I trust you had a wonderful Lord’s Day. I did. Now, let’s get started on a new week.
Read the Bible in 2026
April 13
Genesis 35-37
Today’s Scripture – Hope
Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. — Hosea 6:3
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for the situation in the Middle East and for wisdom in leading the world in trying to have peace.
Obituaries
There are no new obituaries for our area listed this morning.
The main thing to remember is that an average of 10 people are exposed to the Gospel because of one “shoebox”! Do you need any other reason for packing “shoeboxes” each year?
You can back individually this week or help a group work together. You can even pack as a family group.
We had a good workday last week. One day at the end of the week, we will probably be working again. Let me know if you are available to work this week.
Have a wonderful week. Let your “little light shine” brightly this week!
And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years.”
—Genesis 1:14
Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.
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.
Good morning, Friends! I hope you are ready for a great weekend.
A Verse to Start the Day
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”.
Romans 15:13
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for the peace talks between the U.S. and Iran.
Read the Bible in 2026
April 11
Genesis 30-31
Obituary
Cewilla “Faye” Allen Strong
October 20, 1939 – April 9, 2026
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. She was born October 20, 1939 in Greensburg, LA and was 86 years of age. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Tracy Carter (Frog) and Robin Delatte (Shea); 2 sons, Brian Strong (Kim Schramm) and Jimmy Strong (Rhonda); grandchildren, Kayla Dunnington (Ryan), Brittany Carter, Austin Carter (Kyia), Ira Carter, Jr. (Amanda), Kory Strong, Cameron Strong, Lewis Watkins, Addie Watkins, Jackson Strong, Judson Strong, Sonny Pierce (Alaina), Stephanie Pierce (Zach), Emily Kleinpeter (Hunter), and T.J. Strong (Meryn); great-grandchildren, Catori, Ethan, Dalton, Bryson, Ava, Oakley, Clara, and Kennedy; brother, Dennis Allen (Debbie). Preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Addie Allen; husband of 59 years, Ronald Strong; grandson, Rowdy Dunnington; 3 sisters, Shirley Lee, Carolyn Tarver, and Vesta Allen. Visitation at Kedron Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Sonny Pierce. Interment Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 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
Have a good preparation day for tomorrow.
Don’t forget the VBS meeting after church tomorrow morning.
Good morning, friends. I’m so glad I can share with you today.
Today’s Verse
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. – Isaiah 54:10
Today’s Prayer Focus
We need to pray the conflict in Iran can be solved with agreements, not bombs, today.
Peace with God
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27
If you are interested in working in VBS this year, there will be an short meeting after church Sunday morning. If you are possibly interested, attend the meeting.
A Special Springtime Verse
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. —James 5:7
What opportunities await for you to be a spokesman and/or worker for God today?
Today, let’s pray for the many young families in our church. Many of them are growing. Thank God for the families. Pray for them as they grow and raise their children as members of a church family.
Read the Bible in 2026
April 9
Genesis 25-26
Obituary
Patricia “Patsy” Travis Brumfield
June 26, 1948 – April 8, 2026
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. She was born June 26, 1948 in Magnolia, MS and was 77 years of age. Patsy loved sewing her beautiful quilts, picking blueberries and riding in the woods with her brother. She was “Pappy” to numerous nieces and nephews who loved going to her home. She was active in her church and loved her church family. She is survived by her daughter, Tricia Day Lee; sister, Janet Travis Alessi; brother, Tommy Davis Travis and wife, Ginger; and many nephews and nieces to whom she was their specially loved “Pappy”. Preceded in death by her husband, Walter Nix Brumfield; parents, Elijah T. “Lige” Travis and Marguerite Travis; brothers, Richard Travis and Lige Travis, Jr.; brother-in-law, Jeffery Alessi; nephews, Davy Travis and Barrett Black; and niece, Gracie Travis. Visitation at Taylor Creek Baptist Church from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Friday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Danny Smith. Interment Pine Ridge Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. The family wants to send a special thanks to Kim (infusion nurse) who made cancer treatments a joy instead of a chore and to the staff at The Lodge at Tangi Pines who made her feel at home and loved during her time there. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Today, let’s continue to pray for the leadership and people of Iran and well as our country and other countries as a peaceful resolution to the conflict is being worked out. Let’s thank God for the progress made so far.
Obituaries
Please pray for these families.
Hubert Monroe Brumfield, Jr.
