“God showed his great love for us

by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

~Romans 5:8 (NLT)~

Bennett Humphries

On March 30, 2021, peacefully and surrounded by his family, Bennett took his last breath on earth and his next breath singing praises at the feet of our Heavenly Father. A native of West Monroe and a 60-year resident of Baton Rouge, Bennett attended the LSU School of Music, where he played on the LSU Golf Team, before serving his country in the United States Coast Guard. He retired from Dow Chemical where he worked as an Instrument Design Technologist which, later in his career, allowed him to fuel his love for adventure and travel as he worked throughout the United States and Europe on many special projects. To know Bennett Humphries was to know his love for the Lord and for music as he fulfilled the Lord’s calling by serving as Interim Minister of Music at several Baton Rouge churches including Lanier Baptist and Florida Boulevard Baptist Church. His love for the scripture and his love of serving others was so much a part of his life. He led worship services at several retirement homes in Baton Rouge and taught a Sunday School class for many years. Bennett is preceded in death by his father, Bruce B. Humphries, Sr. and his mother, Louise Kees Humphries. He will be deeply missed by his wife Patricia Magee Humphries, his three children: Steven Humphries and wife Melanie; Michael Humphries; Lauren Humphries Martin and husband Dan, five granddaughters: Crystal Humphries; Lindsay Humphries Robin and husband Cole; Rachel Martin; Erica Martin and Hannah Martin and one great-granddaughter: Hailey Humphries. Visitation will take place Saturday, April 3rd at Rabenhorst Funeral Home on Florida Boulevard from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm with a Celebration of Life to follow at 2:00 pm. Burial at Greenoaks Memorial Park is scheduled at a later date. The family would like to thank the critical care team at Our Lady of the Lake for their wonderful care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home.

Please remember Pat and the rest of the family in your prayers.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – April 1

JUDGES 3:31-6:40

baptist press

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FIRST-PERSON: An Easter meal is nourishment for hungry souls

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-an-easter-meal-is-nourishment-for-hungry-souls/

Please read and meditate on this verse today.

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message,

and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

~Romans 10:17~

Make today special. Consider sharing the Word today.

Anna Lee

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish . . .

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all;

no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

~John 10:28-29 (NIV)~

Shelby Gene Strickland

January 27, 1950 – March 28, 2021

Shelby Gene Strickland, a resident of Montz, LA, passed away on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at Mid City Community Nursing and Rehab in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born January 27, 1950 in Kentwood, LA and was 71 years of age. He is survived by his sister, Idell Strickland; nephew, Kurt Falterman; niece, Lacy Simpson; longtime family friend, dearly loved by Shelby, Samuel Rosamond; and other nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Eddie J. Strickland and Bessie G. Strickland; brother, Eddie W. Strickland. Graveside Services will be held at New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA at 3:00PM Thursday, April 1, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Carolyn Kinchen Yent

April 27, 1950 – March 29, 2021

Carolyn Kinchen Yent, a resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. She was born April 27, 1950 in Hammond, LA and was 70 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Matthew Yent; son, John R. Yent; daughter, Lindsay Yent Pike and husband, John; sister, Jeanie Lieser and husband, Jake; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Vennie Kinchen; 2 brothers, John Kinchen and Billy Kinchen. Visitation at Hillsdale Baptist Church from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, April 2, 2021. Interment Hillsdale Cemetery, Hillsdale, LA. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hillsdale Baptist Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – March 31

JUDGES 1:1-3:30

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Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes

Thanks to all who have contributed shirts for transformation to dresses. We received three more shirts yesterday. They will make beautiful dresses!

We have packed 250 pencil bags so far this year. If you are shopping, we will soon need more highlighters, glue sticks, and pencil sharpeners. We hope to pack 150 more bags in April. These will all go in our shoeboxes. Then, we will start to make pencil bags for filler for boxes that need school supplies. Thanks to those who helped up a couple weeks ago, especially Luther, Susan, Ora Lee, and Linda.

So far, 300 tote bags are being made and fabric has been ordered to make 100 more. We have a great team of people who take care of this shoebox item each year. It is such a blessing to have volunteers who see a need and. gladly take care of it.

