Jeff Van has been released and is flying home this morning. It is amazing what one week at MD Anderson can do for the body and the spirit.
Maddie Miracles – Maddie is home and will be cared for by her grandmother, Carol Ann Cleveland, while other family members work during the week. Maddie is much better after her stay at the hospital and surgery. Thank God for the medical staff who cared for her, diagnosed her problems, and did surgery to make her better.
Add your own prayers of praise for your family and friends.
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021
October 25th Readings MATTHEW 21:28-32 MARK 12:1-12 MATTHEW 21:33-46 LUKE 20:9-19 MATTHEW 22:1-14 MARK 12:13-17 MATTHEW 22:15-22 LUKE 20:20-26 MARK 12:18-27 MATTHEW 22:23-33 LUKE 20:27-40
If you would like one or more shoeboxes to pack for Operation Christmas Child, please get in touch with me by pressing the “Contact” button at the top of the page. We can make arrangements to meet and for transfer of the FREE SHOEBOXES with instructions. You can turn your boxes in during the third week of November. This is a great Christmas project for families, clubs, businesses, classes, and individuals.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Watch or listen to the news for five minutes. Pray for the needs you hear about during that time.
“Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.
There we will receive his mercy,
and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
~Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)~
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021
October 24th Readings JOHN 12:37-50 MARK 11:12-14 MATTHEW 21:18-22 MARK 11:15-19 MATTHEW 21:12-17 LUKE 19:45-48 MARK 11:20-33 MATTHEW 21:23-27 LUKE 20:1-8
OCC Update
We have packed 404 shoeboxes! Other churches have recently or soon will pack their shoeboxes. The drop-off week when shoeboxes are turned in will be the third week of November. I’ll post the FBC, Kentwood drop off location when it gets a little closer to that time.Thank you to all who contributed, shopped, painted, sewed, packed, etc. to get the shoeboxes ready to be sent to the next location.
I shared this bit of information a some of the packers yesterday. They were very surprised! You probable will be too! Each child who is blessed to receive a shoebox somewhere around the world will only receive One. The will not receive one each year of their lives or one two or three years\s later.For example, if a child receives a shoebox at age four, they will never get another shoebox. That’s because there are so many poor children in the world. When we pack, let’s pack quality and quantity so the box will always be a special memory and hopefully one day lead the child and the family to the Lord.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Let’s pray today for the shoeboxes packers as they get boxes of items ready for children all around the world. Let’s also pray for the children who receive the shoeboxes. No matter their age when they receive a shoebox, let’s pray the children will learn about Jesus and want Him to be a part of their lives forever.
Please pray for Michael Anthony who is having issues with being able to use his hand. He received medical help in McComb yesterday and will see a specialist Monday in Covington.
Please continue to pray forJewel Kay Y. Cutrer, Jeff Van, Tommy Hoodand others as they receive treatment through MD Anderson. Thank God for this treatment facility for cancer and its ability to help many people.
