Category: Death Notice(s)

Wednesday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

PAISA OF COLOMBIA (PIE-sah). The “Pied Piper,” for whom you have been praying, is a man who has a heart for the children of one of the poorest and most dangerous parts of a major city. He faithfully goes each Saturday to tell Bible stories to the children. On Sundays, he has been going early to this area to ensure that the children are dressed and ready to travel the long distance to the Baptist church down the mountain. Join the Paisa Team in giving thanks that on February 3, the Pied Piper started church services on Sundays in the area where the children live so they no longer have to travel down the mountain. Pray that the parents of the children will attend the services since they are now more accessible to them. Also pray that the hearts of all who hear the Bible stories will be open to the gospel message.

HANDS ON: CENTRAL, EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA. Missionaries serving on the Eastern Metropolitan Evangelism Team in Johannesburg, South Africa, ask: “Please pray for the ‘Hands On’ missionaries who have recently arrived and are working with many of our field personnel. Pray specifically for the missionary supervisors to have wisdom, patience and understanding as they plan and direct meaningful gospel ministry. Ask God to open doors for the gospel in many new neighborhoods, and pray for Him to call those ‘Hands On’ missionaries to a lifetime of service in missions as a result of their time here.” http://www.hands-on-africa.com/

KEKCHI OF GUATEMALA (KEK-chee). Hearing God’s Word proclaimed over the four Kekchi radio stations has brought many unbelievers to a saving faith in Christ Jesus. During 2007, these stations aired in its entirety the stories from both the Old and New Testaments. The workers at these stations met at the beginning of the new year to discuss a burden they all have for teaching their people how to share their faith on a day-to-day basis. As a result of this meeting, a new radio evangelism course, complete with nine lessons, was birthed. Intercede for the broadcast of these lessons all over the Kekchi area. May many believers be encouraged and challenged to tell others about Jesus. Pray for many to be saved as a result of this new ministry and for new works to open up. http://www.macregion.org/

PACIFIC RIM MEDIA. Video is the medium of choice in today’s visual culture. Many of the media specialists in the Pacific Rim are being asked to learn videography. Pray for wisdom and quick acquisition of these skills for people who are trained in other areas, such as photography and writing. Ask God to call videographers to the Pacific Rim. Pray for wisdom to use the right level of technology to tell our Pacific Rim stories effectively.

Billy Roy “Poppy” “Woodsie” Allen Sr.

“A golden heart stopped beating and hard working hands were put to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.” A longtime resident of Jackson and a native of Kentwood, he died Monday, March 10, 2008, at his residence. He was 72, retired for 17 years from the Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System, Jackson, with 33 years of service. Visiting at Charlet Funeral Home Inc., Zachary, on Wednesday, March 12, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting continues at First Baptist Church in Jackson on Thursday from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Alvin Hall. Burial in Second Baptist Church Cemetery. A loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 52 years, Willie Jean Williams Allen; son, Billy Roy Allen Jr., of Jackson; three daughters and their spouses, Brenda and Harvard Brian, of Slaughter, and Debbie and Jimmy Norsworthy and Tracy and James “Peanut” Stevens, all of Jackson; six grandsons, Jason Allen, whom he raised as his own, his wife, Carla Connell Allen, and their children, Rileigh, Olivia and Jason “Jace” Allen Jr., all of Jackson, Josh Perkins, of Slaughter, James Allen Stevens and Adam Allen, both of Jackson, and Cody Rollins and Matthew Thomas, both of Norwood; three granddaughters, Jeana Perkins, of Slaughter, and Jaci Stevens and Anna Allen, both of Jackson; stepgrandson, Jamey Norsworthy, of Jackson; stepgranddaughters, Toby Kay Edwards, of Central, and Victoria and Grace Brian, both of Slaughter; stepgreat-grandchildren, Slade and Isabella Edwards, both of Central, and Talon and Jake Norsworthy, both of Jackson; sisters, Jewel Easley, of Kentwood, and Sybil “Sam” Marcantel, of Jackson; and stepfather-in-law, Edward “Coonie” Fontenot. He enjoyed reading his Bible in the early morning hours and always enjoyed spending time with his family gathered on his back porch, where lots of lessons were learned. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and listen to his rabbit dogs. He always had a large garden and you could always find him piddling with something outside. He definitely knew the value of a hard day’s work and if you hung with him, you would, too. He loved them Tigers, his first love being the Centreville Academy Tigers, then the LSU Tigers. His all-time favorite was watching his grandsons play ALL sports for the CA Tigers. He would even (sometimes) watch his granddaughters dance and cheer, but his biggest passion was the football game. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Minnie Hurst Allen; mother-in-law, Helen Fontenot; father-in-law, Collins Williams; four brothers, Luther Reed Allen, Charlie Ray “Bo” Allen, John Freeman Allen and Felix Warren “Peter Rabbit” Allen; and two sisters, Rena Weigand and Robbie Allen Bueche. Pallbearers will be Jason Allen, Josh Perkins, James Allen Stevens, Adam Allen, Jamey Norsworthy, Joe Allen Easley, Mitch Allen and Joe Bueche. Honorary pallbearers are James “Peanut” Stevens, Jimmy Norsworthy, Harvard Brian, Edward Fontenot, Bill Hurst, Cliff Hurst, Brian Lea Hurst, David Stevens, Fred Allen and Gerald Connell. Special thanks to his family and friends with whom he has been so blessed to have: Dr. Chaillie Daniel, Dr. Michael Castine, Dr. Ryan Majoria, Feliciana Home Health and St. Joseph Hospice and Nurse Tanya Tillman. Share sympathies, condolences and memories at http://www.charletfuneralhome.com/

