This inspiring story lets us know we all can have a part. Each part is important. Each person is important.
Operation Christmas Child shoebox inside lid painting update: We now have 176 painted and ready for the next step. That’s 176 out of 400, so we still have a few more to paint. It is a labor of love! We have lots of love to share.
Thanks to those who helped us with shoebox projects on the 2nd and the 23rd. Each hand that helps is so important in the final outcome. During May, our work days will be on the 7th and the 21st. You are invited to be a part of OCC by coming and participating.
During April,our needs for shoeboxes are soap, bandaids, bandanas, and toothbrushes. We are getting to the end of the month. We still can use more of these four items.
Be an encourager today. You can be an encourager with your words and your actions (preparing food, picking up limbs, washing windows, raking leaves, replacing light bulbs, weeding a flower bed, giving someone a ride, etc.). Don’t ever think YOU are not capable of helping others.
Pray for others. You can pray on your schedule in words you choose. Fancy or formal wording is not necessary. God hears and understands. He’s pleased when we care enough about others to pray for them.
Some of you may be interested in this link and these opportunities through SEND RELIEF. This is like our LA Baptist Disaster Relief, but on the international level.
READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY
April 26 – Mark 5: 34
Today may be rainy, but it is always a good day to be an encourager.
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, April 18, 2022 at her home. She was born August 27, 1956 in St. Rose, LA and was 65 years of age. She survived by her five children, Josh Babb, Alysha Babb, Torey Miller, Warren Miller, III (Ashley), and Toby Miller; 14 grandchildren; 3 brothers, Brian, Scott, and David Zeringue. Preceded in death by husband, Warren Miller, Jr.; parents, Alvin and Gloria Zeringue; and a brother, Eric Zeringue. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Operation Christmas Child “Shoeboxes”
Saturday, we did not have a big turnout for our workday, but it worked out fine because of a blood drive and a wedding shower. Three activities scheduled for a Saturday! That didn’t keep us from working and getting some tasks done.
Yesterday, we had a OCC volunteer. We both went to work with Kris, working on painting and decorating inside the top of shoeboxes. We accomplished a lot. If you have time available, let us know. One or both of us may be available to meet you and get a task or two accomplished.
May Shoebox Working Days
7th – Workday for all
21st – Ladies workday
Don’t let the rain wash away the SONshine in your heart.
Our son-in-law is back stateside from his trip to set up places for refugees.
Pray for and financially support Send Relief as it helps the refugees.
The movie at church surely touched hearts! I don’t know all the details, but contact the church office if you are interested in a new program to help young people and young marriages as they impact lives.
One action at the end of the movie was adding to a list of prayers that have been answered. I know we can all tell of some of our prayers we feel God has answered, but do we acknowledge it by writing it down? Do we realize how often God has answered our prayers. I think we can do a better job of recognizing all the things God has done for us. Let’s give it a a try.
DON’T CRY FOR ME Don’t cry for me. I will be okay. Heaven is my home now, and this is where I’ll stay. Don’t cry for me. I’m where I belong. I want you to be happy and try to stay strong. Don’t cry for me. It was just my time, but I will see you someday on the other side. Don’t cry for me. I am not alone. The angels are with me to welcome me home. Don’t cry for me, for I have no fear. All my pain is gone, and Jesus took my tears. Don’t cry for me. This is not the end. I’ll be waiting here for you when we meet again. A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at his home in Amite, LA. He was born October 9, 1943 in Venice, LA and was 78 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Linda Collette Buras; 1 daughter, Michelle M. Buras Brister and husband, Eric; 2 sons, James E. Buras, Jr. and Scott A. Buras; 1 brother, Farrell A. Buras; 2 grandchildren, Jayne E. Cook and boyfriend, Brandon and Jessica R. Buras; 3 great-grandchildren, Logan J. Cook, Kaylee N. Betts and Johnny B. Cook. Preceded in death by his parents, Dimetry A. Buras and Marie Reese Buras; sisters, Lois Buras, Rosemary Buras Squarsich, and Virgie Buras Christason; brothers, 2 deceased at birth, and Lerdy J. Buras. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 1:00PM until religious services at 3:00PM on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
~Isaiah 40:29 NIV~
David Sellers is much better and off the vent. He had Afib and fluid collected in his lungs. Bill thanks everyone for praying for his dad and that your prayers made a difference.
