• I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
  apart from you I have no good thing.”
• Psalm 16:2

Ana L. Gonzalez

December 15, 1929 – July 25, 202

A resident of Baton Rouge passed away on Monday, July 25, 2022 at Baton Rouge General Medical Center on Bluebonnet. She was born December 15, 1929 in Ciego de Avila, Camagüey, Cuba and was 92 years of age. In 1969, she left her country of birth with her husband and children to give her family freedom and a better life. She is survived by 3 children, Antonio Rey “Tony” Gonzalez and wife, Nilda, Baton Rouge, Ramon Gonzalez and Tania, Baton Rouge, Maria A. Gonzalez Migueltorena and husband, Renato, Palm Harbor, FL; 5 grandchildren, Anthony Luis Gonzalez, Luis Tomas Gonzalez and wife, Kristin, Renato Migueltorena, Jr. and wife, Tracy, Mary Alyse Gonzalez-Washburn and husband, Terronson “Tee”, Elizabeth Frances Gonzalez; 4 great-grandchildren, Juliana Rey Gonzalez, Sofia Rey Gonzalez, Avalyn Rey Gonzalez; and Emmarie Rey Gonzalez; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband, Antonio “Quitin” Luis Gonzalez; parents, Francisco Mora and Carmen Luisa Lima Mora; brothers and sisters, Francisco Mora, Raquel Mora, Mila Mora, Lazaro Mora and Armando Mora. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until 10:30a.m. on Monday, August 1, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 11a.m. on Monday. Services conducted by Fr. Juan Bautista. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Updates

Melissa Simpson Stutzman – Melissa received a “no cancer” report and is now back at home with her family

Me – I had my third set of x-rays. The bones in my foot and leg are in the correct location. The orthopedist said to use the walker, not the wheelchair. He also ordered four weeks of three times a week of physical therapy. I was able to get in my first day of physical therapy yesterday. I go back today.

Pray for me as I walk on the walking chair runner shaped shoe bottoms. I’m thankful to have made some progress.

READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY

July 27 – James 5: 15-20

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

Pray for those in the school system making final decisions about the beginning of the school year. Students will be reporting to classes soon.

Pray for those on your personal prayer list.

Anna Lee

• I spread out my hands to you;
  I thirst for you like a parched land.
• Psalm 143:6

Melissa Simpson Stulzman has a tumor and will be having surgery in Baton Rouge at 8:30. Your prayers will be appreciated.

Betty Simpson saw me waiting in the car at the grocery store and came over for a visit. She is wearing a short boot for a foot problem she has. Add her to your prayer list.

I will see the orthopedist in Hammond this morning and get his decision on removing the boots I have been wearing. I’ll let you know.

Deloy Hodges

January 19, 1958 – July 24, 2022

A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at his home. He was born January 19, 1958 in Clinton, LA and was 64 years of age. He is survived by his 3 sisters, Sue Knight and husband, Dennis, Jennifer Biggs, and Patty Burrows; 1 brother, Jody Hodges; 1 nephew, David Knight and wife Diedra; 2 nieces, Cindy Edwards and husband, Ricky and Kelli Garrett and husband, Brian; 6 great-nieces; 3 great-great nephews; 1 great-great niece. Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Janet Hodges; brother-in-law, John Burrows. Visitation at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday, and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Services conducted by Bro. Tony Cooksey and Lindale Greer. Interment Pleasant Hill Baptist Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Doris Griffin Sanders

April 10, 1952 – July 23, 2022

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born April 10, 1952 in Quitman, MS and was 70 years of age. Doris was a Veteran of the US Army, very active in the American Legion having held offices of Post 264 commands and 6th District Vice Commander. She was along with her husband, a founding member of Liverpool Riding Club. Doris had worked as State Corrections Officer, St. Helena Parish Hospital Security guard and St. Helena Sheriff Office dispatcher. She is survived by her stepson, Pat Sanders and wife Jeana; step-grandchild, Chauntel Snoddy and husband, Nathan; special friends, Mary Ann Hollingsworth, Leisa Ballard, and Marie Coon. Preceded in death by her husband, Clovis W. Sanders; parents, Wiley and Ethel Griffin. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Services conducted by Bro. Raymond Taylor. Interment Red Bluff Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY

July 26 – James 1: 16

Anna Lee

There is no one holy like the Lord;

1 Samuel 2:2

READ AND WRITE THE BIBLE TODAY

July 25 – Hebrews 10:26

CHILDREN’S CAMP AT TALL TIMBERS

The children and adults are home with lots of memories of their camp experience. What a great time they had!

