Prayer Focus for Today

Pray for all the high school and college seniors who will soon begin their last semester of school before graduation. Pray they have a purpose and a plan for life after graduation.

Veterans

We are also thankful for all veterans who have served or are presently servings.

AsI think about our family military history I can go back and give you names and wars of some other relatives, but today I will only list those I can remember.

• Daddy & 3 uncles
• 2 first cousins
• 1 niece
• 1 grandson
• I am thankful for their service just as you are thankful for the service of your family members.
• Collectively, we are thankful for all who served to protect our homeland and our people.

Baby Dedication

The Toney family was well represented in our morning worship as a precious little girl was dedicated to God. That means her parents realize the importance of having her in church and are determined to raise her in church. Her parents also moved their church letters to our church. We welcome all three of them with open arms. Her personal prayer warrior was named and will pray for her daily. Family members who were unable to attend were able to watch online. What a blessing!

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 11
• Lamentations 4:1-5:22
• Psalm 119:145-152
• Proverbs 27:7-8
• Hebrews 8:7-9:14

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Only One Week Away

Monday, the 18th, will be the first day this year to drop your filled boxes off with someone at a Drop-off Location, such as FBC, Kentwood. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon. Early the following Monday will be out the last day to turn in your boxes.

Yesterday

We had a great patriotic service at FBC, Kentwood. The music was great. People seemed to greatly enjoy the music and the pictures of those who have served from our area and/or families.

Rain!

The rain was great yesterday and will be helpful to all of the local farmers who planted grass last week. It was an inconvenience or fall risk for some people and caused some people not to make it to Sunday School. Thankfully, the worship service was packed.

Pray!

Please pray for our world, our country, our state, our community, and our church families today as you pray for the high school and college seniors.

Anna Lee

Equipped for Battle – Ephesians 6:11-13, NIV

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Prayer Focus for Today

Let’s pray for the candidates whose vote count was not finalized yet to have that done and accepted so our country can move on with its government. May the winners and losers do so graciously.

Thankfulness – Day 10

Today, I am thankful for today’s communication and transportation. I have read some old family communications going back several generations. Some of the letters told of births or deaths in the family, but family members who lived less than a hundred miles away had to learn by written communications. People did not have time to travel to the funeral of their parent or siblings. The paragraphs often started with “I regret to tell you that ….”. I am aware of and thankful for the improvements in both communication and transportation.

Sunday School Lesson

Today’s lesson is from Acts 22 and teaches us more about Paul.

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 10
• Lamentations 3:13-66
• Psalm 119:141-144
• Proverbs 27:5-6
• Hebrews 7:11-8:6

Obituary

Robert J. “Bobby” Hutchinson

February 9, 1941 – November 8, 2024

Robert J. “Bobby” Hutchinson passed away on November 8th, 2024 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was born on February 9th, 1941 in Greensburg, LA to Oscar J. and Mary Spencer Hutchinson.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar & Mary, and his sister Linda Sue Brookstein.  He is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Eugenia Louise “Lou” Hutchinson, all four children: Vicki May (Marc), Cindy Lestage (David), Tim Hutchinson (Christine), and Wendi Coates (Jarred), and his sister Gilda Ann McDowell.  He is also survived by nineteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. 

He worked hard all his life starting by milking cows in the family dairy at the age of six (according to him). During his early college years, he got married and started working at Istrouma Foundry where he stayed for 23 years before taking his experience and knowledge to Pearce Pump Supply.  He worked at Pearce for another 25 years before retiring as one of their vice presidents. He was also proud of the fact that it only took him 25 years to graduate from Louisiana State University with a little 20-year gap between classes. 

Pallbearers will be Spencer May, Mason Hutchinson, Christopher Lestage, Benjamin Lestage, Tommy Ballard, and Tim Hutchinson. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, Louisiana on Tuesday, November 12th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Masonic service will be held at 6:30 p.m.  Visitation will resume on Wednesday, November 13th from 10:00 a.m. until services begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment at Greensburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. 

