John 14:27

Verse of the Day Reflections

Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for my WEEKLY ROUTINE. I no longer have a daily work routine and often each day is very different. I have the freedom to attend church activities and add other things that come up. This gives me satisfaction at my current stage of life.

I’m also thankful to be able to adjust my daily routine when I want to do so. Bells no longer determine what I do each day! For example, nobody told me when to go to be this morning. I could stay up and watch the election results as long as I wanted.

Prayer Focus

Pray for the newly elected candidates for political office as they adjust to their responsibilities to the American people and serve terms that will glorify God and fulfill their responsibilities in our great country. Pray for those who will be returning to their previous routine too. Adjustments/Changes can be hard!

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 6
• Jeremiah 50:24-51:32
• Psalm 119:113-120
• Proverbs 26:24-26
• Hebrews 2:10-3:11
• Today, if you hear his voice, open your heart to Him.

Obituary

Lana Ardillo Woodard

December 10, 1952 – November 4, 2024

Lana Ardillo Woodard was born December 10th, 1952 and went to her Heavenly Home on November 4th, 2024.  Lana worked for the State of Louisiana as a Support Enforcement Specialist for 33 years before retiring.  However, after several years she decided retirement did not pay enough and returned to the State where she resumed her work part time.  Lana enjoyed flowers and looked forward every year for her Daylilies to bloom.  She enjoyed just sitting outside in her favorite rocking chair and watching all the birds come to her numerous feeders which were always full.  She had a heart full of love but was quick to tell you if she thought you were doing something wrong, in other words not her way.  She was an amazing Cook, Wife, Mother, and her favorite title Grandmother.  She loved her two granddaughters, Caylee and Leah, with all her heart and would do anything for them.  She will be greatly missed but we will see her again.  Until then we know she will be looking down on all her family and friends wanting everyone to not make a fuss and know she loved us all.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Mike; her one and only child, Micah (wife Courtney); grandchildren, Caylee and Leah; sisters-in-law, Loretta Scimeca Snow, Margaret Caraway, Betty Jo Ford, Annette Woodward; nephews, Skip Caraway (wife Denise), Chip Caraway (wife Donna), Barry Levatino (wife Linda), Brian Levatino (wife Kathy), Chad Woodward (wife Shellie); nieces, Rhonda Enis (husband Donald), Shae Mclin (husband Robert), and Aaron Ardillo.  Along with numerous great nieces and nephews.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Georgie Ardillo; in-laws, Buddy and Ethel Woodard; brothers, Ronald Ardillo and Robert “Bobby” Snow; aunts, Laura Bates Bankston, Eugenia Bates Conti, Leila Belle Bates Scimeca, Jewel “Judy” Bates Phillips, and Peggy Bates Pevey; uncle, Johnnie Bates; sister-in-law, Livy Louise Levatino; brothers-in-law, Tommy Ford, James “Sonny” Woodward, Sammie Levatino Jr, and Sherrill Caraway; nephews, Brad Ardillo, David Snow, and Shawn Snow; nieces, Sherrie Magruder and Darlene Ford. 

Visitation at First Baptist Church of Greensburg from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Shawn Ostoj. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Pallbearers will be Skip Caraway, Bryan Levatino, Ryan Levatino, Blake Thomassie, Ryan Perkins, Chad Woodward, Will Wall and Derek Wall. Honorary pallbearers will be Barry Levatino and Virgil Ray Magruder. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Lana was known to me as a person I often saw at associational church activities, a relative of some of my friends, and a a very good friend of my cousin, Fran. I knew her to be a Christian with “a brightly shining light” and a sweet love for other people. I now realize she was a relative to some people I know and taught.

Special Article

What a difference one Christian can make in our world today!

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/speaker-johnson-encourages-louisiana-baptists-during-three-church-visits/

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I’m so thankful for you! You make a difference!

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus Today

Pray for voters across our country as they cast their vote for our next president and other leaders.

Prayer Needs

• Mrs. Barbara Baugh
• Mrs. Ferrie Gene Blackmon
• Mrs. Yvonne Birch
• Nathan and Wrenley Daniels
• Brandon Hammons
• Family members of recently deceased

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 5
• Jeremiah 49:7-50:23
• Psalm 119:109-112
• Proverbs 26:20-23
• Hebrews 1:1-29

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Others

What will you take the time to do for someone you know today? Surely there is at least one things you can do today.

