“Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.
Today, I want to ask for prayer for two ladies, Dr. Rhonda Kelley of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Ruby Schwartz of Kentwood. Dr. Kelly recently had cancer surgery and is undergoing additional treatment. Ruby had knee replacement yesterday.
SCHOOLS
The end of the school is a difficult time in many ways. Students need to complete the academic year while looking ahead to the next grade or graduation. Teachers have many extra tasks as one year closes, but plans for the next year are already a real consideration. Both groups deserve special prayers at this time.
PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s pray for women who have lost their spouces and who now undergo surgeries, face other health issues, deal with car problems that are new to them. approach household needs where they feel incompetent to make good decisions, etc. Lord, help our older ladies as they face new situations in life.
READ THE BIBLE TODAY
March 23
Romans 2: 1-4
II Peter 3: 1-9
“God’s attitude toward the sinner is . . . . “
ONE WEEK AWAY
FBC, Kentwood will host “A Night of Joy” on March 29 at 6 P.M. Call the church office for details so you can make a decision about attending.
REVIVAL AT FBC, GREENSBURG
Scheduled revival services ended last night. Pray the spirit of revival will continue in the hearts of the members in the coming weeks and months.
One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
Please pray for the many who are xick and those recovering from surgery. Also, please pray for grieving families.
READ THE BIBLE TODAY
March 22
Acts 3: 19-21
Acts 8: 5-24
Acts 17: 30
“God wants us to change because . . . . “
PRAYER FOCUS for TODAY
Today, let’s pray for pastors of our churches. They have many responsibilities and are called upon 24 hours a day by their members.
OBITUARY
Abigail Mae Preston
March 28, 1988 – February 28, 2023
A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 in New Orleans, LA. She was born March 28, 1988 in Sheridan, Wyoming and was 34 years of age. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Laila Preston and Lola Jacob; 2 sons, Jessie Jacob and Liam Jacob; parents, Charles and Deborah Preston; brothers, Joshua Preston and Bryce Preston and wife, Kristy; sister, Rebekah Gele; aunt, Dixie McFadden; uncle, Duane McFadden; uncle, Dean McFadden; aunt, Sally McLaughlin. Memorial Services will be scheduled for a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
DON”T FORGET
Churches have classes for everyone on Wednesday nights. For example, FBC, Kentwood has a nursery, a class for the children, another class for the youth, and adults meeting in the sanctuary.
COMING SOON
The next OCC workday will be Saturday, April 1, beginning at 9:00. Come, be a part in packing pencil bags, packing pencil bags, unpackaging newly purchased items, preparing shoe boxes, etc. Join in the sweet fellowship of fellow church members.
Today, let’s focus on our country and our relationship to other countries. I don’t have all the answers, but I know who does.
SERMON TOPIC and BIBLE PASSAGE
Wednesday, March 22
“The Chosen”
Romans 9
COMING SOON
Wednesday, March 29 – “A Night of Joy”
I don’t know the people who will be in our church, but let’s trust our staff and show-up to enjoy a different kind of Wednesday night service. This will be a one night event, so if we miss being there, we miss it.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Many of us. at FBC, Kentwood. think we have a great Sunday School teacher. Mrs. Barbara Baugh is teaching my class. She has both Biblical knowledge and many years of school teaching experience. She is an excellent teacher.
If you are not in a class, please check around and choose a class or two to visit. Then, make your decision. If unsure, the staff and various church members can help guide you.
THANKS
Thanks for reading and praying each day. You make a difference in many lives, events, and services, not by reading, but by praying, doing, and giving.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
A 100% of the money we give helps to support mission work in North America, Canada and the U.S.. We all know of people in our own families and neighborhoods who need to trust their eternal future to God.
OBITUARIES
I’m posting this obituary because JoAnn and her siblings were some of our “bus members” and our youth at Roseland Baptist Church. We spend many hours together each week. She was a sweet young lady.
Janet “JoAnn” McLeod Stogner
LN Hughes Funeral Services Mar 19, 2023
Janet “JoAnn” McLeod Stogner passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at her daughter’s residence in Denham Springs, Louisiana, at the age of 64. She was born on Wednesday, December 31, 1958 in Independence, Louisiana and resided in Amite, Louisiana. JoAnn enjoyed grilling, gardening, talking about politics, reading, and enjoying time outside with her family until she was ready for them to leave. She was a great daughter, an amazing mom, and a loving MeMe, who was deeply loved by her family and will be dearly missed.
