Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21: 1-4
Helen Joyce was born to Ernest (Babe) Newsom and Zora Venable Newsom in Tangipahoa La. They lived in Kentwood La. as she was growing up and she graduated with honors from Kentwood High School in 1954. After high school she attended Baton Rouge Business college and worked in the old Louisiana state capital building prior to returning to Kentwood to marry her sweetheart Rodric Rudolph Dykes Jr. on July 7, 1956. They settled in the community of East Fork where they spent their entire lives raising their children Ernest Scott (Sandra) and Tracy Dykes LeBlanc (George).
Helen Joyce grew up in the Kentwood United Methodist Church and then joined East Fork Baptist Church after her marriage to Rodric and was a lifelong member and was remembered for her pecan brownies and stuffed celery for all occasions. Preceded in the loving arms of Jesus Christ by her mother and father, husband, brother Ernest Donald Newsom, sisters Doris Kennon and Elaine Hilburn. Survived by son and daughter and their spouses, grandchildren Seth Leblanc (Brooke), Cody Foster, Rodric (Lance) Dykes (Mallory), Nicole LeBlanc (Jhon Odevilas), Ben LeBlanc (Remi), Luke LeBlanc, Scotti Dykes Pennington (Eric). Great grandchildren, Collins Avery, Sam Andrew, Levitt James, LeBlanc; Killian Mackenzie, Khloe Grace Maza, Jackson Gabriel Odevilas; Theodore Lawrence (Teddy) Dykes. Numerous nieces and nephews and special cousin Edith Caillouet. Many thanks and love to special friend Theresa Nichols, Richard Murphy Hospice House and North Oaks Medical care team.
Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 8:30AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Jay Avance. Interment East Fork Cemetery, East Fork, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Richard Murphy Hospice House or Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Donald “Duck” Duncan
May 2, 1941 – March 23, 2023
Donald “Duck” Duncan, a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at his home surrounded by family and friends. He was born May 2, 1941 in Clinton, Louisiana and was 81 years of age.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 60 years, Charlotte Jane Duncan, and three daughters, Dana Dugas, husband, Brian, and grandsons, Devin and Mason; Donna McShan, husband, Richard, and granddaughter, Deanna Bousquet, husband, Nicholas, great granddaughter, Reese, and great grandson, John Luke, grandson, Austin McShan, wife, Jennifer, and great grandson, Charles, and granddaughter, Peyton McShan; daughter, Denise Hanson, and husband, Brian; grandson, Duncan, granddaughter, Meagan Sims, husband, Sandy, two great grandsons, Culver and Truett, grandson, Denton Hanson, wife, Kamrie, and great grandson, Camden. He is also survived by his brother, Emmett Watson, wife Estelle, and three nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Mildred Duncan, two brothers, Marvin Duncan Jr and Richard Duncan, three sisters, Norma Bordelon, Edna Taglialavore, and Roma Dusharme.
Donald was a member and deacon of New Zion Baptist Church and served on numerous committees and boards throughout the State of Louisiana. Donald was an avid farmer, he loved to cook for anyone willing to eat, and was the quarterback for the 1958 Greensburg High School football state champion team. His pride and joy were his grand and great grand kids.
Visitation Wednesday, Mar 29, 2023 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Today, let’s pray we can be encouraging to others.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Ninr ladies gather in the fellowship hall yesterday morning at 9:00 to paint the inside of the lid of 200 shoeboxes. Everyone worked hard. There was a sweet spirit in the room as everyone worked. We painted all 200 shoeboxes to add to the ones that are already read for packing. These boxes will have a picture and a message added to them soon.
Thanks to all who helped. What a “Sweet. Sweet Spirit”!
OCC WORKSHOP
Saturday at 9 A.M. in the FBC Fellowship Hall
Please bring items to add to the shoeboxes and snacks to share with the other workers.
APOLOGY
We had no power due to the storm. When the power was restored, we still had no internet service due to continuing weather issues. I’ m thankful all is well now and usually is each morning when I try to write and post TPL.
