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.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective

~James 5:16~

MRS. LAURIE MILLER

Mrs. Laurie Miller’s back surgery went well yesterday. Pray for her as she makes progress through her time in the hospital and rehabilitation before coming home.. Her date of return to Kentwood has not been determined.

DWAYNE CREEL

Dwayne has been having heart procedures and has had some testing yesterday. Even though I forgot to mention him yesterday, please pray today.

NIKKI AND WENDELL RHODUS

Their new baby girl will arrive today!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR ….

• Carol Jen Conerly
• Tommy Simmons
• Robert Ricks
• Gerald Hyde
• Velma Anthony
• “Cete” Dillon – hand surgery tomorrow in Flowood, MS
• Bobby and Faye Raborn
• George Eddie and Alice Fay Lee
• Bryan and Rita Tate
• Ruby Dillon
• Micky Cade

Carol Jean Conerly

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

VBS at FBC, Kentwood will be June 5-9. Please pray as final plans are being made. Also, pray for the boys and girls who will begin their summer in our VBS.

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• April 19
• I Kings: 8: 12-61
• “I am most prayerful when . . . . “

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, I ask for prayer for those in the early stage of medical issues. These people and their families are often unsure of the ways the patient’s life may be. changed and of the way their responsibilities will change. Pray for them as they see answers and adjust to a new style of live due to the current issue.

Enjoy the ever changing spring weather we are having. The hot days are ahead!

Anna Lee

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,  rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

~Colossians 2:6-7~

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• April 18
• Exodus 12: 9-32
• Exodus 33: 12-23
• “The person I would like to pray for me is . . . .”

PROCEDURES/SURGERIES

Today, a number of people from our church and our town are having procedures/surgeries. Please be in a prayer for them.

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

It’s getting close to graduation day for many of our students – kindergarten, middle school, high school, trade school, business school, specialized schools, such has beauty schools or medical specialities, and colleges. Pray for all these students as they move on to additional schooling or the workforce. Pray for the many decisions they are making along the way.

PRAYER MEETING at FBC, KENTWOOD

• April 19
• “There is Still Hope”
• Romans 11

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES/LESSONS

Churches have Sunday School classes so everyone has an opportunity to learn more about the Bible. Churches have classes for people of all age groups which are taught by knowledgeable members with a passion for teaching as well as a lov for that particular age group. Contact a church or a church member you know to learn more about the Sunday School program of their church.

David and I both are involved in classes that use the series “Explore the Bible”, which is available in large print. Sunday’s lesson is “I Pray” and is based on John 17: 13-26. Join us if you are looking for an adult class. If you have children or grandchildren, we can guide you to appropriate classes or connect you with someone who can.

The Scripture at the top of this post tell us to be rooted and overflowing. I believe Schund School helps us to do just that as we study the Bible in depth, build relationships with others, and gives opportunities to reach out to others, Those are all good things! Also, be reminded, you can always try another class for a better “fit”!

Have a wonderful day as you seek ways to bless others.

Anna Lee

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

~Isaiah 1:18~

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• Monday, April 17
• Psalm 12
• Osalm 120
• “A time I was burdened in prayer was . . . .”

BUSY MEDICAL WEEK FOR THOSE WE KNOW

We know a number of people who have procedures/surgeries this week, especially tomorrow. Some of these people are:

*Laurie Miller

*Nikki Rhodus

*Carol Jean Conerly

*”Cete” Dillon

*Tommy Simmons

*Elaine Tolar Doucette

*Dwayne Creel

DEATH

W.A. Stringfield, formerly of Kentwood and the brother of Peggy S. Alford, passed away. Please be in prayer for the family.

SATURDAY’S STORM

I knew the weather was bad here just before noon on Saturday.. We had no damage, but knew the power was off in many homes. When we traveled Sunday morning, we saw a few trees down. Yesterday afternoon, we came home from Amite through the Kedron area. I saw a few trees down and one that had fallen on a house, but since we don’t frequently take those backroads, I still didn’t realize that was newly fallen trees. When we traveled home late yesterday afternoon, we rode on Bethel Road. Our eyes were opened to much damage in the area near and south of Bethel Baptist Church. Please be in prayer for all those who may be okay but have fallen trees. If you have an opportunity to help someone, even if it is only some bottles of cold water, please do so. Also, if you have no damage, be thankful.

Operation Christmas Child

The next OCC workday will be Saturday, May 6. We will be preparing “shoeboxes” and many items for shipping. There will be a variety of work to do, so there surely is something you can do. I hope to see you there.

The greatest needs for our shoeboxes now are:

$1.00 flashlights from Walmart

Size 12 underwear

Size 12 T-shirts

Small dolls (Barbie size or smaller)

Bandanas

VISITATION

What a blessing it is for the homebound to have someone to visit briefly with them. You (and I) can be the ones to do that.

It’s always best to call ahead of time to be sure they are home and up to company. It’s good if you can share some home cooking, books, church magazines or Sunday School books, or church bulletins. Be creative. They also enjoy items from the garden, fruit you pick, fresh flowers you pick, etc.

Those who are capable of visiting now may be the ones who wouldciate visit months or years later. Hopefully, someone will visit them at that time.

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today is a wonderful day to pray for our farmers. They work long hours and spend much of that time in heavy equipment. They also spend much time with crops and/or animals. Pray for their daily safety and a profitable year.