JoAnn is survived by her beloved family: her daughters, Brandi Zachary and Heather Cole; grandchildren, Nekole Wall, Tyler Wall, Charli Cole, and Liam Jenkins; siblings, Sue Letard Deville, Donald McLeod, and Stacie McLeod. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Muttly” Cole; parents, Pearl Hodges McLeod and Jessie Harold McLeod, Sr.; and brothers, Jessie Harold McLeod, Jr. and Douglas Earl McLeod.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of JoAnn’s Life in the Chapel of LN Hughes Funeral Services, 21400 South I-12 Service Road, Ponchatoula, Louisiana on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Charlie Schwartz brought it to our attention last night that Dwain Morris was the wife of Coach Morris in Loranger. She passed away four days after he did and on the morning of his funeral. This family could use some extra prayers.
ILLNESSES
There are a number of people from Kentwood who are ill, some at home and some in the hospital. Please pray for them.
CHOIR, BAND, and MUSIC LEADERSHIP
You did an excellent job yesterday morning ! Later, the people of FBC, Greensburg were so pleased with your special music. Thanks so much. We are blessed and thankful for all the talent we have at our church.
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today, let’s thank God for the talented people who have invested so many hours in school band,choir, private lessons, and/or church music training . Let’s pray for the children and youth to grow to love music as much as many of the older members. These investments will make a big difference in future years.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
O. C. C. is doing very well this year with participation and collections. I’m thankful for each of you who has given time and/or items. Our leadership this year has been great.
We thank those who donated crayons, coloring books, and three boxes of jump ropes yesterday. The March needs were shared in the Sunday School classrooms the by our OCC leadership the first Sunday of the month. If you are unsure of a current need, please ask me.
Your participation has been a real blessing this year.
THANK-YOU
Many of you have shared “The Prayer Link” with family, friends, and neighbors. How do I know? I frequently have a person introduce themselves to me, tell me they appreciate TPL and who told them about reading daily.
One of my junior high clessmare at AHS passed away. Sheryl Andrus Carnegie, passed away Saturday morning. Her service will be Thursday, March 23 from 5-7pm at Goodwood Church of Christ in Baton Rouge. Obituary will be posted later.
Dwain Vickers Morris
April 5, 1935 – March 18, 2023
A resident of Loranger, LA, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at her home. She was born April 5, 1935 in Sturgis, MS and was 87 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Morris Richardson and husband Glenn; 3 sons, James Alan Morris and wife Peggy, Stephen Wayne Morris and wife Debbie, and Martin Gibson Morris and wife Scarlet; 5 grandchildren, Mindi Morris Campbell and husband Trent, Joshua Mark Morris and wife Stacy, Michael James Baham and wife Minette, Richard Forest Baham and wife Erica, and Melissa Morris Thibodeaux; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon Leigh Sullivan; and brother, James Marshall Vickers. Preceded in death by her loving husband of 71 years, James Gibson “Coach” Morris; her father, Marshall Morris Vickers; mother, Mary Marvel Vickers; brother, David Hyle Vickers; sister, Elva Nell Vickers Waits; great-great-granddaughter, Ellie Ann Baham. Visitation at New Sharon Baptist Church, Husser, from 12:30PM until religious services at 2:00PM on Monday, March 20, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Michael James Baham and assisted by Trent Campbell. Interment White’s Cemetery, Husser, LA. Pallbearers will be Josh Morris, Ricky Baham, Cody Campbell, Ashton Morris, Colton Morris, River Baham, Creek Baham, Talon Thibodeaux, Lincoln Baham, and James “Bachie” Vickers. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
“Refusing to admit my sin can only cause . . . . “
ANNIE ARMSTRO
Did Annie Armstrong marry?
It wasn’t just supporting other missionaries that kept Annie busy. While she never married or had children, she served as a Sunday School teacher for children from toddlers to age 12 for over 50 years. She volunteered at a shelter for poor children.
TRAIL LIFE and OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
What a wonderful morning we had working together! The boys learned about “Shoeboxes” and made beautiful bead necklaces which they placed in an “Shoebox” to represent packing a “Shoebox” and including one of their bead necklaces. The boys were both attentive and well behaved. We also had adult helpers who filled their role well.
If you see one one the Trail Life members, ask them to tell you about Operation Christmas Child – why we pack “Shoeboxes”, how we get the boxes to the children, and about who the children can learn about because of the “Shoeboxes”. You may be surprised with their knowledge. You probably will get good answers from the adults too.
If you know of any adults who helped, asked them about the well-behaved group they worked with and how welll and quickly they made bead necklaces for the boys.
Bro. Darryl came by and observed for a few minutes, I think he surely observed some good listeners and hard workers.
What a great morning!
SERMON TOPIC AND SCRIPTURE PASSAGE FOR THIS MORNING”S SERMON
Sunday, March 19
“Judgement is Coming”
Ezekiel 4
FBC, Kentwood @ 10:30
PRAYER FOCUS for TODAY
Today, let’s thank God for boys who gave up their regular Saturday morning and came to church to make necklaces for boys, not for a good friend, but for boys they will never meet. Also, thank God for the parents and other adults who are positive influences on their lives. Pray the boys and adults learned a little about “missions”, even though that word was never used yesterday.
