Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

~Colossians 3:23~

Please continue to pray for Bobby Wayne, the one year old who was in an accident Monday. His treatment changes as needs are addressed. He is in stable, but critical condition.

Please pray for my former student Debbie Luce Clark who lives in the edge of Mississippi. She had dental surgery and is recovering. Please pray for her.

C. J., another former student, is still battling Covid. Please pray for him and his family today.

Charlotte Ann Varnado Carrier

September 23, 1936 – September 08, 2021

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born September 23, 1936 in Kentwood, LA and was 84 years of age. She was a dedicated wife and a loving mother and grandmother (Nanny). She worked many years as a commissioner for the Husser voting precinct. She was always committed to helping family and friends whenever needed. She is survived by her husband, Herman “Mickey” Carrier; sisters Molly Carter and Emily McMillan, brother-in-law, Gerald McMillan; daughter, Cathy Mattei-Robertson (the favorite), son-in-law, Kirk Robertson; daughter, Lisa Carrier (no, I’m the favorite); sons, Alfred “Red” Carrier (nope, I’m the favorite) and Randy Carrier (no, I’m really the favorite); grandchildren, Brian Mattei and wife Meaghan, Curtis Mattei, Brittany Carrier and Heather Carrier; and great-grandchildren Jonathan Milazzo, Miley Rogers, Braylyn Mattei, Kayson Mattei, Aubrey Mattei, Elijah Kincaid, Oliver Kincaid and Raylah Grace. Preceded in death by her parents, Sebie and Mamie Varnado; brothers, Sebie Varnado Jr. and James Varnado; sister-in-law, Shirley Varnado; sisters, Marguerite Varnado and Beatrice V. Newman; brother-in-law, Minton Newman. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Amite from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00Noon on Saturday, September 11, 2021. Interment Carrier Cemetery, Amite, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

The family thanks you for praying for “Miss” Ann this week. Now, please pray for them.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – September 10

DANIEL 10:1-12:13
EZRA 4:24-5:1
HAGGAI 1:1-15

Baptist Press

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Louisiana Baptist Message

http://www.baptistmessage.com/

David and I received power yesterday. It’s easy to take it for granted when all is going well, but it is certainly missed when it is off for so long. We appreciate all those who have been and are continuing to work long hours to help everyone get their electricity restored. Special thanks to Demco for always working hard to provide power for us.

Today’s Prayer Focus

There are many people, both young and old, who do not have the physical ability or the equipment to do the tasks needed to clear their yard and to get things back to normal. Creature comforts make life much more bearable when people live in difficult situations. Today, let’s pray for those who have needs. May their need be made aware so they can be met. May we step up and help others.

Anna Lee

“If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him . . . but . . . if you don’t ask with faith, don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer.”

~James 1:5-8 (TLB)~

My classmate, Robert Bennett, has been dedicated to helping his wife with her battle with cancer. Monday, they learned she is clear of cancer. Their new battle is get her back to eating regular food. Please thank God for the progress Donna has made and pray for her desire and ability to eat again.

Ann Varnado Carrier, sister of Emily McMillan and Molly Carter, passed away. Please pray for her family. “Miss” Ann lived in Amite.

Bobby Wayne, the one year old who was in a wreck, is making some progress following his surgery. I know you will want to continue to pray for this baby.

Pray for Andy Taylor. He is in a season of Afib.

Thank God for the progress being made all around us in the wake of Hurricane IDA. Some of our neighbors were able to get power last night. Pray for continued progress of all the many workers as they attempt to “light-up” our homes and neighborhoods. Pray for their safety as they work long hours. This may be the day we got power back….

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – September 9

EZRA 2:1-4:5
1 CHRONICLES 3:19-24

Baptist Press

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Today’s Prayer Focus

Churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals have gone out of their way to help each other in our communities and to help those who are here to help us. Today, let’s pray for them and thank God for them.

Anna Lee

“We are helpless in the face of this large army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but we look to you for help.”

~2 Chronicles 20:12 (GNT)~

May we always look to Him!

Jeanne Bond Tate’s nephew, Jacob Wilson, died in an accident Monday night. Please be in prayer for all the family and friends.

Lorrie Lynn Robert requests prayer for one year old Bobby Wayne who had emergency surgery last night following an accident.

