The LORD is with me;

I will not be afraid.

What can mere mortals do to me?

~Psalm 118:6~

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• April 29
• Acts 4: 23-31
• Psalm 37
• “Christians I Know who have a dynamic prayer life ate . . . . “

PRAYER CONCERNS

Please add Betty Simpson to your prayer list. She took a hard fall on a driveway next to the road and ditch Wednesday a week ago. Thankfully, she seems not to have broken any bones.

Remember, your prayer list is unique to you. It will include your family, your neighbors, your friends, etc. If you don’t pray for them, will someone else be praying?

THOUGHT FROM THURSDAY

We attended a wake for the mother of two of my former students. David was also close to them and their classmates during those years. It brings a teacher great joy to see what former students have done with their lives. I had that opportunity yesterday. David and I were so pleased to see a number of my students from the 80’s yesterday. Many of them are now retired and have grandchildren. I know that makes me OLD, especially if you know I started teaching in the early 70’s, but it also makes me (us) proud and happy.

Can you imagine how happy God is when He sees us, His children, doing things that are pleasing to Him? Hopefully, we do things that make Him smile daily and we don’t have to retire from HIS work!

VISITS

It’s wonderful to visit a homebound person or couple. When they say, “Come again. We don’t have much company”, David and I can understand exactly what they mean. Let’s not fail to show others we continue to love them and miss seeing them being “out and about”.

Share God’s love with others. Choose one or more homes to visit each week or month. Return to those homes periodically. Can I have an AMEN? Bro. Darryl’s job would be so much easier if we all helped a little with the visitation! You’ll find the visits mean as much to you as they do to those you visit!

HAPPY READING!!!

LOUISIAAN BATTIST MESSAGE

https://www.baptistmessage.com/

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

If you have a Sunday School or Bible Study book, read and meditate on it today. Also enjoy the listing of daily bible readings found there. It’s not necessary to read a particular reading plan, but it is important to READ GOD’S WORD.

PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY

Today, let’s pray for and thank God for home health workers who visit home and keep their eyes open for problems that their patients may have developed since their last visit and that might need additional attention. Thank God for those who really care about their patients and pray for them regularly.

TITLE and REFERENCE for SUNDAY’s SERMON

• April 30th
• 10:30 Service
• “No Exemptions”
• Ezekiel 11 & 13
• Invite someone to church today.

Add something to your TO DO LIST that will give God a big smile today.

Anna Lee

To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, LORD my God, brought my life up from the pit.

Jonah 2:6

SURGERY

Please pray for our friend, Robert Ricks of Russelltown, east of Arcola. He had had his procedure at M.D. Anderson and will be at home soon. Robert’s doctor said the work this week was successful.

GOING HOME

Elinw Tolar Doucette has continued to improve and will be going home soon. Thank God for her improvement. Please keep her in your prayers.

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

• April 27
• Daniel 2: 1-23
• Psalm 116
• “I need God to give me strength to . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS

Today. let’s focus some of our prayers on those who are struggling with job changes they may choose to consider and recent job changes they have made. Changes are often difficult and uncertain. Our prayers are helpful.

MISSIONS

All churches are usually involved in missions of one kind or another. Getting involved in one is a fantastic way to serve and to grow through participation. If you are unsure of your opportunities, ask the leadership at your church or ask me.

Today is a good day to check on others. We often hear “Out of sight, out of mind”, but I suggest we are never out of God’s thoughts. The same goes for others around us. Be a part of connecting others to a church and a class.

Anna Lee

“Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”

-Acts 5:20-

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• April 26
• Jonah 1-2
• Psalm 10
• “For me, prayer is powerful because . . . .”