This morning there will be a join meeting so the boys can learn about Operation Christmas Child and make items that will be packed in the 2023 “Shoeboxes”.
PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY
This morning, please pray for the adults and the children at the meeting mentioned above. Pray for adults to lead and guide and for the boys to learn and make contributions to what is packed and shipped this year.
ANNIE ARMSTRONG– Annie’s Contributions
Started Bay View Mission for Baltimore’s poor and addicted
Served as the first executive of Woman’s Missionary Union.
Led the formation of missions’ organizations for children
Raised support for missionaries to Italian and Jewish immigrants
Refused a salary because she would never give to the Lord “that which costs me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24)
Initiated fund-raising “brick cards” to build churches in Cuba
Gained support for the first black, female missionaries
Secured funds to relieve China missionary, Lottie Moon, who had served for 11 years without a furlough
Advocated for Native Americans and impoverished mountain people
Honored in 1934 when The Home Missions Offering was re-named for her to encourage more to follow her sacrificial example
TOMORROW
Tomorrow is the Lord’s Day. Make so preparations today so tomorrow will run smoothly.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives. If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!
Andy Taylor called to tell me how several of his relatives had been so blessed to have great, unexpected medical reports. He also shared more of his own journey during the last few months and talked about the faithfulness of Betty to stuck with him through the last few difficult months as well as the faithfulness of God to both of the. God is still working in Andy and several of his family members. Andy wanted us to hear that they have been so blessed!
MORE SURGERY
Robin Alford has had another surgery on her foot she broke a couple years ago. She now has a remote control to help with pain relief. Some technology! Let’s pray this surgery and the remote control relieve her pain.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
March 17
Isaiah 53
Romans 5: 6-8
I Peter 1: 18-21
“God’s love for me is seen in . . . . “
Annie Armstrong (1850-1938)
Annie Armstrong was unstoppable in her passion for missions.
Annie was born in Baltimore at a time when there was little opportunity for women. Yet, her devotion to Christ led her to a life of service and leadership. She organized women to pray, to give and to meet the needs around them. She challenged pastors and churches to action and rallied vital support for missionaries. Ultimately, Annie was recognized as a national Southern Baptist trailblazer for her visionary leadership that still inspires millions today.
What a glorious thing it is to be a co-worker with God in winning the world for Christ.– Annie Armstrong
TRAIL LIFE MEETS OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
I’m so excited for tomorrow to get here so TRAIL LIFE can be introduced to OCC and get to complete some projects that will be included in our 2023 boxes. Our first joint meeting will be tomorrow. It will be a service project for the boys. Hopefully, we will have an opportunity to work together on a regular schedule.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
Gifts to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering are used to train and resource missionaries in church planting and compassion ministries. Gifts are also used to create evangelism resources. New churches are being planted, hurts are being healed and lives are being transformed by the gospel because you give.
SENIOR ADULT MARCH LUNCH
THIRTY-THREE senior adults were in attendance for out monthly lunch. Joe’s Italian Restaurant served us delicious lunches. About half of the senior adults who attended rode the new church bus for it’s first FBC,Kentwood trip.
TRAIL LIFE MEETS OCC
There will be a joint meeting for the boys of OFF and some ladies from OCC Saturday morning at 9:00 A.M.. The ladies will assist the boys in making two different projects that will be included in our “Shoeboxes” later this year. They will also learn about what we pack and why,es as well as where the “Shoebox” are going and why. It’s going to be a great morning for everyone.
READ the BIBLE
March 16
Isaiah 59: 1-8
Ezekiel 18:20
Romans 3: 9-23
“The sin I need the strength to overcome is . . . “.
Rhonda Miller is doing well at home following surgery. Please pray for her and for her family.
OBITUARY
James Gibson “Coach” Morris
May 29, 1935 – March 14, 2023
A resident of Loranger, LA, passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at his home. He was born May 29, 1935 in Jasper, AL and was 87 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Dwain Vickers Morris; daughter, Debra Morris Richardson and husband Glenn; 3 sons, James Allen Morris and wife Peggy, Stephen Wayne Morris and wife Debbie, and Martin Gibson Morris and wife Scarlet; 5 grandchildren, Mindi Morris Campbell, Joshua Mark Morris, Michael James Baham, Richard Forest Baham, and Melissa Morris Thibodeaux; and 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and the hundred of kids that he taught and coached in his many years at Loranger High School. Preceded in death by his mother, Lola Mae Lyman; father, Walter Eugene Lyman; and great-great-granddaughter, Ellie Ann Baham. Visitation at New Sharon Baptist Church, Husser, from 9:30AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Services conducted by her grandson, Rev. Michael James Baham. Interment White’s Cemetery, Husser, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for those who pack “Shoeboxes” and those who contribute items to be packed. Pray for other mission projects in our churches whether they are local, in our country, or international. Thank God for those who serve as our representatives in all these area.