Ronald Lee Smith

November 28, 1951 – September 04, 2021

Ronald Lee Smith, a resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away at 9:11AM on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe, LA. He was born November 28, 1951 in Amite, LA and was 69 years of age. He is survived by his, 2 daughters, Shelly Lynn Smith and Susan Renee Smith; grandson, Braedyn Lee Smith and one on the way, Jaxson Ronald Smith; wife, Angela L. Smith; brothers and sisters, Norma Mae Arnone, Norman Harvey Smith, Jr., Joseph L. Smith, Johnny E. Smith and wife Sylvia, Lionel Freddie Smith and wife Mary Frances, Donald L. Smith and wife Linda, and Annie Mae Smith; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Norman Harvey Smith, Sr. and Johnnie Mae Keen Smith; sister, Bertie Mae Smith; brother, Lewis Willie Smith. Pallbearers will be Larry Smith, Daryl Smith, Eric Short, Everett Short, Travis Short, and Brian Fairburn. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, September 9, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. J.B. Davis. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Byron Jefferson Statham

October 17, 1968 – September 06, 2021

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, September 6, 2021 at Carpenter House in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born October 17, 1968 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 53 years of age. He was a U.S. Army Veteran where he served on the Infantry(Manchu). He is survived by his mother, Susan Wall; brother, Aaron Statham; niece, Alison Statham; numerous cousins and family. Preceded in death by his father, Byron “Sam” Statham; grandparents, Archie and Paul Jean Wall and Tom and Jenell Statham. Graveside Services will be held at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA at 1:00PM Tuesday, September 14, 2021. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Joyce Brecheen McGregor

April 01, 1934 – September 06, 2021

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Monday, September 6, 2021 at Baton Rouge General in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born April 1, 1934 in Amite , LA and was 87 years of age. She drove a school bus many years for St. Helena Parish Schools and was a legal secretary many years in Greensburg. She is survived by her son, Gary Conleay(Emily)Locust Grove, GA; son, Randy Conleay(Debra)Hammond, LA; son, Jay McGregor(Lisa) Mt. Hermon, LA; daughter, Dawn Bridges(Oscar) Greensburg, LA; grandson(that she raised), Justin Lehmann St. Charles, MO; brother, Milton Brecheen Greenville, TN; sister, Caroline Lynn, Frisco, TX; sister in law, Carol Brecheen Weimar, TX; daughter in law, Brenda McGregor; many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Charles (Sonny) McGregor; parents, Clifton and Opal Brecheen; brother, Winston Brecheen; sister, Anita Sowell; daughter, Audrey Conleay Lehmann; son, Mark McGregor; grandson, Aaron Lehmann; grandson, Hunter McGregor; great grandson, Konnor McGregor Strickland. Visitation at Greensburg First Baptist from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – September 8

DANIEL 6:1-28
DANIEL 9:1-27
2 CHRONICLES 36:22-23
EZRA 1:1-11
1 CHRONICLES 3:17-19

Baptist Press

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Pray for all those in our area whose world has been turned upside down because of Hurricane Ida. Many people are still without power, but the linemen are out working daily. Thankfully, many people have stepped up to provide water, snacks, and meals for them. Continue to pray for members of the National Guard, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief, and many others who have stepped up to help meet some of our needs. Special thanks to those who wear no uniform be who see a need and take care of the need.

Today’s Prayer Focus – Volunteers who serve our community without pay! Thank God for their desire to help others and willingness to help because they have willing hands and hearts. (I’m thankful for all who help others, but it certainly takes special people to help without getting a paycheck.)

Anna Lee

“Give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

~1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)~

Let’s be grateful for what God has given us.

I received a prayer request for Mrs. Ann Varnado Carrier. She has had a stroke. Pray for the family as they await MRI results.

Thank God for providing safety for everyone during Hurricane Ida. So many trees fell, it is amazing nobody was killed. He surely was guiding the trees as they fell. Let’s also pray as people are doing repair work following the storm. May God continue to watch out for us. We all need to also be patient as we wait for electricity. The electrical people are doing all they can to help us.

Show your appreciation to the hundreds and hundreds of utility people who are here to help return power to our area. Also, if you have power, share with your family and friends so they can wash clothes, take showers, eat a home cooked meal, etc.

Let’s use out opportunities during this time to be On Mission in whatever form of opportunities God gives us.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – Sept. 7

DANIEL 7:1-8:27
DANIEL 5:1-31

Baptist Press

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If you have any requests you wish me to share, click on the “contact” button and write your request.

Anna Lee

“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 4:8 (NLT)~

We’ve been praying for Tommy Hood for a while. Today, I want to add his mother, Kenna. She’s been faithfully at Tommy’s since since he got sick. Ida brought trees down on Kenna’s home in Amite while they were at MD Anderson.. I’ve seen pictures. The home has major damage. Tommy’s truck was hit by a tree, but it lessened the damage to the house from that tree.

Lois Pittman requested prayer for her sister and nephew, Linda Burt and Stephen Burt, who are both ill.

Gordon Ratliff has had a heart attack. Testing indicated a blockage of 95%. Gordon has a stent and may be able to come home today.

