Happy Thanksgiving! I know that even with some disappointments in life, we all are greatly blessed. Be sure to thank God for all your blessings.
Thankfulness, Day 27
Today, I am thankful to say we have company now from Texas, Mississippi,and Georgia More company is coming from Georgia and Kentwood. We are so blessed!
Read the Bible in 2025
November 27
Lamentations 1-3:36
Today, as you count your blessings, thank God for His great love and wonderful plans for your life.
Today’s Thought
‘Live with Devotion and Hope in Jesus’
12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed ihope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
Today, I am thankful for automobiles that make life much more convenient than walking, riding in a buggy, or riding a horse. They allow us more choices when we shop, provide timely transportation for travel to church, stores, school, etc. We can travel without constant weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold or rain. They make travel faster and take larger or small groups to their destimations. They also save time and allow us to stay on our schedules. I’ve only lived during the area of automobiles, for which I am very thankful.
OCC Statistics
These are the statistics for the Kentwood Drop-Off
13 volunteers who put in 133 hours in 8 days
Collected shoeboxes from 15 churches and 2 individuals
Collected a total o 1639 shoeboxes which were packed in 110 cartons (all they gave us) and leaving three more boxes we turned in separately.
Two van-driving and trailer-pulling drivers made two trips to Hammond to deliver to an 18-wheeler who delivered them to the processing center in Charlotte before being sent across the Atlantic to countries where they will be delivered to the children who have been selected.
What an organized plan that works so well!
If you an any part in collecting the item that were purchased, providing funds, organizing, packing shoeboxes, moving cartons, filling cartons, loading on the trailer, driving a van, or PRAYING for the process, the child, or the family I thank you. I know we all had little parts, in a big project touching many lives, and leading to salvation for many, many children and family members.
Blessing to all off you who packed and to all who helped provide for purchases and shipping of the shoeboxes!
Obituary
Bobby Ray Simpson
August 19, 1933 – November 24, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025 at his home. He was born August 19, 1933 in Gillsburg, MS and was 92 years of age. Bobby was a devoted husband, father, and PawPaw. He was a proud U. S. Army Veteran and a cherished member of the community. He was known for his kind spirit and passion for sports and brought joy to everyone he met. Bobby lived a life dedicated to serving God and sharing His love and warmth with everyone. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Betty Simpson; 2 daughters, Melissa Simpson Stutzman and husband, Buddy, and Kay Simpson; daughter-in-law, Gretchen Varnado Simpson; 4 grandchildren, Brooke Speed and husband, Dan, Kayla Johnson, Micah Simpson, and Sarabeth Simpson; great-grandchildren, John and Lily Speed and Murphy and Finley Evans.
Preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Bertha Simpson; wife and mother of his children, Sara Martinez Simpson; son, Marty Simpson; 2 grandchildren, Dustin Johnson and Joshua Johnson; brothers, Earl, Jewel, and Burnell Simpson; 5 sisters, Reba Jane Simpson, Geneva Varnado, Bertie Hughes, Marty Alice Blackwell, and Dell Gore.
Visitation at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Let’s pray for each other as we celebrate Thanksgiving and hopefully have an opportunity to spend time with some family members.
I am thankful for all the mission projects in my church this week AND all those involved. What a blessing to be able to participate, to pray for the recipients, and to touch lives with JESUS!
Daily Bible Reading Today
November 25
Jeremiah 49-50
Today Scripture
Operation Christmas Child
My big news is that yesterday all the filled Shoeboxes were loaded on a trailer to take them to the next location, Charlotte, not Dallas this year! That means our boxes will travel east, not south, this year.
Thank you for reading about OCC this year. Thanks to many of you who worked so hard to pack the shoeboxes.\\There will be a short break before I get back on my “OCC Soapbox”, but not very long!
I will share some of our area OCC statistics tomorrow!
A Two-Word Reminder
“Christmas Cards”
Devotional Thoughts
(Charles H. Spurgeon)
Luke 4:18 is a verse from the Bible where Jesus reads from the prophet Isaiah, stating that the Spirit of the Lord is upon him because he has been anointed to preach good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, and to set the oppressed free. He declares this to be a fulfillment of scripture in their presence. (Verse of the Day)
Death
Mr. Bobby Simpson moved to his heavenly home early yesterday afternoon. I’ll probably be able to post the obituary tomorrow morning. Please continue to pray for his family.
