For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ ”
I hope you read the story about the man who sold his beautiful old car to buy a piece of equipment for Disaster Relief yesterday.
Sadly, I saw the article about China closing their adoptions of other children. David has two beautiful great nieces who were adopted from China more than twenty years ago. Many American families will be affected.
Two Rivers WMU Meeting
Tomorrow morning at 10:00
Leadership meeting at 9:00
FBC, Kentwood
Focus on Georgia Barnette Offering
Potluck lunch to follow the meeting
All ladies and girls invited to come
Fall Food Round-Up
Give items for use at the Children’s Home this year
Greatest need – household cleaning supplies
Get your items in soon. Pick-up will be on the 16th. Get your items to the church office or the stairwell at the NW corner of the fellowship hall soon.
Starting Sunday – Week of Prayer for the Georgia Barnette Offering for work in Louisiana.
You can look this up online or pick up a brochure at your local Baptist church.
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Pray for students and teachers around the world as they go to schools with the news of an incident in Georgia that cost the lives of students and teachers yesterday.
Read the Bible Every Day
Job 28:1:30:8
Psalm 105:37-45
Proverbs 21:29-31
I Corinthians 10:25-11:16
Pine Ridge Bible Study
There were 25-30 ladies present for the first Bible study of Seamlesss by Angie Smith. Many of the ladies shared prayer requests. Please pray for these requests as a unit. May God bless each of the ladies as they study God’s Word in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
You are invited to meet with the ladies of Two Rivers Baptist Association as they learn about and celebrate the many mission projects through the state every year. The meeting will begin at 10:00 A.M. and conclude with a potluck lunch.
Obituary
Mark Hamilton Leto, Jr.
December 14, 1980 – September 1, 2024
Mark Hamilton Leto, Jr. was born on December 14, 1980. He was born with a song in his heart and a laugh in his belly. He was an affectionate, adventurous, fearless, joyful, and witty boy. He started playing drums with pencils and sticks, long before he ever touched an instrument. If he wasn’t tapping on something, he was tapping his foot, whistling or singing. If you spent a day with him, you’d leave him with an annoying song stuck in your head. If you ever woke up in a house with him, you enjoyed a shower serenade that would put a Grammy winning artist to shame.
Mark makes you fall in love with him. You can’t help it, really. He gives himself so freely to anyone he meets and offers vulnerability and raw emotion to everyone; whether in an elevator conversation with a stranger or a heart to heart with a lifelong friend. Everyone is like family to Mark and everyone feels like family when they’re with Mark. He wants it that way. It is his super power. His heavenly gift. It is his purpose every day. He loves intimate conversations and closeness and straight talk. When he is shining, he will make divine connections and in more scenarios than we’ll know this side of Heaven, those connections made eternal impact. There is no prerequisite with Mark, no walls, no expectations and God knows, NO boundaries! Right now, you can probably recite a tacky joke he told you. He is generous with his big heart and gives it away to anyone who will receive it. In that way, Mark is a faithful servant. He didn’t hide his talents.
Mark has been son, brother, friend, husband, and Daddy. Daddy was his favorite. He loved all kids but his three girls, they were his glory. He was the kind of daddy that kept his home full of magic and laughter, and the occasional toe touch competition. He loved his three girls with all he had and if you felt loved by Mark, imagine the love he gave them, that they will pass on and carry forever.
He loves the beach. He loves driving fast. He loves karaoke. He loves baseball caps. He loves live music. He loves at least 3 beverages choices with each meal. He loves too much cologne. He loves a good plate lunch, and everyone he had was the best one yet! He always has a wad of gum in his mouth or on the rim of his cup. He loves to cook and if you’ve ever had his delicious cuisine and picked up a little something you couldn’t quite put your finger on, it was cinnamon or ketchup. He will make you laugh at the most inappropriate time. He plays drums like a professional. He can sell you something you don’t want, for twice what it’s worth.
Mark is a worshipper. He loves to sit at the feet of Jesus. It’s where he is most peaceful, where he feels most at home. He returns there often, worshipping through a battle or celebrating a victory. He was made to worship and he can lead people in from the back pew at a packed church, with his sacrifice-arms stretched as high as he could, offering himself to his Savior.
