Today, let’s focus on our country and our relationship to other countries. I don’t have all the answers, but I know who does.
SERMON TOPIC and BIBLE PASSAGE
Wednesday, March 22
“The Chosen”
Romans 9
COMING SOON
Wednesday, March 29 – “A Night of Joy”
I don’t know the people who will be in our church, but let’s trust our staff and show-up to enjoy a different kind of Wednesday night service. This will be a one night event, so if we miss being there, we miss it.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Many of us. at FBC, Kentwood. think we have a great Sunday School teacher. Mrs. Barbara Baugh is teaching my class. She has both Biblical knowledge and many years of school teaching experience. She is an excellent teacher.
If you are not in a class, please check around and choose a class or two to visit. Then, make your decision. If unsure, the staff and various church members can help guide you.
THANKS
Thanks for reading and praying each day. You make a difference in many lives, events, and services, not by reading, but by praying, doing, and giving.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
A 100% of the money we give helps to support mission work in North America, Canada and the U.S.. We all know of people in our own families and neighborhoods who need to trust their eternal future to God.
OBITUARIES
I’m posting this obituary because JoAnn and her siblings were some of our “bus members” and our youth at Roseland Baptist Church. We spend many hours together each week. She was a sweet young lady.
Janet “JoAnn” McLeod Stogner
LN Hughes Funeral Services Mar 19, 2023
Janet “JoAnn” McLeod Stogner passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at her daughter’s residence in Denham Springs, Louisiana, at the age of 64. She was born on Wednesday, December 31, 1958 in Independence, Louisiana and resided in Amite, Louisiana. JoAnn enjoyed grilling, gardening, talking about politics, reading, and enjoying time outside with her family until she was ready for them to leave. She was a great daughter, an amazing mom, and a loving MeMe, who was deeply loved by her family and will be dearly missed.
JoAnn is survived by her beloved family: her daughters, Brandi Zachary and Heather Cole; grandchildren, Nekole Wall, Tyler Wall, Charli Cole, and Liam Jenkins; siblings, Sue Letard Deville, Donald McLeod, and Stacie McLeod. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Muttly” Cole; parents, Pearl Hodges McLeod and Jessie Harold McLeod, Sr.; and brothers, Jessie Harold McLeod, Jr. and Douglas Earl McLeod.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of JoAnn’s Life in the Chapel of LN Hughes Funeral Services, 21400 South I-12 Service Road, Ponchatoula, Louisiana on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Charlie Schwartz brought it to our attention last night that Dwain Morris was the wife of Coach Morris in Loranger. She passed away four days after he did and on the morning of his funeral. This family could use some extra prayers.
ILLNESSES
There are a number of people from Kentwood who are ill, some at home and some in the hospital. Please pray for them.
CHOIR, BAND, and MUSIC LEADERSHIP
You did an excellent job yesterday morning ! Later, the people of FBC, Greensburg were so pleased with your special music. Thanks so much. We are blessed and thankful for all the talent we have at our church.
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today, let’s thank God for the talented people who have invested so many hours in school band,choir, private lessons, and/or church music training . Let’s pray for the children and youth to grow to love music as much as many of the older members. These investments will make a big difference in future years.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
O. C. C. is doing very well this year with participation and collections. I’m thankful for each of you who has given time and/or items. Our leadership this year has been great.
We thank those who donated crayons, coloring books, and three boxes of jump ropes yesterday. The March needs were shared in the Sunday School classrooms the by our OCC leadership the first Sunday of the month. If you are unsure of a current need, please ask me.
Your participation has been a real blessing this year.
THANK-YOU
Many of you have shared “The Prayer Link” with family, friends, and neighbors. How do I know? I frequently have a person introduce themselves to me, tell me they appreciate TPL and who told them about reading daily.
One of my junior high clessmare at AHS passed away. Sheryl Andrus Carnegie, passed away Saturday morning. Her service will be Thursday, March 23 from 5-7pm at Goodwood Church of Christ in Baton Rouge. Obituary will be posted later.
