VBS is beginning in many churches today – some this morning and some this afternoon. Pray for each child and each worker in each church. Churches, thank you for your many efforts not to entertain children for a week, but to train them as God would have them to do. Churches, we appreciate each one of you.
Today, let’s focus on children’s ministers and workers, both paid and volunteers. Pray for them, especially during the busy summer season of the year.
As summer temperatures rise, let’s be aware of those without air conditioning or those who cannot afford to use it. May we be alert to needs and find ways to meet these needs.
Thank-you for praying for us last week. David is better and I am hoping to be better soon.
Margaret Allen Lawson Oliver was born May 28, 1932 in Mount Herman to the late Thomas W. Lawson and Gladys Christine Miller Lawson and died June 4, 2022 at 90 years of age.
Margaret “Sissy” was one of six children and grew up in the Line Creek area. She graduated from Kentwood High School. She married the late Huey Pierce Oliver on December 15, 1954 and moved to the East Fork community. They were blessed with two children, Sandra and Stevie. She made her career as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service in the town of Kentwood. She was a long-time employee of Kentwood and Amite stockyards. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, quilting, cooking, baking, doing puzzles, playing dominoes, reading books, watching Westerns and Turner Classic movies, playing the piano, and swinging on her front porch swing. She was an avid supporter in everything her family was involved in and loved her friends dearly. She was a member of Kentwood First Baptist Church and faithfully attended Sunday school each week.
She is survived by her beloved children, Sandra Blanchard and her husband Eddie and Stevie Oliver and his wife Sherri; her five adored grandchildren, Dusty Blanchard, Brandi Ray and husband Ashton, Brittany Holland and husband Drew, Kaitlyn Webb and husband Jared, and Lindsey Misita and husband Drew; her loving step-grandchildren Melissa Lee and DeeDee Glass and husband Jeff; her 10 cherished great-grandchildren, Eli Ray, Bella Kate Blanchard, Spencer Webb, Cohen Ray, Landry Holland, Cooper Webb, Oliver Ray, Miles Misita, Rafe Holland, and Meredith Misita; and her step-great and step-great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by two siblings, Tommy Lawson and wife Becky and Viola Smith and husband Paul, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings Virginia Lawson, Bobby Lawson, and Malcolm Lawson, and Melissa’s husband Eric Lee.
Visitation will take place Monday, June 6th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and Tuesday, June 7th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Kentwood with burial following at Woodland Cemetery in Kentwood.
Pallbearers will be William Lawson, Marty Lawson, Dusty Blanchard, Ashton Ray, Drew Holland, Jared Webb, and Drew Misita.
McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(It doesn’t seem like longer than a month ago that we sat together at church. She will be greatly missed at church.)
Dan J. Ebarb, Jr.
August 31, 1943 – June 3, 2022
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Friday, June 3, 2022 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born August 31, 1943 in Shreveport, LA and was 78 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Helen Ebarb; 2 step-daughters, Betty Hagan and Louise Brown; step-son, Edward Holden; 2 step-grandchildren, Daryl and Awyana Holden; 3 sisters, Laverne Bourgoyne, Linda Miller, and Margaret Sossaman (Bob); brother, Jimmy Ebarb (Frances). Preceded in death by his parents, Dan Ebarb, Sr. and Sallie Mae Ebarb; and sister, Carolyn Ebarb. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 1:00PM until religious services at 2:00PM on Monday, June 6, 2022. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(I didn’t know Dan, but I did know Carolyn.)
Norma Mae Smith Arnone
December 2, 1935 – June 4, 2022
Norma Mae Smith Arnone, of Amite, Louisiana, born December 02, 1935 in Bogalusa, LA, a strong, faithful, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, as well as many other titles, peacefully passed from this life on Saturday, June 4, 2022, to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She is survived by four daughters and one son, Debra Arnone, Amite, LA, Shirley Arnone Talley (Tommy), Hopehull, AL, Rose Arnone Booty, Amite, LA, Salvador Michael Arnone (Brenda), Osyka, MS, Kathy Arnone, Pumpkin Center, LA. She is survived by thirteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by six brothers, one sister and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Salvador Arnone, infant son, Norman Joseph Arnone, her parents, Norman H. Smith Sr. and Johnnie Mae Smith, sister Bertie Smith, brother Ronald Smith, infant brother, Louis Willie Smith and two infant great-great grandchildren. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Services conducted by Rev. J. B. Davis. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Our friend, Glenda W. Harrell, has been having eye issues, a torn retina. We have been so locked into our own world, we were unaware of her problems. She says she is doing well now.
