I hope all of you had a good Thanksgiving and could recognize many of the blessings in. your life. Any day is a good day to be thankful, so spend some time thinking of all the many blessing in your life.
Sunday
The youth will be leading in worship Sunday. Make plans to be there to support them.
Read the Bible
John 11: 25-27
I Corinthians 15: 19-20
I Corinthians 15:51-52
I Corinthians 15: 56-58
“I will rise from the dead because . . . .”
Christmas Plans
Just as many of you have made plans for the Christmas season, plans are made at church. Don’t miss out on anything because everything is special.
Sunday School
I hope you are part of a Sunday School class or group. There are many benefits but the main one is Bible study. No matter how many times you read a passage, you can always dig deeper and learn more than you knew before. Studying Mark seems to be an easy repeat for many people, but it can have new meaning every time. Come join us as we did deeper and learn more.
Safe Travel
Family members have the opportunity to travel by various means. Safety mainly depends on us. Be careful and avoid injuring yourself and/or others.
We have a house and cabin full of company, family plus two others we just met! Our driveway is beginning to look like a Walmart parking lot! We are blessed and thankful for each one who came and for the others who had obligations that kept them away.
We ate well yesterday and still have leftovers! It was all delicious! How blessed we are!
I think most of you could said basically the same thing. Now, let’s turn it around and think about all those who have issues that made this holiday less than ideal. As we thank God, we also need to pray for the others too.
Looking Ahead
Some of you are planning on doing some shopping. Others may have already done your shopping or even do very little shopping. Let’s not forget the greatest gift the world was ever given, Jesus. As we move through the Christmas holidays, let’s focus on Him, not the jolly man dressed in red.
Bro. Darryl got to come home after his surgery Tuesday. The family will bring/prepare lunch at his house today.
OUR THANKSGIVING
We have most of our family here for Thanksgiving and are eating well and having fun. They have a Turkey Trot (footrace) planned for first thing this morning. Thankfully, they allowed me to be the official for the race.
READ the BIBLE
Thanksgiving
Phillipians 4: 6-7
Phillipians 4: 11-13
“To trust God to work in my life means . . . .”
Reread the Scripture
What two things do you need today (and every day)?
Thanksgiving
Praise
Those two works should be our “marching orders” today!
Bro. Darryl’s surgery went well. The surgeon decided to perform the stent part in about 10 days. Bro. Darryl and “Miss” Laurie stayed overnight. The plans are for them to come home today or tomorrow. Their children plan to prepare a special meal tomorrow for the family to celebrate thankfulness.
Thankfulness
Speaking of thankfulness, we can all be thankful this problem of Bro. Darryl’s was found and he was able to have surgery yesterday. Let’s pray he has a good recovery.
Obituaries
Shirley Durham O’Quin
July 3, 1933 – November 19, 2023
Shirley Durham O’Quin of Osyka, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on November 19 after a brief illness. She was 90 years old. Shirley was born in Durant, Mississippi, on July 30, 1933, to William Edward and Mary Ellen Durham. After graduating from Durant High School, she received a degree in education from Delta State University. She then embarked on a more than 30-year career as a teacher and basketball coach. Coaching basketball was Shirley’s passion. During her career, she had more than 500 high school wins, and her Spring Creek high school basketball team made it to the Sweet 16 of the Louisiana State playoffs several times. She lived a wonderful, full life doing exactly what she loved: coaching, working in the garden, planting flowers, making jellies, and playing any and every sport she could. She considered it a privilege to have the opportunity to shape so many young lives throughout her career, and she often spoke fondly of her many basketball girls and students. Shirley is survived by her sons, Don O’Quin and Kerry O’Quin; her daughter, Terri O’Quin; her grandchildren, Jennifer Anstey, Jeffrey O’Quin, Jakob O’Quin, Cheyenne O’Quin, and Layla O’Quin; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack O’Quin, and her six older siblings. A graveside service will be held at Line Creek Cemetery, Kentwood, on Saturday, November 25, at 10:00 am. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Mary Ellen Knight
March 19, 1938 – November 20, 2023
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023 at her home. She was born March 19, 1938 in Kentwood, LA and was 85 years of age. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Amanda Knight Sharp (Terry) and Melissa Knight Miller (Conrad); 6 grandchildren, Kylie Sharp Ott (Anthony), Morgan Taylor Sharp, Peyton Sharp, James Christian Miller, Jackson Clay Miller, and Madeline Rae Miller; 1 great-grandchild, Addison Grace Sharp. Preceded in death by her husband, Joseph L. Knight; parents, Charles and Mae Ellzey; sisters, Kathryn Faye Ellzey and Betty Rae Lewis. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Matthew White. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Mary Lou Varnado Blanchard
July 14, 1953 – November 20, 2023
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. She was born July 14, 1953 in Magnolia, MS and was 70 years of age. She was a 1972 graduate of Hammond Votech for nursing. She was a nurse at Hood Memorial Hospital from 1972 until 2019. She is survived by her daughter, Rebekkah McClendon; grandson, Devin Mixon and wife, Candis; 2 brothers, William “Bill” Varnado and wife, Angela and Michael L. Varnado and wife Barbara; sister, Carole V. Frey and husband, Chris; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Norma Varnado; nephew, Alan Varnado. 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.