Dwain Vickers Morris
April 5, 1935 – March 18, 2023
A resident of Loranger, LA, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at her home. She was born April 5, 1935 in Sturgis, MS and was 87 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Morris Richardson and husband Glenn; 3 sons, James Alan Morris and wife Peggy, Stephen Wayne Morris and wife Debbie, and Martin Gibson Morris and wife Scarlet; 5 grandchildren, Mindi Morris Campbell and husband Trent, Joshua Mark Morris and wife Stacy, Michael James Baham and wife Minette, Richard Forest Baham and wife Erica, and Melissa Morris Thibodeaux; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon Leigh Sullivan; and brother, James Marshall Vickers. Preceded in death by her loving husband of 71 years, James Gibson “Coach” Morris; her father, Marshall Morris Vickers; mother, Mary Marvel Vickers; brother, David Hyle Vickers; sister, Elva Nell Vickers Waits; great-great-granddaughter, Ellie Ann Baham. Visitation at New Sharon Baptist Church, Husser, from 12:30PM until religious services at 2:00PM on Monday, March 20, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Michael James Baham and assisted by Trent Campbell. Interment White’s Cemetery, Husser, LA. Pallbearers will be Josh Morris, Ricky Baham, Cody Campbell, Ashton Morris, Colton Morris, River Baham, Creek Baham, Talon Thibodeaux, Lincoln Baham, and James “Bachie” Vickers. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
“Refusing to admit my sin can only cause . . . . “
ANNIE ARMSTRO
Did Annie Armstrong marry?
It wasn’t just supporting other missionaries that kept Annie busy. While she never married or had children, she served as a Sunday School teacher for children from toddlers to age 12 for over 50 years. She volunteered at a shelter for poor children.
TRAIL LIFE and OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
What a wonderful morning we had working together! The boys learned about “Shoeboxes” and made beautiful bead necklaces which they placed in an “Shoebox” to represent packing a “Shoebox” and including one of their bead necklaces. The boys were both attentive and well behaved. We also had adult helpers who filled their role well.
If you see one one the Trail Life members, ask them to tell you about Operation Christmas Child – why we pack “Shoeboxes”, how we get the boxes to the children, and about who the children can learn about because of the “Shoeboxes”. You may be surprised with their knowledge. You probably will get good answers from the adults too.
If you know of any adults who helped, asked them about the well-behaved group they worked with and how welll and quickly they made bead necklaces for the boys.
Bro. Darryl came by and observed for a few minutes, I think he surely observed some good listeners and hard workers.
What a great morning!
SERMON TOPIC AND SCRIPTURE PASSAGE FOR THIS MORNING”S SERMON
Sunday, March 19
“Judgement is Coming”
Ezekiel 4
FBC, Kentwood @ 10:30
PRAYER FOCUS for TODAY
Today, let’s thank God for boys who gave up their regular Saturday morning and came to church to make necklaces for boys, not for a good friend, but for boys they will never meet. Also, thank God for the parents and other adults who are positive influences on their lives. Pray the boys and adults learned a little about “missions”, even though that word was never used yesterday.
This morning there will be a join meeting so the boys can learn about Operation Christmas Child and make items that will be packed in the 2023 “Shoeboxes”.
PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY
This morning, please pray for the adults and the children at the meeting mentioned above. Pray for adults to lead and guide and for the boys to learn and make contributions to what is packed and shipped this year.
ANNIE ARMSTRONG– Annie’s Contributions
Started Bay View Mission for Baltimore’s poor and addicted
Served as the first executive of Woman’s Missionary Union.
Led the formation of missions’ organizations for children
Raised support for missionaries to Italian and Jewish immigrants
Refused a salary because she would never give to the Lord “that which costs me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24)
Initiated fund-raising “brick cards” to build churches in Cuba
Gained support for the first black, female missionaries
Secured funds to relieve China missionary, Lottie Moon, who had served for 11 years without a furlough
Advocated for Native Americans and impoverished mountain people
Honored in 1934 when The Home Missions Offering was re-named for her to encourage more to follow her sacrificial example
TOMORROW
Tomorrow is the Lord’s Day. Make so preparations today so tomorrow will run smoothly.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives. If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
Andy Taylor called to tell me how several of his relatives had been so blessed to have great, unexpected medical reports. He also shared more of his own journey during the last few months and talked about the faithfulness of Betty to stuck with him through the last few difficult months as well as the faithfulness of God to both of the. God is still working in Andy and several of his family members. Andy wanted us to hear that they have been so blessed!
MORE SURGERY
Robin Alford has had another surgery on her foot she broke a couple years ago. She now has a remote control to help with pain relief. Some technology! Let’s pray this surgery and the remote control relieve her pain.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
March 17
Isaiah 53
Romans 5: 6-8
I Peter 1: 18-21
“God’s love for me is seen in . . . . “
Annie Armstrong (1850-1938)
Annie Armstrong was unstoppable in her passion for missions.
