with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.”
~Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)~
Today, I will be focusing my prayers on two things.
I’m praying for all those in the path of Ida. Be prepared if you are staying. Travel west if you are leaving. Use wisdom in decision making. Pray for all in the path of the storm.
I’m praying for all those in Afghanistan. Pray for the military, the people who live there, and those who are making decisions that influence so many others.
It takes special people to place themselves in harm’s way for the benefit of others. That’s true both in Louisiana and Afghanistan today. Pray for our military, our police, our health care, etc. that are there when we need them.
The OCC workday scheduled for this morning had been cancelled due to covid. If that had not already been decided, Ida would have cancelled it. I’m thankful for all that has already been done in preparation for packing “shoeboxes”. It’s time to begin collecting the $9.00 per box postage that will get them to the boys and girls. Make sure to mark your envelope “OCC Postage”. Thank you so much.
God will make a way! Stay safe and healthy! Make wise decisions!
“God does speak—sometimes one way and sometimes another—
even though people may not understand it.”
~Job 33:14 (NCV)~
Please continue to pray for Mrs. Bessie Hayden. The report I got last night is that she’s still hospitalized in New Orleans, but eager to be back in Kentwood.
Pray for others who are sick at this time.
Pray for the situation in Afghanistan. I don’t know the best military plans, but I know the “Leader of Leaders”. May our leaders be God followers and have their hearts set on doing right for everyone. Pray for those who have had deaths in their families in the last couple of weeks. May they know God’s love and comfort during these difficult days. May the leaders be wise in decision-making. May each person there know peace in doing their assigned responsibilities and perform each task assigned to them well. May the people who have been evacuated know how blessed they are and be appreciative of those who helped to get them into a safer environment. May each of those involved in any way go to God for strength and wisdom. God is in control.
Marjorie Griffin King Young
October 30, 1926 – August 23, 2021
Marjorie Griffin King Young was born in Shreveport, La on October 30, 1926. She was the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Daniel L. Griffin. She died Monday, August 23, 2021 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS.
At the age of 2 ½ , she lost her mother, Mineola Hoffpauir Griffin, by death and was taken to her mother’s sister’s home, Rev. and Mrs. A.D. George to live.
She received her education in numerous schools throughout the state of Louisiana and her B.S. in Art Education with additional accreditation in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University.
Marjorie was a member of the La. Retired Teachers Association and the Fernwood United Methodist Church in Fernwood, MS.
Her teaching career consisted of teaching first grade at Denham Springs Elementary in Denham Springs, LA., second grade at Live Oak Elementary in Watson, LA., third grade at Albany, LA., and fifth grade at Pine Grove Elementary in Pine Grove, LA., Title I Program Grades 1-6, and Remedial Reading and Remedial Math in grades 4-6.
Her church involvement spanned a life time. It consisted of singing solos, choir singing, directing, adult teaching, Bible School teaching, organ and piano playing, camp counseling, bulletin art work, lay speaking, WMW president, treasurer and church secretary of the official board.
Her hobbies were poetry writing, flower gardening, music writing and composition and doll collecting as well as coin and arrowhead collecting.
Her poetry has appeared often in the State of Louisiana Methodist Church paper and has been used on radio WABL in Amite City, LA. She won numerous awards for her artwork while attending LSU and a State Art award in a LA State art contest.
Marjorie is survived by one son, Raymond E. King and wife Shirley, Magnolia, MS., one grandson, Jeremy King of Jacksonville, FL., one step-grandson William S. Stratmann of Magnolia, MS., two great-grandsons Ethan Jeremy King and Silas Luke King, both of Jacksonville, FL., two step great-grandchildren, Abigail and Jacob Robinson of Jacksonville, FL. Preceded in death by her two husbands, Ernest L. King and Edwin R. Young, her parents, Rev. And Mrs. Daniel L. Griffin, foster parents, Rev. and Mrs. A.D. George, one sister Mary Lawton, Bossier City, LA., 3 brothers, Raymond B. Griffin of Shreveport, LA., Kenneth V. Griffin of Plain Dealing, LA., and Eddie Griffin of Greenwell Springs, LA., foster brother Don George, foster sister Susie George Blair of Lecompte, LA. and one step-grandson Michael Stratmann of Worden, IL.
Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 28, 2021. Services will be conducted by Rev. Paul Roney. Interment will follow in Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
“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)~
I forgot to tell you Tommy Hood was able to leave MD Anderson and is now back at home. Thank God for the progress Tommy has made in his treatment.
Mrs. Bessie Hayden did not get to come home because of complications. Pray for her as she puts up a battle.
Please remember to pray for my former student, C.J. Schiro, who is fighting Covid-19. There are others who are more local. Add them to your list.
Vickie Williams Gill
June 21, 1960 – August 24, 2021
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born June 21, 1960 in Magnolia, MS and was 61 years of age. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was a retired school teacher from Spring Creek Elementary School with 31 years of devoted service. She is survived by her husband, Douglas Gill; 2 sons, James Neyland and wife Kris and Matt Neyland and wife Amanda; 3 grandsons, Mason, Liam, and Aiden Neyland; step-children, Jason Gill, Brad Gill, Lacey Yarborough, Sandy Gill, Brandy Gill, and Steven Miller and wife Tammy; step-grandchildren, Levi Gill, Elliott and Luca Yarborough, Megan Gill, Douglas Miller, Mark Miller, and Brantley Gill; brother, Jimmy L. Williams and wife Millie; sister, Sonya W. Newman; nephews, Jeremy, Jacob, and Jesse Williams and Colby and Asa Newman and their families. Preceded in death by parents, Cade and Elaine Blades Williams; nephew, Gabriel John Newman; step-son-in-law, Jacob Yarborough. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Friday, August 27, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Jacob Williams. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church or the charity of your choice. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – August 26
Jeanna Russell Brown is progressing to better health. She was stitched up and will not need additional surgery soon. Her family has faithfully been encouraging to her.
Mrs. Bessie Hayden was to come home in Kentwood midafternoon yesterday. She will be quarantined for five more days. Give her a call or drop something off outside.
C.J. Schiro is still fighting the battle with covid. Please pray for him and his family.
Please pray for all the grieving families. Yesterday, I told David I do not ever remember so many people that I have known who passed away from the same illness in such a short period of time.
Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – August 25
I’m so sorry to post about another Covid death. Vickie W. Gill passed away about an hour ago. Please pray for for family to feel the comfort of God as they face her loss.
Danielle Lynn Dillon
April 08, 1978 – August 23, 2021
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021 at University Medical Center in New Orleans, LA. She was born April 8, 1978 in McComb, MS and was 43 years of age. She loved hunting, fishing, and team roping. She loved spending time with her family and her work family at Lallie Kemp. She is survived by parents, Jackie and Janet Lindsey Dillon; sister, Daina Powers and husband Brandon; brother, Garrett Dillon and wife Lindsey; nephews who considered her to be their second mom, Keaton and Kash Powers and Judd and Ripp Dillon; and her fur baby, Faith. Preceded in death by paternal grandparents, J. K. and Lettie Mae Dillon; maternal grandparents, Aubrey and Kat Lindsey. Visitation at Thompson Baptist Church, Smithdale, MS from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, August 27, 2021. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Glenda’s Flowers is handling floral arrangements for the family. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, August 23, 2021 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. He was born December 20, 1968 in Hammond, LA and was 52 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Neva Davidson Hyde; sister, Paige Lachney Pendleton and husband Shane; nieces, Giuliana Lachney and Paris Pendleton; aunt, Catherine Davidson; uncles, Paul Davidson and Eddie Davidson; numerous other family members. Preceded in death by his father, Dewitt A. Cutrer. Memorial Services scheduled for a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Paul Edward Harrison, Jr.
