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

OBITUARY

Sara Ann Tryniecki LaBarbera

May 9, 1942 – June 29, 2023

Sara Ann Tryniecki LaBarbera, age 81, born May 9, 1942, peacefully left this earth and entered her eternal home on Jun 29, 2023. Ann was a life-time resident of Amite, Louisiana, a 1960 graduate of Amite High, and a faithful member of Saint Helena Catholic Church.

Ann is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Vincent J. LaBarbera; daughter Denise Rose and husband Steve; daughter Lisa LaBarbera; son V.J. LaBarbera and wife Connie. Grandchildren Brittany Rose Brown (Troy) Vincent Rose, Austin Rose, Blair Rose, Lauren Murphy, Philip LaBarbera (Randi), Lily LaBarbera, Parker LaBarbera; and great grandson, Brayden Brown. Siblings, Valerie Lambert (Randy); Jim Tryniecki; Jan Ledet (Julian); along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Joe and Ida Tryneicki, and daughter Michelle Murphy.

Simply known as “Miss Ann”, alongside her husband, she helped create and manage many successful businesses, the most notable being Master Chef. She had a love for music and her singing voice was like no other. She knew the words to every song known to man or was more than happy to create her own if necessary. She had a joyous, beautiful spirit and showed love and compassion to everyone she met. Along with her fun loving, positive attitude, she had a special way of uplifting everyone around her. She was a loving wife, Mama, and Gran, and a strong woman of unshakable faith who will be greatly missed by everyone that was blessed to know and love her.

Services will be held Monday, July 3, 2023 at Saint Helena Catholic Church in Amite. Visitation will be from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the church hall to be followed by a mass at the church. Graveside services immediately following at Amite Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, a charity that was near and dear to her heart. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge of arrangements. For online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

She was a God and family lady with a very bubbly and loving personality. I met her through teaching her four children. Please pray for her family.

(I accidentally got this and decided it fit perfectly with what I added to her obituary.)

Sara Ann is a name that carries great significance and beauty. It resonates with a sense of strength and grace, reflecting the character of the person it belongs to. The name Sara Ann Tryniecki LaBarbera is like a melody that lingers in the mind, evoking emotions and painting vivid images. It is a name that stands out in a crowd, capturing attention and inspiring admiration. With every syllable, Sara Ann Tryniecki LaBarbera tells a story, narrating the journey of an extraordinary individual. This name is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of identity. It is a symbol of authenticity, representing a person who embraces their unique qualities and embraces life with unwavering passion. Sara Ann Tryniecki LaBarbera, a name that ignites curiosity and sparks imagination, leaving an indelible mark wherever it blooms.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• 8-30-23
• Philippians 2: 1-11
• Philippians 2; 14-18
• Colossians 3: 1-3
• “When others look at me, they see . . . .”

As you read your Bible today, be sure to study your lesson for Sunday School tomorrow and read the Bible passage for the lesson, if you have or can determine what that is.

PRAYER FOCUS

Yesterday afternoon as I sat in the house, I noticed a tractor and trailer slowly passing the house. This is not unusual. Then, it slowed down and pulled over on the shoulder. As I watched it began cutting the weeds in front of our neighbor’s property. (David cuts “our ditch”.) I thought about the danger of such a job. The highway department driver was doing his job!

Today, let’s pray for all the highway workers and others who work in “less than ideal situations” to help make our environment safer and/or more attractive. When you see one of their vehicles on/along the road, take time to pray for all those who work in “less than ideal” circumstances, but for our benefit.

Please take a few minutes today to allow God to guide your time/activities. (Reread today’s Scripture.)

Anna Lee

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

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• June 30
• Matthew 28:18-20
• II Timothy 2: 1-2
• Mark 5:15
• John 21: 15-19
• “The world will never know Jesus until I . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Please pray today for early morning travelers. Every morning we have vehicles going by our house early. I assume they are driven by workers who have a long drive, those who begin work early each day, or someone who travels a long distance and begins work early. They always go to work while it is dark. Many of them also drive home in the dark! Pray for their safety as they travel, work, and then travel home.