Mr. Albert Joseph “A.J.” Bodker
October 16, 1929 – October 22, 2021
Ponchatoula, Louisiana
Albert Joseph “A.J.” Bodker passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on October 22, 2021, at the age of 92. A true Ponchatoula treasure, A.J. wore many hats: husband, father, pawpaw, teacher, principal, Presbyterian, Rotarian, advisor, and friend. He was beloved in each of these roles and he excelled at them. A.J. was married to his late wife, Colleen, for sixty-nine wonderful years and they had four beautiful children: Peggy, David, Mellie and Carol. Mr. Bodker was born and raised in Ponchatoula, and his blood ran green and white for the Ponchatoula Greenwave. He graduated from Ponchatoula High School himself, and after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in education from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master’s degree in education from Louisiana State University, he returned to his alma mater to teach and serve as principal. Mr. Bodker is one of the most esteemed principals in the history of PHS, serving in this role during one of the most heated times in our nation’s history – integration- and ushering in this new era with grace. He was on the planning committee and helped implement the construction of the new high school which houses PHS students today. He was adored by students and teachers alike, and his commitment and professionalism motivated those under his tutelage to rise to the occasion and succeed. Even after retiring as principal after a 25-year term, A.J. could never stray far from his precious PHS, and he enjoyed working the scoreboard at Friday night football games in the swamp. Mr. Bodker’s work as a civil servant extended beyond working tirelessly for his students and their education. A.J. was a member of the Ponchatoula chapter of Rotary, where he held the title of eldest member and previously served as President. He truly lived by the moto “service above self” as Rotary exemplifies daily. He loved serving gumbo and beer at the Rotary booth every Strawberry Festival weekend throughout his lifetime. Not only did he participate in volunteer work through Rotary, A.J. was a member of the Tangipahoa Parish library board, an honoree of the Boy Scouts of America, and he served as both Chairman and Board member of the North Oaks Hospital Board of Commissioners and later North Oaks Hospital Foundation Board. He loved working in his community to help Ponchatoula grow and thrive. When Mr. Bodker was not volunteering or working in his many roles in education, he enjoyed spending time at his family camp on the Tangipahoa River that he built himself in 1971, Camp Big Time. A.J. loved running trot lines for catfish or taking his grandchildren and great grandchildren for rides in his party barge. Always the teacher, he regaled his children and grands with stories on the clearing of the cypress trees along the Tangipahoa River and a history of the camps along its passage. He would allow children and grandkids to drive the party barge if they could pass a written test and master the boat tying knots to his precise specification- which was no small feat. Mr. Bodker had quite the sweet tooth, and he would treat his loved ones to his handcrafted milkshakes, perfected from his years working as a soda jerk in Harris drug store which stood in the building now housing Paul’s Café. His family and friends will miss both his lessons and his treats. Mr. Bodker is preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Joe Bodker, and his wife, Colleen Howes Bodker. He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Bodker Furr, and his children: Peggy Bruges (Tony), David Bodker (Diane), Mellie Bodker, and Carol Wiggins (John). He is survived by his grandchildren: Jay Wiggins (Aimee), Lee Bruges (Megan), Amy Bruges, Megan Kelley (Dean), and Becky Bodker (Blake). He is also survived by three great grandchildren: Brock, Elizabeth, and Hudson. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mr. Bodker will be held in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to his beloved First Presbyterian Church of Ponchatoula. To show A.J.’s love and devotion to Ponchatoula High School, the family will be wearing Ponchatoula green to the memorial and asks attendees to do so if they desire. Arrangements are entrusted to Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home and Crematory.
(I was privileged to teach with Mr. Bodker for several years at IHS. He was an interesting and knowledgeable man.)
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021
October 23rd Readings MARK 14:3-9 MATTHEW 26:6-13 JOHN 12:1-11 MARK 11:1-11 MATTHEW 21:1-11 LUKE 19:28-40 JOHN 12:12-19 LUKE 19:41-44 JOHN 12:20-36
Today’s Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for those who are reroofing many of our area churches due to damage from Hurricane Ida. Church roofs are often larger, steeper, and higher than most other roofs. Pray for safety for the workers and for roofs that last a long time for the churches protecting people and church furnishings.
Pray for Mr. “Cete” Dillon as he has stitches removed from his face today. Last night, he said his face was still tender from the procedure. I know he and his family will appreciate our prayers.
David and I talked with Andy Taylor. His heart is beating regularly again. Betty got her routine shot in the eye yesterday. They have sweet attitudes and count all these procedures as blessings.
Maddie Miracles – Maddie had more miracles yesterday. This is the update posted yesterday: Maddie is done with surgery. It was all done laparoscopically…praise God!! She had an enlarged gallbladder so that was good to get it out. Appendix is also gone and they found where an ovarian cyst had ruptured and they cleaned that up. We will get to see her in about an hour and depending on how she feels she should get to go home tomorrow or Saturday! God is so very good ALL the time. Thank you for your prayers. Please keep them coming for the recovery time.