Excitement in the Air

People are excited today because they get to attend church today and get to learn what God has in store for them. I especially notice this with the little children. Isn’t that great? There are some things about life adults could learn from children.

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Until tomorrow….

Anna Lee

As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

— Psalm 103:15-18

(I hope you find it easier to read the Scripture when it is written below, not on, the photograph.)

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for people who live in countries were wars and rumors of war are happening daily.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Be sure to read the headline story about the Iowa pastor who “Just keeps on going”.

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 9
• Lamentations 1:1-3:12
• Psalm 119:137-140
• Proverbs 27:3-4
• Hebrews 6:9-7:10

Thankfulness

On November 5th, I wrote of my thankfulness for OPPORTUNITIES. Then, I got a call to speak about missions to a group of young girls. I’m thankful for the opportunity.

Yesterday, I shared that I am thankful for my mobility. THEN, I think I broke my left foot AGAIN. My mobility is slowed down, but not stopped!

Day 9 – Today, I am thankful for CAREGIVERS. David had to step back into this role to help with my IMMOBILITY! We have spent years taking care of each other. I am thankful for my personal caregiver and pray he continues to get me through my immobility now. I am also thankful I was able to get him through some serious health concerns. That’s part of our 57 year marriage! Thankfully, most of the days we have been healthy, but when one of us needs a caregiver, the other one steps up!

Obituary

Corey Curtis Denney

February 18, 1963 – November 5, 2024

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born February 18, 1963 in Plaquemine, LA and was 61 years of age. He is survived by his sisters, Bonnie Williams (Tony), Kathleen Parden, and Mary LeBlanc; brothers, Robert Denney,III and Thomas Denney (Melissa); special cousin, Barry Brooks; and numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family. Preceded in death by his parents, Robert Denney, Jr. and Betty Denney; sister, Cheryl Breaux; brothers-in-law, Glenn Parden and Kerney Breaux, Jr. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Women and Girls on Mission will be meeting on Sunday, the 17th.

We will have our monthly mission project at 4 P.M. Sunday. We will be creating unique invitations and them preparing the invitations for mailing. Come learn a new craft and get involved in missions – all in one meeting! It’s never to late to join us. Missions is for a lifetime!

Coming Soon…

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions the first week of December!

Make today a great day for someone else.

It will probably make your day great too!

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus Today

Let’s pray for the transition period between the current president and the new one.

Thankfulness – Day 6

Today, I am thankful for my mobility. Due to broken feet a few years ago, I lost my mobility for a long time. Today, I am thankful for my ability to walk without any device or support. My feet still hurt me periodically, almost daily, but I can walk in my house, my yard, at church, and in businesses.

Health Improvement

Wrenley Daniels is better and was at church Wednesday night. Let’s pray for her dad, Nathan, as he faces additional back surgery. According to Nathan, the first part of his current procedure was 80% effective in eliminating pain.

Ferrie Gene Blackmon has been ill for a short period of time, but is improving. She’s one on the ladies who was not able to be in S.S. or church last week.

Add names of others to your prayers. Always remember to check your personal prayer list. I know we have names that stay there for a while and names we do not share.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 8
• Jeremiah 52:17-34
• Psalm 119:129-136
• Proverbs 27:1-2
• Hebrews 4:14-6:8

OCC Reminder for Churches

If you have any items leftover after your packing, you can bring them to FBC, Kentwood in bags or regular cardboard boxes. DO NOT put them in a red and green box! I will mark them with a special sign OCC has sent me. They can be sent to the processing center to be used as they need or given to an appropriate organization. I do this every year. It helps to get some items out of the way and make more room for new items.

Also, you may drop your boxes off at FBC, Kentwood where they will be added to large cartons for shipment. Collection begins Monday, the 18th and continues for a week. You can look back here or check the Samaritan’s Purse site to determine times.

