Despite the rain, the OCC workday was well attended. Much work was accomplished. Hopefully, after some final collections of items such as flashlights and underwear, we will begin to pack shoeboxes. Thank God for all the “Willing Workers” and abundant supplies. Also, thank Him for those who have supported this ministry by giving items for the boxes, money for postage, their time, and a cheerful attitude to do anything needed. Postage is $10.00 per shoebox. God always abundantly blesses us as we work diligently to bless others. Join me in trusting God to get each box into just the right hands.
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
Let’s thank God for all the ways God uses individuals, classes, and groups to conduct and/or support the various missions in out church.
“I can never forget my deliverance from sin because . . . .
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today is a good day to focus our prayers on “Thank-you, God”. We have so many things to thank Him for.
Waking up today
Being able to get up
Food
Beverages, likely coffee
Rain
Roof that keeps us dry
Keep of listing things you are thankful for. Tell Him.
UPDATES
Mrs. Laurie Miller continues to improve. Please continue to pray for her.
Mike Hornsby is now settled into rehab in Hammond.
Please add Doug and Amy Kent to your prayer list as they adjust to having a college-age daughter in Kenya for six weeks this summer and with no way to call home. Mission work requires adjustments not only for the missionary, but also for the family. This can be very hard. Believe me, I know!
OCC GIFTS
We were blessed twice yesterday by people who are not members of our church, but who share with us because they believe in and support out work. One gift was handed to David at the funeral home yesterday. The other gift arrived in the mail from a person who gives support periodically. These gifts were encouraging and will be used in the near future to make purchases of items we need for out shoeboxes. I’m not. certain how we will spend the money, but it will probably go for flashlights and/or t-shirts. Ladies, you are greatly appreciated! People like you are a real blessing to us and to the shoebox recipients.
Saturday morning at 9:00, we will gather in the fellowship hall to prepare items for packing shoeboxes. If you can remove price tags, cout balloons or beads, fold a box, etc, we have a spot for you. You do not have to be a certain age or a member of a certain class, or even church, to help. Show up. We will greet you with a smile, introduce you to someone you might not know, and give you a place at a table where you can work. Come and be blessed! The more, the merrier!
RAINY DAY
It looks like we are going to have a rainy day. Rainy days are good for cooking something to share, calling someone who hasn’t been at church lately, writing a card to someone who is sick, lost a loved one or is lonely. Your friends will also appreciate your time and effort to contact them and to share some of yourself. These are not expensive task, They just require some love and unselfish time.
Be a blessing to others. Reap a blessing in return.
Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “ ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’who was, and is, and is to come.”
Please add Mrs. Gail Brister to your prayer list. She fell Monday at home and broke her hip. She is in St. Tammany Hospital.
DEATH
James Russell Smith
FEBRUARY 1, 1952 – MAY 3, 2023
James Russell Smith, born February 1, 1952 passed away peacefully at his home on May 3, 2023. Russell was a graduate of Mt. Hermon School and was a farmer for 46 years. After retiring, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and fishing. He was a wonderful and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He is survived by:
His wife of 31 years, Kathy, daughters and sons-in-law, Marisa and Dave Pettit of Franklinton, Brandy and Raymond Cutrer of Kentwood, Katie and Scott Miller of Mt. Hermon, son and daughter-in-law, Russell Len and Cherie Smith of Mt. Hermon.
12 grandchildren: Marleigh and Ethan Schilling Rafe, Remi, Reese, and Ramsi Cutrer Brady and Emily Miller Peyton and Eden Miller Alexis, Rusty, and Raegan Smith
One great-grandchild: Ivy Kate Miller
His mother Vivian Smith.
3 brothers and their spouses: Ralph and Ann Paul and Janice Lenard and Sheila
3 sisters and their spouses: Janis and Steve Baxley Faye and John Newman Pam Stafford
He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Kathryn, his son Matthew Cade, his father, Ralph Smith, and his sister Joetta Stevens.
Visitation will be Crain Funeral Home Friday May 5th from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm and after 9:00 am on Saturday. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am Saturday with Bro. David Barber officiating. Burial will follow at the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church general fund (25393 Mount Pisgah Road, Mt. Hermon, LA 70450).
Pallbearers: Russell Len Smith, Raymond Cutrer, Scott Miller, Dave Pettit, Brady Miller, Ethan Schilling Honorary pallbearers: Rafe Cutrer and Rusty Smith.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Russell Smith please visit our Sympathy Store.
