With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.
We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Please pray for Jewel Kay Y. Cutrer as she spends a week at M.D. Anderson to continue her treatment. Pray for the medical staff as they develop and initiate her treatment this week. Pray for her family, both the ones with her and the ones still here in Kentwood.
Pray for “shoeboxes’ as they are filled with useful items like soap, toothbrushes, and school supplies as well as fun things like balls, dolls, and jump ropes. Thank God for those who have contributed and those who will pack the shoeboxes. Most of all, pray for each child who will receive a box. May they feel the love of those who have packed the shoeboxes and the love of Jesus who died so they might have a wonderful, blessed eternity in heaven.
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021
October 6th Readings MATTHEW 13:10-23 LUKE 8:9-18 MARK 4:21-29 MATTHEW 13:24-30 MARK 4:30-34 MATTHEW 13:31-52 MARK 4:35-41 MATTHEW 8:23-27 LUKE 8:22-25
Today, let’s pray for our shoeboxes, not for the soap, toothbrushes, pencils, erarers, socks, or toys, but for the child and family that will receive a shoebox. Studies have shown that a shoebox message about Jesus will impact seven people in the family, siblings, parents, grandparents, etc. as they all learn the story about Jesus and take it to heart. How blessed we are to be a part of such a wonderful, life-changing opportunity!
We have purchases the items that go into the shoeboxes. Now, we are working on the postage. It only takes $9.00 per box to ship it internationally and to provide the literature that will introduce the child and the family to Jesus. Priceless! If you wish to contribute, you can do so at the church office Monday-Friday or through the Sunday offering. Be sure to mark you envelope “OCC Postage”. Thank-you for helping send the “shoeboxes” to the children.
11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.[a]2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
October 5th Readings LUKE 8:1-3 MARK 3:20-30 MATTHEW 12:22-45 MARK 3:31-35 MATTHEW 12:46-50 LUKE 8:19-21 MARK 4:1-9 MATTHEW 13:1-9 LUKE 8:4-8 MARK 4:10-20
In only six weeks, OCC will have collection week. FBC, Kentwood will again serve as a collection site. If we are a convenient location for your group, we will be happy to get your boxes to the next location. The dates and times should be posted on the OCC site real soon.
If you have any OCC questions, I will be happy to answer them if I can. If not, I will redirect you to someone who can.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for:
*Those who are leading the shoebox ministry in various churches, schoold, and clubs.
*Those who are packing shoeboxes.
*Those who are transporting shoeboxes.
*Children who will be receiving shoeboxes.
*Those who will be teaching about Jesus to the shoebox recipients
FBC, Kentwood will be packing shoeboxes in small groups, rather than a big packing party. If you wish to participate, please let me know.
It’s time for the Monday morning march! Are you ready? If you don’t know about the Monday morning march, it is okay. It’s just a part of people of my generation.
It’s time to begin packing shoeboxes for the boys who are 2-4 years old. If you get a message from me, please help. This is the first group for packing this year. We will pack for the other groups in the coming weeks.
Make the world a better place today through your actions.
Faye Carney recovered from covid and was able to attend her sister’s funeral. Thank-you, God for providing the way for her to be there.
I read that the number of covid cases is declining in our area. I know that is an answer to prayers coming from many of us.
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021
October 2nd Readings MARK 3:7-19 LUKE 6:12-16 MATTHEW 5:1-12 LUKE 6:17-26 MATTHEW 5:13-48 LUKE 6:27-36 MATTHEW 6:1-4
Prayer Focus for Today
Today, as we continue to enjoy the first fall-like days, I trust you will find ways this coming week to reach out to people who need to know about God.
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, September 10, 2021 at his home in Kentwood, LA. He was born January 13, 1957 in McComb, MS and was 64 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Katherine Moore Gill; son, Mathew Gill; daughter, Kristine Crawford and Kane; grandchildren, Zane Estess, Alayana Crawford, Connor Crawford, Claire Crawford, Olivia Jones, Kane Janes and Misti Jones. Preceded in death by parents, William Gill, Sr. and Linda Gill; daughter, Manessa Ann Gill. A Memorial Service will be held from 3:00PM until 6:00PM on Friday, October 1, 2021 at Osyka Baptist Church, Osyka, MS. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021
October 1st Readings JOHN 5:1-47 MARK 2:23-28 MATTHEW 12:1-8 LUKE 6:1-5 MARK 3:1-6 MATTHEW 12:9-14 LUKE 6:6-11 MATTHEW 12:15-21
Look to the right to find Hurricane Ida photos, stories, and relief efforts.
Today’s prayer focus
Today, let’s pray for younger and middle age adults who do not have Jesus in their hearts. Frequently, they do not raise their children to attend church and learn about Jesus. This breaks my heart. Please pray for them and their children.
