Tuesday

“Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations.

But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them . . . I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’”

~Nehemiah 1:8-9 NLT~

Beth Graham Lee gave a gift with numerous items for boys and girls to Operation Christmas Child at FBC, Kentwood in honor of David. I thought that was great for OCC and certainly an honor because David firmly believes in OCC because in addition to the gifts they receive, boys and girls around the world in the poorest countries have an opportunity to learn about Jesus. I think I will have to package some gifts in honor of some people. You may want to do the same. I will place the package from Beth on display so you can see it and get some ideas. School supplies, small games, small puzzles, jump ropes, brushes, plastic dishes, spoons, toothbrushes, flashlights, and other small items would be perfect items to pack.

Scripture Writing Plan – Psalm 25:1-5

Janie Wise, the Louisiana WMU director, will be speaking at the WMU meeting at Spring Creek next Monday morning at 10. Make a special effort to meet this sweet lady who loves Jesus and loves missions. She’ll bless your heart.

Let’s get busy and see how many people we can honor by giving gifts to OCC this year.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

~Matthew 11:28-29 NIV~

Kathy Jo Thompson‘s brain surgery went well. Most of the tumor was removed. Pray for Kathy Jo as she continues to recover and improve.

Jennie Rick Rogers

April 09, 1932 – June 26, 2019

Jennie Rick Rogers, a resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at her home in Amite. She was born April 9, 1932 in New Orleans and was 87 years of age. She is survived by children, Dewey Hayden and wife, Rose Ann, Amite, Glenda Cannatella and husband, John, Metairie, Juanita Scroggin and husband, Bruce, Amite, Marvin Hayden and wife, Brenda, Amite, Jerome Rogers and wife, Freida, Tennessee, Charles F. Rogers, Jr. and wife, Debbie, Amite, Cheryl Capdeboscq, Amite, Jeanie Stewart and husband, Melvin, Amite, Jason Rogers, Amite; special great-granddaughter that she raised as her own, Mallory Rogers; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; sister, Leona R. Spackey. Preceded in death by husband, Charles F. Rogers, Sr.; parents, Frank and Martha Rick; son, Kenneth Rogers; grandsons, Jeremy Rogers and Reuben Rogers; great- grandsons, Caleb and Chase Bankston; siblings, Frank Rick, Jr., Monroe Rick , Sr., Charlie Rick, Sr., Freddie Rick, Sr., Jessie Rick, Jimmie Rick, Joseph Rick, Sr. and Winnie Rick. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Steven Keyes. Interment Lowery Cemetery, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Margie “Maw” Phillips

November 29, 1945 – June 27, 2019

A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at her home. She was born November 29, 1945 and was 73 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Kevin Phillips; 2 daughters, Lisa Williams and Jill Broussard; 1 son, John Jones and wife, Cheryl; mother, Anna Belle Hayman; 2 sisters, Winnie H. Killebrew and husband, Charles, and Becki Hayman and Paul Teston; 2 brothers, Thomas W. Hayman and Edward W. Hayman and wife, Connie; 14 grandchildren; 16 great- grandchildren. Preceded in death by father, Thomas E. Hayman. Visitation at Shiloh Baptist Church, Pine Grove, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Services conducted by Bro. Laverne King. Interment Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery, Pine Grove. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Timmy Dale Stewart, Sr.

September 10, 1961 – July 03, 2019

Timmy Dale Stewart, Sr., a resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at his home in Amite, LA. He was born September 10, 1961 in Hammond, LA and was 57 years of age. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Arcola. He is survived by his mother, Merylin Ragan Robeau; 1 son, T.J. Stewart, Jr. and Selena, Amite; 4 grandchildren, Jayda Marie Stewart, Gage Allen Stewart, Mya Leigh Stewart and Cayden Allen Stewart; 2 sisters, Patricia Abadie and Penny Smith; 1 brother, Rocky Stewart. Preceded in death by his wife, Susan Denise Stewart; father, Wallace Stewart; brother, Ricky Stewart. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Monday, July 8, 2019, and from 8:00 AM until religious services at 11:00 AM Tuesday, July 9, 2019. Services conducted by Bro. Bob Simpson. Interment Natalbany Cemetery, Independence, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thank-you to all who attended “David’s Party” yesterday. He was honored and blessed by your attendance, love, and encouragement. Our family thanks you too.

