Here it is again, the best day of the week, the Lord’s day! Our Sunday School lesson,”Judgement Coming” is based on Matthew 13: 24-30 and 36-43. What a good lesson it is!

Today’s Verse

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear. Matthew 13:43, NIV

Prayer Focus

Today as we pray, let us focus on the services in our local churches and on other churches around the world.

Read the Bible in 2026

• February 22
• Acts 17-18

Obituaries

There are no new obituaries for Kentwood this morning, but please pray for the families who have had recent deaths.

Missions – Operation Christmas Child

David and I have spent time making some purchases of small stuffed animals and for the hygiene kits. We are waiting for some items to arrive. We also spent portions of two days working in our area at the church getting reorganized so we can begin work there.

This year, my sister asked some of her sewing friends for scraps to sew some of the totes. She has been a “one-person factory”! She does beautiful work! I get so excited when I see the totes. She acquired the fabric we used last year and is a. wonderful asset to our team!

Next, we will be putting the cording in some of the totes. We will soon be folding and pressing them to fit into the shoeboxes better as well as sorting them for boys and girls. Hopefully, we will get this done this week

.

And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.

Mark 13:10 ESV

I am thankful for the area churches who also work hard to get shoeboxes prepared for boys and girls around the world. Remember, the book “The Greatest Journey” and a Bible are given with each box by Samaritan’s Purse. They teache the children about Jesus and gives them an opportunity to follow Him. Many of them also “share Jesus” with family members so they can be saved too.

If any individual or church needs information about Operation Christmas Child, you can ask me. I can also connect you with someone who who can also give you information that will be helpful in getting started.

If you are interested in helping us “work” or able to donate to future purchases, please contact me or give to the OCC special account at FBC, Kentwood or your own church.

Missions – Coming Soon

• Two Rivers Associational WMU/Women on Mission Meeting
• Montpelier Baptist Church
• Saturday, March 7
• Potluck lunch to follow
• 9:00 A.M. – Leadership meeting
• 10:00 A.M. – Regular meeting let by Montpelier ladies
• All ladies and girls are invited to attend.

Devotional Thought

 “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” — Matthew 4:19

Jesus did not wait for people to come to Him; He went to the sick, the broken, friends, and new friends. We can easily be mission-minded too. We sometimes think of missions as something far away, but missions is a “purposeful” activity, being led by God in our daily life. It can start in our daily activities and go as far as God leads you!

It comes in many forms: teaching a missions class, doing individual, group, or church projects, special classes, Women on Mission, Operation Christmas Child, sharing your Sunday school literature, and many more things. Invite someone new to join us in church attendance and missions.

Have a wonderful day serving God!

Anna Lee

Saturday

Welcome to the last “warmer” day before it turns cold again for a few days. Remember that Saturday is a good day to get certain things done, so Sunday can run smoothly without having the normal tasks at home. I remember that my daddy always polished everyone’s shoes on Saturdays and let them sit together to dry.

Read the Bible in 2026

• February 21
• Acts 24-26

Special Scriptures for Today

Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Isaiah 40:29: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Prayers Appreciated

Andy and Betty Taylor – Betty works daily to take care of all of Andy’s needs. They are having a special extended family day today.

Janice Hornsby – Still working to get healther

Bro. Darryl lost an extended family member this week

JJananice Hor

Operation Christmas Child

Items for the Hygiene Kits have been ordered. We are working to take an inventory of what we have at this time and making a list of what we will need.

Wedding Tonight

Courtney Creel and Brennan Dear’s wedding is tonight in Jackson Mississippi. Pray for these two individuals as they are joined in marriage. May they have a long and loving marriage that honors God.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s spend some time praying for services in all the area churches.

Obituary

Mala Fran Newman Schott

Feb. 18, 2026

Mala Fran Newman Schott passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, in Hammond, LA. She was 69 years old. Mala was born in Baton Rouge and was the eldest in her family of four. She is preceded in death by her parents Emerson and Jean Newman. Mala graduated from Valley Forge Academy where she was valedictorian and Southeastern Louisiana University where she met her husband, John. Upon graduation from SLU, Mala worked as an accountant in New Orleans until she transitioned to being a stay-at-home Mom.

Married for 47 years, John and Mala had two children. Mala was very devoted to her family. She loved cooking, plants, and animals (especially cats).

Mala is survived by her 2 children and 3 grandchildren: Elizabeth and Rick Joji of Humble, TX, their children Gavin, Kaden, and Alyssa; and Joseph Schott of Tickfaw, LA. She is also survived by her 3 siblings, Eric Newman, Donna Newman Black, and Suzanne Travis and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the John and Mala Schott Endowed Scholarship at Southeastern, SLU Box 10703, Hammond, LA 70402. Checks should reference the John and Mala endowed scholarship. Online contributions can be made at www.southeastern.edu/memorial.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Visitation from the Chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, 12012 Hwy 190 West Hammond, LA. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until the start of the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Rose Memorial Park Cemetery.