I had a pain management doctor perform my procedure Tuesday. This was a very new experience for me, but not for her. She told me I could go back to my regular routine the next day and might feel better the next day or it might take several weeks. The second day after my procedure seems to be my timeline. Despite some issues, like periodic headaches from the anesthesia, I felt no pain in my back. I am so thankful.
Pauline Gennaro Magliolo
January 03, 1934 – October 20, 2021
A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. She was born January 3, 1934 in Independence, LA and was 87 years of age. In her younger years, she loved traveling with her two sons for their baseball games and tournaments. She was room mother for her two sons at Mater Dolorosa Catholic School and sang in the Christmas choir for Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church. She is survived by her sons, Vincent J. Magliolo (Jenny) and Gerald J. Magliolo (Terri); grandsons, Christopher (Sarah), John Vincent, Eric, and Spencer Magliolo; granddaughters, Mallory and Haley Magliolo, Caroline and Claire Dupas; and great-grandchildren, Braden, Ian, Ava Sophia, and Augustin Magliolo. 2 sisters, Manette Bateman (Carey) and Virginia Armato (Pete); sister-in-law, Mary Gennaro; Preceded in death by her husband, Salvador John “Sonny Boy” Magliolo; parents, John and Genevieve Gennaro; 2 brothers, Sam Gennaro and Anthony Gennaro (Audrey); sister, Josie Garafola (Sam). Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 9:00AM until 10:30AM on Wednesday. A Funeral Mass will be held at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, at 11:00AM on Wednesday, October 27, 2021. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021
October 22nd Readings MATTHEW 20:1-16 MARK 10:32-34 MATTHEW 20:17-19 LUKE 18:31-34 MARK 10:35-45 MATTHEW 20:20-34 MARK 10:46-52 LUKE 18:35-19:27
Prayer Focus Today
Today, let’s pray for all the individual, churches, and other groups who are packing “shoeboxes”, whether it be online or personally. Thank God for each shopping trip to get just the right items. Thank God for the individuals who will again give of their time to pack all they can into each shoebox. Thank God for hearts that love and care for some of the poorest children in the world and whom God has given the desire to help, love, and Pray for through the simple items packed in a box.
Samaritan’s Purse works hard to make sure each needy child gets a shoebox. That’s one shoebox in their lifetime! May each shoebox have just the right items to greatly impact the life of the child who will receive it.
When you have a praise, update, or a request that you would like shared on this site, please contact me through the “Contact” option to the top and right of this page.
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right,
and pure, and lovely, and admirable.
Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
~Philippians 4:6-8 (NLT)~
Adelyn Thornton‘s eye problem is improving, but still is not well. Please pray for this child to have good vision.
Jerry Van shared this update on Jeff Van.
My classmate Carol Ann Cleveland has an adult grandchild who has had many health issues, but who has fought her way through this battles like a real trooper. Today, Maddie is having gallbladder surgery. Pray for a simple procedure and for good results. She has a Facebook page that will allow you to keep up with her – Maddie’s Miracles.
October 21st Readings LUKE 18:9-14 MARK 10:1-12 MATTHEW 19:1-12 MARK 10:13-16 MATTHEW 19:13-15 LUKE 18:15-17 MARK 10:17-31 MATTHEW 19:16-30 LUKE 18:18-30
Volunteer story readers at the library and schools
Volunteer drivers
Volunteer cooks
Volunteer tutors
Volunteer choir members
Volunteer Bible teachers
Volunteer coaches
Etc.
The list is endless. They impact many lives. If you do not volunteer, find some ways you can use your talents and skills. Give freely of yourself. Be blessed!
“God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat,
will also supply you with all the seed you need
and will make it grow
and produce a rich harvest from your generosity.
He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times,
so thatmany will thank God for your gifts
which they receive from us.