BAPTIST MESSAGE

http://www.baptistmessage.com/

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

BE AN ENCOURAGER TODAY!

Anna Lee

So if the Son sets you free,

you will be free indeed.~John 8:36~

ILLNESS

Please continue to pray for Nyla Price and her family as they watch over her at the hospital.

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

• Thursday
• John 13: 31-35
• Colossians 3: 12-17
• “As His disciple, I want to be know far . . . . “

PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY

The church youth had a great week at camp. They gave the church a report Sunday. Now they are back in their regular summer schedule. Pray the thoughts, conversations, classes, and prayers from camp are still influencing their lives this week. Pray they are letting their “light shine for Jesus”.

LADIES’ GATHERING

There is a ladies’ gathering planned for July 16 at Rachel Buckley’s home from 2:00 -5:00 P.M.. It is for ladies of our church and those not in our church. That means ALL LADIES are encouraged to attend. Contact her for more information.

Anna Lee

Our internet satellite did not allow me to post earlier this morning. I’ll try periodically until I do. David was also having trouble with his phone.

Anna Lee

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

1 Timothy 6:17

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• Wednesday
• Acts 22: 1-29
• II Corinthians 11:22-29
• “When I see the price others have paid to become believers, I am . . . . “

PRAYER REQUESTS

Sunday, Tom Brister told David that Robert’s wife, Jill, fell while in Italy and broke her leg. Please pray for Jill and Robert. If you need more information, please contact the Bristers.

Yesterday, Osyka Baptist Church sent a request for prayer for the Price family. Nyla had suffered a fall and later was removed from life support. Please pray. Again, if you need more information, contact the source, Osyka Baptist Church.

PRAYER FOCUS for TODAY

Please continue to pray for children attending and who will attend VBS this summer. Pray for each precious life and how it will spend eternity.

MISSION OUTREACH

Pray for the mission outreaches of all the area churches. There are many churches and many opportunities to become involved. If in doubt, ask the leadership of your church for suggestions. Be involved.

THANKS

Thanks for reading and acting on what I have shared today. Follow God’s leadership and make a difference.

Anna Lee

I forgot to tell you that Clay Joseph Allen has arrived. His parents are Zac and Halley. Thank God for Clay’s safe arrival.

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalm 16:8

DEATHS

Charles Ray Bennett passed away, but an obituary is not availables yet. Check again tomorrow.

Professor Honorable Randolph Michael Howes MD PHD

August 17, 1943 – June 24, 2023

Dr. Randolph Michael Howes, an incredibly loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend was taken to be with our Redeemer and his just reward after struggling with congestive heart failure on Saturday, June 24, 2023. He has lived since 1994, in Kentwood, Louisiana.
Dr. Howes was born on August 17, 1943, in Madisonville, Louisiana and raised on a small strawberry farm in Ponchatoula, where he attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Ponchatoula High School, and Southeastern Louisiana University. He went on to be the first in Tulane’s Medical School to concurrently receive his Medical Doctorate and his PhD in Biochemistry. He went on to be the first in Johns Hopkins Hospital’s history to complete General and Plastic Surgery board eligibility in six years. His claim to fame was the invention of the Arrow-Howes Multi-lumen Catheter, that has been credited with helping over 25M lives worldwide. After retiring in 1994 from his private practice in New Orleans, he became a dedicated patient advocate and a prolific writer of over 30 medical books, along with an anthology series and science fiction series, in total over 50. He has traveled extensively and has met Presidents, Nobel Laureates, numerous singer/songwriters, and countless entertainers. Dr. Howes found intense mental work pleasurable and healthy, not as a burden. “Work,” Rand wrote, “prevents one from growing old. My work is my life. I cannot think of one without the other.” He gave everything he had until there was nothing left to give. He sacrificed himself for his work to help mankind.
Few among us are so complete in ourselves, so certain of having lived as we intended and how we ought, that we can let go of life merely because it is finished. His work will live from now on and will be looked at as innovative, ahead of his time, and will dwarf his catheter invention. He is a mixture of a surgeon, scientist, and visionary. Rand is that rare combination and that lifted his work above the common sphere of scientific achievement. Human connection draws most physicians to medicine. They yearn to somehow improve the condition of others. Rand did just that. His philanthropic work in the Philippines with the Balikbayan Medical Missions were very close to his heart.
Rand is survived by his wife, Robin Piatt Howes, his son, R. Michael Howes, ll and his wife Michelle and their three children, Aubrey, Shelby and Cody, and his second son, Damien Clifford Howes, his sister-in-law, Wendy Howes, as well as nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, Clarence Clifford Howes, mother, Magdalena Raiford Howes, brother, Clarence Henry Howes, and grandson, Aaron Michael Howes.
He had this magic- that will always be unique to him and never, will no one, be able to repeat it.
Psalm 19:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The Heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home at 12012 Hwy 190 W. Hammond, LA 70403, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ponchatoula on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow in Ponchatoula Cemetery.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• June 28
• Luke 14: 25 – 33
• “Jesus says a disciple must be willing to . . . . “

