Prayer Focus

As we approach Easter, let’s remember the reason for this holiday. It is a remembrance and a memorial service for Jesus who was resurrected from the dead after being crucified and who lives today in heaven where He is preparing a place for us in one day. The choice is our’s. I choose to live forever in Heaven with Heaven with Jesus! If you haven’t made that choice, today is a good day to do so. You will be eternally thankful for making that decision.

Daily Bible Readings

In three months plus one day we read the entire New Testament. Today we begin the Old Testament.

• April 2
• Genesis 1-3

Obituary

Julia Ann Shaw Smith

September 3, 1946 – March 25, 2025

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at her home. She was born September 3, 1946 in Greenlaw, LA and was 78 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Sherry Ann Smith Sassone and husband, Chris; brother, Ronald E. Shaw and wife, Rose; granddaughter, Chandler Sassone Ferguson and husband, Shaw. Preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth LaRue Smith; son, Greg LaRue Smith; parents, Richard E. “Pete” Shaw and Jimmie Aline Pate Shaw; brother, William “Billy” Shaw. Graveside Services will be held at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA at 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Louisiana Baptist Message

(This is the monthly, Louisiana version, of the Baptist Message.)

https://www.baptistmessage.com/

I’m sure you will find some articles you are interested in.

Annie Armstrong Quote

Do something for someone else. Both of you will feel be benefits.

Anna Lee

Emma Dean Morgan McDaniel

January 4, 1939 – March 27, 2025

Emma Dean Morgan McDaniel, 86, a resident of Hammond, LA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, March 27, 2025. She was born in Lewiston, LA, on January 4, 1939, and graduated from Kentwood High School Class of 1958. After high school, Emma attended Charity Hospital Nursing School in New Orleans, LA, where she became a Nurse Anesthetist. She worked as a labor and delivery Anesthetist for many years at Baptist Hospital in New Orleans, LA, and made a family home in Harvey, LA, and then moved to Hammond, LA, after her retirement. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, gardening, volunteering with the Sunshine Ladies, and spending time with friends and family.

Emma was truly one of a kind. She was determined, courageous, sassy, spunky, selfless, a good listener, and could easily make you laugh. She was the matriarch of her family and a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to many. Emma’s life was defined by her unwavering love for her family and her faith. Her family finds comfort in knowing her spirit will live on in their lives and the countless lives she touched.

Survived by: Daughters: Janet McDaniel Bankston of Hammond, LA, (Byron Bankston) and Julie McDaniel Shartle of Madisonville, LA (Bryan Shartle). Grandchildren who lovingly called her MawMaw: Leah Bankston, Bolden Bankston, Micah Bankston, Rebekah Bankston, Cain Bankston, and Caleb Shartle. Sister, Mary Morgan Alford and best friend of 68 years Mamie Majoria. Also, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her husband Johnnie McDaniel of 43 years, her parents Talmadge and Emma Travis Morgan, and her granddaughter Chloe Shartle.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3, at Spring Creek Baptist Church (73072 Hwy. 1054, Kentwood, LA) from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the church at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations to your chosen Charity.Read Less 

Tuesday

Daily Bible Reading

• April 1
• Rev. 20-22

Annie Armstrong Quote

Annie Armstrong Offering

• Missionary effort in North America
• 100% of money goes directly to missions
• New churches, Campground efforts, Etc.

Baptist Press

• Major earthquake in Myanmar spurs Send Relief response
• Rain helps control South Carolina wildfires
• Preliminary agenda for 2025 SBC Annual Meeting; Crossover 25; encouraging missionary’s parents

Pray for Relief Efforts in Myanmar

How can you pray?