Annie was born in Baltimore at a time when there was little opportunity for women. Yet, her devotion to Christ led her to a life of service and leadership. She organized women to pray, to give and to meet the needs around them. She challenged pastors and churches to action and rallied vital support for missionaries. Ultimately, Annie was recognized as a national Southern Baptist trailblazer for her visionary leadership that still inspires millions today.
What a glorious thing it is to be a co-worker with God in winning the world for Christ.– Annie Armstrong
TRAIL LIFE MEETS OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
I’m so excited for tomorrow to get here so TRAIL LIFE can be introduced to OCC and get to complete some projects that will be included in our 2023 boxes. Our first joint meeting will be tomorrow. It will be a service project for the boys. Hopefully, we will have an opportunity to work together on a regular schedule.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
Gifts to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering are used to train and resource missionaries in church planting and compassion ministries. Gifts are also used to create evangelism resources. New churches are being planted, hurts are being healed and lives are being transformed by the gospel because you give.
SENIOR ADULT MARCH LUNCH
THIRTY-THREE senior adults were in attendance for out monthly lunch. Joe’s Italian Restaurant served us delicious lunches. About half of the senior adults who attended rode the new church bus for it’s first FBC,Kentwood trip.
TRAIL LIFE MEETS OCC
There will be a joint meeting for the boys of OFF and some ladies from OCC Saturday morning at 9:00 A.M.. The ladies will assist the boys in making two different projects that will be included in our “Shoeboxes” later this year. They will also learn about what we pack and why,es as well as where the “Shoebox” are going and why. It’s going to be a great morning for everyone.
READ the BIBLE
March 16
Isaiah 59: 1-8
Ezekiel 18:20
Romans 3: 9-23
“The sin I need the strength to overcome is . . . “.
Rhonda Miller is doing well at home following surgery. Please pray for her and for her family.
OBITUARY
James Gibson “Coach” Morris
May 29, 1935 – March 14, 2023
A resident of Loranger, LA, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at his home. He was born May 29, 1935 in Jasper, AL and was 87 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Dwain Vickers Morris; daughter, Debra Morris Richardson and husband Glenn; 3 sons, James Allen Morris and wife Peggy, Stephen Wayne Morris and wife Debbie, and Martin Gibson Morris and wife Scarlet; 5 grandchildren, Mindi Morris Campbell, Joshua Mark Morris, Michael James Baham, Richard Forest Baham, and Melissa Morris Thibodeaux; and 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and the hundred of kids that he taught and coached in his many years at Loranger High School. Preceded in death by his mother, Lola Mae Lyman; father, Walter Eugene Lyman; and great-great-granddaughter, Ellie Ann Baham. Visitation at New Sharon Baptist Church, Husser, from 9:30AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Services conducted by her grandson, Rev. Michael James Baham. Interment White’s Cemetery, Husser, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for those who pack “Shoeboxes” and those who contribute items to be packed. Pray for other mission projects in our churches whether they are local, in our country, or international. Thank God for those who serve as our representatives in all these area.
Many mission projects have hands-on ways you can be a part of their ministry to others, Those who are called should go. Others, should help to help meet their needs. We can all be a part of missions!
THANKS
Thanks to all of you who pass on information about this daily posting. I regularly meet people who say “Did you say Anna Lee? I read what you write every morning.” Thank you for sharing!
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
Today, I’m sharing the obituaries of two ladies who set examples and shared their strong faith. One attended FBC, Amite and the other FBC, Independence. I knew them and appreciated their examples of sharing their faith and God’s love.
