If you miss a day, don’t quit. Double up on your reading and catch up.
Health Update
Toni Holland and Rachel Buckley had surgery less than two weeks ago and were both at church yesterday. Join me and others as we thank God for their progress.
Also, Dorothy Wall will begin inpatient therapy at Hood Memorial Hospital today. Pray for her, please.
Annie Armstrong
This is our annual offering for missionary work in North America, including the United States. Give so that more may learn about Jesus.
Operation Christmas Child
Items we are collecting now:
Small toy cars
Bandanas
Solar calculators
Items you purchase now may be left in the green tote in the hallway under the sanctuary.
Special thanks to those who have helped by shopping for needed items.
Today, I want to close with another verse.
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
‘Anger Can Control You if You Let It’ (Pr. 29:11)
I am very thankful for those of you who check in and read daily. Your prayers are appreciated by those listed here.
Today let’s pray for people to make their way into a church of their choice today and to listen to God’s message so they can apply it to their heart.
Annie Armstrong Quote
Annie Armstrong was a North American missionary
and organizer and supporter of efforts to reach the
lost people in all of North America..
Rev. Billy Graham Quote
“My home is in Heaven.
I’m just traveling through this world.”
Rev. Billy Graham was an evangelist who preached worldwide
in person and through television broadcasting. His son, Rev.
Franklin, is the founder and leader of Samaritan’s Purse. He
carries on his father’s desire to tell others about about Jesus.
Operation Christmas is a ministry led by Franklin Graham.
Rev. Franklin Graham Quote – “Every life is precious to God”.
Our words are important too!
What are you known for saying? Is it an encouragement to others?
Worship Services
At church today, you will hear the words of God and/or apostles of Jesus. If not in actual attendance, “Attend online”. I welcome you to watch and hear the service from FBC, Kentwood, LA. Services are shared on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings.
Please pray for pastors of our churches. May they continue to share God’s Word and be a source of strength and encouragement to others. May their messages touch hearts and guide people as they seek to follow God.
Daily Bible Reading
March 22
James 1-5
Obituaries
James “Jim” Louis Tryniecki
May 16, 1944 – March 20, 2025
James “Jim” Louis Tryniecki, a resident of Amite, Louisiana passed away at 3:37 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Alexandria, surrounded by his loving daughters and family. Born on May 16, 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana he was 80 years old. Jim was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother and faithful friend.
His memory will be cherished by his daughters: Melissa Bordelon and husband Nic of Hammond, Debbie Gallagher and husband Mike of Alexandria, and Angela King and husband Tom of Mandeville. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Kelsey (Jake) Kojeski, James Bryce Bordelon, Karley (Nick) Fontenot of Hammond; Maddie Gallagher, Kaitlyn “KK” Gallagher, and Shawn Gallagher of Alexandria; Alex Dumestre, Adam Dumestre, and Hunter King of Mandeville. He was blessed with a great-granddaughter, Serena Fontenot; sisters, Val Lambert (Randy), Jan Ledet (Julian); and brother-in-law, Vince LaBarbera were his closest family, and their love meant the world to him.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Linda Ritchie Tryniecki; parents, Joe and Ida Tryniecki of Amite; in-laws, Robert Virgil and Nita Ritchie of Bogalusa; sister, Sara Ann LaBarbera of Amite; and sister-in-law, Juanita Trout of Red Deer, Canada.
Jim’s faith in Jesus and his journey to heaven were always his top priorities. He was happiest when surrounded by his wife, his “girls” and grandchildren. Jim devoted his professional life to the countless students he taught as an Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at Southeastern Louisiana University for 35 years. He earned his Bachelors degree and Master’s in Education from Southeastern Louisiana University.
A member of St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Helena Council 10911. An avid runner, nicknamed “The Polish Racer,” he was often seen outpacing his Southeastern students during his runs and enjoyed participating in numerous road races across the state, from 5Ks to marathons. A HAM radio operator (K5WGO), he was also a skilled archer, often using his expertise to shoot wires into trees for his radio tower setup. A talented craftsman and creative problem solver, “PawPaw Jim” could fix anything! He cherished the time spent with friends who shared these hobbies.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Christus Hospice St. Frances Cabrini of Alexandria for their exceptional care and compassion during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jim Tryniecki Kinesiology and Health Studies Memorial at southeastern.edu/memorial.
