateful that I am not as judgmental as all those censorious, self-righteous people around me.

– I need not suffer in silence while I can still moan, whimper and complain.

– The first step is to say nice things about myself. The second, to do nice things for myself. The third, to find someone to buy me nice things.

– All of me is beautiful and valuable, even the ugly, stupid, and
disgusting parts.

– Only a lack of imagination saves me from immobilizing myself with imaginary fears.

– Today I will gladly share my experience and advice, for there are no sweeter words than “I told you so.”

– A good scapegoat is nearly as welcome as a solution to the problem.

– Just for today, I will not sit in my living room all day watching
TV. Instead I will move my TV into the bedroom.

– I will find humor in my everyday life by looking for people I can
laugh at.

– I am willing to make the mistakes if someone else is willing to
learn from them.

There’s obviously not a single one of the affirmations above that provides a foundation for successful living. So what can we “affirm” daily that will give us the strength we need to face the difficulties that each day bring? Allow me to share with you two affirmations from scripture:

“[The accusers] had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.” (Acts 25:19)

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.” (Titus 3:8)

If we will affirm daily (acknowledging God’s power) that Jesus Christ was not left in the tomb, but is a risen Savior, and if we will affirm daily (acknowledging our responsibility) that we ought to live lives of obedient faith, then we truly have the foundation to meet whatever life sends our way.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina


Your prayers mean so much to so many. Thank you for being there each day. Please feel free to contact me with praises, requests, and updates for The Prayer Link. (You can do so by using the CONTACT button at the top of The Prayer Link screen.)

Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon

Aaron Hill and family

Mid morning posting. His little body has so much to do.
Frann Smith Clark

We got a call around 6 a.m. that another echo showed that Aaron needed to have the fluid drawn off his chest. They sedated him and put in another chest tube to allow the fluid to drain off. His heart rate has slowed a bit and he seems to be breathing easier with the fluid gone. Aaron’s doctors think that some of the fluid is coming from his blood vessels, but some of it was also building up b/c of his feeds and other iv nutrients. Because of this, they are continuing his diuretics and watching him today to see if he keeps the fluid out of his chest. If so, they may start feeding him through his tube again. They aren’t making any other changes-just keeping him sedated and giving him a little rest. Please pray that Aaron’s body will be able to shed the fluid on its own and that his heart and lungs will continue to grow stronger and able to do the work that they need to do. We are impatient, as we want Aaron better FAST, but we are happy that he is moving in the right direction

Faye Carney asks for prayer for Sue Todd. She recently had surgery and was found to have cancer. Treatment is being scheduled. Please be in prayer for Sue, her family, and her friends as they face the coming days.

Dr. Welby Bozeman, a former area pastor and also a former LC professor passed away. He and his wife, Dr. Jeanne Bozeman, who works through NOBTS, have been very influential on thousands of lives over the years. Please be in prayer for the family.

Dr. Thomas Welby Bozeman

(November 27, 1927 – March 24, 2008)

Dr. Thomas Welby Bozeman, age 80, of Covington, Louisiana died Monday, March 24, 2008, of complications from pancreatitis. He was born November 27, 1927 in Searight (Covington County), Alabama, the son of Exer Phillips and Alfred Bozeman. He was a Chaplain’s Aid in the U. S. Army in Hawaii from 1946-1948. He was a graduate of Dozier High School, received an A.B. from Samford University in Birmingham, AL, a B.D., Master of Divinity, Master of Religious Education, Specialist in Religious Education, and EDD in Psychology and Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Welby was married August 28, 1960 to Jeanine Cannon of Dozier, AL. He was pastor of churches in Alabama from 1950 – 1967 (New Hope Baptist Church, Dozier Baptist Church while concurrently serving as Principal of Dozier High School, and Westside Baptist Church in Elba, Alabama). In Louisiana, he was Pastor of First Baptist Church of Chalmette and Tangipahoa Baptist Church in Tangipahoa. He was Professor of New Testament and Religious Education at Louisiana College in Pineville, LA from 1982-2000. After retirement, he served as interim pastor for numerous churches in LA and was currently serving at Grace Baptist Church in Folsom, LA.

