“Enter through the narrow gate.

For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction,

and many enter through it.  

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life,

and only a few find it.

~Matthew 7:13-14~

My junior high and high school friend, Carol Ann Cutrer Cleveland, has a broken hip. As of last night, she was in the ET waiting to learn if surgery would be last night or today. I do not have an update yet. Please pray for a successful surgery and complete recovery.

Emma Chapman, granddaughter of Mrs. Ann Chapman is serving at a refugee center in Greece. Pray for her as she ministers there and touches many lives.

Mary Esther Gulotta Genco

April 09, 1928 – July 12, 2021

Mary Esther Gulotta Genco received her wings early on Monday morning, July 12, 2021 and instantly reunited with her beloved husband of many years, Paul C. Genco. “Honey” as she was known to many, especially her grandchildren, was born on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1928. “Honey” was a ballerina/dancer from an early age and presented herself at age 7 in the image of her early role model, Shirley Temple. Honey graduated from Independence High School in 1946 and then went to Monroe, Louisiana to attend Business College. She returned home in 1947 and went to work as a secretary at Frank’s Lumber Yard in Hammond, which at the time was situated directly behind the Brown Door Lounge. One day in 1947, while on her lunch break at the Tropic Cafe on Thomas Street in Hammond, Louisiana, she met the love of her life, Paul C. Genco. They married on October 10, 1948 and remained so until Paul’s death in June of 2017. Theirs was a marriage which consisted of great love, friendship, fidelity and devotion. The couple had four children, Charles V. Genco (wife Mary, deceased); Paula G. Spear, deceased (husband Wayne Spear, deceased); John J. Genco, deceased (wife Jackie Genco); and Loreta G. Campo (husband Steve Campo, Jr.). Honey was preceded in death by her parents, John and Laura Gulotta, her son, John, her daughter, Paula, and her beloved husband, Paul C. Genco. Honey is survived by her son Charles V. Genco and her daughter Loreta G. Campo and her grandchildren, William Hall (wife Emily); Christy Morgan (husband Joel); Paul C. Genco, II (wife Megan); Steve Campo, III (wife Amy); Charly Defelice (husband Nick); Mary-Lauren Vernon (husband Eric); and great grandchildren, Sophia Morgan, Gunnar Morgan, Mackenzie Hall, Rilee Hall, Abram Hall, Whitney Hall, John-Peter Campo and Dominick Paul Genco. She also leaves behind her loving cat, Soot. Family expresses their sincere thanks to all care givers and medical professionals who took care of Honey. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until 10:40AM on Friday, July 16, 2021 with a Rosary at 10:45AM and a Eulogy immediately following. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 12:00 Noon on Friday. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Pallbearers will be William Hall, Paul Genco, Eric Vernon, Steve Campo, Jr., Steve Campo, III, and Jesse Phares. Honorary pallbearer will be Dominick “Hawk” Cuti. Family requests that unvaccinated guests to please wear a mask. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Daniel Curtis Gates, Jr.

October 06, 1928 – July 12, 2021

A resident of Spring Creek, LA, passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021 at his home. He was born October 6, 1928 in Kentwood, LA and was 92 years of age. He worked at Gulf States Utilities until he retired at the age of 55. He loved the Lord, loved to work, loved Spring Creek Baptist Church and loved to be involved with his children and grandchildren. He was excellent at giving words of wisdom. His grandchildren loved to hear him tell his life stories that only he could make come to life. He will never be forgotten. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Myrle Varnado Gates; daughter, Darlene Biggs (Donald); son, Donald Curtis Gates, Sr. (Mona); grandchildren, Landon LeBourgeois (Michelle), Ashlynn Ashford (Bubba), Clint LeBourgeois (Lyndee), Marc Marbury (Abbie), and Curt Gates, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Ashford, Dakota Ashford, Londyn Ashford, Blakely LeBourgeois, Bella LeBourgeois, Brooklynn LeBourgeois, Halleigh LeBourgeois, and Monica Marbury; sister, Loyce Hughes. Preceded in death by parents, Daniel and Wilma Gates; 2 brothers, Wildon “Bud” Clark and Clem Clark; 3 sisters, Velda Brock, Doris Dickey, and Cleta Crawford. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, July 15, 2021. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – July 14

PSALM 128
PSALM 129
PSALM 130
PSALM 132
PSALM 134
PSALM 135

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Today’s prayer focus

I’ve been hearing good reports on local VBSs this week. Please continue to pray for the boys and girls in attendance as they learn more about the Bible and grow a desire to live for God on a daily basis.

