Let’s pray for our country as we inaugurate a new president.
Let’s also pray for much of our country with weather alerts today.
Daily Bible Reading Passage
January 20
Luke 2
Update
David Sellers is still hospitalized in New Orleans and undergoing tests. Please pray for him and his family in your prayers.
Velma Anthony continues to be in the Amite nursing home. Please say some special prayers for her.
Cold Weather
Pray for those who will face problems with their homes (pipes) during this cold week we are facing. Please check on family, neighbors, friends, and anyone else who might have problems.
Stay off the road unless it is absolutely necessary for you to be out. We don’t have special equipment to work on our roads since we don’t usually face the problems our area is expected to have this week. Also, most people do not know how to drive on the roads in this kind of weather.
I do not foresee a problem with posting TPL this week, but if that should happen, I have already given you the Bible Reading Passages for the week. You might want to print them or write them down. If you forget to do so and cannot get to this link, just read one more chapter a day.
I forgot to share that Sherry Simpson got a diagnosis which is treatable and has already started that treatment. She’s already better. Her family is thankful.
Chance Ohern is doing well. He’s still in isolation. The transplanted organs are working and helping him show improvement.
A New Baby
KK and Job Hulkaby have another son, Silas!
Silas Birch
1/16/25
4:40pm
6lbs 12oz
22 inches
They are home with their first son, Josiah, now.
May God continue to richly bless the Hulkaby home.
Obituaries
Charlie Schwartz shared this with me.
Richard “Timmothy” Lynch
November 19, 1948 — January 14, 2025
Richard “Timmy” Lynch, age 76, a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on Tuesday, January 14th, 2025.
Timmy grew up in Kentwood, Louisiana with his mom, his sister, and his grandparents. He graduated from Kentwood High School in 1966 where he played in the Kangaroo Band. He went to college at LSU where he studied business, served in the ROTC, and played alto trumpet in the Tiger Band. He started dating his wife, Priscilla while he was working as a lifeguard at the Kentwood swimming pool in 1968. He and Priscilla were married on May 1st, 1970. After college, he lived in Baton Rouge where he worked at Exxon as a supervisor for 36 years and served as a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers. He loved grilling, swimming, working in the yard, making daily trips to Home Depot, and watching the Tigers.
Timmy is survived by his wife, Priscilla Lynch; children, Carlton “Chiceaux” Lynch and his wife, Joy Lynch; Jennifer O’Quin and her husband Cavin O’Quin; his sister Patty Dupuy and her husband Hubert Dupuy; his nieces and nephews, Mae Stevens and her husband, Scott Stevens, Casey Graham and her husband, Craig “Bubba” Graham, Jesse Nunnery and his wife, Stacey Nunnery, Greg Dupuy and his wife, Erin Dupuy, and Kevin Dupuy and his wife, Kelsa Dupuy; his grandchildren, Hannah and Micah Lynch, and Hailey Waite and Trennon, Caiden, and Ryan O’Quin; and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Maggie and Lucas Stevens, Carter, Conner, and Cooper Graham, and Anthony Martinez, Katlynn Johnson, and Jesse Jr. and Emma Nunnery, and Oliver and Talullah Dupuy.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ayleene “Mimi” King and James “Jimmy” Lynch; his grandmother and grandfather, Lillie Mae “Maw-Maw” and George Kliesch; and his great-niece, Baylee Nunnery.
Visitation will take place at Resthaven Funeral Home on Sunday, January 19th, 2025 from 10am until services at 12pm. Burial will follow at Line Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Kentwood, Louisiana.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home (lbch.org) or the LSU Tiger Band (thefournotesclub.com) in the name, Richard Lynch.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at Ochsner Medical Center, St. George Fire Station 66, and EMS Station 20 for taking care of Timmy during his last days.
A resident of Amite, LA, passed into life everlasting on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025. He was born in Franklinton, LA on October 29th, 1959. Buck was a 1978 graduate of Woodland High School who proudly served his country in the United States Army, beginning his service in Armor School in May 1978 at Fort Knox, KY and then being assigned to the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. He was also a huge LSU fan. He is survived by his daughter, Nicole Miller Lianne of Lafayette, LA and her partner, Peak Chanthavongsy; 3 grandchildren, Brynlea Sanders, Benton Sanders and Kobelyn Miller; 1 niece, Jessica Sharp Rodeillat and husband Phillip of Port Vincent, LA; 1 great-niece, Jordan Allen; 2 great-nephews, Landon and Peyton Allen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Betty (Manning) Sharp; brothers, Jack and Russell Earl Sharp; paternal grandparents, Herman and Annah Mae Sharp; maternal grandparents, Edwin and Lillie Mae Manning.
