Lottie Moon Tea – Mistake! – There will be no Two River’s Associational Lottie Moon Tea!!!
Today’s Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for those who were not able to have Thanksgiving with family members and who will also not be able to be with family members for Christmas.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Baton Rouge General – Bluebonnet in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born May 30, 1952 in Oceanside, CA and was 71 years of age. Randy retired from Dow Chemical in 2006 after 30 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Chandler Noland; 2 sons, David Noland (Sara) and Geoffrey Noland; daughter-in-law, Manettta Noland; 4 brothers-in-law; 3 sisters-in-law; 1 aunt, Mary Smith; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe Goynes and Leona Goynes; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Griffin and Christine Chandler; son, Christopher Noland; sister, Tanya Harrison. Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Monday, December 18, 2023. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Katherine Charel Hulsey Raborn
November 10, 1942 – December 2, 2023
Katherine and I taught “across the hall from each other” for 14 years!
Katherine Charel Hulsey Raborn, 81, of Hammond, died peacefully on December 2, 2023. She was born to James Garvis Hulsey and Charel Hathorn Hulsey on November 10, 1942. Katherine graduated from Woodland High School in 1960. She attended LSU and went on to graduate with a degree in Education from Southeastern Louisiana University. Years later, she returned to Southeastern to pursue a Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Administration. In the spring of 1995, she proudly walked across the stage to accept her diploma while wearing a stole of distinction for being an honor graduate. Her teaching career began in 1965 at Pine Grove High, then to Amite Elementary. From there, she would spend the next 27 years at Oak Forest Academy, where she was one of the original faculty members. The highlight of her time at OFA was being there when her sons were her students. Her career ended at Ponchatoula High School when she retired in 2022, after teaching there for 24 years. Katherine was an educator, mentor and administrator for an unprecedented 56 years. She spoke fondly and with immense pride of her former students and how she always tried her very best to be a positive influence in their lives. Without a doubt, she succeeded. Hundreds upon hundreds of students have been touched by her kindness, compassion and knowledge. From cooking and sewing in Home Economics to Civics and American History, all who were fortunate to have been taught by her are better because of her. Katherine is survived by her three sons, Boyd Raborn, Jr. and wife, Michelle, of Lafayette, Louisiana, Jeff Raborn and wife, Ashley, of Winston Salem, North Carolina and Richard Raborn of Hammond, Louisiana; seven grandchildren, Jane Ashley, Gunnar, Jack, Bailey, Hunt, Breanna and Joshua Raborn; her brothers, Lieutenant Colonel James Hulsey, Jr. (Judy) and Dr. Thomas Hulsey; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents and former husband, Boyd Raborn, Sr. Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, on Friday, December 8, 2023 beginning at 9:00 am until the funeral service at 11:00 am, conducted by Jeff McKneely. A private burial will follow at the Greensburg Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Gunnar Raborn, Jack Raborn, Bailey Raborn, Hunt Raborn, Joshua Raborn and Tyler McKinney. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Raborn Scholarship, at LSU Law. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Calvin “Buddy” Russell
August 10, 1949 – December 3, 2023
A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born August 10, 1949 in Independence, LA and was 74 years of age. Buddy was a simple man that loved the Lord and loved his family. He was a hard working man that lovingly provided for his family. He enjoyed deer hunting, cooking, and pulling pranks on people. He was a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Brenda Maurer Russell; son, Bryant Russell and loving daughter-in-law, Rebecca McMichael Russell; brother, Vannie Ray Russell, Sr. and wife, Debbie; 3 sisters, Betty Jo Beach, Susie Viola and husband, Jimmy, and Irma Amick and husband, Robert “Bob”; sister-in-law, Ramona Russell. Preceded in death by parents, Calvin and Daisy Russell; brother, Flemin Russell; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation at Lighthouse Baptist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Gene Hoyt and Bro. Dallas Stewart. Interment Lighthouse Cemetery, Independence, LA. Pallbearers will be Blake Beach, Kenneth Beach, Wesley Whiddon, Michael Whiddon, Timothy Amick, and Bradley Russell. Honorary pallbearers will be Zack Beach, Buck Maurer, Kelby Henderson, and Bob Amick. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Prayer Focus
Please pray for the five people from Kentwood. who will be having surgery today, the three families. with deaths of family members whose obituaries are here, and those others who are on your personal prayer list.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
Day 3
Read a real story from your brochure you received at church Sunday.
Christmas Opportunities
Please refer to the list I gave you yesterday.
