But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Update

Mrs. Betty Catherine, who is at home, was able to eat some yesterday.

Deaths

Mrs. Dot Gill passed away about three this morning according to her son, Kenny Ray. I’ll post her obituary when it is available.

Lucille Gele’ Scheurer

August 31, 1927 – June 1, 2024

Lucille Gele’ Scheurer passed away peacefully at her home in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana on June 1, 2024 with her daughter, Doren, at her side. She was 96-years-old. Lucille was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 31, 1927 to Leon E. Gele’ and Wilhelmina D. Gele’, joining her 8-year-old brother, Etienne. Lucille graduated from High School at 16 and worked at New Orleans Charity Hospital until she was old enough to join Cadet Nurse Corps at Mercy Hospital. In 1948, she graduated and spent her life selflessly caring for others as a registered nurse until she retired from East Jefferson General Hospital in 1989. On April 3, 1948, she married the love of her life, William F. Scheurer (Billy). Their love for adventure began soon after their honeymoon to Arkansas. Lucille’s love for exploration took her to new heights, as she traveled to most of the National Parks, with Alaska being the highlight of her life. She also experienced the Panama Canal, rafted on the Amazon River, with a love of flying that matched her love for life. With Billy driving their RV, they crisscrossed the US with friends from the FCRV Bayou Retirees. She never met a stranger, and once you knew her, you were family. Her kindness and generosity were evident in her 30 years of volunteer work at God’s Storehouse in Amite. She stayed involved with the Montpelier Pine Garden Club, proving she still had a green thumb. She is survived by her 2 daughters: Tisa Cooper (Johnny) and Doren Scheurer. Grandchildren: Troy Cooper, Kevin Cooper, Stacie Ball, Yvette Barr, Maggie Young, and Will Miller. 13 Great-Grandchildren and 7 Great-Great Grandchildren. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, William F. Scheurer, and her beloved son, Leonard W. Scheurer (Lenny). A special thanks to Ted and Brandi Hartley, St. Helena Fire District 4, St. Helena Council on Aging, God’s Storehouse, North Oaks Hospice and Dr Abdo for all of the care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to St. Helena Council on Aging. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, Louisiana on July 2, 2024 at 10:00AM. Interment will follow in Port Hudson National Cemetery in Zachary. 

Baptist Press

https://wordpress.com/post/theprayerlink.com/41750

Fifth Sunday Singing

• Sunday
• 5 P.M.
• FBC, Kentwood
• Music will be provided by members of serveral area churches.
• No charge
• Everyone is invited.

Read the Bible Every Day

• June 25
• I Kings 22:24 – II Kings 1:18
• Psalm 76:1-6
• Proverbs 16:18-19
• Acts w:22-47

What a blessing it is to have our prayers, both large and small, answered!

Anna Lee

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

James 1:21

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus on the friends we don’t see as regularly as we have seen them in previous years. Check on them. Get an update. Pray for them.

This week gives new opportunities. Ask about someone you don’t see often. Plan a visit to see someone who has been “out-of-pocket” lately. Make a telephone call.

Special Prayer Request

Please pray for Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher. She is at her house.

Read the Bible Every Day

• June 24
• I Kings 21:1 – 22:23
• Psalm 75:1-10
• Proverbs 16:16-17
• Acts 2:1-21

Fifth Sunday Singing

Sunday at 5 P.M. at FBC Kentwood

OCC Needs

Our June needs for OCC are panties and briefs (Size 12), and 8″ scissors. Thank-you for making purchases for OCC this month. Your donations can be left in the green tote in the basement beneath the sanctuary. If unable to make purchases or if you would rather we shop for you, you are always to make donations and someone else will shop for you.

What a blessing it is when a child comes to you to ask when they get the next opportunity to help prepare items for shipping! That happened last night.

Thank you for your prayers and caring actions for others this week.

Anna Lee

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

Ephesians 5:25

I have realized I gave you the wrong Scripture for Sunday School today. It is Acts 3:12-26. I’m sorry for my mistake.

Read the Bible Every Day

• June 23
• I Kings 19:1 – 20:43
• Psalm 74:18-23
• Proverbs 16:13-15
• Acts 1:1-26

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on those who will be in our church services. Pray the services will be meaningful to each person.

Special Service – Fifth Sunday Singing

Next Sunday night at 6 P.M., FBC will host a singing service. You are invited to attend.

Have a wonderful, blessed Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

Prayer Focus

Here are a few names you may want to add to your prayer list.

