You are my refuge and my shield;

I have put my hope in your word.

~Psalm 119:114~

Please pray for our friend, Loren much McElveen. He is in ICU at North Oaks with heart issues.

Taylor Buckley is home following his procedure yesterday morning. He is expected to feel much better in a few days.

Kelsey Erwin, granddaughter of Frank and Barbara Erwin and Bryan and Rita Tate has been admitted to a Texas hospital this morning with respiratory issues. Please be in prayer for Kelsey and her family.

Nora Alma Scott

March 25, 1949 – January 19, 2023

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at St. Helena Hospital in Greensburg, LA. She was born March 25, 1949 in Plaquemine, LA and was 73 years of age. She is survived by her sons, Tommy Boswell, Harry Boswell, and Daniel Boswell; daughters, Sheena Boswell, Holly Boswell, and Ramona Boswell; grandchildren, Joshua, Abel, Hailey, Brittni, Cameron, Evan, and Ethan; brother, Calvin Scott; sister, Lizzie Stark. Preceded in death by her parents, William Calvin Scott and Margaret Ellen Scott. 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.

READ the BIBLE

January 20

Matthew 25: 14-30

The talent I could use more for Jesus is . . . .

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s consider all the unused and wasted talents we have. May each person who reads this will think about their own talents and give them to God so He can use them in His ways.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

There are some great articles for us to read today.

MOVING MOUNTAINS MINISTRY is housed in our church. I frequently see Ellen, her daughter, and other volunteers working to heep the room stocked and organized so new foster parents can get clothing, toys, and supplies they need to get started with a child who can not live with their parents for a while. Ellen has such a heart for what she does and gives her ministry many hours at any time of the day or night she is needed. I wish you all could talk to her and gain some of her desire to serve others as needed. She also encourages families to learn about and pray about becoming a foster parent. Check out her website. Pray about how you might could help her.

https://movingmountainsla.com/

Refer to the incomplete sentence following the Scripture at the top of this post. What is your talent? How can you use it?

Have a meaningful day as you seek to serve for Him in our community or wherever He sends you.
Anna Lee

The Sovereign LORD is my strength;

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

he enables me to tread on the heights.

~Habakkuk 3:19~

Pray for Jade Buckley. her brother. and their families. Their mother, Cindy Roberts passed away suddenly yesterday. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Pray for Taylor Buckley, Jade’s husband, who will be having surgery for kidney stoned today.

READ the BIBLE

January 19 – Matthew 18: 21-35

The most forgiving person I know is . . . .

Bro. Darryl’s Sunday Messages

Morning – “Worship is Wonderful” – Nehemiah 9: 5-6

Evening – “Reunited” – 2 Samuel 5

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

What has God got in store for you today?

Be ready! Answer the call!

Anna Lee

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,

because they trust in you.

~Isaiah 26:3~

ILLNESSES

There will be a prayer service for Donald Duncan Sunday at 2 P.M. at New Zion Baptist Church.

Please pray for Virginia Sanders who is in North Oaks with a bone infection.

OBITUARIES

JoEtta Pittman Miller

October 11, 1956 – January 12, 2023

      JoEtta Pittman Miller, 66, belovedly known as Nana, of Kentwood, passed away at 11:00am on Thursday, January 12,2023 at St. Tammany Hospital.
      JoEtta was born October 11,1956 in Independence, LA. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bobby Ray, Sr. and Bertha Gill Pittman; her siblings, Dudley “Chuck” Pittman, Bobby Ray Pittman, Jr., and James “Jimmy” Pittman; her son, Jacob Robert Crow; nephew, Christopher Pittman and niece Candice Adams Cash.
      She is survived by her husband, Terry Miller; their four children, Rebecca Naquin (Chuck), Daniel Miller, Taylor Miller,and Christy Brooks (Garrett). Nana had five grandchildren, Lundon Barrilleaux (Rusty), Hunter Naquin, Tucker Fogg, Eli and Dax Brooks; three great-grandchildren, Cohen, Baylor and Brinley Barrilleaux; siblings, Marie Pittman Kimble (Milton), Roger Pittman (Lois), and Janet Pittman Tigner; and numerous nieces and nephews.
       Services for JoEtta will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 9:00am until religious services at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Edith Irene McMillan Maurer

• 3Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home
• Jan 15, 2023 Updated Jan 15, 2023

Born in Pike County, MS on December 25, 1951.

Edith loved and cherished her family and friends.