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at her home. She was born October 13, 1931 in Amite, LA and was 91 years of age. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Amite and a retired bank manager. She is survived by her daughter, Linda V. Husser and husband, Kenneth D. Husser; son, Ronald Vining and wife, Christy S. Vining; 6 grandchildren, John A. Husser and wife, Ashley W. Husser, Jennifer H. Reitz and husband, Joseph B. Reitz, Jr., Daniel A. Vining and wife, Elizabeth D. Vining, Blake E. Vining and wife, Valerie Vining, Brock E. Vining, and Levi W. Vining; 8 great-grandchildren, Joseph B. Reitz, III and wife Jenna D. Reitz, Jeremiah K. Reitz, Jayden F. Reitz, Trystyn Vining, Allie Vining, Alexis B. Vining, Beau M. Vining, Bristol R. Vining and Lena; brother, Alfred Hayden. Preceded in death by husband, John W. Vining; parents, Forace and Leander Hayden; 2 sisters, Marybelle Hayden Brumfield and Gussie H. Stevens; 2 brothers, Ellis P. Hayden and Horace E. Hayden. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Foster. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Carolyn Jane McElveen Baham
August 4, 1929 – January 17, 2023
Carolyn Jane McElveen Baham, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away on January 17, 2023. She was 93 years old, and throughout her life was known for her nurturing, kind, and thoughtful ways. She was a person of very strong faith and a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Independence, Louisiana. She truly had the heart of a servant and was always there to support, encourage, and advocate for anyone in need. In early adulthood she was employed by Lallie Kemp Hospital in Independence, where she took X-ray dictation and worked in the business office. Later in life she was part owner of Buster’s Furniture in Amite, Louisiana, serving primarily as office manager and administrator. She was preceded in death by her husband, L.E. “Buster” Baham, and her brother, R.E. McElveen, Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Martha Buchanan and Rebecca Fabre (Jody), her granddaughter, Colleen Fabre, siblings Elsie Danley and Jerry McElveen (Sue), and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Due to recent exposure to Covid among family members, a private graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Amite Memorial Gardens. A celebration of life service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 1:00PM at First Baptist Church in Independence. Her family gratefully acknowledges the kind and loving care provided by New Hope Manor skilled nursing facility in Cedar Park, Texas and Silverado Hospice of Austin, Texas. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
March 15
Genesis 18: 20-19:29
2 Peter 2:4-10
“A destruction I have seen sin cause is . . . . “
ANNIE ARMSTRONG EASTER OFFERING
THEME: United to Reach North America with the Gospel
What is the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering?
The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering (AAEO) is the primary way Southern Baptists fund missions in North America. One hundred percent of gifts given to AAEO go to the field to support more than 2,400 missionary families serving across the United States and Canada.
Our Responsibility – Our prayers and offerings allow the 2,400 missionary families in the United States and Canada to serve and share.
TRAIL LIFE AND OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Saturday morning, these two groups will join together as a learning opportunity for the boys and give them the “tools” needed to complete some craft projects that will be sent to boys worldwide in our 2023 “Shoeboxes”. This will be a great opportunity for both groups and hopefully will work into more opportunities.
HEALTH ISSUES
Ruby Schwartz will be having knee replacement surgery next week.
Laurie Miller will he having back surgery next month.
Pray for Rhonda Miller as she has surgery and begins recovery.
Take a few minutes to read some of these articles you will not find in a regular newspaper.
TONIGHT AT FBC, KENTWOOD
Nursery for all babies and young children
Children’s class
Youth gathering
Adult prayer meeting – “Eternal Love and Forgiveness, Romans 8: 19-29
Thank-you for reading and praying. Let’s make a difference in Kentwood and the surrounding areas today. Take Him with you wherever you go and use the opportunities God provides to share with people He places in your path. Make today count for Jesus!
“ ‘ “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’
This is a monthly gathering at New Zion Baptist Church at 11:00 A.M. on the second Tuesday of each month. They had been on a long break that started with Covid, but hope to begin meeting again. You are asked to bring a favorite food to share. They will provide chicken and beverages. The meeting feature special entertainment each month . It’s a good way to see friends and neighbors. Aubrey McMillian can be contacted if you have any questions.
SENIOR ADULTS of FBC
The senior adults of FBC, Kentwood will travel to Hammond Wednesday to eat Italian “Dutch treat”. Call the church office for more information. They need a count for the restaurant.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
David and I stopped at Walmart in Ponchatoula on our way home from taking our daughter to the airport yesterday. I noticed some “Clearance” items right after I walked in. The very first box had packages of two “Fidget” toys normally priced at $1.25 on sale for $.25. Of course, I bought them! I spent money from a friend in Hammond. I got 102 toys for less than $15.00. They will be good fillers for our boxes because they don’t take up much room. What another blessing for our Shoeboxes!
PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY
There are many churches in our area who are packing Shoeboxes this year. Many or shopping regularly, just as we are. It is interesting when people say “Are you packing Shoeboxes? We are!.” Last Thursday on our way to meet our daughter, we were in a store where there were at least three groups shopping for Shoeboxes.