May 03, 1968 – August 22, 2021
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born May 3, 1968 in Hammond, LA and was 53 years of age. He is survived by his parents, Paul and Doris McLaughlin Harrison, Sr.; children, Kamen Paul and Christi Harrison and Keith Paul Harrison; grandchildren, Piper, Emmi Lou, Hayden, Tucker, Gus, Dixie and Wyatt; siblings, Mark and Dana Harrison, Mary and George Rush, James and Debbie Harrison and Billy Harrison. Preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James and Dorothy Harrison; maternal grandparents, Dennis and Voncil McLaughlin. Pallbearers will be Harrison Stevens, Luke Harrison, Elliott Harrison, Hunter Stevens, Kevin Dickerson, Joey Morris, Scott Spears and Bryan Kellem. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until 11:00AM on Thursday, August 26, 2021. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence at 11:30AM on Thursday conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment Arnold Cemetery, Hammond, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
~Psalm 23:3 (NIV)~
Charlie Schwartz sent me a text last night that he had talked with Jimmy Williams and learned that Vickie W. Gill is not doing well. Please pray for Vickie and all her family and friends.
We all know others who are in a big battle with Covid. Please pray for the friends and family members of those whom you know are fighting Covid.
Danielle Dillon lost her battle with Covid. If you knew her, you will remember how sweet she was. A common thought among her friends was “To know her was to love her”. I’ll post an obituary when one is available. Please pray for comfort for her many friends and family members.
Irma Fay Slade Easley
April 10, 1954 – August 22, 2021
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2021 in Kentwood, LA. She was born April 10, 1954 in Independence, LA and was 67 years of age. She is survived by her loving and devoted spouse of 39 years, David Easley; children, Lisa Easley Fussell and husband Christopher, Amanda Goings Bracy and husband Byron, Melissa Goings Reno and Chad Easley; grandchildren, Kathryn Fussell Splane and husband Colton, Bryant Fussell, Brennan Bracy, Abigail Bracy, Tori Easley, Drew Reno, Myles Russell and Zachary Russell; great-grandchildren, Kade Splane and Quinn Splane; siblings, Charles “Butch” Slade and Gerri Ann Stout; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by her parents, Luther Slade and Irma Black Slade; siblings, Letha Lois Corbin, Carl Slade, Linda Slade Ball, Ronald Slade, Helen Williams, David Slade, James Slade, Leo Slade and Bonnie Jean Slade. Private services to be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I don’t want to sound like a meteorologist, but the next couple days are predicted to be extremely hot. I do want each of you to be careful if you must be outside in this summer heat.
Vickie W. Gill is reported to be a little better. Remember, her family and friends ask you to pray for her at 10:30 A.M. and 8:30 P.M. each day.
Two of my former students, one in the classroom and one I tutored, also need special prayers as they fight Covid-19. Please pray for C.J. Schiro and Danielle Dillon.
Donald Reynolds
March 30, 1950 – August 16, 2021
Donald Reynolds
March 30, 1950 – August 16, 2021
A resident of Loranger, LA, passed away on Monday, August 16, 2021 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born March 30, 1950 in New Orleans, LA and was 71 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Edna Seals Reynolds; children, Lisa Cox and husband Walter Cox, Jr. and Amanda Miller and husband Daryl Miller; grandchildren, Cheyenne Meche and husband Tyler, Nyomie Edwards and husband Kyel, and Makayla Miller; great-grandchildren, Zaine Meche, Kinsleigh Meche, Liam Edwards, and Paislee Graham; 2 brothers, Bobby Reynolds and Edward “Ray” Reynolds; 3 sisters, Kathryn Reynolds, Jo Ann Reynolds Louviere and husband Roy, and Mary Robinson and husband Floyd. Preceded in death by his parents, David Edward Reynolds and Willie Ruth Gullick Reynolds; and an infant son. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Virgil E. “Jr.” Clement, Jr.
October 30, 1952 – August 21, 2021
A resident of Independence, LA, on Saturday, August 21, 2021 the Lord brought him home surrounded by his family at Post Acute Medical Specialty Hospital of Hammond. Jr. was born October 30, 1952 in Independence, LA and was 68 years of age. He was a retired striping foreman for Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and was presently serving the Lord at Lion King Ministries as a groundskeeper. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt. Jr. is survived by his wife of 40 precious years, Garnet King Clement; daughter, Anna Clement Thompson and husband Adam; son, Travis Clement and wife Whitney; he was the best Poppi to his 4 grandchildren, Desirea, Harley, Kole and Lena; adored by his 2 sisters, LaVerne Arceneaux and Mary Ann Stevenson; nephew, Greg Spring and wife Tonilynn, niece, Robyn King Williams; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Emile Clement, Sr. and Esther Lena Danna Clement; sister, Vernie Ann Spring; infant niece, Kristi Stanga. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 and at Shiloh Baptist Church, 3704 Shiloh Church Rd., Pine Grove, LA from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Laverne King. Interment Pine Grove Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – August 23
The Fall Food Roundup for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home collection time is now. The last day to turn in items is September 20th. We are collecting these items that are most needed. They can be turned in by placing them in the tote at the entrance to the Fellowship Hall.
*Aluminum foil
*Gravy mixes
*Ketchup
*Mayonnaise
*Salad dressing – Ranch, Italian, or 1,,000 Islands
The OCC workshop previously scheduled for Saturday will NOT be held thismonth. Hopefully, we will get back on schedule for next month.
Rita Tate just sent two messages. The first said Mrs. Bessie Hayden was admitted to Lallie Kemp yesterday. The second said she has been transferred to New Orleans. Rita said “Miss” Bessiee is very sick. Please pray.
“The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.”
~Psalm 14:2 (NIV)~
Pray for the People of Afghanistan Join Me This Sunday, August 22, for a Day of Prayer
Pray for the People of Afghanistan Join Me This Sunday, August 22, for a Day of Prayer Dear Friend,
Thousands of people are desperately trying to escape from Afghanistan after the country’s fall to the Taliban.
These Islamic extremists, who have now taken Afghanistan back by force, have a history of brutality, including beheadings and public executions. Time is short and the need is urgent, and that is why I am calling for a day of prayer this Sunday, August 22.
With the Taliban blocking access to the airport and all exit routes, this is a life-or-death situation for Christians and other religious minorities, and all those who worked with or for America over the past two decades. There is no hope for these people to get out safely—apart from a miracle from the hand of God—and that’s what we need to pray for.
It is a difficult and tragic situation. Will you please join me in praying for God to intervene in a mighty way?
Sincerely,
Franklin Graham President, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” —James 5:16, ESV
Editor’s Note: This Sunday (Aug. 22) is Disaster Relief Appreciation Sunday in the Southern Baptist Convention.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) – Every year, thousands of volunteers with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) bring tangible help and spiritual hope during the trying days that follow disaster. This Sunday (Aug. 22), Southern Baptists will celebrate them by recognizing Disaster Relief Appreciation Sunday.
Most people rightfully think of the legions of yellow shirts that travel from across the nation to respond to the devastation wrought by major hurricanes or tornadoes, but SBDR routinely responds to a great diversity of events that do not make national headlines.
“I continue to believe the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is one of the best volunteer disaster response groups in the world,” said Coy Webb, who recently joined Send Relief as crisis response director after leading SBDR with Kentucky Baptists for 13 years. “It is filled with volunteers who sacrificially serve to bring compassion to those reeling from disasters.”
In 2020, a year marked by COVID-19 and the historic Atlantic storm season, volunteers invested 673,000 hours, prepared 754,000 meals, presented the Gospel 7,000 times and witness more than 875 people profess faith in Christ.
A record 30 named storm systems formed in the Atlantic in 2020, including Hurricanes Laura, Sally and Delta. Laura and Delta hit Lake Charles, La., merely six weeks apart while Sally directly hit the Gulf Coast. There were 28 state SBDR teams that responded to those hurricanes, serving approximately 15,000 people in 7,200 homes, according to Sam Porter, national director for disaster relief for Send Relief who served more than 19 years as SBDR director for Oklahoma Baptists.