 

 

Baptist Press

March 11, 2008

TENNESSEE–China harasses Christians ahead of Beijing Olympics. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27593

TENNESSEE–Chinese Christians forced into labor camps. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27594

HAWAII–Missionaries see Hawaii’s less exotic side. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27595

TENNESSEE–America must not forget history, Bush tells NRB. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27596

OHIO–Fired Cedarville prof wins initial appeal. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27597

TENNESSEE–RESOURCE: New study Bible helps defend the faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27598

TENNESSEE–RESOURCE (Gregory E. Ganssle): God & evil. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27599

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON(Keith Manuel): It’s block party time. http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=27600

The Way to Salvation

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Man is obligated by God to do certain things to receive the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice. We are saved by grace, which is the unmerited favour of God in that we have nothing inherent within us that can save us from the penalty of sin which is death. God has provided a specific way for our salvation in the bible:

BELIEVE: Believe in the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved, you and your household (Acts 16:31)

REPENT: Unless you repent you will all likewise perish (Luke 13:3)

CONFESS THAT: Thou art the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God. (Matthew 16:16) For with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation (Romans 10:10)

link arrowBE BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST: And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name (Acts 22:16)

link arrowLIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1Cor 6:9-10)

Upon your obedience to these steps the following wonderful possessions are yours:

ALL your sins are forgiven

Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name every one who believes in Him has received forgiveness of sins. (Acts 10:43)

YOU shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge (2 Cor 1:21-22)

YOU are a member of Christ’s body the church

For even as the body is one, and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. (1Cor 12:12)
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink one spirit” (1Cor 12:13)

YOUR future sins are forgiven through repentance and prayer to God through Christ who is now your intercessor

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1John 1:9)

YOU will inherit ETERNAL LIFE (1John 2:25)

And this is the promise which He himself made to us: eternal life. (1John 2:25)

“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. (John 3:36)

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgement, but has passed out of death into life. (John 5:24)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Thursday’s Obituaries

 

Velma Lilly Hendry


(February 14, 1914 – March 11, 2008)

Died at 8:55 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite. She was a native of Osyka, MS and a resident of Roseland. Age 94 years. She was a Maw-Maw to everyone and is survived by her son, James E. Hendry and wife, Martha, Madisonville; daughter, Judy H. Pritchett and husband, Rodney, Roseland; 9 grandchildren, Mark Villeneuve, Scott Villeneuve, Charlaine Whann, Mitzi Hogg, Brian Reid, Brent Reid, Jimmy Hendry, Susan Brown and Robby Chadwick; 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer O. Hendry; 2 daughters, Cora Belle Villeneuve and Evelyn H. Reid; 2 sisters, Doris Hutchinson and Mabel Ryan; 2 brothers, Curtis Lilly and James Lilly. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Rev. Gary Weiborg. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola.

