“This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.  I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the LORD Almighty.

Haggai 2:6-7

Surgery Today

Please pray for Jane Duncan. She will have hip replacement surgery at 10:30 this morning and would greatly appreciate your prayers.

Prayers Needed

Please pray for Ora Lee Wilson and her family. Ora Lee’s sister is very ill.

Obituary

Norman “Craig” Forrest

April 3, 1956 – October 14, 2023

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond, LA. He was born April 3, 1956 in Magnolia, MS and was 67 years of age. He was known by many as a talented musician who enjoyed singing and playing the guitar in Show Boat Band with his sister Kathy Dale and fellow musician friends for many years. In his teenage years, he enjoyed competing as a rider in Motor Cross and horse shows. Craig was a co-owner with his sister Kathy Dale and wife Pam of Forrest Hill Dairy for 34 years from 1984 until 2018.  Like his sister, he was no stranger to hard work and was always willing to help a friend or neighbor.  He has been in almost every field in the community either bailing hay or planting corn. While living the life of a dairy farmer, he also held a 32-year career as an insurance agent with Farm Bureau. Other passions he adored were hosting family & friends at his camp, Cheyenne Shack, where they ran trout lines and crab traps and sang karaoke. Once retired from the dairy and insurance agency, he enjoyed working on and with his John Deere tractors, spending his time as a beef farmer since 2018. Craig loved his family dearly and enjoyed following his son and daughter throughout their athletic careers.  He adored his four grandchildren as much as they loved him. Craig was a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church and the Masonic Lodge. He is survived by his wife, Pam Cook Forrest; son, Trent Forrest and wife, Macy; daughter, Traci Forrest Jennings and husband, Ryan; grandchildren, Connor and Kale Forrest and Parker and Peyton Jennings. Preceded in death by parents, Robert “Dale” Forrest and Catherine “Joyce” Blades Forrest; and a sister, Kathy Dale Forrest. There will be a celebration of life for family and friends on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 8:00AM until religious services at 12:00PM. Services will be conducted by Dr. Danny Smith and interment will follow at Spring Creek Cemetery.  Pallbearers are John Dyer, JoJo Norris, Tyler Trout, Brad Blades, Roy Blades, and Gerald Grice. Honorary pallbearers will be Forrest Blades, Denny Roy Strickland, Jimmy Ray Strickland, and Ken Rowley.  The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Oncology Department at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, the Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond, and McKneely Funeral Home of Amite and Kentwood.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church or the Richard Murphy Hospice House. Condolences may be left in Craig’s online memorial at http://www.mckneelys.com. 

James Roger Barrilleaux

April 11, 1948 — October 14, 2023

Hammond, Louisiana

James Roger Barrilleaux, known affectionately as “Pops”, “Bear”, and “Jimmy” by his family and friends, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home in Reserve, Louisiana. He was born on April 11, 1948 in Maplewood, Louisiana.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 48 years, Bonnie Sue Hood Barrilleaux; his brothers, Clay Barrilleaux and Robert Barrilleaux; his children, Melinda Giardina (Gerald), Rusty Barrilleaux (Lundon), Blair Edwards (Daniel), and Dudley Downing (Vonda).  He was the cherished grandfather of Andrew Giardina, Marlie Giardina, Jude Giardina, Cohen Barrilleaux, Baylor Barrilleaux, Brinley Barrilleaux, Brandi Mitchell (Dane), Joshua Byars, Allie Edwards, Danny Edwards, Zachary Edwards, Ryan Downing (Jacy), and Brooke Sharp (Mason); great-grandchildren, Kylie Blair Mitchell, Kambry Sue Mitchell, Tristan Edwards, Gabrielle Edwards, Rylee Downing, Kinsley Downing and Ava Downing; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Ford Barrilleaux Dalton and his father, Willie Brad Barrilleaux. 