“The pandemic forced us to do things that we’d never done before,” Porter said. “I think it was the best year for SBDR because we had to think outside the box and do whatever it took to get it done, encouraging SBDR teams to connect to communities in need through the local church. We had thousands upon thousands of churches jump in to serve, responding to their own local communities.”
There has not been a nationwide disaster response so far in 2021, but volunteers have been hard at work throughout the year responding to local events such as ice storms, floods, fires, tornadoes, the pandemic and other crises.
“Now we are in early hurricane season, and we know that if something hits, we will be there to serve,” Porter said. “We have a nationwide network of SBDR leaders and volunteers who are ready to go. We’d rather not have to go, of course, but if we need to, we will be there.”
Volunteers with SBDR have served 123,000 hours and prepared nearly 75,000 meals, presented the Gospel nearly 5,000 times this year with more than 300 making professions of faith in Christ. Nearly 200 of those professions have occurred as Southern Baptists have worked together to minister during the migrant crisis at the nation’s southern border.
“We do what we do to earn the right to share the Gospel,” Porter said. “When people ask our volunteers, ‘Why do you do what you do,’ they have a chance to share their faith and invite people to believe the Gospel.
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is one of the top three volunteer disaster relief providers in the United States and has one of the largest trained volunteer forces. This includes teams capable of conducting mass feedings for storm survivors and crews capable of helping to remove downed trees and storm debris and repair roofs following natural disasters.
Send Relief is a collaborative effort between the International Mission Board (IMB) and North American Mission Board (NAMB) that provides an opportunity to serve through compassion ministry around the world. The primary partner for conducting disaster relief is Southern Baptist Disaster Relief.
“Southern Baptist Disaster Relief brings practical help, a healing touch, and the hope of Christ to countless people when disasters strike,” Webb said. “Send Relief counts it a privilege to serve beside our partners with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, and with them to fulfill both the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.”
In a recent video, NAMB president Kevin Ezell thanked SBDR leaders and volunteers for their efforts in bringing help and hope to disaster survivors.
Please pray for Donna Bennett, wife of Robert Bennett formerly of Amite. She is waging a long difficult war with cancer. It has now taken most of her hearing away.
RJ Booty
August 15, 1949 – August 20, 2021
RJ Booty, a resident of Kentwood, LA passed away on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at home with family in Kentwood, LA. He was born August 15, 1949 in Kentwood, LA and was 72 years of age. He was survived by ex-wife and loving friend, Linda Faye Booty; son, Ronald Wayne Booty and wife Tammy; 4 daughters, Rebecca Janel Travis and husband H.M., Rhonda Lynette McDaniel and husband Robert, Raquel Jeneane Puckett and husband Jamie, Leslie Ann Blount and husband Jake; 15 grandchildren, Roxie Blalock, Hayden Travis, Dixie Booty, Harley Booty, Jessika Hyde, Raelyn McDaniel, Trae McDaniel, Brentley Dees, Logan Puckett, Dalton Puckett, Ashton Soileau, Khloe Soileau, Kirsten Parrish, Austin Parrish and Seth St. Cyr; 4 great-grandchildren, Gabriel Wascom. Rowan Hyde, Maddix Blalock and Finley Hyde; 2 sisters, Perle Jones and Bonnie Hunter. Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Annie Mae Booty; siblings, Mirla Grace, Jewel Clyde Booty, Robert Laverne Booty, Corrine Booty, Verla Peek, Josephine Gatlins, Glen booty, Gayle Booty and Donnie Booty; numerous nieces and nephews; Visitation at New Jerusalem United Pentecostal Church from 5-9 Sunday and 9-11 Monday, August 23, 2021. Services conducted by his pastor and nephew Matthew Leon Booty and his Assistant Pastor and nephew, Donnie Ray Booty, Jr. Whom he loved and respected very much.
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – August 21
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