Services will be held on Monday, March 31, at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite. The Holy Rosary will begin at 8:10 a.m., followed by visitation from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., with Mass at 12:00 p.m. Internment will take place at St. Dominic Cemetery in Husser.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Henry Gerald Griffith
September 15, 1952 – March 21, 2025
Henry Gerald Griffith, 72 of Kentwood, LA passed away Friday, March 21, 2025 at the St Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. He was born Monday, September 15, 1952 in Union, Mississippi.
A Memorial Service is currently set for Tuesday, March 25, at First Baptist Church in Kentwood. Time to be announced soon.
How can we describe a man like Gerald? He was known as a man that wore a lot of shoes and was a lot of things to a lot of people. He would go above and beyond to help and be there. It was said that if they needed a real live elephant at church, he would find a way to get it through the door. He will most definitely be missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Bolian Griffith; father, James Elvis Griffith; mother, Clara Mae Nazary Griffith.
Survivors include his daughter, Melanie Harrell of Kentwood, LA; grandchildren, Gabriel Harrell and Victoria Harell; brother, Wayne Griffith; sister, Renee Griffith Maske; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Gerald’s family would like to extend a huge thank you to the Kentwood and Osyka Fire Departments for their love and support during this season of life.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Osyka or Kentwood fire departments.
Please pray for all those who know him through church, work, etc. He meant so much to his family, church, the fire department, and the community in general.
If you do not have a book, read the Scripture and study any additional resource you have available.
Annie Armstrong Offering for North America
You may think there are plenty of churches and preachers in our country, but you don’t understand all the needs we still have.
Think about it. How many family members, friends, and neighbors do you have who are not interested in a heavenly home for eternity?
I don’t know how much has been given locally, but I do know more can always be used.
If you can name at least one person who needs Jesus, give and then, give some more.
Operation Christmas Child
“God saved me and I became a Christian through The Greatest Journey. I shared what I learned with my best friend, Dulguun, and the next day he came to church with me. Today, Dulguun is following Christ, too!”
–Munkhbold, 11, Mongolia
When we pay shipping chargers on the filled boxes, the fee also covers the price of this literature.
So far, 46+ million children have had the opportunity to learn about Jesus through this literature. The literature is printed in the language of the country where each child lives. I think the literature is priceless.
Please take a few minutes to look over this site to learn what I am referring to and to see some pictures, watch some video, and learn more about shoeboxes.
“The Greatest Journey”
I am always available to tell you more, to talk to a group, or to show a packed shoebox.
Today, let’s prayer for our friends who are homebound. Many people find themselves in a condition where they cannot get out. At the same time, they do not have friends or family members who stop by and visit a few minutes. Homebound folks sometimes feel so alone. As you pray for them, God may lead you to connect with them. How blessed they will be! How blessed you will. be!
Daily Bible Reading
March 20
Hebrews 7-12
Hospital
Please continue to pray for Geral Griffith (Covington) and for Dorothy Wall (Hammond). Add others you are aware of.
Rehab
Please continue to pray for David Sellers and others you are aware of.
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
This offering provides for missions in North America, including the United States. It includes helping churches get started, missionaries working in large parks, homeless on the streets of many of our larger cities, Vacation Bible Schools where there are none, etc. Mark your church envelope Annie Armstrong and help those who are working with the lost across our country.
Disaster Relief
Pray for safety of those who are working to help in the clean up following the tornados that hit East Fork, Tylertown, and all the other places. Help is coming from neighbors, local businesses, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief, and others.
If you find yourself with the opportunity to help in any way, please do so. You will help others and receive a great blessing.
Operation Christmas Child
You can place your donations in the green tote in the hallway downstairs under the sanctuary. Thank-you for your help as we prepare to ship 450 shoeboxes to boys around the world who will be blessed with the contents of the boxes AND A BIBLE AND LITERATURE THAT WILL HELP THEM LEARN ABOUT JESUS. Shoeboxes also influence sibling, parents, grandparents, and other family members and acquaintances.