Sunday School Lesson

We will be completing Acts in a couple of weeks. I’ve enjoyed the study.

If you have not already studied your lesson, you should do so and still have time for a second study day. It helps to learn and remember more that way.

Thanks for praying today!

Anna Lee

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who

gives generously to all without finding fault, and it

will be given to you. James 1:5

Updates

Wrenley Daniels is better and was at church last night.

Yvonne Birch had a heart procedure yesterday and now has a new heart stent. She is doing well.

Pray for Theresa Leeof the Pine Ridge community as she has surgery.

Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for being able to share The Prayer Link for about 25 years. I’m thankful for those who read daily.

Two days ago, I shared that I am thankful to have “Opportunities”. Yesterday I was given another opportunity to share about missions with little girls. I’m thankful for that opportunity.

Christmas Cards – An Opportunity for You!

It’s time to purchase and turn in religious Christmas cards with a stamp already applied to each envelope. This opportunity comes via WMU and is open anyone who would like to participate. The cards will be given to inmates at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail so they can write to family members at Christmas. Please get the cards to me by December 10th. I will personally deliver them to the jail.

I know of a young man who was in the Tangipahoa parish jail and was given the opportunity to write a card(s). He send one to his elderly grandparents telling them he was so sorry to miss the family Christmas gathering at their home because he had done things that caused him to be in jail at the Christmas season that year.

The card was special to them. Hopefully, cards we contribute this year will make the holidays brighter for some inmates and their families.

Please get your cards to me or to FBC, Kentwood office by December 9th. I will make the delivery on the 10th. You do not need to be a member of WMU to participate.

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 7th
• Jeremiah 51:33-52:16
• Psalm 119:121-128
• Proverbs 26:27-28
• Hebrews 3:12-4:13

Thankful?

I hope you are thankful for the opportunities God gives you to minister to others in so many ways. Take advantage of your opportunities.

Anna Lee

John 14:27

Verse of the Day Reflections

Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for my WEEKLY ROUTINE. I no longer have a daily work routine and often each day is very different. I have the freedom to attend church activities and add other things that come up. This gives me satisfaction at my current stage of life.

I’m also thankful to be able to adjust my daily routine when I want to do so. Bells no longer determine what I do each day! For example, nobody told me when to go to be this morning. I could stay up and watch the election results as long as I wanted.

Prayer Focus

Pray for the newly elected candidates for political office as they adjust to their responsibilities to the American people and serve terms that will glorify God and fulfill their responsibilities in our great country. Pray for those who will be returning to their previous routine too. Adjustments/Changes can be hard!

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 6
• Jeremiah 50:24-51:32
• Psalm 119:113-120
• Proverbs 26:24-26
• Hebrews 2:10-3:11
• Today, if you hear his voice, open your heart to Him.