Stay tuned for out next workday. I hope to get approval today and will let you know tomorrow.

May God bless those who contribute items, make, assemble, paint, etc. “It takes a village” to pack a large number of shoeboxes.

Anna Lee

“Then the righteous will answer him,

‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?

When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

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 25:37-40 (NIV)~

Thom Rainer’s blog concerning the return of church members to live services:

Ten Realities for Regathering Churches

Thom S. Rainer

Ten Realities for Regathering Churches

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – March 30

JOSHUA 22:1-24:33

Baptist Press

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Church members are minority in U.S. for first time, Gallup says

Churches’ embrace of technology likely permanent

Today’s Prayer Focus

As our state begins to give the Covid-19 vaccination to those as young as 16, pray that teens and parents make good decisions.

Enjoy some time outside seeing all the spring flowers, maybe even planting some new ones or bringing your plants from last year out of the greenhouse.

Anna Lee

Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

~James 5:20~

A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Friday, March 26, 2021 at his home. He was born January 26, 1934 in Pine Grove, LA and was 87 years of age, and every day lived! He never met a stranger and never bit his tongue. He was a farmer, cowboy, saw miller, teacher, mentor, U. S. Navy Veteran where he was a selected to be a sailor, diver and underwater welder, and a retired Pipeline Welder from Local #798. His God given purpose and crowning achievement was being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Sara Whittington McNabb; three sons, Bryan McNabb and wife Beverly, Waylon McNabb and John McNabb; daughter, Gail Domingue and husband, Ed; 12 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Della Hall McNabb; sons, Alton “Bud” McNabb, Gary McNabb, and Calvin McNabb. Visitation at Shiloh Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Interment Shiloh Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

ames “Darrell” Cook, a resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 in Portageville, MO. He was born May 29, 1958 in McComb, MS and was 62 years of age. He was a 25 year Mason with the Kentwood Masonic Lodge #248. He is survived by his wife, Penny Coon Cook; daughter, Mandy Cook; son, David Cook; grandson, Dylan Cook; sister, Debbie Jane Westbrook and husband Tim; 2 step-brothers, Alney and Tommy Cook. Preceded in death by his parents, B. L. Cook and Clara Jane Welch Cook. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 2:00PM until Masonic and Religious Services at 4:00PM on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – March 29

JOSHUA 19:49-21:45
1 CHRONICLES 6:54-81

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Easter Schedule at FBC, Kentwood

8:00 A.M. – Showing of an Easter Drama previously done at FBC, Kentwood (No online broadcasting)

9:15 – Sunday School

10:30 – Morning Worship (In person and online)

No P.M. Activities

WMU Spring Tea – Shared from an email I received

FBC Greensburg

Sat., April 17th, 10 a.m.

Don’t bring anything but yourself and a friend

Plenty space, masks okay! 

Mark your calendars!!!!

Plant a flower today or at least enjoy the beautiful flowers blooming all around us. I think many people are surprised to see such pretty flowers after the COLD weather we had this winter. God has blessed us in a big way!

Anna Lee

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

~John 3:16 (NLT)~

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – March 28

JOSHUA 18:1-19:48

Operation Christmas Child

Thanks to the classes who asked Wanda Smith to order items for OCC for them. Thanks, Wanda, for placing the orders. She has made the orders and items will be delivered to the church.

Prayer Focus for Today

Let’s use this week to pray for those who need to recognize why we celebrate the Easter season. May they accept Jesus into their hearts.

The tomb is empty! He is risen!

Anna Lee

“Those who hear my words and believe in him who sent me

have eternal life.”

~John 5:24A (GNT)~

Robin Alford continues to improve following her complete ankle replacement. Keep her in your prayers. This has been a long process.

