This morning, I want to thank God for protecting me during the night. I know some people had a difficult weather night. I am safe, dry, and rested. What a fantastic way to wake up!
READ the BIBLE TODAY
June 20th
Mark 9: 38-48
“Being Jesus’ disciple could cost me . . . . “
PRAYER FOCUS
Today, I want to focus our prayers on some men of our community. There is no rhyme or reason to the list, just names God gave me this morning. If you find your name here, just know you have been prayed for.
Andy Taylor
Chris Wales
Darryl Miller
Bryan Tate
James Rimes
“Cete” Dillon
Tom Brister
Gerald Hyde
Charlie Schwartz
Tommy Hood
Gerald Griffith
Frank Fowler
(Remember, there is no connection between these people, just names God gave me this morning.! Well, maybe there is one connection, these are men I know from this general area.)
PRAYER FOCUS for the WEEK
We will continue to pray for the youth of our church and several other churches as they attend church camp.
Another prayer focus, is on the students and teachers who are in summer school.
OCC
Collecting for Operation Christmas Child is a year-long process. As we think about the many shoeboxes we are soon to fill with items for boys and girls, also know we are beginning to purchase items, like school supplies (calculators, erasers, pencils, etc.) as summer sales come up and store supplies are in abundance. Thankfully, the church provides room to store items until they are needed. What a great support system we have! We are indeed blessed!
THANKS
I appreciate each one of you who checks this site and prays each day. May God bless you for your faithfulness.
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at his home. He was born July 26, 1949 in Morgan City, LA and was 73 years of age. Mr. Russell was a U. S. Navy Veteran and a retired Registrar of Voters with Tangipahoa Parish. He is survived by his wife, Faye Cleveland Russell; son, Taylor Bennett; sister, Patti Sue Stieb and husband Bruce; brothers, Robert Weldon Russell, III, Michael Stevens Russell, Sr. and wife Lisa, and Randy Russell. Preceded in death by parents, Robert Weldon Russell, Jr. and Brooksie Marie Russell. The family would like to specially thank Willie and Jana Johnson. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Michael Russell. Interment will be at a later date at Briar Patch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tangi Humane Society in Hammond. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
READ the BIBLE
June 19
Matthew 17: 14-20
Luk3 9: 37-42
“My faith is the size of . . . .”
PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE DAY/WEEKWEEK
Pray for the youth and chaperones as they travel to MFUGE for camp. I understand they will be at the University of Mobile .
Please be in prayer for Rondi Lynn Garner Booty. She has a gallbladder problem and is scheduled to see a specialist Thursday.
PRAYER. FOCUS
Many children and teens are involved in swimming lessons, church camps, school athletic camps. etc. Pray for safety and good experiences for each one. As you pray for the children and teens, please also pray for the adults who have taken on the responsibilities of supervising/leading these events.
CHURCH LEADERSHIP
Pray for the paid staff and the many volunteers who will lead the classes and services in our churches.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
Sunday
Week 24 – “The Call of Discipleship”
Mark 1: 1-23
Matthew 15: 1-20
“I am a disciple of Jesus if I follow . . . .”
FATHER’S DAY
I remember an earlp principal I had as a young teacher. He was well-known for saying “Every child has a mother”. I always wanted to add that “Every child has a father!” It’s true! Let’s honor our fathers, those living and those deceased. I encourage all young men to step-up to the responsibility and be a great father. one who is loved and followed because of great values, not just a name on a birth certificate. I know our Heavenly Father is proud of the men who are great fathers to their children. Enjoy celebrating today.
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at her home. She was born October 23, 1943 in Amite, LA and was 79 years of age. She is survived by her children, Connie DiMiceli and husband, Jon, Charlie Rick, Jr. and wife, Tammy, Charlene Rick Taylor and husband, Mark Anthony, and Cindy DiMiceli and husband, Darryl; grandchildren, Lance Eugene Taylor and wife, Karen, Michael Scott Taylor and wife, Lynette, Leslie Marie Albarado and husband, Dustin, and Kelsey, Shelby, Charnell, Danielle, Derrick, Chance, Brittany, and Cody; great-grandchildren, Alleigh Marie Albarado, Abigail Brekay Albarado, Nito Michael Albarado, Noah Michael Albarado, Milanya Faith Taylor, Layla Lynn Taylor, and Layne Eugene Taylor; great-great-grandson on the way, Dustin James Albarado; brothers, Charles Ray Graham, A.C. Graham, Jr., Rocky Graham, Barney Joe Graham, and William Dennis Graham; sisters, Georgette Fontenot, Carol Sue Schexnayder, Debbie Marie Smith, Brenda Kaye McLean, Tammy Lynn Bennett, and Candace San Crowe; and her fur baby, Chloe Renee. Preceded in death by her husbands, Charlie Rick, Sr. and Percy Lott; parents, A. C. Graham and Wanzie Lee Jenkins Graham; granddaughter, Jennifer DiMiceli; and great-granddaughter, Jamee Lynn Rodriguez; brother, Michael L. Graham; and sister, Shirley Ann Dykes. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Wednesday and from 10:00 AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Felix Mearidy. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today, let’s pray for boldness in inviting our friends, family, and neighbors to church tomorrow. Pray for those who will be invited to understand the love and concern we have for them as we invite them.
