In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

~James 2:17~

OBITUARIES

Brian Gordon Dugas

1963 – 2023

Brian Gordon Dugas passed away on August 15, 2023 at his home in Denham Springs, LA. He was born on July 29, 1963 in Baton Rouge, LA. His Celebration of Life will be held at Hebron Baptist Church, 24063 Hwy 16, Denham Springs, LA 70726 on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 5pm till 8pm and Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 12pm till 2pm, service to follow. The burial will be at Duncan Cemetery, 22111 Hwy 441, Kentwood, LA 70444 at 4:30 pm.

Carolyn Ann Easley

September 3, 1938 – August 20, 2023

Carolyn Ann Easley, a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023 in the St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, Louisiana. She was born on September 3, 1938 in Kentwood, Louisiana and was 84 years of age at the time of her passing. She was the loving daughter of Everett and Louise Easley. 

Carolyn was retired from Louisiana State University in New Orleans, where she was a teacher of nursing for more than 30 years. She also practiced nursing at Ochsner Medical Center, conducted seminars and received several awards for her outstanding teachings. In addition, she received her Doctorate of Philosophy at the University of Texas in Austin, which she stated was her proudest moment.

Carolyn was kind, devoted and hard working. She was loved and admired by her family, friends, students and patients. She valued family and made every moment count. She enjoyed world travel with her friends, outdoor life, camping, fishing, and especially gardening. She was a devoted catholic, had a heart for giving and dedicated her life to helping others.

After retiring from her nursing career in New Orleans, Carolyn moved back to her hometown of Kentwood.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Everett L. Easley and Louise Schwartz Easley, her sisters, Vera Easley Macaluso, Barbara Easley, Shira Easley, and one brother, Everett “Larry” Easley. She is also preceded in death by her great nieces, Alexa and Ava Normand, and long-time friend, Barbara Steib.

Carolyn is survived by her two nephews, Michael Macaluso (Stacie) and Tim Macaluso (Tracie), two nieces, Karyn Easley Badeaux (Travis) and Kristin Easley Normand (Troy), and many great nephews and nieces.

Carolyn was loved, one of a kind and will be dearly missed, as she touched many lives. 

Memorial Services will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, LA on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 9am-11am with services following at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Research Center, httsp://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate 1-800-272-3900 or Alzheimer’s Association of Louisiana, https://Marybird.org/giving/donate-today as Carolyn was fond of both organizations.

We are most grateful for all of the prayers and support that our family received.
God Bless! McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

READ the Bible

• Tuesday, August 22
• Jeremiah 1: 4-19
• “I can identify with Jeremiah because . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s pray for the students who are in a new school this year and for those who have not been in school anywhere before this year. Often, they have many adjustments to make.

Pray for this to be a relatively smooth process. Also, pray for those in new home environments with new family members. These and other changes can make for a difficult school adjustment.These are the students who often make it difficult for other students and even teachers.

Pray for the teachers and the other students too. These situations, when not handled well, can make everyone in the class uncomfortable and add unnecessary stress for everyone. Remember, even little kids can have big problems and not have the skills to handle situations well.

Thank-you for “tuning in” and praying today.

Anna Lee

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

~John 8:12~

Today’s Bible Reading

I Timothy. 1: 12-17

“I know God has forgiven me for . . . .”

Surgery

Pray for Mrs. Ruth Cutrer as she has knee surgery Wednesday.

OCC Packing Parties

We have two packing parties on the church calendar. They will be in October, our usual packing month.

Request?

If you have a prayer request you wish to add to TPL, use the contact button on the right side of the screen to write me. I will get your request as G-mail when I turn the computer on the next morning. This process was tested again last week. It works!

Have a great day! Sometime soon, we will get some cooler temperatures.

Anna Lee

To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.

~Revelation 3:21~

READ the BIBLE

• Week 32
• Sunday
• Exodus 3:1 – 4:17
• “Moses and I are alike in that . . . .”

OBITUARY

Rene’ August Ponsaa, Jr.