• Phone call
• Card
• Transportation
• Change light bulbs
• Pick up in their yard
• Wash their vehicle
• Visit
• Food (Basic food and/or a treat)
• Read Scripture
• Show them a recent church service on your phone

Remember, we are the church. Do you know the hymn “Let Others See Jesus in You”? We might be the only “Jesus” they see today! Think about that today, please.

Anna Lee

To explain my absence for the last two days, I will say my mouse would not charge. Finally, David asked our son. He told us of an alternate plan. We tried it and here I am “back in business”.

I have had some sweet comments that asked about TPL saying they hoped we were okay. Thanks! We are fine! I had a “hard-headed” mouse. I’m thankful for our son who is so knowledgeable and gave us an alternative plan over the phone.

I’m thankful to say “I’m back!”.

Thankfulness

In November, I usually give you some of the reasons I am thankful. I will do so very briefly this year.

1. Savior/Faith
2. Family
3. Church family
4. Teaching career

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 2
• Jeremiah 42:1-44:14
• Psalm 119:96-100
• Proverbs 26:10-12
• Titus 1:1-2:8

• November 3
• Jeremiah 44:15-47:7
• Psalm 119:101-104
• Proverbs 26: 13-16
• Titus 2:9-3:15

• November 4
• Jeremiah 48:1-49:6
• Psalm 119:105-108
• Proverbs 26:17-19
• Philemon 1-25

Obituary

David Newton Duncan

February 15, 1965 – October 29, 2024

A resident of Brandon, MS, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. He was born February 15, 1965 in Tylertown, MS and was 59 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Sydney Duncan; 3 grandsons, Blaine Duncan, Gavin Duncan, and Cade Duncan; wife, Catherine A. Duncan; 2 stepsons, Benjamin Purvis and Blaire Purvis and wife, Stephanie; 2 step grandchildren, Elizabeth Purvis and Ripp Purvis; numerous cousins and many friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Huey and Belvery Duncan; brother, Walter Craig Duncan. Graveside Services will be held at Crain’s Creek Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 30349 Crain’s Creek Rd., Franklinton, LA 70438 at 11:00AM Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Bobby Crain. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thanks for being faithful during my computer difficulties.

Write a note to some of the people in your life today.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s thank God for His faithfulness. For exam[le – So far in my life, the sun rises every morning and sets every evening. That is. one example of God’s faithfulness. There has been, is now, nor will every be a human being who can create a world like and faithfully cause the sun to rise and set each day. Let’s be faithful to thank Him daily for all he has done for us.

Read the Bible Every Day

• November 1
• Jeremiah 39:1- 41:18
• Psalm 119:89-95
• Proverbs 26:7-9
• II Timothy 4:1-22

Reminder and Obituary

Visitation for Carol Conerly, 76, of Osyka, MS will be at First Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 9:00-11:00 AM with religious services beginning at 11:00 AM. The burial will follow at the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Osyka, MS. Bro. Darryl Miller and Bro. Joey Miller will be officiating the services, with Sharkey Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Gary Marvin Varnado

November 13, 1930 – October 30, 2024

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born November 13, 1930 in Vinton, LA and was 94 years of age. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of Korea and a retired Director for Louisiana Health and Human Resources. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ballard Varnado; daughter, Gretchen Simpson; 2 grandchildren, Micah and Sarabeth Simpson; brother, Glen Varnado; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Irma Warren Varnado, siblings, Norman Varnado, Ina Wheat, Fred Varnado, and Rosemary Yantis. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 9:00 A.M. until religious services at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. The family would like to thank Robert Ricks for all of his help and support. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

David and I both met Gary years ago through our jobs. David knew him through the state’s Dept. of Probation and Parole. Later, I met him through the parish’s school system. We also knew him through his family connection to Kentwood. Marty, his son-in-law was a friend through FBC, Kentwood.

We always enjoyed our visits with him. Recently, we had a good visit with him when David enjoyed asking about his military service. Saturday, when the Women on Mission from our church had a day of sharing baked goods, I learned his health was failing and he was unable to visit with the group that day. “Miss” Mary visited with us though. What an awesome Christian couple! We are thankful for getting to know and love them.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I’m sure you will enjoy reading some of today’s articles. Here’s an example.

COVID Perspective: Pandemic pause left no long-term changes in Southern Baptist missions

Operation Christmas Child

I am gathering some items we decided not to send or had more than we needed to send to the processing center this year so they can use them as needed at the processing center. If you have any items you did not use and would like to share, group them in bags and them place in regular cardboard boxes, not the size and kind we pack in. We use regular cardboard boxes that have been used to mail us items. Boxes for filler cannot be the same size as the ones we pack items in!