PREPARATION DAY
Let’s pray for our families and the families of others to do the tasks, washing, ironing, studying, cooking, etc. today that will make tomorrow run smoothly as families prepare for church tomorrow.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
Saturday
John 4: 34-38
John 5: 30
John 6: 38
“John’s willingness to serve is seen in ….”
FATHER’S DAY
Let’s honor our fathers (and grandfathers) today. Those we cannot honor in person, let’s be sure to call.
SERVICES at FBC, KENTWOOD TOMORROW
Sunday School and worship will be at the regular time. Fathers will be recognized in morning worship and by dismissing evening activities and services so families can spend time together. Pray for those who will not be with family members tomorrow. Pray they can find ways to honor the fathers in the family in their own way.
NEXT SUNDAY
The Fifth Sunday Singing scheduled for next week will be postponed a week to allow time for a big church family gathering at Percy Quin Park. Enjoy the devotional by Bro. Darryl, lots of activities to choose from, and lots of free food. Be thankful for our wonderful church family.
OCC CARDS WITH PHOTOGRAPHS OF SOME OF OUR CHILDREN WORKING DURING A PACKING PARTY
We have special cards this year. Rachel Buckley was our photographer. Janice Hornsby, the church secretary, was our printer. Various members will be needed to PRINT messages and DRAW/COLOR pictures to help this along.
Thanks to all who are willing to be a part of renewing of church cards in our “Shoeboxes” this year. I hope to have older children, youth, and adults do the writing this week and children to do the drawing and coloring next week. Let me know how you wish to participate.
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at his home. He was born February 14, 1939 in Greensburg, LA and was 84 years of age. He was a retired Lab Tech for Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and a farmer. He was an avid fisherman and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is survived by his children, Tara D. Martin and husband, Clint, Tania D. Boyd and husband, Bill, Paul C. McKean, Jr. and wife, Stephanie, Charles Henry “Hank” Doughty, II and wife, Katherine, and Corey A. Doughty and wife, Aimee, as well as grandchildren, Kellan, Kara, Kalee, Zachary, Zoe, Lily, Elisabeth, David and Mia; honorary grandchildren, Calvin, William and Cooper. Preceded in death by his wife of 54 years and 10 months, Theresa McKean Doughty; parents, Julius Berwick Doughty and Zelma Viola Wheat Doughty. Visitation at First Baptist Church in Greensburg from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Shawn Ostoj. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. The family would like to thank Lisa King and Modern Hospice for their excellent care. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Mary Anna “Molly” Watson Hartzog Stagg
July 27, 1943 – June 15, 2023
Mary Anna “Molly” Stagg passed away peacefully with loved ones at her bedside on June 15, 2023, in New Orleans, La. A native of Amite, Louisiana, she was born on July 27, 1943. She was brought into this world alongside her twin sister, Sarah Elizabeth “Sally” Watson Pendergast by the late Roy and Anna Purser Watson of Amite, Louisiana. She graduated from Amite High School then attended Southeastern Louisiana University, where she met and married Seymon Hartzog. They settled in Seymon’s hometown of Bogalusa, where Molly became active in the community with social organizations, Eastern Star, First Presbyterian Church of Bogalusa and many philanthropic projects. Through the course of her life, she was a Championship barrel racer, a bull rider, a college majorette, a beauty queen, a hairdresser, a beloved dance instructor of 25 years, an accomplished tennis player, and a real estate broker. Described by many as adventurous, fearless, and fiercely competitive, she would light up a room with her exuberant personality. Affectionately known by hundreds of dance students as “Miss Molly”, she spent tireless hours encouraging and teaching every student no matter their skill level. Not a single soul would want for comfort or care while she had a say in the matter and that graciousness and consideration for others is what endeared her to all. She sadly lost her husband in 1996 and her youngest son, Preston Scott, a Championship boxer, in 2006. She endured these losses because of her unshakeable faith in God.