Please continue to pray for all those who are facing difficulties without power and for those who are working to restore power, cut trees, provide meals, etc. Say special prayers for those who are on oxygen or dialysis. Pray for all as we face the hot afternoons. Be patient and understanding with those who are working hard to make life better for each of us.

Spend part of the day thinking and maybe even writing down reasons you have to be thankful today. Be sure to share your thoughts with God.

Make this a good day despite the problems you are having.

If you have been blessed with power in the last few day, ask how you can help someone who does not have power yet. Suggestions: meal, cool resting place in heat of the day, washing clothes, a bed for the night, a shower. Some people have had a long stretch of inconveniences!

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – Sept. 6th

EZEKIEL 47:1-48:35
EZEKIEL 29:17-30:19
2 KINGS 25:27-30
JEREMIAH 52:31-34

Don’t forget the other problems in our world. Pray for peace.

Anna Lee

One more easy suggestion, freeze bottled water and deliver to anyone you see outside working in the heat of the day.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

~Matthew 6:26-27~

Let me start by saying FBC, Kentwood will be having a full schedule of services today. They have electricity! Please consider yourself invited to worship in person or online today.

Today is another opportunity to help others in our area. Think about others! Help out your friends or better yet, total strangers.

It’s also an opportunity to thank those who have left their family and the comforts of home to be herE in our hot weather as they work long hours to help make life better for us again. You can do this with kind words, meals, snacks, a place to sleep, etc.

Be an encourager. Many people have become tired and discouraged. You can be the Sonshine they need.

If you have a rake and willing hands, you can find lots of homeowners who would appreciate some company as they work to clear their yards. (If you attend FBC, Kentwood, you may remember the poster that had all the colorful hands and the words: Missions = Willing Hands.) There are endless opportunities, just look around. What a great way to spend a Labor Day Weekend!

Get two or three to work with you as you help others. It will lighten the load for everyone.

Read the Bible in 2021 – September 5

EZEKIEL 44:1-46:24

Please pray for those who have lost their loved ones in the past months. The loss is more difficult in stressful times like this.

Anna Lee

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

~Philippians 4:6 (NLT)~

Fernie Lamar Bates

July 08, 1942 – September 02, 2021

Fernie Lamar Bates, 79, left this earth to be with his Lord on September 2, 2021. Born July, 8, 1942, he was a resident of Kentwood, La and lived his entire life in St. Helena Parish. He married his wife, Carolyn McNabb Bates, on November 24, 1961 and was married to her for 57 years. He retired from the Louisiana Department of Transportation after being employed with them for nearly thirty years. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a friend to many. Some of his favorite past times were sitting on the porch drinking coffee with friends and running rabbit and fox dogs. There is no doubt that he has been reunited with his beautiful wife in his heavenly home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn McNabb Bates; parents, Herman and Lillie Belle Frazier Bates; siblings, Dorothy Bates Day, Vera Bates Allatto, and infant brother J.W. Bates. He is survived by his two sons, Timothy and wife Laura, Johnny and wife Maria; three grandchildren Barrett (Becky), Lance (Kortnie), and Chelsea; five great grandchildren, Alyvia, John David, Kynlie, Rylee, and Cooper; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Graveside Services will be held at New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA at 3:00PM Monday, September 6, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Bill Galloway and Rev. Donnie Easley. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – September 3

1 CHRONICLES 8:29-9:1
DANIEL 4:1-37
EZEKIEL 40:1-37

Life has been different this past week due to Hurricane Ida. Thanks to all the linemen, churches, neighbors, restaurants, fire departments, nurses, businesses, disaster relief, etc. who have gone out of their way for the rest of us. I don’t know how long we will be without power, but David and I have made adjustments and are making the most of the circumstances. Some say “Make lemonade from lemons”. Check on neighbors and friends. Pay kindnesses forward. Be appreciative of linemen who are working long hard hours in awful conditions. Share what you have. We’ll get through this. Be safe and smart! Love one another!

Anna Lee

“Don’t fret or worry.

Instead of worrying, pray.

Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers,

letting God know your concerns.

Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness,

everything coming together for good,

will come and settle you down. I

t’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”

~Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)~

Read the Bible Chronologically Today – September 3

1 CHRONICLES 8:29-9:1
DANIEL 4:1-37
EZEKIEL 40:1-37

Baptist Press

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Louisiana Baptist Message

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Nobody said this would be easy, but keep on keeping on. Work together. We will recover from Hurricane Ida! God is with us! God is for us!