Good morning. Today is another gift from God! Don’t throw it away.
Read the Bible in 2025
November 24
Jeremiah 46-48
Verse of the Day
No New Obituaries
Prayer Focus
Today, as I think of those who are sick, I also think of those who give care to their loved ones. If you have worn those shoes, I know you understand the need for prayers. Today, please focus some of your time on CAREGIVERS!
Mission Updates
Operation Christmas Child is winding down for this year. Today, we will receive shoeboxes from more local churches and make a last transfer of shoeboxes to Hammond. I cannot tell you enough about how much I appreciate the volunteers in each of the area churches. You packed as many boxes as you could and taught people, young and older, about the shoebox needs, processes, purpose, and many rewards. In Kentwood, volunteers worked so hard and had fun at the same time all week. Our hardest days were the days when we all waited, but didn’t have any shoeboxes delivered. The fun, smiles, and laughter was continuous. Drop-off time at FBC, Kentwood will be 8:00 -10:00 A.M. this morning. I will plan to share some statistics with you tomorrow.
The Christmas card project is progressing well at the church. It is difficult to think of a loved one in prison and unable to be with family during holidays. Christmas is such a special holiday. We hope to emphasize that and help the inmates connect with some family members. Hopefully, the cards will serve as a reminder that “Jesus is the reason for the season!” At Kentwood, our deadline for submitting stamped cards in December 7th. THANKS to all of you who have already contributed.
We will soon be celebrating international missions and collecting funds for our yearly emphasis, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
Two Rivers (St. Helena and Tangipahoa) WMU/Women of Mission will gather at Spring Creek Baptist Church on December 6th at 10 A.M.
There are other mission efforts at church, but I am not directly involved in them. I can probably give you names of some who are if you would like to contact them.
‘A Precious Promise’
Trust, hard to gain yet easy to lose—at least by the world’s standard.You may not have trust for a lot of people in this world but rest assured, you can trust in the God above.
Philippians 3:8 NKJV
Thankfulness – Day 24
Today, I am thankful for caregivers. They put others first 100% of the time. Let’s remember them as we pray today.
I had a phone call a few minutes ago that brought these two items to mind.
If you already have non-religious Christmas cards, they will work well. If you are purchasing some, we would suggest religious over non-religious cards. That’s not a requirement, just a suggestion.
If your OCC shoeboxes are ready, we would love to have them delivered to us today, 4-6 P.M. If that doesn’t work for you, please come as early as possible between 8:00 and 10:00 tomorrow.
People are unique, but there is a great similarity in those loving Jesus and loving others. Sometimes they minister in unique ways and unexpectedly. Sometimes their Christian actions involve others.
Yesterday, I received Christmas cards with stamps and even some extra stamps. I was told they were at least three sets of hands between the giver and my hands. The cards will soon be given to someone at the jail who will distribute them to the prisoners who will hopefully write a message to family members they will be unable to celebrate the holidays with this year.
Think of all the people involved in the process. Be thankful for each one. I’m especially thankful for the lady who purchased the cards and the stamps because she saw the need and a way to “step-in” and help. God bless each of you who take part in this and other mission opportunities to share God’s love.
I’m thankful for each person who is participating in getting the cards for the inmates. God can use all of us in different ways if we are willing!
Sunday School Lesson
The lesson for today involves telling the Israelites they have finally arrived and are looking into the “Promised Land”. They are encouraged by a special message from God to do what can lead to their families being blessed there for many generations as they continue to serve Him. It was a pause that encouraged them to use the opportunity to receive such great blessing IF they continued to serve Him.
In our lives, we have opportunities to make good choices, but it has to be OUR CHOICE to follow God’s plan for our lives. Be richly blessed!
OCC Drop-Off
I want to encourage you to bring your finished shoeboxes to us today from 4-6 P.M. If you have not finished packing, please bring your boxes to us at 8 A.M. in the morning. The boxes will have a busy day and a long ride as their journey contines!
Please remember to pray over them both before and after you turn them in. They have a long journey ahead. The cartons of boxes will be handled by many people on the way to the children who will receive the shoeboxes. As you pray, don’t forget to pray for the children to learn about Jesus and to accept Him into their hearts. That’s the whole purpose – not just some gifts, but JESUS!