Hayden Lamar Madison
April 26, 2023 – January 9, 2025
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025 in Amite, LA. He was born April 26, 2023 in Hammond, LA and was 1 year of age. He is survived by his mother, Krista Madison and her fiance, Matthew Carpenter; brothers and sisters, Lucas Madison, Serenity King, Liam King, and Karsen Carpenter; grandmother, Earlean Baker; aunts, Ashlee Madison, Roxsanne Dunaway, and Marlee Ratliff; and an uncle, Keith “TJ” Madison. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Friday, January 24, 2025. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Patricia Stephen Holden
September 3, 1939 – January 16, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. She was born September 3, 1939 in Mammoth, PA and was 85 years of age. She is survived by her 1 daughter, Connie Holden Cefalu (Francis); 1 son, Rodney Holden (Sheila); 3 grandchildren, Stephanie Holden, Christi Cefalu Monteleone (Payton), and Kevin Cefalu (Breanne); 5 great-grandchildren, Landon Lawrence (Katie), Kelsey Gilhaus, Drew Cefalu, McKenzie Cefalu, and soon to be born Kallie Cefalu; 3 great-great-grandchildren, Lawson Lawrence, Karsen Lawrence, and Maverick Carter. Preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Holden; parents, Alexander Stephen and Ann Matinosky Stephen; brothers and sister, Barbara Ann Stephen, John Stephen, Billie Stephen, Jimmie Stephen, and Chubby Stephen. A private Graveside Service will be held at Sharon Cemetery, Amite, LA at 10:00AM Saturday, January 18, 2025. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Christopher Kimble Primes CSM (Ret)
January 12, 1967 – January 17, 2025
U.S. Army Veteran
CSM (Ret.) Christopher Kimble Primes, 58, of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Chris was born on January 12, 1967, in Amite, Louisiana, to the late William M. Primes Jr. and Shirley J. Primes. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and man of God. He graduated from Amite High School in 1985 and later earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Southeastern Louisiana University.
Chris’s life was dedicated to service. He joined the United States Army in 1984, completing his Basic Training and Military Police Training at Ft. McClellan, Alabama. He served in the Army Reserves as part of the 433rd MP Company in Hammond as a military policeman before transferring to the Louisiana Army National Guard. Rising through the ranks of the 205th Engineer Battalion, he ultimately became its esteemed Command Sergeant Major.
For 20 years, Chris served on the Louisiana National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, where he was assigned to U.S. Customs and later to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Tri-Parish Narcotics Task Force. His exceptional skills and dedication earned him a position as a sniper on the Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team. He proudly deployed to Afghanistan in 2003–2004 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for his bravery and leadership.
Chris was a devoted member of Seeker’s Point Church in Hammond, LA. His faith guided his life, and his passions brought him joy—whether it was hunting, fishing, boating, or spending time at the beach. However, nothing compared to the love he had for his grandchildren: Alex Primes, Joy Primes, Chandler Neustrom, and Ellis Neustrom.
Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Renee Bennet Primes, whom he married in 2014; his two children, Christopher William Primes and Allison Neustrom (Ethan Neustrom); and his cherished grandchildren; his brother Dawson Kimble Primes (Betsy Hall Primes) and their sons Christopher Mack, Kyle Primes and Caleb Primes. Also survived by his former wife of 23 years and mother of his children, Lisa Williams Magliolo.
A Celebration of Life service to honor Chris will be held at Seeker’s Point Church in Hammond, LA, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM. A reception with food, fellowship, and sharing of stories will follow at Camp Chemekette in Robert, LA.
Chris’s unwavering dedication to his family, his country, and his community will forever remain an inspiration to all who knew and loved him.