Gorman W. Gill

 

(September 26, 1922 – March 11, 2008)

Died at 2:26AM on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was a native of Chesbrough, LA and a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 85 years. He was a member of Spring Creek Masonic Lodge #184, was president of the Kentwood Livestock Sales for 27 years, and was a WW II veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps serving in the 423rd Bomber Squadron. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11a.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Rev. Danny Smith & Rev. Bill Boulton. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. Survived by wife, Dorothy Nason Gill, Kentwood, 2 daughters, Linda G. Betz, Baton Rouge and Ruth G. Konzelman and husband, Randy, Kentwood, 5 grandchildren, David Betz and wife, Hondie, Baton Rouge, Daniel Betz, Baton Rouge, Mark Konzelman, Kentwood, Sarah Konzelman, Kentwood and Matthew Konzelman, Kentwood, great-granddaughter, Rebecca Betz, Baton Rouge, sister, Mary Joyce Allen, Baton Rouge, numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Jesse Gill and wife, Cleo Phelps Gill, mother, Dixie Singleton Gill, 3 brothers, Walter Jesse Gill, Jr., Alfred Lewis Gill, and Nolan Willie Gill, sister, Maxie G. Hutchinson

Monday – Obituaries

 

 

Thomas Wingate McFerrin, Sr.


(September 17, 1935 – March 9, 2008)

Thomas Wingate McFerrin died Sunday night at 9:25 p.m., at the St. Helena Hospital. Mr. McFerrin died after a long struggle with flu and pneumonia complicated by congestive heart failure. He was the oldest son of Sherman Schley McFerrin and Zera Louise Henderson McFerrin, born on September 17, 1935. He was 72 years old. Mr. McFerrin was a graduate of Greensburg High School, 1953, graduate of Army Specialty Schools, 1956, graduate of Louisiana State University Law School, Juris Doctorate, 1961. He also attended Louisiana State University for Continuing Education, Public Manager I, 1983. He was a notary public in East Baton Rouge Parish, St. Helena Parish, Tangipahoa, and Livingston Parishes. As an attorney he was admitted to all Louisiana State courts, Federal courts, 5th Circuit Court of Appeal, and the United States Supreme Court. He was a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association since June of 1961. While in high school he participated in football, basketball, and other sports. During his education at L.S.U. he did undergraduate work. He also worked on the pipelines, carpenter’s helper and other laborer jobs while in college. 1955-1958 he served in the United States Army completing basic training in infantry and artillery, Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. He received advanced training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and served a tour in Europe stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged at Fort Hamilton, New York, 1958. 1958-1961 he was a clerk for the State Attorney General’s Office doing research for writing of opinions. 1961-1972 he was an Assistant State Attorney General and handled any assignments as directed by the Attorney General. He represented various boards and commissions of the State, including the State Board of Education, colleges and universities. He handled trials on all State levels, and Federal levels to include the United States Supreme Court. He was appointed by the Attorney General and Governor to be the general counsel for the State’s Labor Management Commission of Inquiry during 1968-1969. He worked with the State and Federal investigative bodies, including the F.B.I., State Police and grand juries. From 1972-1976 he entered into private law practice and worked for and with the Louisiana Manufacturer’s Association, Louisiana Chamber of Commerce, Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce, all counterparts to the now Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and Dow Chemical Company, public and governmental affairs section. From 1976-1980 he was special counsel to the Department of Public Safety, and the Office of State Police. From 1980 – 1984 he was general counsel to the State Divisions of Administration under Governor Dave Treen. He advised and represented the Commissioner of Administration and his deputies and assistants and all sections of the Division. He supervised up to 6 assistants at one time. He oversaw the work of the divisions with primary responsibilities was expenditures and monitoring of the State’s appropriations on a fiscal year’s basis. He oversaw the bidding and awarding of contracts, constructions, and equipment. During 1984-1985 he was special counsel to the Speaker’s Office of the House of Representatives State of Louisiana. He worked on behalf of the Speaker, Governor’s Executive Counsel and Governor’s Office to assist as counsel for the 1984 World’s Fair. He represented a special committee formed by legislative act to monitor and approve operations and expenditures of non-profit corporation formed to administer fairly on a daily basis, enabling fair to complete its assigned operating dates. He also performed any other assigned directives by the Speaker of the House and the Governor’s Executive Counsel. From 1985 – 1987 Mr. McFerrin was the general counsel to the Joint Legislative Capital Outlay Committee. The committee composed of House Ways and Means Standing Committee, Chairman of Appropriations Standing Committee, four appointees of the Speaker of the House, and Speaker tee, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and finally 40 member of the House and Senate. His primary responsibilities of the committee were preparation of the State’s Capital Outlay Budget, Omnibus Bond Bill and ultimate passage of these measures, and the monitoring of the Capital Outlay Budget process. Also he served with the Interim Emergency Board and State Bond Commission. After this Mr. McFerrin retired to St. Helena Parish and established his home with his family. He is survived by wife, Nanette McDonald McFerrin, Greensburg; 2 daughters, Cheri Ann McFerrin and Kimberly McFerrin Fisher and her husband, Shawn Riley Fisher; 2 grandsons, Aaron T. Carter, Jonathon J. Carter. He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas W. McFerrin, Jr.; his mother, Zera Henderson McFerrin; father, Sherman Schley McFerrin; brother, Reginald James McFerrin. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11 a.m. on Wednesday until religious services at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Rodney Taylor. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA

Mrs. Billie June Havard Cutrer Crawford


(September 6, 1937 – March 10, 2008)

Mrs. Billie June Havard Cutrer Crawford died March 10, 2008 at 12:05AM at JoAnn’s Golden Girls Care, LLC in Pearl River, La. She was 70, a native of Leesville and a resident of Pearl River. Vistation will held at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM, and after 8:30AM until Religious Services at 9:30AM, Wednesday, March 12, 2008. Service conducted by Rev. LaMarylis Cotten. She is survived by a Daughter, Sherry Ann Cutrer, Slidell, a Son, Terry Lewis Cutrer and his wife Pam, Gulfport, MS, 3 Sisters, Wilma Venable and her husband, Alvin, Baton Rouge, Jo Ann Achord and her husband, Sonny, Denham Springs, Hazel Allen, Greensburg, 2 Brothers, Eddie Lewis Havard, Greensburg, Edward Redmond, Baton Rouge, 3 Grandchildren, Michael Joseph Juneau, Emily Catherine Cutrer, Madeline Grace Cutrer, 1 Great-Grandson, Michael Joseph Juneau, Jr. Preceded in death by, Parents, “Steve” Havard, Marie Loftus, JD & Juanita Redmond, Husbands, Walter Louis Cutrer and David F. Crawford, a Sister, Virginia Redmond. In Lieu of Flowers the family requests donations be made to: Hospice Care of Louisiana/Mississippi 770 Gause Blvd., Slidell, La. 70458, Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Ave., Floor 17,, Chicago, IL 60601. Special Thanks to JoAnn Faciane and Nanette Williams of JoAnn’s Golden Girls Care, LLC of Pearl River, La. McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home is located by I-55 & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford and behind Bond Eye Clinic. An on-line questbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com.

Saturday – Obiuaries

Joyce Blades Forrest

(October 31, 1933 – March 7, 2008)

Died at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2008 at Southeast Regional Medical Center in Kentwood. She was a native and resident of Spring Creek. Age 74 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Bill Boulton and Rev. Danny Smith. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Dale Forrest, Spring Creek; son, Norman Craig Forrest and wife, Pam Cook Forrest, Spring Creek; 2 grandchildren, Trenton Craig Forrest and wife, Macy Wagner Forrest, Denham Springs and Traci Forrest Jennings and husband, Ryan Jennings, Patterson; 2 great-grandchildren, Connor Trent Forrest and Parker Anthony Jennings; niece, Kim Horning, Franklinton; and a host of friends and other family members including a special cousin, J. C. Blades and his wife Alice Blades. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leamon and Elmise Blades; brother, Chevis Blades; her precious puppy, “Peanut”. The family requests donations to be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arthur Ernest “Ernie” Hayden

(September 6, 1954 – March 8, 2008)

Died at 6:10 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was a native and resident of Amite, LA. Age 53 years. Visitation at Amite-Arcola Presbyterian Church, 501 Walnut St., Amite, from 4 p.m. Sunday until until memorial services at 6 p.m. Sunday. Survived by son, Adam Scott Hayden, Ponchatoula, mother, Hollis Ann Davis Hayden, Amite, brother, Robin Lynn Hayden, Amite, cousin, Billy Hayden, Amite. Preceded in death by son, Aaron Hollis Hayden. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Saturday

“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!

For Your wondrous works declare

that Your name is near.”

~Psalm 75:1~

 

 

 

Joan Hagan

Joan Hagan continues to get reports that will allow her surgery to proceed. Pray for her as she again in waiting for a surgery date.