OBITUARIES

Sylvia Janette Pace

May 28, 1938 – April 24, 2023

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023 at Belle Maison Nursing Home in Hammond, LA. She was born May 28, 1938 in Greensburg, LA and was 84 years of age. She is survived by 4 children, Jimmy Keith Doyle, Vernon Dale Doyle, Cynthia Denise Allen, and Thomas Anthony Pace; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a sister, Joyce Bass. Preceded in death by husbands, Charles Edward Doyle and Thomas Earl Pace; 2 sons, Charles Randolph Doyle and Michael Dennis Doyle; sister, Marie Bass; and brother, Sidney Ray Womack. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 and at Grangeville Baptist Church from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Laverne King. Interment Grangeville Cemetery, Grangeville, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Virginia Gennaro Armato

November 22, 1943 – April 24, 2023

A native of Indepenedence and graduate of Independence High School, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA.  She was born November 22, 1943 in Independence and was 79 years of age.  Virginia and husband Pete owned and operated Pete’s Pharmacy for over forty years.  Her greatest joy was family, spending time with her three children and seven grandchildren and traveling with loved ones.  Life long member of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, she is survived by her husband of 58 years, Peter Armato, Sr.; 1 son, Peter Armato, Jr.; 2 daughters, Denise Armato Jarreau and husband, Jeffrey, and Jennifer Armato McCain and husband, Scott; 7 grandchildren, Hillary and Jordan Jarreau, Dylan and Carson Armato, and Aubrey, Allie, and Henry McCain; sister, Manette Bateman. Preceded in death by her parents, John and Genevieve Gennaro; 2 brothers, Sam Gennaro and Anthony Gennaro; 2 sisters, Josie Garafola and Pauline Magliolo; 2 sisters-in-law, Mary Gennaro and Audrey Gennaro; 3 brothers-in-law, Sam Garafola, Salvadore Magliolo, and Carey Bateman. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite,  from 10:00AM until 1:30PM with Funeral Mass at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church at 2:00PM on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s pray for those who work in businesses and who we might see as we shop, eat, etc. Let’s pray for them today and be kind to them, not rude. Remember, many of the things that do no go well in businesses and that aggravate customers are not the fault of the workers there. Be kind, show some interest in them, give generously, carry on a short conversation, etc. A little kindness goes a long ways. You might be the one who is able to turn their attitude around and give them a better day.

MIDWEEK CHURCH OPPORTUNITIES

Most churches have opportunities to study, serve, etc. during the week. Take those opportunities and grow from them.

Anna Lee

 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

~1 Corinthians 1:25~

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• April 25
• I Kings 18:16-46
• Psalm 107
• “Watching God work in my life makes me . . . . “

PRAYER REQUESTS TODAY

Robert Ricks of Arcola is in Houston again at M.D. Anderson for a week. Please be in prayer for him.

Please prayer for Bobby Raborn, Yvonne Birch’s brother.

Please continue to pray for Gerald Hyde,

THANK-YOU

Betty Taylor thanks you for praying for her son, Tommy Mapes, who had surgery last week. His results were good allowing him to be back at work.

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s pray for people to enjoy some time outside before the summer heat strikes.

LUNCH AT MIDDENDORF’S

The senior adults of FBC, Kentwood will travel to Manchac to eat tomorrow. If you plan to go, please contact Judy Fowler or the church today. The bus will leave at 10 A.M.

OCC WORKDAY

The next OCC workday will be May 6th, Saturday of next week. Make plans to attend. Hopefully, we will be ready to pack “Shoeboxes” in a month or two. We will pack boys one month and girls a different month.

SPRING FLOWERS

I hope you have some spring flowers to enjoy. If not, get our and enjoy seeing them in someone else’s yard. What a beautiful world God shows us this time of the year!

Anna Lee

I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.

~Ecclesiastes 3:14~

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• April 24
• I Samuel 1: 1-20
• Psalm 34
• “The longest I have prayed at a time was . . . . “

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

Let’s pray for those who work with children in classrooms throughout our area. Not only is it Monday and spring, but summer vacation is getting close. Many students have dreams of swimming pools, rivers and creeks, sleeping late, wearing something other than a uniform, etc. Pray for those who not only are required to teach them something, but to do so within four walls. This job will get a little heard as the days and weeks go by, so pray a little more each week.

