Good News! – Leslie McKenzie is home! He is limited to a wheelchair and only has four fingers to help him move around, but he and his family are very pleased he is back at home. He will be in the wheelchair for a minimum of six weeks. Pray for him each day, because he will be fighting wanting to be up each day. Also, pray for his body to heal well in all the places where he had an injury.
Jesse Dean is in North Oaks with a kidney problem. Pray for the doctors as they try to figure out the problem and determine what treatment he needs.
Obituaries
John Patrick Goldsworthy
November 14, 1953 – June 23, 2024
A resident of Pine Grove, LA , passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at his home. He was born November 14, 1953 in Duluth, MN and was 70 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Barbara Manale Goldsworthy; and sister, Laurel Marie Goldsworthy; brother-in-law, Nicholas D. Manale and wife, Joan Hocke Manale; nephew, Nicholas D. Manale, III. Preceded in death by his mother, Laurel Jane Waldrip; father, William Allen Goldsworthy. Memorial Services will be Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 1:00PM at Cornerstone Church (108 campo Lane Amite, LA 70422). McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Alice “Darlene” Mixon Howell
March 20, 1952 – July 2, 2024
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at her home. She was born March 20, 1952 in New Orleans and was 72 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Russell Howell; daughters, Cecilia Horton Fletcher and Valorie Eakins; sons, Leon St. Cyr, John David Eakins and wife, Sandy, Joseph Wayne Eakins and wife Jude, and Steven Wayne Howell; sisters, Betty Mixon Woods and husband, Larry and Cheryl Mixon Catt and husband, David; grandchildren, Nathaniel Lee Horton, Alison Rose Chapman, Isabella Eakins, Milo Eakins, Whittney Eakins, Brittany Eakins, Tiffany Eakins Arcement, Christopher Eakins, and Kristin Head; great-grandchildren, Palmer James Garren, Lilly Arcement, and Violet Arcement. Preceded in death by her father, Iley Tommy Mixon, Sr.; mother, Rita Nell Foster Horton; brother, Iley “Tommy” Mixon, Jr.; and sister, Diane Mixon Zumwalt. A private Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
There are some especially interesting articles today!
Youth and Children in Summer Camps
Almost all churches are sending their youth and children to camps this summer. Pray for powerful experiences that will impact their lives. Pray for safety as they travel and also during the days of camp. Pray for the chaperones who have given their time to be a part of this camp experience for the youth and children.
Reach Out to Others
Choose a way to reach out to others. God will provide opportunities. Use your time and talents to minister to them.
I appreciate you! Thanks for reading and following up with prayers and other actions.
Good morning, friends. First, let’s list some reasons we are thankful. I will start. Take a few minutes to think. Some items on your list will be the same as mine, but some different.
I am thankful God loves me and is my Savior of about 67 years.
I am thankful David loves me and is my husband of almost 57 years.
I am thankful for my family, most of whom live in Texas, Georgia, and New Jersey.
I am thankful for my church family in the Kentwood and surrounding areas.
I am thankful I was able to teach school for almost 40 years.
I am thankful for many friends mainly in the Kentwood and Amite/Roseland areas.
I am thankful for the opportunities God gives me to serve Him and love others.
A Daughter
Today, I am happy to announce the birth of a new baby. Bro. Dennis Walker’s son, Kody, and his wife, Jenny Steib Walker, have their first child, a girl, named Mattie Joy Walker. She weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 20 inches long.
