“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
~Philippians 4:6 (NLT)~
Fernie Lamar Bates
July 08, 1942 – September 02, 2021
Fernie Lamar Bates, 79, left this earth to be with his Lord on September 2, 2021. Born July, 8, 1942, he was a resident of Kentwood, La and lived his entire life in St. Helena Parish. He married his wife, Carolyn McNabb Bates, on November 24, 1961 and was married to her for 57 years. He retired from the Louisiana Department of Transportation after being employed with them for nearly thirty years. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a friend to many. Some of his favorite past times were sitting on the porch drinking coffee with friends and running rabbit and fox dogs. There is no doubt that he has been reunited with his beautiful wife in his heavenly home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn McNabb Bates; parents, Herman and Lillie Belle Frazier Bates; siblings, Dorothy Bates Day, Vera Bates Allatto, and infant brother J.W. Bates. He is survived by his two sons, Timothy and wife Laura, Johnny and wife Maria; three grandchildren Barrett (Becky), Lance (Kortnie), and Chelsea; five great grandchildren, Alyvia, John David, Kynlie, Rylee, and Cooper; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Graveside Services will be held at New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA at 3:00PM Monday, September 6, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Bill Galloway and Rev. Donnie Easley. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – September 3
1 CHRONICLES 8:29-9:1 DANIEL 4:1-37 EZEKIEL 40:1-37
Life has been different this past week due to Hurricane Ida. Thanks to all the linemen, churches, neighbors, restaurants, fire departments, nurses, businesses, disaster relief, etc. who have gone out of their way for the rest of us. I don’t know how long we will be without power, but David and I have made adjustments and are making the most of the circumstances. Some say “Make lemonade from lemons”. Check on neighbors and friends. Pay kindnesses forward. Be appreciative of linemen who are working long hard hours in awful conditions. Share what you have. We’ll get through this. Be safe and smart! Love one another!
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
~2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)~
Carolyn W. McDaniel
November 19, 1944 – August 28, 2021
A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. She was born November 19, 1944 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 76 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Sondra Michelle Brasseaux; son, Rex McDaniel and wife Sue; 3 grandchildren, Cassidy Brasseaux, Brent McDaniel, and Kyle McDaniel; great-grandson, Rowdy James Brasseaux; sister, Lois Ann Rives and husband Bill. Preceded in death by her husband, Ralph McDaniel; and parents, Bennett and Beatrice Williams. Graveside Services will be held at Pine Grove Methodist Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA at 10:30AM Friday, September 3, 2021. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
The night of August, 29, 2021, as Hurricane Ida roared through our state, Richard Clint “Ritchie ” Easley left his earthly home. His passing occurred at the place he dearly loved, his home on family property in Easleyville, Louisiana. Throughout his early life he spent countless hours on the family property. Following graduation from college he made this his full-time residence. Ritchie was born on November 20, 1971 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is survived by his parents Kaye Lynette Smith Easley and Morris Richard Easley; his sister Jennifer Anne Easley Davis and Brad, and their children Matthew and Sarah Beth. Uncles Kirk Gillis, John Easley (Anne Marie), and Greg Flores (Sarah). Aunts Theresa Flores and Rebecca Davis (Dock). Predeceased by grandparents Albert and Toffie Smith, Morris and Susie Easley, Sadie and Prentiss Carter. A special aunt Liesa Gillis, and uncle Matt Easley. Although Ritchie was an avid hunter he had great respect and love for wildlife. He graduated from Denham Springs High in 1990 and Southeastern Louisiana University in 1994. He was an investigator for the Louisiana Attorney General’s office and later a Special Agent for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General Office of Investigations. He was a longtime member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. Ritchie was a life-long Methodist and member of Day’s Methodist Church. He treasured both family and friendships that he gained throughout his life. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood from 9:00 until religious services at 11:00 on Saturday, September 4, 2021. Services conducted by Reverend Milton Bourque. Interment at Day’s Methodist Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to charity of your choice. Special thanks to the St. Helena Sheriff’s Officers and First Responders Barrilleaux and Wascom. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Randall “Randy” Craig Fairburn, a resident of Kentwood, LA passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Baton Rouge General Mid City in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born on April 20, 1960 in McComb, MS. He was 61 years old. He was a 1978 graduate of Spring Creek High School in Kentwood, LA. He was employed as a Safety Technician at Occidental Chemical for Turner Industries in Geismar, LA. Randy’s love for his family, friends, and motorcycles was undeniable. He loved nothing more than rebuilding old bikes with his cousins, Wayne and Wendell Simmons. Randy is survived by his loving wife, Lanette Fairburn; children, Jamie, Joniele, and Jace Fairburn and Holli Howard (David Green), Neela, and Wiley Howard; step-children, Ashley Sanders (Chris) and Ryan Wicker (Skylar), grandchildren, Kinsley Fairburn, Isaiah, Amiya, and Xavier Fairburn, and Landon Harwood; numerous step-grandchildren; mother, Jeannette Simmons Fairburn; special sister, Brenda F. McGregor (Kenny); mother-in-law, Karolyn Sue Blades; nieces and nephews, Brett Conerly (Christi), Ryan McGregor (Hillary), Shontell Strickland (Robert); special cousins, Tommy Fairburn and Gail Fairburn; along with numerous others. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard “Buddy” Fairburn; grandparents, Richard and Dora Fairburn and Silas Dean and Lucille Simmons; and an aunt, Betty Sauls. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.
