FRIDAY

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.  This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

~1 John 5:13-14~

Wednesday Bible Study at Pine Ridge

There were 28 ladies present for both the first and second days of the study on the book Woven. Chapter 5 will be discussed next Wednesday.

Georgia Barnette Week of Prayer

The Louisiana Offering is named for a WMU lady who was very intereested in mission work in our state.

ECON = Evangelism Conference

Barbara Birch McDaniel

April 13, 1935 – September 12, 2023

“…and now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love, but the greatest of these is Love.” Barbara Birch McDaniel was called home on 9/12/2023. Born 4/13/1935 in Bluff Creek, Louisiana to Clifton and Rena Chaney Birch, Barbara was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She came to know the Lord when she was 12 yrs old at New Zion Baptist Church and has been active in many different churches, presently a member of Woodland Hills Baptist Church in Longview, TX.

After graduating Greensburg High School in 1953, she attended La. Baptist College, receiving her Business degree in May of 1957. She then began working as Social Worker for the State of Louisiana.

Barbara married the love of her life, Riley E McDaniel, on 8/31/1957 and they made their home in Opelousas, La. until Riley finished college.

Due to the flooding in Baton Rouge on 8/14/2016 Barbara started living with her daughter and family in Allen, Texas, moving to Longview, TX in June of 2017.

Her hobbies included sewing, cooking, photography, and genealogy. She wrote a book of the Birch family, Chaney family and Lee family and helped with the McDaniel and Bennett books.

She is preceded in death by her parents Clifton and Rena Birch, husband, Riley McDaniel, brothers Jack, James, Donald Ray Burch and sister, Carolyn Easley.

She is survived by sisters Jane Duncan, Grace B. Williams, Cheryl B. Scott and Beverly Birch; daughter, Marcia M. Dupree and son-in-law Todd and their 2 sons, Grant and Connor Dupree; her son, Darrell McDaniel and daughter-in-law Michelle and their 2 sons, AJ and Christopher McDaniel and 2 daughters, Briley and Emma McDaniel.

Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, 501 Avenue G, Kentwood, LA on Friday, September 22, 2023 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and from 9:00AM until religious services at 10:00AM on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Interment will follow at Killian Chapel Cemetery located at the intersection of Hwy 16 and Hwy 43 west of Amite, LA.

Shirley Jean Stevens Hayden

December 12, 1930 – September 12, 2023

Surrounded by her loving family, Shirley Jean Stevens Hayden went to her heavenly home peacefully on September 12, 2023, at the age of 92. The youngest of seven children, Shirley was born in Amite, Louisiana on December 12, 1930. In 1949, she married Roy Hayden and together they raised three boys. 

Mamaw, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, was quite a character that had a sense of dry humor and kept us laughing, even until the end of her time here. She was happiest when she was amidst kinfolk, working in the yard, having daily coffee at 2:00 with her family, and spending time in the kitchen listening to the Statler Brothers’ hymns. As a young lady, she worked in the office at Hood Automotive until she had children. She then spent several long years rearing three rambunctious boys on “The Hill” on Chicken Farm Road and taking care of Papaw and her home.  Once their boys were grown, she and Papaw enjoyed traveling to the Smoky Mountains with her sisters and their husbands. Her sisters were her best friends and they talked daily and went shopping together often. She knew that this earth was not her home and that she was only passing through on her way to be with her Savior, and for that we can all be thankful. 

She is what one would think of as a Proverbs 31 woman. A lifelong member of Hayden Grove Church of Christ, she was a virtuous wife that provided for her family. She girded herself with strength and her children call her blessed and her husband did also. Shirley was a godly woman that loved the Lord and she set an example for her family and for others to follow for generations to come. 