Many mission projects have hands-on ways you can be a part of their ministry to others, Those who are called should go. Others, should help to help meet their needs. We can all be a part of missions!
THANKS
Thanks to all of you who pass on information about this daily posting. I regularly meet people who say “Did you say Anna Lee? I read what you write every morning.” Thank you for sharing!
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
Today, I’m sharing the obituaries of two ladies who set examples and shared their strong faith. One attended FBC, Amite and the other FBC, Independence. I knew them and appreciated their examples of sharing their faith and God’s love.
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at her home. She was born October 13, 1931 in Amite, LA and was 91 years of age. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Amite and a retired bank manager. She is survived by her daughter, Linda V. Husser and husband, Kenneth D. Husser; son, Ronald Vining and wife, Christy S. Vining; 6 grandchildren, John A. Husser and wife, Ashley W. Husser, Jennifer H. Reitz and husband, Joseph B. Reitz, Jr., Daniel A. Vining and wife, Elizabeth D. Vining, Blake E. Vining and wife, Valerie Vining, Brock E. Vining, and Levi W. Vining; 8 great-grandchildren, Joseph B. Reitz, III and wife Jenna D. Reitz, Jeremiah K. Reitz, Jayden F. Reitz, Trystyn Vining, Allie Vining, Alexis B. Vining, Beau M. Vining, Bristol R. Vining and Lena; brother, Alfred Hayden. Preceded in death by husband, John W. Vining; parents, Forace and Leander Hayden; 2 sisters, Marybelle Hayden Brumfield and Gussie H. Stevens; 2 brothers, Ellis P. Hayden and Horace E. Hayden. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Foster. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Carolyn Jane McElveen Baham
August 4, 1929 – January 17, 2023
Carolyn Jane McElveen Baham, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away on January 17, 2023. She was 93 years old, and throughout her life was known for her nurturing, kind, and thoughtful ways. She was a person of very strong faith and a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Independence, Louisiana. She truly had the heart of a servant and was always there to support, encourage, and advocate for anyone in need. In early adulthood she was employed by Lallie Kemp Hospital in Independence, where she took X-ray dictation and worked in the business office. Later in life she was part owner of Buster’s Furniture in Amite, Louisiana, serving primarily as office manager and administrator. She was preceded in death by her husband, L.E. “Buster” Baham, and her brother, R.E. McElveen, Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Martha Buchanan and Rebecca Fabre (Jody), her granddaughter, Colleen Fabre, siblings Elsie Danley and Jerry McElveen (Sue), and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Due to recent exposure to Covid among family members, a private graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Amite Memorial Gardens. A celebration of life service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 1:00PM at First Baptist Church in Independence. Her family gratefully acknowledges the kind and loving care provided by New Hope Manor skilled nursing facility in Cedar Park, Texas and Silverado Hospice of Austin, Texas. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
March 15
Genesis 18: 20-19:29
2 Peter 2:4-10
“A destruction I have seen sin cause is . . . . “
ANNIE ARMSTRONG EASTER OFFERING
THEME: United to Reach North America with the Gospel
What is the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering?
The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering (AAEO) is the primary way Southern Baptists fund missions in North America. One hundred percent of gifts given to AAEO go to the field to support more than 2,400 missionary families serving across the United States and Canada.
Our Responsibility – Our prayers and offerings allow the 2,400 missionary families in the United States and Canada to serve and share.
TRAIL LIFE AND OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Saturday morning, these two groups will join together as a learning opportunity for the boys and give them the “tools” needed to complete some craft projects that will be sent to boys worldwide in our 2023 “Shoeboxes”. This will be a great opportunity for both groups and hopefully will work into more opportunities.
HEALTH ISSUES
Ruby Schwartz will be having knee replacement surgery next week.
Laurie Miller will he having back surgery next month.
Pray for Rhonda Miller as she has surgery and begins recovery.
Take a few minutes to read some of these articles you will not find in a regular newspaper.
TONIGHT AT FBC, KENTWOOD
Nursery for all babies and young children
Children’s class
Youth gathering
Adult prayer meeting – “Eternal Love and Forgiveness, Romans 8: 19-29
Thank-you for reading and praying. Let’s make a difference in Kentwood and the surrounding areas today. Take Him with you wherever you go and use the opportunities God provides to share with people He places in your path. Make today count for Jesus!
Obituary will be posted later.
The Prayer Link 
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