Obituary

Lana Ardillo Woodard

December 10, 1952 – November 4, 2024

Lana Ardillo Woodard was born December 10th, 1952 and went to her Heavenly Home on November 4th, 2024.  Lana worked for the State of Louisiana as a Support Enforcement Specialist for 33 years before retiring.  However, after several years she decided retirement did not pay enough and returned to the State where she resumed her work part time.  Lana enjoyed flowers and looked forward every year for her Daylilies to bloom.  She enjoyed just sitting outside in her favorite rocking chair and watching all the birds come to her numerous feeders which were always full.  She had a heart full of love but was quick to tell you if she thought you were doing something wrong, in other words not her way.  She was an amazing Cook, Wife, Mother, and her favorite title Grandmother.  She loved her two granddaughters, Caylee and Leah, with all her heart and would do anything for them.  She will be greatly missed but we will see her again.  Until then we know she will be looking down on all her family and friends wanting everyone to not make a fuss and know she loved us all.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Mike; her one and only child, Micah (wife Courtney); grandchildren, Caylee and Leah; sisters-in-law, Loretta Scimeca Snow, Margaret Caraway, Betty Jo Ford, Annette Woodward; nephews, Skip Caraway (wife Denise), Chip Caraway (wife Donna), Barry Levatino (wife Linda), Brian Levatino (wife Kathy), Chad Woodward (wife Shellie); nieces, Rhonda Enis (husband Donald), Shae Mclin (husband Robert), and Aaron Ardillo.  Along with numerous great nieces and nephews.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Georgie Ardillo; in-laws, Buddy and Ethel Woodard; brothers, Ronald Ardillo and Robert “Bobby” Snow; aunts, Laura Bates Bankston, Eugenia Bates Conti, Leila Belle Bates Scimeca, Jewel “Judy” Bates Phillips, and Peggy Bates Pevey; uncle, Johnnie Bates; sister-in-law, Livy Louise Levatino; brothers-in-law, Tommy Ford, James “Sonny” Woodward, Sammie Levatino Jr, and Sherrill Caraway; nephews, Brad Ardillo, David Snow, and Shawn Snow; nieces, Sherrie Magruder and Darlene Ford. 

Visitation at First Baptist Church of Greensburg from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Shawn Ostoj. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Pallbearers will be Skip Caraway, Bryan Levatino, Ryan Levatino, Blake Thomassie, Ryan Perkins, Chad Woodward, Will Wall and Derek Wall. Honorary pallbearers will be Barry Levatino and Virgil Ray Magruder. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Lana was known to me as a person I often saw at associational church activities, a relative of some of my friends, and a a very good friend of my cousin, Fran. I knew her to be a Christian with “a brightly shining light” and a sweet love for other people. I now realize she was a relative to some people I know and taught.

Special Article

What a difference one Christian can make in our world today!

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/speaker-johnson-encourages-louisiana-baptists-during-three-church-visits/

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I’m so thankful for you! You make a difference!

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus Today

Pray for voters across our country as they cast their vote for our next president and other leaders.

Prayer Needs

• Mrs. Barbara Baugh
• Mrs. Ferrie Gene Blackmon
• Mrs. Yvonne Birch
• Nathan and Wrenley Daniels
• Brandon Hammons
• Family members of recently deceased

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 5
• Jeremiah 49:7-50:23
• Psalm 119:109-112
• Proverbs 26:20-23
• Hebrews 1:1-29

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Others

What will you take the time to do for someone you know today? Surely there is at least one things you can do today.

• Phone call
• Card
• Transportation
• Change light bulbs
• Pick up in their yard
• Wash their vehicle
• Visit
• Food (Basic food and/or a treat)
• Read Scripture
• Show them a recent church service on your phone

Remember, we are the church. Do you know the hymn “Let Others See Jesus in You”? We might be the only “Jesus” they see today! Think about that today, please.

Anna Lee

To explain my absence for the last two days, I will say my mouse would not charge. Finally, David asked our son. He told us of an alternate plan. We tried it and here I am “back in business”.

I have had some sweet comments that asked about TPL saying they hoped we were okay. Thanks! We are fine! I had a “hard-headed” mouse. I’m thankful for our son who is so knowledgeable and gave us an alternative plan over the phone.

I’m thankful to say “I’m back!”.

Thankfulness

In November, I usually give you some of the reasons I am thankful. I will do so very briefly this year.