ANOTHER FAITHFUL READER

Yesterday, I saw a couple who live west of Amite. I remember her as a student from my teaching career, even though I did not teach her, and now her many years of teaching. I did not recognize her husband, but they gave me some hints about him being there in my early years of teaching. (We both have changed some!!!)

When we started to talk, he was quick to say he reads The Prayer Link and referred to my comment to please identify yourself to me as a reader. I was so surprised, but thankful, he told me of that. It was good talking to them!!!

My request stands. If you read here and see me somewhere, please identify yourself to me. I can now add your “picture” to my thoughts as I type each morning.

I appreciate all of you who read here each daily.

Anna Lee

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

~Romans 6:5~

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• Week 16 – “Hearts of Iron…Feet of Clay”
• April 16 – Genesis 18: 9-13
• “If I am a friend of God, when I pray, he ….”

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s pray for our family members, neighbors, co-workers, and friends to be in a church where God’s Word is taught and preached.

OCC WORKDAY

Mark your calendar for April 6th. We will meet in the fellowship hall again to prepare items for our Shoeboxes.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

If you do not attend Sunday School, check it out today. The teachers are there because they want to share God’s Word, not to get paid (like a believed as a child). There is wonderful Sunday School literature based on God’s Word for the weekly lessons. On top of that, they love people of the age their class focuses on. My teacher is awesome! I love to be a part of my class. There are many other classes with teachers who can be described that way. Give it a try.

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.

The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;

John 11:25

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

• Graveside service for Kim Nobels Forbes, sister of Sherry Cummings
• 10 A.M. on May 6, 2023
• Robert’s Cemetery, Osyka, MS
• Please pray for Sherry and other family members.

READ the BIBLE

• April 15
• Daniel 6
• Daniel 9: 1-19
• “If prayer were prohibited, I would . . . . “

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s focus our prayers on all our friends, neighbors, and relatives who had medical issue this week that caused them to see a doctor, N.P., or other medical personal. Pray their issues have been solved and they no longer have the issue that was bothering them.

PREPARATIONS

I remember my momma baking pies and/cakes and ironing dresses and Daddy’s shirt and pants for Sunday on Saturdays. I also remember my daddy polishing shoes for all five of us each Saturday. We were also reminded to sit and read our Sunday School lesson once we were old enough to do so. I wonder if we do enough to prepare for Sundays so we don’t get stressed trying to get to church.

Today is the day to prepare some of your food and/or clothing for Sunday and to study your lesson so you are prepared for Sunday School. It is also a good day to invite someone to church. Get busy with your Saturday responsibilities so you can get ready in the morning without extra things to do.

HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

Do some people say this to you? You are a big factor in how blessed you feel each day. Work to bless others. You will receive a blessing by doing so. “Have a blessed day!”

Say this to others. You are a blessing to them as you remind them of this.

“Have a blessed day!”

Anna Lee

God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.  Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Acts 2:32-33

READ SCRIPTURE TODAY

• April 14
  • Psalms 51: 69
  • Proverbs 28: 13
  • I need God daily to conquer. . . .”

LOUISIANA BAPTIST MESSAGE

http://www.baptistmessage.com/

SUNDAY’S SERMONS AND BIBLE PASSAGES

• MORNING – “The Wicked Will be Slain” – Ezekiel 9 & 12
• EVENING – “Judgement Fulfilled” – 2 Samuel 12: 15-23

PRAYER FOCUS

• Today, let’s pray we might be bold and use our opportunities to ask others it they attend church. If they do not have a church, let’s pray we will be bold for Jesus.

ILLNESSES

We have friends, neighbors, and co-workers who have illnesses and/or illnesses in their families. Today, I would like to add Robert Ricks who lives in the Russelltown community east of Arcola. He is fighting a battle with cancer. Robert and David have been friends since childhood. Robert will be returning to M.D. Anderson for a procedure on the 29th. Please add him to your prayer list. Thanks for praying for him.

BE BOLD TODAY! Speak up for Jesus!

Anna Lee

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

~1 Peter 1:3~

ILLNESS

Please continue to pray for Gerald Hyde, Mrs. Velma Anthony, Elaine Tolar Doucette, G.G. McElveen, Mrs. Mildred Birch, Rhonda Miller, our homebound senior adults, and others I may have left off.

UPCOMING PROCEDURES

Tommy Mapes, son of Andy and Betty Taylor – Cancer surgery

Carol Jean Conerly – “Watchman” installed next Tuesday

Tommy Simmons (Dianne) – Hospitalized in Baton Rouge General to build him up before additional chemo.

Laurie Miller ( Bro. Darrly) – Back surgery Tuesday in Baton Rouge

Nikki Rhodus (Br0. Wendell)- Baby girl will be born next week

DEATH

Peggy Alford’s brother, W.A. Stringfield, passed away yesterday. Please be in pray for all the family and others who were close to him.

READ SCRIPTURE

• Mark 1: 35-39
• Luke 6: 12-16
• Luke 22: 39-46
• “The best time for me to pray is . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, and in the coming days, is a good time to pray for those listed above and others on your personal prayer list. If you have others who may need prayers, please call the church office to have them added to the church’s list or send me a message to add them to TPL.

Have a wonderful Thursday. Show some love and concern for others. Spread the Good News!
Anna Lee