For this service you perform
not only meets the needs of God’s people,
but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God.”
~2 Corinthians 9:10-12 (GNT)~
Please pray for Jeff Van who is is MD Anderson to begin his cancer treatment.
Pray also for Tommy Hood and his family as they are traveling through another round of treatment in Houston.
Andy Taylor‘s heart is back in rhythm and he is back at home thanking God for another blessing in his life. Let’s join with Andy and Betty in thanking God for the good results of Andy’s procedure yesterday.
My back procedure went well yesterday. Today, I continue to look forward to improvement whenever God chooses to bless me with it. The paperwork I received yesterday says to expect the improvement in the first two weeks. I see now that I will be working on my “patience timetable” for a while. That must be just the place God wants to to “live in” for a while.
Louise Brown Singleton
September 22, 1930 – October 17, 2021
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at her home. She was born September 22, 1930 in Amite, LA and was 91 years of age. She was a member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and loved her flowers, cooking, working in her yard, and visiting with family and friends. She is survived by her step-son, Wayne Singleton and wife, Faye; 2 sisters, Lorraine Singleton and Jeanine Singleton; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Singleton; step-sons, David and Barry Singleton; parents, Theodore and Ola Brown; sister, Delores Stevens; brothers, Shelby Brown, John Brown, Clayton Holden and Charles Holden; sister-in-law, Evelyn Brown. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, October 21, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Brenda Gayle(Feigler) Hayden
July 28, 1945 – October 04, 2021
Brenda Gayle (Feigler) Haydenwent home to her Lord and Savior on Monday, October, 4,2021. Brenda was bom on July 28,1945 in Baton Rouge, La. She graduated from Istrouma High school and attended LSU. She was a faithful member of Istrouma Baptist Church and First Baptist of Amite. She always loved the LSU tigers and was a Bengal Belle for many years. She was a classy lady who loved to travel, shop, wear pretty clothes, jewelry, decorate her home and watch the LSU Tigers football game. She was affectionately known to her grandchildren as “BG”. We all carry her love and sweet spirit in our hearts. She is survived by her husband, Gerald Hayden of 58 years. Son, Todd Hayden, daughter, Jill Lawless, Grandchildren, Zachary, Gabriel, Dominic, Addie, and sister Jean Boudinot. Preceded in death by her parents, Luther L and Addie Lee Feigler, mother and father-in-law, Percy and Mildred Hayden, brother, James Feigler, 2 brother-in-laws Donald Hayden and Jerry Boudinot. Memorial service to be held at First Baptist Church 117 East Olive Street, Amite, November 4,2021. Visitation 10:00 am. Service 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
“If you . . . know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father in heaven
give good gifts to those who ask him!”
~Matthew 7:11 (NIV)~
Pray for Mr. “Cete” Dillon as her recovers from facial surgery.
Pray for me as I prepare for a back procedure early tomorrow morning.
Fred W. Robinson
October 23, 1926 – October 16, 2021
A resident of Baton Rouge, LA, Fred W. Robinson went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 16, 2021. He was born on October 23,1926 in Allenhurst, GA and was 94 years of age. He was a Korean War veteran and flew F84G Thunderjets. He was a flight leader with the 474th Fighter Bomber Wing, 429th Squadron. He was awarded many honors including the Distinguished Flying Cross for his missions in the Korean War, He flew 69 missions and he would always say this was the biggest achievements of his life. He loved serving his country and would talk about his flying experiences all the time. Fred was also a journalist and professional photographer. Even in his 90’s he would go with his son, Steve, on wildlife photography trips. Photography was his passion all the way to the end. He is survived by his daughter, Kim Gunderson and husband Cliff; son, Stephen Robinson and wife Laina; 7 grandchildren, Danielle Gunderson, Shawn Gunderson, Amanda Robinson, Ali Robinson Allen, Jessica Myers, Katie Robinson and Sarah Robinson; and 7 great grandchildren, Kaylie, Sophia, Brayden, Beaux, Hunter, Hayden and Hudson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Robinson and Ruth Whetstone Robinson; his wife, Billie Robinson; and his sister, Nan Shelton. Graveside services will be held at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, Tickfaw, LA at 11:00AM on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Pray for the preparations for packing of the “shoeboxes” for the older girls thisweek. Pray for the young ladies who will be receiving the boxes. Pray for changed lives because of their introduction to Jesus. Check out this site to read some inspiring stories.https://www.facebook.com/OCCshoeboxes
Today’s Prayer Focus
Pray for boys and girls around the work who will receive a shoebox of school supplies, hygiene items, toys, etc. Pray that receiving the box will give them the opportunity to learn about Jesus and then to share the message with others.
