Today, let’s pray for fathers. They lead the family whether they know it or not. There or many ways this is done. One way, that makes a difference eternally, is in church attendance and service. When the father leads the family to church involvements, about 85% of the time the whole family will be involved long term. Today, let’s pray for fathers as they set the example for their family in many ways.
“Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do. So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others.”
~Romans 12:4-5 (TLB)~
Volunteer – a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task.
All great tasks in the kingdom of God and in other places require volunteers. They are not motivated by money, but purpose!
PACKING OF SHOEBOXES WILL BE DONE IN THE NEXT THREE WEEKS. Then, we look ahead to a week of collecting shoeboxes from others to send them on the next step of the way to the right child for each box. Only God can get the boxes to the right children, but I have heard many stories of a child who wanted, and sometimes needed, an unusual item. It turned out to be the main item of the shoebox the child received. For example, one child wanted a radio. I’ve never thought about packing a radio, or know of someone who did, but the child who wanted a radio got a radio in a “shoebox” packed in a far-away country. ONLY GOD!
Mrs. Bessie Hayden had to go back to the hospital. Please keep her in your prayers.
Pray for another of my former students who is very sick.
Antoinette Marie Strahan
June 08, 1946 – September 25, 2021
Marie Antoinette Strahan passed from this life on September 25, 2021 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. She was born in Bay City, TX On June 8, 1946 to Tony Buckley and Louise Tracey.
She worked hard to provide for her family and took pride in everything that she did. She always believed that if you are going to do something, you should give it your all.
She was a wonderful friend who would do anything for the people that she loved. Everyone who met her fell in love with her sweet soul.
Survivors are her three sons, Jody Johnson, Raymond Johnson, and Jack Wilkinson; one daughter, Jamie Hector, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her two best friends, Milton and Nancy Holloway.
Pamela Giardina Triolo
June 16, 1944 – October 04, 2021
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, October 4, 2021 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born June 16, 1944 in Amite, LA and was 77 years of age. She is survived by 2 sons, Mike Triola and Greg Triolo and wife Marissa; 4 grandsons, Tyler Castleberry and Alex, Ryan, and Owen Triolo; brother, Sal Giardina and wife Deanna; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by her husband, Carlo Triolo; parents, Sam and Constance Lupo Giardina; nephew, Duane Giardina. She worked as a nurse for Dr. Goldsby for 35 years where she loved helping and serving her patients and community. Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, October 9,2021 at 10:00AM at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Services conducted by Deacon Eddie Renz. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021
October 7th Readings MARK 5:1-20 MATTHEW 8:28-34 LUKE 8:26-39 MARK 5:21-43 MATTHEW 9:18-26 LUKE 8:40-56
Our area is very thankful for the volunteers who came here to help our residents with downed trees and damaged roofs. Think of others who worked, without pay, to help in recovery. They are volunteers. They do a good work. God blesses them for their work. We have many who volunteer here on a regular basis. Think of parents and grandparents who volunteer at schools. Think about Sunday School teachers and other volunteer laborers at schools and churches. Think of people who clean the roadway in their neighborhood. Think of those who serve for many years in hospitals. I know I am on focus this morning. The television segment on right now just said “volunteer” and talked about others who benefit another community by giving of their time. Thank God for volunteers. Ask Him how He can best use your time and talents.
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!
The Prayer Link 
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