My coughing is better this morning. I’m taking that as a good sign. (I may as well tell you this myself, since David is already telling on me. He woke me up to eat a sandwich yesterday. Then, I went to sleep again. I woke up later and checked the time on my phone. It was a little after five. I could hear David outside and see that it was daylight. When he came in, I made a comment about it being so light at that time. He thought a minute, then realized I thought I had slept all night, but was was only five in the afternoon, not morning!
VBS at FBC, Kentwood was great. I don’t have the statistics, but the verbal comments and the online program were good. If you missed the program and the live video, you can look it up on Facebook. FBC, Kentwood, 6-3-22.
There are other VBS opportunities this week. Check around for information.
The Monthly Missions for June will be “Toys for OCC”. Specific items we need are:
Play Dough (small size)
Coloring Books
Flashlight and an extra set of AAA batteries
Travel-size games
Checkers with “sheet of foldable plastic for the board”
Dominoes
Marbles
Etch-a Sketch
Etc.
We will appreciate all your donations for the 400 “Shoeboxes” we plan to pack. My signs for June are still here, but will hopefully be at church for Wednesday night.
Jules Tanksley is enjoying being at home. Pray she continues to do well. Visitors need to give her more time before stopping by.
Mrs. Shirley Dick is back with her daughter. Her physical therapy has ended. “Miss” Shirley will have home health and home physical therapy for a while. Please keep her in your prayers.
David is appreciative of people calling to check on him and bringing him smothered onions and potatoes. He is improving. He decided to share, not the onions and potatoes, but his sickness, with me.
Jules Tanksley is home and doing well. Keep praying for her during her follow-up days from her third heart surgery.
Margaret “Sissy” Oliver is still at her daughter’s home and on hospice.
George Eddie Lee is now in the Greensburg hospital, which is much more convenient for his family and friends.
Terry Day Smith
March 17, 1955 – May 31, 2022
A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born March 17, 1955 in Clinton, LA and was 67 years of age. He was a graduate of Greensburg High School and a member of Boilermakers Union Local #582. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patricia Cooper Smith; 2 children, Toler Day Smith, II (Cassandra) and Brittany Smith Wascom (Chris); 2 adopted children, Laura Bates (Timmy) and Bryan Anthony (Melissa); grandchildren, Remi and Bryson Wascom; adopted grandchild, Lance Bates (Kortnie); 3step-grandchildren, Alexis, Levi, and Hunter Wascom; 2 great-grandchildren, Kynlie and Cooper Bates; 2 step-great-grandchildren, Bayllor and Blaykli Wascom; brother, Charles Eugene Smith. Preceded in death by parents, Toler Day Smith and Bonnie Jean Carter Smith Hurst; brother, William Troy Smith. Visitation at Lighthouse Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, June 4, 2022. Services conducted by Rev. Clay Spinks. Interment Lighthouse Cemetery, Independence, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Bro. Darryl said the VBS attendance has really increased from Monday/Memorial Day! It certainly is wonderful to have lots of boys and girls to work with during VBS. It takes many youth and adults to make it all run smoothly. Thanks to all who are working this year. Thanks to all the parents, relatives, and caregivers who make sure the boys and girls are there daily.
Once VBS is completed, the summer will get busier with camps and other activities for children and youth. Contact Bro. Wendell for more information.
Remember, there will be no OCC workshop Saturday because David has been/is sick. Our plans now are to have the workday the following Saturday.
Pray for all the needs of your family, friends, and neighbors, not just health issues. Today, let’s pray for decision-making concerning schools, housing, jobs, relationships, church attendance., salvation, etc.