Encouragement
Please find some time today to encourage someone with words, food, appropriate gifts, Christian literature, and your time. As you encourage and bless others, you will receive a blessing too.
Today, let’s continue to pray for those whose homes were damaged by the tornado Saturday in the East Fork community. You probably know someone with a need because of the storm. What an opportunity to help others!
Daily Bible Reading
March 19
Hebrews 1-6
Prayer Meeting
At FBC, Kentwood, we meet at 6 P.M. and have a nursery, a kids group, a youth group, and and adult group. That’s a place for everyone! There’s always room for one more!
Obituaries
Margaret Ann Webb Lee
December 4, 1942 – March 17, 2025
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025 at her home. She was born December 4, 1942 in Clinton, LA and was 82 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Bennie Ray Lee; daughter, Carmen Varnado and husband, Jimmy; son, Todd Lee and wife, Rhonda; daughter-in-law, Melissa Lee; 10 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her son, Eric Lee; parents, J. K. Webb and Neva Bryant Webb; and a sister, Virginia Brabham. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Scott Spinks and Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Wales Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Pallbearers will be Tyler Varnado, Corey Varnado, Benji Varnado, Colton Lee, Austin Lee, Brady Lee, and Ross Lee. Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Maddox, John Antoon, Aiden Varnado, Chris Holland, Shelley Swartz, and Timmy Glass. A special thank you to Jennifer Hasty for always being there for us and Mom and thanks to Modern Hospice. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Wilburn Douglas Newcomb,Jr.
January 17, 1942 – March 15, 2025
Known to many as Dee, Wilburn Douglas Newcomb Jr. joined his beloved wife of 46 years, Carolyn Sue Newcomb, in everlasting glory on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the age of 83. Despite the historic storms brewing outside, he spent his final moments in the comfort and peace of his home with his family and his three-legged dog Shadow. Dee was a retired union boilermaker who loved fishing, gardening, motorcycles, cooking and spending time in his shop. He was deeply loved for the time he gave to his friends and family.
In a busy world, Dee Newcomb made time for laughing, sharing stories and helping others in every way he could. This may have meant sharing a meal, making silly jokes, fixing your vehicle or prepping a plot for spring planting. If he wasn’t on the road, then you could find him on his back porch swing…. truly appreciating his days on Earth and the people he was given to love.
He is survived by an abundance of family who lovingly called him “Daddy Dee” or “DaDee”: daughters Alice McFarlain (Adam) and Meg Stephens, sons Mark O’Hern (April) and John Bascom (Paula), grandchildren Amanda (Timmy), Megan (Pierce), Katrina (Neil) and Hannah, Sasha, Ariana, Chance, Warren and Claire, Ruston, Michaela (Fredrick), Madeline, his namesake Matthew Douglas, MaKenna and Rae Anne, John (Lacie) and Raven, Krista and Courtney (Alex).
Many great-grandchildren were blessed to know him: Morgan, Jadyn, Brantley, Halle, Stephen, Jocelyn, Kollin, Gabriel, Mason, Zoe, Theodore and his wife’s namesake Elizabeth Carolyn, Eli, Bascom, Riley and Heaslett. He leaves behind his siblings Harvey Gene Newcomb (Francis), William Mason Newcomb Sr. (Brenda), Jerry Wayne Newcomb Sr. (Dottie), Melissa Carol McKinney Farr (Robert) and Charlie Everett McKinney (Carla), along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Dee was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Sue “Suema” Newcomb, son John Joseph O’Hern III, grandchild Angel Alexander Rodriguez and great-grandchild Evelyn Rose Parsons, son-in-law Jeff Pittman, as well as his parents, Wilburn Douglas Newcomb and Nora Lee Cooksey Wilkerson, his sisters Wilma Lee Newcomb Wilkerson, Shirley Jean Newcomb Brown and Valerie Jo King Meyerding, and his brother Wade Lamar Newcomb Sr.
A Celebration of Life, filled with family, friends, food and music, will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dee’s honor to his grandson Chance in support of his transplant journey at https://gofund.me/39a3f968. Donations for Chance can also be made in Alice McFarlain’s name at Hancock Whitney bank. The family warmly asks those who knew and loved Dee Newcomb to do one small act of kindness in his memory each day, because he found great happiness in helping others. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I liked the story about kids riding their bikes for missions in GA.