Welby had a life-long interest in vegetable gardening, fishing and shrimping, reading biographies, maintaining physical fitness, and he never lost his love of learning.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 26 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Covington, 16333 Hwy 1085, Covington, LA 70433 and Thursday, March 27 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at Foreman Funeral Home, 1516 Martin Luther King Parkway, Andalusia, AL 36420. The funeral will be Friday, March 28 at 2:00 p.m. at Dozier Baptist Church, 253 School Street, Dozier, AL 36028 with a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at Dozier Cemetery, Foreman Funeral Home officiating.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanine Cannon Bozeman; a sister, Bonnice Wilks of Troy, AL; a brother, Ray Bozeman of Andalusia, AL and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the T. Welby Bozeman Scholarship Fund at Louisiana College, P. O. Box 589, 1140 College Dr., Pineville, LA, 71359.

E.J. Fielding Funeral Home entrusted with the arrangements.

You may want to write a message to the family on the funeral home website. There’s also a nice picture of Dr. Bozeman there.

http://www.webfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=173948&fh_id=10802

Wednesday


Jesse Dean
Jesse had a much better day yesterday. Thank-you for your continued prayers for him.


Joan Hagan
Joan’s surgery has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 30th. Please keep Joan in your prayers.


Dustin Clark

please pray for my son, dustin clark. (frann clark’s grandson) he has a doctor’s appt regarding his colon.
thanks keith clark

Aaron Hill

Please pray for Faith & Scott. They are so tired. Pray for healing for Aaron & the right path for the doctors to take.
Frann Smith Clark

We have had a disappointing day so far. Aaron was given morphine throughout the night last night to calm him, as his crankiness was causing his heart rate to rise. This morning, they started giving him phenabarbitol to help with anxiety and to sedate him as well. His feeds still have not been increased. A chest x-ray showed some fluid in one side of his chest. Because of this and because of the elevated heart rate/pressure in his heart, they are doing another echo in a little while to check on things. Although his bloodwork and overall blood pressure seem okay, they have indicated they might need to do another heart catheterization to take a closer look at things since he isn’t getting better. Because of these issues, they won’t be taking out any of his pacemaker lines or heart medication lines today.
We are worried and sad. We know we can’t help the doctors sort these things out and trust that God will show us and the doctors the next step to help Aaron. We wish that God would just work His healing b/c we know He can and doesn’t need help from any doctors, drugs, etc. But that might not be His plan. When you pray for miraculous healing for Aaron, please pray for his peace and our patience.
Thank you so much…Faith

Just received a notice of a posting. Faith sounds so tired. Aaron was born Feb. 18 & it has been such a tiring time for all of them.
Some of you have asked my connection. Aaron’s grandfather is my 1st cousin. My mother (Myrtle Smith) & Aaron’s great grandfather were sister & brother.
Frann Smith Clark

“Today was a day filled with a lot of waiting. Not that every day isn’t that way to some extent, but today was especially difficult. We got kicked out after hearing Aaron would have an echo this morning so the physicians could do rounds. Then two post-operative babies came into Aaron’s room, so we had to stay out until 5. Aaron finally had his echo, which showed both positive and negative findings.
First, Aaron’s heart repair still looks good. His heart seems to be functioning fine. However, there is a moderate amount of fluid around his heart. This fluid is likely the reason for the breathing difficulty, his elevated heart rate and the increased pressure in his right atrium. Tonight, the doctors decided to stop giving him diuretics to see how he does overnight/if the fluid builds up again or if he can shed it. If he does not, they may have to go in and draw off the fluid from around his heart. If they do this, they will likely have to put him under anesthesia again/ventilate him again. For this reason, they have totally stopped feeding him-even the miniscule amount he was getting.

I know they are being conservative b/c he can’t have food on his belly if they have to intubate him, but it is so hard to see my child hungry and not be able to feed him. He has been hungry for over 2 days now and I want to give him what he needs instead of seeing them deal with his hunger by putting narcotics into his body to dull the hunger pangs.

God has been good. He has brought Aaron out of the rocky place and is continually healing him. He did not promise us an easy road. Please pray 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, that we may be able to offer Aaron the comfort that God has offered us. Thank you all for your continued prayers and messages of comfort and support.


