Late Monday Night

I’ve been away from my computer since Saturday morning.  A lot has happened.  I’ll fill you in on some of it.

Boyd, Jennie, Mallory, Miles, Madison, and Mason Hatchel arrived safely in New Orleans at 1:30 Sunday morning.  They have moved into the Dr. J.D. Gray missionary home on the campus of NOBTS.  They are getting settled in and adjusting to a seven hour time difference.  Boyd will see a neurologist Wednesday to follow his recent health problem.  Keep them in your prayer while they are busy here for their stateside assignment.

Momma, Dot Smith, spent her nineteenth day in ICU at North Oaks today.  She has improved and had the chest tube and neck line removed yesterday and today.  Her A-fib was better this afternoon.  Plans are to move her to telemetry tomorrow.

Jimmy Schwartz is much better and was moved from ICU to room 4017 today.  What a change a few days has made in his life!

Mrs. Kathryn Kuss is still in  room 4010 at North Oaks.  Continue to pray for her.

Tristan Gill is home from the hospital.  Pray for him as her continues to improve.

My uncle, Fred Widas of Roseland, passed away just after midnight Sunday morning. His wake was tonight.  Visitation and funeral services will be in the morning at FBC, Amite.  He was a very kind and gentle man who lived a wonderful Christian life as a witness to all.

Frederick J. Widas, Jr.
(January 12, 1920 – July 17, 2011)

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A resident of Roseland, LA, died at 1:52 a.m. on Sunday, July 17, 2011 at his home. He was born January 12, 1920 in Foxworth, MS and was 91 years of age. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Amite, and a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and at First Baptist Church, Amite, from 9 a.m. until Religious Services at 11 a.m .Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Foster. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. Survived by 2 daughters, Naomi E. Widas, Roseland, and Frances E. Widas Hebert and her husband, Willie M. Hebert, Sr., Baton Rouge, son, Frederick E. “Rick” Widas, Sr.,and his wife, Linda, Roseland, 5 grandchildren, Frederick E. Widas, Jr., OH, Kevin E. Widas, CA, Kimberly Widas Douglas, TX, Lee A. Widas, Roseland, and Clayton E. Widas, Roseland, 6 great-grandchildren, and a brother, Karl Frederick Widas, Sr., Slidell. Preceded in death by wife, Elizabeth “Bettye” D. Widas, parents, Frederick J. Widas, Sr. and, Anna Jane Boyd Widas, 2 sisters, Lois Widas Bennett and Anna Lucille Widas Whittington, and a brother, Charles Edward Widas.

John “Brad” Pike
(March 4, 1953 – July 15, 2011)

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A resident of Wilmer, he died at 12:31 p.m. on Friday, July 15, 2011 at East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie. He was born March 4, 1953 in Magnolia, MS and was 58 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Songy Pike, Kentwood; son, John Eli Pike, Kentwood; step-son, Todd Sigrist; 2 step-daughters, Ashley Cheramie and husband, James and Tara Spears and husband, Trent; 3 sisters, Debbie A. Pike, Troup, TX, Marty P. Fleming and husband, Hugh, New Orleans and Eileen Pike, Prairieville; 20 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 4 nieces and 8 nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, John Irven Pike and Edris Lauree Clark Pike. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time with Collin Blaise Sanders “Pike”. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m .until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, 2011. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice.

Roscoe Benjamin Fussell
(December 16, 1915 – July 16, 2011)

Roscoe Benjamin Fussell was born on December 16, 1915 and passed away at 10:10 p.m., Saturday, July 16, 2011 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Roscoe was 95, a native of Tangipahoa and a resident of Boliver.

He is survived by his daughter, Myra Fay Fussell Travis, Bolivar; son, Benja R. Fussell and wife Nancy, Ferriday, LA; 3 grandchildren, Fay Elizabeth Travis Sanchez and husband Ray, Mont Belvieu, TX, Kate Fussell Balestra and husband Ralph, Belle Chasse, Abby Charlene Fussell, Metairie; 5 great grandchildren, Michael Joseph Sanchez and wife Jessica, Matthew Jared Sanchez and wife Heather, Ralph Luke Balestra, IV, Kohlston Benja Tillman, Beau Wallace Balestra; numerous other family members.

Preceded in death by parents, Fletcher & Nancy Ricks Fussell; wife, Margarette Hyde Fussell; daughter, Nancy Irene Fussell; siblings, Howard, Dessie, Norma, Ralph, Freler Fussell, Hazel Fussell Varnado & Grace Fussell Varnado.