• Betty Catherine Hatcher – back at home
• Dot White
• Marilyn Hart
• Annaleice Neal

Read the Bible Every Day

• June 22
• I Kings 18:1-46
• Psalm 74:12-17
• Proverbs 16:11-12
• John 21:10-25

Sunday School Scripture for Tomorrow

Acts 4:8-21 NIV

⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹ If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, ¹⁰ then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹ Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’^[a]

¹² Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

¹³ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. ¹⁵ So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. ¹⁶ “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷ But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

¹⁸ Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! ²⁰ As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

²¹ After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.

FBC Kentwood’s Sunday School

• 9:15 A.M. followed by 10:30 A.M.service which includes a nursery and a children’s church.
• More than a dozen classes to choose from so the church provides an appropriate class for everyone
• People are available to guide you to a class and even give class options.

FBC Kentwood Evening Services at 6 P.M.

Nursery

Children’s classes

Youth

Adults

FBC Kentwood Wednesday Service at 6 P.M.

Nursery

Children’s classes

Youth

Adults

Be sure to prepare for church today so Sunday morning is not so hectic.

Anna Lee

Be on your guard;

stand firm in the faith;

be courageous;

be strong.

1 Corinthians 16:13

Prayer Focus

Today, we have four obituaries. Whether or not you know these individuals, please take time to pray for their families now and in the coming days. They don’t have to know you to be blessed by their prayers.

Obituaries

Yolanda Marie “YoYo” Kent

September 6, 1972 – June 19, 2024

A resident of Fluker, LA, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at her home. She was born September 6, 1972 in Atlanta, GA and was 51 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Jon Barry Kent; daughter, Alexis Kent; son, Thomas Kent; granddaughters, Aubrey and Ripley Kent; mother, Judy Pope; sisters, Tonya Kent, Ginger Cole, and Terri Cole; special niece, Lacey Kent; special great-nephew, Dylan Chunn. Preceded in death by father, David Ball; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles Richard Kent and Fannie Lou Kent. Visitation at First United Methodist Church, Amite, from 4:00PM until memorial services at 5:00PM on Monday, June 24, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

John “Johnny” Drew Hood

May 10, 1950 – June 19, 2024

John “Johnny” Drew Hood went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. He was a veteran of the Veteran War and was proud to serve his country. He is survived by his wife, Christine Hood; stepdaughter, Monica Alvarado; grandchildren, Liliana, Logan and Lauren Alvarado; brother, Boyd Ellis Hood and wife, Cheryl; and numerous cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Boyd and Betty Hood; and stepson, Daniel Bianco. A 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.

RONALD EUGENE DEDON

October 2, 1957 – June 19, 2024

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at his home. He was born October 2, 1957 in Dallas, TX and was 67 years of age. He is survived by his sisters, Sharon DeDon McDonald and husband, Ronnie, Judy DeDon Travis, and Patricia DeDon Spears and husband, Johnnie; and brother, Charles Ray DeDon and wife, Linda. Preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Saralyne DeDon; and  brother-in-law, Willie Eugene Travis. A 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.

Stanford D. Bennett

April 17, 1938 – June 20, 2024

A resident of Wilmer, LA passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at his home. He was born April 17, 1938 in Amite, LA and was 86 years old. He was a retired dairy farmer and a member of Wilmer Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Winborn Bennett; 1 son, Todd Bennett and wife, Reesie; 1 daughter, Karen Wald and husband, Anton; sister, Charlene Averett; sister-in-law, Virginia Bennett; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Maggie Bennett; 1 brother, Thomas H. Bennett; 2 sisters, Elaine Shar and Alice Fay LeSage. Visitation at Wilmer Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM. Services conducted by Bro. Richard Magee and Bro. Jason Skipper. Interment Wilmer Cemetery, Wilmer, LA. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation can be made to Wilmer Missonary Baptist Church Building Fund. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible Every Day

• June 21
• I Kings 16:1 – 17:24
• Psalm 74:5-11
• Proverbs 16:8-10
• John 20:21 – 21:9

Baptist Message

I read most of my hardcopy yesterday, when it arrived. It is mostly about the Southern Baptist Convention.

https://www.baptistmessage.com/

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Happy reading!

Anna Lee

You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing”, but you do not realize you are wretched.pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.

Revelations 3:17 NIV

Thanking God

Both Tom Brister and Trey Buckley were back at prayer meeting last night after having health problems requiring surgery. It was good to see both of them back with us.