1. Pray for the communities impacted by the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand.
2. Pray for first responders and emergency workers as they continue to respond with rescue efforts following the 7.7 earthquake.
3. Pray for families that have lost loved ones in the deadly earthquake.
4. Pray for healing grace for those injured.
5. Pray for those displaced by the earthquake, who need shelter as their homes were either destroyed or are waiting for assessment to determine if re-entry to their homes is safe.
6. Pray for those whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the disaster, causing the inability to provide for their families.
7. Pray for Send Relief and partners as they respond to the needs of the multitudes affected by this disaster.
8. Pray for Send Relief leadership and response partners as they continue to develop best response strategies to meet real needs in this crisis that is exacerbated by ongoing long-term issues that complicate the response.
9. Pray that Send Relief and partners will be able to offer the hope of Christ amid this deadly crisis.

(Send Relief is similar to Disaster Relief, but covers a much larger geographic area.)

Easter Activities for the Children

Pray for children to be able to learn about Jesus.

Pray children who have never attended to attend this year.

Pray for parents to learn how we focus attention on children.

Mission Opportunity

Women on Mission will meet Sunday afternoon at 5 P.M. in the New Hope classroom. They will plan their next mission activity as well as learn about missionaries around the world. Girls, kindergarten – 6th grade, will meet in a nearby classroom.

Thanks for reading and praying today.

Today, let’s pray for different opportunities to help minister to others.

Anna Lee

Daily Bible Reading

• March 31
• Revelation 17-19

Baptist Press

• Team chaplain, BSU reach University of Southern Mississippi athletes throughout the week
• FIRST-PERSON: Is your heart too cluttered?
• Parents find purpose, ministry opportunity through young son’s health struggles
• BIBLE STUDY: Lessons learned in storms

Annie Armstrong Quote

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s ask God for His protection from the storms that are projected to hit our area.

Prayer List

Add a name or two to your list today and pray for those on your list including the two additions you just made.

Have a good day. Stay safe.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

This morning, let’s focus our prayers on our pastors as they present God’s Word to their congregations and our teachers as they present God’s Word.

Verse of the Day

Eephesians 3:17-19

Sunday School Lesson

I Peter 3

Daily Bible Reading

• March 30
• Rev. 13-16

5th Sunday Singing

• FBC, Kentwood
• 5 P.M.
• Several churches participating
• Youth, children, and younger children have regular activities
• Nursery provided
• Followed by a meal

Obituary

Mary Jean “Jeanie” Wascom Seals

November 9, 1956 – March 24, 2025

A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025 at her home in Greensburg. She was born November 9, 1956 in Independence, LA and was 68 years of age. She was Mawmaw to everyone and to know her was to love her. She is survived by her children, Chris Wascom (Brittany), Jonathan Seals (Christina), and Ashley Wascom (Evan);13 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bo Wascom (Evelyn), Kenny Wascom (Missy), Michael Wascom (Norma), and Ronnie Wascom (Ken); sisters, Joann Wascom and Diane Bowlin (David); and numerous, nieces, and nephews. Preceded in death by her father, Donnie Leo Wascom; mother, Billie Katherine Moss Wascom; sister, Sharon Wascom Lynch. Visitation at Lighthouse Baptist Church, Independence, LA, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday and from 10:00AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Friday, March 28, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Gene Hoyt. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Pallbearers will be Jonathon “Hoggie” Wascom, Michael Wayne Wascom, Peanut McGuff, Dustin Wascom, Joseph Lynch, and Todd Addison. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Annie Armstrong Offering

Today is a good day to contribute to the Annie Armstrong offering which focuses on telling people in North America about Jesus.

Thank-you for Reading and Praying.

You are appreciated for showing God’s love to others.

Anna Lee

Illustrated Verse of the Day: Ephesians 3:16-17

Prayer Focus

Today, there are a number of grieving families in our neighborhoods. Let’s pray for the families as they grieve over the loss of a family member. Let’s also pray for friends who can often be as close as family members.

