Verse of the Day

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Acts 3:19

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on children who are soon to be out of school. Are adequate plans in place for their care, safety, and activities for the coming summer? Let’s pray for our children and summer 2024.

Homebound

There are many houses in our area where older people live. Many are alone. Let’s pray they have a system for calling for someone when there is need for assistance. If you know they have needs in this area, offer to help them as needed.

Obituaries

Sybil Allen Tidwell

April 28, 1943 – April 24, 2024

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Baton Rouge General Bluebonnet in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born April 28, 1943 in Greensburg, LA and was 80 years of age. She is survived by her 4 children, Eddie Jenkins, Sheila Lofton, Paula McNabb, and Kyle Davidson; grandchildren, Samantha Bounds (Chris), E.J. Jenkins (Kim), Dustin Lofton, Jacob Lofton, Hoyt McNabb (Kim), and Drew Davidson; great-grandchildren, Eli Bounds, Cruze Davidson, Maddie Claire Bounds, and Easton McNabb; 2 brothers, Joe Allen and Dr. Charles Allen. Preceded in death by her husband, Cleve Tidwell; parents, J.T. and Mamie Allen; sister, Lanelle Allen; 2 brothers, Jake W. Allen and Davis N. Allen. Visitation at Pine Ridge Methodist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Dr. Michael Townsend. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Peggy Sanders Dieterich

August 8, 1943 – April 10, 2024

It’s with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Peggy Sanders Dieterich on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. in Jackson, MS. Peggy Sanders Dieterich was born on August 8, 1943 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was a home maker and care giver. She is survived by her husband, Thomas L. Dieterich; two sons, Eric Earl Dieterich and Briton Frank Dieterich; daughter-in-law, Peggy Oltz Dieterch; grand-daughters: Darian Dieterich and Elle Dieterich; sisters-in-law, Jean Mitchell, Jackie Morgan, and Sarah Fletcher. She was preceded in death by her father, Denver L. “Runt” Sanders; mother, Norma Feigler Sanders; brother, Terry Sanders; two nephews, Daniel Sanders and Greg Norton; brothers-in-law, Earl Dieterich, Donald Dieterich, George Mitchell, Rev. Eddie Morgan, and Joe Norton; sister-in-law, Pat Norton. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Kenny Cutrer. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Memorials may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

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Read the Bible Every Day

• April 26
• Joshua 15:1-63
• Psalm 51:1-5
• Proverbw 12:6-7
• Luke 16:19 – 17:10

You are appreciated.

I am thankful to be able to share Scripture, needs, obituaries, etc. with you each day. I always hope my words are encouraging and helpful. Thank-you for reading.

Anna Lee

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Updates

From James Rimes: Darryl Bridges is back home and resting. Thanks for praying.

Mrs. Mary Varnado is waiting for additional tests while she is at The Lodge.

Ora Lee Wilson and I also enjoyed another visit with Mrs. Velma Anthony.

Read the Bible Every Day

• Thursday
• Joshua 13:1 – 14:15
• Psalm 50: 16-23
• Proverbs 12:4-5
• Luke 16:1-18

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Obituaries

Margaret M. Rhodus

January 19, 1946 – April 23, 2024

A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at her daughter’s home surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was born January 19, 1946 in Tupelo, MS and was 78 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Willie Rhodus, Sr.; 1 daughter, Melinda Stewart (Zack); 2 sons, Michael Carter and Willie Rhodus, Jr. (Renee); grandchildren, Victoria Herrington (Chris), Timmy Dale Stewart, Jr. (Selena), Zack Stewart, Jr. (Karagan), Courtney Stewart (Ryan), Christa Stewart, Brandy Granger,  Desiree Granger, Angel Cox, Holley Rhodus, Madilynn Stewart, Kadin Stewart, Ella Stewart, and Brent Carter; numerous great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents, Kirk and Edith McKee; daughters, Shelia, Susan, and Melissa; brothers, JW, Larry Dale, Gary Clay, Marvin, and Jo Bo; sisters, Janie and Ann; grandchildren, Wesley Stevens, Dawn Granger, and Wesley Carter; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Carter. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Friday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Jeff Mizell. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Peggy Sanders Dieterich