It begins at 8:30 in the sanctuary and ends at 11:30 in the sanctuary. If your children, grandchildren, or neighbors missed attending yesterday, get them there a little early this morning and get them registered. It’s not too late for them to get involved and learn a lot.
READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY
June 1 – Hebrews 10: 19-20
Sylvia Nell Williamson Davis
January 11, 1939 – May 30, 2022
On May 30, 2022, Sylvia Nell Williamson Davis was ushered to her eternal home by Heavenly hosts and met by a welcoming committee of family and friends gone on before her. Now, she is completely healed and restored.
Born January 11, 1939, Nell was one of the most caring, loving, tender-hearted souls you would meet. She had an innocent way of making us laugh and feel comfortable in her presence.
She was a devoted wife of nearly 65 years, mother, sister, friend, and hard worker. She was an accountant for the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry for many years.
Nell will be greatly missed. We all loved her so much!
She is survived by her husband, James E. Davis; 1 Daughter, Desiree Chamberlain; 1 Son, Perry Max Davis; 4 Sisters, Sarah Short, Maxine Pruitt, Judy Crouse, Geraldine Dean; 2 Brothers, John Williamson, Dennis Williamson; 5 Grandchildren, Adah Chamberlain, Davis Chamberlain, James Davis, Kristen Jacobs, Treva Bouquet; 3 Great-Grandchildren, Sam Jacobs, Maggie Jacobs, Norah Jacobs
She is preceded by her parents, Max and Lula Williamson; Brother, David Williamson.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, June 2, 2022. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Clifton ”Cliff” Gunderson
November 26, 1951 – May 30, 2022
A resident of Independence, Cliff went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 30, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 26, 1951 in New Orleans and was 70 years of age. Cliff was a loving, loyal & irreplaceable husband and father and his family meant the world to him. Through the years, he & his family spent every weekend in the dirt either motocross racing with son, Shawn, rodeoing with daughter, Danielle & spending time remodeling home & working in yard which he loved to do. Cliff & his beloved wife, Kim loved to travel to the mountains especially out west. He was an electrician by trade, but there was nothing he could not figure out how to fix or create. He has passed that trait on to his son & daughter. Danielle says “her daddy was her heart, her world and her everything and made her the strong, independent person she is”. Cliff’s family & friends will definitely miss him running to the rescue every time something breaks or they need help with anything. He was co-founder of Our Good Shepherd Ministries with his wife, Kim, and his heart, other than his family, was to serve those struggling to meet basic needs and serving them however he could. He has struggled physically for 32 years and even had a heart transplant 17 years ago, but he never let his physical limitations hold him back from serving the Lord & others & being the great father, husband & friend that he was. He was a faithful & compassionate servant. His also loved serving single moms by delivering & setting up furniture, providing household items, food & everything they needed. His reward for that was always the smiles on the children and mom’s faces. His love for Jesus & passion for sharing what the Lord had done in his life moved him to evangelize to anyone in his path. Cliff has touched the lives of so many people during his lifetime. He will be forever missed & always in our hearts. He may have lost his battle with lung cancer, but he has gained his place with his Lord and Savior in his forever home.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kim Robinson Gunderson; 2 children, Danielle Faith Gunderson & Shawn Michael Gunderson; sister, Jean Babin; & numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Rolf Ole Gunderson; mother, Vivian Anthony Strahan; infant, Christopher Michael Gunderson; & brother, Pete Stone.
Graveside service will be held at Antioch Cemetery, Tickfaw, LA at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 6, 2022. Services conducted by Pastor Jeff McKneely. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Our Good Shepherd Ministries at ourgoodshepherdministries.org
My number one helper is “Under the weather”, and not able to help me prepare for Saturday’s OCC workday, so we will postpone it for one week. It is now scheduled for Saturday, June 11th. I’m so sorry for this change, but hopefully we can “bounce back” and have and even better workday on the 11 th.
Let me give you a request David shared. We need many more flashlights and at least one extra set of batteries for each one. I usually purchase them at Walmart in the sporting goods section. He will be appreciative if we can have these by the 11th.
Thanks to all of you who have donated pajamas for foster children through the Moving Mountains Ministry. You are helping children at a time of turmoil and need in a young life. If you need to give pajamas later, that will not be a problem. I can get them to Ellen at any time.