Read the Bible Every Day
July 2
II Kings 13:10 – 15:15
Psalm 78:17-22
Proverbs 16:31-33
Acts 7:23-43
Obituaries
David Neal Brown
August 8, 1957 – June 30, 2024
David Brown, age 66 years, a resident of Amite, passed away peacefully at his home, June 30, 2024 with his family at his bed side. He retired from Girl Scouts Camp Mary Dale in St. Francisville, LA where he was affectionately known as “Ranger Dave”. He was born August 8, 1957 in Amite, LA to Roger Brown, Sr. and Annette Pinault Brown. He is survived by 3 daughters, Leah Landrew (Erlest, III), Davina “Alice” Smith (Ryan), and Tiffany King (TJ Haris); 1 son, David Andrew “Andy” Brown (Sarah); grandchildren, Lamyia, Laterrica, Erlest “Alex”, IV, Trevor and Layla Landrew, Kaylee and Aubree Brown, Madison, Alivia and Andrew “Drew” Smith, Emilee, Karsen and Adalynn King, and Jett and Landon Harris; 1 brother, Ricky Brown (Kerri). Preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Annette Brown; grandparents, Abner Brown, Sr. and Esther Golman Brown and John Pinault and Ursula Springs Pinault; and brother, Roger Brown, Jr. “Buddy”. Visitation at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church from 1:00PM until religious services at 2:00PM on Friday, July 5, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Randal Camardelle. Interment Spring Cemetery, Amite, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Elizabeth “Betty” Copeland Slocum
November 19, 1944 – June 29, 2024
Elizabeth “Betty” Copeland Slocum, a resident of Gillsburg, MS, passed from this life peacefully on June 29th with her family at her side. She was 79 years old. Betty was born in Magnolia, MS to Marion and Madge Walker Copeland. She graduated from Liberty High School in 1962. While growing up she enjoyed helping her Dad, Grand-Dad and Brother with outdoor chores and her favorite pastime was fishing. After marrying James Slocum in 1980, they resided in Kentwood, LA where they owned and ran City Cafe for 20 years. They then moved back to the home-place in Gillsburg. Betty worked for Bernell McGehee, CPA until 2020. She was a very outgoing, friendly and benevolent person, even when she didn’t have extra herself. She was a faithful member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church and dearly loved every pastor she ever had. She served as church clerk for many years and used her love for cooking to serve the Lord in her church and community. She loved gospel music and would travel far and wide to hear a “good” group. She served her community as coordinator of the Gillsburg Parade for many years and a very happy day was when she was selected as the Grand Marshall of the parade. She is survived by her children, Stephanie Blades (Larry), Tammy Tackett (Eugene), Jamie Slocum (Kelly), Bryan Slocum; grandchildren, Heather Forrest (Brock), Hunter Blades (Lindsay), Travis Tackett (Haylie), Taylor Slocum Terrell (Blake), Kaden Slocum, Gracie Slocum, Addie Slocum, Alex Slocum; great grandchildren, Jaxon and Madox Forrest, Leighton Blades, Rylee Harmon, and Collins Terrell; siblings, James Copeland (Diane), Dalpha Cupit (Jackie), Marian Dee Havard (Hilton), Donna Wilkinson; special aunt, Emmagene Carter; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband, James Slocum; son, Tommy Slocum; grandchildren, Mandy Tackett and Jaylyn Slocum; parents, Marion and Madge Copeland. Pallbearers will be Hunter Blades, Brock Forrest, Jaxon Forrest, Madox Forrest, Travis Tackett, Kaden Slocum, and Blake Terrell. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM on Tuesday and at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Gillsburg, MS from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Service conducted by Bro. Larry Blades and Bro. Billy Mathis. Interment in Old Gillsburg Cemetery, Gillsburg, MS. The family would like to thank Liberty Community Living Center for their kindness and compassion shown to the us during her last days. We also want to thank St. Luke’s Hospice for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mississippi Baptist Children’s Home, 118 Lowe Road, Laurel MS 39443 or a charity of your choice. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
The Fifth Sunday Singing had many singers and many listeners. The food was abundant and the fellowship great!
OCC Needs for July
Bandanas
Bungee Cords
Highlighters
Coloring Books
Panties and Briefs (Size 12)
As you purchase these items, they can be left in the green tote in the hallway beneath the sanctuary. Thanks for your help. We are getting closer and closer.
Associational WMU
The ladies of our association will meet at 10 A.M. on Saturday, July 20th at FBC, Greensburg. All ladies are encouraged to attend and asked to bring a “covered dish” to share for lunch.
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
Last night, several churches from our area joined at FBC to enjoy a joint project fifth Sunday singing and meal. It was good to see friends from several other churches. Thank-you to all who participated in any way.
Prayer Concerns
Please pray for Mrs. Barbara Baugh who already had a shoulder problem that suddenly got worse yesterday. She hopes to see her doctor today.
Pray for Bobby Raborn, Yvonne Birch’s brother.