Bro. Joe Baugh is home and doing better. “Miss” Barbara now has Covid. Please keep them on your prayer list for a while.
Carol Jean Conerly is undergoing tests. Please keep her in your prayers.
Mrs. Laurie Miller will be haveing back surger in about two weeks. Pray for the surgery and rehabilitation she will undergo . Pray she will not have back pain when all is done.
Pray for Michelle Moss. She has been sickly for the last two weeks.
BE LIKE KARIBETH! As I sit and wonder how we will make it without Karibeth all I can say is be like her, live like her, and love like her. Karibeth was the definition of a wife, mother, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, sister in law, daughter in law, niece, friend, nurse, and I could go on and on. She never did anything without doing it all the way, putting 100% in. Karie didn’t know how to not fill a room with her smile and was a cheerleader for the under dog and she always made a stranger she met feel like a best friend. She always saw the good in a person even when they did not. She gave of herself and never thought of herself first. Although I taught her some things through the years she has taught me much more. So I ask everyone that has said, “what can I do for you?” or “if you need something let me know.” Be like Karibeth Lindsey Barbay make a person smile, love, and be genuine. Make someone feel like they are the only person who matters in a room full of people.
Kariebeth Lindsey Barbay, a resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born April 9, 1990 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 32 years of age. She is survived by husband, Joshua Barbay; 2 children, Finnley Grace Barbay and Lonny Ray Barbay; parents, Tommy and Becky Lindsey; sister, Laurie Lindsey Miller and husband Toby; 2 brothers, Daniel Vining and wife Elizabeth and Thomas Scott Lindsey and wife Amanda; aunt, Beth Carruth Russell; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Allen and Dana Barbay; brother-in-law, Abram Barbay; sister-in-law, Maddy Barbay; nieces, nephews and cousins, Madison Coxen, Shelbi Russell, Parker and Paisley Miller, Lexi, Beau, and Bristol Vining, Rowynn Lindsey, Allisyn and Jace Barbay, Maddox Posey, and Marlee Lynette Ourso. Preceded in death by grandparents, Larry and Judy Carruth and John and Elaine Lindsey. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Greensburg from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Sunday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Monday, March 27, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Byron Humphrey and Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
READ THE BIBLE TODAY
WEEK 13: Grace: What We Don’t Deserve
March 26
Daniel 9: 4-19
“Man’t confession of sin is a plea for . . . . “
TODAY’S MESSAGES AT FBC, KENTWOOD
Morning (10:30) – “The Failure” – Ezekiel 5
Evening (6:00) – Hypocrisy – 2 Samuel 12: 1-9
SURPRISE COMPANY
A grandson and two friends are sleeping in the cabin.
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Please be in prayer for the family of Keribeth Lindsay Barbay.
OBITUARIES
Robert Nelson Wall
April 28, 1946 – March 23, 2023
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023 near Clinton, LA. He was born April 28, 1946 in and was 76 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Melanie Calderone (Dominick); grandchildren, Brittany Calderone Curtis (Colby) and Dominick Calderone, III (Dominique Cochennic); great-grandchildren, Chloe Curtis and Dominick Calderone, IV; first wife, Audrey Spears Dunham. Preceded in death by parents, Ivy Wall, Sr. and Zula Brown Wall; wife, Shirley Penn Wall; brother, Ivy Wall, Jr. (Sandra). Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Interment Mixon Cemetery, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
HOSPITAL
Mrs. Barbara Baugh said Bro. Joe is better and if he continues to improve will be allowed to go home today. Please continue to pray for both of these great people.
HOME
Please from for Mrs. Peggy Luse who formerly lived in this area and taught at Oak Forest Academy. She now lives NW of McComb. This was written by Debbie, her daughter:
Update on my mom, Peggy Luce: she is home. She had kidney stones and lithotripsy Thursday. She will return for outpatient lithotripsy in 2 weeks. Thank you so much for the prayers. We do appreciate them so much. God is so good!
TORNADO LAST NIGHT
Pray for the people in the area of Rolling Fork, MS. The area was damaged by several tornadoes last night. They also had a number of deaths there. The people in that area will need many prayers and much help as they try to recover their communities, homes, businesses, churches, etc. Please continue to pray for them in the coming days, weeks, and months.
The Sunday School lesson for this week. “Peace I Leave” is very good. I hope you will be able to attend and participate in this lesson.
PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s pray for people as they study their Sunday School lesson from John 14. May the lesson impact all of our lives.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
Most churches have classes for all their adults and children, so when families attend each person has a unique class for themselves. I hope your church does so each person can have a lesson targeted for themselves.
I also love the fellowship of my class and know those in other classes feel the same way. Isn’t that wonderful?
PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for Sunday School classes and teachers. May they continue to impact many lives.
“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Bro. Joe Baugh has Covid and is in St. Tammany hospital. “Miss” Barbara said he is allowed visitors, a much different rule than a couple years ago, so she will be able to visit with him regularly.
Ora Lee Wilson sent a message that Donald Duncan passed away. Please be in prayer for his family.
Prayer Focus today.
Pray for all the men from our community who are boilermakers, electrical workers, firemen, etc. Their lives seem more dangerous than office workers and thosse in some other professions.
OCC WORKDAY
Three of our current greatest needs for packing shoeboxes are:
bars of soap,
5″ flashlights, and
AAA batteries.
I’ll let you know when we achieve our goals for these three items.
“Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.
Today, I want to ask for prayer for two ladies, Dr. Rhonda Kelley of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Ruby Schwartz of Kentwood. Dr. Kelly recently had cancer surgery and is undergoing additional treatment. Ruby had knee replacement yesterday.
SCHOOLS
The end of the school is a difficult time in many ways. Students need to complete the academic year while looking ahead to the next grade or graduation. Teachers have many extra tasks as one year closes, but plans for the next year are already a real consideration. Both groups deserve special prayers at this time.
PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s pray for women who have lost their spouces and who now undergo surgeries, face other health issues, deal with car problems that are new to them. approach household needs where they feel incompetent to make good decisions, etc. Lord, help our older ladies as they face new situations in life.
READ THE BIBLE TODAY
March 23
Romans 2: 1-4
II Peter 3: 1-9
“God’s attitude toward the sinner is . . . . “
ONE WEEK AWAY
FBC, Kentwood will host “A Night of Joy” on March 29 at 6 P.M. Call the church office for details so you can make a decision about attending.
REVIVAL AT FBC, GREENSBURG
Scheduled revival services ended last night. Pray the spirit of revival will continue in the hearts of the members in the coming weeks and months.
One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
Please pray for the many who are xick and those recovering from surgery. Also, please pray for grieving families.
READ THE BIBLE TODAY
March 22
Acts 3: 19-21
Acts 8: 5-24
Acts 17: 30
“God wants us to change because . . . . “
PRAYER FOCUS for TODAY
Today, let’s pray for pastors of our churches. They have many responsibilities and are called upon 24 hours a day by their members.
OBITUARY
Abigail Mae Preston
March 28, 1988 – February 28, 2023
A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. She was born March 28, 1988 in Sheridan, Wyoming and was 34 years of age. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Laila Preston and Lola Jacob; 2 sons, Jessie Jacob and Liam Jacob; parents, Charles and Deborah Preston; brothers, Joshua Preston and Bryce Preston and wife, Kristy; sister, Rebekah Gele; aunt, Dixie McFadden; uncle, Duane McFadden; uncle, Dean McFadden; aunt, Sally McLaughlin. Memorial Services will be scheduled for a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
DON”T FORGET
Churches have classes for everyone on Wednesday nights. For example, FBC, Kentwood has a nursery, a class for the children, another class for the youth, and adults meeting in the sanctuary.
COMING SOON
The next OCC workday will be Saturday, April 1, beginning at 9:00. Come, be a part in packing pencil bags, packing pencil bags, unpackaging newly purchased items, preparing shoe boxes, etc. Join in the sweet fellowship of fellow church members.
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.
The Prayer Link 
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