March 1, 1943 – August 17, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home in Reserve, LA. He was born March 1, 1943 in New Orleans, LA and was 80 years of age. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Sheryl Ann Miller and husband, Robert, and April Renee’ Hayden and husband, Greg; 2 sons, Rene’ August Ponsaa, III and wife, Sarah, and Brad Allen Ponsaa and wife, Ashley; grandchildren, Robert Gauthreaux, Kayli Gauthreaux, Gayden Gauthreaux, Corey Hayden, Grant Hayden, Drew Ponsaa, Adalyn Ponsaa, Ella Ponsaa, and Everett Ponsaa; 3 brothers, Wayne Ponsaa and wife, Aurita, Allan Ponsaa and wife, Debbie, and Don Ponsaa and wife, Cindy; and a sister, Sheila Ponsaa. Preceded in death by his wife, Betty Ann Ponsaa; and parents, Rene’ and Helen Ponsaa. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Memorial Services at 10:00AM on Friday, August 25, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Randy Foulks and Bro. Rusty Silvey. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

PRAYER FOCUS for TODAY

Today, let’s pray for the lack of rain and all associated problems – shrubbery and trees dying, ponds drying up, low water table, livestock with no green grass, etc. The lack of rain is a serious issue here.

Have a great day. Don’t forget it is the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

~Romans 1:17~

HEALTH ISSUES

Lawanna Carter‘s surgery went well. She thanks you for praying for her.

Rhonda Miller has been hospitalized in Covington. She was scheduled to go last night.

OBITUARY

Meveline Simmons Scalia

February 21, 1926 – August 16, 2023

Meveline Simmons Scalia went peacefully in her sleep into the loving arms of Jesus her Lord and Savior on August 16, 2023 at her home in Loranger LA. She was 97 years old. Meveline was born on February 21, 1926 to Henry “Bud” and Marie Simmons in Lexie MS. She was the oldest sister of Lois Neal, Donis Henderson, Genevieve Ard, Dorothy Baggett, and Clyde Henry Simmons all of whom preceded her in death.

She married her husband of 56 years, Sylvester Scalia, on April 12, 1947 in Arcola LA. Sylvester preceded her in death in 2004. They have two daughters Ann Scalia Neal (Bo) and Paula K. Faust (Roger), five grandchildren Jeffrey Kerr (LaDette), Bryan Neal (Juline), Amy Neal, Jonah Faust, and Jeremiah Faust (Kristie), eight great-grandchildren Krislyn Kerr, Kristofer Kerr, Madelyn Smith, Megan Smith, Nicholas Smith, Sylas Faust, Abby Faust, Miah Faust, and Noah Faust.

Meveline and Sylvester moved to San Jose CA in 1949. It was there that she received her certificate of training in semiconductor production. She worked at National Semiconductor until retirement. They returned to Louisiana in 1982.

Meveline was the kind of person who would call a stranger from the phone book because they had the same unique first name. She loved to show her friends and family all her different flowers when they were in bloom, and she would sit at the kitchen table and watch the hummingbirds at the window. She taught Sunday school, used her beautiful voice to sing in the church choir, and was the Women’s Missionary Union director at Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose CA and Loranger Baptist Church in Loranger LA, and has been a member of First Baptist Church of Amite LA for fourteen years. She attended church on Sunday even after she could no longer hear the sermons. She just wanted to be in the house of the Lord with her church family.

We call her Nana, and we firmly believe everyone should have a Nana. She was a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. But most importantly she was a Christian and a prayer warrior.

Pallbearers will be David Faunce, Jeff Kerr, Kristofer Kerr, Bryan Neal, Scott Puls, and Nick Smith.

Visitation will be held on Saturday August 19, 2023 from 12:00 noon until service 2:00 pm at McKneely Funeral Home of Amite. Dr. Matthew White will officiate the memorial service. Internment will be at Briar Patch Cemetery in Loranger LA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Amite LA building fund at PO Box 935 Amite LA 70422.For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

NEW MEMBER SUPPER

There was a good crowd of people for the supper last night. I hope they learned a lot about the church that will be helpful to them.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• Saturday
• Joshua 1
• “The key to overcoming fear is . . . .”

LORD’s DAY

Tomorrow is the Lord’s day. Make plans now to be there with your family.

The curriculum for the Explore the Bible Series completes the study of Jeremiah with “Just” from chapter 50.

Choose a class for those taught at your church. You’ll be blessed by being there and studying God’s word.

Anna Lee

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

~James 1:27~

READ the BIBLE for THURSDAY and FRIDAY

• THURSDAY
• John 12: 10-20
• Matthew 26: 47-56
• Matthew 26:69-75
• “When faith and fear clash, I choose . . .
• FRIDAY
• Daniell 3
• “Daniel and his friends prove that God . . . .”

HEALTH CONCERNS

Lawanna Carter is having some surgery in Baton Rouge today. Please pray for her.