Thanks to two adults who went and shared pictures daily..

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for the adults who work in the central offices. Pray for them as they make many decisions that affect students all over the parishes each day. Also, pray for those in state offices as they too impact each school, each teacher, and each student.

PRAY FOR THE SICK

There are many sick at home who will be seeking care from doctors this week and others who are trying to care for themselves at home. Making decisions can be so difficult when in need of medical care. Pray for the sick as they make decisions this week.

FIFTH SUNDAY SINGINGS

Several churches will be having “Fifth Sunday Singings” this week. At FBC, Kentwood, we will have a special group in to sing followed by an ice cream fellowship. The singing will begin at 6 P.M. You are invited to join us.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Thanks to the lady who gave David some money yesterday. Your donation will be used to purchase coloring books. Saturday, David counted the coloring books we have at this point and found that we are short about a hundred fifty. The donation given yesterday will be the start of getting these coloring books. We hope to have a coloring book in each box. Thanks for your help.

PERSONAL PRAYER LISTS

I have been encouraging you to keep a list of names in a special place. These are names of people I include here, the names your hear at church and in the community, and the names that are near to your heart and not always known to others.

I remember the first personal prayer list I ever saw. I was impressed and could only think about what a special prayer life that person had and how many people were blessed because of her prayers. I hope you will begin your own book and update it daily.

I APPRECIATE EACH OF YOU!

Anna Lee

• Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
  make known among the nations what he has done.
• Psalm 105:1

The children who are at church camp at Tall Timbers have completed day two. They have been very busy. I appreciate the pictures being posted by the adults.

READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY

July 24 – 2 Timothy 4: 3-5

³ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. ⁴ They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ⁵ But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Today, let’s pray for the principals of all the area schools. They carry a tremendous responsibility daily! Pray each one will be able to do a good job dealing with students, teachers, parents, etc.

Ideally, you will be able to attend church with other Christians. If you are unable to do so, the next best thing is to attend worship online. People have many different reasons for choosing online worship, but it if fits their needs, be thankful for them and their desire to worship God. FBC, Kentwood will be online at 10:30 this morning. Be sure to look for FBC, Kentwood, LA, If you cannot watch at 10:30, services will be available for you to enjoy later.

Please continue to pray for those on your prayer list.

Anna Lee

• Because your love is better than life,
  my lips will glorify you.
  I will praise you as long as I live,
  and in your name I will lift up my hands.
• Psalm 63:3-4

My Mistake

Yesterday, I told you that we would have the next OCC workday in a week, but because of the 5th Sunday and 31 days this month, it will be two more Saturdays away. We will meet on August 6th.

Luther Terrell is fine, but he was a passenger in a vehicle that involved a log truck. Luther is fine, but his friend, the driver, is hospitalized. Please pray for him.

Pray for the children and adults at Tall Timbers this week. They got there yesterday afternoon and had some great activities – swimming pool, bow and arrows, eating ice cream, fun music, etc. right away. Pray the children continue to have fun and the adults can keep up with them. More than that, let’s pray they learn about Jesus and draw closer to him.

Read and Write Scripture Today

July 23 – 2 Timothy 2:15. (NIV below)

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 

Today’s Prayer Focus – Classroom Teachers

Classroom teachers will spend so much time with the children in the coming months. Pray they will daily have knowledge, love, kindness, manners, etc. to share with each and every child. May their example be a positive impact on each child every day!

Anna Lee

• It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
  ‘every knee will bow before me;
  every tongue will acknowledge God.’
  • ~Romans 14:11~

Somehow, I managed to delete the name from an obituary yesterday.