Obituary

Bobby Ray Lawson

November 23, 1941 – March 27, 2025

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at The Lodge in Amite, LA. after a long battle with Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. He was born November 23, 1941 and was 83 years of age. He is survived by the mother of his children, Barbara Walker; nieces and nephews, Stanan Lawson Capdeboscq (Henry), Court Lawson (Ashley), Amy Walker Kent (Douglas), Deborah Browning, Mark Browning (Amy), Ashley Walker, and Amber Walker; numerous great nieces and nephews; and his sister-in-law, Gale Walker. He is preceded in death by his two sons, Blake Lawson, who was his caregiver for the past 10 years, and Brad Lawson; his parents, Silas and Edith Lawson; and his brother, Stanley Lawson. Graveside services will be held at the Greensburg Cemetery at 3:00pm on Monday, March 31, 2025. The family would like to thank Marcus Whitson, The Lodge, and the nurses of Modern Hospice for their care and support of Bobby and our family during these last weeks. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Marty Joe Baham

December 14, 1965 – March 24, 2025

Marty died March 24, 2025 at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Winfield, IL. He was born in New Orleans, LA to Alex and Nell Baham. 

Marty worked as an X-ray Technologist for many years in the Chicago area. He currently was working at Glen Oaks and APC Hospital.

Marty was an amazing man that will sadly missed by family and many friends. 

Preceded in his death was his father, Alex M. Baham; grandparents, McKinley Baham, Mamie Rodriguez, Rufus Hayes and Mattie Givens Hayes.

Those left to cherish his memory his mother, Nell Hayes Baham; brothers, Mark Douglas Baham and his wife Paula; nephew, Dylan M. Baham; niece, Alexis Nicole Baham; and great-nephew, Cooper Baham.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Bobby Graham and Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Daily Bible Reading

Revelation 9-12

Fifth Sunday Singing

FBC, Kentwood

Sunday, March 30

5:00 P.M.

Refreshments to follow.

Baptist Press

• FIRST-PERSON: Is your heart too cluttered?
• Parents find purpose, ministry opportunity through young son’s health struggles
• BIBLE STUDY: Lessons learned in storms

Prayer List

Use your own prayer list today. In addition, be sure to include two who are in rehab, David Sellers and Dorothy Wall.

Have a good day.

Be alert to the weather, including lots of rain for the next week.

Thanks for reading and praying.

Anna Lee

‘Fruit Checking’ (Mt. 7:15-20)

(Jesus continued)

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep, but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, ….”

Prayer Focus Today

Let’s take time today to consider these verses and to evaluate our lives by considering how we spend our time and determining who/what guides us to make everyday decisions.

Daily Bible Reading Passage

• March 28, 2025
• Revelations 4-8

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Georgia religious freedom bill in House; judge applies Utah law to mushroom use

ATLANTA (BP) – As Georgia’s General Assembly continues its month-long push to pass a Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), a judge has ruled Utah’s RFRA protects a religious center’s practice of using illegal psychedelic mushrooms.

Prayer List

Use your personal prayer list to guide your prayer focus today.

Anna Lee

(The weather report I just checked showed that today will be cloudy followed by a number of days when we will have some rain. Get your outdoor chores done today.)

Prayer Focus

Pray for all of us to focus on a heavenly home with God forever, not glory from people on a day-by-day basis here on earth.

Verse of the Day

Daily Bible Reading

• March 27
• Rev. 1-3

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

• Boyce College’s Daniel Smith named 2025 Pete Maravich Award recipient
• Gallup study shows pandemic’s lingering effects on kids’ social skills, mental health
• Student ministry leaders and parents share goals, desire to work together

Obituaries

Julia Ann Shaw Smith

September 3, 1946 – March 25, 2025

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at her home. She was born September 3, 1946 in Greenlaw, LA and was 78 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Sherry Ann Smith Sassone and husband, Chris; brother, Ronald E. Shaw and wife, Rose; granddaughter, Chandler Sassone Ferguson and husband, Shaw. Preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth LaRue Smith; son, Greg LaRue Smith; parents, Richard E. “Pete” Shaw and Jimmie Aline Pate Shaw; brother, William “Billy” Shaw. Graveside Services will be held at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA at 11:00AM Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Mary Jean “Jeanie” Wascom Seals