 

 

Cleon Wilburn Blades

A native of Kentwood and a longtime resident of Tunica, he died Thursday, March 6, 2008, at age 76. He was a retired correctional officer at Angola, where he served for nearly 35 years. Visitation at Charlet Funeral Home Inc. in Zachary on Saturday, March 8, from 9 a.m. until service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Michael Wells Sr. Burial in Rogillio Family Cemetery. Survived by a daughter, Linda Bordelon and her husband, Darren, of Angola; two sons, Wilburn Jesse Blades and his wife Patricia, of Tunica, and Charles Blades and his wife, Cortney, of Smithdale, Miss.; three brothers, Henry Blades, Clovis Blades and Royal Blades; and three grandchildren, Darren Bordelon Jr., Todd Bordelon and Catherine Blades. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Mattie Blades; four brothers, James, Joe, Doc and Luther Blades; and his ex-wife, Pearl Anderson Blades. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Share sympathies, condolences and memories online at http://www.charletfuneralhome.com.

 

Correction

OUR TIME CHANGES THIS WEEKEND. PLEASE SET YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD 1 HOUR******NOT BACK AS STATED IN THE NEWS ON THE PRAYER LINK. WE SPRING FORWARD IN THE SPRING AND FALL BACK IN THE FALL.
THANKS

Mary Ann Cutrer

(Thanks, Mary Ann.)

 

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, March 7, 2008

“So Philip began at this place in the Scriptures

and explained the good news about Jesus.,”

~Acts 8:35, CEV~

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, encouraging you to pray for women as they hear God’s Word.

A chance encounter turned out to be a relationship for which to praise God. A woman in South Asia met two Christian women on a South Asian street and asked why they lived in her country. They told her that they were storytellers. “We are followers of Jesus, so our favorite stories to tell are about Him!” On her first visit to their home, after exchanging usual greetings, this woman was in the chair for less than two minutes before she said, “OK, tell me a story about Jesus.” Since then, the women have had ample opportunities to share not only how Christ changed their lives, but also many stories from the Word.

A few Tibetan women in a refugee carpet factory have shown an interest in hearing audio stories from the Bible. On occasion, international Christian workers have played Tibetan praise songs and Bible stories on a CD player for them while they make rugs. The songs and stories resound throughout the factory, and the women listen intently as they sit, weaving the heavy rugs.

Three groups of North African women are meeting weekly to study the Bible. Pray for the women to continue to grow in their faith and for their daughters and friends to join them as they share their faith with others.

A volunteer from Canada has traveled to Turkey to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to Persians. Pray that many women will come to the classes and will be drawn to God through her sharing and testimony.

* Please pray for women to respond positively to the Good News that they are hearing whether directly from the Bible, through stories and music, or from personal testimonies.

* Intercede for believers that they will share faithfully.

* Ask God to open your eyes to unusual places where you can share His Word.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS

This month, two new workers joined the ministry team on a small island nation. They are studying at the local university and have already immersed themselves in the local culture, experiencing many of the wondrous oddities that living in a different country can offer. Please pray for these young people as they strive to be a light for the Lord in the midst of much spiritual darkness. Pray for their safety as they travel by public transport, for understanding of the local dialects, for comprehension of their school studies, for personal strength and growth in the Lord, for adjustment to the new climate, time zone and diet, and for unity with other believers. Praise the Lord for young people willing to step way outside their “comfort zones” to serve Him wherever He calls!

 

 

 

F.B.C. Members:

Don’t forget the community outreach at 10:00 this morning and the missions lunch tomorrow.

 

 

 

Resort Missionary Brad Lartigue

 

Holds Big Job in Big Sky

 

By Mickey Noah


BIG SKY, Mont. – Because his mission field is based in Big Sky, Mont., where Lone Mountain stretches 11,000 feet high, Brad Lartigue reports to work every day sky-high – geographically and spiritually.

For 20 years, Lartigue has served as a North American Mission Board missionary — the last 17 as a resort missionary in Big Sky during the ski season in winter and at Yellowstone National Park in summer. Big Sky is nestled near three interconnected mountains, high in Montana’s Gallatin National Forest.

Lartigue is one of more than 5,000 missionaries in the United States, Canada and their territories supported by the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® for North American Missions. He is one of eight NAMB missionaries featured as part of the annual Week of Prayer, March 2-9, 2008. This year’s theme is “Live with Urgency: Seize Your Divine Moment.” The 2008 Annie Armstrong Easter Offering’s goal is $61 million, 100 percent of which is used for missionaries like Brad.

“My place of work is basically the outdoors,” he says. “Our sanctuary is in the mountains that rise above us, among the trees and the animals that God has created. That’s where worship happens for us.