(Mala and my sister, Julie, were good school friends. They spent many night at my house during high school. They each thought they were vacationing together and enjoyed the set of single beds in that felt like a motel room. She was almost like another little sister!)

How old were you when you learned the hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus “?

I know I was very young and surely before I could read.

“The Privilege of Prayer” by Waylon Bailey

A link you will enjoy today:

http://waylonbailey.com/2020/10/10/the-privilege-of-prayer/

I’m thankful for the children at church who learn the same hymn early, surely before they can hold a hymnal and read the words and the music.

 “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should” (Colossians 4:3-4).

Scripture about Missions

15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Mark 16:15

Something else I learned – “Your mission field begins when you walk out the door.”

How can and will you share about Jesus today?

Where did this week go? It’s Friday already! Time sometimes seems to pass so quickly.

MISSIONS

Pray God will lead you to pray for and help with one of the mission opportunities in our church.

Read the Bible in 2026

• February 20
• Acts 21-23
• It is never too late to join in and read with us.
• If you miss a day or more, just read a little extra each day until you catch up.

Obituaries

There are no new obituaries listed for our area this morning.

There are several people in our church and our town that have had a death in their family lately. Keep them in your prayers. What actions on your part will be encouraging to them?

Baptist Press

One of the articles on Baptist Press this morning is about spiritual gifts.

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/bible-study-how-do-we-use-spiritual-gifts/

Enjoy Reading the Bible – A Scripture about Missions

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

A Bible Story to Share with Children

Have you thought about purchasing a Biblical coloring book for each of the young children in your family? What a precious time you will share as they color a picture as you tell the Bible story! (The goal is the process, not the final product.) Think of the wonderful memories you will be making! Think of the example you are setting! You can usually find Biblical coloring books at Walmart and at Dollar General.

Operation Christmas Chi

You can imagine our surprise when we placed a number of small stuffed animals on a counter yesterday in another town and the athletic looking young man said, “You must be making boxes”!

Yes! We had another opportunity to tell about “SHOEBOXES”! We are well-known by our purchases in several stores! Yesterday, in several stores, we had heard comments on “lots of grandkids” or “school teacher”. His response was our favorite! (We will shop there again and hope he is working.)

We are still in the purchasing process, but will begin actual work on shoeboxes soon. I will be contacting some of you who volunteered real soon.

Check on some friends you have not seen lately. Maybe, they will have a task they need a little help with….

Anna Lee

Welcome to Thursday. God has brought us to this day.

A Verse for Today

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

Prayer Focus

“Missions” – the vocation or calling of a religious organization, especially a Christian one, to go out into the world and spread its faith.

“the Christian mission”

Today, let’s think and participate in MISSIONS!

Missions means sharing your faith. Think of all the many ways you can be involved with your family, friends, class, church, etc. I think God wants us to be involved in one or more ways.

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!”

  1 Chronicles 16:24

Read the Bible in 2026

• February 19
• Acts 18-20

OBITUARIES – No New Obituaries This Morning

Baptist Press Article

WRAP-UP: EC members prioritize CP, disability ministry

Missions

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” — Matthew 4:19

There are many ways to be on mission! Do a little reading and be encouraged and inspired!

Read The Bible More

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. – Psalm 143:8 NIV

Helping Others

As you go through the week, try to think about ways you can include others.

Example – If you are going to pick up medicine, see if you family member. neighbor, or friend would like to ride . They may just enjoy the outing, but they might also have some medicine to pick up.

Example 2 – If you are going to eat, you probably would enjoy come company. Who might enjoy going with you?

Example 3 – Some people are no longer able to drive themselved. Think of how helpful you could be just by taking them to pick up medicine, going to the post offiice, etc.

COMING SOON

• Quarterly WMU/Women on Mission Meeting
• Montpelier Baptist Church
• 9:00 A.M. – Leadership Meeting
• 10:00 A.M. – Regular Meeting focusing on Missions
• Come enjoy some sweet ladies and learn about missions.
• Be involved.
• Bring another lady with you.

You are the Key concerning God’s Word

Waylon Bailey May 11, 2020

You are the Key concerning God’s Word

YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE in Many Ways!

Good or Bad! – You Choose!

Anna Lee

“By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”

1 John 4:13-16 ESV

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s focus our prayers on abiding in Him.