Read the Bible Every Day

• June 20
• I Kings 14:1 – 15:34
• Psalm 74:1-6
• Proverbs 16:5-7
• John 20:1-20

Obituary

Linda Williamson Simpson

OCTOBER 17, 1945 – JUNE 15, 2024

IN THE CARE OF

Central Funeral Home

Linda Williamson Simpson, age 78, of Zachary, Louisiana passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024. A beloved wife, mother, and Nana she was welcomed into Heaven surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. Linda is survived by her husband, Amos Oliver “Bo” Simpson; daughter, Djuana “Miki” Simpson; son, Michael Shane Simpson and wife Dana; sister, Dianne Yarbrough and husband Sonny; grandchildren, Tyler Simpson and wife Sara, Emily Simpson, Olivia Simpson and great-grandson, Paxton Ferguson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Irma Williamson and sister, Donna Leibenguth. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church, 19421 Greenwell Springs Rd, Central, LA 70739, followed by a burial at the church cemetery. Doy Henson, Brad Stiles, Gene Jenkins, Ron Legrand, Ernest Meche and John Root will serve as pallbearers. In honor of Mrs. Linda, we invite those in attendance to wear purple, her favorite color, as we honor and celebrate the legacy she leaves behind. Pretty N Pink Florist (225-664-7204) is assisting the family with memorial floral arrangements. The Simpson Family extends their deepest gratitude to all those who have sent their love, support, prayers, and everything in between during these difficult times.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Sunday School Lesson

Read Acts 3.

I appreciate your time and effort to read this post today. Don’t forget to pray now.

Anna Lee

“The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.

1 Samuel 2:6

Obituary

Nicholas “Nick” John Guzzardo

July 7, 1944 – June 17, 2024

With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Nicholas “Nick” John Guzzardo, who peacefully left us on Monday, June 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family in Baton Rouge, LA. Nick was born July 7, 1944 in Pittsburg, CA. Nick was preceded in death by his father, John Nicholas Guzzardo, his mother, Florence Myers Guzzardo, and his wife of 24 years, Paula Braud Guzzardo.

Nick is survived by his sons, John Paul “JP” Guzzardo (Bridget) of Tampa, FL, and Chad Nicholas Guzzardo (Danielle) of Baton Rouge, his daughter, Erin Katherine Myers Guzzardo of Baton Rouge, his brother, Charles Mose Guzzardo (Jan) of Amite, LA, niece Kim Guzzardo Terrebonne (Scott) of Amite, LA and nephew, John Russell Guzzardo (Ashley) of Amite, LA. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Ainsley, Maddox, Alexander, Greta, Anna, Sophia, Nicholas, Hudson, and Vivienne. 

Nick attended Amite High School. He was a serial entrepreneur involved in various businesses including the amusement business, utility companies, skating rinks, restaurants, nightclubs, gaming, radio stations, motorcycle dealerships, and car dealerships to name a few.

He cherished large family gatherings and was known for his Sunday dinners, often creating chaos in the kitchen while cooking. His greatest passion was his family, and he always went above and beyond to support his loved ones. Nick was full of love and never missed a chance to say “I love you.”

Originally growing up in Amite, LA, Nick also lived in Baton Rouge, LA, New Orleans, LA, Natchez, MS, and Summit, MS. Affectionately known as “Nick John,” “Bulldog,” and sometimes “Governor,” he had a larger-than-life personality and a heart as vast as the universe. He will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm on Friday, June 21, 2024, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, LA. Burial will immediately follow the Mass at the Guzzardo family tomb at Amite Cemetery. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Erin Nicole Brunett

Jun 13, 2024

Erin Nicole Brunett, of Loranger, Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at the age of 4. She was born on Thursday, October 24, 2019, in Covington, Louisiana. Erin was a little fireball for her young age. She could be a little spicy at times and always had a sassy comeback for anyone trying to tease her. Erin was so sweet and full of life, just starting to become her own person. She had a very special bond with her sissy, Jalie, and always wanted to do everything her big sister was doing. Erin loved and looked up to her mother, and also had a beloved stuffed elephant that never left her side named Ellie.

Erin is survived by her sister, Jalie Brunett, grandparents, Debbie and Tommy Brunett, great grandmothers, Billie Jean Smith and Barbara Brunett, aunt, Brandi Hosch (Josh Michelli), uncle, Jason Vernon (Dawanda Harper), and cousins, Emori Hosch and Karleigh Greer.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Callie Jo Brunett, great grandfathers, Gerald Brunett and Norwood Smith, and cousin, Zeke Vernon.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm. 

A Funeral Service will be held at on Thursday at 1:30 pm, with Bro. Karl Klaus officiating.

Interment will be held privately.

Contributions may be made to help support Jalie the Brunett family at https://gofund.me/180ac9f3.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at http://www.harrymckneely.com.

Callie Jo Brunett

Jun 12, 2024

Callie Jo Brunett, of Loranger, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the age of 35. Callie Jo graduated from Loranger High School and was a member of the Flag Team. She also attended Hammond Technical School for barbering and medical technology. Callie Jo loved being a country girl, going to Old Farmer’s Day, and being in Loranger. She was a loving daughter, sister, and aunt, but she loved being a mom most of all. Callie Jo and her daughters were a couple of peas in a pod. Her daughters looked up to her and loved her so much.