Jimmy was a member of the LSU football team from 1966-1970, and played in the very first Peach Bowl in 1968. After graduating from LSU, he enlisted in the United States Army, and was a 1st Lieutenant. He was a coach and mentor for many young people in Tangipahoa Parish, from little league to college, however, his love for his wife and family superseded all of his other accomplishments. His life was a life well lived and he treated everyone with genuine kindness.

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Brandi Leach (Home Instead), Delores Stevenson (caregiver), and all of the staff on the memory unit at S.E. Louisiana Veterans Home, and the E.R. and Observation unit staff at North Oaks Hospital.

Pallbearers are Robert Clay Barrilleaux, Ryan Downing, Andrew Giardina, Jude Giardina, Cohen Barrilleaux, Dane Mitchell and Joshua Byars (Honorary).

Family and friends will be received at First United Methodist Church of Hammond, 2200 Rue Denise, Hammond, Louisiana 70403 on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm.

Interment will follow at Rose Memorial Park Cemetery in Hammond, Louisiana.

Arrangements entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond.

An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.

Jimmy was the 36th member of my high school class of ’66 to pass away.

Reminders

1. Saturday, we will be packing Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes for the boys beginning at 9:00 in the fellowship hall.
2. Sunday, the 29th, we will have the annual Fall Fest at 5 P.M. This is for everyone, so please join us.

Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana

It is not too late to contribute to this offering.

Thanks for reading. See you tomorrow.

Anna Lee

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

Psalm 8:3-4

Surgery

Please for for Jane Duncan. She will be having hip replacement surgery Monday morning at 10:30. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Death

Craig Forrest has passed away. There is no obituary at this time.

Read the Bible

• Romans 15: 4-5
• James 1: 2-4
• Psalm 37: 7-9
• “I would rate my patience as ….”

FBC, Kentwood Service Schedule

Sunday Morning Sunday School – 9:15, A.M.; Worship 10:30.A.M.

Sunday Evening – 6:00 P.M.

Wednesday Evening – 6:00 P.M.

All services are streamed live and available on Facebook.

OCC Packing Party for Boys 10-14

Saturday, October 21

9:00 A.M.

Fellowship Hall of FBC, Kentwood

Wear Christmas Colors!

FALL FEST

Sunday, September 29

5:00 P.M.

EVERYONE is invited

Thanks for Reading Today

I met another regular reader yesterday when I voted. What a blessing that was!

Anna Lee

You, LORD, are my lamp;

the LORD turns my darkness into light.

2 Samuel 22:29

Elizabeth Ann Webb Higgins

January 15, 1947 – October 13, 2023

A resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 13, 2023 at her home. She was born January 15, 1947 in Magnolia, MS and was 76 years of age. She loved sewing, gardening, and her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Nolan Earl Higgins; a daughter, Jennifer Higgins; sons, Travis Higgins and wife, Kim and Timothy Higgins and wife Melissa; sisters, Gale Walker, Rita Tate and husband, Brian, and Faye Webb;  sister-in-laws, Susanne Chaney, Gloria Jarrell and husband, Robert, and Donna Lynn Higgins; grandchildren, Kayla Rampolla and husband, Mark, Taylor Higgins, Asher Higgins, and Micah Higgins. Preceded in death by her mother, Mary Mercedes Webb; father, Louis Monroe Webb; mother-in-law, Doris Varnado; father-in-law, George Higgins, Sr.;  brother-in-laws, George Higgins, Jr. and Robert Huey Higgins. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday, October 19, 2023 and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, October 20, 2023. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Gloria Easley Stevens

May 10, 1934 – October 12, 2023

Gloria Stevens lived a wonderful life, and will always be remembered for how kindly and lovingly she treated her family and friends. 

Raised in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, Gloria graduated salutatorian from Greensburg High School, and attended Southeastern Louisiana University. Ultimately obtaining a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, Gloria’s career in the school system was primarily focused on helping children with learning disabilities and challenges. Gloria made a notable impact on many students throughout her years as an educator, and helped to pioneer the Louisiana State “Chapter One” program. 