Thank-you for any part you played in the process! God will surely bless you!
Charles H. Spurgeon Shared this Scripture
I John 4:6
Look it up in your own Bible.
Try reading it from a different version.
Pray as God leads you today. I hope you are an active Sunday School class member. If not, today take a step in that directions a try a class. Be blessed.
Welcome to The Prayer Link on this Saturday the Lord has blessed us with. Enjoy some time looking ahead to Thanksgiving.
I hope you will find time and ways to bless others today. It’s not only about telling people. It’s about doing for others!
A Scripture to Start Your Day
OBITUARY
Robbi Benefield Herrington
April 5, 1959 – November 20, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. She was born April 5, 1959 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 66 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Tim Herrington; son, Garrett Herrington and his wife, Chelsea; 2 sisters, Carolyn Weaver and her husband, Frank, and Darnell Strickland and her husband, Billy. Preceded in death by her parents, Frank Douglas Benefield and Jerry McGehee Benefield. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Jay Avance. Interment East Fork Cemetery, East Fork, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
For many years, Two Rivers Association ladies have encouraged their church members to purchase Christmas Cards to give to the inmates at the Tangipahoa and St. Helena parish jails. The cards are given to prisoners to write messages to family members during the Christmas season.
The process is easy.
Purchase Christmas cards, religious ones if possible. I have seen some wonderful package deals this year.
Purchase postal stamps, seasonal ones if possible.
Place each card in an envelope.
Place a stamp on each envelope. (YOU DO NOT WRITE ON THE CARDS OR ENVELOPES.)
Turn in to your church.
Ladies of the churches will turn them in at Spring Creek Baptist Church on December 6th OR you can drop them off at FBC, Kentwood church office Monday – Friday through December 7th for Tangipahoa parish and at FBC, Greensburg for St. Helena parish. Judy Noonan and I will deliver them to the two jails.
Thank you for your willingness to give families some Christmas joy and an opportunity for the message about the birth of Jesus to impact many families during the Christmas season. May you also be blessed.
Prepare for Sunday School.
My class uses the Explore the Bible literature. Our lesson for tomorrow is “Fully Committed” and based on Deuteronomy 30:11-20. Literature for the next quarter should be available this week or next week. You can always prepare by reading from your Bible.
Extra Scripture to Think About
20 Now while I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God,
21 yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering.
22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand.
23 At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision:
Daniel 9:20-23 NIV
Pray for Others
Be sure to take time to pray for those in your on your personal prayer list.
Thankfulness, Day 22
Today, I am thankful for knowing many people who are interested in missions. For example, when David and I rode with Wade Boone in the church van pulling a trailer loaded with cartons of shoeboxes, I saw many adults and high school students working to transfer boxes from trailers to an 18-wheeler. Among those working there were friends I have met through shoeboxes, but also a former school teacher friend and a former international missionary who served with my daughter in the same city for a few years. Wonderful friends! I’m so thankful for them.
Spend some time counting your blessings this month.
Anna Lee
P.S. FYI – I learned that shoeboxes from this region will be sent to Charlotte, not Dallas, this year. Our shoeboxes will leave the country traveling east/southeast this year! Pray for the shoeboxes to touch many lives as they travel to their “homes”.
Bobby Simpsonis home. Betty is making lots of adjustments. Pray for them and their family.
Trey Harrison is still in a room at OLOL. They are anxious to get home, but don’t know when that will happer. Keep praying.
Operation Christmas Child
We received 205 shoeboxes yesterday and delivered 1,250 shoeboxes packed in cartons of 15 shoeboxes to an 18-wheeler for transport to Charlotte, NC. James Rimes planned to drive the van with the trailer, but was unable to do so. Wade Boone stepped in and did an excellent job of transporting the boxes to Hammond and getting David and me back to the church. Thank you James and Wade for your skills and willingness.
It takes many volunteers to accomplish all that is done by Samaritan’s Purse. No one person is responsible for doing everything. It feels good to do our little part in such a major endeavor.
Thankfulness
Today, I am thankful for volunteers who do many tasks in teaching, missions, leadership, etc. God uses many in His work. The key is being willing and available.