PRAYER FOCUS for TODAY

Today, let’s pray for families as they receive “bad news” of any kind – medical, job, home, school, etc. Some families handle these things better than others. I know of no bad news of these kinds, but I know someone is going to experience it today and every day.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com

STAY HYDRATED and INSIDE if possible. It’s going to be extra hot for a few days!

Anna Lee

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Joshua 24:15

Life has been busy, but oh, so good. We had both of our children here during the last week and a half, one, then the other. I feel so blessed, tired, and and full! I’m smiling real big!

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• June 26
• John 7: 10-13
• John 12: 37-43
• “Jesus says a disciple must be willing to . . . . “

CHURCH SERVICE

Church was such a blessing yesterday. If you weren’t there and didn’t watch live, the broadcast of the service is on Facebook and YOUTube, listed as First Baptist, Kentwood.

PRAYER FOCUS

Today’s prayer focus, is for our church youth. May their young, tender hearts always love Jesus. Pray for them as they get back into their regular summer schedule. May Jesus be, and always be, the guiding force in their lives.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

SUNDAY’S MISSION FOCUS

Sunday, we will receive a receive a special offering for Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. Some of their many possible current needs are:

• Food for the children
• Clothing
• Summer camps for school and/or church
• Medical visits and expenses
• Summer tutoring
• Summer recreation
• And the list goes on and on.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

We have received the funds we need to ship our “Shoeboxes”. THANK-YOU so much for all your support and help during the last year. Thank you for caring about a heavenly future/home for each one.

Now, the extra funds we receive might pay for additional boxes or give us the means to begin shopping for the boxes we pack next year. What a blessing it is for our church to pack the “Shoeboxes” for so many boys and girls! Think of all the boys and girls who do not have an opportunity to hear about Jesus.

If you have any thoughts on the number of boxes we will pack next year, please let me know.

Anna Lee

I think we all love to read God’s promises.

….but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Verses like this help families get through difficult times.

OBITUARIES

Keith Paul Harrison

September 28, 2001 – June 23, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, June 23, 2023. He was born September 28, 2001 in Hammond, LA and was 21 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Connie Harrison; brothers, Blaine Miller (Ashley), Blake Miller (Morgan), Brian Rowden (Megyn) and Kamen Harrison (Christi); grandparents, Sue Palmer and Paul and Doris Harrison; uncles, Keith Miller, Mark Harrison (Dana), James Harrison (Debbie), and Billy Harrison; aunt, Mary Rush (George); nieces and nephews, Adlai, Taylar, Case, Clay, Lucas, Michael, Piper, Emmi Lou, Hayden, Tucker, Gus, Dixie, Wyatt, and Tadd; numerous cousins including, Morgan, Savannah, Andrew, Luke, Hope, Laurent, Harrison, Hunter, Mary Margaret, Emily, Elliot, Connor, Sarah Elizabeth and Charlie; and many other family members and friends. Preceded in death by his father, Paul Edwards Harrison, Jr.; grandfathers, Thomas Miller and Tilman Palmer; uncle, Darryl Miller; aunt, Breezy Miller; and cousins, Breanna and Brooke. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and at Hillsdale Baptist Church from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Interment Hillsdale Cemetery, Hillsdale, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.Obituary

