God speaks to mankind’s hearts about overlooking our difference, having the desire of being accepted by others and having the ability of accepting others. Mark 9:41 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.”

As our community awareness continues today, we will focus on a renown and prestigious business in this area. Wal-Mart Distribution Center No. 6011 and Wal-Mart Transportation No. 6811 partnered together on Sept. 21 to celebrate their 30th year of being located in Brookhaven. There were a sequence of events presented,  starting with the posting of colors by Brookhaven High School JROTC and the national anthem being played by BHS band. The invocation was presented followed by recognition of special guests, who were “The Retirees.” Next the welcome and history were presented followed by special recognition of the 30-year associates from both the DC No. 6011 and Transportation No. 6811. The guest speaker for this occasion was Brookhaven’s own Mayor Joe Cox. This was an uplifting and beneficial event that was conducted well by management and staff of both places. When attending a Wal-Mart affair, it is not complete until you hear or participate in the Wal-Mart cheer. The 30-year associates were given the distinct honor of doing this “cheer” in front of their fellow co-workers and their special guests.

After this event was over, it was now time to have a little fun. Cake was served upstairs to commemorate the years of service to Brookhaven and Lincoln County. After going out onto the front lawn, you could smell the aroma of the food cooking on the grill that was served to everyone who desired to partake of this meal. The young children had a ball as they played on the jumper rides, and the young and old alike enjoyed taking rides in the big trucks around the parking lot.

Mr. Sam Walton had 10 rules for building a successful business that he abided by, and he has left this legacy so that his managers, staff, associates, drivers and other employees can still follow and commit to as years and time pass. Today, the citizens of the various communities salute Wal-Mart DC No. 6011 and Wal-Mart Transportation No. 6811 for their loyal and devoted service to our community. May God bless.

In lieu of continued awareness, the Jericho Church of Christ located at 2999 James Drive NW in the Loyd Star Community will have its fall gospel meeting from Oct. 14-16. The guest speaker for this three-day event will be Bro. Clarence White of Marshall, Texas. Friday and Saturday services will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday service will start at 10:30 a.m. followed with lunch after the service. The second service will start at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Everyone is welcome to attend these services. This is done by the order of the pastor, Bro. Robert Adams Jr. and the Jericho Church Family.

A homegoing service was rendered for Lamar Case Jr. who was visited by his family and friends on Sept. 29 from 5 until 9 p.m. at Riverwood, and he was laid to rest with a service at the funeral home on Sept. 30. He was buried at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Lincoln County.

Lamar was well known to his family and friends as Junior Case and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Case Sr. He was reared in the Loyd Star community and attended Loyd Star School. Junior was a pillar of this community where he and his wife Ann chose to live and raise their children. During his lifetime he and Ann ran the family store on Hwy. 550. Because of his passion for cars, he began to work on them, and this led to a lifetime business at Lamar Case Jr. Garage Shop located on Hwy. 550. This was a business and a businessman that helped people throughout the different neighborhoods keep their vehicles running.

Special love and sympathy is extended to Ann and their children, grandchildren and to Junior’s sisters, brother, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. May God Almighty continue to watch over and keep each of you in his loving care.

The next Eva Harris and Lincoln County Schools’ alumni meeting will be on Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. at the public library. The alumni are selling tickets now throughout Lincoln County for fish plates, costing $8 each, to benefit the upcoming school reunion in 2017. If you have not purchased one you may do so by seeing one of the committee members. Donald Tobias will fry the fish, and the alumni will be selling the plates in the State Bank State Room beginning 11 a.m.  on Oct. 28,. Walk-ins are welcome to come in a purchase a plate or plates.

Damascus Church joint board along with the senior choir have joined together to have a fish fry/car wash extravaganza on Oct. 29 at Damascus Church located on California Road NW in the Loyd Star community. They are asking you to come out and get your vehicle washed and while you wait, eat a some fish! There will also be a program on this same evening at Damascus Church sponsored by the board and the choir. Everyone is invited to come out and be a part of the event. Rev. Robert Daniels, pastor; Min. Willie Faye Webb, choir president; Bro. Edward Leggett, Chairman of the board; and the Damascus church family will be looking for each of you.

If you have any Loyd Star area news to report, please call Carolyn E. Beard Humphries at 601-833-5753.