“God has made us what we are.

In Christ Jesus,

God made us to do good works,

which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.”

~Ephesians 2:10 (NCV)~

I firmly believe in doing good works, but that doesn’t save us. God wants to save us from our sins and draw us to be His children. Good works alone will not get us to heaven.

Christmas reading for December 8 – Luke 8

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

EPHESIANS 5:15-6:24
COLOSSIANS 1:1-23

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions

Video – Day 7

https://www.imb.org/pray/week-of-prayer/day-8/

God uses missionaries to train new workers, so many more can be saved. That’s one purpose of all churches. Help missionaries all around the world by contributing to this offering.

Christmas Programs in our area churches continue. I hope you will be able to attend several. Ask any church member. They will be able to tell you about the Christmas events in their church.

Churches do many extra things at this time of the year. They come in the form of gift baskets, warm coats, Christmas meals, programs, school uniforms, school supplies, etc. May each one have eternal meaning in our lives and in the lives of others. May our “good works” continue all year long and impact many lives for Jesus!

Neva Spears Cureton

July 24, 1939 – December 06, 2021

Neva Spears Cureton, was born July 24, 1939 in Independence, LA to Howard C. Spears and Berta M. Spears. She passed on December 6, 2021 in Kentwood, LA at the age of 82. She worked at the U. S. Post Office in Tangipahoa where she also became Post Master and retired after 36 years of service. Along with working for the postal service, Neva ran a dairy. Neva married Robert J. Cureton but became a widow at a very young age. She was happiest when she was with her family and devoted her life to helping anyone in need. She had no children but leaves behind her siblings, Charlene Sterling, Ernest Spears (Ovelene), Audrey Dunham, Gloria Pierre, and Sherrie Thompson (Chuck); also including many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Cureton; parents, Howard and Berta Spears; 3 siblings, Edward Spears, Clyde Spears, and Sandra S. Forbes. The family would like to thank Community Care Hospice for their service, especially Neva’s hospice nurse Lyndy Varnado. We would like to give a special thanks to the caretakers, who where wonderful, Paulette Spears, Sherry Tanguis, Jessenda Tate, and Nicole Rizzo. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon. There will be an Eastern Star Service at 10:00AM. Interment will be in Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA. Pallbearers will be Kendell Ott, Jonathan Ott, David Spears, Steven Spears, Kirk Spears, Kerry Spears, Timmy Anthony, Mike Williams, Lil’ Dominick Calderone, III. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jeff Brumfield, Colby Curtis, Michael Spears, Michael Dugar, Hunter Perry, and Dominick Calderone, Jr. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Anna Lee

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you,

whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine,

you did for me.’

Matthew 25:40

Bessie Louise Hayden

November 16, 1939 – December 04, 2021

A resident of Kentwood, Bessie Louise Hayden passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Heritage Healthcare in Hammond. Bessie was born on November 16, 1939 in Foxworth, MS to Willis and Verna Broome. She is survived by her 3 sons, Eddie Slaven, Billy Michael Slaven (Beth) and Willis Ray Slaven (Missy); one sister, Elizabeth Parker (Myron); sister-in-law, Sarah “Sissy” Broome; numerous grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; numerous great-great-grandchildren and friends. Preceded in death by her father and mother, Willis and Verna Broome; brother, Willie Broome; sister, Mary Strickland and husband J.W.; daughter, Kathy Jean Ables; 2 granddaughters, Becky Ables and Angel Slaven; grandson, Rambo Slaven; and an infant great-grandson. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 1:30PM until religious services at 3:00PM on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

“Miss” Bessie was a church friend and a member of a Bible study I taught. She always sat at the back of the church and enjoyed visiting with everyone who passed by. She had many “treasures” in her home and freely “shared” them with others. She traveled to church in her wheelchair, usually breaking the wheelchair speed limit! She probably had as many or more friends than most people living in Kentwood.

David’s mother was my original “Miss” Bessie. It put a smile in my heart ever time I said “Miss” Bessie.

