Today, pray for those who attend worship to feel a need to have a Sunday School class. Pray God leads you to invite them to join a class. Help them get to know the teacher. Show them the location of the classroom.
. . . . fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
“The strength of my relationships is determined by my ability to ….”
OBITUARY
Gordon Douglas Stokes, Jr.
July 10, 1954 – July 10, 2023
2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Gordon was born on July 10, 1954 in Baton Rouge, LA. Gordon passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, July 10, 2023. He was 69 years old. Gordon worked as a machinist at TK Valve (Cameron) in Hammond, LA for 38 ½ years. He loved his Lord and Savior, his family, hunting, fishing and his LSU Tigers. He was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Amite. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne of 45 years; son, Gordon Joseph “Joe’ Stokes (Samantha); grandchildren, Chloe Bryant (Dave), Gracie Brumfield (CJ) and Lane Stokes (Anna) and his soon to be great-grandson, Nathan Brumfield; sister, Marsha Graham (David). He is preceded in death by his parents, Gordon Douglas Stokes, Sr. and Lois Smith Stokes. Pallbearers will be Dave Bryant, CJ Brumfield, Scott Bankston, Bill Chesnutt, Joshua Murry, and Freddie Ficklin. Honorary pallbearer will be Lane Stokes. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, July 14, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Woodard. Interment will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery, Amite, LA. For online guestbook visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today, let’s pray for church members who are hesitant to tell others about their faith. Pray for them to be bold in their witness.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Pray for people around the world who face difficult weather conditions. All people don’t have the same issues, but many have different problems, storms, temperatures, flooding. etc.
But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
“For genuine fellowship to exist, love must . . . .”
PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY
Today, let’s. pray for pastors as they present God’s message.
DEATHS
Daniel Farace – My former student
December 16, 1961 — July 6, 2023
Tickfaw, Louisiana
Daniel was born in Hammond, LA, on December 16, 1961. He was 61 years old, a native, and a resident of Tickfaw. He succumbed to his battle with cancer on July 6, 2023, at PAM, with his sister by his side.
Daniel was a devoted brother uncle, cousin, and friend, who treasured spending time with his loved ones. He had a larger-than-life smile and laugh that would melt your heart. He was an avid LSU and Saints fan and enjoyed singing karaoke from time to time at family gatherings.
Daniel is survived by his sister, Marilyn Farace LeJeune; nephews, Brennon Kyle Farace and wife Brianne, Brock Farace and wife Shelby; nieces, Abby Nichole LeJeune and Brooke Grace Farace; great nieces and nephews, Baelyn, Rhett, Blaine and West; godchildren, Dominick Morales and Samuel Sinagra.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Anthony Farace Sr. and Mary Grace Morales Farace, paternal grandparents, John and Cecelia Costanza Farace, maternal grandparents, Sam J. and Frances Valenti Morales; brother, Joseph Anthony Farace, Jr.; sister, Melissa Farace; nephew, Samuel Joseph LeJeune.
Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home – Hammond, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Thursday, July 13, 2023, from 8:30 am until 10:30 am.
A Funeral Service will be held at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church, 14450 Hwy 442, Tickfaw, Louisiana 70466 on Thursday at 11:00 am.
Interment will follow at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Cemetery in Tickfaw, Louisiana.
Rebecca “Becky” Bridges Foster
June 18, 1968 – July 7, 2023
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born June 18, 1968 in Hammond, LA and was 55 years of age. She is survived by 3 children, Johna Blades (Cody), Erin Foster (Derrick), and Zach Foster (Emma); step-son, Harlee Wilson (Breanna); grandchildren, Adriohna, Curtis, Dalton, Bristol, Preston, Kinsley, Emmie Lynn, Sabastian, Dominic, Luke, Lyla, Kaysen, Kashtyn, and Kohlson; parents, Maurice and Judy Bridges; grandmother, Mildred Birch; sister, Dede Bridges (Alton); nieces, Sunni Womack (Braxton) and Montana Pilcher (Kenny). Preceded in death by grandparents, Clovis Birch and Willie and Tena Bridges. Pallbearers will be Derrick Brabham, Cody Blades, Matthew Hunt, Sabastian Brabham, Alton Booty, and Zach Foster. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Vince Estes. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
May you be blessed as you worship and serve the Lord today!