Thanks to our children and their spouses as well as the grandchildren who planned, worked, and worked some more to honor “Granddaddy”. Granddaddy continues to fight his health battles and will win the final victory!

Speaking of family. We were also blessed at home to have everyone here for about 20 hours. Two left last night. Three left early this morning. Four will leave later this morning. Jennie will stay here a couple more days and will go with us to see doctors Monday and Tuesday. We are blessed with a great family. Members of our extended family also helped with the party. Some church family helped by providing desserts and helping to make sandwiches. We appreciate all of you!

May God bless you for showing David and our family such sweet love!

Scripture Writing – “Patience and Perseverance” – Psalm 130: 5-6

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day! Honor and serve Him today!

Anna Lee

Saturday

Scripture Writing – “Patience and Perseverance” – Lamentations 3: 22-26

Jimmy R. Williams is scheduled to be released from the hospital. Pray he will continue to improve at home.

David and some of his many friends will be celebrating their memories today. Join me in thanking God for David today.

Anna Lee

Friday

“A wise, mature person is known for his understanding.

The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is.”

~Proverbs 16:21 GNT~

Update of Carol Bennett Sealey written by her son, Austin

My mom was transported back to Providence yesterday. She was actively seizing yesterday morning, and was unresponsive for all of yesterday. She has responded some today, but it appears she is septic again. She has been placed on isolation in ICU for now while they try to rule things out. Due to the isolation, we ask that there be no visitors at this time. We ask for continued prayers as we begin again trying to figure things out.

Jimmy R. Willians

To those of you that are praying for Jimmy. . . . Good news from his kidney specialist! Where it was expected for the dye used for the heart cath yesterday to cause damage to his one kidney, his kidney function studies are actually better after 24 hrs.! He thinks if that’s still the case after another 24 hrs., it will show the dye did not damage his kidney! No dialysis if that’s the case! Praise God for answered prayers so far. Please continue to pray for his kidney to do well and for the cardiologist(and God) to make his heart disease better. Thanks to all of you!❤️

Carl “Chicken” Gaines

“Chicken” is continuing to improve. Please continue to pray for him.

Tessie Brabham Strickland

Join our family, tomorrow night (Friday) at 630 pm. We will be celebrating the life of my mom, Tessie Strickland. Though we will begin at 630, we’ll be there through the night. Mom always appreciated the celebration of life that our family shared in the reception halls, during wakes. We would gather to share fond memories of our loved ones, eat, play music, sing, laugh, and even cry. She always wanted the same when her time came. The celebration/memorial service will be at New Zion Baptist church (3841 Hwy 38 Kentwood, LA). Bring your instruments, your favorite memories/stories, and any food or drinks you’d like to contribute. No one is obligated to stay through the night. Feel free to come and go. Also, please don’t send flowers at this time. This is not a wake and funeral, but a memorial/celebratory gathering to help those close to our family process this tragedy and find a small amount of closure. There will be a funeral once mom is sent home.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – John 13: 1-7

Love God, love others! Love our country too!

Anna Lee

Independence Day!

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

~Ephesians 3:12~

Scripture Writing Plans – “Patience and Perseverance” – Psalm 37: 10-11

I thank all those through the years who worked to make our country a democracy. Let’s continue to put God first in our country and keep our nation the greatest one on earth.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

~Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 NIV~

Tommy Strickland came home yesterday. There was a prayer gathering for the Strickland family at the local firehouse, where Tommy is the chief, at 6 P.M. last night. The people of this area have supported the family and will continue to do so. Please continue with your prayer support.

Bryan and Rita Tate have spent much of the last year in Houston at MD Anderson. They are home for a while and both got sick right away. Bryan has pneumonia. Rita has blood pressure issues and is wearing a heart monitor. Let’s give them some more prayer support.

Mrs. Ruby Dillon is better now after a few days of not feeling well. Continue to pray for Mr. “Cete” and “Miss” Ruby.