Mark gets to worship at the throne of his King, forever. He entered the arms of his Heavenly Father on September 1, 2024 and he wants to invite you to sing with him there in eternity.
Visitation at Cornerstone Church of Amite from 9:00 A.M. until religious services at 1:00PM on Friday, September 6, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Phil Nicaud and Rev. Mervin Strother. Interment will be private. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Prayer Requests
Before you pray today, take a few minutes to update your prayer journal.
Saturday’s WMU Associational Meeting at Pine Ridge
Read the Bible Every Day
September 4
Job 24:13-27:23
Psalm 105:28-36
Proverbs 21:27-28
I Corinthians 10:6-24
Two Important Events this Week
Today – Bible Study at Pine Ridge: Seamless by Angie Smith and taught by Kathy Wales. Meet at noon to enjoy a lunch prepared by Chris and Kathy followed by the Bible Study.
Saturday – Associational WMU meeting at FBC, Kentwood at 10 A.M. (Leadership meeting at 9:00. The emphasis will be on the Georgia Barnette Offering for all the many missions done in Louisiana. Bring a dish for the potluck meal that will follow the meeting.
Obituaries
Orlando Baños
November 3, 1934 – August 31, 2024
Orlando Baños passed peacefully surrounded by his wife and children, Saturday, August 31, 2024, after a 20 year battle with dementia. Orlando was born November 3, 1934 in San Antonio de las Vegas (a providence of Havana, Cuba). He married wife Dalia Labrador Baños and after witnessing the revolution and takeover by Fidel Castro of their beloved country, they fled to live the American Dream. A resident of Amite, Louisiana for 57 years, Orlando was well known for his joyous spirit and kind heart. He worked hard to provide for his family and embodied American Patriotism. His infectious laugh, love of music and dance, and can-do attitude will be passed down from his children and grandchildren for generations to come. Orlando is survived in death by his three sons Orlando Baños and wife, Ann, of Austin, TX, Omar Baños and wife, Laura, of Amite, LA and Oscar Baños and wife, Rita, of Dallas, TX; eight grandchildren Allyssa, Candace, Ariel, Trey, Brock, Alex, Dakota, and Sara; seven great grandchildren; and three step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters. Honorary pallbearers will be Trey Baños, Brock Baños, Alex Baños, Dakota Baños, Ryan Hillderbrand and Bradley Hillderbrand. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8:00AM until 10:40AM on Friday. Religious Services at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 11:00AM on Friday, September 6, 2024. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Patsy Puckett Boyd
November 22, 1940 ~ September 2, 2024 (age 83)
Mrs. Patsy Puckett Boyd, 83, a lifelong resident of Utica, Mississippi prior to a debilitating stroke passed away peacefully Monday, September 2, 2024, at Vicksburg Convalescent Home where she was a resident. She joyfully entered her home in Heaven to abide eternally with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Patsy was born in Utica, MS on November 22, 1940. She was the daughter of Douglas “Boots” and Grace Puckett. She was a graduate of Utica High School and went on to begin Nursing School at Mississippi College. She was a lifelong member of Utica Baptist Church faithfully singing in the choir. Following her marriage to Richard “Larry” Boyd she was an exceptional homemaker for her family. She was always well put together with a perfectly clean home and delicious food especially her famous fried chicken! She especially enjoyed preparing for the holidays! She invested her life in tender care and gentle nurturing of her daughter and two sons and later her four grandchildren. Patsy enjoyed reading and has collected many books over the years. She also enjoyed exercising and has walked many miles on treadmills and trails. Patsy was an avid sports fan and enjoyed cheering on Ole Miss and the Utica Goldwaves! Her generosity was appreciated by the many charitable organizations to which she and her husband contributed. Her gentle spirit was recognized by family, friends and many animals. She loved playing with and caring for her many cats and they loved her!