May 13, 1966 – April 4, 2026
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at his home. He was born May 13, 1966 in Kentwood, LA and was 59 years of age. He is survived by his daughters, Destiny Dover, Josie Ray, and Anna Brumfield; sisters, Terry Waterman (Orville), Felicia Brabham (Mike), and Karen Tate (Bennett); brothers, Tommy Smith (Mary) and George Brumfield (Denise); grandchildren, Kodie, Kamryn, Brielle, Hunter, Dalton, and Beaux; niece, Ashlin Brabham; great-nephew, Asher Knight. Preceded in death by his parents, Hubert Monroe Brumfield, Sr. and Mable Cecile Effler; step-father, Charles McMaree; sisters, Jodie Cutrer and Nolie Cutrer; son, Hubert Ainsworth; and granddaughter, Nevaeh Ray. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11:00AM until Religious Services at 1:00PM on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Joe Day. Interment Red Bluff Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Layne McCoy Sanders
Layne McCoy Sanders, 83, of Kentwood, LA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at home of April 4, 2026. Layne was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. where he served his country proudly for 23 years and was employed by the State of Louisiana for 23 years. He was a Christian and he loved his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Sanders, his parents. Alma Lea Dykes, Harold Sanders, stepfather Herbert Dykes, stepmother Bernice Sanders, his sister Floy Dell Phillips and his brother in law J. I. Phillips He is survived by his children: Melinda (Louis) Palmer, Michael (Joni) Sanders, Christy (Chris) Sanders, Paula Brooks, Roxanne (Dale) Kruse, a brother, Bobby Dykes, Grandchildren Heather, AJ (Bridget), Joe, Amy, Alex (Kelli), Sara, Robin, Crystal, Brittany, Adrian, William. 20 Great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Our family would like to express our thanks to Modern Hospice nurses, aides and chaplain and their dedication to our fathers care and comfort.
AMY McDANIEL’S Grandfather:
The Memorial service for Robert A. Lundin will be Saturday May 9th at 2 pm. It will be at Kost E. Free church in Kost, MN A lite lunch will be served after the service. We hope to have it live streamed also.
Reminder – Pine Ridge Bible Study Group
Meets at noon today
Reminder – FBC, Kentwood
All regularly scheduled Wednesday night activities tonight
Today’s Closing Verse
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” Proverbs 17:17 (NIV).
What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes”. James 4:14
Prayer Focus
Pray for our world as important decisions are made daily that have worldwide impact.
Read the Bible in 2026
April 7
Genesis 19-21
New Baby Today
The Ballard baby boy is due today. Pray for mom, dad, and for the two big sisters.
Obituaries
Vickie M. Futrell
August 14, 1961 – April 2, 2026
A resident of Montpelier, LA, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at The Carpenter House in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born August 14, 1961 in New Orleans, LA and was 64 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Futrell Martin; son-in-law, Richard Fletcher; grandson, Jase Mitchell Martin; brother, Phillip Morris; sisters-in-law, Debbie Rhodes, Marcie Thames, and Ramona Hayden; sister friend, Glenda Barlow; nieces and nephews, Jessica, JoJo, Jayde and Jolie Wall, Laura and Steven Lee and David, Colleen and Chloe Thames. Preceded in death by her husband, Mitch Futrell; parents, Jimmy and Kathy Morris; sister, Pamela Smith; brothers-in-law, Mike Futrell and Kerry Smith; nephew, Jason Smith; and niece, Leslie Futrell. Graveside Services will be held at Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier, LA at 2:00PM Wednesday, April 8, 2026. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
George Kelly Williams
May 17, 1941 – April 3, 2026
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. He was born May 17, 1941 in Franklinton, LA and was 84 years of age. He is survived by daughter, Paige and Brian Covington; grandson, Bransen Schwebel; daughter, Tina and Haze Whaley; son, Bruce Williams; friends, Sherry and Freddie Tanguis. Preceded in death by wife, Mary Williams; parents, Sam and Viola Williams; 2 sons, Kelly and Matt Williams; and 2 daughters, Shanda Williams and Regina Addison. Graveside Services will be held at Sharon Cemetery, Amite, LA at 3:00PM on Monday, April 6, 2026. Services conducted by Charles Santora. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
You will surely find one or more articles that interest you today. I have already been reading. It’s worth my time….
Additional Verse
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 NIV
Purchases for OCC
If you desire to help OCC this week, please consider purchasing socks for boys and girls 10-14 years old. You can hand a bag to David or me or leave a bag on the door to the OCC room in the hallway beneath the sanctuary area.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Today’s Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for our country to have a united focus as we have troops engaged in war. We certainly want to support the members of the military as they serve to. protect us here and around the world.