Boyd, Jennie, Madison, and Mason just surprised us and walked in the door early!!!!! We had expected them mid-afternoon. As of now, I think Jason and his family will come mid-afternoon. Time to leave the computer today!!!!!
Please be in prayer for Bro. Darryl Miller as he has surgery at East Jefferson this morning.
THANKFULNESS
The eight days of OCC Drop Off are completed and our shoeboxes were safely delivered to Hammond where they were placed on an 18-wheeler for their trip to Dallas. The Kentwood Drop-Off Center collected 2043 boxes that were delivered to us by 15 churches. We packed them into 129 big cartons before their trip to Dallas and beyond. Thanks to the many volunteers who worked with us this week! In Dallas, the boxes will be prepared for their big journey to various countries where they will be given to poor and often unchurched children around the world. In addition to the boxes, children will receive a Bible and a Bible workbook written in their language. They will also have special classes to learn about Jesus.
The Hammond location posted that our boxes were part of a group of 14,935 shoeboxes they placed on three trailers for the ride to Dallas.. That’s 779 more than last year.
Let’s thank God for all the many people who packed the shoeboxes and sent them where they are needed. This statistics are awesome – With an average of eight people being touched with the message of Jesus per box, that makes 119,480 people because of the efforts of our area supporters. We are only one of those who “feed” their boxes through Dalles. There are also seven other places like Dallas in our country. Many countries contribute boxes . . . .!
If your church does not participate, let me encourage you to do so. The blessings are abundant and overwhelming! If you already participate, do you want to touch more young lives next year? Our church has already decided to increase our goal for next year! Maybe, you will too!
READ the BIBLE
Luke 12: 22-31
Psalm 42:11
Psalm 40: 1-5
“The lesson I need to learn is . . . .”
OBITUARY
Pearl Junkins Travis Dykes
May 9, 1937 – November 18, 2023
Pearl Junkins Travis Dykes was born May 9, 1937 in Kennedy, AL passed away peacefully surrounded by her step-son and daughter-in-law, Jerry Lee and Cathy Dykes of Mt. Hermon, LA.
She is survived by one sister, Susan Griggs of West Columbia, SC; step-children, Kenny and Betty Aron of Kentwood, LA, Joseph Dykes of Mt. Hermon, Jacky Dykes of Osyka, MS, and Faye Carney of Kentwood, LA; daughter-in-law, Judy Travis of Actworth, GA; grandchildren, Beverlee (Adam) Clay of Actworth, GA, Joey, M-Kayla, Maggie Dykes of Franklinton, LA; her dearest friend in Christ Mrs. Mary Rushing; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her first husband, Dennis Travis; their son, Norman Wayne Travis; grandson, Dennis Wayne Travis; her second husband, Coy Dykes, Jr.; great-granddaughter, Chapel Rae Dykes; 2 sisters, Mildred Patterson and Peggy Hoover; brother, Sam Junkins; Step-children, Jimmy, Carl, Phillip and Ruthie Dykes, Eugene Travis and Lila Watson.
Visitation at My Father’s House Church from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00PM on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Melvin Rushing, Jr. Interment Lewiston Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. A special Thanks to the crew at Modern Hospice Care. We love you all!!! McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
You are appreciated!
Thank-you for sharing about what you read here. May others be encouraged and informed! May God be glorified!
There are a number of people in our area who are sick, some much more so than others. Pray for those on your prayer list. Update it frequently.
Obituary
Monroe Robert Rutland, Jr.