The Prayer Link
I am so thankful for you when someone tells me you shared the link to this site with them.
There are so many reasons to pray. Thank you for both sharing and praying.
Operation Christmas Child
During the month of December, we will be collecting pencils, pens, colors, pencil colors, and calculators. At church you can give them to Bob and Jackie Babin, or David and me. Also, you can also hang your bag on the door in the basement if you are nearby.
I’m enjoying reading reports of some of those who are working in the processing centers. They realize how blessed they are to have that opportunity. If you ever have that opportunity, I hope you will take it.
This offering, 100% of it going to overseas work to tell others about Jesus, will be the focus of the Week of Prayer which begins today. Be sure to get a brochure at church or have someone bring you one.
Thank God
Thank God for the rain He provided the last few days. Look for the new growth around us this week. Thank God each time you notice a benefit of the rain.
Sunday School Lesson
The focus is on Genesis 1 and 2. I always learn something new when I read the Bible. Take your time. Focus in on the verses. Study them. What did you learn?
Shoeboxes
I’ve been reading about the various packing locations the shoeboxes have been sent to before going overseas. They are so pleased when they get a well packed, full box of new items for a boy or girl including items from all four categories – school supplies, hygiene, clothing, and toys. Yes, we get all four categories in one box by shopping carefully, removing packaging, and packing carefully.
Think about a child who have very little. It’s really hard to do so in our country! After working with shoeboxes a few years, you can learn so much.
If you will be packing boxes next year for the first time, or would just like some guidance, I would love to help you learn how to do so.
Church Today
If you cannot attend church, study some on your own and watch an online service or two.
But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart;
consider what great things he has done for you.
I Samuel 12:24
Read the Bible
Ecclesiastes 2: 1-11
Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14
“The only thing of real value is . . . .”
Thankfulness
Today, we all need to thank God for the rain we have received and the rain headed our way in the next few days. We had our brown cedar tree, and other trees, cut this week. I’m thankful not to see that big brown tree and look forward to some spring planting after the winter days that are ahead.
Prayer Concerns
Winter brings sore throats, coughs, sneezes, colds, and flu. We were in the cold too much this week. I had a slightly sore throat, but David was outside more and got sicker than I did. Will we ever learn? Have you learned that lesson yet? Please pray for all those who enjoyed too much time outside this week.
Obituaries
Wanda Wynette Holden
September 10, 1953 – November 30, 2023
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born September 10, 1953 in Jacksonville, FL and was 70 years of age. She worked at Leon’s Shoe Store in Amite for 32 years. She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Bruce E. Holden; only child and daughter, Kimberly Holden Russell (husband, Brandon Russell); 3 beautiful granddaughters, Chelsie Lynne Verberne (Allen Bickford), Caitlin Leanne Verberne (Corey Clouatre), and Carlie Lauren Verberne (Hayden Varnado); 2 beautiful great-granddaughters, Kamryn Verberne and Lynleigh Clouatre; grandson, Dakota Russell; twin brother, Wayne Wytte Dixon; older brother, John Steven Dixon; one sister-in-law, Sue Holden Deakles (Gene Deakles); niece, Valerie Deakles Willman (Brett Willman); and great-nieces, Emilyn and Elisabeth Willman; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her mother, Eunice Estelle Dixon; father, John Baptist Dixon. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Jim Thornhill. Interment Sharon Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Conly Asher Chavers March 31, 2004 — November 29, 2023 Hammond
Conly Asher Chavers, of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away at North Oaks Medical Center on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the age of 19. He was born on Wednesday, March 31, 2004, in Hammond, Louisiana, the son of Chris and Diedra C. Chavers.
Asher was a sophomore at Southeastern Louisiana University and a member of the First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula. He was a proud dishwasher at Cate Street Seafood Station. He was a funny young man with a witty sense of humor. His love and compassion for other people was always strong. He had a big heart and loved animals especially birds.
Asher is survived by his parents, Chris and Diedra C. Chavers, sister, Sophia G. Chavers, grandmother, Iris Cleveland, grandparents, Reggie and Joette Chavers, grandfather, Chris Johansen; aunts and uncles, Kim Adams, Jessica and Tony Hopkins, Stephanie and Jonathan Hetrick, Charlotte Sylve, and David and Monette Cleveland, numerous cousins and other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his “Pop”, Starret Cleveland, grandmother, Christine Johansen, and great-grandmother, Dora Lee Chavers.
Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Monday, December 4, 2023 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev Robert Parkin and Dr. David Cranford officiating.
Interment will follow at Rosaryville Cemetery in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.
Sunday School Preparation
Genesis 1-2
Head’s Up
The Wednesday adult Bible study will be held in the fellowship hall again this week because the children are practicing in the sanctuary again this week. I don’t know about the Sunday night service.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions.
Week of Prayer
December 3–10, 2023
Southern Baptists observe a Week of Prayer for International Missions each year for the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® emphasis. Will you join your heart with others to pray for missionaries around the world who are faithfully sharing the gospel?
You can give to the three Southern Baptist Mission Offerings all through the year. Be sure to mark your envelope and check “Lottie Moon” for international missions.
The missionaries thank you for providing the funds that provide for their mission projects all through the year. Without your gift, …..
Operation Christmas Child
OCC functions through Samaritan’s Purse, Billy Graham’s organization that works diligently to meet so many needs. “Shoeboxes” are one of it’s projects and has provided for underprivileged children in countries where the government does not help children. During the twenty years of OCC, 200 million shoeboxes have been given to children in 175 countries around the world! I am so blessed to be a small part of accomplishing that monumental task! Join me as we soon begin the 2024 Shoebox year.
Saturday = Preparation Day (for Sunday)
Do what you can today to make your Sunday run smoothly.
We finally had rain. I know it was in God’s perfect timing! Look for more later. Let’s be sure to thank God for the blessing of rain He sent us!
OCC Thank-you!
Thanks to a lady from Hammond who periodically send money for us to spend as needed. You are greatly appreciated!
I also have received gifts from a mother and daughter at church. I look forward to beginning the shopping real soon for the 2024 year!
One of our first needs is for people who sharpen pencils. Please let me know if you can help do this.
SENIOR ADULT CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
We will have our annual Christmas luncheon Wednesday morning at FBC, Kentwood. Thank-you to the senior adult committee at church who plan, decorate, cook, and serve us this delicious meal.
NEW UNIT of STUDY in ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM – Genesis!
Come join us Sunday as the new unit begins. Sunday school begins at 9:15 and ends in plenty of time to get into the sanctuary for the 10:30 worship time.
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
The week of prayer begins Sunday.
SINCE 1918
What is the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering?
Lottie Moon was sent as a Southern Baptist missionary to China from 1873 to 1912. She saw firsthand the world’s greatest problem — LOSTNESS. Meeting so many people who had never heard the gospel compelled her to write letters to American churches describing the need for a greater missionary presence.
She pleaded for increased prayer and financial support to send and sustain more missionaries. This challenge became known as the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®.
Look for the brochure in the back of the pews Sunday!
Prayer Concerns
I have several friends having surgery soon. You probably do too!
Please be in prayer fo all who are having end-of-the- year and start-of-the-year surgeries.
Christmas Decorations
Towns are putting out their Christmas decorations. Please let me know if you see any religious one. We don’t want Jesus left out!
Thank-you for your faithfulness in reading this post.
He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
The switch to colder weather causes many people to get sick. This includes the younger people as well as the older ones. It also includes those with less immunity than most people because of sickness, weather exposure, etc.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for those with colds, flu, and viruses.
Obituary
Joyce Lee Doyle, née Beraud
February 26, 1948 – November 28, 2023
Joyce Lee Doyle, née Beraud, passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon at the Claiborne at Shoe Creek. A resident of Greensburg and a native of Plaquemine, La., she was 75 years old. Joyce is survived by her husband of 52 years, Gary Doyle; four children, Lisa Doyle and husband Michael Avant; Aimee Doyle, Jeffrey Doyle and wife Catherine Doyle, and Timothy Doyle and wife Meghan Doyle; one sister, Sharon Kay Pierce; and five granddaughters, Ella, Addison, Beatrice, Aldyn, and Audrey. Preceded in death by her parents, George Beraud and Shirley Lee Beraud; sister Marion “Dianne” Irwin, and brothers, George Allen “Butch” Beraud Jr., and Mike Beraud. Joyce was a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University and in her chosen profession of teaching, she shared her great love of reading with her first grade students. In her retirement years, she enjoyed traveling with her family, and was a loving and devoted grandmother to her many beautiful granddaughters. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Friday, December 1, 2023 at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, La from 6:00PM until 9:00PM. A private interment in Grace Memorial Park will follow. The family would like to thank the staff at The Claiborne at Shoe Creek for the kindness, loving care and friendship given to our mother.