Callie Jo is survived by her daughter, Jalie Brunett, parents, Debbie and Tommy Brunett, grandmothers, Billie Jean Smith and Barbara Brunett, siblings, Brandi Hosch (Josh Michelli) and Jason Vernon (Dawanda Harper), nieces, Emori Hosch and Karleigh Greer, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Erin Brunett, grandfathers, Gerald Brunett and Norwood Smith, and nephew, Zeke Vernon.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm. 

A Funeral Service will be held at on Thursday at 1:30 pm, with Bro. Karl Klaus officiating.

Interment will be held privately.

Contributions may be made to help support Jalie the Brunett family at https://gofund.me/180ac9f3.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at http://www.harrymckneely.com.

Baptist Press

Read the Bible Every Day

• June 19
• I Kings 12:12 – 13:34
• Psalm 73:21-28
• Proverbs 16::3-4
• John 19:25-42

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

OCC Invitation

There will be a meeting in Robert tonight for those who are interested in packing shoeboxes. If you missed the details, please read yesterday’s post.

Prayer Focus

Please pray for out country daily. Pray we will turn to God, as a country, and be much more like our country was at the time it was formed. We need Him as much now as the leaders/people did back then.

Thank-you for believing in prayer.

Anna Lee

For where your treasure is,

there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:21

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for families. Family members are drawn many different directions that often draw them from church. Their focus is not on God. Pray for them to think about the eternal benefits of being in church.

Prayer Request

James Rimes sent a request:

Please pray for Debbie Christy, Elaine Ccutrer’s granddaughter. She is in ICU at OLOL. Doctors are trying to diagnose her problem. She’s a cancer survivor.

Obituary

Wendy Lee Wiegel

June 3, 1964 – May 14, 2024

Wendy was a resident of Denham Springs, La, and passed away on May 14th, 2024 at HCA Florida Lake City hospital in Lake City, FL., she was 59 years of age. She was born June 3, 1964, in Cherry Point, NC. Wendy was a graduate of Belaire High, class of 1982, and retired from the Department of Environmental Quality after 25 years. She is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Keanan) Wiegel; grandsons, Brady & Bryce Wiegel; sister, Kelley (Roger) Gingles; nieces, Melanie (Mark) Riff and Rachel Gingles. Wendy was preceded in death by her parents, Willie & Arlene Broome; brother, Willie Broome Jr.. Wendy was devoted to her family, friends, and her faith. She was known to give whatever she could spare, and loved her family deeply. In keeping with Wendy’s loving and generous spirit, her passing will touch countless others as it was her last wish to donate her organs and tissues. A graveside service will be held at Woodland Cemetery, in Kentwood, La. on Saturday, June 22, at 9:00am. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

INVITATION

You are invited to a special informative meeting concerning Operation Christmas Child. A couple who have packed many, many boxes will be speaking. They surely have a lot of knowledge. to share! The meeting is in Robert at a church that has a sign saying Crossgate Church. The meeting is from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. There are no tickets and no cost. Just tell them I invited you. Everyone form our area is invited!

Louisiana Baptist Message

https://www.baptistmessage.com/

Learn about some things happening in our Louisiana Churches.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Get update from Southern Baptists across our country.

Read the Bible Today

• June 18
• I Kings 11:1 – 12:11
• Psalm 73:13-21
• Proverbs 16:1-2
• John 19:5-24

Prayer is Important

Probably, may of us need to improve our prayer life. I hope something or some things here will help you pray today.

Anna Lee

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

Acts 3:6

Prayer Request

Kaye Roberts asked for prayer for her nephew, Blair, who is seeing doctors at M. D. Anderson for treatment of a spot in his remaining kidney. Please be in prayer for Blair Alford.

Read the Bible Every Day

• June 17
• I Kings 9:1 – 10:29
• Psalm 73:7-12
• Proverbs 15:32-33
• John 18:25 – 19:4

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on teachers and students in summer classes. Let’s also remember the churches in our area that are having VBS this week.

I appreciate you for faithfully reading TPL and following through with your prayers.

Anna Lee

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.

Psalm 103:13

I thank God for my daddy and the daddy to my children. I’ve been blessed.

Read the Bible Every Day

• Sunday
• I Kings 8:1-66
• Psalm 73:1-6
• Proverbs 15:30-31
• John 18:1-24

This is the Lord’s Day. Be sure to give Him honor in the things you do today.

Prayer Focus Today

Please pray for the family who lost a mother and a young daughter in Loranger. Pray for all connected to this family. Also, please add your prayers for the police who have been involved in solving this case.

I love to communicate with you each morning. Thank you for reading.

Anna Lee