Turn your extras in when you turn your shoeboxes in. We will send them on to Dallas so they can be used as needed. I have special “FILLER” signs to place on the boxes. I do this every year. I’m glad the items we did not use get to be used for other boxes!

Women and Girls on Mission.

Women and Girls on Mission will meet on November 17th. Come an hour early and learn a card-making craft that we will use as an outreach tool.

FYI – The girl’s group is for school-age girls and meets in a neighboring classroom at the same time and is well-supervised.

Coming Soon – Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

We celebrate our international missionaries and give an offering to help support them the first week of December each year.

You are appreciated!

Because of you, new people read The Prayer Link. They often tell me who helped get them connected with us. Thank-you! Good job!

Anns Lee

‘Don’t Just Do Something;
Stand There’ (Ps. 46:10-11)

“Be still, and know that I am God! I
will be honored by every nation. I will
be honored throughout the world. The
Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here…”

Prayer Focus

This is a big holiday for some people, both young and a little older. Let’s prayer for safety to everyone.

Read the Bible Every Day

• October 31
• Jeremiah 16:27-38:28
• Psalm 119:82-88
• II Timothy 2:22-3:17

Obituary

In Loving MemorY

Carol Jean Conerly

August 27, 1948 – October 28, 2024

Obituary

Carol Jean Conerly, a devoted wife, Mom, Honey, and loyal friend went to meet her Lord October 28, 2024. Carol passed away at St. Dominic’s Hospital. Carol Jean was born in Osyka, MS on August 27, 1948. Carol Jean never met a stranger, and she was always on the go. She had friends from all different seasons of her life. She had weekly dates with different friend groups. You could often find her playing rummy, dominoes, or going on lunch dates with her close friends. She was always the life of the party. She enjoyed traveling the world and entering and winning Sweepstakes. She also loved her church, First Baptist Church Kentwood, and her church family. She was a lady of strong faith and was a known prayer warrior. She loved her family fiercely, and her family absolutely adored her. She leaves a legacy of faith, family, and fun. Her big personality will be missed by everyone, but we are all left with so many amazing memories and fun stories.

Visitation for Carol Conerly, 76, of Osyka, MS will be at First Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 9:00-11:00 AM with religious services beginning at 11:00 AM. The burial will follow at the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Osyka, MS. Bro. Darryl Miller and Bro. Joey Miller will be officiating the services, with Sharkey Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Preceding her in death were her husband Smiley Conerly; parents, Carroll O’Quin and Norma Lea O’Quin; brother, Julius O’Quin.

Survivors are her two daughters, Jana Creel and husband Dwaine of Osyka, Tammi Dyer and husband John of San Francisco; 5 grandchildren Morgan, Bubba and wife Emily, and Courtney Creel, Allison Dyer and fiancé Griffey Nelson, and Catherine Dyer; her brother, Wayne O’Quin and wife Alice. She is also survived by a special friend Ray Gill and many other friends and family.

Pallbearers are Robert O’Quin, Randy Morley, Bubba Creel, Chad Conerly, Griffey Nelson, and Brennan Dear.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-this-troubled-political-season/

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/first-person-this-troubled-political-season/

Be Content and Embrace Where You Serve (A Pod Cast)

This pod cast and the picture and verse at the top of this post seem to work well together.

As militants kill Nigerian Christians, pastor risks life to evangelize Muslims

Pastor Eli Abdullah Tinau lives in the charred room that remains of his home after an attack by militant Fulani Muslims, an increasingly violent group accused of killing thousands of Christians in middle and northeastern Nigeria.

But Tinau, a Fulani Christian who converted from Islam, is committed to sharing the Gospel with Fulani Muslims as a missionary and pastor of Evangelical Church Winning All in Nkiendoro, about 60 miles from Jos in the Bassa Local Government Area, International Christian Concern (ICC) reported.

“I expect persecution because I am no longer of this world,” ICC quoted Tinau days before Southern Baptists and other Christians worldwide mark the Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Nov. 3. “I hold firm to my faith in Christ.”

Militant Fulani have killed more Christians in Nigeria in the past four years than Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) combined, according to a report from the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA), a research, training and advocacy program promoting religious freedom on the continent. ORFA terms the Fulani terrorist group the Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM), which includes a mix of armed Fulani herdsmen, Fulani bandits and others.