Sharon B. Hunter
December 9, 1942 – January 17, 2025
A resident of Walker, LA, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025 at her home. She was born December 9, 1942 in Ringgold, LA and was 82 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Robbie L. Hunter, Sr.; daughter, Darlene Doss (Jim); 3 sons, Randy Fowler, Donny Owens, and Robbie Hunter, Jr. (Shelly); 10 grandchildren, Grayson Doss (Edie), Melissa Carley (John-Michael), Josh Doss, Jessica Owens, Blake Owens, Briana Owens, Bobbie Anne Fowler, Michael Fowler, Taylor Felder (Christian), and Jathen Hunter; 7 great-grandchildren and one on the way; 2 sisters, Maxine Morgan and Tammy Blake; brother, Mark Blake (Nita); sister-in-law, Diane Booty. Preceded in death by parents, Addis Blake and Audrey Gray; 3 sisters, Barbara Wallingsford, Catherine Brown, and Charlotte Coker; and a brother, Larry Blake. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 12:00 Noon until religious services at 2:00PM on Monday, January 20, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Dudley and Rev. Patrick Wollerson. Interment New Jerusalem Cemetery, Bolivar, LA. Pallbearers will be Johnny Martin, Grayson Doss, Blake Owens, Christian Felder, Dustin Thames and Jathen Hunter. Honorary Pallbearer will be Chad Bossom. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible Today
January 19
Luke 2
I’m enjoyed reviewing all of these Scriptures.
Let’s pray for a great Lord’s Day in all of our churches. Be present if you possibly can. If not possible, watch online services.
Now, we might also say we will all be thinking ahead to tomorrow and to next Tuesday. My phone has a new “change off tone” concerning the weather for next week. I hate to think of it, but it now says “4-8 inches of snow”! Hopefully, it will change and say, “We made a mistake! A normal January day for SE Louisiana.” Just in case the weather forecaster is correct, we need to make major plans for the weather.
Going back to the Scripture above. We might all have some “character building” next week!
Prayer Focus
Let’s focus our prayers for early next week on the weather and the inauguration.
Take care of your neighbors in a big way next week. May we all stay safe and warm!
Obituaries
Elaine Meister
January 17, 1940 – January 14, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Hospice of Baton Rouge Butterfly Wing in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born January 17, 1940 in New Orleans, LA and was 84 years of age. She is survived by her son, John Thomas Meister and wife, Charlotte; daughter, Cathy Acierto and husband, Danny; grandchildren, Kevin, Rachel, Stephanie, Rodney, Amber, Andrew, Stiffany, James and Sophia; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Braelynn, and Jaxyn; sister, Joan Burkhalter. Preceded in death by her parents, “Pec” Pecoraro and Carrie Pecoraro; husband, John Meister; daughter, Gretchen Meister; granddaughter, Misty Meister. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:00AM at First Baptist Church of Amite. Services conducted by Bro. Matt White. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Dennis Roy Walker
December 29, 1951 – January 15, 2025
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.
Dennis Walker was a faithful follower of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and spent most of his life as a minister of music at several Baptist churches in south Louisiana. He continued his ministry as a Speech Pathologist, where he offered to pray with every patient he treated. Chances are, if you knew Dennis, he prayed with you as well.
Second to God, his children, and even more so, his grandchildren, were the joys of his life. We are comforted by the fact that his is now reunited with his precious wife, Julie, and they are singing in heaven’s choir together. We know without a doubt that God greeted him, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”
Dennis was born on December 29, 1951 in Denham Springs and passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at the age of 73. He is survived by his daughter Kara Faller (Andrew), daughter Kacie, son Kody (Jenny); grandchildren James and John Faller and Mattie Joy Walker; sisters Marion Carpenter (Joe), Dianne Stilley (Jerry), Sharon Cowan (Herb); sisters-in-law Joycelyn Lemons and Janet Dufreche, brother-in-law Bobby Cortez (Jessica); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dennis is preceded in death by the love of his life, Julie Cortez Walker, his parents, Roy and Ad Glascock Walker, and his nephews, Stephen Cowan and Larry Lemons, Jr. We will celebrate his life on Monday, January 20th at First Baptist Church of Amite, 117 East Olive Street. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am until the funeral service at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at Amite Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make monetary donations to the music ministry at your home church, or at his, FBC of Ponchatoula, 325 East Pine Street, Ponchatoula, LA 70454, to continue sharing the gospel through song and as a way to honor his memory, make sure that everyone you meet knows the love of Jesus. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.