Anna Lee

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

~2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)~

Carolyn W. McDaniel

November 19, 1944 – August 28, 2021

A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. She was born November 19, 1944 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 76 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Sondra Michelle Brasseaux; son, Rex McDaniel and wife Sue; 3 grandchildren, Cassidy Brasseaux, Brent McDaniel, and Kyle McDaniel; great-grandson, Rowdy James Brasseaux; sister, Lois Ann Rives and husband Bill. Preceded in death by her husband, Ralph McDaniel; and parents, Bennett and Beatrice Williams. Graveside Services will be held at Pine Grove Methodist Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA at 10:30AM Friday, September 3, 2021. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Richard Clint “Ritchie” Easley

November 20, 1971 – August 29, 2021

The night of August, 29, 2021, as Hurricane Ida roared through our state, Richard Clint “Ritchie ” Easley left his earthly home. His passing occurred at the place he dearly loved, his home on family property in Easleyville, Louisiana. Throughout his early life he spent countless hours on the family property. Following graduation from college he made this his full-time residence. Ritchie was born on November 20, 1971 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is survived by his parents Kaye Lynette Smith Easley and Morris Richard Easley; his sister Jennifer Anne Easley Davis and Brad, and their children Matthew and Sarah Beth. Uncles Kirk Gillis, John Easley (Anne Marie), and Greg Flores (Sarah). Aunts Theresa Flores and Rebecca Davis (Dock). Predeceased by grandparents Albert and Toffie Smith, Morris and Susie Easley, Sadie and Prentiss Carter. A special aunt Liesa Gillis, and uncle Matt Easley. Although Ritchie was an avid hunter he had great respect and love for wildlife. He graduated from Denham Springs High in 1990 and Southeastern Louisiana University in 1994. He was an investigator for the Louisiana Attorney General’s office and later a Special Agent for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General Office of Investigations. He was a longtime member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. Ritchie was a life-long Methodist and member of Day’s Methodist Church. He treasured both family and friendships that he gained throughout his life. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood from 9:00 until religious services at 11:00 on Saturday, September 4, 2021. Services conducted by Reverend Milton Bourque. Interment at Day’s Methodist Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to charity of your choice. Special thanks to the St. Helena Sheriff’s Officers and First Responders Barrilleaux and Wascom. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Randall “Randy” Craig Fairburn

April 20, 1960 – August 28, 2021

Randall “Randy” Craig Fairburn, a resident of Kentwood, LA passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Baton Rouge General Mid City in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born on April 20, 1960 in McComb, MS. He was 61 years old. He was a 1978 graduate of Spring Creek High School in Kentwood, LA. He was employed as a Safety Technician at Occidental Chemical for Turner Industries in Geismar, LA. Randy’s love for his family, friends, and motorcycles was undeniable. He loved nothing more than rebuilding old bikes with his cousins, Wayne and Wendell Simmons. Randy is survived by his loving wife, Lanette Fairburn; children, Jamie, Joniele, and Jace Fairburn and Holli Howard (David Green), Neela, and Wiley Howard; step-children, Ashley Sanders (Chris) and Ryan Wicker (Skylar), grandchildren, Kinsley Fairburn, Isaiah, Amiya, and Xavier Fairburn, and Landon Harwood; numerous step-grandchildren; mother, Jeannette Simmons Fairburn; special sister, Brenda F. McGregor (Kenny); mother-in-law, Karolyn Sue Blades; nieces and nephews, Brett Conerly (Christi), Ryan McGregor (Hillary), Shontell Strickland (Robert); special cousins, Tommy Fairburn and Gail Fairburn; along with numerous others. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard “Buddy” Fairburn; grandparents, Richard and Dora Fairburn and Silas Dean and Lucille Simmons; and an aunt, Betty Sauls. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Othell Stewart Williams

April 01, 1922 – August 28, 2021

Please note it is the McKneely Funeral Home in KENTWOOD, not Amite as I reported yesterday.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – Sept. 2

1 CHRONICLES 5:18-26
1 CHRONICLES 6:3
1 CHRONICLES 6:49
1 CHRONICLES 6:4-15
1 CHRONICLES 7:1-8:28

Baptist Press

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Fall Food Round-up for Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home

The deadline for leaving your items at FBC is September 20th. Please see the posters on the doors to the fellowship hall for a list of items we will focus out giving on this year. You can also contribute money to the fund so the children’s home can make their own purchases.

Operation Christmas Child

Contributions can be given to offset the $9.00/Shoebox postage fee

Prayer Concerns

• Our country and other countries around the world

• Political leaders from the local level to the international level.

• Women and others who are persecuted

• Unborn babies

• Hurricane Ida victims

• Relief workers (LA Baptists, Samaritan’s Purse, etc.)

• Those who need to be spiritually saved

Do something today to leave a good memory of the days following Hurricane Ida. Remember all those who made themselves available to assist others during this recovery time. Thank God and thank them.

Anna Lee