Beatrice Bennett Cutrer

August 02, 1927 – December 04, 2021

Beatrice Bennett Cutrer, was born August 2, 1927 in Arcola, LA to Euell Hornsby Bennett and Mattie Ethel Dillon Bennett. She passed away Saturday, December 4, 2021 in Amite, LA at age 94. She was a longtime resident of Roseland, LA, a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Arcola, and she worked by caring for others at Hammond State School for many years. She was the devoted widow of Lawrence Cutrer. She was happiest gardening, cooking for her family, rocking and singing to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, and serving the Lord. She was loving mother of Linda Hines and husband, Leland, Jay Cutrer and wife, Cookie, Ray Cutrer and wife, Donna. The grandmother of Susan Simmons and husband, Chad, Shellie Lynn and husband, Evan, Ryan Schumacher and wife, Laura, Ronnie Noble and wife, Angela, Keith Sumrall and wife, Julia. The great grandmother to 13 and the great-great grandmother to 3. She was greatly loved and will be dearly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Diane Cutrer, and 12 siblings. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

“Miss” Beatrice was about my parent’s age. She knew me all my life and always called me by name when she talked with me and asked about my family. I saw her children at school and her family at church in Roseland. She lived a long life and long enough to have many descendants who loved her.

Jewel Yarborough Cutrer

March 22, 1948 – December 03, 2021

Previously posted.

 Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. Mike Stafford. Interment Osyka Cemetery, Osyka, MS.

I met Jewel Kay on the Kentwood-SLU school bus. She only rode on Friday afternoons (with her big bag of dirty clothes) and Monday mornings (with her clean laundry.) She made her presence known to all, but not usually associated with her laundry! After my family moved to Kentwood, I began to see her at the ballpark and other places. Her parents became good friends of ours.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 7th Readings
EPHESIANS 3:1-5:14

If you are reading the Book of Luke this month, you will be on chapter 7. It’s not too late to catch up if you are not current.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions

Day 7 – https://www.imb.org/pray/week-of-prayer/day-7/

It’s not too late.to stop by FBC, Kentwood to pick up some gift bags to fill for a Local child’s Christmas. You can check in the church office or pick them up Wednesday night in the sanctuary.

The Operation Christmas Child room is being reorganized for next year. We’ll begin our group work in January.

Remember the significance of December 7th in our nation’s history. Pray for our nation’s future.

Anna Lee

“From the very beginning God decided that those who came to him—

and all along he knew who would—

should become like his Son.”

~Romans 8:29 (TLB)~

James Rimes informed me that Mrs. Bessie Hayden passed away Saturday. She will be missed by many and all of them probably had a different special story about her. I’ll post her obituary tomorrow if it is available. Thanks James.

First Baptist Church was beautifully decorated yesterday. I’m sure other churches were too. Thanks to those who take the time to decorate for this special holiday season.

I told you yesterday that churches would begin their holiday services. We had out adult contada last night. It was very good. It was not live-streamed, but was scheduled to be posted after the service.. Next Sunday night, will have the children’s program.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 6th Readings
ACTS 28:1-31
EPHESIANS 1:1-2:22

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer for International Mission Day 5

https://www.imb.org/pray/week-of-prayer/day-6/

Christmas gifts for local children

Don’t forget to go by the church office and get some gift bags to fill as Christmas gifts for local children. Return them next Sunday. Contact Alice Mary Honeycutt for more information.

Anna Lee

“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family

by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.

This is what he wanted to do,

and it gave him great pleasure.”

~Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)~

Jewel Yarborough Cutrer

March 22, 1948 – December 03, 2021

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born March 22, 1948 in Kentwood, LA and was 73 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 53 years Sherman Melvin Cutrer, Sr.; sons, Sherman Melvin Cutrer, Jr. and Joseph Bradley Cutrer; sisters, Julia Currier and husband, David, Vickie Blades, Tammie Roberts and husband, Dwayne and Tracey Phelps and husband, Mike; brother, Hubert Yarborough and wife, Donna; grandchildren, Caroline Cutrer, Candace Cutrer, Madeline Cutrer, and Cameron Cutrer; nieces and nephews, Landon Cutrer, Vanessa Thibaut, Charles Wall. Jr., Cathy Martin, Jason Travis, Jennifer Daigle, Casey Blades, Jesse Blades, Joshua Yarborough, Justin Roberts, Brody Roberts, Reagan Phelps and Emily Phelps; brother-in-law, Harrell N. Cutrer and wife, Gail. Preceded in death by her father, Hubert Yarborough, Sr.; mother, Catherine McNabb Yarborough; sister, Joyce Gail Wall; nephew, Max Blades; father-in-law, H.B. Cutrer; mother-in-law, Norma Frye Cutrer. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. Mike Stafford. Interment Osyka Cemetery, Osyka, MS. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Day 5

https://www.imb.org/pray/week-of-prayer/day-5/

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 5th Readings
ACTS 27:1-44

Many churches are having Christmas programs today. I hope you are involved or will be viewing one today. It will help you to prepare you heart for the real meaning of Christmas.

Anna Lee

“Long before he laid down earth’s foundations,

[God] had us in mind,

had settled on us as the focus of his love.”

“Listen carefully to my words.

~Ephesians 1:4 (The Message)~

Don’t lose sight of them.

Let PENETRATEdeep into your heart,

for they bring life to those who find them,

and healing to their whole body.”

~Proverbs 4:20-22 (NLT)~

Jewel Kay Y. Cutrer passed away yesterday morning. Please remember Sherman, Sherman, and Joe as well as her grandchildren, siblings, and other family members in your prayers.

Please remember our government and judicial system as they make decisions that affect us is so many ways. May they seek God to guide them in their decision-making. Pray for the citizens of our country as they vote for Christian leaders who will guide our country in the right direction.

December 4 – Read Luke 4 – NIV

1Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert,2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.3The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”4Jesus answered, “It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone.’ <sup>[1]</sup> “5The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.6And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.7So if you worship me, it will all be yours.”8Jesus answered, “It is written: `Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ ^[2] “9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here.10For it is written: “`He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;11they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ <sup>[3]</sup> “12Jesus answered, “It says: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ^[4] “13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.15He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read.17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:18″The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” ^[5]20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him,21and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”22All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.23Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: `Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.'”24″I tell you the truth,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown.25I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land.26Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.27And there were many in Israel with leprosy ^[6] in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed–only Naaman the Syrian.”28All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.29They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.30But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.31Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people.32They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority.33In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil ^[7] spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice,34″Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”35″Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.36All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!”37And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.38Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her.39So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them.40When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.41Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ. ^[8]42At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them.43But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”44And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea. ^[9]

1. [4] Deut. 8:3
2. [8] Deut. 6:13
3. [11] Psalm 91:11,12
4. [12] Deut. 6:16
5. [19] Isaiah 61:1,2
6. [27] The Greek word was used for various diseases affecting the skin–not necessarily leprosy.
7. [33] Greek unclean; also in verse 36
8. [41] Or Messiah
   1. [44] Or the land of the Jews; some manuscripts Galilee

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 4th Readings
ACTS 24:1-26:32

Lottie Moon Week of Prayer – Day 5

https://www.imb.org/pray/week-of-prayer/day-4/

Thank-you for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”

~Hosea 6:3~

When I saw this Facebook memory from five years ago, I had to share it again.

David received another good report yesterday! We are so thankful! The doctor was as excited for David as we were. God was given all the credit.

Now, I go to the doctor more than he does. Today, it only for routine blood work.

Please continue to pray for Jewel Kay Cutrer and her family. Pray for comfort and peace.