August 8, 1943 – April 10, 2024

It’s with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Peggy Sanders Dieterich on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. in Jackson, MS. Peggy Sanders Dieterich was born on August 8, 1943 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was a home maker and care giver. She is survived by her husband, Thomas L. Dieterich; two sons, Eric Earl Dieterich and Briton Frank Dieterich; daughter-in-law, Peggy Oltz Dieterch; grand-daughters: Darian Dieterich and Elle Dieterich; sisters-in-law, Jean Mitchell, Jackie Morgan, and Sarah Fletcher. She was preceded in death by her father, Denver L. “Runt” Sanders; mother, Norma Feigler Sanders; brother, Terry Sanders; two nephews, Daniel Sanders and Greg Norton; brothers-in-law, Earl Dieterich, Donald Dieterich, George Mitchell, Rev. Eddie Morgan, and Joe Norton; sister-in-law, Pat Norton. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Kenny Cutrer. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Memorials may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thank-you for your prayers for needs listed here.

Anna Lee

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

Ecclesiastes 3:1

4-24-24

(4 2 4 2 4)

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This is new every day, Monday – Friday.

Read the Bible Every Day

• 4-24-24
• Joshua 10:29 – 12:24
• Psalm 50:7-15
• Proverbs 12:1-3
• Luke 15:11-32

Prayer/Thankfulness Focus

Today, we thank God for all the people who watch our services from home each week. It doesn’t matter where you live or why you watch our broadcast, we are thankful and say special prayers for you today.

Amite Nursing Home (The Lodge)

Today, let’s pray for the two ladies from our class and church who are in the local nursing home. We thank God for their faithful service for the many year and know they continue to love you even when they are away from their home and their church.. Thank God for Mrs. Mary Varnado and Mrs. Velma Anthony.

We are also thankful for two ladies from our class at church who are “homebound” for a while. These ladies are Mrs. Thueple Hurst and Mrs. Alice Faye Lee.

If you haven’t been to The Lodge, make a visit to this beautiful place. You can visit someone you know and even “run across” someone you know, but did not know was a resident there.

Challenge

We have had many visitors and new members at church in the last few years. I know many of you say you do not know all these people. I challenge you to introduce yourself to a new family each week. Write their names down and speak to them by name when you see them. Then, find another new family to introduce yourself to and to speak to each week.

Just think of all the new people you will know at the end of a month! Make this a weekly habit and learn who all those people are that haven’t been at our church as long as you have.

Appreciation

I appreciate all of you who read and pray after you read. I also appreciate those of you who introduce others to The Pray Link. If you have the skill, you might even “fix” their phone so they can easily locate TPL each day.

Until Tomorrow . . . .

Anna Lee

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

Special Prayer Requests

Please pray for a young church friend who had two seizures last night. He was taken to the ER, but released for observation at home.

Also, please pray for a young man who was involved in a piling on accident. He seems to be okay, but his car is not.

Read the Bible Every Day

• Joshua 9:1 – 10:28
• Psalm 50:1-6
• Proverbs 11:30-31
• Luke 14:25 – 15:10

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for families as they make plans for summer vacations. Pray for good choices to be made that are appropriate to each family situation.

Obituary

Elizabeth “Betty Jo” Dykes

February 5, 1930 – April 21, 2024

A resident of Montpelier, LA, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Landmark Nursing Center of Hammond. She was born February 5, 1930 in Carthage, MS and was 94 years of age. She graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Masters plus 30 years in Education and was a lifelong member of Eleanor Chapter #105 Order of Eastern Star. She was the oldest living member of Pine Grove Methodist Church. She is survived by her son, Tommy Dykes and Ann Watermeier; daughter, Sherri Dykes Rardon; grandchildren, Chansley Dykes, Kelly Hoover and husband, Darrel, and Haley Hicks and husband, Tim; great-grandchildren, Carson and Caleb Hoover and Timmy, Harper, and Finley Hicks. Preceded in death by her husband,  Herbert T. “Tag” Dykes; son, Richard W. Dykes; parents, Fountain and Inez Morgan Young; 3 brothers, Fountain Young, Willie Young, and Robert Larry Young. Visitation at Pine Grove Methodist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Dr. Michael Townsend. Interment Pine Grove Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Pine Grove Cemetery Association, c/o Jelaine Fitzhugh, 44241 W. Pleasant Ridge Rd., Hammond, LA 70403. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

A Beautiful Day!