Thankfulness
Today, I am so thankful no lives were lost because of the tornado. Thank God for families in that area where the lives of all the people were spared. Let’s be specific. As you pray, mention some people by name today.
Today, let’s focus our prayers on all the families across a large agea of our countryside that have been touched by the recent tornadoes. That includes a number of local families! Pray for the families you know of and for the families of those you do not know. It also includes some families from FBC. Say prayers for all of them, please.
Prayer List
Please add Linda Callihan’s name to your list. She was in North Oaks when we talked yesterday mornning.
Obituary
Joe Allen Easley
January 23, 1947 – March 16, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved father, Joe Allen Easley, who passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025 at 2:00AM, at the age of 78, in his home in Kentwood, LA. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, our dad served his country with honor and courage in The Vietnam War. After being wounded twice, he was discharged with a purple heart. Not only was our Dad a soldier, but he was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He loved his God, family, church and community. As a member of New Zion Baptist Church, his heart for service was unmeasurable, giving freely of himself wherever he saw a need without hesitation. He was our rock, our compass, our “I’ll take care of everything” Dad. Our lives will forever change and he will forever be missed. We know we are not alone for the countless lives our father touched grieve along with us. He is survived by his wife, Dianne Easley; daughters, Jody Denise Easley and Stacy Easley Cassel; sons, Buddy Lynn Easley and Joe Allen Easley, II; grandchildren, Trenton Scott Bailey, Thomas Trey Bailey, Matthew Blake Easley Bridges, Drew Allen Davidson, Ethan Michael Cassel, Isabella Rose Fisher, Carter Douglas Easley, Kenadie Marie Easley, and Kade Allen Easley; great-grandchildren, Taylor Elizabeth Bailey, Taylon Thomas Bailey, Addison Grace Bailey, Cruze Anthony Maddox, Madelyn Rhea Bridges, Blakely Katherine Bridges, Thomas David Bailey, and Lucus Aiden Cassel. Preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Clark Easley; father, Walter Buddy Easley; mother, Jewel Allen Easley; sisters, Donna Lynn Bracy and Carolyn Geter Troquille. Pallbearers are Trenton Bailey, Trey Bailey, Matthew Bridges, Drew Davidson, Ethan Cassel, and Kade Easley. Honorary Pallbearers are Al Travis, John Troquille, Larry Dale Allen, and Mike Guy. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 8:30AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Larry Blades. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Special thanks to Uncle John for always being there when we need him and Cousin Al for his love and support during this time. Al has said plenty times, “Joe is the best man I’ve ever known.” In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Zion Baptist Church or your favorite charity. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Joe was a wonderful Christian and a friend to many. We are so thankful for having the opportunity to know him.
Visits
David and I enjoy making visits to the home of those who are sick, grieving, etc. Today, we had some of those opportunities. The people we visited “made our day”.
Let’s pray for those who had damage from the tornadoes locally and across the South. At this time, authorities say the death total is 35. None of those are Kentwood.
While we are focused on the tornado, others in our country are focussed on fires, dust storms, etc. There are many victims to be prayed for. Thankfully, God is able to help those who have all these needs at the same time. What a mighty, loving, and caring God!
Daily Bible Reading
Monday, March 17
II Timothy 1-4
Other Prayer Needs
Alcyon Hayden – emergency surgery recovery
Connie Labarbara – Amite
Family of Joe Easley – New Zion area, No obituary at this time
Rachel Buckley – recovery from surgery
Toni Holland – recovery from surgery
Ferrie Gene Blackmon – recent falls
Gerald Griffith – St. Tammany Hospital
Victims of tornadoes
Residents of nursing homes
Homebound folks
Kenneth and Yvonne Birch were able to be back at church following their recent accident. Please continue to pray for them.
In two weeks, we will have a singing at FBC. It will involve people from several churches. The 5:00 P.M. gathering will end with a time of fellowship and refreshments. Everyone is invited to attend.
Today, as you think about how busy life is and the needs around us, keep praying. God hears and can meet all of of out requests.
The Prayer Link 
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