She enjoyed traveling to see her family every chance she got. Edith loved spending time with her mother and siblings , she would always go out of her way for any of them! She always remained positive in every aspect of life and was often referred to as being tough like Kenneth Wayne! She was an amazing cook, and enjoyed the life she shared with those that she loved! Her children meant the world to her and she will be deeply missed by them all

Edith loved her children with everything she had, but her grandchildren topped it. Her pride and joy was Maddie, her granddaughter and partner in crime. Edith didn’t do anything without talking to Maddie.

She is survived by her mother Lucille Bates, three sons, Anthony (Whitney) Maurer, David (Amy) Maurer, and Jason (Ashley) Maurer; one sister Anita (Frank) Gerarve; four brothers, Kenneth Wayne (Nancy) McMillan, John Alton (Martha) McMillan, Hewitt and Richard McMillan; Grandchildren, Trey Maurer, Matthew Maurer, Madelyn Maurer, Joey and Parker Bates, Kaleb Martin, Bradyn and Heath Howell; great grandchild, Justine Martin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, Spencer McMillan; stepfather, Hollis Bates; twin sister, Evelyn McMillan; and her two brothers, David McMillan and Robert McMillan.

Her final days were Spent with family & friends at her dear sisters home, who cared for her till the end!

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home – Hammond, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Monday, January 16, 2023, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 16, 2023, 9:00 am – 11:00 am.

Interment will follow in Old Gillsburg Cemetery.

To view and sign the family guest book, please visit www.harrymckneely.com

Jade Buckley’s mother passed away. An obituary is not yot available.

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

January 18

Matthew 13: 1-30; 36-43

The weeds I need out of my life are . . . .

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for those who live alone. Then, let us act as God leads us. I think God is pleased when we act as He leads us to do something.

Anna Lee

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.  

Therefore we will not fear,

though the earth give way

and the mountains fall

into the heart of the sea, 

 though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

~Psalm 46:1-3~

OBITUARY

R. Stephen Raacke

October 29, 1942 – January 15, 2023

R. Stephen Raacke of Hammond, La. passed away Sunday, January 15, 2023 at his home. He was born October 29, 1942 in Amite, La. to Heloise Ellis Raacke and Norbert E. Raacke. As a young man he worked for Boh Brothers Construction and was proud that he drove some of the piling for the New Orleans Superdome and One Shell Square. Later he fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a police officer when he joined the Hammond Police Department. HPD sent him to the FBI Academy to further his law enforcement education and training. Throughout his career he worked with various agencies on the Local, State and Federal level. He retired as a Lieutenant. After retirement he worked 12 years for the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office. He then fulfilled another dream by moving to Middle Tennessee to manage a 230 acre horse farm where he loved working outdoors with the horses in the beauty of the Tennessee foothills which stirred his soul. After 12 years of management he moved back home to Tangipahoa Parish to be near his family and friends. He is survived by his favorite wife of over 35 years Penny Lyons Raacke, his son James Raacke (Tammy), of Littleton, Colorado and his daughter Ginger Raacke McKinney (Jeff), of Ponchatoula, La., his brother Norbert E. “Tippy” Raacke, Jr. of New Orleans, La., five grandchildren and passel of great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son Clinton Stephen Raacke. Arrangements will be announced at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

READ the BIBLE

January 17

Luke 18: 9-14

Matthew 6: 1-18

If this tax collector came to my church, he would be treated . . . .

TODAY”S PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for our churches. Many have been growing since Covid. Pray each church finds ways to include new families by involvement other than worship services and Sunday School.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Last week, i told you we needed spoons for our shoeboxes. That day, we found two stores with over a hundred spoons costing 3/1.00 or 4/1.00. We still need about 300, but we have a good idea where to shop – Family Dollar and Dollar General. When you pass one of these stores, stop and check for teaspoons and tablespoons, please.

Today, before an appointment in McComb, we will be shopping for OCC. I am working on a shortage of calculators. Please pray for us to find more calculators. We need many more before we can pack the 200 “pencil bags” for the girls. If you happen to see any solar calculators ($1.00 – $1,25). please pick up some for us. You can leave your “find” in the basket to the right at the front on the church. We appreciate your prayers and your shopping.

I’ll try to keep you updated about our current shopping needs. I hope you will join in the fun of shopping. Any number is helpful!

More ideas will be shared later. For now, the focur is spoons and calculators.

FIFTH SUNDAY SINGING

This month, we (FBC) will be traveling to/sharing with Sp2ing Creek Baptist Church. Make plans to join us there on the fifth Sunday, January 19th.

Thank you for reading, praying, and taking action.

Anna Lee

READ THE BIBLE

So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

~Isaiah 41:10~

Please pray for Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson who is hospitalized and awaiting additional testing today.