Ruth Simmons

August 25, 1947 – December 01, 2021

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at The Carpenter House in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born August 25, 1947 in Amite, LA and was 74 years of age. She is survived by her 2 brothers, James Claiborne Simmons and Earl Wayne Simmons; 1 sister, Ara Jane Westmoreland and husband Alton; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her father, John Otis Simmons; mother, Audrey Miller Simmons; 2 brothers, Gerald Simmons and Boyce Otis Simmons; 2 sisters, Shirley Elaine Holden and Dorothy Elizabeth Montgomery; sister-in-law, Bobbie Simmons. Graveside Services will be held at Shady Grove Cemetery, Amite, LA at 2:00PM Friday, December 3, 2021. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I have been recovering from all the company and didn’t remember until yesterday afternoon that in December we read one chapter of Luke each day. Today, we will read three chapters to catch up. I hope you will too. We will be ready to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 3rd Readings
ACTS 21:37-23:35

December 4th Readings
ACTS 24:1-26:32

December 5th Readings
ACTS 27:1-44

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Louisiana Baptist Message

https://www.baptistmessage.com/

Today, as we approach Christmas, I want to share this thought again.

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

Anna Lee

But be sure to fear the LORD

and serve him faithfully with all

yourheart;

consider what great things he has done

for you.

~1 Samuel 12:24~

Last night, Bro. Darryl talked about how we fear God one way as a child ,and fear him another way as we mature and get to know and trust Him better.

Terry Wayne Ryals

November 10, 1947 – November 30, 2021

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at his home. He was born November 10, 1947 in Amite, LA and was 74 years of age. He was a U. S. Air Force Veteran of Vietnam and a retired Law Enforcement Officer. He is survived by his wife, Kriss Ryals; daughter, Stacy Herron and her husband, Randy; grandchildren, Keirea Herron and Connor Herron; sister, Sheila Gilbert and her husband, Mark. Preceded in death by his father, Roy Ryals; mother, Bertle Ryals; 3 sisters, Polly Carlson, LaJune Temple and Brenda Adams. No services are scheduled. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Robert Earl “Pete” Williamson

Nov 29, 2021

Much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, Robert Earl “Pete” Williamson, age 80, went to be with our Lord on Monday, November 29, 2021, at his home in Hammond, LA.
Born on March 1, 1941, in Springhill, LA, Pete graduated from Amite High School and Southeastern Louisiana University, earning graduate degrees in education. He was a teacher, coach, and principal in Tangipahoa Parish and other public schools for many years and enjoyed refereeing basketball at both the high school and college levels. Pete loved sports, especially basketball, and his children treasure the memories of playing basketball, baseball, and football with him in the backyard. After he became a grandfather, he attended his grandchildren’s sporting events all over the state and country. Pete also loved serving God through his church and by treating all humans with dignity and respect. He enjoyed travelling with his wife, Stella, before he became ill.
Pete is survived by his wife, Stella Tate Williamson; children, Trina Derenbecker (John), Sonya Tracey; grandchildren, Robert Derenbecker (Theresa), Olivia Cannizaro (Garrett), Hannah Abercrombie (Wesley), Parker Derenbecker (Elizabeth), and Rebecca Tracey; and great-grandchildren, Cora, Winston, and Laney Derenbecker. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Mary Stewart (George), sister, Ann Chapman; and brothers-in-law, Bennie Tate (Rebecca), and Jimmy Abernathy (Patsy).
He is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Betty Sue Abernathy Williamson; son, Robert Kyle Williamson; grandson, Matthew Pierce Derenbecker; nephew, Nathan Richard Tate; and his parents, William Pierce Williamson and Vivian Duncan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at the Alzheimer’s National Processing Center, PO Box 96011 Washington D.C. 20090-6011 or at act.alz.org/donate, or to a charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Ted Hudspeth, M.D., and to the staff at Home Instead for the compassionate care they provided.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation from the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home at 12012 Hwy 190 W. Hammond, LA 70401, on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Bob Adams will officiate and interment will follow in the Amite-Arcola Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 2nd Readings
ACTS 20:13-21:36

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – Day 3

https://www.imb.org/pray/week-of-prayer/day-3/

Reminder: 100% of all the money given through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goes directly to support missionaries including the ones we will focus on this week.

Thankfulness -Day 30

Today, I am thankful that we have a Thanksgiving holiday and that I have learned to slow down and remember things I am thankful for during the month of November. During the year of 2017, I wrote my thankfulness on colored pieces of paper and put them in in tall, clear vase. That was a good year because I was more aware of all the blessing and opportunities God provided for me daily. I plan to do that again in 2022, five years later. I hope that by sharing my thankfulness during November you were encouraged to think of the blessings for which you are thankful.