Mr. Roscoe was a lifelong resident of Bolivar.

Visitation at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, July 18, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Elder Mason Miley and Elder Doyle Ball officiating. Interment in the Bolivar Baptist Church Cemetery, Bolivar, LA

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N and Hwy 16W (Exit 46) next to Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

 

 

Saturday

 

“There is no fear in love.

But perfect love drives out fear .…” 

~1 John 4:18 NIV~ 

 

The Hatchels should be close to boarding the second flight, the transatlantic one!  This is by far the hardest of the three flights.  Please pray for them the remainder of the day. Then, they will go through customs and begin the last flight home.  Pray for them as they make all three flights.

 

Have a super Saturday!

Anna Lee

 

Iran tells Christian pastor: recant or face execution 

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35761

 

Heart to Heart with Holley:You’re going to make it over that wall…

Posted: 15 Jul 2011 11:38 AM PDT

Hey you,

staring at that wall, wondering, “Is there a way over this thing?”

Oh, yes.

With God all things are possible. Matthew 9:26

He’ll make a way.

And He’ll help you climb, jump, knock-down, whatever it takes.

It may not happen in the timing you want. Or how you imagine.

But it will happen.

In the meantime, don’t let that wall fool you.

It can’t hold you back, keep you down, make you stuck.

Nope, walls don’t have that much power.

And it’s just a matter of time before your Jericho happens–

when the trumpet sounds and deliverance is yours.

There’s no wall too tall.

No situation too difficult.

No challenge too great.

So press in, press on, and never give up

until that wall comes tumbling down.

Friday Evening

Jadon’s Story: Boston dates and getting stronger

Posted: 14 Jul 2011 08:38 PM PDT


We finally got our dates for Boston. My mommy and I will be leaving July 31. I will be admitted for a 48 hour EEG on August 1. I will have my PET scan done August 2nd. Then I will be released August 3rd and I will come home August 4th. My daddy is going to stay home with my brother this time. So it will just be me and mom but we will be fine. Boston has become our 2nd home so we know how to stay safe. Other than that I continue to make progress everyday it seems like. I’ve always been able to get into the crawling position with assistants. Well just look at my picture. I’m doing it all by myself. No rice and no one making me. Wow this is huge progress for me. God is truly awesome.

Mrs. Kathryn Kuss is in room 4010 at North Oaks.  Pray for her and for her family.

Jimmy Schwartz was admitted to North Oaks today and just moved to ICU room 3006. Pray for Jimmy, his family, and the medical staff caring for him.

Momma is still in ICU, room 3008.  Pray for us as we continue to help care for her.

My uncle, Fred Widas of Roseland, is very ill.  Please pray for his children and grandchildren.

Betty Lou Clark Allen

(March 11, 1949 – July 13, 2011)

Betty Lou Clark Allen

Betty Lou Clark Allen was born March 11, 1949 and passed away at 4:45 p.m., Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family. She was 62, a native of Lepanto, AR and a resident of Kentwood.

Mrs. Betty is survived by her husband, Keith Allen, Kentwood; 2 children, Michael Keith Allen & Rae Lynn, Nashville, TN and Curtis Keith Allen, Jr. & Leigh Ann, Chatawa, MS; grandson, Zachary “Zac” Allen, Denham Springs; brother; Jerry L . Clark and wife Betty, Kentwood, brother-in-law, James Allen & wife Hazel, Kentwood; sister-in-law, Dorothy Allen Gill and husband Billy, Kentwood; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family; also by her beloved pet Jazz.

Preceded in death by her parents, Lee & Cleo Somthers Clark.

Mrs. Betty was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Kentwood.

Visitation at First Baptist Church of Kentwood, Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Joey Miller officiating. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood.

In lieu of flowers the family request Memorial Donations be made to Men’s Seekers Class of First Baptist Church of Kentwood, 210 Ave. “E”, Kentwood, LA 70444.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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

Helen Slade Willims
(January 24, 1938 – July 15, 2011)

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Helen Slade Williams was born January 24, 1938 and passed away at 8:40 a.m., Friday, July 15, 2011 at Specialty LTCH Hospital-Hammond. She was 73 and a resident of Roseland.

