In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Ephesians 3:12
I’m thankful for a great Lord’s Day!
SICKNESS
Please pray for Mrs. Mickey Cade, Mrs. Velma Anthony, and Mrs.Gail Brister today.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
July 3
Week 26 – Discipleship in My Life
Mark 2: 1-11
“As a stretcher bearer for Jesus, I must . . . . “
PRAYER FOCUS FOR TODAY
Today, let’s pray for families as many will be gathering to celebrate the birth of our country. Let’s pray for strong leadership.
MISSIONS
You may. contribute to Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home this month by using a special envelope provided at church or by simply marking your check for LBCH. Thank you for helping to support them.
Frank L. Owen passed away at his home on Friday, June 30, 2023. He was born November 15, 1946 at McComb City Hospital in McComb, MS. He worked and retired from Croft Metals and later worked at the Kentwood Co-op. He was a life long resident of Kentwood. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, he loved to target shoot, and really enjoyed working outside. He also enjoyed vacationing in the Smokey Mountains. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda R. Owen; three children, Daniel Owen, Vince Owen (Karen), and Phyllis Owen; five grandchildren, Vincent Owen, Ashley Robison (Jacob), Amber Owen ( Rebecca), Joshua Owen (Gertie), and Craig Foxworth (Jamie); ten great-grandchildren; father-in-law, Curtis M. Rhodus, Jr.; and his beloved dog, Lucy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. Owen and Emily E. Owen; three siblings, Mary D. Prescott, Bobby Owen, and John Owen; a daughter, Dixie L. Owen; and two grandchildren, Jeremy Owen and Courtney Owen. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Monday, July 3, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. LaVerne Summerlin. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Charles Ray Bennett
A memorial service will be held for Charles Ray Bennett, born March 11, 1955 and passed June 26, 2023. Services will be Friday July 7, 2023 at Arcola Roseland Cemetery at 10:00 am. He is survived by his daughter Mary Beth Bennett and 2 grandsons Brighton and Brady Johnson. Also survived by siblings, Carol Bennett Sealey, husband Steve, Barbara Bennett Gaines, husband Carl, brothers Don Bennett, and Steve Bennett, wife Shawn.. Preceeded in death by parents Austin and Elizabeth Bennett.
Kenneth Charles McKnight
Kenneth Charles McKnight, 86, a resident of Clinton, went to meet his wife at his eternal home on Friday, June 30, 2023. He retired from Gulf States Utilities as an Engineering Section Head. Visitation will be Monday, July 3, 2023 at Zachary United Methodist Church from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Day’s Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Kenneth is survived by nephews and nieces, Richard “Rickie” E. McKnight, Jr. (Kelli), Denise Stewart (Blake), Randy McKnight (Kelli), Todd Castello (Desiree) and Earl Allen (April), great nieces and great nephews, Laurin Devall (Hunter), Ashby Warren (Steven), Aley Stewart, Mason McKnight, Connor McKnight, Olivia Castello, McCoy Castello, Erin Allen and Jacob Allen and numerous extended families. He is preceded in death by father, Sharp Bridges McKnight, mother, Lora Mae Schwartz McKnight, brother, Richard E. McKnight, sisters, Ruby E. McKnight Castello and Dot Allen. Pallbearers will be Blake Stewart, Steven Warren, Don Lee Bass, Mike Courtney, Vince Giaccone and Ricky McKnight. Honorary pallbearers are Henry Baxter, Jim Dyer, Duncan Hanson and Scott Womack. Special thanks to Kasey at Bridgeway Hospice and Amanda with Grace Nursing Home Memory Care Unit. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Zachary United Methodist Church or Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, Baton Rouge.
READ the BIBLE TODAY
July 2, 2023
Romans 12: 9-16
“To help me follow these commands, I . . . . .”
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today, let’s pray for church services in all of our area churches.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
….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.
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.
The Prayer Link 
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