That was all I managed to save. I will redo a portion of what I wrote earlier.
Prayer Focus
I pray for people as the storms come through their area. I pray for them to be wise in the decisions they make today.
Daily Bible Reading
Genesis 16-18
Annie Armstrong Quote
“The future lies all before us…shall it only be a slight advance upon what we usually do?Ought it not to abound, a leap forward, to altitudes of endeavor and success undreamed of before?”
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Ponchatoula Community Center in Ponchatoula, LA. She was born February 6, 1954 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and was 71 years of age. Our Mom had a smile that lit up a room. She had a great sense of humor. She always tried to see the joy in life. She had a love of fashion and all things beautiful. She loved her plants and gardening, especially her roses. The greatest thing Mom would want to be remembered for was a deep love of God. She would want everyone to know the love of Jesus and accept him as their Savior. We are so blessed to have the joy of knowing our mom is resting in the presence of her heavenly father. Mom, you will be greatly missed, We love you. She is survived by her daughter, Amber Barr and husband, Keith; son, James Rowland and wife, April; grandchildren, Breanna Barr Noto and husband, Lafton, Madison Barr, Jayla Rowland, Jalianna Rowland, Jayden Rowland, Jaisleigh Rowland, and SaKylie; great-grandchildren, Lewis Noto and Cannon Noto. Preceded in death by her husband, James Rowland; father, Elius Guillory; mother, Wanda Guillory; brother, Donald Guillory. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Today, let’s pray for the families with deaths and the communities with damage from the most recent tornadoes. We should be able to relate to tornado damage better after the recent tornado in East Fork.
Prayer Needs
Please pray for Chuck and Dorothy Wall and Robert and Ora LeeWilson.
Daily Bible Reading Passage
April 4
Genesis 8-11
Sunday School Lesson
Sunday, May 6
“Our Defense”
I Peter 3:13-22
You are invited to FBC, Kentwood to try some of our Sunday School classes and to select the one that suits you the best.
The group will meet at 12:00 next Wednesday for lunch.
Operation Christmas Child
Drop-off Location for our area in 2025 – FBC, Kentwood
We were again approved as the drop-off site for our general geographic area.
The times we will be open each day was also determined. I’ll post that closer to those dates in November.
Annie Armstrong Quote
“The future lies all before us… shall it only be a slight advance upon what we usually do? Ought it not to abound, a leap forward, to altitudes of endeavor and success undreamed of before?”
Read the Rest of the Story
“When Jesus heard (the Roman officer say that Jesusn’t need to go to the servant to heal him), he was amazed. Turning to those who were following….”
Matthew 8:10-13
When you prepare for today’s prayer time, focus your prayers on those listed in your personal prayer book.
Thanks for reading, praying, and sharing TPL today.
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. She was born October 1, 1934 in Franklinton, LA and was 90 years of age. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Wava Hill; grandchildren, Robin Phelps, Wendy Neu, and Jody Varnado (Nikki); great-grandchildren, Joshua Neu, Heather White, Cody Phelps, Robert Neu, James Neu, and Matthew Varnado. Preceded in death by her husband, Wilmer F. Rushing; sons, Daniel “Pee Wee” Hill and Danny Hill; mother, Effie Toney Seals; father, Carry Seals; brothers, Bud Seals and Smiley Monroe Seals; great-grandson, Tyler Phelps. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, April 4, 2025. Interment Corkern Cemetery, Franklinton, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Rehabilitation
We know people who have been hospitalized for surgery, broken bones , or for long periods of time often need the services of those who are specialized in rehabilitatiion. Please pray for these two Kentwood residents who are in receiving rehabilitation services at this time.
Dorothy Wall
David Sellers
Two Friends from FBC, Amite
Johnny Belgard – hospitalized with pneumonia
Gradon Clemons – hospitalized with a blood clot in his arm
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.)
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
Pray for the communities impacted by the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand.
Pray for first responders and emergency workers as they continue to respond with rescue efforts following the 7.7 earthquake.
Pray for families that have lost loved ones in the deadly earthquake.
Pray for healing grace for those injured.
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.
Pray for those whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the disaster, causing the inability to provide for their families.
Pray for Send Relief and partners as they respond to the needs of the multitudes affected by this disaster.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Prayer Link 
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