Continue to pray for Mr. George Eddie Lee. He is blessed to be at home.

Steven Raacke passed away yesterday. He went to school with David. His obituary is not yet available.

Prayer Focus: Today. let’s pray for Christians who are tormented or tortured simply because they are Christians. We are thankful for our freedom to worship, but often don’t think about those who do not have that freedom.

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

January 16 = Matthew 20:16

Had I been one of the first workers hired that day, I would have felt . . . .

WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER MEETING

January 18

“God’s Love”

Romans 5:6-11

LOTTIE MOON OFFERING

If you didn’t turn in your offering for this annual focus, it is not too late. Remember, one hundred percent of it goes directly to the international missions work on the field. Mark your offering “Lottie Moon”.

OCC , MONDAY UPDATE

Thank you to the individual who handed me money last night to spend “as needed” for OCC. Our current plans are to look for more calculators and travel-size toys.

Thank you to the individual(s) or class(es) who was/were the first to put their gifts in the basket at the front of the church. The bags contained small cars, small dolls, and pretty colored pencils. The basket will be checked three times each week by two of our men.

Thank, too, to the individual who worked at home to remove some stubborn price stickers on notebooks and to the individual who returned filler paper that was counted out in preparation for placement in folders. That individual took another stack of filler paper to count out this week. Another person is working to draw pictures of cars on the bags that have been made for the small cars. Thank you to the seamstress who made the bags and the artist who is drawing the cars.

BAPTIST PRESS

Read today’s Baptist news including how Disaster Relief is responding to the tornado outbreak we had last week.

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Have a fantastic Monday by checking on someone you haven’t see latlely or doing something special for a new friend.

Anna Lee

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future

~Jeremiah 29:11~

Beverly Lynn Hughes Holden

July 11, 1962 – January 13, 2023

Beverly Lynn Hughes Holden, a resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023 at her home. She was born July 11, 1962 in Glenwood California and was 60 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Ted Holden; two sons, Nick Smith and Wyatt Holden; mother, Anne Hughes; 2 sisters, Becky Raiford and Cindy Holton; 2 brothers, Steve Hughes and Dale Hughes; 3 step-children, Francis Varnado, Richard Holden and Russell Holden; 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by father, Roland Bruce Hughes, Sr.; 2 brothers, Roland Bruce Hughes, Jr. and Howard Hughes; mother-in-law, Irene Holden; father-in-law, Alvie Holden. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM. Interment will follow at Sharon Baptist Church Cemetery, Amite LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com. 

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

January 15 – Luke 10: 25-37

The characteristics of the Good Samaritan found in my life are . . . .

Trail Life’s First Meeting

Yesterday, Kentwood’s Trail Life organization had its first meeting. It was well attended and appreciated by boys and parents alike. Fifty boys were in attendance. Future gatherings are already scheduled. Thank you Robert Ladd Turner and all the other adults who helped. Waiting for and expecting great things from the “young men” who will be involved in Trail Life.

OCC Update

Yesterday morning, I shared about the need for SPOONS for our shoeboxes, We had only been able to locate 12. Later, David and I made one of our “shoebox hunting” trips. In six stops, we were able to locate just over 100 more. That was encouraging! We were also able to locate additional bandanas, bowls, toys, crayons, filler, etc .We had a great time and were back at the church about noon. Thank you, Jesus, for the great day and all the items that will help to fill the “shoeboxes” in a few months. Keep on praying for our addition purchases as well as those by others. Together, we will be able to do all that is needed to pack many “shoeboxes” this fall.

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Let’s pray for the fifty young men who signed up for Trail Life yesterday and their families. May Trail Life have a positive influence the lives of the participants, the boys, and the many homes the boys represent.

MAY THIS LORD’S DAY HAVE SPECIAL MEANING IN MANY LIVES!

Anna Lee

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or terrified because of them

, for the LORD your God goes with you;

he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

~Deuteronomy 31:6~

Pray for this family, church family, and the NAMB team of Clint Clifton. The accident was Thursday evening.

NAMB = North American Mission Board

NAMB and Send Network Mourn Loss of Church Planting Staff Member

BY NAMB STAFF

  

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Today, NAMB President Kevin Ezell shared the following email with NAMB and Send Network staff and missionaries:

Dear NAMB Family:

It is with a grieving heart that I share some tragic news with you. Clint Clifton, our brother and fellow NAMB family member, died last night in a small plane crash in North Georgia. He had just started the flight back to his home in Virginia after having been with us during Alpharetta Week. 