Pray for the youth of FBC as they travel to camp today. They will be in Jackson. Tennessee at Union College this week.
Coming Soon
Associational WMU meeting at Pine Grove Baptist Church on July 20th at 10 A.M. Everyone is invited.
Obituary
John Patrick Goldsworthy
November 14, 1953 – June 23, 2024
A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at his home. He was born November 14, 1953 in Duluth, MN and was 70 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Barbara Manale Goldsworthy; and sister, Laurel Marie Goldsworthy. Preceded in death by his mother, Laurel Jane Waldrip; father, William Allen Goldsworthy. Memorial Services will be Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 1:00PM at Cornerstone Church (108 campo Lane Amite, LA 70422). McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
I apologize for not posting an obituary for Mrs. Dot Gill after I told you she passed away. The funeral was yesterday. It was a sweet service. The pastor used Psalm 31, reading it verse by verse and and tacking from each one before going on to the next. The music was very good and included both a dear friend and Bro. Butch Reviere. The church was full! I’m thankful we were able to be there.
Dorothy Allen Gill
SEPTEMBER 28, 1934 – JUNE 25, 2024
Our beloved Dorothy Allen Gill, a resident of Mt. Hermon, passed away on June 25, 2024 at The Claiborne Assisted Living Home in McComb, Mississippi and entered her Heavenly eternal home with her savior, Jesus Christ. She was born September 28, 1934, and was 89 years of age at the time of her passing. She was an active member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church. Dorothy was a graduate of Kentwood High School. Alongside her husband of 70 years, Billy Ray Gill, the two ran a dairy farm for 65 years and raised 3 children. Ms. Dot was quick to lend a helping hand to anyone in the community that needed it at the time. She was especially known for her candy making skills. Each holiday, she gave friends and family a delicious box of candy that she prepared along with her daughter, Sherry.
She is survived by her husband, Billy Ray Gill; children, Kenneth Gill (Melody), Mike Gill (Betty), and Sherry Gill Simpson(Ricky). She 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 Dorothy are as follows: Hannah Gill, Andrew Gill, J.B. Simpson, Aggie Simpson, Braxton Newman, Bo Benton Thomas, Iverson Manning and Mya Manning. She is survived by one brother, Keith Allen.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, J.Y. Allen and Mamie McNabb Allen, a brother, James Allen and his spouse, Hazel Allen, sister in law, Betty Allen, and a great-grandson, Daxton Sharp.
Visitation will be Saturday June 29th at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church (32126 Hwy. 38, Mt. Hermon) from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the church at 12:00 pm Saturday with Rev. Ray Wuerzer officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Hermon Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Kory Gill, Kyle Gill, Brandon Simpson, Britt Simpson, Andrew Gill, and Deven Martin. Honorary pallbearers will be Braxton Newman, Curt Allen, Mike Allen, David Allen and Jamie Allen.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations be given to Mt. Hermon Baptist Church c/o Bereavement Fund, 36126 Hwy 38, Mt. Hermon, LA 70450.
Thank you to 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.
Read the Bible Today
June 30
II Kings 9:14 – 10:36
Psalm 78:1-8
Proverbs 16:27-28
Acts 5:33 = 6:15
UPDATES
Melissa Liberto continues to have a good recovery from her surgery.
Leslie McKenzie continues to improve at University Hospital. He probable will be coming home tomorrow. Continue to pray for him and to thank God for his recovery.
Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher is continuing to improve..
