READ THE BIBLE TODAY
BAPTIST PRESS
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY
Today, let’s focus on praying for our community and those in our community who are lost and do not have God as their guide for daily living.
Anna Lee
OBITUARY
April 6, 1951 – January 28, 2023
Brenda Kay “Nana” Harrison, 71, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 28, 2023. Born to Betty Jean Willis and Leonard Eskle Moore on April 6, 1951, in Monroe, Louisiana. Since 1996, after her husband died, she moved to Kentwood, Louisiana, where she devoted her life to raising her two young sons. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She is preceded in death by her parents, Betty Jean & Leonard Moore, her husband, Richard Houston Harrison, her granddaughter, Eleanor Marie Harrison and brother, Leslie H. Moore. She is survived by her children, Jason Harrison and Josh Harrison (Julie Vanderlick). She was proud of her grandchildren, Tucker Harrison, Flynn Harrison and John Paul Harrison, whom she loved spending time with. She is also survived by her brother, Leonard “Lenny” Moore, Linda Campbell, and Nancy Cason. She is also survived by her longtime companion, Tony Picoula. A memorial service will be held at Tangipahoa Baptist Church, 40 Highway 440, Kentwood, Louisiana, 70444, on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. until service at noon, followed by a reception at the church.McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I somehow failed to include this obituary last week. My apologies to you and to the family.
PRAYER NEEDS
I hope you have realized how important I think it is to have your own “prayer list”. Use your list to pray today. It is always more personal than my list.
READ the BIBLE
*February 6
*John 20: 1-10
*”For me to live without faith in the resurrection would mean . . . .”
PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s pray for those who live daily lives without an assurance of a home in Heaven for their long-term future.
BAPTIST PRESS
I suggest you read about Caylee Dugger. Then, you’ll want to pray for her ministry to live on.
OCC UPDATE
Thanks to James Rimes for an update and another unique, encouraging message about OCC.
THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER’S HAND
This is shared in tribute to the testimony given by Gerald Griffith yesterday morning at FBC, Kentwood. (If you missed it, here is a link – https://www.facebook.com/KentwoodFirstBaptistChurch/videos/608443194824494.)
First, the poem – https://barbados.org/poetry/masters.htm
Now, the song – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYgAsSyIibY
Rev. Dennis Walker is the vocalist who introduced me to this meaningful song. Maybe, I’ll get to hear Dennis sing it again one day.
If your life has been touched by the Master’s Hand, your life will be changed. If He has touched your life, live it to the fullest for the Master.
Anna Lee
REQUEST
Please pray for these friends who also served in Brazil while our daughter served in there. They are retired now, but still serve for short assignments when needed.
Please pray for us as we leave early Monday morning, February 6th, on a small mission plane to go to a town named Jacareacanga. We will be there through Friday, February 10th translating for a theological training course for pastors, mostly from the Munduruku people group. Pray for safety, good health, clarity of mind and speech and for open hearts. We’re not sure where we’ll be sleeping – whether on mattresses in the church, hammocks, someone’s home, but we thank God for the opportunity to be part of what He’s doing in that area.
READ THE BIBLE
February 5
Matthew 28: 1-15
“My life testifies in Jesus’ resurrection because people can see . . . .”
OCC WORKDAY
What a great day! God sent lots of willing and hard workers. We accomplished everything we hoped to get done, got everything back in our storeroom, and got the fellowship hall arranged for the next event. Thanks to those who chose to spend their Saturday morning working in God’s House. Yesterday, we removed packaging, packed pencil bags, and filled 400 folders in preparation for the next step in the process.
God sent us diligent workers. The most common question to me yesterday was “What do you want me to do next?” Our church is blessed with great people who can picture “Shoeboxes” arriving in the hands of boys and girls all around the world.
Prayer Focus Today
Let’s focus on the testimony of our life as others see us. We all need some improvement. Let’s begin today to make the changes that God would approve of.
A missionary serving in Romania shared this today. It was written by Kathy Lockwood.