Baptist Press
[Includes two more articles on the Roma (Gypsies)]
March 25, 2008

POLAND–Gypsy family ties conducive to outreach. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27692

ROMANIA–He no longer avoids the Gypsies. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27693

WASHINGTON–HHS challenges threat to pro-life physicians. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27694

ISRAEL–Messianic pastor’s home targeted in bombing. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27695

TENNESSEE–Spike in Baylor tenure denials protested. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27698

KENTUCKY–Mohler tumor clear of cancer. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27696

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Witnessing to a ‘CEO.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=27697


Melvin L. Tate
McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, at 10 a.m.

Charles Adrian Bridges
The Lord’s Church, Kentwood, at 1 p.m.

The Real Meaning of the Cross

Rev. Billy Graham

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Jesus Christ died on a rugged cross for our salvation. We do not worship that cross; we worship Christ, who is alive. Yet among all the emblems of the world, the cross is admired with awe and wonder.

A Message From Billy Graham

The history of the cross goes back long before Christ came. But it was the Romans who used it on a massive scale to execute people. The victim was fastened to the cross by cords, or his hands were nailed, and he was left to die. Even with the heat of the sun, the pull of the body and the torture the victim had endured before being put on the cross, sometimes it took a week to die on a cross. It was one of the most terrible, painful ways to die.


God loves us all. His love extends … to the whole world.
But Christians started to use the cross as a symbol of Christianity. And every time the Gospel is proclaimed, those who hear the message and receive Christ as Savior come to faith by way of the cross.

Four dimensions of the cross come to my mind. First, I think about the breadth of the cross. The love of Christ is manifested in the cross to everyone. When I study the world population and see how fast it is increasing, I am staggered. Yet God loves us all. His love extends to Africa, to Asia, to Latin America, to Russia, to China, to the United States, to Canada-to the whole world. It includes you, whoever you are, whatever your religion, even if you have no religion. God says from the cross, “I love you.”

Then there is the length of the cross. It has no measure. It extends from eternity to eternity, from everlasting to everlasting. When Noah built the Ark, it was 450 feet long. When Solomon built the Temple, it was 60 cubits long. If you build a shed for garden tools, you can measure the lumber with a tape measure. But how can you measure God’s love for us on the cross?

The Bible says that God’s love surpasses knowledge (Ephesians 3:19). There is no way that our finite minds can even begin to understand the love God had for us when He gave His Son on the cross to die for us, because you and I deserve death. We deserve judgment and hell.

Then I think of the height of the cross-it extends to the throne of God. It doesn’t matter how high heaven is. Through the cross, God draws all people to Himself. But you have to make a decision about Jesus Christ.

And I think about the depth of God’s love for us on the cross. You can fall into the pit of sin and degradation. You can live like an animal. You can be a murderer, a rapist. But you can’t get beyond the love of God. The cross covers to the very gates of hell. How deep is God’s love? The Bible says, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33). It can draw every sinner up to the exalted height of heaven. Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:32).

Think of the cross for a moment. Think of Christ’s suffering for you and for me. It’s said that Jesus endured five kinds of wounds: Concussion, when they beat Him on the head; laceration, when they bared His back, took long leather whips with steel pellets on the end and beat Him until He was bleeding from head to toe; penetration, when they crushed that crown of thorns on His brow; perforation, when they drove the nails through His hands and feet; and incision, when they put the spear in His side.

Think of Christ’s suffering for you.

Those nails through His hands and feet were driven by you and me and all the peoples of the world. We all had a part in the death of Christ because of our sins. Our sins put Him on the cross-and you participated.

You will never understand the Bible, you will never understand the death of Christ on the cross, until you understand that God is a holy and righteous and pure God. He cannot even look upon evil.

In that terrible time of the agony of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, a shadow came between God the Father and God the Son. God cannot look upon sin, and in that moment He was laying your sins and mine on Christ.

He who knew no sin was made to be sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). That means that He had never known sin, never told a lie, never had an evil thought, never had any greed or lust. But all of the filth and dirt from your life and my life descended on Him. None of us will ever understand the mystery of that moment. It was God’s great love for each of us that allowed His Son to take that suffering.

He who knew no sin was made to be sin for us.

You and I have sinned against God. We have broken His laws. God told Adam that if he broke God’s law, he would surely die (Genesis 2:17). But Adam and Eve broke His law.

