If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Prayer Focus
Robbie Lynn Callihan was scheduled for surgery last week, but. it was postponed. It will probably be this week. Please start praying for Robbie Lynn and the surgeon while I try to chuck on the new day of surgery.
Read the Bible in 2026
Monday, March 9
Galatians 4-6
Obituaries
There are not usually any new obituaries on Monday mornings. You can check with the local funeral homes later today or just wait until tomorrow.
Plans are coming along. Be sure to get your name on the list in the church foyer or call the church office. It’s very important so we will have a place, food, and craft supplies for you.
There are several reasons for this gathering. If someone is new to our church, they can learn some names, programs, ministries and classes available. The second purpose is so people who are already members can learn to connect new names with new faces.
The meeting will be both fun and informative; Get you name on the list! You don’t want to miss out!
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
Read the Bible in 2026
Sunday, March 8
Galatians 1-3
Obituary
One obituary for today is that of Buddy Sharkey of Amite. I published it in a second post yesterday. If you missed it, just continue reading when you finish today’s post. Please pray for his daughter, Meghan Sharkey Dagro.
The following obituary may involve some people you know.
Curtis Eugene Cade
July 29, 1931 – March 1, 2026
U.S. Veteran
On the evening of March 1, 2026, Curtis Eugene Cade passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born on July 29, 1931, to the late William A. Cade and Bertie Lee Blackwell Cade in the community of Silver Springs in Pike County, Mississippi.
As a young man, he served in the United States Navy from 1950-1954 and was in active-duty service during the Korean Conflict. In 1956, he received his diploma from Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi and began his career as a barber in Canton, Mississippi. He later returned to Pike County, married Helen Lucy Pounds, and continued his 46-year career barbering in Osyka until his retirement and the sale of his barber shop in 2001.
He loved being outside and worked diligently to provide for his family. For many years, he was a beekeeper and took great pleasure in caring for and harvesting the honey from his hives. He gained so much enjoyment and took great pride in growing his garden every year knowing that if he put in the work, the Lord would always bless it and provide. The blessings of these harvests were generously shared with family and friends.
He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and more recently Bala Chitto Baptist Church. Through his servant heart, he glorified God and ministered to those around him, not just in the church, but in his barber shop, the community, and in his family. He was once described by a family member as the “humble hero that our Cade family as a whole cherishes and needs”.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers William Jack Cade, James Malcolm Cade, Arthur Berton Cade, Glen Blackwell Cade, and Royce Lamar Cade; one sister Mary Ellen Cade Mondul; his wife Helen Lucy Pounds Cade; one daughter Judy Catherine Cade Haygood; son-in-law John Dorsey Lee, and his second wife, Patsy Rawls Conerly Cade.
Survivors include three daughters Darlene Freeman (Randy) of Osyka, Ellen Brunson (Alan) and Lisa Winstead (Terry) of Madison; one son-in-law Ronald Haygood of Liberty; one brother Raymond Cade (Fairba) of Osyka; one sister Maxie Foster of Florence, Alabama; and three grandchildren Daniel Fair (Kaila), Anthony Fair (Jaimee) of Osyka, and Lauren Winstead Waggener (Dallas) of Madison; five great-grandsons Anthony Dean Fair, Dallas Adrian Fair, Wyatt Lane Fair, Noah Loghan Fair, and Jack Cullen Waggener; one great-great-granddaughter Ariana Fair; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
On Thursday, March 5, 2026, visitation will begin at 10 A M at Catchings-Sharkey Funeral Home, 1023 Old Brookhaven Road, Summit, Mississippi, followed by a service at 12:00 noon. Graveside services will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2151 Mt. Zion Road, Osyka, Mississippi.
Pallbearers will be grandsons Daniel Adrian Fair and Anthony Dean Fair, Sr., and great-grandsons Anthony Dean Fair, Jr., Dallas Adrian Fair, Wyatt Lane Fair, and Noah Loghan Fair.
If donations are preferred in lieu of flowers, the family asks that they be made to The Gideons International.
There are many families around the world that are touched by the conflict in the Middle East. Pray for all of them.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus on praying for the pastors and other leadership in our area churches.
Lord’s Day
I trust you have plans to attend church today. Adding Sunday School to worship service(s) is beneficial in many ways. Check the time of various services at the church of your choice.