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard “Larry” Boyd, daughter Penny Allen, Utica; and two sons Richard Bradley “Brad” Boyd (Charlotte), Utica and Robert “Robby” Earl Boyd (Karen), Vicksburg and four grandchildren, Kaylee Elizabeth Eisman (Ben), Greenville, SC; Rebecca Lauren Cochran (Jacob), Vicksburg; Emily Grace Davis (Jacob), Pattison; Ryan Bradley Boyd (Kaylan Gray, Fiancee), Philadelphia, MS and a step grandchild, Skylar Colbie Singleton (Raeven), Amite, LA and four great grandchildren Saylor Davis, Levi Eisman, Colbie and Hudson Singleton and a brother-in-love, Earl Mathes, Clinton, MS as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas “Boots” Puckett and Grace Sisk Puckett, sister, Doris Ann Mathes, three brothers, Douglas “Sonny” Puckett, Lawrence Puckett and Bruce Puckett as well as a son-in-law, Dexter Allen.
Visitation will be Friday, September 6, 2024, from 9:30-11:00 at Utica Baptist Church with a memorial service immediately following for family and friends.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of the Vicksburg Convalescent Home and Dr. Sam Pierce for their faithful care to Patsy. We would also like to thank the many friends and family members that have prayed for and supported her throughout the past five years.
In lieu of flowers gifts may be given to Utica Baptist Church in her memory.
Thankfulness
Today, I am very thankful for the ladies and girls who have shown a new interest in various mission opportunities.
Today, let’s focus our prayers on the upcoming week of prayer for Louisiana Missions, the Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana. Also, please pray for Saturday’s Two Rivers Associational WMU meeting at FBC, Kentwood. The associational leadership will meet at 9:00 followed by the regular meeting at 10 A.M. Then, a covered dish lunch will conclude the meeting.
Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king”.
Nehemiah 1:11
Update
Dorothy Wall had more physical therapy this week at Hood Memorial. She thinks she was making good progress, but may will have a long weekend without therapy due to the holiday tomorrow.
Funeral Service for Mr. Billy Ray Gill
The service yesterday at Mt. Hermon was very personal and included Rev. Butch Reviere singing “Thank You” and “Because He Lives”. It was good to see and hear him again.
Obituary
Irene Oliver Blades
November 7, 1929 – August 29, 2024
A former resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Landmark Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in West Monroe, LA. She was born November 7, 1929 in Mt. Hermon, LA and was 94 years of age. She was a graduate of Mt. Hermon High School and loved flowers, gardening and playing cards with her family. During the holiday season, her meals included turkey, dressing, ham, German chocolate cake, and fruit salad. She is survived by her 3 sons, Jerry E. Blades of West Monroe, LA, Larry M. Blades and wife, Patricia, of Dubach, LA and Lonnie E. Blades and wife, Denise, of Sterlington, LA; 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Merton E. Blades; father, Jimmy Oliver; mother, Pearl Schilling Oliver Mulkey; daughter, Connie L. Peacock and her husband, Jerry. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 11:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
The Pine Ridge Bible Study
will begin again Wednesday. Kathy Wales will lead the study of Seamless by Angie Smith. The study will include weekly videos which I assume will be similar to Beth Moore studies.
Two Rivers Associational WMU
will meet Saturday at FBC, Kentwood. Leadership will meet at 9:00 followed by the meeting at 10:00 which will conclude with a covered dish meal. The focus will be on Georgia Barnette and her missionary work in Louisiana.
Sunday School Lesson Today
Today’s lesson is about Paul’s first missionary journey, in Acts 13:1-12, entitled “Sent”.
It’s good to “visit” with you this Sunday morning. Have a fantastic Lord’s Day!
“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” Genesis 12:2
Today’s Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for all the travelers on this holiday weekend. Many people will travel some this weekend. Let’s pray for all to be safe on their holiday travels.
Rehabilitation
Please continue to pray for Dorothy Gill as she continues the rehabilitation process. A break can happen quickly, but rehab takes much longer.
Obituary
Frieda Melton Jones
December 29, 1947 – August 28, 2024
Frieda Melton Jones, age 76, went home to be with her Lord Tuesday, August 28, 2024.
A resident of Bogalusa, LA, she was born on December 29, 1947 in Funston, Georgia to the late Mary and Charlton Melton. She was a member of White Sand Baptist Church and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Frieda loved spending time with her grandchildren, attending church and talking to her family and many friends. She was faithfully devoted to her family, friends and God. After retiring from her career in education she spent hours listening to sermons, reading her Bible and praying for her family and friends. The members of her church were her “spiritual” family who loved and cared for her as she did for them.