November 14, 1942 – November 18, 2023
A resident of Arcola, LA, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born November 14, 1942 in Roseland, LA and was 81 years of age. He was a devoted Feed Mill Man, responsible for helping build and maintaining the Arcola Feed Mill for over 53 years. He became the longest tenured employee of Purina Mills before retiring. After retirement he enjoyed his other hobby known as WORK. He loved his tractor, chainsaw, and lawn mower almost as much as his family which he cherished dearly. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marilyn Travis Rutland; 1 daughter, Kasey Rutland Shaw (Russell Shaw); 1 son, Tyler Rutland (Natalie Vining); 3 grandchildren, Mickey Shaw, Katelyn Shaw, and Kori Vining; 2 sisters, Estelle Neal and Katherine Jenkins. Preceded in death by his father, Monroe Rutland, Sr.; mother, Eloise Rutland; sisters, Louise Murphy and Evelyn Ballard; brother, Sidney Rutland. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Surgery Tomorrow
Bro. Darryl Miller of FBC, Kentwood will have surgery in East Jefferson tomorrow morning. Please be in prayer for him, his family, his many friends, and his church.
Recovering from Surgery
Both Ora Lee Wilson and Yvonne Birch were able to be at church yesterday following their recent surgeries. They are both progressing with their recovery. Thank God for their recovery progress.
Operation Christmas Child
Today is the last day to turn in “Shoeboxes” at any Drop-Off location. Check the schedule and get there as early as you can. I’ll have a final count of shoeboxes and packed cartons for our Drop-Off site tomorrow.
We had two new churches to turn in boxes this year. Pray they will become regular donors.
Today, we are continuing to pray for the war-torn countries around the world and for unrest in our country and other countries around the world.
READ the BIBLE
I Corinthians 1r: 12-32
“Death has no power over me because . . . .”
THANKFULNESS
Today, I am thankful for the ten churches who have already brought shoeboxes. The shoeboxes have all been placed in cartons and most of them were delivered to their next destination Thursday. The final shoeboxes will be sent at 10:00 A.M. tomorrow. Thanks to all of you who have provided the shoeboxes for so many children all around the world. We also will be shipping about a dozen cardboard boxes of various sizes containing filler items that can be used at the processing center.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD DROP-OFF SCHEDULE
Sunday – 2:00-4:00 P.M.
Monday – 8:00 – 10 A.M.
The final shoeboxes will be sent to the next destination at 10:00 A.M. Monday.
The Lord’s Day
Be sure to honor and worship Him today. There are many churches in the Kentwood area. Find a church that meets your wants and needs. Be faithful in serving Him.
Pam Forrest needs our prayers. She is hospitalized again.
Bro. Darryl Miller will be having surgery Tuesday at East Jefferson.
Obituary
Ruby Faye Ricks
October 13, 1947 – November 16, 2023
A resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born October 13, 1947 in Amite, LA and was 76 years of age. She was a retired teacher from Tangipahoa Parish School System after 40 plus years. She was an avid collector of old coins. She is survived by her 6 brothers and sisters, Louise Russell, Mathilda Mize, Robert Ricks and wife, Pat, Thelma Simmons and husband, Hillary, Carroll Ann Corona and husband, Tom, Jewel Hudspeth-Harrell and husband, Danny; special Cousins, Gerald Hyde and Judy Raborn; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by her parents, Bennie and Pearl Bond Ricks; 2 brothers, Maurice Ricks and Alfred Ricks; 3 brothers-in-law, Kirk Russell, L.C. Mize, and Charlie Hudspeth; 2 sisters-in-law, Nancy Ricks and Sharon Ricks. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM on Sunday and from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, November 20, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Tim Lacoste. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray about the drought conditions in our area. Let’s also pray for farmers, their increased costs, and a shortage of their crops, animals, or products. We all know about increased prices by now!
Operation Christmas Child
The Drop-Off Week has been busy. Time is running out. We only have three more days. Monday we will send the remainder of out shoeboxes to Hammond. From there, they will be sent to the processing center in Dallas before being sent to their next destination.
If you are tracking your shoeboxes, we should soon be able to get an idea of where they will travel next. Don’t lose your tracking numbers. Adults and children all like to know where the their shoeboxes are sent.
Pray for the children and their families who will receive a shoebox. May the shoebox lead the child and family members to hear the name of Jesus and to accept Him into their hearts and lives.
We will be waiting for you in the fellowship hall.
Prayer Focus Today
Some Kentwood people with prayer needs:
Judy Fowler
Pam Forrest
Jane Duncan
Yvonne Birch
Alice F. Lee
Bro. Darryl Miller
Jackie Babin
THANKFULNESS
Today, I am thankful for three days of drizzle. Yes, we got wet when we brought shoeboxes into the fellowship hall, but the ground/vegetation/animals/ponds needed the rain. Thank-you, Lord, for giving us the rain we needed.
The Prayer Link 
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