For years, Christians in Nigeria have complained of attacks by militant Fulani without adequate response nor protection from Nigeria’s government.

Go deeper: Read the full story at Baptist Press.

Thanks for spending some time here today.

You are appreciated!

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus for Today

As the presidential election nears and as some people are voting early, pray for voters to make wise choices for the sake of our country in the coming year and in years to come.

Thank God for Recent Improvement

• Robert Wilson
• Kenneth Birch

Pray for These People Today

• Gary Varnado – At home
• Nathan Daniels – Back issues
• Yvonne Birch – Upcoming procedures

Pray for These Local Families with Recent Deaths

• Shaw
• Dillon
• Creel
• Conerly
• Travis

Obituary

Robert Michael Whitlock, Jr.

March 11, 1992 – October 26, 2024

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 11, 1992 in Marrero, LA and was 32 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Arizona Grice Whitlock; daughter, Ila Evelyn Whitlock; son, Robert Michael Whitlock, III; parents, Bonnie Hebert Whitlock and Robert Michael Whitlock, Sr; brother, Travis Keith Whitlock; father-in-law, Carl Grice and wife, Stephanie; mother-in-law, Allison Keating and husband, Timothy; and numerous other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by a niece, Maxine Howell; and his grandparents.

Read the Bible Every Day

• October 30
• Jeremiah 34:12-36:26
• Psalm 119:78-81
• Proverbs 26:1-3
• II Timothy 2:1-21

Operation Christmas Child

As we begin to think of Drop Off Week I would like to remind all the churches of another opportunity to contribute. It’s easy and also helpful.

After you pack your boxes, you will almost always have some items left over. One option is to bring your “leftovers” to the drop off location to be sent on as FILLER. In Kentwood, we usually put all our like items in a bag. Then the bags go into a generic cardboard box with a paper label which we have that says “FILLER”. You can bring your leftovers in bags to be added to boses at our church OR you can bring them already boxed up. We will add the signs. We will send all the filler boxes when we send the other boxes.

The FILLER items are used at the processing center to add to shoeboxes that are not filled sufficiently or that have to have an item, such as a liquid, removed. This is another opportunity to help and a rather easy and helpful opportunity.

The dates and times for collection at FBC, Kentwood will be:

Kentwood, LA – First Baptist Church, Kentwood

504 5th St Kentwood, LA 70444

Mon, Nov. 18: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tue, Nov. 19: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Wed, Nov. 20: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Thu, Nov. 21: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Fri, Nov. 22: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Sat, Nov. 23: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Sun, Nov. 24: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Mon, Nov. 25: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

I hope this information was helpful to you.

Remember, each shoebox impacts an average of 8 people to learn about and learn to love and accept Jesus. Multipley you count of boxes by 8 and be thankful for the impact you are making on others with each shoebox. What a blessing her and wherever the boxes are distributed.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s prayer God gives us the opportunity to help others and we quickly reach out and take the opportunity. It might be paying for a meal, giving a ride, sending money for disaster relief, picking up mail or the daily newspaper, changing a light bulb, or some of many things we can do for others. Let’s pray for the opportunity and snatch up the opportunities in front of us to help someone today.

Have you invited someone to your church or Sunday School class lately? That is also a good opportunity we can take advantage of today.

Read the Bible Every Day

• October 29
• Jeremiah 32:26-34:11
• Psalm 119:73-77
• Proverbs 25:27-28
• II Timothy 1:1-18

Baptist Press

A personal report of a disaster relief worker in North Carolina –

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/helene-flooding-has-left-nc-farmland-devastated-former-dr-volunteer/

You can support the disaster relief teams by giving at your church and specifying Louisiana Baptist Relief Funds.

Obituaries

Robert Michael Whitlock, Jr.

March 11, 1992 – October 26, 2024

.A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 11, 1992 in Marrero, LA and was 32 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Arizona Grice Whitlock; daughter, Ila Evelyn Whitlock; son, Robert Michael Whitlock, III; parents, Bonnie Hebert Whitlock and Robert Michael Whitlock, Sr; brother, Travis Keith Whitlock; father-in-law, Carl Grice and wife, Stephanie; mother-in-law, Allison Keating and husband, Timothy; and numerous other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by a niece, Maxine Howell; and his grandparents.