She leaves behind her son Tim Jones and grandson Brysen of Elk Park, NC. Also her younger son Brad Jones and granddaughter Raynee Jones of Bogalusa, LA. Her surviving sisters are Mary-Ellen Gaines of Funston, GA and Sandra Croy of Florida.
Frieda is preceded in death by her husband Tim Jones Sr, her parents Charlton and Mary Melton, her brothers Wayne and Larry Melton, and her sisters Jane Morgan and Anita Rosich. She will be greatly missed by all of those who knew and loved her.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Frieda’s life at White Sand Baptist Church (2037 Highway 26 West, Poplarville, MS, 39470) on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family receive friends and have visitation from 12:00 pm until services, Saturday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to White Sand Baptist Church or The Gideons International (PO Box 140800 Nashville, TN, 37214-0800).
Our beloved Billy Ray Gill, and a resident of Mt. Hermon, La. passed away Wednesday night August 28, 2024 at The Claiborne Assisted Living Home in McComb, Mississippi and entered his Heavenly eternal home with his savior, Jesus Christ. He was born February 16, 1935, and was 89 years of age at the time of his passing. He was a member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years. Billy and his wife of 70 years started their dairy farm in 1953, where they raised three children and ran the dairy for 65 years. In 1975, his son, Kenneth, joined him in the dairy business and it grew to become Circle G Farms. He enjoyed traveling with his son, Mike, on trips to the Smoky Mountains along with other places of interest. One of their best memories was traveling to see the LSU Tigers play baseball in the College World Series. He was well-known for his carpentry skills and took great pride in building all three of his children a home. When the church needed a carpenter or another farmer needed help, he was always there to assist. Billy was active in the Mt. Hermon Ruritan Club serving for over 65 years. Billy took great pride in his family and was proud of the strong work ethic he instilled in his children. He took great pleasure teaching his baby girl, Sherry, how to run a tractor and work on the farm just like his boys could.
He is survived by his children, Kenneth Gill (Melody), Mike Gill (Betty), and Sherry Gill Simpson (Ricky). He is also survived by grandchildren, Camry Gill Martin (Deven), Kory Gill (April), Kyle Gill, Brandon Simpson (Laura), Britt Simpson, Makayla Thomas (Hunter), and Jennifer Sharp (Welton Manning). Great grandchildren surviving Billy are as follows: Hannah Gill, Andrew Gill, J.B. Simpson, Aggie Simpson, Braxton Newman, Bo Benton Thomas, Iverson Manning and Mya Manning. He is also survived by one brother-in-law, Keith Allen and one sister-in-law, Emma Lou Gill.
Billy was preceded in death recently by his wife, Dorothy Allen Gill, his parents, Robert and Elsie Gill, brothers, Paul Gill and John Henry Gill, and sister and brother-in-law, Alberta and Carl Miller.
Visitation will be at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church (32126 Hwy. 38, Mt. Hermon) on Saturday August 31st from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the church at 12:00 pm Saturday with Reverend Ray Wuerzer and Reverend Leroy McElveen officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Hermon Cemetery.
The pallbearers will be Kory Gill, Kyle Gill, Brandon Simpson, Britt Simpson, Andrew Gill, and Deven Martin.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations be given to the Mt. Hermon Ruritan Club (P.O. Box 177, Mt. Hermon, La. 70450).
The family would like to thank all the family and friends for your visits, phone calls, and prayers. Special thanks to Compassus Hospice, The Claiborne Assisted Living, and our precious caregiver, Ouida Williams.