“Spend time with the wise and you will become wise,

but the friends of fools will suffer.”

~Proverbs 13:20 (NCV)~

5 P.M. Report for Charlotte OCC packing Center on 11-30-21 (probably one more packing time that night)

Shoeboxes Processed – 69,600

Total Processed in Charlotte so Far – 763,515

Shoeboxes that day were shipped to:

Burundi

Phillipines

Rwanda

Suriname

Charlotte is only one of the processing centers in the USA.

Thankfulness – Day 29

Today, I am thankful for a daughter and a daughter-in-law who helped so much last week when the house and cabin were full of family members. They cooked, took out the wrapping paper and other garbage, washed and dried clothing for their families, etc. during the week and when they were preparing to leave, they brought towels and sheets to be washed, picked up, washed dishes, etc. I usually can do more than I did last week, so I am very thankful for their help. They worked without asking doing what needed to be done. What a blessing they were to us all last week!

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

December 1st Readings
2 CORINTHIANS 11:1-13:13
ACTS 20:7-12

December 2nd Readings
ACTS 20:13-21:36

December 3rd Readings
ACTS 21:37-23:35

December 4th Readings
ACTS 24:1-26:32

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions (2 days late)

DAY 2

https://www.imb.org/pray/week-of-prayer/day-2/

NORTH AFRICA AND MIDDLE EAST

The mission strategy of Henderson Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma was forever changed when their missions pastor read a statistic: “5% of missions work is done in North Africa and Middle East.” After reading this startling fact, Mike knew the Lord was calling him to lead his church in reversing the statistic in their own mission strategy.

PRAY

Pray that God will call out more churches to join the work to reach NAME peoples with the gospel.

---

Pray for more long-term missionaries in the fields among the unreached.

---

Pray that the light of Christ would break the barriers that keep many from hearing the gospel.

Candice Elizabeth Rutland Hayden

January 26, 1978 – November 22, 2021

A resident of Hammond, LA, passed away on Monday, November 22, 2021 at her home in Hammond, LA. She was born January 26, 1978 in Raleigh, NC and was 43 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Haylee Hayden; son, Bryce Hayden; brother, Walter Rutland and wife, Shanna; father, Ronald Rutland and wife, Marcia; grandmother, Betty Bryant; grandchildren, Jaxson and Jayce James. Preceded in death by her mother, Rita Bryant Rutland; grandparents, James and Annabel Rutland; grandfather, Walter Bryant; and uncle, Randy Bryant. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Memorial Services at 11:00AM on Friday, December 3, 2021. Interment Natalbany Cemetery, Independence, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Do you have any requests or updates you would like me to share? Send me a message by pressing the “CONTACT” button.

Anna Lee

You may have noticed I didn’t post much last week. We had 10 of the 2 kids, 2 spouses,and 8 grandkids here for a week. Life has been busy, but oh so much fun! What a blessing it was! I trust you also had happy times during the Thanksgiving holidays.

He said in a loud voice,

“Fear God and give him glory,

because the hour of his judgment has come.

Worship him who made the heavens,

the earth,

the sea

and the springs of water.”

~Revelation 14:7~

Jewel Kay Y. Cutrer and her family are in need of our prayers. Please pray for them as often as God brings them to your mind.