After retiring, she spent her years being the best grandmother that anyone could ask for. She and Gene, her husband of nearly seventy years, enjoyed countless hours of hosting family events, traveling, and visiting their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Gloria was always positive. Whether it was shelling peas on her front porch or cooking for forty people, she always seemed to be happy. Gloria was a Christian, and she is in heaven now. 

Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Irene Easley, and her sister, Eris Easley Seale.  

She is survived by her husband, Eugene J. Stevens, her sister, Dolores Easley Browning, her Daughter, Lisa Sledge (Mark), her son, Brent Stevens (Ann), and her son, John Stevens (Lisa). 

Gloria is also survived by her six grandchildren, Taylor Sledge (Catherine), Travis Sledge (Caroline), Riley Chandler (Adam), Will Stevens (Rachel), Emily Stevens, and Hunter Stevens, as well as eleven great-grandchildren.  

Services will be held at New Zion Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA on Monday, October 16th. Visitation will be from 9:00am-11:00am, with the funeral being held immediately after the visitation.  

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the New Zion Cemetery Fund, 3841 Highway 38, Kentwood, LA 70444. (985) 229-7696. 

Read the Bible

• Matthew 27: 11-14
• John 19: 1-11
• Hebrews 12: 1-4
• “Jesus example of patience teaches me ….”

Bible Study

Tomorrow’s Scriptures for Sunday School

• Mark 8: 17-29
• It’s election day, so try to vote today if you did not vote early.

OCC

We will be packing shoeboxes one week from today at 9:00. I hope you will attend and help us pack another 200 boxes.

Anna Lee

Our Redeemer—the LORD Almighty is his name— is the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 47:4

Health Concerns

• Beth Brabham – Knee problems continue

Ruby Hodges Dillon

March 19, 1930 – October 12, 2023

Ruby was born in Carthage, MS on March 19, 1930 and moved with her family to Kentwood, LA when she was 2 years old. Her activities included the Kentwood Garden Club and the Kentwood Art Guild. She was an excellent homemaker, excellent cook, and was dedicated to her family. She is survived by her husband of 76 years, Ernest (Cete) Dillon; daughter, Jana K. Dillon; son, Iley F. Dillon, M.D. (Cheryl); granddaughter, Lauren Peacock Tackett (Brad); grandsons, Eric J. Dillon (Natalie), Jason Dillon, and C. Scott Dillon (Ginny); great-granddaughters, Anna Gail Dillon and Elizabeth Grace “Gracie” Dillon; great-grandsons, Christopher Troy Dillon, John Eric Dillon and Garrett Scott Dillon; sisters, Dorothy “Dee” Forrest Arnott and Nora Stevens. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Pauline and Floyd Hodges; a brother, Luther S, Hodges; sisters, Gussie Dunn, Sally Moise, and Mary Ann Young. Pallbearers are Chris Holland, Mike Oliver, Eric Dillon, Jason Dillon, Scott Dillon, and Brad Tackett. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 9:00AM until religious services at 12Noon on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please donate to First Baptist Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or your favorite charity. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Bertha Ann O’Brian

October 25, 1983 – October 11, 2023

A resident of Jackson, LA, passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 in Jackson, LA. She was born October 25, 1983 in Hammond, LA and was 39 years of age. She is survived by  her 2 daughters, Makayla Feierabend and Zaylee Feierabend; 1 son, Sidney O’ Brian; 2 brothers, Arnie Ray O’ Brian, Jr. and wife, Rachel, and Teddy O’Brian and wife, Kelly; nephews, Ethan and Rowan O’Brian; niece, Lacey O’Brian. Preceded in death by her parents, Arnie Ray O’Brian , Sr. and Dorinda O’Brian; grandparents, Harry and Dorothy Mustin and Johnnie O’Brian, Sr. and Mattie O’Brian; 2 aunts, Cindy “Mustin” Kautfam and Jenney Mustin. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Franklin Parker. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Prayer Focus

Once again, let’s focus on the people of Israel as they fight to protect their people and their existence. Remember, this is God’s chosen nation!