The Six Traits of an Inspirational Leader
Have a great Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee
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READ THE BIBLE TODAY
PRAYER FOCUS TODAY – OCC WORKDAY TODAY
The fellowship hall is filled with items that need some prep work done – tags cut, refolding, sorting, bagging, etc. The work is not hard, but many hands can get it done in a short time. That’s our goal today. We are ready and looking forward to a morning of taking care of those needs, sharing snacks, visiting with friends, meeting new friends, etc.
Our workdays are such fun and very productive. Best of all, we get lots of items ready for packing at a later date. David and I look forward to a great morning as we share this time and prepare the items for shipment to boys and girls around the world. We covet your prayers for a great WORKDAY for each person who comes. May God be glorified! May you be blessed by praying and/or attending.
OBITUARY
October 15, 1948 – February 2, 2023
We are sad to announce the passing of Jerry Gene Addison of Amite, LA on February 2, 2023. He passed away at his home in Amite, LA on Bell Rd.
He is survived by his sister, Sandra Addison; brother, Donald Addison and wife Janice both of Amite, LA; sisters-in-law, Linda Addison and Brenda Addison; also survived by numerous nieces and a nephew who loved him very much. Also a special neighbor, Ms. Audrey Lanier.
Preceded in death by his parents, Herbert S. Addison, Sr. and Josephine Willie Addison; brothers, Wayne Addison and Herbert S. Addison, Jr.
He retired from Hood Super Shell as the manger. After retirement he spent all his time in his garden, growing an abundance of vegetables. He will be missed.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00 PM on Monday, February 6, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Eric Latham. Interment Lee Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Please pray for this family.
LOOKING AHEAD
Bro. Darryl’s messages at FBC, Kentwood tomorrow:
A.M. – “Heaven Will be Heavenly” – Rev. 2: 1-4
P.M. – “Dancing for the Lord” – 2 Samuel 6
Please join us in person or online if you are not attending another church. We would love too have you worship with us.
Anna Lee
READ the BIBLE TODAY
*Matthew 26: 57 – 27: 31
*John 18:12 – 19:16
*The last time I defended my faith was . . . . “
PRAYER FOCUS – VBS 2023
It’s not too early to begin praying for Vacation Bible School. There will be a brief meeting in the fellowship hall following morning worship Sunday. Pray about how you will participate in/support VBS this year at FBC, Kentwood.
SENION ADULT LUNCHEON
*Wednesday, February 15
*Middendorf’s
*Bus leaves church at 10:15
*Sign-up at church
MISSIONS – OCC WORKDAY
*Help prepare items for “Shoeboxes”
*Tomorrow in the Fellowship Hall
*9 :00 A.M.
*School age children – Senior adults
*Bring a snack to share and Something to pack
(Pencils, Soap, Washcloths, Solar Calculators, etc.)
*Help a child work, meet people, learn about OCC, etc.
Be an encourager today!
Anna Lee
ILLNESS
When I was working on “shoeboxes” earlier this week, the secretary told me a visitor in the office requested prayer for Gerald Hyde. I forgot to add him to TPL. We were told he was hospitalized. I don’t know where or if he is still there. Hopefully, someone will inform me today. (HINT! HINT) Please pray for Gerald, his family, and his friends.
LONG TERM ILLNESSES T
Today, I want to list some additional homebound people who are sick.
Kay Simpson
Bobby and Betty Simpson
Elton ShawE
Mickey CadeRM
Andy and Betty Taylor (Andy is scheduled to go home Monday.)HOMEBOUND
OBITUARY
1947 – 2023
iane Hymel Butscher, 75, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at her home on January 26, 2023. She was born on July 25, 1947, to Emile and Mickey LeBourgeois Hymel.
Diane was a graduate of Hammond High School and Southeastern Louisiana University where she received her bachelor’s degree in education. She spent her life giving to others as an educator, mentor, friend, wife, mother, and grandmother.
Osyka, Mississippi held a special place in her heart and was also where she raised her children and spent her life with her husband, W.A. Butscher, Jr. Her Kentwood High family was also a special part of her life.