A resident of Kentwood passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Ponchatoula Community Care Center. She was born April 1, 1922 in Osyka, MS and was 99 years of age. Othell’s dad worked on railroads and was moved around by the Railroad Company sometimes living in a train box car which is where she was born in Osyka, MS. After marrying Joe Williams, she was a homemaker other than a few jobs at Russell Stover Candy, Goudchauxs, and Williams Florist which they owned. She was a member of Kentwood Baptist Church where she taught a women’s class. She often was a mentor to younger women sharing her wisdom on being a Christian wife and a how to love their husband which she lived out being married to Joe for 73 years. She had a big influence on her daughter-in-law Barbara. She will be greatly missed by her sons and all of her family and friends. She is survived by her two sons, Loren Joseph Williams and Darryl Thomas Williams and his wife Barbara; grandchildren, Traci Williams, John Williams, Loren Williams, Jr. and his wife Malinda, Tonya McNemar and her husband David, and Colleen Soto and her husband Mike, Dawn Rogers and her husband Chris, Brad Babin and Becky Babin; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph J. Williams, Jr.; son, Johnny Stanley Williams; parents, Drewery and Etta Stewart; six brothers and sisters, Lillian Etta Stewart Raborn, Blanche Geneva Stewart Wheat, Lloyd Drewery Stewart, Howard Byrrl Stewart, James Eldridge Stewart, and Erline Marie Stewart Allen. Visitation will be from 11:00AM until religious services at 12 noon on Friday, September 3, 2021 at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood. Services conducted by Bro. Charles Thompson. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit
Please note it is the McKneely Funeral Home in KENTWOOD, not Amite as I reported yesterday.
Fall Food Round-up for Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home
The deadline for leaving your items at FBC is September 20th. Please see the posters on the doors to the fellowship hall for a list of items we will focus out giving on this year. You can also contribute money to the fund so the children’s home can make their own purchases.
Operation Christmas Child
Contributions can be given to offset the $9.00/Shoebox postage fee
Prayer Concerns
Our country and other countries around the world
Political leaders from the local level to the international level.
Women and others who are persecuted
Unborn babies
Hurricane Ida victims
Relief workers (LA Baptists, Samaritan’s Purse, etc.)
Those who need to be spiritually saved
Do something today to leave a good memory of the days following Hurricane Ida. Remember all those who made themselves available to assist others during this recovery time. Thank God and thank them.
Yvonne Birch called to say her mother’s last sibling, Mrs. Othell Williams, passed away. She had her 99th birthday in March. If there is electrical power to the funeral home in Amte Friday, there will be a period of visitation at 11:00 A.M. If not, there will only be a graveside service in Kentwood. Please pray for “Miss” Othell’s sons and other relatives.
David and I enjoyed many visits to her home both before and since the death of Mr. Joe, who was a wonderful teacher for the City Hall Sunday School class for a long time. “Miss” Othell was also a knowledgeable Bible reader and teacher. It’s not often churches are blessed to have such wonderful teachers in both the husband and the wife. God certainly blessed them both with many years of living and influencing others.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
I know there are many people sick. Jason just told us of a thirteen year old boy who passed away due to covid. His mother is hospitalized with covid. We all have much to be thankful for. Make of list of your blessings and you’ll be surprised how many things you have to be thankful for. Do your part in being helpful to others in their time of need.
Hurricane Idawas certainly a strong storm and definitely came right through our area. I was told everyone had similar stories of lots of damage and no people injured. We have been at home except for one brief ride to check on the cemetary. The road was blocked with trees, so closer inspection will came later. At home, I’ll just say God “thinned” many of our trees, mostly pines. We are safe, blessed, and so thankful! We’re all “in the same boat” of patiently waiting for utility people to accomplish their tremendous task of finding problems, repairing, and reconnecting (in my common folk terminology). I must also mention those who pulled extra shifts at hospitals, worked extra hours as first responders, kept stores open for people to make “one more run” for something they will need. Thanks for the ones who will come from outside our area and help rebuild homes, roads, power lines, etc. here.