Mrs. Helen is survived by 2 daughters, Kathy H. Tullos, Amite & Shirley Hammond, Spencer, NY; son, Patrick Henry Fields and wife Vicky, Roseland; 4 sisters, Irma Easley and husband David, Wilmer, Gerri Ann Stout and husband Daniel, Roseland, Linda Richardson Ball and husband Richard, Ponchatoula, Elagha Corbin, Roseland; 2 brothers, Carl Slade, Alabama, Charles “Butch” Slade and wife Nancy, Amite; 12 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents, Luther & Irma Black Slade; husband, Floyd Williams; 3 sons, Alfred Henry Fields, III, Jessie James Hammond, Larry Wayne Hammond; 2 daughters, Marylin Faye Hammond, Karen Sue Hammond; 2 brothers, Ronald Wayne Slade, David Crockett Slade.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Friday

Pray for the Hatchels as they fight a virus running through the family. They will be traveling before you wake up in the morning, so do your praying for traveling grace today.  Their arrival time will be during your next night’s sleep.  That means they will travel all day long on our Saturday plus some hours before and after.  Then, pray they can rest some Sunday and get adjusted to the time difference.  (That is the part of traveling that is hardest for me.)

 

Pray that Momma does not have A-fib today.  Pray she will be soon well enough to be moved out of ICU.

 

Baptist Press Story – “Fatal Car Crash Didn’t Kill Her Calling”

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=35749 

“God Will Take Care of You”

This is the song I have always fallen back on when stress was trying to take over.  I have played this one song over and over on the piano for hours.  I hope it sticks in my head today and stays there.

http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh130.sht

Thursday Evening

From Pam Sellers

Please pray for Angie Trabona, niece of Chippy and Dee Fitz. She has a mass on her spinal cord that is causing some numbness in her legs and feet. She is in North Oaks and will be there until her surgery on Tuesday, July 19.

CaringBridge:CarolineCutrer

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carolinecutrer

CaringBridge:LoganWatts

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganwatts

 

 

Momma (Dot Smith)

Momma had a good day today, but slipped back into A-fib about noon.

 

Hatchels

Miles and Mason are slowly recovering from a virus.  Boyd is sick now.  He also has an appointment for a MRI tomorrow.  Please pray for the Boyd and the boys to recover quickly and for Jennie and the girls to remain healthy.  They have three flights scheduled in about 36 hours.

Obituary for Betty Allen

Betty Lou Clark Allen was born March 11, 1949 and passed away at 4:45 p.m., Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family. She was 62, a native of Lepanto, AR and a resident of Kentwood.

Mrs. Betty is survived by her husband, Keith Allen, Kentwood; 2 children, Michael Keith Allen & Rae Lynn, Nashville, TN and Curtis Keith Allen, Jr. & Leigh Ann, Chatawa, MS; grandson, Zachary “Zac” Allen, Denham Springs; brother, Jerry L . Clark and wife Betty, Kentwood, brother-in-law, James Allen & wife Hazel, Kentwood; sister-in-law, Dorothy Allen Gill and husband Billy, Kentwood; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family; also by her beloved pet Jazz.

Preceded in death by her parents, Lee & Cleo Somthers Clark.

Mrs. Betty was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Kentwood.

Visitation at First Baptist Church of Kentwood, Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Joey Miller officiating. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood.

In lieu of flowers the family request Memorial Donations be made to Men’s Seekers Class of First Baptist Church of Kentwood, 210 Ave. “E”, Kentwood, LA 70444.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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

Thursday

Trust in Him at all times, you people;

pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us.”

~Psalm 62:8~

 

Continue to pray for Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Harrell.  They continue to struggle with health issues while maintaining a sweet, sweet spirit.  May God bless them both today.


Mrs. Shirley Frazier is home, but is not better.  Pray for a solution to her health issues.

 

Pray for the family of Betty Allen as they make plans for her funeral.  Betty has a healthy, healed body now!  We can all be happy for her.

 

Today begins week three for Momma being in North Oaks.  I’m hoping and praying she will get out of ICU real soon.

 

Yesterday, Miles and Mason Hatchel had a virus.  Pray everyone is healthy for the flights to New Orleans Saturday.  When you get up Saturday morning, the Hatchels will be well on their way.  When you go to be Saturday night they will still be flying.  Pray for two sets of grandparents who are anxious to see them.

 

 

Do something special for someone else today.

Anna Lee

 

 

Wednesday Evening

Momma had a good day – the best in two weeks.  Continue to pray for her and for us.