Read the Bible in 2026
April 6
Genesis 16-18
OBITUARIES
Tommy Gene Lawson
May 12, 1950 – April 1, 2026
Tommy Gene Lawson was born on May 12, 1950 in Independence, LA and was 75 years of age. He was a native of Kentwood, LA and a resident of Amite, LA. He graduated from Kentwood High School in 1968 and Southeastern Louisiana University in 1972. Tommy passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. He is survived by his wife, Becky Davis Lawson; daughter, Kristi Lynn Lawson; son, Todd Wayne Lawson (Morrow); 3 grandchildren, Harper Elizabeth Lawson, Thatcher Morrow Lawson, and Piper Marie Lawson; sister, Viola Mae Lawson Smith (Paul); mother-in-law, Imelda Finch Davis; brother-in-law, Dickie Davis (Kathleen); and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas W. Lawson and Gladys Christine Miller Lawson; siblings, Virginia Louise Lawson, Margaret “Sissy” Allen Lawson Oliver, Bobby Lee Lawson and Thomas Malcolm Lawson; nephews, Barron Clay Davis and Roderick Wayne Chapman; niece, Julia “Judy” Ann Savoy; and father-in-law, Richard E. Davis, Sr.
Ordained as a deacon in 1982, Tommy dedicated his life to serving the Kedron Baptist Church Community. A passionate educator, he spent 53 years teaching math, inspiring generations of students with his patience, wisdom, witty catchphrases and steady encouragement. His influence extended far beyond the classroom.
In addition to his career in education, Tommy worked at the Kentwood and Amite stockyards for over 50 years. He was a beloved high school football, baseball and basketball coach. Above all, he treasured his family and found his greatest joy in traveling with Becky, quiet conversations and celebrating life’s victories with Kristi, coaching Todd’s little league baseball games and watching his grandchildren play sports – rarely missing an opportunity to cheer them on.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Visitation at Kedron Baptist Church from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday, April 6, 2026 and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Harrell Sharkey, Jr. Interment Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA.
Pallbearers will be Todd Lawson, Stevie Oliver, William Lawson, Mark Lawson, Marty Lawson, Kevin Morales, Seth Morales, and Michael Kazerooni. Honorary Pallbearers are Perry Smith and Thatcher Lawson.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Marsha Murrell Lewis
September 10, 1955 – April 2, 2026
A resident of Denham Springs, LA, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at The Butterfly Wing in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born September 10, 1955 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 70 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Tracy Lewis Taylor and husband, Jamie V. Taylor; sister, Lana Hutchinson and husband, Glenn; brother, Wayne Murrell and wife, Jamie; grandson, Ashton Scott Lewis. Preceded in death by her husband, Mark Lewis; brother, Lamar Murrell; parents, Lanny and Audrey Murrell. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
George Kelly Williams
May 17, 1941 – April 3, 2026
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. He was born May 17, 1941 in Franklinton, LA and was 84 years of age. He is survived by daughter, Paige and Brian Covington; grandson, Bransen Schwebel; daughter, Tina and Haze Whaley; son, Bruce Williams; friends, Sherry and Freddie Tanguis. Preceded in death by wife, Mary Williams; parents, Sam and Viola Williams; 2 sons, Kelly and Matt Williams; and 2 daughters, Shanda Williams and Regina Addison. Graveside Services will be held at Sharon Cemetery, Amite, LA at 3:00PM on Monday, April 6, 2026. Services conducted by Charles Santora. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
There are several articles that interest me here today. I trust you will say the same thing.
We did some sightseeing in Alabama and Georgia and enjoyed seeing our family in Rome so much. We attended two church services Friday with our son and daughter-in-law. We also saw our GA grandson and his wife. They will be the parents of our first great, grandchild in July. Another grandson and wife team stopped by for lunch one day as they were making the trip back to New Jersey before transferring to Oklahoma soon.
For God so loved the world, He gave his only son….
John 3:16a
I trust you know what happened more than 2,000 years ago and impacts our lives every minute of every day and for our future eternally. If not, I would love to tell you. So would many other people. Please give us the opportunity.
OBITUARY
Tommy Lawson’s obituary is available at McKneeley’s. His wake is Monday night at Kedron Baptist Church with the funeral Tuesday morning.
READ THE BIBLE IN 2026.
Genesis 8 -11.
Have a wonderful day. Hopefully, you can spend part of the holiday with some family members.
The Prayer Link 
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