Mayme Poche’ Russell

June 14, 1921 – March 25, 2021

Mayme Poche’ Russell, a resident of Rayne, LA, passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at The Ellington in Rayne, LA. She was born June 14, 1921 in Amite, LA and was 99 years of age. She devoted her life to her family, church, community and the Town of Amite. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Jennette R. Bearb and husband Melvin of Rayne, LA and Sarah R. Bauerle and husband John of Garden City, KS; daughter-in-law, Kimberly R. Kea (Lee’s wife) of Ponchatoula; grandchildren, Terri Bearb and fiancé Karl Rougeau, Tony Bearb, Sr. and wife Kayla, Kathy Bauerle, Christopher Bauerle and wife Winter, Amanda Russell, Brooke Russell and Jennah Kay Russell; great-grandchildren, Blaze Peterson and husband John, Tony Bearb, Jr., Ethan Bearb and Cidney Potter and husband Levi, and Nealee Russell; great-great-grandchildren, Tony “Tripp” Bearb, III, Owen Lee Bearb, and Nova Potter; Preceded in death by her husband, Hilton Lee Russell, Sr.; son, Hilton Lee Russell, Jr.; great-great-grandson, Beckham Bearb; parents, Joseph Euwin Poche’ and Vivian Landry Poche’; brother, Joseph Euwin Poche’, Jr. and wife Rita; sister, Gloria Almond and husband Pat. Graveside Services will be held at Amite Cemetery, Amite, LA at 3:00PM Saturday, March 27, 2021. Services conducted by Deacon Eddie Renz. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

I taught at a school where “Miss” Mayme often substituted. She had a wealth of knowledge about cooking, gardening, life, and many other subjects.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – March 27

JOSHUA 15:20-17:18

David and I drove through the countryside in SW MS. The flowers were beautiful! The cold temperatures didn’t kill the plants or prevent the blooms.

Saturday is a day of preparation for the Lord’s Day.

Anna Lee

The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;

~Daniel 9:9~

This is our daughter-in-law’s aunt.

Susan Elizabeth LeBourgeois

OCTOBER 19, 1954 – MARCH 24, 2021

Born October 19, 1954 in Baton Rouge LA. She passed away Wednesday, March 24th from a massive heart attack at OLOL in Baton Rouge. She was the “Duct Tape” of the family. Fixer of all things mechanical and emotional. Always thinking of everyone except herself. She was a resident of St. Amant, native of Gonzales. She is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Benjie LeBourgeois. Her children, Memi (Sam) Zimm, Kristie Sheets, Scott (Amanda) Sheets, Melissa (Bryan) Acy. Mother, Roberta Ott Rushing Poche, Sisters, Pam (Bob) Richardson, Donna (Russell) Robinson, Amy (Leland) Tullier. Brother, Brett (Carla) Rushing. In laws, Janis LeBourgeois, Katherine Clouatre, Dean (Barbara) LeBourgeois, Stacey (Nancy) LeBourgeois. 9 Grandchildren and 12 Greatgrandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews, bonus sister, brothers and friends. Proceeded in death by her grandparents, William (Shorty) and Rosa Ott, Ray and Norma Bea Rushing, Father Norris Rushing, Stepfather Emile Poche, Inlaws Nobles and Earline (Chutie) LeBourgeois and brother in law Roger Clouatre. A memorial service will be held at Ourso Funeral home on Friday, March 26th 4:30-7:00 pm. She will be greatly miss by all. Special thanks to the OLOL Cardiac Unit for their never ending dedication to their field. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN “SUE SUE” We love you!! Donations to help with medical and funeral expenses can be made through GoFundMe, PayPal or Venmo

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Louisiana Baptist Message

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Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021

JOSHUA 12:7-15:19

Operation Christmas Child

In addition to collecting men’s shirts to turn into dresses, we will be collecting t-shirts for men, women, Boys, and Girls. These will be recycled into a number it items. You can leave your donations in the entry of FBC fellowship hall. It is helpful if the shirts are clean, folded, and grouped.

“Helping Hands” for Missions are so very important.

Easter Schedule at FBC. There will be two services. Easter morning. The 8 A.M. service will be the playing of an Easter drama done by FBC in a previous year. The 10:30 service will be a traditional Easter service.

Make today count!

Anna Lee

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you,

your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 

But if you do not forgive others their sins,

your Father will not forgive your sins.

~Matthew 6:14-15~

Peggy Alford has been released from all treatment following her recent stroke. She worked hard to get to this point. Thank the good Lord!