OBITUARIES

Darrell Wall

May 8, 1956 – August 15, 2023

A resident of Purvis, MS, passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at St. Oaks Care Center in Carriere, MS. He was born May 8, 1956 in New Orleans, LA and was 67 years of age. He is survived by his 3 sons, Michael, Kenneth, and Walter Wall; 10 grandchildren; and many beloved family and friends. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday , August 19, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Will Wall and Bro. Derek Wall. Interment Arcola Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Mary Sheila Ardoin Crouch

October 18, 1950 – August 13, 2023

Mrs. Mary “Sheila” Crouch, 72 years old, retired from her life on earth and entered the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus on Sunday, August 13, 2023 in Montpelier, Louisiana. She was born on October 18, 1950 in New Roads, Louisiana. 

She has been a longtime resident of Montpelier and member of Montpelier Methodist Church. In more recent years, she joined and has been an active member of Live Oak Church in Watson, Louisiana.

She was a funny, genuine and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister in Christ to many. Next to Jesus and her service to Him, her family was her top priority. She loved cooking and baking for others, and many were blessed by these wonderful deeds. She loved playing booray with the family and being involved in the lives of her great grandchildren. All nine of them hold a huge place in her heart.

She was survived by her siblings: Sheryl Leblanc, Calvin Ardoin, T-Boy Ardoin, Bradford Ardoin, Charles Ardoin, Michael Ardoin and Liz Barker; her children: Roger Graham, Danna Graham Picard and Luther Graham; her grandchildren:Jake Graham (Ashton), Stephanie Gray, Janna Leger (Kade), Bruce Wiltz, and Destin Graham; and her great granchildren: Aven, Jacquelynn, Cullen, Annabella, Kent, Kallie, Colt, Evangeline and Klay.

She is preceded in death by her parents Joseph “To To” Ardoin Sr. and Ila Mae Rushing Ardoin; her husband Luther “Luke” Crouch; her son William “Noonie” Graham; and her siblings Connie Templeton, Ulynn Ardoin, Edwin Ardoin, Dwayne Ardoin, Delbert Ardoin and Chad Ardoin as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin Friday, August 18th from 6pm – 9pm at McKneely Funeral Home at 110 E. Factory St., Amite City, Louisiana, 70422. Visitation will continue Saturday, August 19th from 8am – 10am at Montpelier Methodist Church at 2052 St. Helena St., Montpelier, Louisiana, 70422. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 10am officiated by Pastor Stephen Hebert. 

Pallbearers will be Jake Graham, Bruce Wiltz, Michael Ardoin, Charles Ardoin, Greg Ardoin and Kade Leger.

The family would like to thank the staff at Modern Hospice of Hammond for their excellent care of Mrs. Sheila, especially Mrs. Lisa RN and Mrs. Zella CNA. Because of Mrs. Sheila’s great love for children, in lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org Interment Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

WILLIAM “BILL” PIERRE

October 21, 1948 – August 15, 2023

William “Bill” Pierre of Folsom, passed away Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. Bill was born October 21, 1948 to Gertrude Ard Pierre and Harrison Nacey Pierre. He was 74 years old . Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beverly Harris Pierre; and his son, Josh “ Fat Cat” Pierre. He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Pierre; son-in-law, Dustin Trinque-Lavare; grandchildren, Steven Sharp, Josh and Aloy Trinque-Lavare; brothers, Nathan and Paul Pierre; niece, Nicole Pierre and nephew, Michael Pierre. He is also survived by former spouse and mother of his children, Gloria Spears Pierre. He is also survived by many lifelong friends and extended family members. Bill grew up in Folsom on the family dairy farm and was a member of New Hope Pentecostal Church. Bill graduated from Loranger High School and attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army. He received many commendations and medals including the Purple Heart. After completing his military service, Bill returned home to the family farm. There he worked with his Dad Nacey milking cows, growing wheat, soybeans and driving a school bus route. He was a member of Florida Parish Co-Op Board. Bill loved the Lord, he enjoyed life and his family especially his grand kids. He is already greatly missed and will be in our hearts forever. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, August 21, 2023. Services conducted by Brenda Reid. Interment New Hope, Uneedus, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

New Church Member Supper

6:00 P.M. Tonight in the Fellowship Hall

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s thank God for weather that has been slightly cooler. It is not cold or even cool, but it has been an improvement.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

If you are studying from the “Explore the Bible” series, Sunday’s lesson is from Jeremiah 50. After that, we have one lesson from Lamentations before moving to Mark for the next quarter.

Have a fantastic day! Save the winter coat for another day.