First, I need to say the WMU meeting this morning was great. The speaker touched our hearts! I don’t think there was a dry eye in the sanctuary! I would have loved for so many of you to have heard her speak.
Next, I need to remind you of the time change tonight. “Spring forward one hour!” For example, if you go to bed at 10:00 tonight, you need to change any devices that do not change automatically to 11:oo. We “LOSE” an hour!
Wilford K. “Buddy” Sharkey, Jr.
January 25, 1957 – March 5, 2026
A retired St. Helena dairyman and resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born January 25, 1957 in Amite, LA and was 69 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Meghan Sharkey Drago and husband, Joey; 2 granddaughters, Shaw and Demi; mother of their children and former spouse, Robin Brown Sharkey; housemates/nieces Sherry Fugler, Conner Fugler, and Melissa Macnicol; sister, Marvee Coxen; brother, R. C. “Chris” Davis and wife, Priscilla; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his son, Wilford K. “Trey” Sharkey, III; parents, Wilford Knighten Sharkey, Sr. and Doris “Nell” McDaniel Sharkey; sister, Gladys Fugler and husband, Robbie. Pallbearers will be long time friends Alan Morgan, Kevin Newell, Mickey Williams, Marshall Cutrer, Jeff Jones, and Billy Finch with Honorary Pallbearer Charles Sharkey.
Above of all things, he was a dedicated father but even prouder grandfather to Shaw and Demi. His favorite pastime was teasing and playing pranks on those he loved for a good laugh. Nothing brought him more joy than making his friends and loved ones laugh. We will miss his jokes, quick wit, and his ‘historian’ accounts of ‘all things Hillsdale’. We are forever grateful for his humility, determination, optimism, and grit for fighting to give us as much time as we had with him. Until we meet again.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11:00AM until Funeral Services at 1:00PM on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com
To send a flower arrangement in memory of Wilford K. “Buddy” Sharkey, Jr., please click here to visit our sympathy store.
Here we are at the last day of this week. I trust you had a good week and plan to do something special like attend the WMU meeting this morning or maybe a day with no plans at all, just waiting to see what will happen.
Stateside!
I want to start off thanking you for praying for our friends who were caught in the Middle East during a very difficult week. They made it back to the States. They are appreciative of all the prayers for them and know the importance of your prayers concerning their safety this week.
Continue to pray for the Middle East. Pray for all the visitors to the area and outsiders whose jobs took them there to be safe until they can get home.
For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
Read the Bible in 2026
March 7
II Corinthians 10-13
Today’s the Day
WMU/Women on Mission
10 A.M. TODAY at MONTPELIER
I have seen the program and heard all about the plans. We will have a wonderful opportunity to hear about a mission opportunity, enjoy some wonderful music, and focus on missions through the current mission focus week. I look forward to being there.
Prayer Focus
Please pray for the missions meeting this morning in Montpelier.
Today’s Obituary
Kathleen Smith Ford Wilkinson
July 9, 1946 – March 4, 2026
A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born July 9, 1946 in Hammond, LA and was 79 years of age. She is survived by her daughters, Lois Roxanne Ford Porter, Charlotte Renee Wilkinson, and Pamela Lynette Wilkinson; 2 sons, Norice William “Billy” Ford (Jennifer) and John Merrill Wilkinson (Jennifer); brother, Carl Smith; grandchildren, Calvin Ford, Heather Ford Duran (Aaron), Kacie Nicole Ford, Michael James Porter, II (Dana), Abigail Alzada Ford, Ty Travis Ford, Crystal Hunt Hankins (Reece), Rodney Paul Hunt, Jr., Kyle Austin Fletcher (Kaitlyn), Trevor Cain Fletcher, Lacie Lynn Fletcher, Laramie John Wilkinson, and Nicole Erin Wilkinson; 18 great-grandchildren, Kevin, Chelsea, Abel, Brayden, Hayden, Freya, Kayleigh, Britney, Brody, Hudson, Braxtun, Jace, Londyn, Landus, Kendall, Kace, Kip, and Karter. Preceded in death by her parents, Eula Mae Cutrer Smith and Norice “Red” Smith; first husband, Calvin Ford; second husband, Merrill Wilkinson; son, Kevin Duane Ford; grandson, Travis Paul Porter; great-granddaughter, Angel Marie Ford; brother, Lawrence Ray Smith; sisters, Dorothy Smith Triche and Mary Nell Stewart Phillips. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Interment Ford Cemetery, Independence, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Coming Soon – Ladies Night at FBC, Kentwood on March 20th
Enjoy spending time with church friends.