Patricia Stephen Holden
September 3, 1939 – January 16, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. She was born September 3, 1939 in Mammoth, PA and was 85 years of age. She is survived by her 1 daughter, Connie Holden Cefalu (Francis); 1 son, Rodney Holden (Sheila); 3 grandchildren, Stephanie Holden, Christi Cefalu Monteleone (Payton), and Kevin Cefalu (Breanne); 5 great-grandchildren, Landon Lawrence (Katie), Kelsey Gilhaus, Drew Cefalu, McKenzie Cefalu, and soon to be born Kallie Cefalu; 3 great-great-grandchildren, Lawson Lawrence, Karsen Lawrence, and Maverick Carter. Preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Holden; parents, Alexander Stephen and Ann Matinosky Stephen; brothers and sister, Barbara Ann Stephen, John Stephen, Billie Stephen, Jimmie Stephen, and Chubby Stephen. A private Graveside Service will be held at Sharon Cemetery, Amite, LA at 10:00AM Saturday, January 18, 2025. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Another Death
Chris Primes, son of Billy and Shirley Primes of Roseland and later Amite, passed away yesterday morning. There is no obituary for him at this time, but you can find comments by his brother, Dawson.
Read the Bible Today
Today’s reading is Luke 1.
Don’t forget your Sunday School lesson, “Persecution”.
Weather Plans
Don’t forget groceries, fuel, plants, people, pets, etc. Be prepared!
Bible Readings
As a means of preparation for possible difficulties, I will give you some Bible readings ahead of schedule. You night want to copy them or print them.
Jan. 18 – Luke 1
Jan. 19 – Luke 2
Jan. 20 – Luke 3
Jan. 21 – Luke 4
Jan. 22 – Luke 5
Jan. 23 – Luke 6
Jan. 24 – Luke 7
Jan. 25 – Luke 8
Jan. 26 – Luke 9
I am enjoying my Bible readings. I hope you are too!
Good Morning. I hope this verse inspires you today.
Verse of the Day
Daily Bible Reading Today
January 16
Mark 15-16
Prayer Focus Today
Today, let’s focus on the cold weather ahead and making needed preparations for the cold weather. Pray for others and help as needed so they can be as comfortable as you are.
Obituaries
I ran across this obituary just now.
Hettie Jean Kliesch
March 30, 1939 – December 6, 2024
Hettie Jean Kliesch, 85 of Gillsburg, passed away Friday, December 6, 2024 at her residence. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Historic Gillsburg Baptist Church in Gillsburg. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Historic Gillsburg Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Old Gillsburg Baptist Church Cemetery. Dr. Victor Walsh will officiate. Special music will be performed by Rodney Dykes.
Hettie was born in Gillsburg, Mississippi on March 30, 1939. Her adult life took her to Carthage, Mississippi and Kentwood, Louisiana, but she later relocated back to Gillsburg after her farming days with Bud concluded. She loved her family very deeply and will always be remembered as a giver that gave her best and always from the heart. Hettie was a blessing to so very many people. As a longtime member of Historic Gillsburg Baptist Church, she cherished her church family and faithfully served the Lord.
She was preceded in death by her Husband, Bud O. Kliesch; her Son, Ellison Bates, Jr.; her Parents, Jim Hunter & Lena Mae McMillan Newman; three Sisters, Helen Marie Reynolds, Geraldine Wall, Catherine Newman.
She is survived by her Son, Emmett Bates, of Gillsburg; her Daughter, Elissa Jones, of Gillsburg; two Grandchildren, James Bates, Haley Walker (Dustin); one Brother, Jimmy Newman (Margie); one Sister, Louise Brumfield; three Great Grandchildren, Lane Walker, Judd Walker Shep Walker; her faithful dog, Lucy; and a number of Nieces, Nephews, and other family members.
Pallbearers will be John Browning, Lee King, Milton Brumfield, James Clark, Jarrett Wilson, and Greg Walsh.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Hettie’s special friend and caregiver, Annette Jenkins, for all of her love and care through this difficult season.
Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit is in charge of the arrangements. Friends may sign an online guest register book at http://www.sharkeyfuneralhome.com.