Also, please continue to pray for the youth from FBC, Kentwood as they experience M-Fuge in Tennessee.

Looking ahead – Next OCC workshop

July 24th

9 A.M. – Noon

Everyone is invited to join in.

Anna Lee

But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him?

You be the judges!  

As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

~Acts 4:19-20~

Mr. “Cete” Dillon got to return home yesterday afternoon. Thank-you for praying for him while he was hospitalized.

There seem to be a number of babies with RSV in our area. Be careful not to give babies health issues.

At church yesterday, we found a bag of Operation Christmas Child items for the older girls. Thank-you to the donor(s). Items can be left in the tote just inside the fellowship hall area.

Baptist Press – I forgot yesterday, but you can read articles for Monday and Tuesday.

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Please pray for youth at camp in Tennessee and for VBS at several area churches.

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – July 13

PSALM 120
PSALM 121
PSALM 123
PSALM 125
PSALM 126

Thank-you for “tuning-in” today.

Anna Lee

But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

~Amos 5:24~

Mr. “Cete” Dillon was doing better yesterday. Keep him in your prayers.

Pray for the youth of FBC, Kentwood as they begin summer camp week by traveling to Jackson, Tennessee today.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – July 12\

July 12th Readings
PSALM 119

Vacation Bible Schools this week

Tangipahoa Baptist Church

Osyka Baptist Church

Today’s Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for the children and youth of our local churches as they have summer camps and VBS. May these experiences draw them to a permanent relationship with Jesus.

Anna Lee

“Therefore [Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

~Hebrews 7:25 (NIV)~

Please add Mr. “Cete” Dillon to your prayer list again. He is in North Oaks, room 4115.

I was told by one of his church members that Rev. Gibbie McMillan is improving after having Covid-19.

Abigail Mae Huckabee

Heaven received another precious angel on July 5, 2021. Abigail was a strong and precious child with big blue eyes that touched the hearts of everyone who knew her. She leaves behind to cherish her memories her parents, Christopher and Margaret Colleps Huckabee; two sisters, Georgia and Lillian; maternal grandparents, Glenn Colleps and Alice Green; paternal grandparents, Charles and Ramona Huckabee; and a host of loving family members. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation will be held at Seale Funeral Home, in Denham Springs on Sunday, July 11, 2021 from 12pm until Celebration of Life Service at 2pm, conducted by Rev. Bob Deich. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – July 11

July 11th Readings
PSALM 115
PSALM 116
PSALM 117
PSALM 118

July 12th Readings
PSALM 119

Today is the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

“Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

~Galatians 6:9 (NLT)~

Please continue to pray for Leroy Wilson and his family. He is the primary caregiver for his wife, Margaret Ann. He is sick and hospitalized. Family members are stepping in to help both of them. They are a sweet couple who have “made lemonade” with health issues for many years.

Lenora Stevenson

December 18, 1970 – July 07, 2021

Lenora Stevenson, a resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born December 18, 1970 in Independence, LA and was 50 years of age. She is survived by her mother, Hilda Diane King; father, Leonard Stevenson, Jr. and wife, Robin; brother, Brian Stevenson and wife Tonya; sister, Jeanette Stevenson and Kenny; sister, Janet Stevenson; brother, Ashton Stevenson; uncles, Jerry Jenkins, Johnny Stevenson, Calvin Stevenson and Robert Stevenson. Preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, AC Jenkins and Hilda Jenkins; paternal grandparents, Leonard Stevenson, Sr. and Loyce Stevenson; aunts, Connie Jenkins and Oneida Stevenson. Graveside Services will be held at , Kedron Cemetery on Monday, July 12, 2021 at 11:00AM . McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – July 10

PSALM 107
PSALM 111
PSALM 112
PSALM 113
PSALM 114

Today’s Prayer Focus – Travelers

This is a time of the year when many people travel for various reasons. This includes church groups and family members. Pray for safety and good experiences for each person.