YOUNG MISSIONARY
Please add Miss Hallie Kent to your prayer list. She goes on her first missionary journey next month. She will spend six weeks in Kenya. Her family is very proud of her. Hallie will be out-of-touch for six weeks, so her family will be anxious to hear all her stories. He mother, Amy Walker Kent, asks for prayer for Hallie and for her family. Hallie is a student at SLU and is employed at Professional Physical Therapy in Amie.
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Meet with a group for prayer if you can. If not, pray on your own. Prayers are what counts.
OCC MONTHLY WORKDAY
Our OCC Workday for May is almost here. Everyone is invited to attend. There will be a “job” for everyone. See you in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood at 9:00 Saturday morning.
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
“If I would have been healed, I would have . . . .”
ILLNESS
Please pray for Mike Hornsby, husband of our church secretary, Janice. Mike had a stroke at the end of last week. Janice was able to get him to the hospital so treatment could begin in a timely way. He is doing well and is scheduled to go to rehabilitation within the next few days.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Graveside services for Sherry Cumming’s sister, Kim Nobles Forbes will be Saturday at 10 A.M. at the Roberts Cemetery in Osyka.
OBITUARY
Louis Luke Little
September 3, 1934 – April 30, 2023
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born September 3, 1934 in McComb, MS and was 88 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Myran Miller Little; son, Casey Cole Little and wife, Marcia; 4- step-sons, Arthur Hines, Paul Hines, Johnny Hines, and Joel Hines and their families; brother, Winston Estos Little; 2 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Tincie McDaniel Little; sister, Audrey Ruth Vernon. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Steve Miller. Interment Russelltown Cemetery, Roseland, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com. An extr.
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Thursday, May 4th is the National Day of Prayer. Please pray with a group or individually this week.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Thank-you to all who have contributed through your class or individually. We now have enough items to pack most of our 400 “Shoeboxes”. We also have many “fillers” to add to the boxes and some fillers to send with our boxes. It’s only May! We are still hoping to get a few items:
Dolls
5 inch Flashlight
AAA Batteries
Bandanas
Underwear for Size 12 boys and girl
T-shirts for Size 12 boys and girls
Special thanks to all who have donated through the year and/or worked with us to “get things done”! An extra special thanks from the boys and girls who will receive our shoeboxes! May God richly bless the children through your efforts.
On May 1st, I always remember that my momma would let us pick some of her pretty flowers to put into vases me made from paper and go throughout the neighborhood to share them. We were to knock on the door and then hide and watch to make sure the neighbor came to the door and found the flowers. If not, we knocked again and louder.
I learned a lot from sharing the pretty flowers. I learned to share the good things of my life. I also learned the joy of giving and bringing joy to others. People often called Momma and thanked her because they figured only my momma has such pretty flowers.
At school programs this time of the year, the children often danced around a May Pole. The joy came from being with classmates, the music, and seeing the pretty pattern of the paper around the pole as we wrapped and unwrapped the pole in time to the music.
Today, I have no classmates, no pole, and no music, but I do have the joy of sharing with others. Thankfully, it is not limited to May 1st.
READ THE BIBLE
May 1
Week 18
THANKSGIVING
Acts 27: 1-38
“I often take for granted the blessing of . . . .”
ILLNESSES
Today, I would like to share that several people have had COVID in the last week. Please pray we do not have another strong round of this disease. Also, pray for those who develop COVID.
Elaine Tolar Doucette has been improving. Thank God for that and for family that can bond together at such times.
Rhonda Miller shared that she received a good report from her doctor last week. Thank God for her good report.
Laurie Miller was able to attend church last night to see and hear her family members sing. Laurie looked good and reported good improvement in the time since surgery.
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
TODAY, let’s focus on the children (and teachers) who will be involved in LEAP testing. This test determines who passes and who must attend summer school or even repeat the grade. Pray that children in grades that are involved in testing will do their best..
FBC, KENTWOOD
Great day of worship yesterday
Lot of special music yesterday
Many members and guests in attendance
There are many hurting people on any given day. Let God use you to bring comfort and God to them.
Funeral services for country music legend, Claude Gray, Jr., 91 of Skokie, IL, formerly of Henderson, TX, are pending with Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home.
Mr. Gray passed away on April 28, 2023, in Skokie, IL. Born January 25, 1932, he was the son of Claude and Odelle McFadden Gray, who predeceased him. Also predeceasing him were three sisters, Mary Louise Adams, Opal Parker Bieciuk, and Beatrice Miller. Claude is survived by his sister, Velta Morris, (William), of Lancaster, SC; nephew, Sandy Ray Bristow (Charlotte) of Glenn Heights, Tx; niece, Judy Parker Richardson (Hoyt) of Aubrey, Tx; niece, Millicent Gray Tennison (Johnny) of Eustace, Tx; nephews, William Arthur Morris (Merritt) of Lancaster, SC and Claude Andrew Morris (Karen) of Colcord, OK. Also surviving are Brigitte Peick Ross, his former wife and long-time faithful companion, as well as a host of great-nieces and great nephews, friends, and devoted fans of country music.