Obituary
Nolan David Alford
DECEMBER 14, 1938 – JUNE 27, 2024
And a longtime resident of Mount Hermon passed away peacefully at his home Thursday afternoon June 27, 2024 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Mt. Hermon on December 14, 1938 and was a graduate of Mt. Hermon High School Class of 1957. Nolan David owned Alford Appliance Sales and Service in Osyka, Mississippi, where he lived for several years, operating the business along with his wife for 27 years. He was affectionately known as “The Maytag Man” and he loved serving his clients, spending time and visiting with them. Nolan David was an expert in repairing all types of appliances and he enjoyed tinkering on machines throughout his life. The family moved back to Mt. Hermon in 1972 where he owned and operated A&A Dairy for 36 years before retiring in 2008. He loved farming and working outdoors to keep his farmland in pristine condition, riding his favorite John Deere tractors. He loved his family, his community and his church, Bogue Chitto Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and was active on the Buildings and Grounds and Cemetery Committees. Nolan David always loved talking to people, telling great stories and jokes. He was forever a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Survived by:
Wife of 57 years: Mary Morgan Alford of Mt. Hermon
Son: Harlon Alford of Mt. Hermon
2 Daughters and a Son in law: Karen Alford of Mt. Hermon, Brenda Alford Smith and Clay Smith of Madisonville
Grandchildren, who loving called him Poppy: Matthew Alford, Maggie Alford, Abigail Alford, Frank Smith IV and Raven Smith, Kendall Smith, Lilly Smith, Wyatt Smith
Great-grandchildren: Mason Adkins, Riley Smith, Avery Smith, Everleigh Smith
Siblings and their Spouses: Dianne Alford Sturdivant, Earl Wall, Jr. and Gloria Wall, Percy Wall, Teresa Wall Dixon and Jewel Dixon
Sister in law: Emma Morgan McDaniel
Also numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and many dear friends
He was preceded in death by his father Harlon Alford, mother and step-father Yvonne “Betty” McMillan Alford Wall and Brewer Wall, sisters Patsy Wall Taylor, Barbara Wall, father in law and mother in law Talmadge and Emma Morgan, uncle and aunt Odell and Nadine Alford McMillan, niece Jennifer Sturdivant Rowling and other family members.
Visitation will be Monday July 1st at Bogue Chitto Baptist Church (41088 Hwy. 438, Mt. Hermon, LA 70450) from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the church at 11:00 am Monday with Rev. Joe Wiggins and Rev. Calvin Crowe officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations to the Bogue Chitto Baptist Church Cemetery Fund at the address above.
The family wishes to express a sincere thank you to his caregivers Vicki Schilling and Bobby Hood for their loving support and to the entire staff of Passages Hospice for the professional care they provided.
Pallbearers: Pat Williamson, Frank Smith, IV, Mickey Sanford, Deshea Miller, Perry Valliant, Gabe McFarland
Honorary Pallbearers: Paul D. Alford, Paul Smith, Bobby Hood, Brian Creel, Earl Forest, Harvey Miller
Lord’s Day
Not my day or your day!
Remember to spend time in His house reading/studying His Word!
1 Lord, let me live from day to day, In such a self-forgetful way, That even when I kneel to pray, My pray’r shall be for OTHERS.
Refrain: Yes, others, Lord, yes, others, Let this my motto be; Help me to live for others, Help me to live for others, That I may live like Thee, That I may live like Thee.
2 Help me in all the work I do To ever be sincere and true, And know that all I’d do for you Must needs be done for OTHERS. [Refrain]
3 Let “Self” be crucified and slain And buried deep, nor rise again And may all efforts be in vain, Unless they be for OTHERS. [Refrain]
4 So when my work on earth is done, And my new work in heav’n’s begun, May I forget the crown I’ve won, While thinking still of OTHERS. [Refrain]
Today, let’s focus our prayers on Leslie McKenzie as he makes adjustments to living in a wheelchair as he heals. Pray for his family as they learn to make these adjustments too. Thank God Les hit something during his fall that broke the fall so he didn’t land as hard as he would have otherwise. Thank God for the immediate care he received from his co-workers and others. Thanks for your prayers for him and the ramp that men have already built for him.
Pray he and his family learn how to move him and care for him so his healing can run smoothly and with no setbacks. Thank God for watching over Les and his family during the entire recovery process.
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. He was born October 28, 1954 in Fort Lee, Virginia and was 69 years of age. He is survived by his sister, Paula McCabe; step-father, J.R. Dunn. Preceded in death by his father, Leroy Carney, Sr.; mother, Gussie Dunn; and sister, Donna Breaux. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Betty J. Perkins Valence
March 29, 1951 – June 27, 2024
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at her home. She was born March 29, 1951 in Marion, AL and was 73 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Laura Foman and husband, Paul D. Fonseca; grandchildren, Jonathan Foman (Valerie), Antonio Sosa (Nicole), Shasta Dollman (Thomas), Casey Draper (Chris), and Maxwell Scott; 8 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters, Doris, Annette, Glenda, and Tina; and nieces, Anita Leonard and Janet Johnston. Preceded in death by her parents, Troy and Lessie Nell Perkins. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Thankfulness
I am so thankful for those of you who faithfully read TPL and even encourage others to do so.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Please continue to pray for our country as we move closer to the presidential election.