We have delayed sending this email so Clint’s family, close friends and members of his church could be notified first.

We are shocked and heartbroken by this news. Please keep Clint’s wife, Jennifer, and their five children in your prayers. Of course, everyone at Pillar Church, the church he founded, has been hit hard by this news as well. 

God generously gifted Clint in so many ways. He had a pastor’s heart and was a talented church planter with a passion for reaching people for Christ. He loved what we do here at NAMB and poured his heart and life into it. We miss him already and he leaves a void that can’t be filled.

As we pray for and encourage Clint’s family and closest friends, let’s all take care of each other as we walk through the grief and shock of this moment. Nothing can prepare you for news like this, but we have a Savior who will carry us and sustain us in the days ahead.

We will be communicating more information with you soon. 

Serving Together,

Kevin Ezell 

---

PUBLISHED JANUARY 13, 2023

DONNIE TRAVIS is doing well following successful surgery Thursday. Yesterday, he got to go home for more recovery. Please pray for him and his family.

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

January 13 – Matthew 12:5-13, Mark 2:1-5, and Luke 6: 6-11

When I am opposed for doing good, I . . . .

January 14 – Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25

A storm that I need Jesus to quiet is , , , ,

HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY THAT I AM A BELIEVER AND SUPPORTER OF OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD? HaHa!

This week David and I have shopped for items we need and worked at the church to be organized and prepared for our next workday, which is Feb. 4th. We have more to do, but are excited and enthusiastic to do this work.

Yesterday, we purchased our first SPOONS for the year. We purchased all they had, 12, but will need 400. If you have a little extra time, check for them as you shop. We can use both teaspoons and tablespoons. The usual cost is 3/$1.00 or 4/$1.00.

PREPARE for SUNDAY’S MESSAGES

A.M. – “Obedience is Not Optional” – John 14:15

P.M. – “Reward?’ – 2 Samuel 4

Get involved in missions and other activities at your church.

Anna Lee

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland.

~Isaiah 43:19~

SICKNESS

Pray for Donnie Travis of Arcola as he recovers from neck surgery.

The flu, head colds, etc. seem to be making their way around this area again. Be careful not to pass these problems on to others, especially those with a weakened immune system or advanced age. Do what you can to help those who are sick, but try to keep your distance.

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

Jan. 13

Matthew 8: 5-13; Luke 7: 1-10

“The person who has the greatest healing influence in my life is . . . . “

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for those who are sick. The weather change we are moving into may make it more difficult/slower to return to good health.

OCC

Thanks to those who brought items for OCC Wednesday night. Thanks for your support.

“See” you tomorrow.

Anna Lee

 He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear the LORD

and put their trust in him.

~Psalm 40:3~

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

January 12 – Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10

The person who has had the greatest healing in my life is . . . .

Today’s Prayer Focus

Today is a good day to focus our thoughts and prayers on those who are homebound. Winter is especially difficult for many of them as they try to stay warm and healthy. I believe a short visit with or without something special like a lunch your purchased or prepared yourself, a plant, some vegetables from your garden, etc. will mean a lot to then. Something I was reminded of this morning is getting help with changing of light bulbs or the air conditioner filter, etc. when David was sick. Pray for these people and their needs – food, household help, transportation, heat, yard work, etc. What can/will you do for someone today?

SUNDAY’S SERMONS

Morning – “Obedience is Not Optional” – John 14:15

Evening – “REWARD” – 2 Samuel 4

YOUR PRAYER JOURNAL

Update the list of names and concerns you have in your prayer journal. Pray for the current needs.

Anna Lee

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desire to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

Jan. 11 – Matt. 14:22-33; Mark 6: 45-52

Had Jesus invited me to join Him on the water, I would have . . . .

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, I will focus my prayers on people who are lonely. I will pray for those who live alone and/or those who cannot/do not get out to be among people very often. Loneliness comes in two form, but both have the same results. Today, when we pray for lonely people, let’s pray for God to direct us to be a better friend and/or neighbor to them.

“WHY ARE WE TROUBLED ?”

That’s the topic for tonight’s prayer meeting at FBC, Kentwood. Read Romans 5: 1-5 for a background to this message. Prayer meeting is at 6 P.M. and meets in the sanctuary. Classes for nursery age, children, and youth will also be happening at the same time. Of course, they will have their own lesson topics.

UPDATE YOUR PRAYER JOURNAL

Assuming you keep a daily prayer journal, I suggest you periodically update it. This will often lead you to a time of thankfulness as you focus on how God has answered many of your prayers.

Anna Lee