Shirley is survived by her sons: Jon Rory Hayden, Kenneth Roy (Angela) Hayden, and Kelly Nelson (DeDe) Hayden; grandchildren: Erin (Timothy) Verberne, James (Jacy) Hayden, Kody (Alison) Hayden, Holly (Michael) Hightower; great grandchildren: Carrie (Donovan) Hartman, Sarah (Shelton) Starkey, Roy Hayden, Beric Hayden, Robyn Hayden, Danielle Hightower, and Edmund Hightower; great -great grandchildren: Kate Hartman, Cohen Hartman, and Rhett Starkey who is due to be born in December.  

Joining her in heaven is her husband, Roy Alton Hayden. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Carrie Stevens, siblings, Sue Lott, Willie Ruth Bennett, Marguerite Durnin, Jimmy “Rip” Stevens, Robert Stevens, and Charles Stevens.  

A special thank you to the staff of The Lodge at Tangi Pines for the wonderful care they have provided. 

Read the Bible

  • Numbers 32: 1-15
  • “If the Lord were angry with me, it would be because . . . .”

Prayer Focus Today

I know some people study their Bible more than others. Today, I pray for people to begin reading the Bible even more. I desire to be in the number who study more and more. Pray for more Bible study in every home.

Anna Lee

THURSDAY

….keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

~Jude 1:21~

ILLNESS

Please pray for Ora Lee Wilson’s sister who is very ill.

DEATH

Please pray for Jane Duncan in the death of her sister. I’ll share the obituary when it becomes available.

GEORGIA BARNETTE – Day 5

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

READ the BIBLE

  • I Samuel 20:30-42
  • I would have told Saul . . . .”

DATES to REMEMBER

  • September 17 – Last day to turn in items for LA Baptist Children’s Home
  • September 18 -20 – Two Rivers’ Senior Adult Revival

What are you going to do for someone else today?

Anna Lee

Wednesday

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

2 Thessalonians 3:10

Covid-19 symptoms:

Doctors are commonly seeing upper respiratory complaints, like sore throat, cough, congestion, and runny nose.
Health@mail.health.com

Be cautious and alert.

READ the BIBLE

Wednesday

Esther 1: 9-22

Proverbs 27:4

“It someone is angry with me, I . . . .”

GEORGIA BARNETTE – Day 4

I know of some students who have received this scholarship. You probably do too.

BIBLE STUDY

Woven

1:00 P.M. Today

Chapters 3-4
Pine Ridge
Led by Kathy Wells

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for the college students who are going to school on a WMU scholarship. May they learn from the books/classes and from the BCM.

Let’s also focus some prayer time on those who have Covid again.

Pray too, for the faculty and students who attend high school in Greensburg where a student was killed and two others shot yesterday.

BAPTIST MESSAGE

http://www.baptistmessage.com/

Have a wonderful day! May you find several opportunities and reasons to pray today.

Anna Lee

TUESDAY

You will eat the fruit of your labor;

blessings and prosperity will be yours.

~Psalm 128:2~

GEORGIA BARNETTE OFFERING FOR LOUISIANA

DAY 3

READ the BIBLE

I Kings 21

“When I don’t get my way, I respond by . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Pray for those who serve through the Georgia Barnette Offering to teach and give the people of our state an opportunity to live for Jesus.

COMING NEXT WEEK

Senior Adult Revival

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

BAPTIST MESSAGE

Read, Enjoy, Learn, Use!

http://www.baptistmessage.com/

You are appreciated as you read, use, share, and encourage others.

Anna Lee

MONDAY

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

~1 Thessalonians 1:3~

9-11

As Americans, we will always remember 9-11. Today, think back on that day and pray for our country to never have another 9-11. Thank God for the wonderful Americans who prevented the situation from being any worse.

Georgia Barnette – Day 2

Day 2: Relief Begins with Your “Yes”

What a way to start the day! 9-11 and Disaster Relief! May Christians always be willing to help in times of need!

READ the BIBLE

Week 35 – The Enemy Within

  • Genesis 4:1-16
  • Proverbs 14:17
  • “The last time I was really angry was . . . .”

PRAY FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s pray for those around us who have real needs – health problems, more month than money, troubled family members, family disasters, etc. What can we do for others when we learn of a need? May God put these situations in our paths and on our hearts. As we minister to these needs, may we also be able to minister to spiritual needs or find someone who can.