William D. Edwards
(March 13, 1927 – July 13, 2011)

A resident of Ponchatoula, he died at 12:48 a.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at his home. He was born March 13, 1927 in Amite and was 84 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Lucille F. Edwards; two sons, Leo Edwards and William D. Edwards, Jr.; 3 step-sons, Micheal Cook, Frank Weems and James Weems; sister, Mary Louise Edwards McGehee; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, Charlie and Mittie C. Edwards; son, Gerald Wayne Edwards; step-son, Jay Weems; brother, Lewis Edwards; sister, Lucille Edwards White. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 15, 2011. Interment Alfred Stevens Cemetery, Amite.

Betty Allen
(March 11, 1949 – July 13, 2011)

Betty Allen was born March 11, 1949 and passed away at 4:45 p.m. at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family. She was 62 and a resident of Kentwood.

Arrangements are incomplete.

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

The family will meet at 2 P.M. tomorrow to make arrangements.  Please keep them in your prayers.

Tuesday

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance,

but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

~Proverbs 20:15~

Dennis Walker called David with news that some mutual friends who are missionaries had their first salvation experience in their ministry recently.  They have been working at it for six years.  Thank God for His faithfulness as well as the determination of the family to continue sharing the Good News!

Dennis Walker visited in the ICU yesterday – just when I really needed to see a familiar face.  I’m so glad God sent him!  The timing was perfect.  I keep singing “In His Time” to myself.

Momma had a difficult day yesterday, but a new medicine was tried that seemed to help her overcome her anxiety.  More of her regular medicines will be started today.  I think that will be good.  Continue to pray for all of us.

Boyd saw a doctor yesterday.  Another MRI will be done Friday so he can bring the results with him.  He has an appointment Wednesday in Metairie.  God was really at work in getting all these things lined up in a timely manner.

Jennie just told me the big suitcases are packed.  She is now working on the carry-ons.  Can you tell I’m getting very excited?

CaringBridge: LoganWatts

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/loganwatts

Jadon’s Story:

Medication reaction/new tricks

Posted: 11 Jul 2011 09:06 AM PDT


Things have been crazy the last couple of days. I had a bad reaction to the lamictal. I broke out in a rash. It was horrible and I was miserable. My neurologist called to check on me twice a day. So you know it was bad if the neurologist was calling twice a day. We stopped the lamictal and with 48 hours the rash was gone. We have started the lamictal again and so for so good. We went back down to 15 mg twice a day. We will increase it again in 2 weeks but this time only by 5mg instead of 10mg. If I break out we will stop using it. So we will see how I do in two weeks. I still do not have dates for Boston. My orders are in and we are waiting for the hospital to call and schedule it. It is taking longer than expected because we want to have both test done while in the hospital instead of having to go twice. I will let you know dates when I find them out. Thanks for praying for me. I’m leaving you a video of me shaking my head yes. I’m also leaving a picture of me holding on to the fence and standing. I’m also pointing to my head when you ask me where is my head. I will have to get a video and share that soon. So even with the horrible rash, I’m making progress. I’m such an amazing little guy. My family is so proud of my development.
“In His Time”
God speaks to me many ways.  One is through hymns that have been part of my whole life.  I hope these hymns speak to you too!
Anna Lee

Sunday

Caroline Cutrer

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carolinecutrer

Please continue to pray for Caroline, her extended family, and the medical staff at Children’s Hospital in Jackson where she has been treated.

 

I understand Mary Womack, Tom Brister, and George Eddie Lee were all at church today.  Thank God for the progress each of them has made.

 

Momma (Dot Smith)

We’ve been on a roller coaster ride this last week and a half.  When I left Momma a few minutes ago, she was eating her first meal in a week and a half. A procedure that was done yesterday stopped the A-fib.  Thank God for her progress so far.  She still needs more improvement.  We’re trusting God to continue to walk each step of the way with us.  Thanks for your concern for her and for us.

 

Hatchels

The vehicle Jennie and Boyd will be using for the next six months is parked at my house.  Thanks to Ron Phillips of Humboldt, Tennessee who has made nine mission trips to Romania.  He took responsibility for providing a vehicle at a good price, got insurance, etc.  What a blessing he has been!  Pray for the Hatchels as they pack and complete their work in Prague before the trip to NOBTS Saturday.

 

“Trusting Jesus”

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/r/trusting.htm