Meet some ladies you don’t know or know well.
Learn about our church and our people (even if you have been a member here 50+ years).
Participate, Plan, and Pray!
ETC.
Sunday School Lesson
“Real Devotion”
Jesus rejects superficial religions
Matthew 15
Serving God!
Do you have a favorite Easter hymn?
I do! “Christ Arose”
If you learned this hymn as a child, like I did, you may remember learning (1) the meaning of the hymn and (2) the chorus that sounded like “a competition of between the voices of men and women”.
I’m proud to say I still enjoy the music, the wording, and the meaning of “Christ Arose”! I know I am not the only one.I think it is a greatly appropriated hymn for our churches any week of the year! Maybe the specialness of the song is emphasized by having to wait fifty-two weeks to hear it again, but it always being included!
Use the reference section of your Bible to find three passages about “Blessings”.
Update Your Prayer Journal Today and “Put Feet to Your Prayers” as Needed!
Who is in the hospital now?
What families have babies coming soon?
What students need an encouraging word?
Consider giving someone a ride to and from services?
What elderly widows need assistance in the with chores like cutting grass, changing light bulbs, repairing a broken lock, picking up some fallen branches, pulling a few weeds, etc.
There are many things each of us can do to help others!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
~I Peter 1:3~
Prayer Focus
Prayers for our families and friends
Pray for pastors.
Pray for the military, the common people, and the political leaders here and in Iran.
There are a number of people who are having or have recently had surgery. I think there are more surgeries now than in previous years. I suppose there are more optional surgeries in that number.
Hopefully, the cold and flue season is being left behind for most people, but some people still manage to have these problems all year long. Pray for healthy days for everyone.
Obituaries
There are no new obituaries in Kentwood this morning.
Missions
Associational meeting for women and girls at Montpelier Baptist Church Saturday morning at 10:00 followed by a potluck lunch.
Ladies Night
We will meet, Friday, March 20 at FBC, Kentwood at 7:00. Sign the list in the church sanctuary or have the secretary put your name on the list in the church office (229-8111).
Additional Scripture Reading
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
(New International Version)
This thought was shared by Jesus to his apostles. It was fitting for them and is still fitting for us today!
If you have not previously memorized this Scripture, today is a good day to begin that process. I memorized it as written in the King James Version of the Bible which is most familiar to many people. You may want to do the same.
“Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
Matthew 28:5-6
Here we are in March. It is “marching on”. I am enjoying the warmer weather and looking forward to being able to get the plants out of the greenhouse. I will do that soon. Warmer, not hot, weather and Easter on its way. New leaves on some trees. Flower bulbs showing their finest colors, etc. This is my favorite season of the year!
Thankfulness
I am thankful for being able to spend more time outside and enjoying all of nature that God has provided. Which bird(s) do you look forward to seeing? Which plants are you anxious to see? What is your favorite color of spring? I’m so thankful God did more than provide us a black-and-white world!
I’m thankful for you! I’m glad you checked in today.
Read the Bible in 2026
March 5
II Corinthians 1-4
Prayer Focus
Again, let’s focus some of our prayers on the Middle East. Let’s pray lots of good comes from what’s happening there now.
I did not find any new obituaries this morning.
Baptist Press
As usual, there are several articles worth your time.
The Week of Prayer for North American Missions in 2026 is observed from March 1–8. This Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) event focuses on praying for missionaries and their families, with the theme “More Than a Gift” based on Ephesians 3:20-21, leading up to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or
imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory
in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and
ever! Amen.”
We will be learning about one mission opportunity in our local area when we meet Saturday at the WMU meeting at Montpelier. Come see how “we” as churches and “we”, as individuals, can help others through some difficulties in life.
Come, learn something new with us! It is an opportunity and a missions field! There will be a some potentially new friends there too!
Also Coming Soon:
Ladies Night on March 20 at 7 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood. If you are a lady who attends now or will possibility do so in the future, this is for you!