Read the Bible

• I Samuel 16: 1-13
• I Samuel 16: 24
• I Samuel 16: 26
• “Unlike David, I am impatient for God to act when ….”

OCC Packing Party

There will be NO Packing Party Saturday, but we will have a packing party on Saturday, October 21 at 9:00 A. M. See you then to pact 200 shoeboxes.

God Shows His Love

God shows his love to us in many ways. I’m afraid we sometimes miss seeing HIM and attribute our blessing to good luck. We had one of those opportunities Tuesday when our car wouldn’t start in the Walmart parking lot following the purchase of chips, candy, drinks, etc. for our OCC packing party.

Our car didn’t start. We had not been having a battery issue, but soon decided we should try to “jump” the battery. There were vehicles all around us, but no people. David raised the hood and propped it up. While he was there, a young lady showed up and asked if “Grandma and Grandpa” needed help. We later learned she had taken a course in mechanics at the trade school in Greensburg:!!! David’s battery cables reached from our vehicle to her vehicle next to us. They worked perfectly and soon our engine was purring.

The cables were disconnected and returned to their storage area. She them asked if “Grandma and Grandpa” needed anything else. She was a joy to be around. We did some talking and she soon realized she remembered Mrs. Alford from high school. David knew of some of her relatives.

God sent this young lady of all the people who were parked in that big parking lot just as we got to the point of needing help. David was perfectly capable of using the jumper cables, but needed another vehicle to “jump us off”. God sent an unlikely person with confidence in what she was doing and such a sweet spirit as she continually called us “Grandma and Grandpa”.

When our car was running, she asked if there was anything else she could do for us. I gave her a big hug. David had a “small reward” for her. As her vehicle drove away we counted her as such an unlikely person to bless us, but she was the one God chose to help us and to give us encouragement.

David drove us directly to a location where our battery was tested, found used up, and replaced with a new one. The young man there was well trained and also polite. David enjoyed talking with him too.

As we turned north on the interstate headed home, we talked about our unlikely helper at Walmart and what a blessing both people were to us on the otherwise uneventful Tuesday morning.

You can be that person God puts in someone’s life when they have a need. Use your opportunities! Be a blessing to others!

Anna Lee

Mrs. Ruby Dillon passed away last night. Please pray for her family.

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.  He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Daniel 7:13-14

Prayers Please

• Ruby Dillon – Home w/family
• Craig Forrest – Richard Murphy Home
• Pam Forrest – Rehab following stroke
• Jane Duncan -Hip surgery Monday morning
• Ora Lee Wilson – Shoulder surgery in Nov.
• Susan Rimes – Kidney stone surgery yesterday
• Renee Terrell – Recovering from surgery

Read the Bible

• Job 1: 1-2:10
• Job 42
• James 5: 7-11

Packing Shoeboxes

October 14 – Girls

October 21 – Boys

9 A.M. in Fellowship Hall of FBC, Kentwood

Fall Festival

• FBC, Kentwood
  • October 28
  • 5:00 – 7:00

Thanks for Reading and Praying

Be sure to include Israel in your prayers.

Anna Lee

“This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.  Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’

Zechariah 7:9-10

Prayer Focus

Pray for the people of Israel. Many have been killed and many are missing because they have been kidnapped. Pray for the people as they try to get their kidnapped people and small countryside back.

Read the Bible

• Genesis 26: 12-33
• Romans 5: 3-5
• “In Isaac’s place, I would have . . . .”

Pastor Appreciation

October is pastor appreciation month. Be sure to tell/show your pastor how much he is appreciated by you. What would we do without their knowledge, training, love, sermons, leadership, etc.?

Sickness

Two who are very ill: Mrs. Ruby Dillon and Craig Forrest

OCC

Please consider wearing something that looks like Christmas Saturday when you come to help pack shoeboxes at 9:00.