A resident of Osyka, MS, passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at Willis-Knighton Bossier Health Center in Bossier City, LA. She was born January 31, 1951 in Amite, LA and was 72 years of age. Nyla was the owner and operator of Nyla’s Burger Basket in Osyka, MS for 23 years. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Mike Price, Sr.; son, Michael Price, Jr.; daughter, Michelle Price; 4 grandchildren, Jackson Price, Morgan Price, Haylee Price, and Caden Whitted. Preceded in death by parents, Robert and Alma Whitener; 2 brothers, Wayne Whitener and Dub Whitener. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Jacob Williams. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Bobby William Warren
March 1, 1988 – June 19, 2023
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born March 1, 1988 in Hammond, LA and was 35 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Mary Lou Warren; 2 brothers, Jesse D. Warren and wife, Stephanie and Carl Everett Warren, III and wife, Amanda; nephews, Jesse Austin Warren, Mikey Ogima and Carl Everett Warren, IV; nieces, Isabella Nicole Warren, Madelynn Nunnery; great-nephew, Klayton Ogima; great-niece, Hanna Ogima; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by his father, Carl Everett Warren, Jr.; grandparents, Henson and Elizabeth Singleton; grandfather, Carl Everett Warren, Sr.; grandmother, Addie Bell McDaniel; grandfather, Deloyd Cutrer. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:30PM on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(I don’t remember posting this earlier and don’t see it listed in my book , but I may have. If so, excuse me, please.)
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”
Charles Ray Bennett‘s graveside services will be today at 10:00 at the Arcola-Roseland cemetery. I taught all four siblings, but not Charles Ray. David and I worked with all five at church.
I learned that two more of my former students passed away.
Rhonda Davidson
Daniel Farace
Nyla Price‘s arrangements have not been completed.
PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY
Today, let’s pray for those who have a chronic illness and trudge on through life as best as they can. There are many conditions that are chronic, thus many people who are in this group. Some, you may be aware of, but many people who just “keep on going”.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
July 7, 2023
Luke 5: 12-16
Matthew 8:2-4
Mark 1: 40-42
“I am going to help the “lepers” in my community by . . . . “
Mrs. Nyla Price moved to her heavenly home yesterday morning in Bossier City. Arrangements are not complete at this time. Please pray for her family.
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s pray for those who work in the child care. They serve in a needed role because of all the women who are members of the workforce and for others who need assistance periodically. It’s a big responsibility to care for the young children who are not your own. Pray for love, patience, etc. for each worker.
THANKFULNESS
Let’s be thankful for the rain, even the thunderstorms, because they cool down the high temperatures. The heat is hard on many, especially the young and the older folks. Pray people use good judgment in being outside in the extreme heat.
MISSIONS
Don’t forget to pray about your contribution to the special offering for the Louisiana Baptist Home in Monroe. Envelopes are available on the table at the entrance to the sanctuary.
Our country is established on the principle of freedom. May her flag of freedom fly forever. HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today, let’s honor our service people, both past and present. Let’s also thank God they felt the call to represent our people as they serve our country. May God continue to lead our country. May we choose to follow His leadership.
READ THE BIBLE
July 3 – Mark 14: 1-11 and Matthew 26: 6-13
“My alabastor box that I need to break is . . . . “
July 4 – Jeremiah 1: 4-10 and Acts 20: 22-38
“When I am asked to do a task, I . . . . “
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for those who travel to celebrate and travel again to return home.
Pray for the celebrations in the middle, especially when they involve fire works.
