I trust reading Luke this month has been a blessing and added special meaning to the Christmas holidays.
Don’t forget the FBC, Kentwood Christmas service from 6:00 – 6:30 tonight. Guests are welcome to celebrate Jesus with us.
Please continue to pray for me (and David). I am having issues that took us to the ER in Covington yesterday. We had a great experience and are praying for positive results.
“Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things,
but few things are needed—or indeed only one.
Mary has chosen what is better,
and it will not be taken away from her.’”
~Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)~
Good news from the Hood family. Tommy recently had a six month evaluation at MDA and passed with very good results.
Mr. Bobby Raborn was scheduled for a defibrillator procedure yesterday and will have two valve replacements after Christmas. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.
Please pray for two WMU friends from Montpelier. Barbara (and John Forshag) had a long trip with no problems, but she now has the flu. Charlene Addison has pneumonia, but was sent home from Hodd Memoria for recovery and protection from Covid. Please pray for good recoveries for these ladies.
Roy E. Spears
July 12, 1962 – December 21, 2021
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born July 12, 1962 in Amite, LA and was 59 years of age. He is survived by his sister, Tanya Gorman Weatherby; brothers, Ray “Bubba” Spears, Louis Wayne Spears and wife, Dina and Gerald Scott Spears; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Betty Spears. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, December 28, 2021. Interment Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Betty Dees Cade
November 02, 1943 – December 21, 2021
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at her home in Kentwood, LA. She was born November 2, 1943 in Amite, LA and was 78 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Robert Cade; 2 daughters, Julie Williams and husband, David and Dee Johnson; grandchildren, Nikki Swearingen, Dalton Bridges, Katelyn Welch and husband, Colton, Maddox Williams and Rowdy Pete Williams; 3 great-grandchildren, Jayden Swearingen, Gabriel Salassi and Ridley Salassi. Preceded in death by her parents, Hamilton Dees and Bernice Mothershed Dees; son, Barry Swearingen; brother, Benjamin Dees; sister, Shirley Dees Haynes. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Carolyn Badon Price
September 23, 1947 – December 21, 2021
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
A resident of Greenwell Springs, LA, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. She was born September 23, 1947 in Magnolia, MS and was 74 years of age. She was a dedicated and compassionate nurse specializing in Geriatric Psych. She is survived by her husband, Gary H. Price; daughter, Missy Dickson Miller and husband, Todd; son, Michael K. Dickson and Ashleigh Stagg; sister, Karen Badon Carruth and husband, Greg; 2 brothers, Doug Badon and wife, Jackie and Donny Badon and wife, Sara; 4 grandchildren, Candace Anthony and husband, Justin, Christian Miller Strahan and husband, Roy, Blair Dickson and Michael T. Dickson; 2 great-grandchildren, Livi Anthony and Kinley Anthony; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; her 3 faithful companions, Timex, Rolex and Buster; close friends, Pat Tynes, Lee Bonocarso, JoAnn Price and Tina Marcant; cousin and friend, Linda Glascock. Special Thanks to Dr. Chad Domangue and Dr. Derris Ray. Preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Esther Badon. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 12:00PM until religious services at 2:00PM on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Monday, December 20, 2021 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. He was born January 31, 1947 in Franklinton, LA and was 74 years of age. He served in the United States Army and Army National Guard and was a heavy diesel mechanic till he retired. He loved working on motorcycles and building them. He loved his children and grandchildren and watching them play sports. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and jeep. He also enjoyed drinking coffee and having breakfast with his best buddies. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Brigette Whaley and husband Jeremy and Sherry Knight; mother of children, Paulette Rogers Jenkins; grandchildren, Alyx Bush, Adam Bush, Lily Hall and Ella Hall; sisters, Florine Sorrell and husband James and Lola Beto and husband, Jerry; brother, Samuel Charles Jenkins and wife, BJ; step-father, Gus Conglio; step-children, Frank Saizon and Jason Saizon; step-grandchildren, Jason Saizon, Hunter Saizon, Elizabeth Saizon, Carla Gilless and Samantha Saizon. Preceded in death by his wife, Johnnie Faye Jenkins; parents, Sam Jenkins and Elsie Mae Coniglio; step-grandson, Wolfgar Saizon. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00PM on Thursday, December 23, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. David Pigott. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Jobe C. “JC” Blades died Dec. 15 , 2021 at North Oaks Hospital in Hammond, La. he was born November 27, 1939 in Greensburg, La to Ephrem and Ruby Blades. After a few years in the Army, JC began a welding career and in 1970 he opened JC Blades Construction. His company became one of the biggest welding contractors in the south. He retired in 2000, but he never really stopped working. He became an avid golfer and fisherman. JC was a BMW motorcycle rider and traveled to 49 states and he was awarded the 200,000 mile rider by BMW for 200,000 miles traveled on BMW motorcycles. He finally parked his bike 2 years ago at 80 years old. JC, was survived by a brother, Paul Blades of Saucier, MS, granddaughter Chloe Whiddon, Independence, La, and son in law, Matthew Michael, Deadwood, South Dakota. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Lebo Blades, daughter, Debra Michael, 2 brothers, Charles “Stud” Blades, and Johnny Blades and his parents, Ephrem and Ruby Blades. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, December 21, 2021.Services conducted by Bro. Darryl Miller. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
First Baptist Church is having a Christmas Eve program at 6:00 Friday night. Bro. Darryl promised it will end by 6:30 so you will have plenty of time for other events. You are welcome to spend that 30 minutes with us and be truely blessed.
Please pray for Kay Simpson, daughter of Bobby Simpson. She broke her back and will be receiving treatment/care for a long time.
Yesterday, I told you about Bobby Raborn. He was later moved to ICU. Keep praying for him, please.
Pray for the many holiday travelers who will be on the roads or in the air this week.
Thank God for the adult and children’s Christmas programs in many of the local churches lately. If you didn’t see them live, you will be blessed to find most of them online. (Technology is certainly helpful for things such as this.)
Since 1888, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® for international missions has supported Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the gospel around the world. The offering represents 59 percent of IMB total annual support. Every penny you give to the offering goes directly to support missionaries, including salaries, medical care, housing, transportation, and children’s education.
Coming Next Month
First Baptist Church will be collecting gift cards from businesses such as Walmart, Dollar General, and Lowe’s in whatever amount you choose to give. We will give them to Dr. Stan Statham, Director of Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief. He will be able to give them to those who have great needs following the awful tornadoes that hit Kentucky and other places a couple weeks ago.
Thank you for reading and praying. Thanks too for supporting the mission projects around the world and here in Kentucky..
W.B. (Bobby) Raborn, 89 years old, was taken to the ER at North Oaks last night. He has an infection and has been admitted to the hospital. Please pray for him and his family.
He talked with Yvonne Birch, his sister, at 3:30 yesterday afternoon and expressed his concern that he didn’t feel well and was concerned he would miss his Sunday School class, City Hall class, today.
Ezekiel 39:1-40:27 James 2:18-3:18 Psalm 118:1-18 Proverbs 28:2
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
Lottie Moon’s legacy is a call for sacrificial giving to international missions so others can be sent and given the opportunity to see lives changed as people learn about Jesus and accept Him as their Savior. People only have one lifetime to live for Jesus. Let’s help give them that opportunity!
100% of your gifts through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering go to support missionaries to accomplish this goal. Your gifts to the LMCO can be given today or at any time during the year.
Operation Christmas Child
We packed shoeboxes during the first ten months of 2021.
We collected shoeboxes locally in November, the week before Thanksgiving.
Shoeboxes were then transported to almost ten processing centers where they were prepared to be sent internationally. Last week, the week before Christmas, the final boxes were sent out on the first leg of their long journey to children around the world.
The process is well planned. Please do your part now and pray for the shoeboxes and the children who will receive them. May others learn about Jesus and take Him into their hearts so they can live for Him here and live with Him forever in heaven!
“For anyone out there who doesn’t know where you’re going, anyone groping in the dark, here’s what: Trust in GOD. Lean on your God!”