OCC Shopping Hint

Once a year, Dollar Tree sells a 3-pack of soap containers for $1.00. If you can find them, shoebox packers use them for many toys, crafts, kits, and soap. If you have an opportunity to purchase them, you can gift them to a local group packing shoeboxes and be a blessing to children who will find numerous ways to use them. They have two locking hinges.

Today is a good day to pray for services at our local churches and church members who will be in attendance. Also, pray for visitors in our churches. Sometimes they are travelers, but many times they are local folks searching for a church full of welcoming people.

Anna Lee

“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

~Psalm 23:3 (NIV)~

Pray for Sara Fowler today as she has surgery. Sara is the daughter of Frank and Chinero Fowler.

Sharon Slaven is much better and has been moved to a regular rooms. Your prayers are greatly appreciated by Sharon and her family.

Valerie Young of Greensburg is happy to be home following her hospital stay. Friends stepped in and helped with her children so her husband could be with her. That’s what friends are for.

Rev. Gibby McMillan, pastor of Taylor Creek Baptist Church, is now added to those who have Covid-19. Pray his family can stay healthy.

Thank-you for praying for these and others who have been physically ill.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – July 9

July 9th Readings
PSALM 105
PSALM 106

July 10th Readings
PSALM 107
PSALM 111
PSALM 112
PSALM 113
PSALM 114

July 11th Readings
PSALM 115
PSALM 116
PSALM 117
PSALM 118

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Baptist Messsage

http://www.baptistmessage.com/

OCC donations can be left in the tote just inside the fellowship hall M-F 8-5, Sundays, and Wednesday nights.

Today’s Prayer Focus: Vacation Bible Schools continue to be held in our area. Some churches are completing their VBS week and some are preparing to begin VBS for the coming week.

Begin to make plans now to attend your church Sunday or to watch online.

Anna Lee

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,

“Whom shall I send?

And who will go for us?”

And I said,

“Here am I. Send me!”

~Isaiah 6:8~

Please pray for Leroy and Margaret Ann Wilson who grew up in the Amite/Roseland area. He required surgery. She required assistance while he was hospitalized. Thank God for local family members to them in NE LA . Leroy is doing well and soon things will be back to normal in their household.

Valerie McCoy Young required a stent for a heart blockage. She’s doing well and should be back with her family soon in Greensburg.

Sharon Slaven of Kentwood has been improving some each day. She is still in ICU at North Oaks. Your continued prayers will be appreciated.

Bro. Gary and Tori Havlin announce the arrival of their son who was born about 9 A.M. yesterday. Braxton Roe Havlin – 8 lb. 1 0z. – 20 3/4 in. long. Pray for this family of four as they adjust to having Braxton in their family.

Jacob Williams father-in-law passed away.

Terry Wayne Gandy

Funeral service for Mr. Terry Wayne Gandy will be 11 a.m., Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Poplar Springs Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Friday, July 9 at Poplar Springs Baptist Church.

Mr. Gandy, 66, of Hazlehurst, died July 7, 2021, at his residence. He was born June 1, 1955, to Wayne Clarence Gandy and Bobby Jean Jones Gandy. He retired from Sojourner Timber where he was employed as a Truck Driver and was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church. Mr. Terry was a loving family man, thankful for every moment of time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by those he loved.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Angie Gandy of 27 years; sons, Luke Gandy (Donna), Josh Gandy (Sandy), Micah Gandy (Amanda); daughter, Mattie Daniels (Jacob); brothers, Bob Gandy (Patricia) and Pat Gandy (Cindy); six grandchildren, Shannyn, Kayleigh, Emmery, Johnathon, Ava, Isaiah, and expecting a new grandson, Owen, in November. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.