1. Savior/Faith
2. Family
3. Church family
4. Teaching career

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 2
• Jeremiah 42:1-44:14
• Psalm 119:96-100
• Proverbs 26:10-12
• Titus 1:1-2:8

• November 3
• Jeremiah 44:15-47:7
• Psalm 119:101-104
• Proverbs 26: 13-16
• Titus 2:9-3:15

• November 4
• Jeremiah 48:1-49:6
• Psalm 119:105-108
• Proverbs 26:17-19
• Philemon 1-25

Obituary

David Newton Duncan

February 15, 1965 – October 29, 2024

A resident of Brandon, MS, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. He was born February 15, 1965 in Tylertown, MS and was 59 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Sydney Duncan; 3 grandsons, Blaine Duncan, Gavin Duncan, and Cade Duncan; wife, Catherine A. Duncan; 2 stepsons, Benjamin Purvis and Blaire Purvis and wife, Stephanie; 2 step grandchildren, Elizabeth Purvis and Ripp Purvis; numerous cousins and many friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Huey and Belvery Duncan; brother, Walter Craig Duncan. Graveside Services will be held at Crain’s Creek Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 30349 Crain’s Creek Rd., Franklinton, LA 70438 at 11:00AM Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Bobby Crain. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thanks for being faithful during my computer difficulties.

Write a note to some of the people in your life today.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s thank God for His faithfulness. For exam[le – So far in my life, the sun rises every morning and sets every evening. That is. one example of God’s faithfulness. There has been, is now, nor will every be a human being who can create a world like and faithfully cause the sun to rise and set each day. Let’s be faithful to thank Him daily for all he has done for us.

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 1
• Jeremiah 39:1- 41:18
• Psalm 119:89-95
• Proverbs 26:7-9
• II Timothy 4:1-22

Reminder and Obituary

Visitation for Carol Conerly, 76, of Osyka, MS will be at First Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 9:00-11:00 AM with religious services beginning at 11:00 AM. The burial will follow at the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Osyka, MS. Bro. Darryl Miller and Bro. Joey Miller will be officiating the services, with Sharkey Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Gary Marvin Varnado

November 13, 1930 – October 30, 2024

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born November 13, 1930 in Vinton, LA and was 94 years of age. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of Korea and a retired Director for Louisiana Health and Human Resources. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ballard Varnado; daughter, Gretchen Simpson; 2 grandchildren, Micah and Sarabeth Simpson; brother, Glen Varnado; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Irma Warren Varnado, siblings, Norman Varnado, Ina Wheat, Fred Varnado, and Rosemary Yantis. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 9:00 A.M. until religious services at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. The family would like to thank Robert Ricks for all of his help and support. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

David and I both met Gary years ago through our jobs. David knew him through the state’s Dept. of Probation and Parole. Later, I met him through the parish’s school system. We also knew him through his family connection to Kentwood. Marty, his son-in-law was a friend through FBC, Kentwood.

We always enjoyed our visits with him. Recently, we had a good visit with him when David enjoyed asking about his military service. Saturday, when the Women on Mission from our church had a day of sharing baked goods, I learned his health was failing and he was unable to visit with the group that day. “Miss” Mary visited with us though. What an awesome Christian couple! We are thankful for getting to know and love them.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I’m sure you will enjoy reading some of today’s articles. Here’s an example.

COVID Perspective: Pandemic pause left no long-term changes in Southern Baptist missions

Operation Christmas Child

I am gathering some items we decided not to send or had more than we needed to send to the processing center this year so they can use them as needed at the processing center. If you have any items you did not use and would like to share, group them in bags and them place in regular cardboard boxes, not the size and kind we pack in. We use regular cardboard boxes that have been used to mail us items. Boxes for filler cannot be the same size as the ones we pack items in!

Turn your extras in when you turn your shoeboxes in. We will send them on to Dallas so they can be used as needed. I have special “FILLER” signs to place on the boxes. I do this every year. I’m glad the items we did not use get to be used for other boxes!

Women and Girls on Mission.

Women and Girls on Mission will meet on November 17th. Come an hour early and learn a card-making craft that we will use as an outreach tool.

FYI – The girl’s group is for school-age girls and meets in a neighboring classroom at the same time and is well-supervised.

Coming Soon – Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

We celebrate our international missionaries and give an offering to help support them the first week of December each year.

You are appreciated!

Because of you, new people read The Prayer Link. They often tell me who helped get them connected with us. Thank-you! Good job!