Chris Wales shared this obituary.
Rev. Ronnie W. Wales, 85 of Gainesville passed away Friday June 16, 2023.

Visitation will be Monday June 26, 2023, from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and again from 6-8 p.m. at Little & Davenport Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday June 27, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Timber Ridge Baptist Church with interment to follow in Church Cemetery.

Rev. Wales was born on November 5, 1937 in New Orleans, La to the late Woodrow Wilson and Susie Cook Wales. Ronnie’s family gives GOD ALL PRAISE for his ministry for over 75 years of service as a pastor, evangelist, leader, and teacher in over 20 churches in Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia. Also, working alongside so many in the Chattahochee Baptist Association in Hall County Ga, with the food and furniture ministry. Plus, his 30 years of service as a Southern Baptist Missionary going out to teach the nations! Rev. Wales was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and In addition to his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Champlin Wales, brother, William Wales and a grandson, Conner Wales.

Survivors include sons and daughter in laws, Tim and Sheryl Wales and Eric and Dawn Wales, daughter and son in law, Wendy and Reggie Smallwood, grandchildren, Jordan and Angelica Wales, Micah Wales, Katie and Heath Buffington, Ben and Rachel Smallwood, Chase and Shaye Wales, sister and brother in law, Ginger and Lewis Green, brother and sister in law, Chris and Kathy Wales, sister in law, Patsy Wales, 9 greatgrandchildren also survive as well as many other relatives and close friends.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• WEEK 25: GIVING HIM the KEY
• Sunday, Junne 25
• Luke 5: 27-32
• John 1: 35-51
• “If the call of God is real for me, I must . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY

Thank God for youth and children’s camps and for a church that provided both opportunity and leadership to get our children there each year. Special thanks to the adults who give of their time to help guide our young people.

MISSIONS

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

If you are interested in PRINTING a brief message on some cards, please let me kn0w.

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

READ the BIBLE TODAY

Luke 16: 1-13

“If Jesus graded me on how I use His resources, He would give me a . . . . “

. . . . because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

James 1:20

OBITUARY

Kirby E. Campbell

July 26, 1936 – June 22, 2023

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Carpenter House in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born July 26, 1936 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 86 years of age. He enjoyed rabbit dog field trials. He is survived by his sons, Scott Campbell and wife, Cindy; David Campbell and wife, Danette; brother, Charles Campbell and wife, Doreen; grandchildren, Eric Campbell and wife, Stephanie, Adam Campbell and wife, Angela, Chase Campbell and wife Reagon; Maggie Campbell and Cade Campbell; great-grandchildren, Addison Campbell, Wade Campbell, Brody Campbell, Caleb Campbell, Aubrey Campbell and Lane Campbell. Preceded in death by his wife, Alyne Campbell; parents, Kirby Elleby Campbell, Sr. and Mamie Matthews Campbell; step-brother, Johnny Williams. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughter and great grandchildren. Visitation at Greensburg United Methodist Church from 9:00 AM until religious services at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 26, 2023. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

AREA CHILDREN and YOUTH

It has been great to get to enjoy the photographs and updates from the youth and children of our area as they attended various camps this week. May God richly bless all the young lives, families, and churches represented by these young people. I pray for much “fruit” to be harvested in the coming days.

Have a great day as you prepare for the Lord’s Day tomorrow. Be sure to invite one or more people to attend church with you.

Thanks to Jennie and Jason as they worked to improve my storage of computer information this week.

Anna Lee