For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
Susan Rimes has had a lot of trouble with kidney stones in the last few years. One kidney was barely functiioning. Yesterday, she had that kidney removed. She is hoping for better health now. Last night, she was still in a lot of pain. Please pray for her.
Daryl Carruth
Daryl is having a heart catherization at 7:30 am today and he has many risk factors. I would appreciate all of his family and friends saying a prayer for him. We all love him and know God is in control. JoEllen Carruth
Obituaries
Evelyn M. Ballard
October 4, 1934 – October 23, 2023
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away peacefully at her home, to go home to be with her beloved Savior, on Monday, October 23, 2023. She was born on October 4, 1934 and was 89 years of age. She was a very kind and loving person who did most things, “HER WAY” until the end. Her faith in GOD was tremendously strong. She is survived by three daughters, Donna Dozier, St. Rose, LA, Carol Pansano, and husband, Mitchell Pansano, Harahan, LA, and Milissa Fitzpatrick, Amite, LA; sisters, Estelle Neal, Harahan, LA and Katherine Jenkins, Roseland, LA; and a brother, Monroe Rutland, Jr. and wife, Marilyn, Roseland, LA; sisters-in-law, Sally Verdel and husband, Winfrey, Bogalusa, LA and Clara Ballard, Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, Joseph Dozier, Vincent Dozier (Nancy),Cori Lewis (Jerry), Mitchell Pansano (Ashley), Kelly Fitzpatrick, Scott Fitzpatrick (Abby), Katelyn Fitzpatrick, and Timothy Normand; great-grandchildren, Joseph Dozier, Jr., Davon Dozier, Carley Dozier, Delilah Dozier, Brayden Dozier, Molly Lewis, Connor Lewis, Madison Pansano, Mallory Pansano, Makenna Pansano, Nevaeh Normand, Noah Fitzpatrick, and Piper Fitzpatrick; numerous nieces and nephews; very special friends, Lelia and Cliff Buniff, Herman and Penny Newell, Sharon Jones, Charlsa Ellison, Kathy White, Kelly Rainey, Carolyn Bellue, Norma Price, Ava Ballard, and Diane Creel. Preceded in death by her husband, Gaston E. Ballard; father, George Gibson; mother, Eloise Rutland; step-father, Monroe Rutland, Sr.; sister, Louise Murphy; and brother, Sidney Rutland. Special thanks to Shea Edwards, NP, the Modern Home Health and Hospice and the Fireman from Tangipahoa Parish Fire District #1 in Amite, LA. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Friday, October 27, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Richard “Paul” Ballard, Sr.
June 17, 1934 – October 22, 2023
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, October 22,2023 at his home, at the age of 89. He was born on June 17, 1934 in Chesbrough, LA to Richard and Carrie Clark Ballard. He is survived by his three sons, Peter Ballard, Allison; Bill Ballard, Melissa and Kenny Ballard, Lorreta; three step-daughters, Kenta Damonte, Brenda Osborne and Becky Hopkins, Jeff; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; lifelong partner Nan Gale Corken Ballard; son, Galen Troy Ballard; 8 siblings and first wife Birdie Traylor Ballard. Paul was raised in Chesbrough, Louisiana. He served in the United States Army. Paul was a lifelong Dairy Farmer; He was always doing something in the outdoors; hunting, fishing and loved planting and working in his garden for many years. We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Modern Hospice for being a kind caregiver to him and the kindness they showed the family. Paul will be laid to rest with his son Galen and lifelong partner Gale at a graveside memorial service on Saturday, October 28,2023 at 11:00a.m. at Sylvest Cemetery, Conducted by Chaplin John Cook, all are welcome to attend. There will be fellowship following at Chesbrough Baptist Church, Chesbrough, LA. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Modern Hospice or any Hospice Center of your choosing in memory of Paul Ballard. Sylvest Cemetery, Tangipahoa Parish: Lat: 30.76670 and Long: 90.33360. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Fall Fest
The Fall Fest is scheduled for Sunday evening, October 28 from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Bring you children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and neighborhood children. Us them as an excuse to come out and have a good visit with others.
Prayer Focus
Pray for churches as they reach out to their communities. May they have an impact on new individuals and families.
Corinne D. Watson passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023, in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 94. She was born on Monday, December 24, 1928 in Chesbrough, Louisiana to the late Gladys and Mural Dees. She was a resident of Hammond, Louisiana.
Corinne is survived by her son, William Watson; daughter & son-in-law, Bonnie and Milton Brecheen of TN; niece, Gaye and David Stanly; grandkids, Kristen and Keith Hoffield, Rebekah and Justin Tucker, Jacquie Brecheen, Jonathan and Daveda Brecheen; great-grandchildren, Kynleigh and Kerrigan Hoffield, Samuel and Noah Tucker, Azalea and Rex Byl, and Penelope “Pickle” Brecheen.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Watson, Jr.; parents, Gladys and Mural Dees; sister, Lillian Strickland; as well as her brother, Hayden Dees.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, until services begin at 1:00 pm.
Interment will follow in Amite Cemetery, Amite, Louisiana.
Her husband, Billy Watson, worked with David. I remember her children from school. For a brief time, she worked with David. She was a very attractive lady.
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for congress as they continue to search for a leader. Pray the members there can work together to select leadership and to support that leadership. We need them to be strong for us!
Coming Soon
“The Blind” at FBC, Kentwood. Call the church office (229-8111) for details.
Fall Food Round-Up
FBC, I’m thankful for you for the wonderful love offering you sent AND the many items you purchased and sent. You were so generous! You make a difference for them!
Georgia Barnette Offering
This offering for North America is now being collected. Thanks to all who have given and will give. You make a difference here too!
Sunday School
The recent lessons from Mark have been interesting. Even though they are familiar, there is still much to learn. Sunday’s lesson will be from Mark 11. Sunday school begins at 9:15. There is a class for everyone. Adults have several choices to consider.
Make Today Special!
Do something to encourage others. You can make a difference in the live of many people. Get out of your “shell” and be that special person.
I think it proper that we focus our prayers on the countries of the eastern Mediterranean area as war abounds today.
Read the Bible
II Samuel 1:17-27
John 11: 17-44
The last time I cried for someone I love ….”
Fall Fest
Sunday evening, 5:00 – 7:00 (No evening worship service.)
Everyone is invited.
No charge, but please sign in.
Food
Lots of fun activities
Call the youth minister if you have questions. 229-8111
OCC
We are so very thankful to have lots of filled shoeboxes to send this year and to have paid the postage on the boxes before we packed them. What a blessing the process was to us! What a blessing the shoeboxes will be to the children and their families!
Thank-you if you had a part in the process. You may think it is early, but we are already thinking ahead to the next shoebox season.
FBC, Kentwood serves as the drop-off location for our area. We will be ready to receive shoeboxes from churches and individuals. Then, we will place them in cartons and deliver them to a Hammond-area church which will then move the boxes to large trucks for shipment to Dallas.
Thank-you if you have had any part in the process!
Have a great week. Do something to help, encourage, or bring joy to someone this week.
Tommy Day, a resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born July 12, 1956 in Kentwood, LA and was 67 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sherry Day; son, Jeff Day and wife, Beth; grandchildren, Preston Day and fiancé, Callie Brauman and Hadlee Monroe Day; sister, Jill Le Blanc and husband, Kyle. Preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Marilyn Day; brother, Shelton Day. Visitation at Pine Ridge Methodist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, October 23, 2023. Services conducted by Dr. Michael Townsend. Interment Pine Ridge Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Tommy lived in our neighborhood.
Lori Kristine Sibley
1984 – 2023
Lori Kristine Sibley, 39, of Greensburg, LA, passed into eternal glory Wednesday, September 13 of 2023. Lori was born in Baton Rouge to Terry and Kolleen Martin on January 24, 1984. She was a graduate of Bethany Christian High School and Southeastern Louisiana University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Education degree. She was a member of Kedron Baptist Church in Amite, La. She is the wife and best friend of Jesse and the adoring mother and teacher of her five children. Lori adored all children and was a teacher to many, both as a vocation and a ministry. Over the years, she taught in public school, Sunday School, Children’s Church, VBS, and “Team Kid”. The hallmark of Lori’s personality was the genuineness of her smile to anyone she encountered. Lori’s passion was pleasing her Savior. Her life and gentleness reflected authentic Christianity. We are confident her faithful works will be rewarded. During the early days of her diagnosis, she tearfully reflected on the words of a song, “Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes”. How her personal God granted the desire of her heart! She kept singing through the darkest hours. The family is grateful for the beautiful tributes that have been posted and texted. Lori was preceded in death by her father, Terry Martin; father-in-law, Jerry Sibley Jr.; and aunt, Dana Sanders. She is survived by her husband of 18 years, Jesse; four sons, Levi, Ezekiel, Jesse “Booth”, and Silas; daughter, Molly-Jo; mother, Kolleen Martin; brother, Jake Martin (Emily); sister, Tiffany Glynn (Jamie); mother-in-law, Donna Sibley; brother-in-law, Melvin Sibley; sister-in-law, Bette Jo Sibley; nephew, Daniel Loper (Madison); nieces, Samantha Sibley and Emily Loper; and great niece, Sophia. Lori’s family would like to thank all of those who have selflessly given of their prayers, resources, and time in her season of illness. Also, we would like to thank the staff at Ochsner, notably her infusion team. In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made in her honor, to your church, a missionary, or Lori’s church, Kedron Baptist of Amite. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home at 7738 Florida Blvd., Denham Springs, LA 70726, on Monday, September 18, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Condolences and other information may be found at www.thompsoncares.com.
Barbara Lyn Kirby
As many of you are aware, our Mom, Barbara Lyn Kirby, passed away unexpectedly early Friday morning. Leslie and I have made funeral arrangements at Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home located at 7738 Florida Boulevard, Denham Springs, LA 70726. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 9 am until services at 11 am. Please keep our family in your prayers
All the FBC, Kentwood shoeboxes are packed and postage paid! Thanks so much to those who helped Saturday and any other day this past year! This coming Saturday, I have a “paperwork training” for Drop-off week and pick up of the cartons that will hold all the shoeboxes from our church and other local churches when they are shipped from our area. The Drop-Off Week is November 13-20. I’ll post the times when it gets closer to that week. If you want to know now, you can find this information of the Samaritan Purse web page.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus on Sunday School and worship services at our local churches. I hope are enjoying the Sunday School lessons from Mark this quarter. I am. They seem to review many of the lessons I learned as a child.
Sunday School Class Gathering
The New Hope class will have its monthly gathering Wednesday at Judy Liberto’s family gathering spot. We will begin at 10:00. If you are interested in attending, please contact me for directions.
Coming Week
Choose some things to do this coming week that you have learned are important in Sunday School classes over the years.
The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in obedience to him.
FBC, Kentwood has had many baptisms lately. Sunday, we will have three more. Pray for all the new Christians in our church. May they be trained to be strong Christians.
Obituary
Gwenda Lemay
Gwenda Lemay, age 86, passed away on October 19, 2023. Gwenda is survived by her daughter, Carla Havard; son-in-law, Ricky Davis; grandchildren, Nikki Davis McMorris (Val), Crystal Davis Martin (Matthew), Courtney Havard, Brandi Havard; great-grandchildren, Korie, Londyn, Rylee, Kaden, Isaac, Landon; sisters, Ora Lee Wilson. Gwenda is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Ernest Lemay; daughter, Lisa Lemay Davis; parents, J.E. Wheat, Iola Wheat; sisters, Juanita Booty, Barbara Jo Clark; brother, John Q. Wheat. A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 22 from 4 pm-7 pm. Visitation will resume Monday, October 23 from 9 am – 10 am with a funeral service to begin at 10 am at Greenoaks Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70815.
Published by The Advocate from Oct. 20 to Oct. 21, 2023.
Please pray for Mrs. Fay Raborn. She has been admitted to the hospice program. She’s a very sweet lady. I love talking with and visiting her.
Please pray for Bro. Darryl Miller as he waits for information about probable surgery. Hopefully, the next appointment will be very informative.
Please continue to pray about the situation in Israel. Pray for many people to be able to survive and wise military decisions for rescues and battles.
Ora Lee Wilson’s sister, Gwen (I think!), passed away. Please be in prayer for that family.
Prayer Focus
Pray for the “Shoeboxes” that have been packed or will be packed soon so that children around the world will receive school supplies, clothing, hygiene items, and the opportunity to learn about Jesus. What a great way to be a missionary to children who might not know about Jesus or to receive Him into their hearts. Studies show that a “Shoebox” impacts parents, sibling, and extended family members, eight other family members. What an opportunity!
FBC, Kentwood has packed all the boxes for girls and will pack boxes for boys Saturday. Come pack some with us or simply watch for a few minutes. I think you will be amazed. Helping with this opportunity is a real blessing! Don’t forget. Nine o’clock Saturday in the fellowship hall!
I surely hope you will read this article and pray for these Christians. They need a miracle!
Read the Bible
I John 4: 8-19
I Corinthians 13: 1-13
“My friends know I genuinely love them by . . . .”
Prayer Time
Do we have a specific time and place to pray?
Do we pray regularly?
Do we have a prayer journal?
Do we “put feet to our prayers”?
That means don’t just pray for someone to get your neighbor’s medicine, but do it for her. Don’t just pray for someone to bring an extra box of food for your neighbors, but do it yourself. Don’t just pray for someone to visit a homebound friend, but do it yourself. Get the idea? Guess what! It doesn’t hurt or cost a lot of money or time. Get invested in others!
For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
Several people in our church are facing surgery in the coming weeks. Begin praying for all those facing surgeries.
Read the Bible
Week 40 – Love: Hugs from Heaven
Deuteronomy 10: 12 – 11:25
“My love for God will be shown by ….”.
Announcement
There will be a pastor appreciation breakfast Sunday morning at 8:15 in the fellowship hall. Please come to honor our pastor. Sunday School and morning worship will follow at their usual times.
Prayer Focus
There seems to be trouble and discontent in many areas of our world. Pray for peace.
Have a great day. Do something to make today better for someone else.
Let’s again focus our prayers on the Israeli war, those trying to find a new home and no place to go, and to the many killed and injured at the Baptist hospital.
That reminds me, the movie The Blind is coming to our church.
In 1960s Louisiana, future “Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson falls in love and starts a family, but his demons soon threaten to tear everyone apart. As he seeks to conquer the shame of his past, he ultimately finds redemption in an unlikely place.
Aubrey Smith, affectionately known as “Scooter,” was born on May 7, 1970, and left this world on October 15, 2023. He was a beloved individual whose presence touched the lives of many.
Scooter has been reunited in the afterlife with his paternal and maternal grandparents, two brothers, two uncles, and his birth father. While he may have left this world, the memories of his time with us will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.
He is survived by his loving children, Michael Smith (Vic Caracci) and Meghan Smith (Frank Caracci), his parents, John and Sue Narretto, and sister Amy. His cherished grandchildren, Ella and Blair Glass, Michael and Francesca Caracci, as well as his nephew Clayton Hyde will forever carry his memory with them.
In addition to his immediate family, Scooter is survived by a network of aunts, uncles, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins. His impact on the lives of his extended family was immeasurable, and his memory will be a source of comfort and inspiration.
Furthermore, Scooter’s life was enriched by the presence of three extraordinary individuals– his nieces, Sydni and Madison, and Harley. Their unwavering support and love were a true blessing to him and to all who knew him. A heartfelt thank you goes out to these three exceptional individuals for their dedication and care over the past year.
Scooter will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, and the love he shared with his family and friends. His legacy will live on through the stories, memories, and the deep connections he forged with those fortunate enough to have known him.
Scooter will also be fondly remembered for his infectious humor, which never failed to bring a smile to the faces of those around him. His quick wit and playful jokes added a touch of laughter to every gathering, making his presence truly unforgettable. His ability to find humor in even the most challenging situations was a testament to his resilient spirit and will be cherished by all who had the pleasure of sharing a laugh with him.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Memorial Services at 11:00AM on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Steve Miller. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
OCC Packing Party
We will be packing the shoeboxes for boys this Saturday at 9:00. You are invited to come and join in the fun. Christmas shirts or red and green shirts are encouraged. It’s also okay to bring a Christmas snack to share, not certainly not required. We hope to have you present to see what we are putting in the boxes and to help fill them to the max.
Fall Fest
If you are interested in bringing your children, grandchildren, etc. to the Fall Fest at FBC, Kentwood, the date is October 29th at 5:00. There is no charge for entering, eating, etc. It’s all fun and not scary.
Bible Study Today at 1:00
Judges of the Old Testiment
Minor Prophets
Have a great day by helping someone, making a visit, sharing something you cooked/baked, helping pick up limbs that fell in our recent winds, sharing some flowers, etc. You choose the person and make your visit both helpful and special.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a visitation at New Hope Baptist Church, 34921 Hwy 43, Independence, LA on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until the start of the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Woodhaven Baptist Church Cemetery in Albany.
The Prayer Link 
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