Ross James Biandolillo

August 23, 1943 – March 23, 2021

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born August 23, 1943 in Louisville, KY and was 77 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Angela Guzzardo Biandolillo;3 children, Michael Ross Biandolillo and wife Becki, Michelle Biandolillo Sparks and husband Danny and Lisa Biandolillo Allemand and husband Junior; grandchildren, Blair Reid, Sydni Biandolillo, Alexis Biandolillo, Graysen Richardson, Masen Richardson, Jaxsen Richardson, Kaitlyn Sparks, Kolton Sparks, Khodi Sparks, Marrah Ransbottom and husband Jeff, Brady Joiner and Brandon Allemand; great-grandchildren, Kasen Ransbottom, Ryleigh Ransbottom, Presley Ransbottom and Brynleigh May Joiner; 1 sister, Paulette Gleason; 1 brother, Frank “Sonny” Portfilio, Jr. and wife Cathy; 2 brothers-in-law, Donald Armstrong and George Guzzardo, M.D. and wife Shirley; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, James and Pauline Biandolillo; sister, Elizabeth Armstrong; 2 brothers-in-laws Richard Gleason and Michael Guzzardo, M.D. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8:30AM until 10:30AM on Friday, March 26, 2021. Private Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 11:00AM on Friday. Services conducted by Fr. Howard Adkins. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – March 25

JOSHUA 10:1-12:6

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Thank-you for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?

If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”

~Romans 8:31 (NLT)~

Rev. Kevin Smith and his wife, Jana, served at Pine Ridge Methodist Church for several years. Since then, they have served in Winnfield. Bro. Kevin announced he will be transferring to Ruston next. Pray for them as they make the transition to their new assignment.

Operation Christmas ChildDuring our Shirts-> Dresses workshops one hundred pencil bags were packed for the older girls. They have much more than pencils though. Helping to fill the bags were Susan Frazier, Ora Lee Wilson, Linda Graves of East Fork, Luther Terrell, David Alford, and Anna Lee Alford. We already have 150 bags packed for boys. As soon as we collect more supplies for the pencil bags, we will pack the next 150 for boys. Thanks for all the hard work! During the workshop numerous shirts were cut in preparation for making dresses. Some were finished, but many are still in the process. Thanks for Mrs. Thelma Pierce for teaching us and for doing much of the sewing at home on her own. Thanks, too, to all of you who provided shirts for us to transform.

Supplies needed for next packing – glue sticks, highlighters, pens

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – March 24

JOSHUA 7:1
1 CHRONICLES 2:7
JOSHUA 7:2-9:27

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Pray for all the medical needs around us.

Pray also for those who have funeral services for loved one during this wet week.

Pray for those whose jobs do not let them work during this rainy time.

Pray for our soon-to-be graduates from kindergarten through college.

Make the most of the rainy weather days we have this week.

Anna Lee

“I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love.

Death can’t, and life can’t.

The angels won’t, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God’s love away.

Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are—high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean—nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us.”

~Romans 8:38-39 (TLB)~

Please pray for this family.

Jaime Huff

October 29, 1978 – March 21, 2021

Jaime Huff, a resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021 in Kentwood, LA. She was born October 29, 1978 in Hammond, LA and was 42 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Allison Heuvel and husband Zachary; son, Shane Church; mother, Ann McNabb Huff; 4 sisters, Katie Huff, Deborah Holliday and husband Jerry, Ruth Ann Thompson and husband Randy, Vicki Rutter; 3 brothers, Keith Jarrell and wife Amber, Bobby Huff and Terry Huff; numerous nieces and nephews including J.J., Kadon, Briar, Bayou Anderson, Tristian, Dakota, Connor and Kinsley Jarrell; aunt and uncle, Barry and Helen McNabb; aunt, Christine Jordan. Preceded in death by her father, Robert Lynn Huff; 2 sisters, Nan Adams and Julee Jarrell; brother, Robert Jarrell. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday, March 25, 2021, and from 8:00AM until religious services at 10:00AM,Friday, March 26, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Donnie Easley. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Yesterday was a good day for those who attended the “Shirt -> Dress” workshop at FBC. We had let of ladies and two men who gave of themselves to make items for our “shoeboxes” and made some new friends in the process. Thanks so much for your willing and “Helping Hands”!

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – march 23

JOSHUA 3:1-6:27

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Enjoy God’s blessings today!

Anna Lee