Read the Bible Every Day
June 28
zii kings 5:15 – 7:9
Psalms 77:23-24
Acts 4:12 – 5:11
Obituary
Mathilda Ricks Mize
September 9, 1941 – June 25, 2024
A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at her home. She was born September 9, 1941 in Grangeville, LA and was 82 years of age. Mathilda was a ballroom dancer and retired from the State of Louisiana. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Wilson and husband, Tracy; 3 grandchildren, Reide, Regan, and Laurel Wilson; step-son-in-law, Terry Mitchell; step-grandson, Trey Mitchell; 5 brothers and sisters, Louise Russell, Robert Ricks and wife, Pat, Thelma Simmons and husband, Hillary, Carroll Ann Corona, Jewel Hudspeth-Harrell and husband, Danny; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by her husband, L. C. Mize; her parents, Bennie and Pearl Bond Ricks; step-daughter, Vickie Mize Mitchell; 1 sister, Ruby Faye Ricks; 2 brothers, Maurice Ricks and Alfred Ricks; 3 brothers-in-law, Kirk Russell, Tom Corona, and Charlie Hudspeth; 2 sisters-in-law, Nancy Ricks and Sharon Ricks. Special thanks to Vital Caring Hospice, Becky White and Marilyn Yaun for their care and compassion. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Tim Lacoste. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. Pallbearers will be Bennie Hudspeth, John Simmons, III, Jeffrey Holden, Bradley Thompson, Stanley Russell, and Brody Simmons. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Please be careful if you have to travel in the mid-day heat. Be sure to carry water with you to help your body fight the high temperatures.
Others! Help other people who may need to be out in the middle of the day. Be sure they are following safety precautions in these extremely high temperatures.
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Today, let’s start our prayers with one of our church members, Leslie McKenzie. (I was unaware of his fall in a grain bin yesterday when I posted.) Les is blessed to be alive. He had a five hour surgery on his left arm yesterday afternoon. That went well. The doctors have decided not to do hip surgery, but to let it heal on its own, like the ribs he broke. Les will be healing for a while, but is expected to heal with time. Please pray for Les, his family, and his coworkers.
Please continue to pray for Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher and her family.
Becky Raborn Davidson, a former resident of Kentwood, sent this request.
I have been under the weather for 4 or 5 weeks in the hospital . I have had several serious falls in which I injured my head. I also broke some ribs and a vertebrae. During this time I was diagnosed with epilepsy and dementia Please pray for me, my family, and for God’s healing.
Obituary
I did not find an obituary for Matilda Ricks of Arcola.
Read the Bible Every Day
June 27
II Kings 4:1 – 5:14
Psalm 77:1-6
Proverbs 16:21-22
Acts 4:1-22 (This is the basis for our Sunday School lesson this week.)
Church Camps
The youth will be going to church camp Monday and then, the children shortly after that. Please pray for all these young people.
I have been keeping up with the youth from other churches that have recently returned from camp. What a difference a week can make in the life of a teenage boy or girl!
If you have a request, please click the “contact button” at the top of this page and send me a message.
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:15
Read the Bible Every Day
June 26
II Kings 2:1 – 3:27
Psalm 76:7-12
Proverbs 16:20
Acts 3:1-26
Death
Matilda Ricks of Arcola passed away yesterday morning after a long illness. Her obituary is not available at this time.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for the presidential candidates who will debate tomorrow night. Let’s also pray for those who are listening and choosing who they will support.
Fifth Sunday Singing
Both FBC, Kentwood and New Zion Baptist Church will. be having fifth Sunday singings this week. You may wish to join one of them.
Others
If you know anyone who is home daily without air conditioning, you probably need to check on them. An ice-chest of cold water and drinks with electrolytes surely would be greatly appreciated.
The Prayer Link 
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