Read the Bible in 2026

• February 18
• Acts 16-17

Obituary

Lorraine Janice Crowe

July 15, 1951 – February 15, 2026

A resident of Franklinton, LA, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Fair City Health and Rehab in Franklinton, LA. She was born July 15, 1951 in Franklinton, LA and was 74 years of age. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Tonya Simmons (Kent) and Sissy Smith (Darren); 1 son Chad Crowe (Sarah Rhodus); 2 sisters, Brenda Russell and Letitia Patridge; grandchildren, Brooklyn Smith, MacKenzie Simmons, Haley Smith, Kentlie Simmons, Reece White, Paislie Crowe, and Gracie Warren; 1 great-grandson, Waylon Smith. Preceded in death by her husband, Norman Crowe; parents, Charles and Pearl Walker; brother, Ricky Wayne Walker; great-grandson, Kaston Simmons. Visitation at Chesbrough Baptist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Friday, February 20, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Don McDaniel. Interment Wilmer Cemetery, Wilmer, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

Encouraging Opportunity

It was Easter morning, and I was excited to be part of the church service that day. My ideas and sermon were ready to go. I was anticipating a great morning. When I arrived at the church building, there seemed to be more cars than usual, considering how early it was in the morning. I smiled and walked through the door. 

The smell of bacon and other breakfast favorites hit me, and I saw smiling faces who were ready to celebrate Easter too. What a surprise! I am sure I looked startled because it took me some time to adjust my face, and I think my heart skipped a few beats. 

Greeting me were new believers who were excited about sharing God’s love with others, and they had decided to surprise everyone with a wonderful breakfast before the worship service. One of these new Christians owned a small restaurant downtown, and he had planned it all. 

I am sure that Jesus was happy with all this, and after a few moments I was able to adjust too. We shared a wonderful meal and then a wonderful time of worship and praise to God—all with the smell of bacon still hanging in the air. 

Recognizing the gifts of others is a lesson we all need to learn. And celebrating all this to the glory of God is essential. What’s more, giving people room to use their gifts in ways that open doors lets them enjoy being people of peace. What is your gift? 

Lord, thank you for the joy of serving you and serving others. Remind us to be thankful for others’ gifts and to celebrate together. Amen.

(You don’t have to cook breakfast every week, but you can do something that fits your skills, abilities, and liking. You don’t have to cook, but find a need and consider it your opportunity. You can choose what fits your ability, joy, and schedule. You can find a current need and step into the position in your own way. Pastors and other leaders can usually give you good suggestions if you don’t have a plan,)

Spend time to find ways preparing for services, during services, meeting needs, reaching out to new members, visiting those who are sick, teaching. etc. Use the skills God blessed you with to help others and serve Him.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace. . . .

—  1 Peter 4:10

Read the short passage about Dorcus. It’s one of my favorites.

Dorcas (also known as Tabitha) is located in the Bible in Acts 9:36–42. She was a respected disciple living in the Mediterranean seaport city of Joppa (modern-day Jaffa). Known for her consistent charity, she made clothing for the poor and widows. The passage details her death, her miraculous resurrection by the Apostle Peter, and the resulting spread of faith in the region. 

Be a blessing to others today.

Anna Lee

Good morning!

I hope you had a good rest last night.

Today’s Scripture

“He says, ‘Be still and know that I am God.'”

Psalm 46:1o

Read the Bible in 2026.

• February 17
• Acts 14-15

Today’s Focus

Let’s focus on saying “Jesus loves you!” to people we see during the day.

Baptist Press

Read the articles that interest you.

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Obituaries

There are no new obituaries listed this morning on the McKneeley site, but this one was shared by Pam Newman of Kentwood.

Pamela Goings Newwman shared about her newphew.

Gregory Alden Langlois

12/10/68-02/12/26

As i post this-it’s with a heavy heart and much sadness. Our nephew left the cares of this world for his eternal home. He was a gifted, talented musician who took pride in teaching his students. Greg loved his family. He had a pleasant personality with a kind heart. His sense of humor was like none other. Although i will miss him terribly, I am so thankful for the many memories that I will hold dear in my heart. Until we meet again…GG.

Devotional

Here is a Charles Stanley devotional you will profit from reading.

From Emptiness to Fulfillment

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions

I hope you don’t feel empty today or know someone who does, but I really think you are or know someone who does.