November 9, 1956 – March 24, 2025

A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025 at her home in Greensburg. She was born November 9, 1956 in Independence, LA and was 68 years of age. She was Mawmaw to everyone and to know her was to love her. She is survived by her children, Chris Wascom (Brittany), Jonathan Seals (Christina), and Ashley Wascom (Evan);13 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bo Wascom (Evelyn), Kenny Wascom (Missy), Michael Wascom (Norma), and Ronnie Wascom (Ken); sisters, Joann Wascom and Diane Bowlin (David); and numerous, nieces, and nephews. Preceded in death by her father, Donnie Leo Wascom; mother, Billie Katherine Moss Wascom; sister, Sharon Wascom Lynch. Visitation at Lighthouse Baptist Church, Independence, LA, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday and from 10:00AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Friday, March 28, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Gene Hoyt. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Pallbearers will be Jonathon “Hoggie” Wascom, Michael Wayne Wascom, Peanut McGuff, Dustin Wascom, Joseph Lynch, and Todd Addison. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Annie Armstrong Offering

This offering helps to reach people in all of North America who do not know Jesus. This is done through organizing new churches where none exist, the cowboy ministry, camps, services and outreach in campgrounds, etc., places where people who don’t know the Lord might be found.

• What is the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering? The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering (AAEO) is the primary way Southern Baptists fund missions in North America. One hundred percent of gifts given to AAEO go to the field to support more than 3,000 missionary families serving across the United States and Canada.
• This Easter Offering 2025 service focuses on every person’s right to education. Stories tell of people who are committed to changing lives through education.
• This is one of the many faces of this work. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=632719536010481
• You can give through any Southern Baptist Church.

You are appreciated!

I love hearing some of you as you tell me you are reading the daily Bible readings with the plan I have chosen for this year. Let’s all learn a little more about Revelations. this day and for the next week.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Let’s pray today that more and more people around us will choose to live their lives as children of God.

Daily Bible Reading

• March 26
• II John, III John, & Jude

Obituary

William “Billy” Walton Hall

October 14, 1948 – March 21, 2025

A resident of the Hillsdale Community, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA at 76 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara B. Hall; sons, William Joe Hall ( fiancé, Christina) and David W. Hall; a granddaughter, Brittany Hall Moore (Jacob); 2 great-grandchildren, Jon Paul Moore and Collins O’Bryan Moore; former daughter in-law, Lori B. Hall. Preceded in death by his mother, Martina E. Watson Hall; father, L. J. Hall, Jr.; brother, Leland Wallace Hall. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Thursday and from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Friday, March 28, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Heath Rohner. Interment Pine Hill Cemetery, Amite, LA. Pallbearers are Joe Hall, David Hall, Kenny Housley, Kevin Housley, William Slaven, Jacob Moore, and Trever Gunn. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Fifth Sunday Singing

• March 30
• First Baptist Church, Kentwood
• 5:00 P.M.
• All of you are invited.
• Fellowship and food following the service

OCC Need

We need 450 bandanas for the 450 shoeboxes. Purchasing some of them would be helpful to us. This tends to be a good class project. Thank-you for purchasing these or other items we need. Your donations are appreciated!

Prayer Meeting

• Wednesday nights
• 6:00 P.M.
• A place for everyone

Your faithfulness to TPL is appreciated.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Today, I want to pray for and thank all men and women who serve God and serve mankind daily. You are loved and appreciated by many!!!

In honor of Gerald Griffith:

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

— Romans 12:11-12 NLT

Visitation this morning beginning at 9:00 at FBC, Kentwood, LA.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s think of the “gentle giants” like Gerald. They serve others and never draw attention to themselves.

Fifth Sunday Singing

Sunday, March 30th at 5 A.M.

FBC, Kentwood

That reminds me of some trivia information. Gerald’s father and his father-in-law were both Baptist preachers. Gerald was a Sunday School teacher and a music minister until recent years when he said his voice was gone. He had also become our front door security man/greeter too. He was like a gentle giant.

Daily Bible Reading

• Tuesday, May 25
• I John 1-5

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Thank you for reading and serving in your God-given way today.

May you be a Gerald and serve as God calls you.

Anna Lee