BAPTIST MESSAGE

LOUISIANA

Louisiana Christian University preview day set for Oct. 7

LBDR wildfire response wraps up in Beauregard Parish

LCU begins faith integration workshops for faculty

‘Miracle from God’ saves Brushy Creek Baptist Church from wildfire

More LOUISIANA …

U.S. & INTL

Coach Joe Kennedy resigns after first football game back

Mexico Supreme Court legalizes killing babies as a ‘human right’

Georgians turn to Christ in wake of Hurricane Idalia

131 Christians killed as Manipur violence escalates

More U.S. & INTL …

COMING SOON:

Two Rivers Senior Adult Revival

September 18-20

Ladies Bible Study

Woven by Angie Smith

Lead by Kathy Wales

Pine Ridge

LA Baptist Children’s Home

We only have one more week to turn in food and cleaning items. Checks are also acceptable to purchase fresh items such as fruits, vegetables, and meats.

Have a marvelous Monday! Be sure to thank God for the blessings He has provided. Also, ask Him to give you opportunities to minister to others.

Anna Lee

SUNDAY

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

~Colossians 3:23~

READ the BIBLE

9-10-23

Matthew 21: 33-46

“Sometimes I reject someone because . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS for TODAY

Covid is showing up in our community again. Please be in prayer for those with Covid, those exposed to Covid, and those whose health is most threatened by Covid.

GEORGIA BARNETTE WEEK of PRAYER

Brocchures are available at Southern Baptist churches today.

DAY 1 – BCM Meets VBS (Baptist Collegiate Ministries Meets Vacation Bible School)


TIMELY HELP

The greatest evangelistic opportunity on the church calendar is Vacation Bible School or VBS. Many churches find it difficult to conduct a dynamic VBS because they have more kids than workers. But what if a church had six energetic, talented college students who could stay the whole week and focus on making the best VBS experience a child could have in a local church? This is exactly what happens every summer through Go Louisiana, or GOLA. Teams of six college students are chosen from Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) across the state and are assigned to churches for a one-week VBS.

Morgan, a GOLA team member said, “In one of our first VBS weeks, there was a sixth grader who didn’t have the best home life … it was just such a blessing to be able to say, ‘Hey, we have a perfect father that perfectly loves us unconditionally, solely because we are his children and we get to have a relationship with Him.’ It was just so great to see how that perspective of fatherhood changed for him.”

Stories of changed lives happen every day during GOLA led VBS weeks thanks in part to your generous support of the Georgia Barnette Louisiana Missions Offering.

Prayer Needs

  • Pray for strong leaders with a passion to share the gospel with children and their families.
  • Pray for BCM directors as they select and train the student missionaries.
  • Pray for the churches as they prepare to reach their community through VBS.

LOUISIANA BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME

There is only one more week to turn in food items needed by the children’s home. The truck will make a pickup one week from tomorrow. Checks are accepted at any time. They can be given through your local church.

DATES FOR SHOEBOX PACKING AT FBC, KENTWOOD (Each church makes their own packing schedule, but drop-off locations such at FBC, Kentwood will be receiving packed shoeboxes in mid-November. You can find the locations and times on the Operation Christmas Child website.

October 14 – Packing of boxes for girls

October 21 – Packing of boxes for boys

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

SATURDAY

Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

~Psalm 127:1~

READ the BIBLE

9-9-23

Acts 18: 1-16

“To overcome rejection, I need to begin . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS

Pray for awareness and responses as the devil tempts people daily in many ways.

THANKFULNESS

Thank God for lower daily temperatures in our area. Some people have had rain in the last few days. Even if you didn’t receive rain this week, be thankful others have. We got some earlier. I have noticed new grown on trees I thought were dying. I’m thankful for this surprise I was blessed with over the last few days.

What are you thankful for? Tell God, not me.

I’m so thankful for you!

Anna Lee

FRIDAY

This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.