Missions

Sometimes we feel our younger days are gone and our activities are more limited If you feel this way, I want to suggest three ways you can be involved in 2026 no matter how old you are or how you feel physically limited:

1. Pray for missions such as Operation Christmas Child. I try to keep you informed so you can easily figure out how to pray for OCC .
2. Let me know when you have some available time to come to FBC, Kentwood during the week. I will let you watch, hear, and see what we are doing and why we are doing exactly what is happening. If you want to be “hands-0n”, welcome to the crew who have allowed God to place this ministry in their hearts.
3. If helping is not possible, you can contribute funds so we can make purchases in person or online. This happened this week. Sunday, a lady in Sunday School, told about finding small (about 4-5 inches) stuffed animals selling for half price, ($.50), at Dollar General. David and I checked out another store in that chain and bought 19, all they had. I was talking with another lady from class. When we stopped by on our way home, she gave me money to shop for her. We will do that today and all week as we travel to the doctor, etc.

Why not run in a store or two and see if they have any on clearance there?

Psalm 96:1-3:

“Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” (ESV) Psalm 96:1-3

“Telling of His salvation happens over and over as we shop and pack shoe boxes and as the boxes are opened by children around the world. (I had a letter from Rev. Franklin Graham yesterday. He said over 2 million shoeboxes were turned in during November of 2025.) My goal is to help Samaritan’s Purse collect many more shoeboxes this year. You may be interested to know that most of those boxes were packed in America, where we have freedom to worship, to become missionaries, and where we can stay at home and minister to children by being a part of Operation Christmas Child. We (any church packing shoeboxes) would love to have your participation and financial support!

Have a wonderful day. Be sure to say “Jesus Loves You” to others.

Anna Lee

I posted too early. I will add some of what I left off.

Also in the Hospital

Janice Hornsby, church secretary

No New Obituaries for Our Area

Baptist Press

I hope you enjoy reading some or all of these articles.

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Operation Christmas Child

We are in the process of making purchases for the hygiene kits that go in our shoeboxes. We include washcloths, toothbrushes, small clippers, nail files, bandaids, combs, etc. If you wish to help (funds or time), please let me know in the next few days.

Read the Bible in 2026

• February 16
• Acts 11-13

Additional Reading

The Privilege of Prayer

Be an Encourager Today.

Anna. Lee

Wow! The weekends always seem to go by quickly. Have you heard “Time flies when you’re having fun!”

Today’s Verse

Thankfulness

• No problems from the bad weather Saturday night/Sunday morning.
• A great day in the Lord’s house yesterday.
• Ladies who love missions and who like to work and study together.
• Ladies who llove to study the Bible together.
• Churches who support studying and doing missions.

Today’s Verse

“For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.”

Psalm 48:14

Prayer Focus

Today, I ask you to pray for ladies in numerous roles in our churches as well as groups who work together to learn and do the Lord’s work.

Please pray for Mrs. Mildred Birch who recently had another serious fall. She is a patient at the Greensburg hospital for a few days.

Read the Bilbe in 2026

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Enjoy some articles today that are “Fresh off the press”.

Special Prayer Focus

Please pray for Mrs. Mildred Birch as she spends a few days at the hospital in Greensburg to ease her in the recovery from her fall. She’s in room 1o2 if you are able to visit for a few minutes.

Obituary

Waylon Bailey

Additional Scripture

Coming Soon

• ASSOCIATIONAL WMU/WOMEN ON MISSION
• SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH
• MONTPELIER BAPTIST CHURCH
• 9:00 – LEADERSHIP MEETING
• 10:00 – MEETING
• APPROXIMATELY 11:45 – POT LUCK LUNCH
• ALL GIRLS AND LADIES ARE INVITED
• LEARN ABOUT THE ANNIE ARMSTRONG OFFERING FOR NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS
• PLEASE JOIN US!

Welcome to another Lord’s Day!

Today’s Scripture – Roman’s 8:28 NIV

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose“

Prayer Focus for Today

Let’s pray for people as they attend services in all the area churches today.

Special Prayers Today

• Ministers
• Sunday School Teachers
• Visitors
• Those needing to make decisions

FBC, Kentwood Schedule

Sunday School – 9:45

Worship – 10:30 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.

Prayer Meeting – Wednesday at 6:00

No New Local Obituaries This Morning

Waylon Bailey’s Article to Read:

The Privilege of Prayer

• October 10, 2020
• http://waylonbailey.com/2020/10/10/the-privilege-of-prayer/

Additional Scripture – Matthew 6:31-34 NIV

³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

May you be both blessed and a blessing today

Anna Lee

Welcome to Saturday! I hope this day is special for you in some way.

Read the Bible in 2026

• February 14
• Acts 7-8

No New Obituaries Today

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for those who do not know the Lord.

Tomorrow’s Sunday School Lesson

“Rejecting Legalism”

Matthew 12:1-14

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Today’s Inspirational Verses

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. “Romans 8:38-39

Make time today to prepare for tomorrow.

Anna Lee