And God then blessed her with a new love in Rev. Philip Stagg. Phil gave Molly many years of happiness, which included living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming after his retirement. Her love of animals was great, and the two spent many days observing the wildlife in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Her generosity and love brought her and Phil to New Orleans to help care for Phil’s first grandson, Elliott James Stagg and granddaughter, Griffin Pearl Stagg.
Left to cherish her memory are her children Seymon “Windy” Hartzog and Anna Beth Goodman; her stepchildren David and Anneke Stagg; her grandchildren Molly Evangeline Benda, Dixie Camille Hartzog and Abigail Grace Hartzog; her step-grandchildren Elliott and Griffin Stagg. The family wishes to thank Lacey, Kim, Montrel and Angelique at Annvoi Hospice Care and her caregivers Carole Pierce, Danyell Spencer, Sabrina Wilson, Rosalie Williams, Christina Milton, Kattie Chattmon, Yeniffer Borges and Ivone Hernandez for their dedicated support and care at the end of her life. She is now dancing in heaven with all her loved ones that have gone before her.
Molly’s favorite salutation was “The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church in Bogalusa with the visitation starting at 9:00 am until the funeral service at 11:00 am and interment following at Garden of Peace in Ponemah Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, P.O. Box 632, College Station, Tx. 77841, http://www.bluebonnetequine.org.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
June 17
Romans 12: 1-4
II Corinthians 10: 2-7
“A barrier that prevents me from giving myself totally to Christ is . . . . ”
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s pray for all those driving on our highways. This includes inexperienced drivers, senior adult drivers, tired, sleepy drivers, those who are speeding, those with other things on their minds, those who are medicated or taking a substance into their bodies that hinders their thinking or reflex time, and those who are in an unfamiliar area. May each driver do their best to be a safe driver when they get behind the wheel.
Jennie enjoyed working the IMB booth at the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans earlier this week. She read last night that almost 19,000 people attended. Pray much was learned and will be helpful in local churches. Pray, too, that the decisions made will have a positive impact on individual churches.
Tommy Mason Simmons Sr., age 80, a resident of Osyka, MS, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 11, 2023. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 10:00 am at Line Creek Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA with a gathering to follow in the Fellowship Hall. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Byron Cutrer, Rev. Butch Simmons and Rev. Kenny Cutrer. Tommy was born on September 28, 1942 in Natchez MS and was adopted six weeks later by the late Curtis and Helen Simmons of Magnolia, MS who nurtured him into the man he became. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ronnie J. Simmons. The greatest gift a parent can bestow on their children is to introduce them to Jesus Christ. Tommy learned this at the First Baptist Church in Magnolia, MS. The greatest gifts a person can give to the world is to love, have patience, bring joy and laughter, be humble, and to share quality time. Tommy flourished with these attributes. Tommy was a proud graduate of the Magnolia High School Bearcats of 1960. He married Diane Cutrer on September 5, 1964 and God blessed them with two outstanding children, Tom and Ginger. Tommy is survived by his wife of 59 years Diane, son Tom Simmons, wife Veronica, granddaughter Chaning Strange, husband Trenton, and great-grandson Tucker Strange. Grandson Tommy “Mason” Simmons III. Daughter Ginger Simmons, husband J. Wendell Simmons Sr., grandson Jeff W. Simmons Jr., wife Meagan, great-granddaughter Caroline Simmons and granddaughter Chelsea Simmons. Brother-in-law Byron Cutrer, wife Vickie, sister-in-law Melinda Simmons and a host of nieces and nephews. Honorary pallbearers are Wendell Simmons, Jeff Simmons, Mason Simmons, Trenton Strange, Arnold Pezant, Marvin McLaughlin, and George “Peanut” Brooks. The family would like to thank the staff at The Carpenter’s House in Baton Rouge and the nursing staff of B6 Oncology at the Baton Rouge General for their care and compassion.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store.
Today, let’s remember Gail Brister and Laurie Miller and thank God for the progress they have made. Gail is making good progress following her fall and surgery. She has graduated to a wheelchair which gives her much more freedom. Laurie continues to have good progress following back surgery.
BAPTIST PRESS
You surely will want to read some articles about the Southern Baptist Convention which was held in New Orleans this week.
Due to the heat, the Simmons Family has decided to have a memorial service at Line Creek Baptist Church, rather than the graveside service they had originally planned. There will be no visitation before the 10:00 A.M. service.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
June 14
Matthew 5: 23-24
Matthew 18: 21-35
“Forgiveness must be a part of a servant’s heart because .. . . . “
PRAYER FOCUS for TODAY
Today, and in the next few days, let’s focus our prayers on the many pastors, many with families, who will be be leaving New Orleans as the Southern Baptist Convention draws to a close for 2023. Pray for safe travels, inspired hearts, and a desire to help their church people worship and serve in the coming days and years.