Teenage girls are also invited to participate.
Potential members, new members, and members for many years, can learn about opportunities to be involved in FBC, Kentwood.
Questions are welcomed both now and on the 20th. PLEASE SIGN UP SUNDAY or even by phone today. (FBC 0ffice: 229-8111)
Pine Ridge Bible Study Ladies
Meet on Wednesday, March 11
Lunch served at noon
Plan for Easter
It’s not all about colorful eggs, a big meal, or even fancy new clothing! It’s about Jesus! Be sure to teach your children and grandchildren “the real story”!
Good morning. Thanks for checking in this morning.
Easter is April 5th, so I will begin to share some Easter Scriptures/
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
John 1:29 (NKJV)
Prayer Focus
Let’s focus our prayers today on what’s happening in Iran. Let’s especially pray for the people involved in any way.
Obituary
Nelia Ann Allen Travis
July 12, 1944 – March 2, 2026
A resident of Liberty, MS, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. She was born July 12, 1944 in Clinton, LA and was 81 years of age. She is survived by her children, Judy Ann Travis and partner, Anthony James, Mary Jane Regan and husband, David Regan, Carla Marie “Pewee” Boykin and husband, Charles Boykin, and Beverly T. Fish; brother, Fred Allen Jr. and wife, Gloria; grandchildren, Samantha Thaggard and her husband Andy, Kimberly Wilson, Ashley Watts and husband Brian, and Daniel McKenzie and wife Lana; 10 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Preceded in death by her husband, Carl Travis; 2 sisters, Peggy Gross and Alma Partin. Visitation at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, Gillsburg, MS, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Services conducted by Pastor Billy Mathis. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers will be Daniel McKenzie, Cory Patterson, Colby Bardwell, Clayton Bardwell, Taylor Regan, Bryant Wilson, and Jayden Hebert. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I want to thank you for praying for my friends who have been in Israel on vacation. They are now safer in Egypt. I look forward to hearing they are safely stateside.
I told a couple people who knew them, but wanted to tell Andy too. We had lots of mutual friends before we moved to Kentwood.
Thank you for praying for them and others who were also trapped in warfare. Please continue to pray for many others who found themselves suddenly in a danger zone.
God has blessed us to see another day, but not necessarily to live through this day. Psalm 118 is a chapter is gratitude, thanking God.
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it”
-Psalm 118:24-
I try to do something each day to make each day count. Some days are more productive than other days. Unfortunately, some days, I have to wonder where the day went without seeing a lot of productivity. I always know God has blessed me and am thankful for his love and watchcare.
Read the Bible this Year
March 3
I Corinthians 12-14
Obituary
Harry Andrew Brown, Sr.
January 28, 1950 – March 1, 2026
Harry Andrew Brown, SR passed away on March 1, 2026, at the age of 76 at his home in Independence, LA. He spent most of his life as a mechanic and dirt car driver in Loranger and Pike County speedway. He is survived by his children, Tammy Ellzey, Jeannie Crayton (Mitch), Andrea Grimes (Russell) and Harry Brown JR (Audra), and Daughter in law,Melissa Brown. He leaves 10 grandchildren, Mary Ellzey (Brady), Collin Crayton (Victoria), Ethan Crayton, Rusty Grimes (Katelyn), Zachary Grimes(Lauren), Kayla Grimes, Chad James, Elizabeth Strate, Andrew Brown, Johnny Brown, JR. and 4 Great grandchildren, Sadie Givens, Willoh Grimes, Paislee Thurman and Ayden James. Sisters Vernia Simmons and Ruby Ridgedell. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Easley Brown, Son Johnny Brown, SR, Mother and Father John Wallace Brown and Nannie McDaniel Brown, Brothers Richard, Jack and Jerry Brown and Sisters Orgie Seal and Doris Shaffett. The family would like to thank Anvoi Hospice for all the assistance in this time of need. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 12 Noon on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Churches have groups for all ages, not just school age children
Additional Bible Reading – Encouraging One Another by Gathering Together
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Some opportunities to gather together and encourage each other.
Bible Study Classes and Groups
Regular Church Attendance and Bible Study
Meetings such as Saturday morning in Montpelier (missions)
Ladies’ Night – March 20th (Must sign up to attend)
Working with others through various ministries
Choir
Volunteer in children’s ministry/nursery
Etc.
