Please pray for theLeBlanc familyas they try to find the best treatment for Linda’s heart problem at the Mayo Clinic. Yesterday, the doctors offered a possible oral medication rather than a difficult surgery. They are awaiting reports on whether or not this will be best for her. Your prayers are welcome for Jim, Linda, and Stewart, as well as other family members back at home.
My latest update is than I am out of the wheelchair and the two big, black boots. I have been to physical therapy four times, but have more than that ahead. Last night, for the first time in a long time, my feet and/or legs did not hurt. Pray with me that will continue and allow me to get more rest. I am using a walker and look forward to leaving it parked again.
OCC Workday – Our plans for Saturday include packing our first 100 boxes. We will pack the others on future workdays. Shopping continues for coloring books, spoons, calculators, crayons, jump ropes, etc. Thanks to all who have helped by providing items we need to fill the boxes. Please be in prayer for the children who will receive the boxes in the coming months.
Today, our prayer focus will be on NEW teachers. First year teachers have so much to learn about their school, curriculum, and students. All the rules and guidelines will be new to them. Pray for less anxiety and more confidence as the days roll by.
Today begins another week of medical appointments, tests, etc. Please pray for those you know about and do something to give them assistance, comfort, or assurance.
Another group of people who need special prayers are children who will begin school for the first time, students who are changing schools, and students who are seniors and who will be facing decisions about their future.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Elizabeth Gail Pittman-McDaniel, age 77, died at 5:30A.M. Thursday, July 28, 2022 at home in Kentwood. She was a graduate of Franklinton High School. She also obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond in education. She was an elementary teacher at Spring Creek and also taught two years at Southeastern. She served as School Board member for several years. She was a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church where she was actively involved, especially with music. Gail was also a lover of nature and her flowers where she spent many hours after retirement. Gail is survived by her husband of 14 years, Larry McDaniel, and children: Brandon W. Pittman and wife Julia and son Poete of Kentwood; Nicholas G. Pittman and wife Nicole and Elise and Russell of Lafayette; her step-children, Kristin and Eric Latham and daughters, Madison and Lakyn of Kentwood; and David and Tori McDaniel and children, Anslee, Austin, Alaina, Madison, and Collin of Kentwood; and her sister Sharron and husband Charley Creel and children Belinda, Stacy, and David of Baton Rouge; sister-in-law, Carol Jean and Fernie Ray Gill and children, Steve Gill, Sonya McCoy, and Keith Gill and Linda and Harold Fussell and children; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Mode Brock and her mother, Linnie Duetta Brock Walker; and husband, Russell Douglas Pittman, and son Russell “Rusty” Pittman, Jr. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 with the Revs. Eric Latham, Bill Bolton, Austin McDaniel, and Matthew Gazaway officiating. Interment will follow in Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek. Pallbearers are David Creel, Poete Pittman, Kelvin McDaniel, Terry Benoit, Denny Strickland, and Jimmy Strickland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Spring Creek Baptist Youth/Children’s Fund. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Karl L. Alford, Jr.
September 8, 1956 – July 29, 2022
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born September 8, 1956 in Independence, LA and was 65 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Samantha Alford Patterson; 3 grandchildren, Cory Patterson, Lacy Patterson, and Karly Brandon; brother, Conley Wayne Alford and wife, Cara; niece, Caitlyn Michelle Alford; 2 nephews, Ryan Pierson and Brian Pierson. Preceded in death by parents, Karl L. Alford, Sr. and Mattie Irene McDaniel Alford. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. Services conducted by Bro. Ben Wayne Blackwell. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
The verse at the top remind us to keep working for God. Reread the verse. Think about what He expects of you. Use your talents, skills, and time wisely.
Today, we begin a series of Scriptures on service.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Yesterday was a good workday. We enjoyed our helper, Caiden Frazier. She was great help and good company.
Pray for individuals to see the benefits for children and their families when “Shoeboxes” are delivered. Pray for them to pray for how they might help.
COMING SOON!
Fall Food Roundup for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home
Today’s Prayer Focus – Parents
Pray for parents as their children begin a new school year.
Pray for support and encouragement for each child in all they do at school.
Frances Strickland passed away. I have no other information. I enjoyed knowing her for a number of years while she attended FBC, Kentwood. Visiting her and her sister at their home was always special.
Everyone who has had surgery lately, including a number of people who have had knee surgery. seems to be doing well. Most of these people are senior adults. Pray for each one as they go through the surgery and extended recovery periods. Being older adds some extra time to recovery.
My orthopedist recommended physical therapy Tuesday morning. I have have therapy Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning. I also traded the wheel chair for a walker. What a difference! I’ve found myself going to be early the last two nights. Please continue to pray for me as I heal.
I took a few minutes to check our the work in our church in the area that previously housed the church office. Members of the church are transforming that area to a space that will house the nursery and children’s church, or junior church, the terminology I still use from my previous experiences about fifty years ago. What a blessing to have men with the skills and desire to help.