~Isaiah 50:10 (The Message)~
Thank-you for praying for my sister, Julie. Her eye is better and she is able to do things she enjoys. Thanks to Dr. Ted who monitored her daily.
Latimer “Bubba” Brock Jr.
November 8, 1954 – December 13, 2021 (67 years old)
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Latimer Brock Jr. of Tickfaw, Louisiana, born in Magnolia, Mississippi, who passed away on December 13, 2021, at the age of 67, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
He was predeceased by : his parents, Latimer Brock Sr. and Lyna Brock; and his brother Ray Brock. He is survived by : his wife Cecelia Strate Brock; his children, Dennis Brock (Gretchen), Cristalle Brock and Latimer Brock III; his grandchildren, Lexa, Joee, Jonathan, Devin, Reagan, Ryan, Adelyn and Reanna; and his siblings, Robbie, Carolyn and Betty.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 19th 2021 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Monday, December 20th 2021 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 20th 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home – Hammond (12012 US-190, Hammond, LA 70401).
A Christian mission is an organized effort to spread Christianity to new converts.
Alice Mary and friends gave out the CHRISTMAS gift bags for children yesterday. I’m looking forward to hearing a report of “the big day”.
Mission Opportunity Coming Soon! During the month of January, FBC, Kentwood will be accepting gift certificates for Walmart, Dollar General, Lowes, and other businesses for the victims of the tornadoes that hit our country last week. We will ask Dr. Stan Statham, the head of Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief, to get them into the hands of families who need them. After you purchase the gift certificates, you can put them in the offering plate in your envelope labeled tornado relief or simple hand them to the secretary in the church office. You choose how many to purchase, store to purchase from, and the amount of the gift certificates. (I thought Ida was bad here, but it doesn’t compare to the recent tornado damage!)
Hands-On Mission Opportunity! There will be Operation Christmas Child workshops the first Saturday of the first nine months of 2022. We plan to work in the basement area at 9:00 each week. Bring a morning snack. Everything will be provided for your crafting/work.
As we approach Christmas, this verse is appropriate, but it is appropriate 365 days a year. This verse is posted in the OCC room at FBC, Kentwood.
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.
~Proverbs 3:27~
During the month of December, some of the shoeboxes we packed have been shipped to:
Phillippines
Uganda
Balswana
Tanzania
I doubt any of us will be going to these countries this year, but it certainly gives me a special feeling to know our shoeboxes will touch the lives of many people, especially children, in these countries.
Other local churches who took their shoeboxes to FBC, Kentwood, but who are not tracking their shoeboxes, there is a big probability your boxes could have gone to one or more of these countries.
J.D. Smith requests prayers. He has been hospitalized in two different hospitals, but is now at home. He and his family will will greatly appreciate your prayers.
David Ray Granger
December 04, 1961 – December 15, 2021
A resident of Hammond, LA, passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born December 4, 1961 in Independence, LA and was 60 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Linda Brooke; sister, Becky Granger; brothers, Gary McCarroll, Jack “Catfish” Granger, Jr. and wife Tammy, Jules Granger and wife Vonda, Bill Granger and wife Charla, Doug Granger and wife Kim; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Jack Granger, Sr. and Marjorie Thomas Granger; sister, Barbara Morgan; brothers, Earl McCarroll, Edward Granger, and J. L. Granger. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until religious services at 7:00PM on Friday, December 17, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Allison George Singleton
January 13, 1928 – December 15, 2021
A resident of St. Helena parish, passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at her home. She was born January 13, 1928 in Georgeville, LA and was 93 years of age. She is survived by her children Danny, Kay, and Gail Singleton and grandson Sage Parsons. She cherished her family. Preceded in death by husband Emmett Singleton, grandson Elliot Parsons, brother Buddy George & their parents, Herbert and Maude. Graveside Services at 11:00AM on Monday, December 20, 2021 at Killian Chapel Cemetery at Hwy 16 & 441. Gather with us. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Montpelier United Methodist Church.McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
The Prayer Link 
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