Jenny Sue Weedman

November 27, 1967 – July 19, 2022

Angelo J. Giardina

January 12, 1927 – July 20, 2022

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at his home. He was born January 12, 1927 in Amite, LA and was 95 years of age. He was a United States Army Veteran of World War II, a dairy farmer, and owner of Amite Liquid Feed. Angelo was an avid golfer and a master storyteller. He was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church. Angelo is survived by his three sons, Angelo Thomas Giardina (Trudy), Kenneth Gerard Giardina (Melba), and Gerald Anthony Giardina (Melinda); grandchildren, Dwayne Giardina (Andilyn), Lauren Cutrer (Drew), Jared Shows (Mahsa), Andrew Giardina, Marlie Giardina, and Jude Giardina; great-grandchildren, Ava Cutrer, Mark, Mason, and Myles Giardina, and Aidan Shows; brother, Salvador Giardina (Dianne); sister-in-law, Gloria Giardina; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Marie Vullo Giardina; parents, Angelo and Frances Schillage Giardina; two brothers, Nick Giardina and Joseph Giardina. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall from 9:00AM until 11:30AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at Noon on Monday, July 25, 2022. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Special thanks to dear friends, Roy and Jean Fiorelli, and neighbors, Chris and Connie Liuzza, for their love and support throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Helena Catholic Church Full of Grace. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read and Write Scripture Today

July 22 – I Timothy 3:15

if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Baptist Message

https://www.baptistmessage.com/

OCC Workday – One week from today

If you are interested in working a few hours before next Saturday, please let me know. There is always something that needs to be done.

OCC – Thank you to the donor who again sent money to help with our shoebox needs. You have no idea how quickly I smiled when I saw your envelope yesterday. Your faithfulness is so appreciated! May God bless you for helping get shoeboxes to little children around the world. May the message of JESUS reach and stir each heart.

Pray for our schools today.

I clearly remember the smiles and happy greeting from the cafeteria workers during my elementary years and my high school years. Does that mean they were not tired or carrying personal burdens? No, it meant they smiled and always had a kind and friendly greeting for me (and for all the other students).

Today, let’s pray for the cafeteria workers. They have a special talent to “smile and be kind despite their personal problems“.They may not know what happens with each child in the classroom or at home, but can make a difference in lives as they place food on plates while smiling and giving a happy greeting.

Think about this. One drop of water doesn’t seem like much, but a glass of water contains lots of individual drops. So does a lake or ocean. Each drop counts. Your “drops” might be smiles, kind words, time, money, etc. Make your “drops” count today.

Anna Lee

• Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
• ~Jeremiah 29:12~

 Josephine Arnone “Moma Josie” Ruffino
February 09, 1936 – July 18, 2022

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, July 18, 2022 at her home in the presence of her daughter Rose and her son Louis. She was born February 9, 1936 in Natalbany, LA and was 86 years of age. She was a wonderful, devoted wife to her husband Nunzio, and excellent mother to her daughter Rose, and son Louis, and a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. She was their Nana. She was a true servant of God, believed in prayer, and prayed to her Lord until the time of her death. She was a devoted member of the St. Helena Catholic Church. She worked very hard all of her life to help provide for her family and was known to have a loving and caring heart. The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and also thanks to the Amite Fire Department for always helping her in her time of need. She is survived by her daughter, Rose Ruffino; son, Louis Ruffino; 4 grandchildren, Courtney Putnam and husband, Alan, Brett Ruffino and wife, Michele, Carrie Smith, and Blake Ruffino and wife, Megan; 8 great-grandchildren, Wyatt Putnam, Brock Putman, Morgan Ruffino, Cooper Ruffino, Andrew Smith, Addison Smith, Avery Smith, and Benjamin Ruffino. Preceded in death by her husband, Nunzio J. Ruffino; parents, Joe and Pauline Sparacello Arnone; 5 brothers, Felix, Salvadore, Angelo, Tony and Vince Arnone; 2 sisters, Catherine “Katie” Arnone and Rosemary Arnone. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall from 9:00AM until 11:00AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 11:30AM on Friday, July 22, 2022. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, LA. She was born November 27, 1967 in MS and was 54 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Marion Weedman, Jr.; 5 children, Adam Weedman, Sr. and wife, Misti, Sherie Weedman, Jonathan Weedman, Sr. and wife, Chelsey, James Weedman, and Jason Weedman and wife, Lauren; grandchildren, Joshua, Adam, Jr., Byron, Noah, Isabelle, Shawn, Sara, Sam, Jonathan, Jr., Azalea, Emma, Oaklynn, Kathy, Alaina, Samantha; 11 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Becky Mayeaux, Maryann Winborn, and Angela Lanier; 3 brothers, Allen Winborn, Troy Scott, and Mark Scott; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Troy and Shirley Winborn; sister, Kitty Winborn Scott; great-granson, Urijah Weedman. Visitation at Lighthouse Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 2:30PM on Saturday, July 23, 2022. Services conducted by Bro. Jason Skipper. Interment Lighthouse Cemetery, Independence, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