They sinned. We have all deliberately rebelled against God. God would not be God, He wouldn’t be just and righteous and holy, if He came along and patted us on the back and said, “You’re forgiven.” We either had to die for our own sins, or somebody who was qualified had to die for us. That Person who was qualified was Jesus Christ, and He volunteered to do it. He died in our place. People will do almost anything to get rid of their guilt. The place to get rid of guilt is at the cross. Jesus came to die. On the cross He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

God had given Jesus a work to do, and in the Gospel of John we read that Jesus said, “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). We wonder why He didn’t feed everybody and heal everybody. He could have done it. He healed some people and fed some who were hungry, and He did that out of compassion. But His real work was the cross; there He was dealing with eternity.

Your body will go to the grave. Your soul, your spirit-the part of you that lives forever-will live on. Where will you spend eternity? Heaven or hell? That will be decided by what you do about the cross, because from the cross Christ is asking you to repent of your sin and receive Him as your Lord and Savior.
From the cross, Jesus reached out by His death and rescued us.
On the cross Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46). They did not take His life from Him; He laid it down voluntarily. He gave up His Spirit to God the Father. And in saying this, He conferred upon every one of us the possibility of the gift of eternal life. You can have eternal life, too. Jesus’ invitation is to heaven.

We were lost, confused, without purpose or meaning in life, without assurance of a future life. But from the cross Jesus reached out by His death and rescued us. We can say to Him today, “Lord,” “Savior.” Are you sure that He is your Lord and your Savior? Thousands of people attend church, but they are not sure that they have committed their lives to Christ.

The crowd at the cross was shouting, “Save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Matthew 27:40). Others were saying, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save” (Matthew 27:42). They were mocking, jeering, laughing.

Christ was on the cross for six hours between two thieves (Luke 23:39-44). They both deserved to die, according to Roman law. But one of the thieves looked at Jesus, and he saw that Jesus was different. He must have said to himself, “He has to be the Son of God. He has to be Lord.” He said, “We deserve what we are getting, but He does not-He hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he turned to Jesus and said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). What an act of faith!

Jesus was different.

And what did Jesus say? “Today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). That thief will be in heaven. Jesus forgave him by His death on the cross.

The forgiveness and the mercy of God are so far beyond our comprehension that we can hardly even talk about them.

Do you know Christ? Do you know the forgiveness of the cross and the power of Christ’s resurrection? Are you forgiven? Have you received new life, resurrection life? I am asking you to make your commitment to Christ. God will help you, if you are willing.

Monday Evening

 

Aaron and Marshall

Hello, All. Just a quick note of continued thanks and a progress report. Aaron had a good night and they increased his feeds to make sure his tummy would tolerate milk again. Today he had his first real bottle. He didn’t take much–only an ounce, but it was a start. He was SO thankful and we are, too! We still can’t hold him and he can’t sit upright much until they remove the pacer wires and medication lines that go straight through his chest into his heart. If he continues to do well, they may remove them tomorrow. Then we can hold him again! We are thankful and hopeful with each new day. God has been good, but please keep praying for Aaron.

Please don’t forget to say a prayer for our friend Marshall. He is still waiting on his heart. There is a fundraiser basketball tournament tomorrow night at Northwest Rankin. If you live in Jackson, please stop by!

 

Melvin L. Tate

(August 27, 1924 – March 23, 2008)

Died at 7:13 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2008 at Gulf States LTAC of Hammond in Hammond, LA. He was a native of Osyka, MS and a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 83 years. Mr. Tate was a member of Spring Creek Lodge #184, F&AM. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Don Bassett & Rev. Howard Brister. Interment East Fork Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by wife of 62 years, Marie Wilkinson Tate, Kentwood, daughter, Dianne Frazier and husband Willie, Greensburg, son, Roger Tate and wife Peggy, Kentwood, 3 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 6 step-great- grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, Obbie N. and Mary Wall Tate, 2 brothers, and 5 sisters.