Coming Soon
Churches will soon be presenting Christmas programs, have class Christmas gatherings.
Day 19, I’m thankful for everyone associated with the Samaritan’s Purse Organization who developed this opportunity to tell people all around the world about Jesus beginning with a shoebox of gift and lots of love and extending through many people until the children and their families are reached. The gifts are wonderful to the children, but the heavenly rewards are outstanding and permanent. What could possible be better than spending eternity in heaven with Jesus?
Day 20, I’m thankful for individuals in many churches and other organizations who pray, shop, pack, pay, and pray some more. What an awesome opportunity for those who are involved in packing shoeboxes.
A Scripture for You Today
There are no new obituaries for today.
Read the Bible Today
November 20
Jeremiah 32-34
Updates
Bobby Simpson will be coming home to Kentwood today. Please pray for him as everyone makes the transition from his hospital to staying at home again.
Trey Harrison is still in Our Lake of the Lake. His family has stayed with him and continues to be encouragers. The medical staff is still studying his needs and making plans for what needs to be done.
As you pray for these two men, please remember all their relatives too.
OCC Drop-Off Today
Kentwood will be working from 10:00-12:00 today to receive shoeboxes from area churches. So far, nine churches and one individual who packed boxes have turned them in. Today, our hours are 10:00 to noon. This is day four of eight days of collection.
If you need information on when we will be open for shoeboxes, please go to the Samaritan’s Purse website. All sites are open the same days, but the tim varies.
Additional Bible Reading
‘The Coming King” – Matthew 25:31-32 (King James Version)
31 nWhen the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
Let’s “put some feet” to our prayers. That means doing something, not just talking about it.
Anna Lee
I almost forgot to share the link to Baptist Press.
Good morning. I hope you are headed for a wonderful day full of love, family, friends, good food, and most importantly, God’s love. I hope you see purpose in the things you will be doing today.
Today’s Verse
Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off Week at FBC, Kentwood
We will be ready and waiting for you from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. today. We took in boxes from three churches yesterday. I’m so thankful because each box gives approximately ten (10) people the opportunity to know Jesus and have Him as a central point in their live.
Obituaries
Tammy Marie Stevens Fabre
February 2, 1960 – November 16, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at her home. She was born February 2, 1960 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 65 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Joseph “Billy” Fabre; 1 daughter, Nicole “Nikki” Fabre; mother, Pauline Bellavia Stevens; 2 sisters, Tracy Simmons and Terry Stevens; 3 grandchildren, Joseph “Ricky” Fabre, Jr., Ryatt Cole and Brenston Cade. Preceded in death by her father, Richard Stevens; and son, Joseph “Ricky” Fabre, Sr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Jacob Williams. Interment Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(I taught her sister, Terry for several years. I know her mother, but somehow I did not know there were two more daughters in the family.)
Susan Kaye Jordan Cooper
February 14, 1956 – November 7, 2025
Susan K Cooper, resident of Amite, LA, born Feb 14, 1956 in Weston, West Virginia, was called home on Nov 7, 2025. She was met by her husband Edwin, daughter Cassandra, son Sean Micheal, parents Otto and Dolores Paugh and Walter Jordan.
Left to carry on and cherish her memory are her daughter Nikki, son Jay, daughter in law Tabbie and son in law Kyle. She knew no greater joy than that of her grandchildren Olivia Finley, Alexis Courville, Amelia Cobb, Jase Cooper and Corlea Cooper and great granddaughter Ezralynn Courville.
Susan was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved to cook and yell at the TV when the W VA Mountaineers were playing. You always knew when she didn’t agree with a call!
It was Susan’s wish to be cremated to be with her husband Edwin after his passing just one month prior to hers. The family is grieving privately but will hold a joint celebration of life for Susan and Edwin at a later date.
Susan was a member of The First Baptist Church of Arcola where she found a wonderful church family. They provided her with so much love, support and a genuine sense of community. As such, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor her do so by making a donation to The First Baptist Church of Arcola.
The family thanks everyone for their outpouring of love and support. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Cornelia Arnolda Johanna “Corrie” ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker and later a Christian writer and public speaker, who worked with her father, Casper ten Boom, her sister Betsie ten Boom and other family .
The Prayer Link 
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