I hope you have checked with many friends and neighbors to learn if they are okay. I also hope your friends and neighbors have checked on you. We have had a number of people check on us. We are thankful they cared and followed through with action.
Please continue to pray for other countries and for our country. I am proud and thankful for the great country and wonderful people when we live. May our nation continue to set the bar higher and higher for ourselves and for others.
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
~Psalm 19:1~
Covid isn’t slowing down much. Many of you will be interested in Mrs. Kathy Smith, wife of Bro. Danny. Add others and continue to pray.
Tommy Hood is back in Houston for another round of treatment. Pray for Tommy, his medical team, his family, and his friends.
Read the Bible Chronologically. in 2021 – August 29
JEREMIAH 42:1-44:30 EZEKIEL 33:21-33Hurricane Ida is big, bad, and headed our way! God is bigger, very good, and with us all the time wherever we go. Use common sense and good judgement today as Ida plows through Louisiana. Think of others and volunteer to help them as you have the opportunity and the ability.
Let turn our focus back to others. This is the Southern Baptist Plan to help those who come here from Afghanistan.
The Afghan Refugee Crisis
Crisis Overview
The Taliban recently seized power in Afghanistan, storming the nation and capturing most major cities within a matter of days.
In the aftermath of the political coup, a mass exodus is taking place as Afghans try to flee the country by the thousands. Religious and ethnic minorities, along with women and girls, are the groups most in danger of Taliban violence as they try to escape.
As Afghan refugees are resettled, this crisis will impact communities all around the world. Through Send Relief and the combined resources of the IMB and NAMB, Southern Baptists are able to serve Afghan refugees wherever they are resettled.
Send Relief is strategically working with trusted ministry partners to minister to Afghan refugee families.
PRAY Pray for the people of Afghanistan. Use the Send Relief prayer guide, 10 Ways to Pray for Afghan Refugees, as a tool. SERVE Resettlement assistance is one of the most urgently needed ways churches can serve. Through Send Relief’s strategic relationship with World Relief, churches can help meet the tangible needs of Afghan refugees with gospel intention. On September 10, Send Relief is hosting a Care for Refugees Workshop at its Ministry Center in Clarkston, Georgia, where you can learn practical ways to mobilize your church to meet the needs of refugees and internationals as they transition to a new home. You can attend this workshop in person or online. Register for both of these opportunities at sendrelief.org/Afghanistan. GIVE Gifts to the Afghanistan Refugee Crisis Fund will support churches and refugee ministries in the United States and around the world as they care for resettled Afghan refugees. Send Relief is working with its trusted partners to implement ministry projects. That work will expand as locations and additional needs become known. Resources to Share with Your Church: Slides for churches Prayer Guide Social Graphics Video
I don’t know when The Prayer Link will be posted again, but until then, remember to have and practice JOY.
I don’t know when The Prayer Link will be posted next, but I do know who is ready, willing, and able to go with us through the events Ida is bringing to us today.
J – Jesus first
O – Others second
Y – Yourself last
My prayer for you is to find JOY in this Lord’s Day!
FBC, Kentwood is meeting this morning. It will also be online at 10:30. I hope you will start this day by looking to God and keeping your focus on Him all day.
with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.”
~Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)~
Today, I will be focusing my prayers on two things.
I’m praying for all those in the path of Ida. Be prepared if you are staying. Travel west if you are leaving. Use wisdom in decision making. Pray for all in the path of the storm.
I’m praying for all those in Afghanistan. Pray for the military, the people who live there, and those who are making decisions that influence so many others.
It takes special people to place themselves in harm’s way for the benefit of others. That’s true both in Louisiana and Afghanistan today. Pray for our military, our police, our health care, etc. that are there when we need them.
The OCC workday scheduled for this morning had been cancelled due to covid. If that had not already been decided, Ida would have cancelled it. I’m thankful for all that has already been done in preparation for packing “shoeboxes”. It’s time to begin collecting the $9.00 per box postage that will get them to the boys and girls. Make sure to mark your envelope “OCC Postage”. Thank you so much.
God will make a way! Stay safe and healthy! Make wise decisions!
“God does speak—sometimes one way and sometimes another—
even though people may not understand it.”
~Job 33:14 (NCV)~
Please continue to pray for Mrs. Bessie Hayden. The report I got last night is that she’s still hospitalized in New Orleans, but eager to be back in Kentwood.
Pray for others who are sick at this time.