A month after high school graduation in 1950 from Henderson High School, Rusk County, Texas, Claude enlisted in the US Navy and was sent to boot camp in San Diego, CA. Following boot camp, Claude was bound for Sasebo, Japan, where he was assigned to his ship, an oil tanker, the USS Cacapon, AO-52. This was his home for almost four years. He was selected to become a Quarter Master. In the Navy, Quarter Masters are helmsmen, navigators, and signalmen. His assignment was to work on the bridge.
After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he began his country music career, which spanned a lifetime. It slowed only in his last years when his health began to decline making it was difficult to perform. He was fondly known as the “Tall Texan”, and today his signature song, Family Bible, can still be heard on the radio.
Claude will be remembered for his other many well-known country hits, among them I’ll Just Have a Cup of Coffee, then I’ll Go; How Fast Them Trucks Can Go, and, of course, the much-loved Family Bible. For years Claude performed regularly at will on the Grand Ole Opry, and during his long-time contracts with Mercury, Columbia and Decca MCA records. He had five hit records in the Billboard Top Ten charts where each sold over 1 million records. Today his music can still be heard of SiriusXM Radio. On Saturday, August 10, 2019, Claude was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in Carthage, Texas, an honor well-deserved, as he spent a lifetime after his military career, in spreading country music across the United States and in several foreign countries. Also honored that evening were country stars Jeannie C. Riley and Rodney Crowell.
Late in life, Claude decided he wanted to write books – and so he did. He authored two books in his 80s, an autobiography, Glorious Country Trail, and another in which he shared his thoughts on the condition of the current political scene, Washington Weasels. He, like many of us, always had an opinion.
Always a devoted reader of both fiction and non-fiction, he always stayed abreast of the current news and political climate, and would happily engage you in conversation on any topic. He was a self-taught student of the Bible and a professed believer in Jesus Christ. Claude was well-loved and he lived a life of loving others; he loved the simple things in life and as long as he lived he had a special fondness for his old home place in East Texas near Henderson.
Perhaps one of Claude’s greatest joys came when he was included in the annual honor flight in August 2022. Leaving Illinois early in the morning, he was flown to Washington, DC along with other military veterans. It was a memorable day, packed with bestowing honors on and appreciation for our retired military men and women who are 78 years or older. Claude was especially grateful to be included in this historic occasion.
His family wishes to express a special thank-you to his cousin, Billy Zager, with whom he spent many hours reminiscing about old times, and to close and faithful friends, Terry and Lori Tyson, who were especially devoted to Claude.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to Lakeview Baptist Church, 10522 Farm to Market Rd 2011, Longview, TX 75603; or to the charity of one’s choice.
Today, let’s pray for the services that have been held around the world earlier, that the words that were sung and spoken may have roached lives that will now serve God.
Also, let’s pray for the services yet to be held today, including those in our country, state, and town. May Jesus be glorified in all that is said and done. May the impact of our services reach out to those attending in person and those “attending” online.
Pray for both congregations, leadership, families, and individuals. Include your family and yourself in the prayers. Pray that lives will be forever changed today.
FBC, Kentwood will have Sunday School at 9:15 and worship service at 10:30. If your class uses the “Explore the Bible” series, the title of today’s lesson is “I Am He”. The scripture focus is John 18: 1-11. Even if you don’t have a book, you can prepare by reading the scriptures. Today’s sermon topic is “The Exemptions” based on Ezekiel 11 & 13.
If you do not have a church home, we will gladly welcome you to visit with us this morning. If you are unfamiliar with our church facilities, we will gladly guide you to your destination.
The ladies class that I am attending is being taught by Mrs. Barbara Baugh, wife of Bro. Joe Baugh, a former pastor and associational director of missions. She is one great teacher!
Where you attend is not most important. That you attend is most important!
. . . . for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
~1 John 5:4~
READ SCRIPTURE TODAY
April 29
Psalm 18
“The last prayer God answered for me was . . . .”