She is survived by one brother, Larry Hymel, and one sister Cheryl (Mike) Rogers; her daughters, Yvette (Damon) Smith and Laurie (Mike) Diaz; her five grandchildren, Cassidy Smith, Kyndall Smith, Gabriel Diaz, Kathryn Diaz, Grace Garcia and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband William Butscher, Jr. of Osyka and her parents Emile and Mickey Hymel. She touched more lives than she knew and left a legacy of love. She will be missed by all.
A private memorial will be held for family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause dear to her and her family.
OCC WORKDAY SATURDAY
Our workshop begins at 9:00 in the Kentwood FBC fellowship hall.
You will be preparing items for the shoeboxes which will be packed in a few months.
Adults and school age children are invited to come help.
Please bring a snack to share and some items for the shoeboxes (ink pens, pencils, solar calculators. washcloths, or bar soap)
FEBRUARY SERMONS and BIBLE PASSAGES
Sunday, February 5
Morning – “Heaven Will be Heavenly” – Rev. 21: 4
Evening – “Dancing for the Lord” – 2 Sam. 6
READING SCRIPTURE DAILY
February 2
*Matthew 26: 31-35, 69-75
*Luke 22:54-62
*I hesitate to confess my sin when . . . .
Anna Lee
HOSPITAL
Beth Brabham sent me a message about her mother, Mrs. Mildred Birch. The update is that she doesn’t have diverticulitis, but colitis. Her clear liquid diet is changing to a liquid diet. She was feeling better yesterday.
OBITUARY
April 30, 1937 – January 30, 2023
A resident of Franklinton, LA, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023 at her home. She was born April 30, 1937 in Amite, LA and was 85 years of age. She is survived by her 1 daughter, Toni Hobgood and husband, Keith; 1 son, Patrick Campo; 2 grandchildren, Alan Hobgood and Mark Hobgood; 3 great-grandchildren, Levi Hobgood, Ryder Hobgood, and Addisyn Hobgood. Preceded in death by her father, Anthony V. Cefalu; mother, Myrtis Wales Cefalu; brother, Vincent James Cefalu. Graveside Services will be held at Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite, LA at 2:00PM, Wednesday, February 1, 2023. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
READ the BIBLE
February 1
Mark 14: 32-52
Luke 22: 39-53
A Gethsemane experience I have had was . . . .
BAPTIST PRESS
http://www.baptistmessage.com/
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD UPDATES
If you are able and available, we will be moving tables and chairs about 5:30 tonight in the Fellowship Hall in preparation for Saturday’s workday at 9 A.M.
OCC has a donor in Hammond. Yesterday, she delivered a bag of items she found listed on TPL. Thanks, friend.
The Bank Sunday School Class gave a donation this week. Wanda Smith, our online shopper, was able to order underwear for almost half of the Shoeboxes. Thanksthe , Bank Class and Wanda.
Sunday, James Rimes will give an update on our progress and the OCC team members will visit SS classrooms.
Mrs. Laurie Miller took her class of young children on a field trip Sunday. They delivered “Stickers” to the collection basket in the Sanctuary. What a great idea! Children, we appreciate you and your donation. Teacher, we appreciate your idea.
Isn’t if great to be involved in a mission project that takes the name of Jesus to many children all around the world every year?
Thankful,
Anna Lee
HOSPITAL
Mrs. Mildred Birch is in the hospital in Greensburg for a few days. Her doctor thinks she has diverticulitis and is treating that. Please be in prayer for her and her family as well as the medical staff treating her.
RECENT DEATH
DIANE BUTSCHER RYAN , formerly a resident of Osyka and a long time teacher at KHS, passed away last week. I have not found an obituary, so if any of you locate one, please send me the link.
READ SCRIPTURE TODAY
Matthew 26: 17-30
Luke 22: 7-38
Had I heard Jesus’ words, I would have . . . .
PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s pray for the flood situations in our area because of the recent rain. I traveled east of town both Sunday and Monday and was surprised with the amount of water on the lower areas of land. Pray for this area as we will continue to have rain this week. Pray the Tangipahoa River basin and other river basins in southeast Louisiana will be able to contain the water.