Please continue to pray for all those who are fighting big battles today.
I hear there is an ugly stomach virus traveling through this area. I hope it doesn’t visit your home. Pray for those who have this virus. I’ve never heard of people lining up for a stomach virus! Have you?
Online services will be available on Facebook from FBC, Kentwood at 10:30 this morning and at 6:00 this evening. If you cannot be present, join us as we worship from our homes.
Bro. Darryl will be sharing the story of Jaki that I shared Friday. I think we all can learn from stories like this. Let’s pass the message on. Stories like this are big encouragement for people to get involved with the “shoebox” ministry. I hope it also says “Thank-you” to those who have helped in any way. The involvement of a church can send more boxes than a single individual. Thank-you to all who helped pack 150 more shoeboxes yesterday. What a big undertaking! What great results! Numerous blessings for us and for the children!
What are some other ways we be tell other about Jesus this week?
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at his home. He was born May 25, 1955 in New Orleans, LA and was 66 years of age. He retired from Tangipahoa Parish School System and loved his Harley Davidsons. He was a minister of music, deacon and Sunday School Teacher at Greenlaw Baptist Church and Lewiston Baptist Church. He loved spending time with his church friends, work friends, and his Friday get togethers at Don Lewis’ house. He was a very talented designer and fabricator who could make anything. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Cutrer Fortinberry; daughters, Christy Fortinberry May and husband Albert, Nikki Fortinberry Varnado and husband Jody; 3 grandchildren, Bodie Young, Braden May and Matthew Varnado; 2 sisters, Patricia Braase and husband Lawrence and Kelly Fulcher and husband Bill; mother, Irene Shute Fortinberry; best friends, Charlie Kirkland, Don Lewis, Ted Lewis, Richard Hendry and Randy Cutrer. Preceded in death by his father, George Kellie Fortinberry. Graveside Services will be held at Lewiston Cemetery, Kentwood, LA at 3:00PM on Saturday, October 16, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Corey Morris. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Jaki’s Story – “Why Every Shoebox Needs a Toothbrush”
We don’t live the life of a child in some of the world’s poorer countries and don’t have any idea what it would be like to live there. Watch the video by Samaritan’s Purse to gain some understanding of how a “shoebox” can impact a young life.
A month from today we will be receiving “shoeboxes” at FBC, Kentwood. If you would like to have one or more boxes to pack this year, please contact me for your shoebox(es). You will be able to pick them up at the church office which is located across the street from the sanctuary and fellowship hall. You can find packing and shipping instructions on the site that will guide you.
This is the schedule for the drop-off week at FBC, Kentwood.
Kentwood, LA – First Baptist Church, Kentwood
310 Avenue E Kentwood, LA 70444-2518
Mon, Nov. 15: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tue, Nov. 16: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Wed, Nov. 17: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Thu, Nov. 18: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fri, Nov. 19: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sat, Nov. 20: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sun, Nov. 21: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Mon, Nov. 22: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
If this is not a convenient location or schedule, please check the Samaritan’s Purse “Shoebox” site to find a location that is convenient for you.
Don’t miss the blessing of packing a shoebox or shoeboxes.
The Prayer Link 
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