I learned that Bro. Darryl’s surgery will be next Tuesday, not yesterday. I was only told “Tuesday”, so later I did not read that section in the bulletin. My mistake, but your prayers are still effective. Thank you for your prayers for him. Keep praying!
Other Prayer Requests
Brett Frazierwill return to the doctor Monday to schedule his upcoming prayers. Please begin praying for him now. It’s not too early.
Also, pray for Pam Forrest.
Obituaries
Gene Edwin Swindle
July 30, 1951 – November 26, 2023
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023 in Tylertown, MS. He was born July 30, 1951 in Magnolia, MS and was 72 years of age. He graduated from Kentwood High School in 1970, where he was given the nickname “Speedy” for running first place in track. He served in the U. S. Army where he was stationed at Fort Polk and Fort Payne. He received a diploma from the United States Army Chemical Center and school at Fort McClellan, Alabama. He also loved to fish. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Christina Satterfield and husband, Steve and Jennifer Taylor and husband, Mike; sister, Peggy Vick and husband, ML; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; lifelong friends, Pearl and Gary Woodard. Preceded in death by his parents, Elzie and Pauline Swindle; and 2 nephews, Brian Vick and Steven Vick. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Karen Vines Thompson
June 23, 1950 – November 26, 2023
A resident of Ponchatoula, LA, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at Post Acute Medical Hospital in Hammond, LA. She was born June 23, 1950 in Winnfield, LA and was 73 years of age.
She is survived by her husband, John Robert Thompson, one daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Mike Murray of Ponchatoula; two grandchildren, Brittany Amanda Jarred of French Settlement, and Corey Michael Jarred of Ponchatoula; and five great grandchildren, Isabella, Olivia, and Sophia Ogmibene, and Emma and John Jarred.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugean and Sybil Vines; and her brother, Iven Glynn Vines.She would always put others first as a devoted wife, mother and Grandmother.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 1:00PM until Memorial Services at 2:30PM on Thursday, November 30, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Avery Dixon. A private graveside will be held at Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.READ LESS
Focus on New Members
We have a number of new members that are going through a special class, taught by Joe Cutrer, that meets each week. They have the opportunity to learn about our faith and our church. I’m thankful for the class and for Joe’s faithfulness in teaching it.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for the new Christians in our churches. Pray for churches to teach them about our faith and how our church functions (Everything from doctrine to classes available to each member of their family).
Read the Bible
Deuteronomy 8: 13-14
Matthew 19: 16-24
“Every blessing I have came from . . . .”
Coming Soon – Lottie Moon Offering for International Mission
100% of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering enables gospel transformation among the unreached.
Lottie Moon was sent as a Southern Baptist missionary to China from 1873 to 1912. She saw firsthand the world’s greatest problem — LOSTNESS. Meeting so many people who had never heard the gospel compelled her to write letters to American churches describing the need for a greater missionary presence.
She pleaded for increased prayer and financial support to send and sustain more missionaries. This challenge became known as the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®.
Thanks for “tuning in today”.
You daily prayers are greatly appreciated. A person can never have too many.
Today, I am thankful for hostages who have been released. I just saw that more will be released today. I’m thankful these innocent people, who have been held against their will, are free to again live life as they choose. Thank-you, God!
Read the Bible
I Chronicles 29:12
Ecclesiastes 5: 10-19
“Every blessing I have came from . . . .”
Prayer for Health Concerns
Today, we will pray for ladies who are receiving health care.
Pam Forrest
Velma Anthony
Please continue to pray for Gary Callihan who had heart surgery yesterday.
Also, please pray for Bro. Darryl as he gets a stent in his leg today.
OCC Update
The eight processing centers around the country are busy preparing our boxes for shipment. Please continue to pray for the children and families who will receive each box.
Mission Offerings
Southern Baptist have three mission offerings.
Annie Armstrong – North America
Georgia Barnette – Louisiana
Lottie Moon – International
We will soon begin collecting the Lottie Moon Offering. It provided for my children and grandchildren all the years they served in Brazil, Romania, and the Czech Republic. This offering provided housing, transportation, etc. as needed in each place. Without it, they would not have been able to live overseas to tell others about Jesus. Let’s provide for those who are dedicated to telling others about Jesus all around the world.
Thank-you
for you many actions that show that Jesus is important in your life and the life of others. Always try to allow Jesus to live in and through you.
The Prayer Link 
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