The day is starting out a little cool, but is predicted to be sunny and pretty all day.

What will you do today to impact another person in a positive way?

Anna Lee

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

Psalms 103:2

PRAYERS REQUESTED

Today, we want to pray for two local ladies who will be having surgery. Please pray for Shontell and Theresa.

Updated OCC Report

I have an updated count of the number of totes that were cut out Saturday. It was 125! Ladies, you did a great job! We’ll meet for more “marking” and “cutting” again next month.

Prayer Focus Today

Pray for those in need, not of money, but love and attention. May each person who could describe themselves that way find the love and attention they need. May others be aware of the need and help them to feel satisfied and pleased with the love and attention they receive.

Remember, we can “put feet to our prayers” and needs! May we learn to focus our prayers on others, not ourselves.

Read the Bible Every Day

• Joshua 7:1 – 8:35
• Psalm 49:16 – 20
• Proverbs 11:27-29
• Luke 14:7-24

Baptism

We had a baptism of a teenager yesterday. There were many family members present, the most I have ever seen for a baptism. How special it was to see so many relatives present to encourage this young man about the big step he was taking!

Thanks for reading and praying.

Anna Lee

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.

See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.

James 5:7

Thanks, ladies.

We had a great group of ladies marking and cutting fabric for totes. More than a hundred bags are now ready for the next step, sewing. You did a fantastic job yesterday, ladies.

Read the Bible Every Day

• April 21
• Joshua 4:1 – 6:27
• Psalm 49:10-15
• Proverbs 11:24-26
• Luke 13:22 – 14:6

I hope each one of you has a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.

See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.

James 5:7

Welcome to another weekend. Make it count by doing something for others.

Here’s one opportunity.

Ladies’ Fabric Cutting Workshop Today

• FBC, Kentwood’s Fellowship Hall
• 9:00 A.M.
• Bring pinking shears if you have some.
• We will be cutting fabric to make totes which will go into our OCC Shoeboxes.

Read the Bible Every Day

• April 20
• Joshua 1:1 – 3:17
• Psalm 49:1-9
• Proverbs 11:22-23
• Luke 13:1-21

Sunday School Preparation

• Learning more about Jacob
• Genesis 35
• Applying the Scripture to our daily lives

Prayer Focus Today

Let’s pray for our country. May we cease the unauthorized protesting and become more aware of others. I’m not saying we all need to agree, but when there is a difference of opinion, speak up in a kind, legally approved way.

For example, there was a protest on a bridge in California this week that stopped thousands of cars for hours. What a danger this was! What an inconvenience it was to those who had plans for the day! People had planes to catch, classes to teach, patients to see, children to keep, stores to run, meals to serve, etc. Let’s be considerate of others and helpful in any way we can.

Kentwood does not have a bridge like that, but it does have people with their individual plans. Let’s be helpful, not a hinderance to other today and every day. If we pray for those around us, I don’t think we would be praying to be a hindrance in any way.

What kind of person will you be today?

Anna Lee

For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

Isaiah 61:11

Read the Bible Every Day
I missed posting correctly, so today you get two days of readings.

• April 18
• Deuteronomy 31:30 – 32:52
• Psalm 48:1-7
• Proverbs 11:16-18
• Luke 12:22-40

• April 19
• Deuteronomy 33:1 – 34:12
• Psalm 48:8-14
• Proverbs 11:19-21
• Luke 12:41-59

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on the Middle East and for the people in that region of the world.

Anna Lee

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,

Colossians 2:6

Prayer List Updates

Mrs. Betty Catherine Hatcher is home again. Thank God for her improvement.

Kay Roberts‘ knee surgery went well. She should be home later today.

Read the Bible Every Day

• April 18
• Deuteronomy 31:1-29
• Psalm 47:1-9
• Proverbs 11:14-15
• Luke 12:1-21

Pray for Our Country

Pray for the United States as we face an upcoming presidential election.

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OCC Workday for Ladies

• Marking and cutting fabric for tote bags for Shoeboxes
• Saturday at 9 A.M.
• Fellowship Hall
• Bring pinking shears if you have some.

Today is a good day to reach out and help someone.