Thanks!

The readers of TPL are greatly appreciated!

Anna Lee

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10

Headline News

The news contains much information about Israel’s recent attacks. It’s more than I can fully comprehend, even though I try. There are Scriptures about Israel. You may want to review some of these Scriptures today and in the coming days.

Prayer Focus

Please pray for all the people of that area, both political and military, as these difficult days continue in and around Israel. Ask God to guide our country during this time.

Death

Pray for the Daniel family from Amite. A family member, who did not live in Amite, passed away.

Revival

Philip Miller is leading singing at Line Creek’s revival this week. The revival is going well, but ends tomorrow night. You may want to try to attend.

Read the Bible

• Week 39 – Patience: Deep Roots
• Genesis 15
• Genesis 17: 1-19
• Genesis 21: 1-7
• Hebrews 6: 13-15
• “I have seen the results of patience in . . . .”

OCC Update

1. The postage for the 400 shoeboxes ($10/shoebox) we will pack was paid yesterday.
2. There will be a packing party Saturday at 9:00 in the fellowship hall of FBC, Kentwood. You are invited to help us pack shoeboxes and to celebrate all the individuals, approximately 1,600, who will be learn about Jesus and have and opportunity to choose living for and serving Him because of these 200 boxes.
3. Reminder – We will pack 200 boxes for boys next Saturday.
4. Thanks to ALL who have helped in any way.

Bible Study

The Bible study of “Woven” has been very good. No matter what a person’s Biblical background, there is much to learn. The weekly class begins at 1 P.M.

Thanks!

I’m glad you checked in to read and pray today. I’m also thankful for you passing the word along to others.

Anna Lee

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

Luke 10:2

Happy Monday

Most of you had a busy weekend and some fun time. I hope you can begin the week with a sweet spirit, not being too tired.

Sickness

There are many who are sick. I’ll not try to name all of them, bur here are a couple names to focus on.

Craig Forrest and family

Mrs. Ruby Dillon and family

Read the Bible

• Matthew 11: 28-30
• Galatians 6: 1-2
• As Jesus lifts my burdens, I can lift . . . .’

Community Missions

Alice Mary is receiving names of people in Kentwood who need a Thanksgiving basket. If you know of someone, please give her the name.

Operation Christmas Child

This is the week we pack half of the shoeboxes. We’ll pack for the girls Saturday morning at 9:00. I hope you will be there and be on time so we can all pack together. The following Saturday, we will pack the boy’s boxes.

Cooler Weather

Thank God for some relief from the heat of summer. I think most of us are ready to enjoy some cooler temperatures.

Rain Wanted

It’s more dry here than I ever remember! God will send us rain in His time.

Until Tomorrow

Anna Lee

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,

and acknowledgment of God

rather than burnt offerings.

Hosea 6:6

Prayer Focus

Pray for the people of Israel. They have been attacked and many people have been killed or kidnapped.

Pray for the members of congress as a new leader is being selected this week.

Read the Bible

• Matthew 9: 35-38
• Matthew 14: 13-21
• Matthew 15: 32-39
• Luke 7: 11-17
• Being a person of compassion requires . . . .”

Family to Pray For

Joan Hebert

November 25, 1944 – October 6, 2023

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born November 25, 1944 in Magnolia, MS and was 78 years of age. She graduated from Baker High School and attended Southeastern Louisiana University and graduated from St. John School of Nursing in Tulsa, OK. She worked at Our Lady of The Lake for 25 years and 10 years as a home health and hospice nurse. Upon retirement, she relocated to the Pine Ridge community in St. Helena Parish. She is survived by husband, Larry Hebert; special friends, Joyce Ann Gilbert, Nancy Miller, and Hunter Besse; and many cousins. Preceded in death by her parents, O.W. Reeves and Susie Williams; sister, Caroline Kiff. Visitation at Pine Ridge Methodist Church from 9:00 AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. 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.

Anna Lee