OCC Workday Saturday – 9-12 in the fellowship hall.
Help needed this week. Please contact me if you can give a few hours to help prepare for Saturday.
READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY – “I Believe”
May 31 – Romans 5:10
Thank-you for praying for the many needs around us and all through our community today!
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved.
~Romans 10:9~
READ AND WRITE THE BIBLE – “I Believe”
May 30 – Psalm 103:17
But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
Little Jules Tanksley is doing well following her third heart surgery. Keep praying for good progress and good reports.
Please continue to pray for peace and comfort for Mrs. “Sissy” Oliver and her family.
Pray the the VBS leadership, children, and parents as they learn during VBS this week at FBC, Kentwood.
Pray for other churches as they conduct their VBS programs this summer.
Pray for Camp Crestridge (for girls and ike Ridgecrest is for boys in NC) and other camps that train our boys and girls so many think about living a Christian life. There are also a number of camps focused on missions. Boys and girls of various ages are trained each year in church camps across the country. Thank God for adults and older youth who give up summer time to work in and serve through all these camps.
Pray for these needs and others on your personal prayer list.
Thanks to a ladies’ Sunday School class for providing a number of toothbrushes for our shoeboxes.
Many of you have provided pajamas for a number of boys and girls as they are placed in foster homes. If you haven’t purchased some yet, it is not too late. I can always get them to Moving Mountains Ministry.
June will begin in two days. I’ll share our June Missions Ministry needs tomorrow.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion,
forGod loves a cheerful giver.
~2 CORINTHIANS 9: 7b -8~
William Jeff Rhodus
June 10, 1937 – May 27, 2022
William J. Rhodus, 84 years old born on June 10, 1937 to Wesley Rhodus and Susie McDaniel Rhodus. He was known and loved by many, he never met a stranger and called everyone “Friend”. William carried many titles,friend, son, brother, uncle, Daddy, Pawpaw but his most treasured title was O’Paw. William is survived by his 4 children, son, Jeff Rhodus and wife, Jolene, daughter, Julie Mizell and husbnd, Jeff(Whom he loved like a son), son, Lee Roy Varnado, daughter, Becky Varnado; son- in-law, Ricky Ballard; 9 grandchildren, Tommy Mizell and wife, Ana, Grace Mizell, Ethan Rhodus, and Shawn Walker and wife, Beth, Derrick Barber, Angelica Tarver Magee and husband, Nick, Joshua Ballard and wife, Mindy, Justin Ballard and wife, Jessica, and Hannah Ballard; 9 great-grandchildren, Emmie (MaeMae) Mizell, Lexton Mizell, Lexi Walker, Lizzy Walker, Walker Magee, Brianna Ballard, Jade Ballard, Holly Ballard and Gracie Ballard; brothers, Willie, Roy , Odis and Jimmy Dale; special brothers-in-law, Edward Phillips and wife, Anita and Patrick Phillips; special sister-in-law, Wendy Johnson and husband, Glenn; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by his wife, Bessie Elizabeth Rhodus the love of his life; first wife, Bonnie Marie Phillips; daughter, Elizabeth Ann Ballard; parents, Wesley and Susie Rhodus; sisters, Essie Bell Rainey and Clara Ann Rhodus; brother, Ernest Rhodus; special mother-in-law, Ola Mae Phillips; brother-in-law, Robert Rainey; sister-in-law, Reava Rhodus. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00PM on Tuesday, May 31, 202. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
READ AND WRITE THE BIBLE TODAY – “I Believe”
May 29 – Colossians 3:20
Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!
Morning Opportunities at FBC, Kentwood
9:15 – Sunday School (A class for everyone is available.)
10:30 – Morning Worship (Online services are available online.)
Yvonne Birch just called to say her sister, JoAnn Raborn Alford, passed away Wednesday. She had lived in Chesbrough for many years with her husband, Ronald. She was 84 years old and had recently been in an assisted living facility. There will be a graveside service at 2 P.M. today at the cemetery in Kentwood. You are welcome to attend the brief service.
The Prayer Link 
You must be logged in to post a comment.