Kathy Jo Thompson will be having another brain surgery. Please pray for her and for her family who have been wonderful supporters of her since she first got sick.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Psalm 37: 5-9

Thank-you for reading The Prayer Link and for praying. You make a difference. Sometimes, God expects us to put feet to our prayers. May we keep our feet busy for others and for Him!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

~Isaiah 61:1~

Great news to share this morning. Carol Bennett Sealey has been moved to rehab and dialysis. Please continue to pray for Carol and her family.

Jimmy R. Williams is at Lakeview hospital with a possible heart attack. Testing is being done. Please pray for Jimmy and Linda.

Mr. John Phillips is still in rehab. Pray for him as he continues to improve following two broken arms.

There is no news about Tessie Strickland this morning. Keep praying!

Heather Miller is home from her Ukraine trip. Pray for her as she continues to serve where God sends her.

Matt and Shea Williams are beginning a long journey to Mississippi where they will be staying for a while. Pray for them as they travel and get to spend some time with family.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Patience and Perseverance” – Psalm 62: 5-8

Coming soon – Two Rivers Associational Meeting – July 15th at Spring Creek

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Monday

“You bless all who depend on you for their strength.”

~Psalm 84:5 CEV~

This morning, I sadly report that Tessie Strickland still has not been found. Today is day four for this family. Let’s keep praying for Tessie and her family. As you pray for Tessie and her family, also pray for safety for those who are searching for her.

A number of people from our area are touring all the sites that are so important to us as we study our Bibles. Pray for safe and meaningful travels. May they have great memories of this trip and better relate to the places they visit as they continue to study their Bibles for the rest of their lives.

The youth of FBC, Kentwood shared yesterday morning about their week at M-Fuge at Ridgecrest, North Carolina. They each shared their own testimony with a sign they made. It was truly an inspiring presentation.

The July guide for Scripture writing is now available in the church office. You can stop by the church for a copy.

I think I missed one day last month, so here is the reference for Day 30.

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – Romans 8: 28-32

The topic for July is “Patience and Perseverance”. Day 1 – Psalm 40: 1-3.

Baptist Press – http://www.bpnews.net/

Baptist Message – http://baptistmessage.com/

Let’s march into July with a purpose of loving God and loving others. Each of us is a unique person, so we each have own ways to show our love for God and for others. The thing that is important is that we show that love daily. Let’s go into July with a bold goal of showing that love each day this month.

Anna Lee

The Lord’s Day

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

~Galatians 5:1~

Pray for the mission team from Line Creek Baptist Church as they leave for Houston today.

Pray for friends from Alabama who are in Mexico on a mission trip. Part of their work there is rebuilding storm damaged church property.

Please add Lisa Taylor back to your prayer list. She went home from the hospital Tuesday and has developed issues that have her back at North Oaks.

Tessie Strickland is still missing. Keep praying! As you pray for her, please pray for safety for the rescue teams and for peace and comfort for the family.

It’s the fifth Sunday of the month. Many area churches are having special music, food, and other activities. Join in and be blessed.

Some churches are concluding VBS. Others are beginning. I love to hear boys and girls tell of their time in VBS. Churches are doing a wonderful job this year, as always.

Youth from some churches have returned from camp. Other youth are leaving for camp. Hearts are touched and lives changed forever. Pray for each one.

Scripture Writing Plan – Romans 8: 28-32

May this Sunday be a blessing to you! May you be a blessing to others today!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.

Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil.”

~Proverbs 3:5-7 NLT~

Friday, my thoughts all day long, as with many of you, were with the family of Tommy and Tessie Strickland. I don’t have words to describe my emotions. God, please take care of this family today and in the days to come.

https://durangoherald.com/articles/283468-search-underway-for-person-swept-away-in-high-alpine-creek?fbclid=IwAR3M9Sa-CbdhyoMzvybF5m1FZ88EGRbUjXDGrV6mIRVQ07_Et4D4e3790yM

Scripture Writing Plan – “Who I am in Christ” – Romans 8: 15-17

Did you grow up in a household were Saturday was a day to prepare for the Lord’s Day? In many ways, I did. Shoes were polished, lessons were studied, much of the Sunday lunch meal was at least partially prepared, clothing was laid out, etc. I wonder how different our world would be if we used Saturdays, at least a portion of it, to prepare for Sunday and not for a play day from daylight to dark.

Anna Lee