______________________________________________
Charlie Schwartz and Mary Alice Fox pointed out this obituary yesterday.
Alton Wayne Frazier
June 20, 1950 – January 14, 2025
Alton “Wayne” Frazier, 74, of Summit, passed away on January 14, 2025 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center. Wayne was born in McComb, MS to James Benton and Lonie Mae Frazier and grew up in Kentwood, LA.
Visitation is at 12pm on Thursday, January 16th, with service to follow at 2pm at Hartman-Jones Funeral Home.
Wayne’s life was marked by his love for family, and a passion for sports. Wayne was a proud LSU Tiger, playing football for the University after graduating from Kentwood High School where he was selected All-State three years in a row by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association from 1966-1968.
His professional journey reflected his adaptability and strong work ethic, beginning his career in the logging industry, then transitioning to the oil and gas industry. In the 1990s, he found his final calling as a realtor, a profession he continued until his passing. Wayne found joy in deer hunting and remained a devoted LSU football fan throughout his life.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 53 years, Margaret Roberts Frazier, his sons Brandon (Rebekah) Frazier of Summit and Adam “Blake” (Penny) Frazier of Witchita Falls, TX, and his granddaughters Elana, Maisey, and Savannah.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Bessie Bell Frazier Brabham and Katherine Frazier Hernandez.
Hartman-Jones Funeral Home 1801 Delaware Avenue McComb, MS 39648
______________________________________________
Kody Walker called to share this information concerning his dad, Dennis Walker.
Funeral: Monday, January 19, 2025
FBC, Amite
Visitation begins at 9:00 A.M. followed by the 1:00 service.
Burial will be in Amite.
Brandon Thompson Funeral Home
Update
Sherry Simpson was taken to North Oaks where she had a liver test done yesterday. Kenny Ray, her brother, was not sure where she will be today.
Sunday School Scriptures for Sunday
Lesson: “Protection”
Exodus 22:21-27
Leviticus 19:9-10
Baptist Press
Fires erupt as Mississippi mission team serves Los Angeles.
Today, I exercise my faith and trust in God. I know many hearts are troubled today. Only God can be trusted to help those who face some of the difficulties of life. May He be the One people turn to in their difficulties and trials. May other Christians come out of their struggles even stronger Christians than they already are.
Scriptures to Read Today
Januarty 16
Mark 13-14
Prayer Requests
Please pray for Sherry Simpson. She was admitted to Hood Memorial last weekend and may possibly be moved to Baton Rouge soon.
Pray for the hostages from Israel who have been held so long and who will hopefully be released soon.
Update
Chance is doing okay with his transplants. He is in isolation for a while. As you pray for him, pray for the doctors caring for him and his family as they pray and wait for him to go home again.
Death
Pray for the children, other family members, co-workers, and many friends of Dennis Walker. I’ll post his obituary tomorrow.
What is holding us back from being a bold witness? Thank God for the impact of the Plumley family. Thank God for the impact you and your family can have in your portion of this world.
Today, let’s think of someone who has recently moved into your world. It could be your neighborhood, your church, your working team, your church, your local school, etc. Make them the another focus of some of your your prayer time today. Welcome them. Help them make the adjustment. Offer your assistance and friendship. Pray for them, beginning today.
Today’s Bible Reading Passage
January 15
Mark 11 & 12
Obituaries
John Joseph O’Hern, III
October 7, 1968 – January 10, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, John Joseph O’Hern III, affectionately known as John John, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the age of 56. Born on October 7, 1968, in McComb, MS. He was a graduate of Sumner High School.
John was known for his avid passion for hunting, fishing, NASCAR, and guns, as well as the love he had for his loyal canine companion, Roxy, who meant the world to him.