Chris St. Alexandre

March 16, 1971 – November 26, 2021

On November 26, 2021, Chris St. Alexandre regained his sight that he had been without for two years. In September 2019 he suffered a stroke in his right eye that took his sight and in December 2019 his left eye was affected. He had to learn how to live life with minimal sight with the help of his wife of 25 years, Angie. His daughters Camryn and Samantha were also his guiding shoulders. Before the stroke Chris was an active member in the Wilmer and Kentwood Fire Departments. He remained as active as he could with the support of his wife and kids. He loved to tinker with all kinds of things and pick and play with everyone. He was also a collector of everything. If you needed it, he was likely to have it. Upon his departure from this life, he was reunited with his parents, James and Susie St. Alexandre and mother-in-law Barbara Miller along with many other loved ones. He will not only be missed by Angie, Camryn and her boyfriend Tanner Blades, and Samantha, but many other loved ones. Mother and Father-in-law Mike and Polly Miller, brother and sister-in-laws Ralph and Lisa Breaux, Tim and Jessica Lincoln, Shane and Aimee Bridges. Nieces and nephews, Jaime and Alyssa Travis, Victoria and Breanna Breaux, Maddie, McKenzie, Molly Lincoln, and Owen and Alie Bridges. Special Aunt, Gayle Owens. He will also be miss by countless aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and all of his animals. This may not have been the way we thought Chris would receive his sight, but Chris was assured that he would lift his eyes in Heaven when he trusted God to save him from his sins. Chris just wanted his sight back. God tells us in Mark 50:49-52 about healing the blind man’s sight. Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. We can rest assure that this is not a good bye to Chris, this is simply see your later because we have the assurance from God that the saved will rest at his feet. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, December 2, 2021. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Ruth Voight Holton

January 21, 1931 – November 28, 2021

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at her home. She was born January 21, 1931 in Amite, LA and was 90 years of age. She is survived by her 3 sons, Preston Holton and wife Kathleen; Dale Holton and wife, Leanne, and Ronald Holton and wife, Cindy; 1 daughter, Amilou McDonald; 6 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren;1 great-great-grandchild. Preceded in death by her parents, Stewart “Wimpy” Voight and Lucille Voight; husband, Andrew Jackson Holton; son, Thomas Arthur Holton; granddaughter, Amy Holton-Kinzey; brother, Douglas Voight; 2 sisters, Jane McLeod and Peggy Perkins. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday, December 2, 2021 and from 8:00AM until religious services at 10:00AM on Friday, December 3, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. Jeremy Ingram. Interment Shiloh Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Sunday was the first day of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions this year. If you are following the brochure you received at your church, you are on Day 3, but I’m just starting, so I will begin at Day One.

https://www.imb.org/pray/week-of-prayer/day-1/

You may also be interested in the videos for adults and the ones for children found here.

https://www.imb.org/pray/week-of-prayer/day-1/

Read the Bible Chronologically today

November 30th Readings
2 CORINTHIANS 6:14-10:18

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Operation Christmas Child

Boxes from our area are being shipped from Charlotte this year. I read yesterday about a person who packed there this year and listed these countries as the places where boxes were being shipped to that day – Togo, Cameroon, Paraguay, and Columbia, if our memories are correct. I didn’t get a count from there that day, but will be paying attention to other posts from Charlotte.

Once again, “Thank-you to all who helped in any way to do our part in Kentwood”. You helped reach so many children with the message about how Jesus can love them daily and change their lives forever!

Anna Lee

Update: I just received an update from a Charlotte packer – Togo, Burundi, and Colombia – the day she was working there.

“As a result of your ministry,

they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them

and to all believers will prove that you are obedient

to the Good News of Christ.”

~2 Corinthians 9:13 (NLT)~

Melissa Rena Granger

November 05, 1968 – November 26, 2021

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021 her sister’s home in Roseland, LA. She was born November 5, 1968 in Independence, LA and was 53 years of age. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Brandy R. Granger Pfisterer and Desiree D. Granger; 9 grandchildren, Chasity Granger, Edward Granger, II, Cayden Cox, Raelyn Rager, Montana Rager, Jr., Braden Pfisterer, Lakota Granger, LaLana Granger, and Latrinity Granger; parents, Willie Rhodus, Sr. and Margaret McKee Rhodus; sister, Melinda L. Stewart; 2 brothers, Michael Carter and Willie Rhodus, Jr.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Edward M. Granger; daughter, Dawn E. Granger; sister, Susan D. Stewart; and nephew, Wesley Stevens. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00 PM on Monday and from 9:00 AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

November 29th Readings
2 CORINTHIANS 2:5-6:13

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Some of the “Shoeboxes” that have arrived at Charlotte, N.C.

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee