Good Morning! It’s good to visit with you again this morning.
Let’s start with a special request for Betty Taylor. She is having a heart cath., and possibly a stent, this morning in McComb. As you pray for her and the medical staff, please also pray for Andy and Tommy.
Let’s also say special prayers for the families who had damage and deaths due to tornadoes.
This morning, I see the news is covering the dismantling of the “tent city” on the campus of UCLA. Let’s pray for a change of hearts, less hatred, and the Jewish people all across our county who have been the subject of the university protests.
Read the Bible Every Day
(It’s always a good day to to start, even if you have not already done so!)
What is on your heart and on your prayer list this morning? We are all different and have different requests. Pray for the things near and dear to you!
Touch the Heart of Someone Today
Do something special (phone call, gift certificate for lunch, visit at home, hospital, or nursing home, a card, etc.) to let someone know you are praying for them today.
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hartman-Jones Funeral Home – McComb on Apr. 30, 2024.
Danny Ray Esch, a distinguished resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held at Hartman-Jones Funeral Home, McComb, MS, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, and from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at East Fork Baptist Church, Kentwood, La. Religious Services at East Fork Baptist Church, Kentwood, La, at 11:00 am on May 2, 2024. Burial at East Fork Baptist Church, Kentwood, La, following the services. Rev. Jay Avance will officiate.
He was born on November 22, 1951, in Drew, Mississippi, to Henry S. Esch, Sr. and Grace Carroll Esch. He was a member of East Fork Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA where he served as a deacon. Danny was a mason with the Masonic Lodge of McComb. He grew up working along side his father, learning the skill of mechanics. After college, Danny worked as a Diesel Mechanic Instructor for over thirty years at Southwest Mississippi Community College. He served as a McComb Selectman for twenty years. He was an avid Ole Miss Rebels fan. Danny leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, and he will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife Anita, with whom he shared 54 beautiful years; his son, Steven Esch (Jennifer); Daughter, Amy Cooley (Randy); 3 Grandchildren, Savannah Scariano (Cody), Parker Esch, and Lauren Esch; 2 brothers, Carroll Esch (Shelia), Jimmy Esch, and sister-in-law Mary Esch; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Sr and Grace Esch; his brothers, Henry Jr and Gene Esch; and sisters-in-law, Miriam Esch and Arnell Esch. Danny’s life was a testament to his strength and resilience, and he will be dearly missed.
Pallbearers are Parker Esch, Cody Scariano, Randy Cooley, Sammy Esch, Troy Esch, Paul Esch, Clint Esch, and Dale Tate. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the East Fork Baptist Church, Kentwood youth fund.
Read the Bible Every Day
May 1
Joshua 24:1-33
Psalm 53:1-6
Proverbs 12:17-18
Luke 19:28-48
OCC Cutting Party
(Yes, we are still cutting out fabric to make into totes for our “Shoeboxes”. Getting ready to pack 450 “Shoeboxes” is a big task!
Saturday, May 18, 2024
9 A.M. – Noon
Fellowship Hall
Bring your pinking shears.
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for the college students who are protesting our country’s support of Israel. Pray for the protests to end peacefully, with no loss of human life.
Many of you have been praying for a family that saw a specialist yesterday. It seems the problem is not concerning and requires no treatment. Thank God for this good report.
Request for Today
Please add Angelicia Carter, my daughter-in-law, to the prayer list. She is having neck surgery tomorrow morning in Hammond. Thank you Lawana
Additional stories, previously posted, are listed. Choose some to read.
Prayer Focus
There are several stories making headlines you may choose to prayer about. There are issues in families and churches you may also choose to prayer about today. There are lost people in churches that need my prayers. People in neighborhoods and small towns need God. I will have prayer concerns to fill my day. You do too!
No New Obituaries
OCC Needs List so far:
Red pens
Sewing measuring tapes
Calculators
High School and College Graduates
We have a number of graduates this year. Be sure to encourage them as they move into the next years of their live. Pray they take Jesus with them wherever they go for more education and/or jobs.
You are doing great
Operation Christmas Child – Thanks for all your donations and purchases. We have shared ten needs so far, and received the needed amount of seven of those needs already. I hope we can meet these three needs this week so we can start a new month with no needs from the first two months.
Yesterday was a great day to be in God’s house at FBC, Kentwood!
It’s amazing how God is working in our midst to bring others to his kingdom. I’m so blessed and thankful to see HIM through others in our church.
Prayer Focus
Today, I encourage you to pray as God leads you. It may be for someone with an Illness, someone who has family/ school/work issues, someone who is not attending church, etc.
Be Careful
There is a stomach “bug” going around. It’s not life-threatening, but it certainly makes people miserable for a while.
Summer is Coming.
Students have less than a month of school remaining. Pray for families as they make plans for how the summer days will be spent. Pray they can work in church and special church activities such as VBS, camp, trips to homes of church members, etc. May they be taught that not all their time is to be used for fun and personal entertainment, but to give of themselves to help others by cleaning windows, picking up limbs, sharing plants, sharing baked goods, etc. There are many ways of serving. Let’s make sure our children and youth find some ways of serving Him and others this summer.
Prayer Concerns
Mrs. Alice Faye Lee
Mrs. Mary Varnado
Mrs. Theople Hurst
Mrs. Kaye Roberts
Mrs. Velma Anthony
Mr. George Bales
Mr. Keith Allen
Bro. and Mrs. Joe Baugh
Families that have had deaths lately
Workers and children involved in dailycare
Student and teachers who will soon have a summer schedule
Please add other name you are aware of.
Read the Bible Every Day
April 29th
Joshua 20:1 – 21:45
Psalm 51:14-19
Proverbs 12:13-14
Luke 18:24-43
Thanks so much for helping to make our little part of the world a better place.
I forgot to give you the New Testament reading yesterday. It’s Luke 17:11-37.
Read the Bible Every Day
4-28-24
Joshua 19:1-51
Psalm 51:10-13
Proverbs 12:11-12
Luke 19:1-23
Prayer Focus for Today
Today, let’s pray for those unable to attend church and who would love to watch the services at their local church, but do not have the technology skills to do so. Let’s pray for family members, neighbors, or church volunteers to help them. What a bonus for their weekend when they can watch the church services they would love to see since they cannot attend in person.
Ask a few neighbors, friends, and church members if they need and want you to help them with this technology. Hopefully, they will trust you to be helpful to them. Be sure to pray before volunteering and before doing the volunteer work.
If you are not attending Sunday School, I invite you to Sunday School at FBC, Kentwood. We have so many classes that we have classes for all adults to choose from.
Sunday School begins at 9:15. Come early and have time to visit others and meet people.. (Coffee drinkers will find coffee in the hallway of the fellowship hall and in several classrooms.)
Prayer Focus for Today
Today, let’s pray for those who are not attending Sunday School, but are considering getting their family involved. Hopefully, singles and families will make the decision to attend Sunday School this weekend.
Obituaries
Mary Lynn Foster Jordan
July 19, 1955 – April 24, 2024
A resident of Kentwood, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born July 19, 1955 in Kentwood and was 68 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Ted Jordan; 3 sons, Travis Clay Jordan, Christopher Brody Newman (Claire), and Michael Eugene Jordan (Julie); 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Sue Huber (Robert); brother, Larry Foster; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Robert Marvin Foster and Shirley Brewer Foster. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, April 29, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Jay Avance. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Samuel Merwin Raborn
January 28, 1954 – April 24, 2024
Samuel Merwin Raborn of Kentwood, Louisiana passed away on April 24, 2024. Sam (“Dunk” and “Country” to his family and friends) was born in Osyka, Mississippi on January 28, 1954, the youngest of 12 children born to his parents, Margaret Jones Raborn and Loid Noel Raborn.
Sam graduated from Kentwood High School in 1972 and played on the 1969 state championship football team. Although he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force soon after graduation and lived away from Kentwood for several years, Sam stayed connected to many of his high school friends, especially his lifelong best friend, “Big D”.
Sam married the love of his life, Connie Lee Madden Raborn, on April 26, 1975, in Tucson, Arizona. He served his country for 20 years before returning to his beloved home. He and Connie raised three daughters, 10 grandkids, one great-grandson, and many dogs, chickens, cows, and other farm animals. Sam was loved by everyone who knew him. He easily made others laugh with his mischievous personality.
Sam was a lifelong fan of the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints, even during the tough years. Most fall weekends he could be found at LSU, tailgating with friends and family and cheering on his beloved Tigers. He refused to leave a game early, regardless of the weather or the score. On Sundays, Sam would get back for church at First Baptist Church of Arcola before rushing home to cheer on his Saints. During the week he could usually be found at the sale barn, riding his tractor, or feeding his cows.
Sam was met at the gates by his beloved wife, Connie, his mom and dad, and multiple brothers and sisters – Loid Noel Raborn, Jr., Katie Sue Raborn Nunnery, Edward Leroy Raborn, Estha Leigh Raborn Lail, Billie Jean Raborn Mitchell, and Linda Dianne Raborn Bennett.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved daughters, Margaret Elizabeth Raborn Andrews (Eric); Angela Darlene Raborn Stone (Rob); and Renee Sandra Raborn Molland (Quincy); his grandchildren, Dusty, Dakota, Ethan, Erica, Luke, Ella Rose, Samantha, Addison, Colleen, and Parker; his great-grandson, Jaxon Lane Stokes; his sisters, Margaret Christine Raborn Krchov, Mary Nell Raborn Jackson, and Bettie Lu Raborn Jannise; brothers, James Loid Raborn and Willie Briggans Raborn, Sr.; many nieces and nephews; his life-long best friend, Dennis Price; and many, many more friends and family.
The family will receive friends on Monday, April 29, 2024, from 6-8 pm and on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 10 am-12 pm at First Baptist Church of Arcola. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 12:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Arcola. Internment will take place in Osyka Cemetery, Osyka, MS.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Metavivor, Metastatic Breast Cancer Research, Support, and Awareness Organization, in memory of his cherished wife, Connie.
Read the Bible Every Day
April 27
Joshua 16:1 – 18:28
Psalm 51:6-9
Proverbs 12: 8-10
Vacation Bible School
VBS is right around the corner. It’s always the first week of June. To get information about classes and registration, you can register at church, online, or by calling Wendell Rhodus at FBC, 229-8111.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
The Prayer Link 
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