ILLNESS

Pray for Doug Pomitere. As you pray about his health, pray for Susan and other family members.

Please continue to pray for Elaine Tolar Doucette who remains in the hospital.

Continue to pray for others on your personal prayer list.

TOPIC and SCRIPTURE for WEDNESDAY

• April 27
• “Be Reasonable”
• Romans 12: 1-2

Have a great morning, day, and week!

Anna Lee

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

~2 Timothy 1:7~

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• April 23
• Week. 17 – ANSWERED PRAYER
• Exodus 2:23-3:10 Psalm 66
• “God recently delivered me from . . . .”

TODAY’SS PRAYER FOCUS

Today. let’s pray and thank God for those who take the time and make the effort to be in God’s House today. May they be blessed.

Let’s also pray for those who choose not to be in God’s House today because they have more important things to do – cut grass, play ball, clean house, shop, go to a movie, watch television, etc. May they see that they could have made a better choice and do so next week.

Anna Lee

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

~Psalm 103:22~

OBITUARIES

Charles Edward Desplas, Jr.

April 4, 1951 – April 17, 2023

Charles was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond and majored in History. Then he joined the Navy. He was a  Seaman on the USS Barnstable County [LST 1197]. He loved building model ships and discussing topics pertaining History. Charles was always sweet and kind, loved his family, and was the best son, brother, and uncle. Charles was very compassionate with animals.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles E. Desplas and Nell Stubblefield Desplas. He is survived by his sister, Mary Posey Desplas Smith (Ben); niece, Sarah Jane Schwartz (Michael); nephews, Samuel Massie Edward Smith and Michael James Smith (Lacy); great-nephews, Cole Schwartz and Finn Schwartz; great nieces, Zilah Strayer, Isabella Smith and Eliza Smith; and many cousins and friends near and far. 

Visitation from 9:00AM until Catholic Memorial Service at 10:00AM on Friday, May 19, 2023 at McKneely Funeral Home conducted by Deacon Eddie Renz. Burial at Louisiana National Cemetery, 303 W. Mt. Pleasant Zachary Rd.  Zachary, LA 70791 at 1:00PM. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Joshua Cleve Buniff

October 4, 1981 – April 21, 2023

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like agles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Josh was born October 4th, 1981 and passed away Friday, April 21, 2023 at the age of 41. He is survived by his father, Cleve Buniff; two sisters, Cindy Cook (Lee) and Libby Rush (Jesse); one nephew, Matthew Rush (Jessica); two nieces, Virginia Givens (Payton) and Jessica Rush; great-nephew, Canaan Rush; three great-nieces, Olivia and Abigail Ray and Eleanor Mae Givens; step-great-niece, Elizabeth Domiano; aunt, Virginia Bennett (the late Thomas Bennett); uncle, Cliff Buniff (Leila); and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins. Preceded in death by his mother, Joan Marie “Cookie” Miller Buniff; grandparents, Lee and Victor Buniff and Wilson and Jeanette Miller. Special thanks to Mrs. Lucy Williams, Ellen Lowe and Nikki Kidd for their care, love, and devotion shown to Josh over the years as well as Vital Care and Vital Caring for their service. Graveside services will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. Services conducted by Rev. Mike DePhillips. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Children’s Hospital New Orleans (chnola.org). McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• April 22
• Matthew 26: 38-46
• “It is hard for me to pray when . . . . “

Today is preparation day for tomorrow, Sunday, “The Lord’s Day”! Do what you need to do today to make tomorrow run smoothly.

I don’t know about you, but I am looking forward to both Sunday School and the worship service. Knowing me, I know God has a clear message ready.

If you are interested in attending, but not familiar with our church, contact a staff member, a deacons, or any other member you choose to meet you there and show you around. You can usually find our pastor, Bro. Darryl, and several key members at the top of the front steps. Choose somebody and come expecting a blessing.