~Ecclesiastes 5:18~

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Let’s pray for all those who are needing, but not actively searching for a church. Pray for God to place the right person in their pathway. Pray also, that if the right person is you, you will follow His calling and speak up when He gives you the opportunity.

READ the BIBLE

  • John 15: 18-25
  • Mark 6: 1-13
  • “I usually feel rejection when . . . .”

OBITUARY

Mary Brent Criswell

May 20, 1945 – September 6, 2023

A resident of Hammond, LA, and a long-time resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born May 20, 1945 in Laurel, MS and was 78 years of age. She retired from Tangipahoa Parish School System where she taught at Kentwood Elementary and also worked for the Town of Kentwood. She is survived by her 2 sons, Brent Wayne Criswell and wife, Cheryl, and Blake Lewis Criswell and wife, Nelia; 4 grandchildren, Claire Elize Criswell, Brenna Elizabeth Criswell, Evan Blake Criswell, and Ethan Lewis Criswell. Preceded in death by her husband, Robert Wayne Criswell; grandson, Logan Blake Criswell; parents, Frank and Edna Brent; 3 brothers, Maxwell, Joseph and James Brent. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Kentwood Local Missions Fund. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

PERSONAL PRAYER LIST

There are many who have illnesses and other problems. Please pray for those on your prayer list. Keep your list current.

ONLINE READING

Baptist Press – https://www.baptistpress.com/

Baptist Message – http://www.baptistmessage.com/

Have a wonderful day. Be a blessing to others.

Anna Lee

THURSDAY

“Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.

Exodus 34:21

READ the BIBLE

Matthew 10: 1-23

“God tells me if I reject His word He will . . . .”

OBITUARIES

Elizabertha “Liz” Miller Forshag

February 7, 1932 – September 6, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born February 7, 1932 in Chataignier, LA and was 91 years of age. She was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church and sang in the choir for many years. She worked for many years in the insurance field and medical facilities billing. She retired from North Oaks Billing Department after many years of service. She is survived by  her son, Colonel Russell Forshag, U.S. Army (Ret.) and his wife, Sandie; 4 daughters, Gay New and her husband, Charlie, Connie Guzzardo and her husband, David, Diana Petitto and her husband, Anthony “Possum”, and Ann Stevens and her husband, Brent; 14 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren;  sister-in-law, Nela Miller; brother-in-law, Clarence “Toby” Forshag; plus her caregiver and companion of many years, Lillie Warren. Preceded in death by her husband, E. Norwood Forshag; parents, Aliday and Agnes Fontenot Miller; 2 brothers, Vernon Miller and wife, Jency, and Roland Miller; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elmer Presley Forshag and Ione Norwood Forshag; sister-in-law, Betty Forshag. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall from 8:00AM until 10:00AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 10:30AM on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Services conducted by Fr. Miles Walsh. Interment Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier, LA. Pallbearers are Jim Forshag, Chase New, Lawton Guzzardo, A.J. Petitto, Luke Petitto, and Will Stevens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Jerry East

November 12, 1952 – September 6, 2023

Jerry East, a native of Pine Ridge, LA, and current resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on September 6, 2023. Jerry was known as a loving son, friend, husband, dad, and PawPaw. He loved to cook and always kept everyone laughing. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on November 12, 1952. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Verda East. He is survived by his wife of 24 years Janet  East of Kentwood, son John East (Nicole & Noah) of Kimberly, Alabama, son Zeke East (Megan) of Abita Springs, and step-daughter Leslie Morgan (Matthew) of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Jerry was the proud Paw Paw to Layla, Matthew, Luke, and Madelyn East and the proud Rarry to Mason and Maddox Morgan.

Jerry spent nearly 40 years in the oil industry doing various jobs including being an oil field inspector. He traveled all over for work including many parts of the United States and other countries. Japan was one and held a special place in his heart.

Memorial Services at 11:00AM on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Pine Ridge Methodist Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Mary Criswell

Mary passed away yesterday in Hammond. No obituary is available at this time, but I did find this message.