Monday

 

Charles Adrian Bridges


(February 27, 1933 – March 23, 2008)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 Charles Adrian Bridges passed away at 12:33 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was a native of St. Helena Parish, LA and a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 75 years. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict. Visitation at The Lord’s Church, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Don Meadows. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Polly Griffin Bridges, Kentwood; 2 sons, Mitchel A. Bridges and wife, Donde, Kentwood and Joseph W. Bridges and wife, Jennifer, Kentwood; 5 grandchildren, Will, Matthew, Rebecca, Ashton and Kirkland Bridges; 4 sisters, Mattie B. Lambert, Kentwood, Inez B. Tate, Montpelier, Wilma B. Chand and husband, Harry, Kentwood and Bonnie B. McMillan, Kentwood; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, W. W. and Cassie Bridges; 5 brothers, J. S., C. J., Will T., Jack and Murphy Bridges; 4 sisters, Mamie B. Allen, Rucee B. Crowell, Elaine B. Pittman, and Minnie B. Pittman.

Estelle Singleton Bond

(August 5, 1915 – March 22, 2008)

Died on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at her residence near Pine Grove, LA. She was a native of St. Helena Parish, LA. Age 92 years. She was a retired teacher and a veteran of the U.S. Navy (Wave), commissioned as a Petty Officer during WWII, stationed in Norfolk, VA. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and at Shiloh Baptist Church, Pine Grove, from 9 a.m. on Wednesday until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Lavern King. Interment Shiloh Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA. Survived by 2 sons, Sidney Bond, Pine Grove, Joe Byron Bond, Pine Grove, 1 sister, Vivian Womack, Greensburg, 2 step-grandchildren, Jason Rizzuto, Portland, OR, Nicholas Rizzuto, Houston, TX, numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband, James H. Bond, Sr., son, James H. Bond, Jr., Parents, Hayden and Lena Singleton, brother, Monroe Singleton, sisters, Ruth Highbough, Leota Hornsby, and Lora Lindsey. Pallbearers will be Jason Rizzuto, Nicholas Rizzuto, Jere Singleton, Gordon Boswell, Kenneth “Shot” Hanks, and Steve Lindsey.

Sunday Afternoon

Bobby R. Smith
 (September 22, 1938 – March 23, 2008)

Passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond at the age of 69 years. He was a resident of Kentwood. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 pm until 9 pm on Monday and from 8 am Tuesday until funeral services at 2 pm. Interment in East Fork Cemetery. More details will follow when available

Saturday Afternoon

Aaron Hill

Sat morning e-mail notice

Things are quiet and slow at CHOP this morning, but still moving forward for our little guy. Aaron’s surgeon came by and ordered his chest tube be removed. Since he is peeing better (yea!), they removed his catheter as well. 2 big steps… He is still too swollen for them to remove his breathing tube, but if he continues to shed fluid and breath above the ventilator, they might do that tomorrow. We are eager for this step, but want to make sure God keeps it all in His timing. We don’t want Aaron to have to work too hard all at one time.

We will keep the good news coming. Love to everyone.

 

 

Tink “Pappy” Oliver


(March 4, 1928 – March 21, 2008)

He was a retired timber consultant and logger. He went to be with the Lord on March 21, 2008 in McComb, MS at the age of 80. Our Pappy was born on March 4, 1928 in Kentwood, LA. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood, LA on Monday, March 24, 2008 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 from 8 a.m. until services at 10 a.m. Services contucted by Rev. Delio Delrio and Rev. Reggie Hope. Interment in Hope-Oliver Cemetery. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bernadette Oliver, sons Sammy Oliver and wife Lettie, Terry Oliver and wife, Beverly, Scotty Oliver and wife Darla, and a daughter Bridgette King and husband Eric, grandchildren, Sean Oliver and wife, Mary, Amber Adams and husband Danny, Suzanne McAlister, Mike Posey and wife Carolyn, Whitney Brumfield and husband Brian, Courtney Oliver, Kimberly Capdeboscq and husband Jamie, Bruce Oliver, Scotty Oliver and fiancee’ Kim Hatfield, Lacey Oliver, Hunter Oliver, Tristan and Corly Grice and Brett and Blake King and 12 great-grandchildren. Sisters Avis Hope, Katherine Manning, Azelene Goetzmann, Hazel Smith, Irene Blades, Sarah Golman, and Mildred Cade. Preceded in death by parents, Henry “Tink” and Kate Oliver, 1 brother, Huey Oliver and sisters Irene and Audis Oliver, 1 brother-in-law, Otis Hope.