Anna Lee

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

~Revelation 22:17~

READ SCRIPTURE

• April 20
• Luke 18: 1-18
• “I am most persistent in praying for . . . .”

UPDATES

Mr. “Cete” did well with his hand surgery and is back at home.

Laurie Miller is also home. She said yesterday that she would like to borrow a lift chair for a while.

Rhonda Miller is continue to have procedures. She’s progressing well. Keep praying.

Al Travis is home from the hospital.

Robert Ricks of Arcola continues to do okay following his recent treatment. He’s home.

As far as I know, Naomi Tolar is still visiting with her daughter, Elaine, who needs our continued prayers.

Continue to pray for the Shockley, Lee, and Piner families.

RHODUS BABY

Auden Pauline

4/19/2023

12:57 pm

7lbs 6oz

20 inches long

Mom, Dad, and Big Sister are all doing well.

Marguerite LeTard Williams

June 30, 1928 – April 19, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She  was born June 30, 1928 in Amite, LA and was 94 years of age. She was a graduate of Amite High School and Southeastern Louisiana University. She was a retired supervisor for Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services after 30 years of service. Following her retirement, she enjoyed her volunteer work with the Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her son, Lee Terry Williams, III and wife, Debby Nance; daughter, Nancy Potter and husband, David; 2 granddaughters, Emilee Potter and Anna Potter. Preceded in death by her husbands, Lee Terry Williams, Jr. and Bobby McCoy; parents, Xavier Alphonse LeTard and Ethel Dunn LeTard; brother, Xavier “Dudy” LeTard. Graveside Services will be held at Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite, LA at 10:00AM Saturday, April 22, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Amite-Arcola Presbyterian Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

(David worked with her in Amite for a number of years.)

ANOTHER PRAYER LINK READER

We visited in some homes yesterday. In one, I learned of another friend who reads TPL daily. I so enjoyed my visit, “Miss” Fay.

SERMON TOPICS AND PASSAGES FOR SUNDAY

Sunday Morning – “Turning His Back” – Ezekiel 10 & 15

Sunday Evening – I’m not sure.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY SERVING OUT GREAT GOD!”

Anna Lee

David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.

~1 Chronicles 28:20~

UPDATES

• “Cete” Dillon – Hand surgery this morning in Flowood. MS
• Carol Jean Conerly – Device implanted; Back at home
• Dwayne Creel – Diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease (inner ear)
• Rhodus BabyGirl No. 2 – At prayer meeting, Don Turner only knew the baby had been born. We’ll learn more soon.
• Laurie Miller – She sat up in her room all day and walked twice; Nerve pain diminishing
• Betty Taylor – She is back at home.
• Tommy Simmons -Home again; Glad to be there
• Tommy Mapes – Still doing well

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• April 19
• Psalm 102
• I John 3: 21-24
• “The last answer to my prayers was . . . . “

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s have a prayer of thankfulness for those who are helping with items for “Shoeboxes”. Some items are found in the basket, given to us in Sunday School or worship, ordered from Amazon by a church member,and shipped to the church, and purchased by us when you give money to us or to the special account at church. Any of these work.

The secretary has the list of needed items and will have it in the bulletin. You can shop accordingly.

We shopped this week and were able to purchase school supplies and small toys. What a blessing it is to unpack our bags and group items for their next step.

Please pray thanking God for those who shop or contribute money for us to shop. Also, thank God for those who come to our workdays and accomplish so much in a short period of time.

Also, we should thank God for a pastor who has stayed by his wife’s side as she saw doctors and has been hospitalized. Even while there, he has kept up with the needs of our people and has taken time to call and pray for them. He was not able to stand on the front steps of the church last night and was missed. We’ll be thankful to see both of them at church again soon. Pray for Laurie’s back to be much better and both of them back in Kentwood.

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

Updates from James Rimes:

*Tommy Mapes surgery went well.

*Betty Taylor got sick after she got home and is not in Lakeview. A doctor is to reevaluate her heart medications.

*Penny is at the house with Andy for now.

Thanks, James.