Anna Maria Rombach
June 17, 1970 – August 24, 2024
Anna Maria Rombach, our loving, devoted daughter, took her final flight on Saturday, August 24, 2024, to her Heavenly Home! She passed peacefully in her sleep at home. She is safe in the comforting arms of Jesus, free from all pain, dancing on the streets of gold, but most importantly, bowing ever so humbly at the beautiful feet of Jesus her Lord and Savior. She is a walking, talking, breathing miracle…more alive now than ever. She boldly testified about God’s great love, grace, mercy and salvation on a daily basis. Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of eternal life because of your precious shed blood on Calvary. Surely our Abba Father told Anna “You’ve been through enough my good and faithful child, well done, welcome home.” She is survived by her parents, John and Rose Lombardo Rombach; sister, Missy Cowart and husband, John; her precious nephews, Joshua and Jacob Cowart; honorary brother, Kris Hill and wife, Jessica; aunts and uncles, Joseph Lombardo, Elizabeth McElroy Autin and husband, Pierre, Johanna Caballero and Steve Lombardo and wife, Marie; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and her fur baby, Giuseppe. Preceded in death by her grandparents, Steve and Anna Lombardo and Beverly and Edna Rombach; uncles, David John McElroy and Antonio Caballero. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Services conducted by Pastor Bradley Bennett and Rev. Egnos Pines. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Pompeii Cemetery, Tickfaw, LA. Pallbearers Joshua Cowart, Jacob Cowart, John Cowart, Kris Hill, Pierre Autin, Earl Lombardo, Jace Taylor, Kenny Sims, T.J. Louviere, and Bob Quinealty. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Anna was a former secretary at FBC, Kentwood.
Freida Jones – Update from Tim Jones
Mom’s funeral will be at 2:00 pm at White Sand Baptist church this Saturday August 31st 2024. The address is: 207 Highway 26 E Poplarville, MS 39470. If you have any questions let me know. I still need to make arrangements with the funeral home about a viewing time.
Jose “Ricky” Erique Duran
July 15, 1974 – August 28, 2024
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at his home. He was born July 15, 1974 in Las Flores, Mexico and was 50 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Guadalupe Duran; daughter, Daissy Duran; son, Diego Ivan Duran; brother, Rene Duran; sisters, Julieta Duran and Luz Maria Duran; father, J. Reyes Duran. Preceded in death by his mother, Felix Yanez. Visitation at New Jerusalem United Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 31, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Matt Booty. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Thankful
We are so thankful to have received some rain lately. The forecast is for additional rain. Our trees, shrubbery, and flowers will benefit.
2024 Fall Food Round-Up for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home
All cleaning supplies seem to be in great need this year. That’s what David and I chose to purchase this year.
OCC Needs
We have come up short of dolls this year. Think of the size of a shoebox when you select dolls. We can also use additional stuffed animals and underwear for boys and girls (Size 14). As we double check and prepare for packing, I will let you know of our needs. Thanks for providing for boys and grils ages 10-14 this year!
Your prayers are always appreciated.
The Pine Ridge Bible study led by Kathy Wales will begin next Wednesday at 11:30. The book for 2024 is Seamless by Angie Smith. Pray for another great year.
Kenny Ray Gill send David a message that his dad, Mr. Billy Ray Gill, passed away last night in McComb. It was expected. I’ll post an obituary when one is made available.
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalms 19:1
Today’s Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus our thoughts on opportunities to tell others about Jesus.
Obituary
Freida Jones, the wife of a former staff member at FBC, Kentwood, passed away.
This is Tim Jones, Frieda’s eldest son. I have the unenviable task of sharing the news that my mother passed away last night. I am in the process of working on funeral arrangements. Tentatively it will be this Saturday afternoon, August 31st. I will post updates when things become finalized.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for our family. Ultimately I know she would want to give Gods the glory for the life, family and friends that He blessed her with!
Thanks to Dianne Williams for sharing this death report. I’ll post the complete obituary when it is available.
Read the Bible Every Day
August 29
Job 11:1-13:12
Psalm 104:16-23
Proverbs 21:12-14
I Corinthians 4:14-5:13
Women on Mission & Girls in Action
Those who volunteered to serve on the decorating committee or the kitchen committee are asked to meet at 5:00 Sunday in my Sunday School classroom.
Report: The planning meeting for Women on Mission and Girls in Action had more than 30 people in attendance Sunday! I think we have a good future ahead.
Associational WMU Meeting
The quarterly WMU meeting will be at FBC, Kentwood on Saturday, September 7th with a leadership meeting at 9:00 A.M. and the meeting at 10:00 A.M. You are asked to bring a covered dish for our lunch after the meeting. The focus of the meeting will be on Georgia Barnette and State Missions.
Thankful
I’m thankful for the possibility of rain today and of cooler temperatures in the coming weeks. Mostly, I’m thankful for you!
The Prayer Link 
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