“The longest I have prayed at a time was . . . . “
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
Let’s pray for those who work with children in classrooms throughout our area. Not only is it Monday and spring, but summer vacation is getting close. Many students have dreams of swimming pools, rivers and creeks, sleeping late, wearing something other than a uniform, etc. Pray for those who not only are required to teach them something, but to do so within four walls. This job will get a little heard as the days and weeks go by, so pray a little more each week.
ILLNESS
Pray for Doug Pomitere. As you pray about his health, pray for Susan and other family members.
Please continue to pray for Elaine Tolar Doucette who remains in the hospital.
Continue to pray for others on your personal prayer list.
Today. let’s pray and thank God for those who take the time and make the effort to be in God’s House today. May they be blessed.
Let’s also pray for those who choose not to be in God’s House today because they have more important things to do – cut grass, play ball, clean house, shop, go to a movie, watch television, etc. May they see that they could have made a better choice and do so next week.
Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—
~Psalm 103:22~
OBITUARIES
Charles Edward Desplas, Jr.
April 4, 1951 – April 17, 2023
Charles was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond and majored in History. Then he joined the Navy. He was a Seaman on the USS Barnstable County [LST 1197]. He loved building model ships and discussing topics pertaining History. Charles was always sweet and kind, loved his family, and was the best son, brother, and uncle. Charles was very compassionate with animals.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles E. Desplas and Nell Stubblefield Desplas. He is survived by his sister, Mary Posey Desplas Smith (Ben); niece, Sarah Jane Schwartz (Michael); nephews, Samuel Massie Edward Smith and Michael James Smith (Lacy); great-nephews, Cole Schwartz and Finn Schwartz; great nieces, Zilah Strayer, Isabella Smith and Eliza Smith; and many cousins and friends near and far.
Visitation from 9:00AM until Catholic Memorial Service at 10:00AM on Friday, May 19, 2023 at McKneely Funeral Home conducted by Deacon Eddie Renz. Burial at Louisiana National Cemetery, 303 W. Mt. Pleasant Zachary Rd. Zachary, LA 70791 at 1:00PM. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Joshua Cleve Buniff
October 4, 1981 – April 21, 2023
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like agles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Josh was born October 4th, 1981 and passed away Friday, April 21, 2023 at the age of 41. He is survived by his father, Cleve Buniff; two sisters, Cindy Cook (Lee) and Libby Rush (Jesse); one nephew, Matthew Rush (Jessica); two nieces, Virginia Givens (Payton) and Jessica Rush; great-nephew, Canaan Rush; three great-nieces, Olivia and Abigail Ray and Eleanor Mae Givens; step-great-niece, Elizabeth Domiano; aunt, Virginia Bennett (the late Thomas Bennett); uncle, Cliff Buniff (Leila); and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins. Preceded in death by his mother, Joan Marie “Cookie” Miller Buniff; grandparents, Lee and Victor Buniff and Wilson and Jeanette Miller. Special thanks to Mrs. Lucy Williams, Ellen Lowe and Nikki Kidd for their care, love, and devotion shown to Josh over the years as well as Vital Care and Vital Caring for their service. Graveside services will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. Services conducted by Rev. Mike DePhillips. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Children’s Hospital New Orleans (chnola.org). McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
READ SCRIPTURE TODAY
April 22
Matthew 26: 38-46
“It is hard for me to pray when . . . . “
Today is preparation day for tomorrow, Sunday, “The Lord’s Day”! Do what you need to do today to make tomorrow run smoothly.
I don’t know about you, but I am looking forward to both Sunday School and the worship service. Knowing me, I know God has a clear message ready.
If you are interested in attending, but not familiar with our church, contact a staff member, a deacons, or any other member you choose to meet you there and show you around. You can usually find our pastor, Bro. Darryl, and several key members at the top of the front steps. Choose somebody and come expecting a blessing.
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
Mr. “Cete” did well with his hand surgery and is back at home.
Laurie Miller is also home. She said yesterday that she would like to borrow a lift chair for a while.
Rhonda Miller is continue to have procedures. She’s progressing well. Keep praying.
Al Travis is home from the hospital.
Robert Ricks of Arcola continues to do okay following his recent treatment. He’s home.
As far as I know, Naomi Tolar is still visiting with her daughter, Elaine, who needs our continued prayers.
Continue to pray for the Shockley, Lee, and Piner families.