A resident of Baton Rouge passed away on Monday, July 25, 2022 at Baton Rouge General Medical Center on Bluebonnet. She was born December 15, 1929 in Ciego de Avila, Camagüey, Cuba and was 92 years of age. In 1969, she left her country of birth with her husband and children to give her family freedom and a better life. She is survived by 3 children, Antonio Rey “Tony” Gonzalez and wife, Nilda, Baton Rouge, Ramon Gonzalez and Tania, Baton Rouge, Maria A. Gonzalez Migueltorena and husband, Renato, Palm Harbor, FL; 5 grandchildren, Anthony Luis Gonzalez, Luis Tomas Gonzalez and wife, Kristin, Renato Migueltorena, Jr. and wife, Tracy, Mary Alyse Gonzalez-Washburn and husband, Terronson “Tee”, Elizabeth Frances Gonzalez; 4 great-grandchildren, Juliana Rey Gonzalez, Sofia Rey Gonzalez, Avalyn Rey Gonzalez; and Emmarie Rey Gonzalez; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband, Antonio “Quitin” Luis Gonzalez; parents, Francisco Mora and Carmen Luisa Lima Mora; brothers and sisters, Francisco Mora, Raquel Mora, Mila Mora, Lazaro Mora and Armando Mora. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until 10:30a.m. on Monday, August 1, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 11a.m. on Monday. Services conducted by Fr. Juan Bautista. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Updates
Melissa Simpson Stutzman – Melissa received a “no cancer” report and is now back at home with her family
Me – I had my third set of x-rays. The bones in my foot and leg are in the correct location. The orthopedist said to use the walker, not the wheelchair. He also ordered four weeks of three times a week of physical therapy. I was able to get in my first day of physical therapy yesterday. I go back today.
Pray for me as I walk on the walking chair runner shaped shoe bottoms. I’m thankful to have made some progress.
READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY
July 27 – James 5: 15-20
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for those in the school system making final decisions about the beginning of the school year. Students will be reporting to classes soon.
Melissa Simpson Stulzman has a tumor and will be having surgery in Baton Rouge at 8:30. Your prayers will be appreciated.
Betty Simpson saw me waiting in the car at the grocery store and came over for a visit. She is wearing a short boot for a foot problem she has. Add her to your prayer list.
I will see the orthopedist in Hammond this morning and get his decision on removing the boots I have been wearing. I’ll let you know.
Deloy Hodges
January 19, 1958 – July 24, 2022
A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at his home. He was born January 19, 1958 in Clinton, LA and was 64 years of age. He is survived by his 3 sisters, Sue Knight and husband, Dennis, Jennifer Biggs, and Patty Burrows; 1 brother, Jody Hodges; 1 nephew, David Knight and wife Diedra; 2 nieces, Cindy Edwards and husband, Ricky and Kelli Garrett and husband, Brian; 6 great-nieces; 3 great-great nephews; 1 great-great niece. Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Janet Hodges; brother-in-law, John Burrows. Visitation at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday, and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, July 28, 2022. Services conducted by Bro. Tony Cooksey and Lindale Greer. Interment Pleasant Hill Baptist Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Doris Griffin Sanders
April 10, 1952 – July 23, 2022
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born April 10, 1952 in Quitman, MS and was 70 years of age. Doris was a Veteran of the US Army, very active in the American Legion having held offices of Post 264 commands and 6th District Vice Commander. She was along with her husband, a founding member of Liverpool Riding Club. Doris had worked as State Corrections Officer, St. Helena Parish Hospital Security guard and St. Helena Sheriff Office dispatcher. She is survived by her stepson, Pat Sanders and wife Jeana; step-grandchild, Chauntel Snoddy and husband, Nathan; special friends, Mary Ann Hollingsworth, Leisa Ballard, and Marie Coon. Preceded in death by her husband, Clovis W. Sanders; parents, Wiley and Ethel Griffin. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. Services conducted by Bro. Raymond Taylor. Interment Red Bluff Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
The children and adults are home with lots of memories of their camp experience. What a great time they had!
Thanks to two adults who went and shared pictures daily..
TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s pray for the adults who work in the central offices. Pray for them as they make many decisions that affect students all over the parishes each day. Also, pray for those in state offices as they too impact each school, each teacher, and each student.
PRAY FOR THE SICK
There are many sick at home who will be seeking care from doctors this week and others who are trying to care for themselves at home. Making decisions can be so difficult when in need of medical care. Pray for the sick as they make decisions this week.
FIFTH SUNDAY SINGINGS
Several churches will be having “Fifth Sunday Singings” this week. At FBC, Kentwood, we will have a special group in to sing followed by an ice cream fellowship. The singing will begin at 6 P.M. You are invited to join us.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Thanks to the lady who gave David some money yesterday. Your donation will be used to purchase coloring books. Saturday, David counted the coloring books we have at this point and found that we are short about a hundred fifty. The donation given yesterday will be the start of getting these coloring books. We hope to have a coloring book in each box. Thanks for your help.
PERSONAL PRAYER LISTS
I have been encouraging you to keep a list of names in a special place. These are names of people I include here, the names your hear at church and in the community, and the names that are near to your heart and not always known to others.
I remember the first personal prayer list I ever saw. I was impressed and could only think about what a special prayer life that person had and how many people were blessed because of her prayers. I hope you will begin your own book and update it daily.
The children who are at church camp at Tall Timbers have completed day two. They have been very busy. I appreciate the pictures being posted by the adults.
READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY
July 24 – 2 Timothy 4: 3-5
3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Today, let’s pray for the principals of all the area schools. They carry a tremendous responsibility daily! Pray each one will be able to do a good job dealing with students, teachers, parents, etc.
Ideally, you will be able to attend church with other Christians. If you are unable to do so, the next best thing is to attend worship online. People have many different reasons for choosing online worship, but it if fits their needs, be thankful for them and their desire to worship God. FBC, Kentwood will be online at 10:30 this morning. Be sure to look for FBC, Kentwood, LA, If you cannot watch at 10:30, services will be available for you to enjoy later.
Please continue to pray for those on your prayer list.
The Prayer Link 
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