“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

God is our refuge and our strength.

Psalm 46:1

Good morning. Welcome to Friday.

God woke us up this morning. How are we going to love, honor, and serve Him today?

Read the Bible in 2026

• February 13
• Acts 4-6

Obituary I Forgot to Post Yesterday

Carolyn “Becky” Hutchinson Domiano

December 4, 1942 – February 9, 2026

Carolyn “Becky” Hutchinson Domiano, age 83, of Independence, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at her home on February 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on December 4, 1942, in Tangipahoa, Becky was the cherished daughter of the late Fred S. and Maxie Gill Hutchinson. She carried her small-town roots with pride throughout her life, embodying strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Becky was married to the love of her life, Sam B. Domiano, Sr., for 64 beautiful years. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love, partnership, and faithfulness. Together they built a family that became the center of her world.

Becky was strong in her Catholic faith. She faithfully prayed her rosary each day and had a deep devotion to the Divine Mercy. Her faith guided her life, sustained her through challenges, and was a quiet but powerful foundation for the love she poured into her family.

She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Becky Navarra (Johnny), and her son, Sam B. Domiano, Jr. (Lindsay). She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Samantha McKay (Patrick), Christina Navarra (fiancé, Ethan), Tyler Domiano, and Justin Domiano, and her treasured great-granddaughters, Sophie and Maggie McKay. In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly and will cherish her memory.

While she held many roles in her lifetime—loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—her favorite and most cherished title was “Meme.” Nothing brought her greater joy than being surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose lives she shaped with her warmth, wisdom, and gentle spirit.

Becky dedicated 33 years of service as Chief Clerk of the Warehouse at Hammond Developmental Center. She was known for her strong work ethic, reliability, and the friendships she built over decades of faithful service.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred S. and Maxie Gill Hutchinson; her brother, William “Quickdraw” Hutchinson; and her sister, Martha Ann Wilson.

The family would like to extend special thanks to her devoted sitters, Mrs. Nell Carter and Mrs. Clementine Brumfield, for their unwavering support, compassion, and care. Heartfelt gratitude is also expressed to the compassionate staff of Apex Hospice for the comfort, dignity, and kindness they provided during her final days.

Becky will be remembered for her steady presence, her quiet strength, her deep love for her family, and the way she made a house feel like home—especially her Sunday spaghetti dinners. Her life was a beautiful example of devotion, grace, and unconditional love.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 600 North Oak Street, Hammond, Louisiana 70401. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will immediately follow at Colonial Cemetery in Independence, Louisiana.

Her family takes comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on in every hug, every family gathering, and every sweet voice that still calls her name—Meme.

McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Sunday School Lesson for 2-15-26

• “Rejecting Legalism”
• Matthew 12:1-14

Picture yourself sitting around a table with a group of other adults all with open Bibles and studying God’s Word? What a blessing to be a part of such a group!

A Thought from Waylon Bailey

How Can I Do the Things that Matter?

• January 31, 2020
• , Questions Christians Ask

James Clear is a favorite writer. He has written about the power of habits and how you develop those powerful habits.

Recently he wrote about adding value to other people. He said that before you ask for value you must give value to others. This fits many areas of life. My blog tomorrow will expound on this idea and how it applies to Scripture and to us.

Today, I want to talk about productivity and time management with something James Clear said in the same article.

“The fastest way to raise your level of performance:

Cut your number of commitments in half.”

Almost all of us are asking, “How can I do the things that really matter?”

Obviously, we first have to ask, “What really matters?” This is a great life lesson and life exercise. Certainly, your family, livelihood, and faith would fit in these areas. What else should fit, and what shouldn’t fit? What should you not do, and what should you give to someone else?

These are the kind of questions that help us be more productive and to add value to others.

As we move to the weekend, I want to encourage you to look deeply at what you are doing and the contributions you are making. Look for ways to make a difference in the people around you.

Paul told the believers in Colossae to “Make the most of the time” (Colossians 4:5). He saw time as an opportunity to serve God and to advance the Gospel.

How can we see time as an opportunity, and how can we use our time to advance the Gospel?

Prayer Focus

Pray for God to show you what He wants to do today.