Operation Christmas Child
October and the first weeks of November are especially busy getting all the shoeboxes packed, collecting the shoeboxes for our area , and getting everything turned in to the next location before they make their way to Dallas and then on to children all around the world. It is not too late to volunteer to help.
“The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me.
Everyone abandoned me.
May it not be counted against them.
But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear.”
~2 Timothy 4:16-17 (NLT)~
Ruthie Elaine Dykes
December 31, 1964 – September 23, 2021
A resident of Bolivar, La. passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021. She was born December 31, 1964 and was 56 years old. She is survived by 1 sister, Martha Faye Carney; 3 brothers, Edward Dykes, Jerry and Kathy Dykes, all of Mt. Hermon, La., Jacky Dykes and Vicki Wall of Osyka, MS; step mom, Pearl Travis Dykes of Kentwood, LA; 2 care takers, Jack and Mindy Barnette of Independence, LA; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Ruthie is preceded in death by her parents, Coy Dykes Jr. and Martha C. Traylor; step dad, Jim Traylor; 6 brothers, Eugene and Janice Travis, Phil Cole Dykes, William Henry Dykes, Carl Ray Dykes, Tommy Lane Dykes, and Jimmy Wayne Dykes Sr.; 2 sisters, Shirley Rae Cooper and Lila Jean and David Watson Sr.; grandparents, Coy Dykes Sr. and Emma Dykes, Richard Henry and Eunice Cooper. Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 2:00PM in the Tangipahoa Cemetery. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.
Pray for Ruthie’s sister, Faye, that she may win the battle with Covid and also be able to attend the funeral.
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021
September 30th Readings LUKE 5:1-11 MARK 1:40-45 MATTHEW 8:1-4 LUKE 5:12-16 MARK 2:1-12 MATTHEW 9:1-8 LUKE 5:17-26 MARK 2:13-17 MATTHEW 9:9-13 LUKE 5:27-32 MARK 2:18-22 MATTHEW 9:14-17 LUKE 5:33-39
My church has been helpful to us by providing online services three times a week that we could view from home. They had started this service before the pandemic and have improved it as time passed. Thank-you, for allowing us to be involved while staying at home.
Today’s Prayer Focus – Pray for all families who do not attend church regularly. Pray the online services will encourage them to become more involved.
David and I are blessed to have TV service again. It serves as a connection to the world news, a source of entertainment, and a good weather information source. It was like having a long-lost friend as we had our coffee this morning. Thanks to a friend for helping speed up the process for us. We feel blessed.
For two days, I have thought and thought, without remembering the name of the person I needed to add so you can pray. Dawn Peterson, John Peterson’s wife, had a very serious heart attack early this week. A stent was used to correct that issue, but more testing indicated the need for additional stents. The procedure will be more dangerous than going without the stent. She really needs our prayers. Pray for Dawn, her family, and the doctors caring for her. Thanks!
Please remember to pray for Jewel Kay Cutrer who is being treated at MD Anderson..
Pray for several families as they make decisions about the best care for their loved ones. You might want to say special prayers for the families of Jerry Doughty and Ginger Hatchel (TX).
Paula “Tot” Russell Hodges
July 31, 1961 – September 25, 2021
A resident of Hammond, LA, passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at her home. She was born July 31, 1961 in Amite, LA and was 60 years of age. She is survived by her 4 children, Kenna Graves and husband Marley, Shelby Hodges and wife Brittney, Jeremy Hodges and girlfriend Crystal Conrady and Dylan Hodges; grandchildren, Chanler Graves, Raegan Graves, Wesley Hodges, Lilith Hodges, Benjamin Hodges and Brighton Hodges; father of her children, Kenneth Hodges; 2 sisters, Peggy Ann Todora and Terry Pye; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; her puppies, Nieve and Alphonse; special nephews and nieces, Hoyt Ford and wife Becca, Tracye Ford and Rodney Hodges, Jr. Preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Ola Hyde Russell Toney Stevens; father, Shelby Oscar Russell; step-father, Delbert Toney; sister, Sue Ellen Pearson; infant daughter, Taylor Lynn Hodges. Visitation at Big Creek Church of Christ from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, October 2, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. Mike Stafford. Interment Russelltown Cemetery, Roseland, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(“Tot” was a distant relative of David through the Russells.)
Joseph Lee Bennett
January 15, 1955 – September 27, 2021
A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born January 15, 1955 in Independence, LA and was 66 years of age. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a deacon of First Baptist Church of Roseland. He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie Passman Bennett; 3 daughters, Jamie Bennett Howell (Greg Howell), Amy Bennett (George Landrew), Nannette Bennett; grandchildren, Joseph “Drew” Howell (Hanna Menne), Macy Bennett (Shawn Rewis) Jessica Howell (Jai Norwood), Gregory “Blake” Howell, Payton, Howell, Zachary Howell, Marcus Distefano, and Sarah Howell; great-grandchildren, Gabrielle “Gabbi” Bennett and Cataleya “Leya” Norwood; brother, Tony Bennett (Kelly Bennett); 2 sisters, Mary Ann Doyle and France Burcham. Preceded in death by father, Clifford Bennett; mother, Pauline Wilson; brother, William Elmo “Johnny” Bennett; and sister, Del Marie Howell. Memorial Services will be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(When we were getting the Hope Center in Roseland started, Joe was a volunteer there.)