He is survived by his daughter, Raven O’Hern, and her partner, Matthew Woody as well as her beloved dogs, Dos and Drake; his son, John O’Hern, and wife, Lacie; his cherished grandchildren, Mason and Zoe O’Hern; his father, Wilburn Dee Newcomb; his sisters, Meg Stephens and Alice McFarlain (husband, Adam); his brothers, John Bascom (wife, Paula) and Mark O’Hern (wife, April); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Carolyn Sue Newcomb, with whom he will find his final resting place, at her feet.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Greenlaw Baptist Church. As a tribute to Roxy, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to a local animal shelter in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements are being handled by McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Lance Paul Rohner
February 20, 1953 – January 13, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025 at his home. He was born February 20, 1953 in Independence, LA and was 71 years of age. He is survived by his 2 sons, Michael Rohner (Jennifer) and Cody Leleux (Karen); 1 sister, Diane Gill (Jerry); 7 grandchildren, Dante Leleux, Abby Higginbotham, Jake Higginbotham, Ethan Rohner, Argent Rohner, Waylon Higginbotham, Bethany Higginbotham. Preceded in death by his father, Edward Rohner; mother, Eleanor Henderson; sister, Carolyn Slaven; brothers, Alvie Rohner and G.M. Rohner. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12Noon on Friday, January 17, 2025. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Your Prayer List
Update your prayer list.
Prayer for those on your prayer list.
Be alert to those who need to be added or removed from your daily prayer list.
Touching Others
Today, be aware of those who God places in your life. As you interact, thank God for that person and their impact on your life. Pray for each of these people individually and by name.
Thank God for the opportunities God gives you to interact with so many people.
Let’s focus our prayer today on stopping the raging fires in California and saving the lives of many people (and their homes and jobs). Pray for the safety of the people and a way to get our of the path of the fire. Also pray for people who are living in fear of what the fires will do in the various neighborhoods, the hope and fears after the fire has gone through a neighborhood and as people pray their home is okay, and as people face the reality of loss of their home and all the contents and possibly their job. I cannot imagine this happening to so many people all at one time. I can only pray for them.
Pray for the safety of all police, firefighters, pilots, and others as they work directly with the fire. It’s like going into the conflict of a military battle. The main difference would be the enemy is not other human beings.
Let’s pray the winds die down and the fires go out soon. Let’s also pray for those who are preparing to move into the areas as soon as the fire burns down to search for people who did not evacuate. I’m sure being first to be there after and others need out prayers today and every day for a while.
Read the Bible Today
January 14
Mark 9-10
Be thankful to live where we can freely carry and read our Bibles. What a waste of our freedom if we don’t read the Bible! How we disappoint God.
If you know of someone who might want to read with us, please share the Scriptures with them each day or show them how to locate this site or another site that suggests a plan to read the entire Bible in one year.
If you have the space, find a quiet area (even a prayer closet) to read and pray regularly.
Obituaries
This morning, I did not find any new obituaries for our area. There have been many deaths lately. Please pray for those touched by the death of loved ones or friends.
Women and Girls on Mission
These groups will meet in the New Hope classroom at 5:00 P.M. on the last Sunday of the month. It’s an opportunity to learn about and do missions. Make plans to be there.
Preparation for Wednesday night.
Some people miss the opportunity to study and worship on Wednesdays. Churches provide a nursery for the little ones, opportunities for children, a special group for the youth, and one or more opportunities for adults. There is a place for everyone. I hope you are not missing out.
Special Prayers
Please pray for Chace O’Hern. a young man from our area, who had multiple organ transplants yesterday and last night. Be sure to pray for family and his support system too. (I have not heard anything this morning, but all was going well as he was being readied for the second transplant last night.)
Others
What can we do today to help someone? Choose one or more and get into action.
Introduce yourself to a new neighbor. You might take a “covered dish” and a card with your phone number. You might also check on their religious preference and suggest options for them.
Check on someone who has been sick and see if you can pick up medicine or food for them.
Check with a mother who has young children at home. Suggest library activities and/or church activities for them. You might want to take some fruit or other food for them.
Take a few items of fruit to an senior adult and get to know them and their needs a little better. Get to know their preference for hot beverages at this time of year. Including that will open the door for a future visit, hopefully soon.
Check with someone who might need an extra heater on these cold mornings. It is always a good church class opportunity to help others in need. You can get others to help and pray for needs.
ALWAYS INCLUDE PRAYER IN YOUR CONTACTS WITH THOSE WHO HAVE NEEDS!