Choose carefully today. Our daily choices make a difference!

Anna Lee

Addition – Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Good morning. Welcome to another day, a gift from God. Use your the gift of this day well.

Inspirational Verse

Where can you write this verse?

Who can you share it with?

How many times can you read/say this verse today?

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Read the Bible in 2026

• Starting a new book today
• Februaty 12
• Acts 1-3

No Local Obituaries This Morning

Obituary – Terry’s Creek (Amite County)

John Milton Bond

February 16, 1933 – February 5, 2026
  

Visitation
Friday, Feb 13, 2026
10:00 AM-1:00 PM

Funeral Service
Friday, Feb 13, 2026
1:00 PM

John Milton Bond

February 16, 1933 – February 5, 2026

John Milton Bond, who was born into a 2nd generation farming family of Amite County on February 16, 1933, left his earthly home for a heavenly one, February 5, 2026…11 days shy of his 93rd birthday, both coming and going on the same farm, which was so dear to him. 

Visitation will be Friday February 13th, 2026 at Terry’s Creek Baptist Church from 10:00 AM until Services at 1:00 PM.  Burial will follow at Bond Family Cemetery under the direction of Hartman Jones Funeral Home.  Rev. David Fortenberry and Rev. Kent Campbell will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family request contributions be made to The Gideons International “Bibles” PO Box 140800
 Nashville, TN 37214

His loved ones who’ve gone before him were his Daddy and Mama, Turner Wilson and Rosa Lee Cummings Bond; his sister Tempie Williams, and 3 brothers: T.W. Bond, Bobby Bond, and Joe Bond. Also going on before him were his twin infant daughters; son-in-law, Clark Wilson; and grandson, Jacob Turner Wilson.
 

Still here, somehow moving forward without him, are his beloved family, first and foremost, his wife of 66 years, Inez Wilson Bond; daughters LaLinda Fortenberry (David), Denise Wilson, Michelle Madison, Betty Oltremari (Jerry), and Jeanne Tate (Chuck). And Grandchildren… Brandon Fortenberry (Brittany), Jonathan Fortenberry, Allison Wilson Miller (John), Lana Wilson Weeks (Shelby), Luke Wilson (Sarah), Levi Wilson (Anna), Jonah Wilson (Grace), Rachel Wilson Weeks (Dan), Seth Wilson, Daniel Wilson, Nathan Madison (Destiny), Jordan Madison, Elaina Madison, Jacqueline Madison, Shelby Gast, Paula Gast, Cpl. Christopher Gast (Isabella), Hannah Tate Schrock (Andrew), Rebekah Tate Schrock (Enos), Elizabeth Tate, AMT3 Benjamin Tate, Sharon Tate Bloom (Kade), Abigail Tate Charleston (Jeremiah), Joshua Tate, Laura Tate, Emily Tate, and Joanna Tate. Forty-one great grandchildren and three more to be born this year, and one great-great grandchild.
 

John went to serve his country in the Air Force at the age of 20 during the Korean Conflict, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. In addition to his duties, he also was a barrack’s barber, and he enjoyed his deployment to France very much. He made lifelong friends on both sides of the pond. After service, he married the love of his life, and together they began their family. He was a hard-working farmer who understood both the value of labor and the gift of rest. 

He trusted the Lord in every season, planting seeds in the soil and in the hearts of his family. In the midst of long days, he made time for what mattered most, spending time alone seeking the Lord and time with his family. As a family they enjoyed picnics by the creek, Sunday afternoon drives, meals shared with others, and memories made traveling together to beaches, the Smokey mountains, out west, and even a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe. He included his children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and anyone that visited the farm, in his daily chores, teaching valuable lessons as they worked, ever so patiently, a quality for which he was known and admired. 

Johnny and Inez worked hard, side by side to build up the old farm, and turned the homestead into a pristine dairy farm, once even receiving Mississippi’s Master Dairyman award. They “retired” 38 years later, then planted pines, raised beef cattle, and sold hay to bring in income and continue working the way they loved. If he picked on you, it was a sure sign he loved you. He loved a good adventure, to have fun and usually had a smile. But he had a more serious side, too. He heard the Bible read from a young age and trusted it to be true. Through everything that life challenged him with, the Power of God within him brought him courage and strength to rise above temptation and sorrow, with a quiet, sense of peace and joy. 