Please pray for all those shopping for items for their Shoeboxes. Thank God for them and their churches. Pray they may all have funds to spend and items they need in the stores they to purchase. Thank God for Samaritan’s Purse and its worldwide ministry to help more and more children “meet” Jesus. Thank God for the many items we are able to place in each Shoebox.
OBITUARY
Lee Roy Varnado
July 16, 1969 – March 11, 2023
Lee Roy Varnado, born in Hammond, LA July 16, 1969, passed into his eternal rest in Enon, LA on March 11, 2023 at his sister and brother-in-law’s home. If you knew anything about Lee then you knew how much he loved his family and friends. You also know what a character he was – always cracking a joke on someone just to see their reaction. Lee has been sick for a very long time, but he is now completely healed and has a brand new body and a perfect set of lungs. Lee Roy is survived by his son Shawn Walker and wife Beth and his two beautiful granddaughters Lexie and Lizzie. Lee was so proud to be Shawn’s daddy but even more so to be called PawPaw by his “little angels”. Lee is also survived by his brother Jeff Rhodus (Jolene); his sisters Becky Varnado (Todd) and Julie Mizell (Jeff); brother-in-law Ricky Ballard; nephews Joshua Ballard (Mindy), Justin Ballard (Jessica). Tommy Mizell (Ana), Derrick Barber (Missy) and Ethan Rhodus; nieces Hanna Ballard, Angelica Magee (Nick) and Grace Mizell; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents LeRoy Varnado, Bessie and William Rhodus; his sister Elizabeth Ann Ballard; and his grandparents. Lee knew his time left of Earth was coming to an end, and he made his earthly preparations but more importantly Lee made his eternal preparations. Lee accepted the gift of salvation from His Savior Jesus Christ and was not ashamed to share that faith with any and all – even if they didn’t want to hear it. Lee loved Jesus and would often say, “Man I don’t know how I ever made it through life without Him, but I’m so glad He saved an old sinner like me.” If Lee could share one last thing with anyone it would be the knowledge that Jesus Loves You and He died for You, don’t waste that gift. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Friday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
TOPIC AND BIBLE PASSAGEfor WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER MEETING
March 15 – “Eternal Love and Forgiveness” – Romans 8: 29–39
Today, let’s pray for all the families with new babies in our community, our church, and our families. May each family train up their baby (babies) in a way that will please God.
ANNIE ARMSTRONG EASTER OFFERING
The these for 2023 is “United”. Let us be united with others to share God’s message to people all across North America (USA and Canada). If you think we don’t need to focus on North America, do this: Spend three minutes to think about your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and people you meet on the highways and in stores, restaurants, sporting events, etc. Do you know or even have a question about whether all of these people know Jesus and have a heavenly home waiting for them? The Annie Armstrong Offering helps to share the GOOD NEWS of JESUS to these people.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD UPDATE
I don’t know if I can tell about all the gifts from classes to our OCC “storehouse”, but here goes.
NEW HOPE – 90 – bandanas and 36 jumproses
BANK CLASS – 100 flashlights, each with one set of batteries
Although not turned in yet, I heard about bandaids and combx.
To correct Sunday’s bulletin, the men’s classes are collecting 5″ flashlights, not 5″ batteries.
OUR NEXT OCC WORKDAY will be April 1st. Please mark your calendars. We have more work to do such as completing the pencil bags for girls, making bendy people, taking items out of packaging. We use boys and girls and adults, male and female, town folks and country folks, church members and guests, etc. We would love to have you join our OCC team! We cannot thank our many helpers enough!
SHOW YOUR CHRISTIAN LOVE to someone who may be discouraged, grieving, or disappointed, those who are new to our church or community, your neighbor who may have a special need, a family with sickness, someone undergoing surgery or other medical procedures, someone you haven’t seen lately, but someone God has brought to mind, etc.
Pray for our daughter as she flies home tonight. Thank-you!
SECRET PLANS: Two of our friends and church members will be celebrating birthdays on the 17th and the 19th. It’s “Miss” Ruby Dillon and Mr. “Cete” Dillon. What’s so special about that? She will be 93 and he will be 97. If you feel led to do so, get a card or two in the mail in the next couple of days. They will be thrilled!
Obituary will be posted later.
The Prayer Link 
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