Anna Lee

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

~1 Corinthians 13:12~

ILLNESSES

Pray for Mrs. Ruth Cutrer who has knee replacement surgery next week.

Mrs. Velma Anthony is now in Hood Memorial for rehabilitation.

Please continue to pray for Andy and Betty Taylor. Their journey has had lots of curves and bumps.

Andy Taylor asked for prayer for his sister, Cindy, who is now on hospice.

SERVICESS for DARRELL WALL

McKneely Funeral Home, Amite. Saturday, 8/19, visitation 9:00-11:00, funeral at 11:00. Burial at Arcola cemetery. This will be on Mcneely’s website later today.

SERVICES for BRIAN DUGAS

Saturday 8-26; Burial in Duncan Cemetery, Kentwood

FIRST MISSION TRIP

Hallie Kent of Fluker sent a precious note of appreciation for all who prayed for her as she served six weeks in Kenya with other college students last month.

TODAY’s PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for all the first time students and for their parents, especially their moms. Pray for their teachers too.

LA BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME

The most needed items for collecting this year include

• Cereal
• Cleaners (Bathroom & Kitchen)
• Condensed & Evaporated Milk
• Crackers (Ritz & Saltines)
• Freezer Bags (Gallon & 2 Gallon)
• Grits (Regular & Instant)
• Hand Soap/Sanitizers
• Mayonnaise
• Paper Towels & Napkins
• Pickles & Relishes (Dill & Sweet)

These items need to be turned in by Sept. 17th. Checks can also be given.

Thanks,

Anna Lee

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

DEATH

Darrell Wall, formerly of Roseland, passed away last night. He had COPD.

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, we can be thankful for cooler weather. The current temperature is 71 with an expected high of 91 predicted. We can appreciate the lower August temperatures. Hopefully, we’ll have a few more cooler days soon.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• August 16
• Genesis 12: 10-20
• Genesis 26: 1-11
• “I confess that my greatest fear is . . . .”

Today is Wednesday. Prayer meeting is tonight at local churches. FBC, Kentwood also has special classes for the nursery, children, and youth. Prayer meeting begins at 6:00 P.M.

Have a safe day!

Anna Lee

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3

RECOVERING from a FALL

Alice Faye Lee is doing okay after her fall. Please continue to pray.

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Please continue to pray for people all around us as we all continue hot, August days in Louisiana.

Be careful not to burn anything in your yard. You don’t want to start a fire today!

READ the BIBLE TODAY

I Samuel 17

“The thought of being a Philistine giant with a slingshot makes me . . . .”

Anna Lee

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,  encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

~2 Thessalonians 2:16-17~

HEALTH CONCERNS

Good news! Bro. Joe Baugh is walking better.

Pray for Ora Lee Wilson who continues to need prayers for her shoulder issue.

Continue to pray for Jeff Birch and his internal shingles. He’s improving.

Pray for Alice Faye Lee who had a fall yesterday as she was getting ready for church.

Pray for Bro. Darryl Miller as he has medical tests.

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s say special prayers all the children who reside at the LA Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe, LA. Thank God for their daily efforts to provide a Christian environment for children.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

8-14-23

Judges 7

“If I had seen that enemy, I would have . . . .”

TWO WEB SITES TO SHARE

• https://fbckentwood.org/
• ThePrayerLink.com

NEW MEMBER/POTENTIAL MEMBER SUPPER

All new members and potential members are invited to a supper Friday night in the Fellowship Hall. Sign the list or call the office at 229-8111 to sign up.

MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

• LA Baptist Children’s Home Fall Food Round-Up – Sept. 18 Pick-up
• Moving Mountains Ministry (Meeting needs of new foster children)
• Community Missions
• Georgia Barnette Offering for LA Missions – Begins in Sept.
• Operation Christmas Child – International “Shoebox” Ministry
• Lottie Moon International Offering
• Annie Armstrong North America Offering
• Etc.

Thanks for reading and praying as so many of you faithfully do.

Anna Lee

LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.

~Isaiah 33:2~

Today’s obituary was posted separately.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

EMOTIONS that HURT

Week 31 = FEAR: Sounds in the Night

August 13 – Numbers 13:1 – 14:9

“This story of cowardice makes me . . . .”

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for those in churches pews who need to make decisions today,

but who have been hesitating to do so.

SUPPER for NEW CHURCH MEMBERS

There will be a supper Friday night at FBC, Kentwood for new members and prospective new members. Be sure to attend, if possible. You will learn about classes and other opportunities to serve.