“I believe that my area of special ministries in resort and leisure settings is a good place to present the Gospel to people,” he said. “After all, our Lord Jesus Christ gave us the example and foundation for ministering to people outside the walls of the church.

“Jesus spoke to the multitudes from the bow of a boat, from the mountainsides, in the gardens, in the marketplaces. He met people where they were, in times of work and play. It’s a wonderful thing to have the opportunity of using God’s creation as a ministry tool to point people past that creation and toward the Creator.”

Supported and commissioned by NAMB and the Montana Southern Baptist Convention, Lartigue leads worship services and campfire devotionals, marries couples, dedicates babies and even conducts funeral services on the powdery snow of Big Sky. He witnesses to tourists who wouldn’t be caught dead inside the walls of a brick-and-mortar church.

During the peak ski season — between Thanksgiving and Easter — some 5,000-6,000 people a day come to Big Sky to challenge the world-class ski slopes, which get blanketed by 400 inches of new snow each year.

“Every Sunday when I ride the chairlift going up the mountain to do my worship service, I meet people who have no intention of going to a worship service. They’re coming to find a place for recreation and to relax — not for a place of worship or for a minister. But when I ride the chairlift, I never ride without speaking to someone about why they are here and what we are doing here.

“I think it means a lot to people to see a minister snowboarding, skiing, or cross-country skiing, who takes the effort to hone these skills to meet people where they are,” he said.

Citing the Apostle Paul’s admonition to “be all things to all people so that we might reach some,” Lartigue recently invited a couple of young men on college break to his worship service.

“They saw me on my snowboard and said, ‘Oh, you’re the shred chaplain.’ Shredding is ski slang for snowboarding. I think God gives us passions in our lives that drive us to do the things we do. God has given me the passion to snowboard, cross-country ski and go backpacking in the wilderness.

“And each of us can reach one because of the various passions He gives us,” Lartigue said. “People come here to relax, rest and be rejuvenated. And what better place to do ministry than a place where people can be inspired, because God and his creation are inspiring.”

It’s a long way from the sultry summers of Lake Charles, La, where Brad was born and raised, to the crystal-blue skies and frosty air of Big Sky, Mont.

He grew up in a Christian home in Lake Charles, a bayou town in the heart of southwest Louisiana’s Cajun country, where his father serves as pastor of a Southern Baptist church and with a devoted preacher’s wife for a mom. With a French surname and rich family bloodlines of black, Cherokee Indian and Italian lineage, Brad is proud of his heritage. One of five children, he accepted Christ at age 14.

Always interested in adventure and public service, Lartigue was active in the Baptist Student Union at McNeese State University in Lake Charles. While at McNeese, he cut his missions “teeth” while serving as a summer missionary on Hawaii’s Big Island and as a US/C2 resort missionary at Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico.

After graduating from McNeese State, he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, where he earned a master’s degree in religious education and church recreation. In 1990, he accepted a career missionary position at Big Sky and Yellowstone National Park from NAMB and the Montana Southern Baptist Convention. He’s been there ever since.

“When people think of Big Sky or Yellowstone National Park, they think of the beauty and what a pristine place it is,” said Lartigue. “But people don’t realize that behind the scenes, there are hurting people – people very much disillusioned about who God is. I come across alcoholics, those into drugs, the promiscuous, those whose lives need to change.”

As with any Southern Baptist pastor, Sunday is a long and busy work day for Lartigue.

“I am part of three worship services on Sundays,” he said. “I begin the day with an outdoor worship service at 9:30 a.m. at the Moonlight Basin Ski Resort. Then I drive back down to the Big Sky Christian Fellowship worship at 11 a.m., and back up to Mountain Village to conduct the skier/snowboarder worship service in the snow at 1:30 p.m.,” Brad said.

After a few hours of skiing or snowboarding, he closes out the day by directing a youth ministry for junior high students on Sunday nights. He also is active in Yellowstone Innovator/park employee worship in campgrounds, hotel worship services and home Bible studies.

During summer, he shifts the focus of his ministry to Yellowstone – about 50 miles away — where he supervises college and seminary volunteers called “Innovators,” full-time summer missionaries appointed by NAMB and sponsored by the First Baptist Church of West Yellowstone, who work full-time alongside park employees in a secular environment. They intentionally share their faith in Christ through lifestyle evangelism, Bible studies, hiking, backpacking and “one-to-one” witnessing.

In October, Brad is a swimming instructor and coach for the local elementary school in Big Sky, and a lifeguard instructor in Bozeman, about 45 miles north of Big Sky. With Thanksgiving comes the return of ski season.