Have a wonderful day as you grow in the Lord and minister to others in your own way.
Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.
Isaiah 46: 9
ILLNESS
Elaine Tolar Doucette – No cancer was found after her first round of treatment. Additional treatment will be done as a precautional measure. Elaine’s mother is still with her. Please continue to pray for Elaine.
Bubba Roberts – Bubba had surgery recently, but hasn’t said much about it. He is doing well. Join the family in prayers of thanksgiving that this procedure went well and is behind them.
OBITUARIES
Carol Virginia Payne Thomas
July 4, 1945 – June 10, 2023
On Saturday, June 10, 2023, Carol Virginia Payne Thomas met her Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face. Carol had been striving to overcome many physical difficulties for years. Now, she is free indeed! Carol is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jim Thomas; her sister, Susan Payne Tanner; and Susan’s children and their families: daughter, Stephanie Tanner Hewitt and husband Rick, Hannah and Tanner House; daughter, Rebecca Tanner Nowell and husband Justin, Carrie and Tyler Nowell and Carrie’s baby girl, Finley Nowell; and son, Greg Tanner Jr. Carol is also survived by many cousins. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Walton Payne; and brother-in-law, Greg Tanner. After 55 years, Jim’s family was Carol’s family too. She was survived by Jim’s sister, Beverly Thomas Martens and husband Erv and their children and families. She is also survived by the children and families of Jim’s sisters, Delores Thomas Hoernke and husband Jerry; Joanne Thomas Bader and husband Russell who preceded Carol in death. Delores, Joanne and Beverly’s children are among those precious family members who were loved by Carol. Carol graduated from SLU in Hammond, LA with a degree in Elementary Education. Through the years, she taught first grade and served as Financial manager for Avis. But mostly, she worked closely with Jim in their furniture endeavors as the Office Manager. Carol and Jim lived in several cities across the country, finally settling in Tupelo, MS where they resided for 35 years. When they joined Harrisburg Baptist Church, they soon knew they had found home. Among the many wonderful friends they made at church were special friends: Mitzi Jackson, Nancy and Dick Stevens, Delores and John Smith, and Melissa Greer. A special thanks to the staff at The Claiborne, Carol and Jim’s home in McComb, MS and Deaconess Hospice for their loving care and support. There are not enough words to thank the sitters who stayed with Carol around the clock: Shirley, Dianne, Candace, Tiffany, and Barbara. Carol loved the Lord with all her heart and would want Him to be lifted up high. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Harrisburg Baptist Church, Tupelo, MS or Samaritan’s Purse.
Wayne A. Husser
March 5, 1949 – June 10, 2023
A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born March 5, 1949 in Independence, LA and was 74 years of age. Wayne was the co-owner and operator of Husser City Glass, Radiator, and Muffler in Amite for 50 years. He was a member of the Loranger Volunteer Fire Department where he served the community for over 40 years. He is survived by his daughter, Charity Gay and husband, Brandon; step-daughter, Melissa Brown; step-son, James Dewitt Bennett and wife, Malachi; granddaughter, Avery Rose Gay; 2 brothers, Jimmie Husser and wife, Shirley, and Kenny Husser and wife, Micaleen; 2 sisters, Pat Shockley and husband, Thomas, and Sharon Kay Lee and husband, Sidney; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by wife, Jeannie M. Husser; parents, Wilson and Dorothy Husser; and a special aunt, Johnnie Bennett Stanfield. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Oak Grove Church of Christ and the Loranger Volunteer Fire Department for their support and care for Wayne during this difficult time. Visitation at Oak Grove Church of Christ, Independence, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Dale Ziebarth. Interment Loranger Community Cemetery, Loranger, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Tommy Simmons of Kentwood
Tentative Arrangements – Graveside service at Woodlawn Cemetery Saturday morning at 10:00, followed by a family lunch at Line Creek Baptist Church.
VBS CONTINUES
This week – Osyka Baptist Church
Contact the church or a church member for more information
Pray for the workers and the children this week.
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
The convention will be in New Orleans this year. If you attend, please visit the IMB (International Mission Board) booth and visit with our daughter, Jennie Hatchel. She has lots of information to share with the delegates this week.
READ the BIBLE
Week 23 – Servanthood: My Gift to God
Monday, June 12
Matthew 20: 20-28
Mark 9: 33-37
Mark 10: 35-45
“One Way I can serve others is . . . .”
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Let’s pray for the sermons, connections, business, etc. that will be addressed this week by the delegates. May God and evangelism be a strong focus of all that is done.
The Prayer Link 
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