Anns Lee

‘Don’t Just Do Something;
Stand There’ (Ps. 46:10-11)

“Be still, and know that I am God! I
will be honored by every nation. I will
be honored throughout the world. The
Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here…”

Prayer Focus

This is a big holiday for some people, both young and a little older. Let’s prayer for safety to everyone.

Read the Bible Every Day

• October 31
• Jeremiah 16:27-38:28
• Psalm 119:82-88
• II Timothy 2:22-3:17

Obituary

In Loving MemorY

Carol Jean Conerly

August 27, 1948 – October 28, 2024

Obituary

Carol Jean Conerly, a devoted wife, Mom, Honey, and loyal friend went to meet her Lord October 28, 2024. Carol passed away at St. Dominic’s Hospital. Carol Jean was born in Osyka, MS on August 27, 1948. Carol Jean never met a stranger, and she was always on the go. She had friends from all different seasons of her life. She had weekly dates with different friend groups. You could often find her playing rummy, dominoes, or going on lunch dates with her close friends. She was always the life of the party. She enjoyed traveling the world and entering and winning Sweepstakes. She also loved her church, First Baptist Church Kentwood, and her church family. She was a lady of strong faith and was a known prayer warrior. She loved her family fiercely, and her family absolutely adored her. She leaves a legacy of faith, family, and fun. Her big personality will be missed by everyone, but we are all left with so many amazing memories and fun stories.

Visitation for Carol Conerly, 76, of Osyka, MS will be at First Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 9:00-11:00 AM with religious services beginning at 11:00 AM. The burial will follow at the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Osyka, MS. Bro. Darryl Miller and Bro. Joey Miller will be officiating the services, with Sharkey Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Preceding her in death were her husband Smiley Conerly; parents, Carroll O’Quin and Norma Lea O’Quin; brother, Julius O’Quin.

Survivors are her two daughters, Jana Creel and husband Dwaine of Osyka, Tammi Dyer and husband John of San Francisco; 5 grandchildren Morgan, Bubba and wife Emily, and Courtney Creel, Allison Dyer and fiancé Griffey Nelson, and Catherine Dyer; her brother, Wayne O’Quin and wife Alice. She is also survived by a special friend Ray Gill and many other friends and family.

Pallbearers are Robert O’Quin, Randy Morley, Bubba Creel, Chad Conerly, Griffey Nelson, and Brennan Dear.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-this-troubled-political-season/

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-this-troubled-political-season/

Be Content and Embrace Where You Serve (A Pod Cast)

This pod cast and the picture and verse at the top of this post seem to work well together.

As militants kill Nigerian Christians, pastor risks life to evangelize Muslims

Pastor Eli Abdullah Tinau lives in the charred room that remains of his home after an attack by militant Fulani Muslims, an increasingly violent group accused of killing thousands of Christians in middle and northeastern Nigeria.

But Tinau, a Fulani Christian who converted from Islam, is committed to sharing the Gospel with Fulani Muslims as a missionary and pastor of Evangelical Church Winning All in Nkiendoro, about 60 miles from Jos in the Bassa Local Government Area, International Christian Concern (ICC) reported.

“I expect persecution because I am no longer of this world,” ICC quoted Tinau days before Southern Baptists and other Christians worldwide mark the Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Nov. 3. “I hold firm to my faith in Christ.”

Militant Fulani have killed more Christians in Nigeria in the past four years than Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) combined, according to a report from the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA), a research, training and advocacy program promoting religious freedom on the continent. ORFA terms the Fulani terrorist group the Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM), which includes a mix of armed Fulani herdsmen, Fulani bandits and others.

For years, Christians in Nigeria have complained of attacks by militant Fulani without adequate response nor protection from Nigeria’s government.

Go deeper: Read the full story at Baptist Press.

Thanks for spending some time here today.

You are appreciated!

Anna Lee