Who and how will you help a friend, neighbor, church member, or strangers? Use your talents, time, and resources as God leads you today.

Committees

I often mention classes at church. Today, I want to say most churches function because of a number of committees who meet regularly with a specific area of church ministry as a focus. Often, other church members are not informed about their purpose or plans. Let’s thank God for these people who give of their time to serve in this way.

Thanks to all those who keep up with needs and guide others in determining how they will help.

May we step in a do a part in ministering to others. Go back to the top and reread the Scripture for today.

Anna Lee

Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who sends the thunderstorms.

He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.

Zechariah 10:1

Obituary

Joy Smith Stegner

Joy Smith Stegner, 71, of Kearney, MO, passed away on the morning of Saturday, April 13, 2024 at her home due to complications from a recent illness.

She was the youngest of four children born to the late Elbert and Ellen Smith on October 2, 1952, in
Kentwood, LA, and grew up on a dairy farm. Joy placed her faith in Jesus and was baptized on June 17,
1962.  She attended Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, LA, where she completed her 5-year
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree in 3 and a half years.

Joy met the love of her life, George Stegner, while taking night school classes at Louisiana State
University in Baton Rouge, LA, and they were married on November 15, 1975.  Their family continued to
grow with the birth of two sons, Jeffrey in 1982, and Steven in 1984.  Joy was a career pharmacist
(retiring in 2016) who maintained her registration in 5 different states all while being a loving, devoted
mother to her two sons.  As a mom, Joy never missed an opportunity to see her sons’ band and choir
concerts or little league baseball games.

Joy was an active member of several organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution
and the Daughters of the War of 1812, where she enjoyed helping other women trace their genealogy.
Joy was also a member of the Mustang Club of Greater Kansas City, serving as the membership chair for
20 years. In addition, she was a member of the Mustang Club of America, where she served on the national board of directors, participated on multiple committees, was a Gold-Card Judge, and earned her
pin last weekend for having judged at 50 national shows. George and Joy loved to travel across the country to various Mustang Club of America car shows. Over the course of 18 months between October
2021 and March 2023, they visited 43 states in her Joyride Mustang and checked off her 50th state by
cruising Hawaii.

In addition to her membership responsibilities, Joy enjoyed watching LSU and Kansas City football, as
well as working on beautiful, quilted masterpieces with her mother-in-law, Jeanette. Besides Joy’s love for
the Lord, her greatest passion was her love for her family—especially as Gramma to two grandchildren,
Mykah (age 10) and Phoebe (age 3). She loved going on coffee dates and shopping with Mykah and
reading to Phoebe.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert and Ellen Smith, and her grandson, Gideon Stegner.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, George Stegner; her sons, Jeff Stegner (Richard) and Steven
Stegner (Lisa), and her granddaughters, Mykah and Phoebe. Joy is also survived by her mother-in-law,
Jeanette Stegner; her sister, Carolyn Baxter (Henry); brothers, Johnnie Smith and Lea Smith (Wanda);
numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and many more beloved chosen family
and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Kearney,
MO, 303 S. Grove St., Kearney, MO 64060.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 2:00 to
4:00 p.m. A fellowship meal will follow.

Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, 13992 MO-N,
Pilot Grove, MO 65276.

Arrangements in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.

Please pray for the family.

Prayers Please

• Theople Hurst – Home with a brace
• Judy Dickinson – Foot recovering nicely from surgery
• Wanda Smith – Cataract surgery today
• Kay Roberts – Knee surgery today
• Mary Varnado – Still hospitalized in Hammond

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Read the Bible Every Day

• April 17
• Deuteronomy 19:1 – 30:20
• Psalm 46:1-11
• Proverbs 11:12-13
• Luke 11:29-54

Missions

It’s never too late to contribute to the Annie Armstrong Offering which is used to tell people in North America about Jesus.

Senior Adult Luncheon

Yesterday, the senior adults had lunch at Duke’s in Watson yesterday. The food was delicious. The service was excellent.

The Sunday School Lesson continues with the life of Jacob.

I hope you will study this lesson in your churh. If you do not have a Sunday School class in a church near your, please feel free to join us at FBC, Kentwood.

Thanks for praying today.

Your prayers make a difference!

Anna Lee