Pray for the situation in Afghanistan. I don’t know the best military plans, but I know the “Leader of Leaders”. May our leaders be God followers and have their hearts set on doing right for everyone. Pray for those who have had deaths in their families in the last couple of weeks. May they know God’s love and comfort during these difficult days. May the leaders be wise in decision-making. May each person there know peace in doing their assigned responsibilities and perform each task assigned to them well. May the people who have been evacuated know how blessed they are and be appreciative of those who helped to get them into a safer environment. May each of those involved in any way go to God for strength and wisdom. God is in control.
Marjorie Griffin King Young
October 30, 1926 – August 23, 2021
Marjorie Griffin King Young was born in Shreveport, La on October 30, 1926. She was the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Daniel L. Griffin. She died Monday, August 23, 2021 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS.
At the age of 2 ½ , she lost her mother, Mineola Hoffpauir Griffin, by death and was taken to her mother’s sister’s home, Rev. and Mrs. A.D. George to live.
She received her education in numerous schools throughout the state of Louisiana and her B.S. in Art Education with additional accreditation in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University.
Marjorie was a member of the La. Retired Teachers Association and the Fernwood United Methodist Church in Fernwood, MS.
Her teaching career consisted of teaching first grade at Denham Springs Elementary in Denham Springs, LA., second grade at Live Oak Elementary in Watson, LA., third grade at Albany, LA., and fifth grade at Pine Grove Elementary in Pine Grove, LA., Title I Program Grades 1-6, and Remedial Reading and Remedial Math in grades 4-6.
Her church involvement spanned a life time. It consisted of singing solos, choir singing, directing, adult teaching, Bible School teaching, organ and piano playing, camp counseling, bulletin art work, lay speaking, WMW president, treasurer and church secretary of the official board.
Her hobbies were poetry writing, flower gardening, music writing and composition and doll collecting as well as coin and arrowhead collecting.
Her poetry has appeared often in the State of Louisiana Methodist Church paper and has been used on radio WABL in Amite City, LA. She won numerous awards for her artwork while attending LSU and a State Art award in a LA State art contest.
Marjorie is survived by one son, Raymond E. King and wife Shirley, Magnolia, MS., one grandson, Jeremy King of Jacksonville, FL., one step-grandson William S. Stratmann of Magnolia, MS., two great-grandsons Ethan Jeremy King and Silas Luke King, both of Jacksonville, FL., two step great-grandchildren, Abigail and Jacob Robinson of Jacksonville, FL. Preceded in death by her two husbands, Ernest L. King and Edwin R. Young, her parents, Rev. And Mrs. Daniel L. Griffin, foster parents, Rev. and Mrs. A.D. George, one sister Mary Lawton, Bossier City, LA., 3 brothers, Raymond B. Griffin of Shreveport, LA., Kenneth V. Griffin of Plain Dealing, LA., and Eddie Griffin of Greenwell Springs, LA., foster brother Don George, foster sister Susie George Blair of Lecompte, LA. and one step-grandson Michael Stratmann of Worden, IL.
Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 28, 2021. Services will be conducted by Rev. Paul Roney. Interment will follow in Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
“If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him . . .
but . . . if you don’t ask with faith,
don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer.”
~James 1:5-8 (TLB)~
I forgot to tell you Tommy Hood was able to leave MD Anderson and is now back at home. Thank God for the progress Tommy has made in his treatment.
Mrs. Bessie Hayden did not get to come home because of complications. Pray for her as she puts up a battle.
Please remember to pray for my former student, C.J. Schiro, who is fighting Covid-19. There are others who are more local. Add them to your list.
Vickie Williams Gill
June 21, 1960 – August 24, 2021
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born June 21, 1960 in Magnolia, MS and was 61 years of age. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was a retired school teacher from Spring Creek Elementary School with 31 years of devoted service. She is survived by her husband, Douglas Gill; 2 sons, James Neyland and wife Kris and Matt Neyland and wife Amanda; 3 grandsons, Mason, Liam, and Aiden Neyland; step-children, Jason Gill, Brad Gill, Lacey Yarborough, Sandy Gill, Brandy Gill, and Steven Miller and wife Tammy; step-grandchildren, Levi Gill, Elliott and Luca Yarborough, Megan Gill, Douglas Miller, Mark Miller, and Brantley Gill; brother, Jimmy L. Williams and wife Millie; sister, Sonya W. Newman; nephews, Jeremy, Jacob, and Jesse Williams and Colby and Asa Newman and their families. Preceded in death by parents, Cade and Elaine Blades Williams; nephew, Gabriel John Newman; step-son-in-law, Jacob Yarborough. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Friday, August 27, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Jacob Williams. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church or the charity of your choice. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – August 26
The Prayer Link 
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