Year-round, Lartigue works as a firefighter and chaplain for the Big Sky Volunteer Fire Department. He also is a certified emergency medical technician (EMT), a CPR instructor and a volunteer for the Big Sky Ski Patrol. Regardless of the hat he wears, he ministers to all, all the time.

Dean Hall of Helena, Mont., is a fellow EMT on the Big Sky Ski Patrol team.

“I’ve known him (Lartigue) for five or six years now,” Hall said. “He’s a minister, a youth minister, a resort minister. He’s a very well trained EMT. He’s well-respected and a wonderful, kind, gentle man. The kids love him. He’s a great asset to the community here and to the Big Sky Ski Patrol, both as a chaplain and as a trained EMT.

“I think all resorts need somebody like him,” continued Hall. “This is sort of a la-la land in many respects. There’s lots of alcohol, lots of drugs. Brad is an anchoring force and some of these young people need that.”

What does the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering mean for Brad?

“This offering does things in so many different ways, and offers so many different opportunities that we will never, ever see the results until we’re in heaven. I feel privileged to be able to minister in a place where I can focus on ministry and not worry about how I’m going to sustain myself.

“I love what I do because it is making an eternal difference in people’s lives and I look forward to seeing these people in our heavenly home for all of eternity.”

 

 

 

Devotional Thought

 

The Fern and the Bamboo…..

 

(This was shared by Mr. K.K.Kennedy. I do not know who wrote it.)

One day I decided to quit…. I quit my job, my relationship, my Spirituality.. I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have One last talk with God.

“God”, I said. “Can you give me one good re ason not to quit?”

His answer surprised me…

“Look around”, He said. “Do you see the fern and the bamboo?”

“Yes”, I replied.

“When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, Nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo”.

He said. “In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit.

In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit.

He said. “Then in th e fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had Spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave It what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a Challenge it could not handle.”

He said to me. “Did you know, my child, that all this time you have Been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on The bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don’t compare yourself to others.”

He said. “The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they Both make the forest beautiful.”

“Your time will come, ” God said to me. ” You will rise high!”

“How high should I rise?” I asked.

“How high will the bamboo rise?” H e asked in return.

“As high as it can?” I questioned.

“Yes.” He said, “Give me glory by rising as high as you can.”

I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you…..

Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you Happiness. Bad days give you Experiences. Both are essential to life. Keep going… Happiness keeps you Sweet, Trials keep you Strong, Sorrows keep you Human, Failures keep you Humble, Success keeps You Glowing, But Only God keeps You Going!

Have a great day! The Son is shining!!

God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love, and so small He can curl up inside your heart.


AS YE WOULD THAT MEN SHOULD DO TO YOU,

DO YE ALSO TO THEM LIKEWISE.

LUKE 6:31

 

 


Remember, He provides what we need when we need it!


Anna Lee

Thursday – Obituary


Christopher James Pittman


(September 14, 1976 – March 6, 2008)

 

Died on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at his mother’s residence in Summit, MS. He was a native of McComb, MS and a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 31 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m.Saturday. Interment Roberts Cemetery, Osyka, MS. Survived by wife, Lindsey Y. Pittman, Kentwood, 2 children, Kelsey Pittman, Kentwood, Coby Pittman, Kentwood, mother, Betty Bond, Summit, MS, father, James L. Pittman, Kentwood, brother, James F. Pittman, Roseland, sister, Amanda Williams, Ocean Springs, MS, grandmothers, Helen Roberts, Kentwood, Bertha L. Pittman, Kentwood, 4 nieces, 2 nephews, numerous aunts and uncles. Preceded in death by grandfathers, William Roberts, Bobby R. Pittman.

Thursday – Obituary

James “Jim” Travis

James “Jim” Travis died Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at his home in Amite. He was 49 and a native of Baton Rouge. Mr. Travis was a computer programmer who attended Centenary College for two years on a golf scholarship and also attended LSU-Shreveport for three years. He won the City Junior Amateur Golf Tournament in Shreveport in 1976. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting at First United Methodist Church, Amite, on Friday from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Brady Whitton. Interment in Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, on Tuesday, March 11, at 10 a.m. Survived by his parents, Monroe and Tesshe Travis, Amite; two uncles, Preston Hutchinson, New Orleans, and Robert E. Travis, Prescott Valley, Ariz.; and three aunts, Minnie Lou Hutchinson, Tangipahoa, Elise Daniel, Baton Rouge, and Shelia DeArmond, Amite. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. For more information, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Tuesday – Obituary