George Jeffery Griffin
June 28, 1945 – September 25, 2021
George Jeffery Griffin, a resident of Mt. Hermon, LA, originally from Bridge City, LA passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at his home in Mt. Hermon, LA. He was born June 28, 1945 in New Orleans, LA and was 76 years of age. One of his favorite parts of life was family get togethers where he enjoyed to clown around. He loved the deer and hogs that came into the back yard and enjoyed taking photos of them. He was a U. S. Navy veteran. He was president, assistant chief and operator of Bridge City Volunteer Fire Department for 37 years. For the last year he was president of the Mt. Hermon Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the International Union of Operators and Engineers from 1965 until retirement in 2002. He was an active member of St. Helena Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Brenda B. Griffin; daughter, Kiley Griffin; son, Grant Griffin; grandchildren, Brooke Bergeron and James Cavaliere and wife Allyson; great-grandchildren, Legend Bergeron and Jackson Cavaliere; sister, Betty Landry; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his son, Morris Cavaliere, Jr.; parents, Elson and Louise Griffin; brothers and sister, Ruth Lilliman; Richard Griffin and Elson Griffin, Jr. Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 11:00AM on Friday, October 1 ,2021. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery, Covington, LA . McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.
The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief workers did so much for hundreds of individuals. The repair of many churches will be ongoing.
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021
September 29th Readings MARK 1:14-15 MATTHEW 4:12-17 LUKE 3:23 JOHN 4:46-54 LUKE 4:16-30 MARK 1:16-20 MATTHEW 4:18-22 MARK 1:21-28 LUKE 4:31-37 MARK 1:29-34 MATTHEW 8:14-17 LUKE 4:38-41 MARK 1:35-39 LUKE 4:42-44 MATTHEW 4:23-25
I cannot imagine how much studying was involved in putting the verses of the Bible in order of time. Today’s passages are especially amazing!
Today’s Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for those who are struggling to get hurricane repairs done to homes and businesses. If you know anyone who fits in this category, please do what you can to assist them.
Operation Christmas Child
Preparations for packing parties are underway at many churches. If you would like to participate at FBC, Kentwood, please let me know.
Your daily prayers make such a difference. Thank-you for giving some of your time to pray.
“Open my eyes, so that I may see the wonderful truths in your law.”
~Psalm 119:18 (GNT)~
Please continue to pray for Faye Carney and the other members of the Dykes family.
Joe Bennett of Roseland passed away early yesterday morning. He was hospitalized with covid. I’ll post an obituary when one is available. Please pray for his wife, Marie, and other family members,
Jackie Lewis Cameron
December 27, 1937 – September 24, 2021
Jackie Lewis Cameron, a resident of Roseland, LA passed away peacefully Friday, September 24th at his home. He was born December 27th, 1937 in Clarksville, AR, he was 83 years of age. Jack served in the United States Airforce and was a Body Man by trade. Jack Cameron always had a story to tell and advice to give. If you ever met him, no doubt you would remember him. He was quite a character. He knew Jesus and never lost his faith in God. Jack is survived by his dearest friend, Jean Baham, his son Jackie Lee Cameron and wife Lila of Ponchatoula, LA, his son Jack Ranick Cameron and wife Julie of Wylie, Texas, step-son David Edwards and wife Audrey of Covington and his daughter, Deanna Lynn Cameron of Hammond; grandchildren, Terry Cameron, Shannaline Sharpe, Zevon Sharpe, Sawyer Cameron, Marinn Cameron, Harper Cameron and Gavin Cameron, Cameron Ethan Sellers and Asa Sellers; great grandchildren, Braeden Cameron, Taryn Cameron and Jake Cameron, and great-great granddaughter Grace Cameron. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lois Cameron, his daughter, Jacqueline Cameron-Sharpe, his granddaughter Ariel Cameron, his brothers, Rod and Archie Cameron, his sisters, Carol Shambeck and Janice Baker. His services will be held at Roller-Cox Funeral Home at 710 S Rogers St, Clarksville, AR 72830 on Friday, October 1st, 2021 at 2PM and he will be laid to rest with family at Carter Cemetery in Clarksville, AR.
The article on personal evangelism may be an encouragement for you.
Prayer Focus for Today
Today, let’s pray for Christians, especially ourselves, to be more involved in personal evangelism. We all know someone, or maybe numerous people, who need to hear the message of God’s love and a home forever in heaven. Maybe the article in Baptist Press will be instrumental in getting you involved in personal evangelism. Pray about that today.
The Prayer Link 
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