Thanks for “meeting with me” this morning and praying for those with needs. There are many who have has routine surgeries or common winter illnesses. This things become major when you are the one or the loved one
I greatly enjoyed being in church yesterday! It’s great to get to spend time with others who also love God and His Word! I suppose that is an example of being “Like-minded”.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus our prayers on the people in California where home, jobs, and lives are threaten by fire. What a terrible situation they are living through! Pray for them to be rescued from the fires, even if their homes and businesses are lost. Pray for those making decisions about who and when people are evacuated. Pray for those who are fighting the fires and for police as they try to keep people from panicking. Pray for pastors and their church members. Many people are helping others even though their own homes are threatened or lost. Think of the elderly. Remember the children being impacted. Think of many groups of people and pray for them in those groups.
Read God’s Word Today
January 13
Mark 7-8
It’s a wonderful blessing to me when you tell me you are reading along with us each day. It’s a wonderful blessing to you when you read and learn more about God’s Word! It’s never too late to begin! It’s a wonderful way to spend part of each day for the rest of out lives!
Senior Adult Lunch
One of the church buses will be helping to carry people to Charlie’s at Springfield for lunch Wednesday. If you would like to go, even in your car, call the church office and leave your name so a place in the restaurant will be reserved for you.
One of the first things you will be able to read about is how Baptists are working to help the people of California. Other groups are too. That’s only one focus today.
Looking Ahead
It’s time to begin working on OCC 2025! This year, after learning more about the need, we have decided to prepare boxes only for the older boys because they are the group that has the least number packed. We will focus on boys 10-14. We will also focus on ordering more items this year and in large numbers.
We will be starting with supplying items for hygiene kits which we will pack and put aside for packing into shoeboxes later this year. Wanda Smith and Jackie Babin will coordinate ordering washcloths, toothbrushes, nail files, bandaids, q-tips, combs, etc. especially through Sunday School classes. When packed, these items will be set aside for packing in the early fall.
As for work, one of our first focuses will be painting the inside of the lids of each box. We will begin doing that next month. The boxes will have messages written and decorations added shortly after that, but the first step will be painting a background for a message the child sees every time they open their box, hopefully for many years.
No, I am not crazy! We will be counting, organizing, and preparing shopping lists real soon. The complete process will take months. Remember the word “process”. Be a part of the process from praying, giving, praying, ordering, praying, organizing, praying, preparing, praying etc. !!! Did you catch the key word?
Get ready for another great year of praying, giving, working, and shipping!!
All thee OOC volunteers and the children thank-you! It’s amazing what God does when we work together on a project of this magnitude!
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025 at his home peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 16, 1950 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 74 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Denise Dyer Stewart and husband, Blake; 2 grandchildren, Ashby Reeves Warren and husband, Steven and Aley Blake Stewart; 1 great-grandchild, Ella; brother, John Dyer and wife, Vicky; nieces, Jennifer Delvisco and husband, Pete and Kaitlin Simpson and husband, Brian; dear friend and longtime companion, Marvee Coxen; and many old cowboys and fellow truckers whom he loved dearly. Preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Hurst Dyer; parents, James and Adele Dyer; sister, Vera Dyer Durr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Darryl Miller. Interment Sharkey Cemetery, Amite, LA. Pallbearers are Jacob Wood, Bo Coxen, Jay Coxen, Trea Coxen, Steven Warren, and Laiken Thomas. Honorary Pallbearers are Jeff Rohner, EB Thompson, Tommy Stillwell, Brett Chambers, Pat Scarle, Jerry Rispone, Tommy Schwebel, and Chip Peroyea. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Today, let’s pray for people at services in our churches today. May decisions be made to follow Jesus in our daily lives. It is so important to ask Jesus into our hearts.
Pray also for Sunday School to be effective in teaching about Jesus and how He wants us to live for Him daily.
Thankful Today
I’m thankful it is a little warmer this morning as we prepare to attend church.
Continue to Pray
Let’s continue to pray for people in Los Angeles. Let’s pray for the fires to stop spreading. Let’s also pray for families as they make decision about today, tomorrow, next week, next year, etc. May Jesus be a guiding force in their life today and in the future.
Operation Christmas Child
We have been taking a break from OCC since our boxes were send on their next journey. You’ll be hearing about OCC ’25 before the end of the month.
Lottie Moon
Today is a good day to give to the Lottie Moon Offering if you have not already done so. Let’s support missionaries who serve around the world.
The Prayer Link 
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