Billy Truitt Bankston, 75, a native of Kentwood and a 30-year resident of Covington, died Monday, March 3, 2008. He was the beloved husband of the late Bernice Bankston, loving companion of the late Kathleen Willis, father of Perry Bankston and spouse Brenna, of Picayune, Miss., and brother of Hollis Bankston, of Roseland, Doris Sweat, of Hammond, Brenda Bankston, of Kentwood, and the late Harold, Johnny, Curtis and Sidney Bankston and Ester Ruth Pettitt. He is also survived by five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was a longtime volunteer at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral service on Thursday, March 6, at 1 p.m. at Shepherd’s Care Ministries, 20115 La. 1081, Covington, LA 70435. Visitation at the church on Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Thursday from 11 a.m. until service. Interment in Shepherd’s Fold Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Billy’s name to Shepherd’s Care Ministries. Arrangements by entrusted to E.J. Fielding Funeral Home Inc., 2260 W. 21st. Ave., Covington, LA 70433.

Monday – Obituaries

Douglas Arnold Schneider
(August 30, 1931 – March 1, 2008)

Died at 7:58 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at his residence in Kentwood. He was a native and former resident of New Orleans, LA and later retired to Kentwood. Age 76 years. He retired as owner of Crescent Gun and Repair in New Orleans, was Past Master of Trinity Lodge #375 of New Orleans and two time Past Master of Lodge #184 of Spring Creek. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1908 Short St., Kenner, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 12 Noon on Wednesday. Services conducted by Fr. Richard Miles. Interment Garden of Memories, Metairie. He is survived by his wife, Elsie Hall Schneider, Kentwood; 3 daughters, Mrs. Gloria Gaines and husband, Edward, Raceland, Mrs. Orna Mumphrey and husband, Clarence, Prairieville and Elsie Jo Schneider, Abita Springs; brother, Gerald Schneider, New Orleans; sister, Mrs. Elaine Laurence and husband, Tommy, Auburn, AL; 8 grandchildren; 8 1/2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph V. and Mabel Boudreaux Schneider.

Louise Ardillo Marabelli
(October 25, 1924 – March 1, 2008)

Died at 11:12 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was a native of Kenosha, WI and a resident of Independence. Age 83 years. Visitation at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, from 9:30 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Fr. Chris Romaine. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence, LA. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Diana Ardillo, Indpendence, Sandy McAlister and husband, Donald, Independence and Marianna Miller and husband, Jim, Knob Noster, MO; brother, Johnny Marabelli, Kenosha, WI; 6 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Sam Ardillo; parents, John and Ida Marabelli; sister, Olivia Harvey; brother, Anthony Marabelli.

Jason Phillip Smith
(July 11, 1986 – March 1, 2008)

Died at 11:25 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg. He was a native of Belle Chasse and a resident of Montpelier, LA. Age 21 years. Visitation at Montpelier Baptist Church, Montpelier, from 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2008 until religious services at 12 Noon. Services conducted by Rev. Rusty Durant and Rev. David Theriot. Interment Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier. He is survived by his mother, Pamela Morris Smith; two sisters, Jessica Lynne Smith, Montpelier and fiance’, Joseph Wall, Springfield and Jennifer Lynne Futrell, Montpelier; grandparents, James E. Morris and Kathryn Crouch Morris, Belle Chasse; step-grandmother, Mary Smith, Derby, MS; aunts and uncles, Mitchell and Vickie Futrell, Montpelier, James Phillip Morris, Belle Chasse, Kenny and Ruby Smith, Picayune, MS, Karen and Mike Anderson, Pearl River, Kathy Louise Smith, Long Beach, MS, Tori Smith, Derby, MS; 8 cousins, Ken, Cher, Victoria, Nolan, Brandy, Jeremy, Joshua and Jacob. He was preceded in death by his loving father, Kerry Vireece Smith, who died in a car crash on November 21, 2007; grandparents, Nolan Ray Smith and Shirley Meitzler Biehl. Special thanks goes to St. Helena Parish Nursing Home where Jason resided from December 2006 with love and excellent care. Also to Occupational Therapist, Linda Charleville for not only the therapy but the love and devotion she had for Jason. As an employee of the hospital, I think of St. Helena Parish Nursing Home and St. Helena Parish Hospital as one. I thank everyone and every department for the love they showed Jason. Jason’s mother, Pamela Smith.