RHODUS BABY
Auden Pauline
4/19/2023
12:57 pm
7lbs 6oz
20 inches long
Mom, Dad, and Big Sister are all doing well.
Marguerite LeTard Williams
June 30, 1928 – April 19, 2023
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born June 30, 1928 in Amite, LA and was 94 years of age. She was a graduate of Amite High School and Southeastern Louisiana University. She was a retired supervisor for Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services after 30 years of service. Following her retirement, she enjoyed her volunteer work with the Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her son, Lee Terry Williams, III and wife, Debby Nance; daughter, Nancy Potter and husband, David; 2 granddaughters, Emilee Potter and Anna Potter. Preceded in death by her husbands, Lee Terry Williams, Jr. and Bobby McCoy; parents, Xavier Alphonse LeTard and Ethel Dunn LeTard; brother, Xavier “Dudy” LeTard. Graveside Services will be held at Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite, LA at 10:00AM Saturday, April 22, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Amite-Arcola Presbyterian Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(David worked with her in Amite for a number of years.)
ANOTHER PRAYER LINK READER
We visited in some homes yesterday. In one, I learned of another friend who reads TPL daily. I so enjoyed my visit, “Miss” Fay.
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.
“Cete” Dillon – Hand surgery this morning in Flowood. MS
Carol Jean Conerly – Device implanted; Back at home
Dwayne Creel – Diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease (inner ear)
Rhodus BabyGirl No. 2 – At prayer meeting, Don Turner only knew the baby had been born. We’ll learn more soon.
Laurie Miller – She sat up in her room all day and walked twice; Nerve pain diminishing
Betty Taylor – She is back at home.
Tommy Simmons -Home again; Glad to be there
Tommy Mapes – Still doing well
READ SCRIPTURE TODAY
April 19
Psalm 102
I John 3: 21-24
“The last answer to my prayers was . . . . “
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s have a prayer of thankfulness for those who are helping with items for “Shoeboxes”. Some items are found in the basket, given to us in Sunday School or worship, ordered from Amazon by a church member,and shipped to the church, and purchased by us when you give money to us or to the special account at church. Any of these work.
The secretary has the list of needed items and will have it in the bulletin. You can shop accordingly.
We shopped this week and were able to purchase school supplies and small toys. What a blessing it is to unpack our bags and group items for their next step.
Please pray thanking God for those who shop or contribute money for us to shop. Also, thank God for those who come to our workdays and accomplish so much in a short period of time.
Also, we should thank God for a pastor who has stayed by his wife’s side as she saw doctors and has been hospitalized. Even while there, he has kept up with the needs of our people and has taken time to call and pray for them. He was not able to stand on the front steps of the church last night and was missed. We’ll be thankful to see both of them at church again soon. Pray for Laurie’s back to be much better and both of them back in Kentwood.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective
Mrs. Laurie Miller’s back surgery went well yesterday. Pray for her as she makes progress through her time in the hospital and rehabilitation before coming home.. Her date of return to Kentwood has not been determined.
DWAYNE CREEL
Dwayne has been having heart procedures and has had some testing yesterday. Even though I forgot to mention him yesterday, please pray today.
NIKKI AND WENDELL RHODUS
Their new baby girl will arrive today!
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR ….
Carol Jen Conerly
Tommy Simmons
Robert Ricks
Gerald Hyde
Velma Anthony
“Cete” Dillon – hand surgery tomorrow in Flowood, MS
Bobby and Faye Raborn
George Eddie and Alice Fay Lee
Bryan and Rita Tate
Ruby Dillon
Micky Cade
Carol Jean Conerly
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
VBS at FBC, Kentwood will be June 5-9. Please pray as final plans are being made. Also, pray for the boys and girls who will begin their summer in our VBS.
READ SCRIPTURE TODAY
April 19
I Kings: 8: 12-61
“I am most prayerful when . . . . “
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today, I ask for prayer for those in the early stage of medical issues. These people and their families are often unsure of the ways the patient’s life may be. changed and of the way their responsibilities will change. Pray for them as they see answers and adjust to a new style of live due to the current issue.
Enjoy the ever changing spring weather we are having. The hot days are ahead!
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
“The person I would like to pray for me is . . . .”
PROCEDURES/SURGERIES
Today, a number of people from our church and our town are having procedures/surgeries. Please be in a prayer for them.
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
It’s getting close to graduation day for many of our students – kindergarten, middle school, high school, trade school, business school, specialized schools, such has beauty schools or medical specialities, and colleges. Pray for all these students as they move on to additional schooling or the workforce. Pray for the many decisions they are making along the way.
