“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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
The Prayer Link 
You must be logged in to post a comment.