Mary Lynn Marquette Cressionnie
Mary Lynn Marquette Cressionnie passed away on April 16, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband Malcolm (Mack) Joseph Cressionnie Jr., father, Dennis Charles Marquette Sr. and sister, Cheryl McNally. She is survived by her 102-year-old mother, Mary Chatelain Marquette; three children: Chris Cressionnie (Lisa), Lori Cressionnie Kirkland (Rickey) and Larry Cressionnie (Carrie); grandchildren: Kyle Cressionnie (Rhea), Malcolm Cressionnie, Erica Reeves, and Eddie Schlumbrecht; great grandchildren: Trevor Pierce, Lucy Cressionnie, Colt Cressionnie, Cadence Reeves, Noah Schlumbrecht and Ava Pierce; siblings: Suzanne Snell, Dennis Marquette Jr. and Vicki Klein and a host of nieces and nephews. Mary Lynn graduated from Dominican High School and later from LSUNO with a degree in Social Work. She worked for the State of Louisiana in the Office of Family Services for 25 years as a social worker. She was exceptional at quilting, needlework and sewing. Mary Lynn enjoyed her lunches on Thursday with the “Lunch Bunch”. Visitation will take place at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, Louisiana 70001 Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. through 3:00 p.m., followed by Mass at 3:00 p.m. To leave condolences or send flowers please visit www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.
Twelve Southern Baptist volunteer teams that have traveled from the United States to Eastern Europe to serve Ukrainian refugees. To date, Southern Baptists have donated more than $8 million to Send Relief and the International Mission Board (IMB) to go toward Ukrainian relief efforts.
“Romanian volunteers are at the station around the clock. Train tickets are free for Ukrainians. One volunteer, Klara, said at the beginning of the crisis, she worked 20-hour shifts as the fire station’s red buses ferried weary Ukrainian refugees from the border of Romania and Ukraine. Most of the volunteers went to the border, Klara said. Not many thought to come and assist Ukrainians who were boarding trains to take them to cities across Europe.”
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.
Please pray for David Sellers who is hospitalized and on a vent. He does not have covid. His family asks for you to pray for David.
Sheila Roberts Broyles
November 12, 1939 – April 17, 2022
A resident of Kentwood passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2022 in Hammond, La. surrounded by her loved ones. She was born November 12, 1939 in Tylertown, Ms and was 82 years old. She is survived by her son Samuel Eugene Broyles of Kentwood, LA; grandchildren Samantha Broyles Occhipinti and her husband Brad of Kentwood, LA and Robert Eugene Broyles and his wife Manlika Thepyot Broyles of San Ramon, CA.; and one great grandson Ace Henry Occhipinti of Kentwood, LA.; brother James Phillip Roberts and his wife Jean of Mount Hermon, LA; and sister Susan Roberts Travis and her husband Gilbert of Fort Smith, AR. Preceded in death by her parents, Bennie and Purnice Simmons Roberts; and husband of fifty five years, Samuel Louis Broyles. Memorial services will be held at Kentwood United Methodist Church at 2 pm on Friday April 22, 2022. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Sheila’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN. or another worthy charity of your choice. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Please continue to pray for volunteers who have gone to Ukraine or neighboring countries to fight for or help them in so many ways.
Avery Campbell, daughter of Rick and Krystal Slaven Campbell, is well enough to be at home with her family. She and her mother had a hard week. Today, pray for the days ahead for this family. Thank God for Avery’s improvement.
ORA LEE WILSON has recovered well from knee surgery. David saw her shopping in the grocery story.