READ AND WRITE THE BIBLE TODAY

July 21 – Ephesians 6: 13-15

TODAY’s PRAYER REQUEST FOR SCHOOLS

Today, let’s pray for students with IEP’s as well as teachers and classmates of those stude students.

ONLINE SERVICES FROM FBC, KENTWOOD

Periodically, I have trouble with the online services. They seem to hesitate and then continue. I won’t try to explain the reason for this because I am not an expert on this subject. I will just tell you, I turn the service off and try to watch the next day. This seems to work for me. I was unable to watch Sunday night or Wednesday night. I will try watching again today.

Don’t forget to pray for the children of our church as they leave for camp tomorrow. It may be even more important to pray for the parents who are sending their children off to camp for the first time.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

RICHMOND, Va. (BP) – The International Mission Board stands in stark contrast to current trends in global missions. A recent Christian Post article cited only 3 percent of mission work goes to reach the unreached, while in 2021, the IMB sought to focus 81.2 percent of missionary team efforts among unreached people groups (UPG). Additionally, 90.8 percent of all IMB teams were focused on at least one UPG, said Wilson Geisler the IMB’s director of global research.

This article is of special interest to me. I hope you are encouraged when you read how the IMB strives to reach the UPG’s (Unreached People Groups). This brings Matthew 28: 19-20 to my mind.

Prayer are the answer to so many of our daily needs. Let’s not forget that!

Anna Lee

• Why, my soul, are you downcast?
  Why so disturbed within me?
  Put your hope in God,
  for I will yet praise him,
  my Savior and my God.
• ~Psalm 42:11~

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

If you enjoy Baptist Press and The Baptist Message, you may also enjoy the Texas Baptist Standard.

Home

READ AND WRITE THE BIBLE TODAY

July 20 – Ephesians 4:25

TODAY’s PRAYER FOCUS

Focus some time on school bus drivers and parents/others who drive children to and from school daily.

Let’s also continue to pray for all those who have had surgery in the last few weeks.

Continue to pray for churches having VBS or youth/children at camp.

Anna Lee

• For from him and through him and for him are all things.
  To him be the glory forever! Amen.
• ~Romans 11:36~

Lots of surgeries this week and medical evaluations – Seems like all good reports!

Pray for those who have lingering side-effects of Covid. May each problem be identified and addressed in a timely way/

READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY

July 19 – Ephesians 4: 15-16

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Thanks to another person, a young mother, for a generous donation which will be used to help “fill in various needs”, so we will be ready to begin packing 400 shoeboxes soon. Calculating seven people per shoebox, that is almost 3,000 different individuals we will be sending the message of Jesus to this year.

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

Let’s begin to pray for the approximate 3,000 individuals who will be impacted by our 400 shoeboxes.

Let’s pray that when we are ready to send in our 400 boxes this year, the shipping money of $10.00 per box is already in our account at church.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Your prayers mean so much to those with needs.

Anna Lee

• Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
  his love endures forever.
• 1 Chronicles 16:34

READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY.

July 18 – Ephesians 1: 13-14

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

Pray for families who are trying to get a few more vacation days before school starts.

Pray for children of FBC, Kentwood who will be going to camp Friday.

Pray for teachers as they are seriously making plans for a new school year.

Covid seems to continue to spread. Most people are able to be treated at home. Say special prayers for those who have to be hospitalized for treatment.

The cost of living has increased this year. Say special prayers for those who have had to face this increase while continuing to receive the same income as last year. Say special prayers for those with medical and pharmacy bills.

Pass a little sunshine/Son shine on to someone else through a brief visit, a phone call, a gift of special food you have prepared or purchased, a card in the mail, etc. Son shine comes in lots of ways. Let the Son shine through you!

Anna Lee