Have a wonderful day.
Anna Lee
Today, I’m asking you to pray for the following people:
Mr. George Eddie Lee and Mrs. Alice Fay Lee
Mrs.. Velma Anthony
Andy and Betty Taylor
Nathan Daniels
Those facing important medical testing
Prayer Focus Today
Today, I ask you to pray for Sunday School teachers and those who lead various other classes and activities at church. As you pray, also thank God for their willingness to be in attendance weekly, giving time to prepare lessons, and for loving those in their class and activity.
I clearly remember a conversation about the offering when I was a child at church in Roseland. Up until that day, I believed the preacher and all the teachers got to divide the offering evenly each week! That is the day I learned about the dedication of teachers (and others) at church, and the word “volunteer”!
READ the BIBLE
Matthew 26: 1-16
Mark 14: 1-11
I feel like I one betrayed Jesus by . . . .
OCC WORKSHOP
Our monthly workshop will be Saturday at 9:00. in the fellowship hall.
This is planned for school-age children all the way up to adults. Children and youth will get to select a reward for helping. Adults (and children) will be rewarded by visiting each other and by visiting our “treat” table!
Come and help prepare items for the “Shoeboxes. There are various jobs to do at various levels of difficulty. Many tasks are as easy as cutting off tags or applying stickers over prices that are printed on some items. If you don’t like the activity you have, try another one! It can’t be much easier than that! Remember: Each item you work on will be placed in a “Shoebox” in a few months. Then, you can be a part of doing that too!
Special thanks to four ladies and one man who did additional work at home during the month or helped at the church with tasks such as counting for our inventory. Thank to the man who helped David move same tables before Sunday School yesterday. OCC Volunteers, your work is greatly appreciated!
Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions
Thank-you to those who have contributed to this offering. If you have not done so, it is never too late. Be sure to mark your envelope “Lottie Moon”.
The “Fifth Sunday Singing” last night was very well attended. There was variety in singing and performers from several churches. David and I surely enjoyed seeing friends from at least five churches. I must also say there was a big variety of soups and desserts last night and that the kitchen crew was very helpful as they served! Two more groups of people need to be mentioned, The sound and stage crew and those who moved tables and chairs both before and after the meal. Remember what I said about the word “volunteers” earlier. Those people are vital in our churches.
Another Thank You
Thank-you to those who again identified themselves as readers of The Prayer Link. It is so special and encouraging to know who reads daily. Without you, I would not be sitting here and doing this early each morning. Thank-you!
PRAYERS
I hope you have found some people/events to pray for today. It’s all about prayers! It’s all about those who pray! Be sure to remember some volunteers.
Anna Lee
READ THE BIBLE TODAY
Matthew 21: 1-17
Luke 19: 28-48
Jesus’ tears in His triumph show me . . . .
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
Let’s spend some time today praying for those who take what is not theirs .
OCC THANKFULNESS
Today, I am thankful for a husband who went to a wake yesterday and did OCC shopping on his way home. He made some good purchases. We also were able to purchase a number of items earlier in the week. I am also thankful I had some time alone to group, organize, and write instructions for purchases we will be working with Saturday morning, our monthly workday.
I’m also thankful to a ladies’ class that has turned in a big box of sewing kits. They did a great job collecting money and letting one member do the shopping this month.
I’m thankful for a lady who turned in some purchases for OCC and also took on the big task of dividing many packages of filler paper so it will fit in folders.
I’m also thankful for a couple who worked with us one afternoon this week. We were able to get more done because of their help.
PERSONAL PRAYER LISTS
I want to encourage you to have a personal prayer list so you can pray daily. Having one and praying from it is a wonderful habit to have. This can be as simple as a stack of paper you fold or staple together or an old composition book that has unused pages. My current one is a medium size composition book of graph paper that I purchased in Romania. I started using it last month when I filled my last notebook.
Have a meaningful Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee
The Prayer Link 
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