OBITUARIES
James “Bud” Howell
May 30, 1940 – April 26, 2023
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, April 26,2023 at his home. He was born May 30,1940 in Amite, LA and was 82 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Betty Lindsey Howell; 7 daughters, Carolyn Magee and husband, Hugh Magee, Tammy Terrebonne and husband Brian Terrebonne, Rebecca Howell and Rick Staggers, Betty Howell Precia and husband, Anthony Prescia, JoAnn Lato and husband, Vincent Lato, and Thelma Wallace and husband, Douglas Wallace; 1 son, Ricky Wayne Howell; 1 sister, Verlie (Louise) Howell Golmon; 2 brothers, Louis Nelson Howell and Melvin Donald Howell; 17 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon (Marie) Howell Waterbury; parents, James and Lucille Howell; sister, Evelyn Wallace. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, May 1, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Special thanks to Lakeside Hospice for their outstanding, kind, and compassionate care for not only our father but our family as well. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Flora Crane Talmage Landwehr
April 30, 1929 – April 20, 2023
Flora Crane Talmage Landwehr passed away on April 20, 2023, at the age of 93. She was born on April 30, 1929, and is survived by her four children: Joseph Clarkson Landwehr Jr., Jane Talmage Thurston (Landwehr), Goyn Mann Landwehr, and Louisa Elliott Landwehr, grandchildren Melissa Jane Wilson (Thurston) and Grant Lankford Thurston, great-grandchild Mira Lee Wilson.
Flora was married to Joseph Clarkson Landwehr, (deceased 2003). She was a native of New Orleans, graduated from Sophie Newcomb College with a degree in music. A woman of energy and intelligence, Flora was known as an avid tennis player, musician and advocate for many social organizations as well as the Presbyterian Church. She was known as a generous host along with her spouse Joe, of the Elliott House Bed and Breakfast in Amite, LA.
Flora’s legacy lives on through her family, who will hold cherished memories of her in their hearts forever. She will be deeply missed and remembered fondly by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Flora’s memory to a music-related charity or a cause that was dear to her heart. Condolences can be sent through McKneeely Funeral Home of Amite, LA.
A memorial service to celebrate Flora Talmage Landwehr’s life will be held on June 17,2023 at 12 pm, at First United Methodist Church in Amite, LA where friends and family will come together to honor her memory and share stories of her life. May her soul rest in eternal peace. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Merrell Joseph Fischer
July 31, 1937 – April 22, 2023
Merrell Joseph Fischer, age 86, passed peacefully into his Heavenly Father’s loving arms on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Devoted husband of 65 years to Sandra Brada Fischer. Adored father of 4 children: Lucy Vorst (Matthew), Martin (Bubby) Fischer (Lynn), Kenneth J. Fischer, and George A. Fischer (Ann Marie). Proud Grand-Pere’ to sixteen grandchildren: Jeffrey Schluter (Ashley), Rachele Schluter Riley(Dereck), Luke Vorst, Mitchell Fischer(Rachel), Courtney Fischer, Victoria Fischer, Nicholas J. Fischer, Nicholas S. Fischer, Codey Fischer(Shareen), Dustin Fischer(Emily), Michelle Fischer, Michael Fischer, Emma Grace Fischer, Gavin Rowe, Ethan Rowe, Matthew Rowe and seven great-grandchildren. Beloved brother of the late Gerald A. Fischer (Patricia) and son of the late George A. Fischer, Jr. and the late Emma Fayard Fischer. Merrell was born in New Orleans on July 31, 1937. He was a graduate of DeLaSalle High School (1955) before briefly attending LSU. During and after high school he served in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary at the New Orleans Station on Lake Ponchatrain. His career was in engineering with International Harvester Company, later known as International Truck and Engine (Navistar). He spent his years with the company in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Chicago, and Ft. Wayne, Indiana before retiring to Mississippi in 1995. He was actively involved with Toastmasters International throughout his career. He was a Cajun at heart and his northern friends loved when he shared southern stories and jokes. He was an active member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Lexington, Mississippi and most recently attended St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, LA. He was an accomplished football official and officiated for many years in the New Orleans area before being transferred with his career. He continued to enjoy critiquing officiating on television for the remainder of his life. He loved animals and while at the farm in Mississippi raised Native Gulf Coast Sheep, Black Angus Cattle, and had a life-time membership in the Black Angus Association. He enjoyed raising grapes, was an avid winemaker, beekeeper, and an avid runner. He was always the center of attention in a group and will be missed by countless many. A private graveside prayer service will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023 11 AM at Amite Memorial Gardens located at 59299 S. Laurel St., Amite, LA 70422. A memorial mass and “celebration of life” is being planned for July, 2023 in Amite, LA at a date yet to be determined.. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s pray for the children and families, both natural and fostering parents. We all know the home a child is. in makes a big difference. Let’s pray for the children and the homes today and for the workers who do their best to help families work through this process.
Have a wonderful Saturday, the preparation day for Sunday.
The Prayer Link 
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