We all benefit through our interactions in special groups such as there.
Prayer Focus
Find some ways to join a Christian group or organization. You will find you benefit as you minister to others. Today, let’s pray we follow as God leads us.
Today, we begin a new work week, but for many of us, it’s work at home, basically doing what we choose to do.
For some people, they face a day of military battles. Let’s start out by continuing to pray for all involved.
We havefriends who are vacationing in the Holy Land. They are okay, but I can’t imagine being there at this time. Please pray for them to be able to get back to their home, in another state, safely.
Obituaries
Betty Jean Reid DeLancey
July 20, 1934 – February 28, 2026
Betty Jean Reid DeLancey, 91, a lifelong resident of Amite, Louisiana, was born on July 20, 1934. She passed peacefully 8:34am February 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faith.
Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Ray “Bill” DeLancey, with whom she shared many cherished years of marriage.
She was a devoted mother to her four children: Beverly, Jimmy, Eddie, and Melissa (Chad). Her family was her greatest pride and joy. She also leaves behind a beautiful legacy of 11 grandchildren, Jimmy Ray DeLancey Jr (LaDena), Darla Ann DeLancey Miller (Michael), Michael Scott DeLancey (Lori), Sheila Renee Saxon Rhodus (Will), Dedra Michelle Saxon, Eddie William DeLancey, Cody Michael Edwards (Courtney), Kyle Matthew (Nyomie), Courtney Nicole Edwards Hart (Austin), Taylor Hope Barr, Jaelyn Nicole Barr Kuhn (Ryan), 24 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews each of whom brought immense happiness to her life.
Betty was also preceded in death by her parents, Ivy William Reid and Bernice Louise Pratt Reid; grandchildren, Linnie Delv Saxon, Jr. and Beverly Leanne Saxon; sisters & brother, Velma June Reid Winn, Maxine Marie Reid, Junior William “Willie” Reid, Marjorie Ann Reid Smith, Esther Elaine Reid Lewis, and two infant sisters; many nieces and nephews.
Betty dedicated over 25 years of service to Master Chef and Miss Ann’s Fried Chicken, where she was known for her strong work ethic and warm spirit. She took pride in her work and in the friendships she built along the way.
After retirement, Betty truly enjoyed life. She loved laughing, joking, and spending time with family, friends, and members of her community. Her joyful personality and quick wit brightened every room she entered.
A faithful woman, Betty walked closely in her Christian faith throughout her life. She was blessed with the enduring friendship and fellowship of Brother Mitch and Sister Lilly during her journey at Independence Baptist Church. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life and an inspiration to those around her.
Betty will be remembered for her strength, her humor, her unwavering love for her family, and her deep faith. Her legacy lives on in the generations she helped raise and the countless lives she touched.
Visitation at First Baptist Church of Independence from 11:00AM until religious services at 3:00PM on Monday, March 2, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Mitch Williams. Interment Natalbany Cemetery, Independence, LA. Pallbearers will be Kyle Edwards, Austin Hart, Howard Carroll, Johnathan Bergeron, Ryan Kuhn, and Blaine Gamache. Memorial Contributions may be made to The Hospice of Baton Rouge Butterfly Wing. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Mary Esther Bond O’Malley
July 20, 1943 – March 1, 2026
A resident of Watson, LA, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at her home. She was born July 20, 1943 in Amite, LA and was 82 years of age. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and a retired LPN from Hammond Developmental Center. She is survived by 3 children Marian E. Tate, Carol S. Scott, and Charles N. O’Malley, all of Watson; 8 grandchildren, Jessica Tucker, Darrell Stevens, Adam O’Malley, C.J. O’Malley, Bradan O’Malley, Ava Courrege, Gerald “Duane” O’Malley, Nora O’Malley, Francis Scott, and Kylee Scott; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Chief Gerald O’Malley; daughter, Ramona Jean Stevens; parents, Charles and Cornelia Hurst Bond; sister, Martha Jane Bond. Visitation at Montpelier Methodist Church from 12:00AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Services conducted by Pastor Ryan Frith. Interment Montpelier Community Cemetery, Montpelier, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
The Prayer Link 
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