Virean V. Carter Hughes Turknett
April 17, 1929 – April 16, 2022
A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at her home. She was born April 17, 1929 and was 92 years of age. She is survived by son, Cecil W. Hughes and Mary Helen Hughes; daughter-in-law, Paula Hughes; grandchildren, Heather Foster, Terry Lynn Swindell, Tamie Christmas, John Ashley Hughes; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Sophia Foster, Michael Christmas, II, Reece Ann Christmas, and Carl Ashton Hughes; brother, Paul Carter. She was preceded in death by first husband, Carl Hughes; second husband, Junion “Red” Turknett; son, Charles Wayne “Pete” Hughes. Special thanks to Diane, Rosie, Pam, and Missy for their devoted care over the past four years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Services conducted by Rev. Rick Elder. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Grace “Gracie” Margaret Rohner Chandler
May 9, 1976 – April 16, 2022
A 45 year old resident of Denham Springs, LA, passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2022 in St. Helena Parish. She was born on Mother’s Day, May 9, 1976 at 6:45AM in Hammond, LA. She graduated in 1994 from Loranger High School. She was in 4H, played basketball, band, color guard and a Wolfette. From 1994-1995 she was the St. Helena Parish Forest Festival Queen of the Pines. In 1995 she was Louisiana Fairs and Festivals Miss Congeniality Former Teen Miss Amite Oyster Queen, Kentwood Dairy Festival Princess, Tangipahoa Parish Fair 1st Runner-up. She worked as a Fingerprint Technician, Day Care worker, and for the last 10 years as a dispatcher at Tangipahoa Parish 911. She is survived by her husband, Robby Chandler; 4 daughters, Samantha Ann and husband Douglas Mahaffey, Laney Grace Chandler, Kaylee D’Shae Chandler, and Amelia Jade “Mia” Chandler; grandchildren, Mason Ray and McKinley Jane Mahaffey and expected Baby Grace Mahaffey in July 2022; mother, Mittie Lou White Rohner; brother, John T. and wife, Christy Adams Rohner; brother-in-law, Ron Chandler; nephews, Thomas Rohner and fiancé, Sarah Rees, Eli Rohner(Godson), and Brennan Chandler and wife, Amelia; nieces, Mary Beth Rohner, Brittany Cotten and husband, Greg; goddaughter, Blaire Holmes Phares; aunt and godmother, Miriam Rohner; aunt, Nancy Leglue and husband Hank; uncles, Buster White and wife Kathy and Nickie White and wife, Teresa and Ricky and Barb Chandler, Rudy and Loretta Chandler, Rexine Bennett, and Aunt G.G.; cousins, Becky, Shelby, Lucy, Jamie, Jane, D.J., Shelby Lynne, Allison, Jennifer, Tiffany, Candy, Nick, Beck and their families; special best friend, Vanessa Grace Corbin and her family; Tangipahoa Parish 911 work family; “Adopted Kids”, Kane Yeung and Haleigh “Bug” Cushingberry; many other Chandler, Rohner, and White relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her father, John Thomas “J.T.” Rohner; uncle and godfather, J.W. “Uncle Dubbie” Rohner; grandparents, William and Beatrice Grace Simmons Rohner and Grover and Margaret Lucille Edwards White; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ronny and Wanda Chandler; cousins, Shelia and Billy Rohner; aunt, Sally “Sookie” White Mullins; second momma, Elizabeth “Little Bit” Conerly. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 8:00AM on Wednesday until a special eulogy that will be held at 10:00AM conducted by Johnny Morgan. A Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Husser, LA. Mass conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment St. Dominic Cemetery, Husser, LA. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at Live Oak Baptist Church in Watson, LA starting at 5:30PM until. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Sheila Broyles passed away. I have not found an official obituary. She was very involved in her Kentwood community and did so much for others here. She will be missed in her church and community.
READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY
April 19 – Psalms 103:2-4
OCC ITEMS BEING COLLECTED THIS MONTH
Soap (Bars, not liquid)
Washcloths
Bandaids
Toothbrushes
These items can be left in the church office M-F, 8:00 – 5:00.
The donation from Carolyn Raborn was used to help purchase marbles for our older boys’ boxes. Thank-you, Carolyn.
I’m looking forward to Saturday’s Ladies/Girls OCC workshop in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00 A.M. This is your invitation to come participate with us.
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2022. She was born July 13, 1961 and was 60 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Kenny Womack; one son, Brandon Sharp and wife Christy; two step-daughters, Susie Strickland and husband, Andy, and Ruby Coleman and husband, PJ; three sisters, Teresa Lovell and husband, Bob, Elsie Stewart and husband, Robert, Trish Williams and husband, David; one brother, Clyde Travis, Jr. and wife, Tammy; and also five grandchildren, Bruce, Beth, Billy Bob, Kaytlynn, and Heather. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilkie Moak Blades and Nelson “Skeet” Blades. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 9:00AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to help with final expenses. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Mrs. Ruby Dillon is doing well at home. Mr. “Cete” is thankful to have her back at home again. Thank God for her improvement.
Avery Campbell has improved over the last couple of days. Thank God for her progress. Pray she will soon be home again.
I trust you have had time lately to enjoy the beautiful flowers that have been and are blooming.I’m thankful for the colors of spring in our area and our God who provides them.
The Prayer Link 
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