We lost my mom this afternoon, unexpectedly. She was 78 years old. Those who knew her, knows how much she loved her family, especially her grandchildren. You couldn’t see or talk to her without her showing you pictures or bragging on them. The days ahead will be tough, but we take solice in the fact that she’s finally with dad. She’s missed him terribly. We appreciate the calls and texts, love and support from friends and family.

Services will be at McKneely’s in Kentwood. Date and time TBD.

I will share once final arrangements are made.

Please keep my family in your prayers. ❤️

Brent

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for these three families and others we may know of. Ask God how he would have you minister to the families.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

OCC DATES to REMEMBER

October 14 – Christmas packing party for girl’s gifts at FBC, Kentwood

October 21 – Christmas packing party for boy’s gifts at FBC, Kentwood

Thank-you for faithfully reading and acting upon TPL.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Romans 5:12 NIV

Sin came into the world because of what one man did, and with sin came death. This is why everyone must die—because everyone sinned. 

Carolyn B. Cernich

May 04, 1947 – September 03, 2023

A resident of Hammond, LA, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at Hammond Nursing Home in Hammond, LA. She was born May 4, 1947 in New Orleans, LA and was 76 years of age. She is survived by her brothers and sisters, Calvin Cernich, Jr., Edward Cernich, Lloyd Cernich, Lawrence Cernich, Claire Thompson, Joan Allen, Albert Cernich, Daniel Cernich, Florence Addison, Andrew Cernich, Norma Nicholas and Oscar Cernich; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Calvin Ray Cernich, Sr. and Ruth Marie Cernich; brother, Byron Vincent Cernich; Graveside Services will be held at Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA at 11:00AM Wednesday, September 6. 2023. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Nicholas F. Brocato

March 1, 1943 – September 4, 2023

Nicholas F. Brocato, a resident of Beaumont, Texas and former longtime resident of Amite, Louisiana, passed away unexpectedly on September 4, 2023 at the age of 80.

Nick is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Linda Riggins Brocato, to whom he was married for nearly 53 years. He is also survived by other members of his immediate family: his children and their spouses — John and Carrie Cody, Leslie and Mike Vasquez, and Susan and Richard Wilson; five grandchildren — Shawn Holcomb, Meris and Luke Cody, as well as Elise and Rich Wilson; and his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Kathy Brocato. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eunice and Dr. Joseph Brocato, and by his daughter, Kelly Holcomb.

Nick was born on March 1, 1943 in New Orleans. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Agriculture. He owned and managed the Double B dairy farm outside Amite, Louisiana for several years. He joined his brother-in-law, Bond Riggins, in helming a very successful local decorating business in Amite and Hammond. Nick was a devoted business owner and enjoyed helping others. Nick was active in the Amite City Masonic Lodge No. 175, serving as Past Master and Treasurer for a time.

Nick lived his life to the fullest. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and marksman. He was popular in the national skeet shooting circuit and inducted into the Louisiana State Hall of Fame in 2000. Nick won many championships in his sporting career, including: 1978 World Champion, 28 gauge 5-man team; three-time Louisiana State Champion; and numerous other awards. Nick gave back to the nonprofit community by serving as President of Florida Parishes Skeet & Gun Club for many years as well as Treasurer of the Mississippi Gold Wing Riders’ Association. He was a board member of the Golden Triangle Gun Club.
 
In addition to these contributions, he was also a world class father. He was loved by his family and friends very much and will be deeply missed.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, September 8, 2023. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Shriners Children’s Hospital of Shreveport, at http://www.lovetotherescue.org/memorial-gifts/.

Read the Bible

  • Wednesday
  • Genesis 37: 1-36
  • Genesis 50: 19-21
  • “If I trusted God more, I could overcome . . . .”

Prayer Focus Today

Let’s thank God for the rain we received last week and the cooler temperatures that followed the rain. It certainly is more comfortable outside.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Be an encourager today!

Anna Lee