These attributes drew many people of all walks of life, as friends. It was his main desire, that all would know his Jesus, especially his children and their children. His love of scriptures showed in his participation in the Bible distribution ministry, known as Gideons International. He often shared these little bibles with those he met. For 64 years, he served as a deacon at Terry’s Creek Baptist Church and was very involved where he could be a blessing, there as well. 

He never met a stranger, welcoming everyone with warmth and kindness that reflected his faith. His life was a quiet testimony of God’s love, lived out through service, generosity, and devotion. We take comfort knowing he has finished his race and now rests in the presence of his Savior, hearing the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” 

(Because Jeanne, his youngest daughter, was our daughter’s good high school friend, we had the opportunity to know and love some of this wonderful family.)

Baptist Press

Mississippi drive‑through prayer ministry sparks unexpected prison outreach

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/mississippi-drive%e2%80%91through-prayer-ministry-sparks-unexpected-prison-outreach/

More Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

WaylonBailey

The First Words of the Day

• April 30, 2020
• , Stories Worth Telling

How did your day start?

I’ve long encouraged people to rise a little earlier than they really have to in order to start the day with God. That practice may be the most meaningful part of my day.

Starting the day with God can take several forms. You can pray, read Scripture, meditate and memorize Scripture, or simply sit quietly acknowledging God and His goodness. All of these are helpful. I recommend them all.

Today my day began with a wonderful surprise. On my phone screen from the YouVersion Bible App were these words:

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NASB).

Those words were given by the prophet to the people of Israel in exile. God had big things for them to do. They were to leave the only land most of the people had ever known to return to Jerusalem and the land of Israel to rebuild and to follow God.

They had plenty to fear and be anxious about, but they also had the promises of our Righteous God. God was encouraging them to be righteous and obedient.

You have plenty to make you anxious and obedient.

What would God say to you today? The Word of God speaks loudly to me today: “Do not be fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.”

When I begin my day in this way, I always have a good day. I pray the same for you.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Thanks for reading, praying, and acting on these thoughts today.

Anna Lee

Welcome to Wednesday. We’re looking forward to another pretty and warmer day. We thank God for the springlike days this week.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for families. You choose the ones and the current needs.

Also, update your prayer list as needed today.

Read the Bible in 2026

• February 11th
• John 19-21
• It’s early in February and we have already read Matthew, Mark, and Luke as well as the first part of John. What a great accomplishment! Let’s keep reading.

Opportunities

Often, people talk about all the things they cannot do, but today let’s focus on what we can all do. IF WE ARE WILLING, A MINISTRY OF READING CAN BE DEVELOPED. It begins with prayer and a willingness to be used.

Today, let’s focus on the ways God has blessed us so we can serve Him and impact the lives of others. Today, we will talk about reading. Do you remember “reading aloud in school”? Why not READ ALOUD to someone who is unable to see well at this point in life and would love to have a newspaper or God’s Word read to them? Begin thinking of those you know and ask around. Surely, there is a friend, neighbor, or relative who would gladly have you read aloud to them periodically or on a regular schedule..

Make yourself available and spread the word. I think you will soon have the opportunity to read the newspaper, the Bible, Sunday School lessons, etc. to someone who can no longer read for themselves.

Growing Families

We have a number of families at church that are expecting babies in the coming months. Let’s pray for each of them on a regular basis, both before and after the arrival of the little ones.

Operation Chirstmas Child

Last week, I asked for volunteers to help periodically with various tasks for OCC. Thank-you to those who volunteered.

Today, I am asking for volunteers to purchase multiples of one item ONLINE for the shoeboxes we are packing. Please contact me if you are willing. The amount you spend and the items you will purchase will be up to you. I will give you an idea of that we meed. Remember, contact me.

No New Obituaries for Kentwood Today

Today would be a good day to do something special for some families who have had a death in the last few months.

Thank you for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

The senior adults from church will be eating at Middendorf’s in Manchac tomorrow, not Hammond.