PRAYER MEETING at FBC, KENTWOOD
April 19
“There is Still Hope”
Romans 11
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES/LESSONS
Churches have Sunday School classes so everyone has an opportunity to learn more about the Bible. Churches have classes for people of all age groups which are taught by knowledgeable members with a passion for teaching as well as a lov for that particular age group. Contact a church or a church member you know to learn more about the Sunday School program of their church.
David and I both are involved in classes that use the series “Explore the Bible”, which is available in large print. Sunday’s lesson is “I Pray” and is based on John 17: 13-26. Join us if you are looking for an adult class. If you have children or grandchildren, we can guide you to appropriate classes or connect you with someone who can.
The Scripture at the top of this post tell us to be rooted and overflowing. I believe Schund School helps us to do just that as we study the Bible in depth, build relationships with others, and gives opportunities to reach out to others, Those are all good things! Also, be reminded, you can always try another class for a better “fit”!
Have a wonderful day as you seek ways to bless others.
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
We know a number of people who have procedures/surgeries this week, especially tomorrow. Some of these people are:
*Laurie Miller
*Nikki Rhodus
*Carol Jean Conerly
*”Cete” Dillon
*Tommy Simmons
*Elaine Tolar Doucette
*Dwayne Creel
DEATH
W.A. Stringfield, formerly of Kentwood and the brother of Peggy S. Alford, passed away. Please be in prayer for the family.
SATURDAY’S STORM
I knew the weather was bad here just before noon on Saturday.. We had no damage, but knew the power was off in many homes. When we traveled Sunday morning, we saw a few trees down. Yesterday afternoon, we came home from Amite through the Kedron area. I saw a few trees down and one that had fallen on a house, but since we don’t frequently take those backroads, I still didn’t realize that was newly fallen trees. When we traveled home late yesterday afternoon, we rode on Bethel Road. Our eyes were opened to much damage in the area near and south of Bethel Baptist Church. Please be in prayer for all those who may be okay but have fallen trees. If you have an opportunity to help someone, even if it is only some bottles of cold water, please do so. Also, if you have no damage, be thankful.
Operation Christmas Child
The next OCC workday will be Saturday, May 6. We will be preparing “shoeboxes” and many items for shipping. There will be a variety of work to do, so there surely is something you can do. I hope to see you there.
The greatest needs for our shoeboxes now are:
$1.00 flashlights from Walmart
Size 12 underwear
Size 12 T-shirts
Small dolls (Barbie size or smaller)
Bandanas
VISITATION
What a blessing it is for the homebound to have someone to visit briefly with them. You (and I) can be the ones to do that.
It’s always best to call ahead of time to be sure they are home and up to company. It’s good if you can share some home cooking, books, church magazines or Sunday School books, or church bulletins. Be creative. They also enjoy items from the garden, fruit you pick, fresh flowers you pick, etc.
Those who are capable of visiting now may be the ones who wouldciate visit months or years later. Hopefully, someone will visit them at that time.
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today is a wonderful day to pray for our farmers. They work long hours and spend much of that time in heavy equipment. They also spend much time with crops and/or animals. Pray for their daily safety and a profitable year.
ANOTHER FAITHFUL READER
Yesterday, I saw a couple who live west of Amite. I remember her as a student from my teaching career, even though I did not teach her, and now her many years of teaching. I did not recognize her husband, but they gave me some hints about him being there in my early years of teaching. (We both have changed some!!!)
When we started to talk, he was quick to say he reads The Prayer Link and referred to my comment to please identify yourself to me as a reader. I was so surprised, but thankful, he told me of that. It was good talking to them!!!
My request stands. If you read here and see me somewhere, please identify yourself to me. I can now add your “picture” to my thoughts as I type each morning.
Today, let’s pray for our family members, neighbors, co-workers, and friends to be in a church where God’s Word is taught and preached.
OCC WORKDAY
Mark your calendar for April 6th. We will meet in the fellowship hall again to prepare items for our Shoeboxes.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you do not attend Sunday School, check it out today. The teachers are there because they want to share God’s Word, not to get paid (like a believed as a child). There is wonderful Sunday School literature based on God’s Word for the weekly lessons. On top of that, they love people of the age their class focuses on. My teacher is awesome! I love to be a part of my class. There are many other classes with teachers who can be described that way. Give it a try.
The Prayer Link 
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