Carol Jean Conerly

Carol Jean has been sick a few days and passed away yesterday afternoon in Jackson, MS. Her obituary is not published yet. Please be in prayer for her family and friends. Thank God for her life, love of her family, and many friendships, especially those she had as she served the Lord at FBC, Kentwood. I will always remember how she faithfully addressed “newcomers” to church and invited them to join a Sunday School class and the laugher she shared in everyday life.

Thanks for checking my post today. I appreciate you. Be blessed and be a blessing.

Anna Lee

“Better a dry crust with peace and quiet
than a house full of feasting, with strife.”

— Proverbs 17:1 —

Prayer Focus for Today

Today, let’s thank God for the many people who attended the Fall Fest at FBC,Kentwood last night. What a blessing to see all the children and families who were there to have a good time, visit with others, and to enjoy eating all the variety of foods available. I think everyone there enjoyed the evening.

As we thank good for all who decorated a car trunk, served a special treat, painted faces, who brought their families, who spent time visiting with each other, had a good time petting the animals, etc. Let’s also thank God for the many people who worked before, during, and after to make the night a success.

Thank God for a night designed to bring people together as the children had a good time at church. I enjoyed lots of watching and visiting with people I do not see very often. Until next year….

Read the Bible Every Day

• October 28
• Jeremiah 31:15-32:25
• Psalm 119:69-72
• Proverbs 25:25-26
• I Timothy 6:1-21

Obituary

Dianne Brown Creel

 Visitation will be Monday, October 28 at Chesbrough Baptist Church beginning at 9:00AM with religious services beginning at 12:00PM. Services will be conducted by Bro. Don McDaniel and Bro. Darryl Miller. Interment will follow services at Russelltown Cemetery.

Let’s say special prayers for the Dwaine and Jana C. Creel family today and in the coming days.

Prayers Appreciated

Gary Varnado and his family

Fall has arrived.

I know we all are thankful for the cooler weather. God had a plan for it many, many years ago. It seems to be a refreshing change after the summer season. There is beauty in the color of the leaves and in watching leaves fall and blow in the wind. Fall can be enjoyed here, even without a trip to the mountains.

Thanks for reading today.

Your faithfulness in reading is greatly appreciated.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus for the Day

Today, use your personal prayer list to pray for those who are healing from recent illnesses. Also, pray for those who have lost loved ones in recent days.

Today, let’s pray for the many families dealing with sickness and death.

Read the Bible Every Day

• October 27
• Jeremiah 29:15-31:14
• Psalm 119:65-68
• Proverbs 25:23-24
• I Timothy 5:1-25

The Lord’s Day

I hope you have a good day of studying God’s Word and being with many people who are eager to learn from the lesson and messages He has for us today. The adult lesson is from Acts 18.

Women and Girls on Mission

Baked goods were delivered to twenty-two people yesterday. I know they will enjoy eating the treats. I feel like the women and girls who made the effort and spent their Saturday morning visiting others benefited the most. I’m thankful for all who participated, especially for Mindy Ballard as she drove the church van. What a blessing to hear everyone sing “Jesus Loves Me” and. in one case, to sing for us. Our visits were short, but so rewarding to us.

Fall Fest

• 5:00-7:00 this afternoon at FBC,Kentwood
• Includes treats, supper, Trunk or Treat, etc.
• Everyone, of all ages, is invited to attend.

It is the Lord’s Day. Honor Him in all you do.

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

Please use your personal prayer list as a guide in praying. I know God has answered many prayers for our community. We have much to be thankful for. Keep on praying.

Read the Bible Every Day

• October 26
• Jeremiah 27:1-19:14
• Psalm 119:61-64
• Proverbs 25:21-22
• I Timothy 2:8-4:16

Women and Girls on Mission

There’s going to be a lot of excitement in the air as the Women and Girls on Mission have their first big mission project today after only two meetings. I hope you get to talk with someone who participates to get their viewpoint of reaching out to others. I also hope you consider joining us during November.

Hymn of the Day

We need to always remember to “Let Others See Jesus in You”. When we fail, we need to pick ourselves up and do better the next day.

The Lord’s Day

Today is the day to make preparations for tomorrow. The lesson focus tomorrow will be on the time period of Paul’s Third Missionary Journey found in Acts 18.

Fall Fest

This annual event will be Sunday afternoon (5-7 P..M.) at FBC, Kentwood. We will also have Trunk or Treat during this time.

Have a great day.

When we don’t, it is usually our own fault.
Anna Lee