Have a great day of remembering and celebrating.
Anna Lee
I cannot get this to publish. That’s problem due to more people online this morning. I’ll try again.
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Ephesians 3:12
I’m thankful for a great Lord’s Day!
SICKNESS
Please pray for Mrs. Mickey Cade, Mrs. Velma Anthony, and Mrs.Gail Brister today.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
July 3
Week 26 – Discipleship in My Life
Mark 2: 1-11
“As a stretcher bearer for Jesus, I must . . . . “
PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY
Today, let’s pray for families as many will be gathering to celebrate the birth of our country. Let’s pray for strong leadership.
MISSIONS
You may. contribute to Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home this month by using a special envelope provided at church or by simply marking your check for LBCH. Thank you for helping to support them.
Frank L. Owen passed away at his home on Friday, June 30, 2023. He was born November 15, 1946 at McComb City Hospital in McComb, MS. He worked and retired from Croft Metals and later worked at the Kentwood Co-op. He was a life long resident of Kentwood. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, he loved to target shoot, and really enjoyed working outside. He also enjoyed vacationing in the Smokey Mountains. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda R. Owen; three children, Daniel Owen, Vince Owen (Karen), and Phyllis Owen; five grandchildren, Vincent Owen, Ashley Robison (Jacob), Amber Owen ( Rebecca), Joshua Owen (Gertie), and Craig Foxworth (Jamie); ten great-grandchildren; father-in-law, Curtis M. Rhodus, Jr.; and his beloved dog, Lucy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. Owen and Emily E. Owen; three siblings, Mary D. Prescott, Bobby Owen, and John Owen; a daughter, Dixie L. Owen; and two grandchildren, Jeremy Owen and Courtney Owen. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Monday, July 3, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. LaVerne Summerlin. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Charles Ray Bennett
A memorial service will be held for Charles Ray Bennett, born March 11, 1955 and passed June 26, 2023. Services will be Friday July 7, 2023 at Arcola Roseland Cemetery at 10:00 am. He is survived by his daughter Mary Beth Bennett and 2 grandsons Brighton and Brady Johnson. Also survived by siblings, Carol Bennett Sealey, husband Steve, Barbara Bennett Gaines, husband Carl, brothers Don Bennett, and Steve Bennett, wife Shawn.. Preceeded in death by parents Austin and Elizabeth Bennett.
Kenneth Charles McKnight
Kenneth Charles McKnight, 86, a resident of Clinton, went to meet his wife at his eternal home on Friday, June 30, 2023. He retired from Gulf States Utilities as an Engineering Section Head. Visitation will be Monday, July 3, 2023 at Zachary United Methodist Church from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Day’s Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Kenneth is survived by nephews and nieces, Richard “Rickie” E. McKnight, Jr. (Kelli), Denise Stewart (Blake), Randy McKnight (Kelli), Todd Castello (Desiree) and Earl Allen (April), great nieces and great nephews, Laurin Devall (Hunter), Ashby Warren (Steven), Aley Stewart, Mason McKnight, Connor McKnight, Olivia Castello, McCoy Castello, Erin Allen and Jacob Allen and numerous extended families. He is preceded in death by father, Sharp Bridges McKnight, mother, Lora Mae Schwartz McKnight, brother, Richard E. McKnight, sisters, Ruby E. McKnight Castello and Dot Allen. Pallbearers will be Blake Stewart, Steven Warren, Don Lee Bass, Mike Courtney, Vince Giaccone and Ricky McKnight. Honorary pallbearers are Henry Baxter, Jim Dyer, Duncan Hanson and Scott Womack. Special thanks to Kasey at Bridgeway Hospice and Amanda with Grace Nursing Home Memory Care Unit. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Zachary United Methodist Church or Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, Baton Rouge.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
July 2, 2023
Romans 12: 9-16
“To help me follow these commands, I . . . . .”
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today, let’s pray for church services in all of our area churches.
The Prayer Link 
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