Operation Christmas Child – Recent donations include loose leaf paper, composition books, copy paper, and glue sticks. While organizing the school supplies yesterday, I realized we are now running short on small pencil sharpeners. There is a large tote in the entry to the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood for donations of any kind.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021. – July 8

PSALM 98
PSALM 99
PSALM 100
PSALM 102
PSALM 104

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Today’s Prayer Focus

Somewhere in most families there are family members who do not know Jesus as their Savior. Today, let’s pray for them to ask Jesus to come into their hearts.

Online services from FBC, Kentwood

Despite the good weather here last night the online prayer meeting service did not come in properly. I can’t explain this, but do know the services are still available and seem to be coming through properly this morning. If you have difficulty watching at times, just try again later. The time of your viewing is not limited to live services.

Thanks for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead.

You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.”

~Matthew 16:24 (The Message)~

Donna Bennett continues to fight her battle. Please continue to pray as she fights the battle on different levels.

Sharon Slaven has battles to fight to recover from her recent issues. Her signs of improvement are being celebrated by the family.

Valerie McCoy Young of Greensburg has learned she has had a heart attack. She is hospitalized and undergoing testing. Please pray for her and for her family.

Pray for Gary and Tori Havlin as she is hospitalized and awaiting the birth of their second child.

Please continue to pray for for the unnamed person who has asked for your prayers. God already knows his name and his needs.

Pray for the Huckabee family of Amite in the loss of their baby, Abigail.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – July 7

PSALM 92
PSALM 93
PSALM 94
PSALM 95
PSALM 96
PSALM 97

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

The next OCC workshop is July 24th. Plan to attend so you will feel like a part of the shoeboxes we will pack later. Come. We’ll have something you can do.

It has already been a good week for OCC collections.

• Bead dolls were made by a family. They were added to those already made.
• Purses, stuffed with happies, were turned in to complete the 100 we needed.
• Paper and notebooks were added to our collection.
• One class turned in washcloths to go with soap that was already turned in.
• It is a blessing to me to see others join in to help get ready for packing of shoeboxes in a few months.
• Please pray for each child who will receive a shoebox and the opportunity to meet and love Jesus.

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s continue to pray for VBS in the Kentwood community.

Many people read and pray each day. Thank-you to all of you! Please continue to pray.

Anna Lee

In January, 2019, David’s doctors gave him six weeks to live. David was very ill at that time. When he got a little better, he asked for a party so he could visit with lots of his friends and family members. Our children agreed and set the date, July 6th. There were many days when I did not think he would live to see July 6th.

God provided the days! God provided July 6th! God provided a host of friends and family members! We were so thankful to have those days and never imagined God had more days than we expected or hoped for at that point.

Today is the second July 6th since that date. God had more plans for David and his life. At this moment David is sitting on the porch talking with a young man from Georgia. Our Georgia grandson and five of he friends are here. We are hosting them for the week. They have big plans for a busy week. Thankfully, David is here to be a part of their memory forever.

I wear a black bracelet that was given to David several years ago by the lady who drew his blood in Baton Rouge each week. The lettering wore off a long time ago. It said. “Never Give Up!” I like to imagine that it now says, “God Still has Plans for You!”

We don’t know God’s plans or timeline. The health issues are still with David, but God is too. I’m enjoying the opportunity to witness God using David to touch and influence many lives during his “extra years”, one day at a time.

Love must be sincere.

Hate what is evil;

cling to what is good.

~Romans 12:9~

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Sharon Slaven. She is still in ICU following surgery to stop a bleed.

Today’s Prayer Focus: Please pray for youth and children from area churches as Vacation Bible Schools, church camps, and mission events continue this summer.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – July 6

PSALM 1-2
PSALM 10
PSALM 33
PSALM 71
PSALM 91

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

OCC Needs this Week at FBC, Kentwood

$1.00 Solar Calculators

Pens (black or blue)

8″ Scissors

Thank you for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee