“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:35-40
Missions – Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana God is moving in Louisiana
Over 600 church planting team members trained since 2015.
Millions of pounds of food have been distributed with the intention of sharing the Gospel.
41 new Hispanic congregations started since 2010.
Over 250 people accepted Christ as Savior during hurricane season.
24 students at Louisiana Christian University received financial assistance through a WMM Scholarship.
Over 20 college students participated in Missions Camp as leaders.
… and so much more!
FBC Kentwood will soon be packing our shoeboxes and loading them into crates. (Our church will again serve as a drop-off site for other churches.) Then, the special carton we have filled will be turned in at a Hammond location. That very day, the cartons will be packed into 18-wheelers who will take the boxes to the Dallas site which will get them ready to be sorted and shipped to children around the world.
In recent months, I have been able to communicate with a volunteer who was distributing the shoeboxes in schools in Peru. What a blessing to hear of the joy the children experienced as they opened their boxes and learned about Jesus!
Each shoebox impacts more people than just the children who receive them. Because of the way many people live together in large numbers, the latest statistic is that each shoebox impacts ten people with knowledge of Jesus! What an impact each one has! Multiply that by all the boxes in all the area churches. We make a big difference in many lives as they accept Jesus because of a box packed by caring churches and individuals!
At this time, we, members of area churches are collecting the $10.00 per box that pays for a Bible and other literature in each child’s language, training Christians who teach the children a series of Bible lessons, covers fees for transporting the boxes, etc. If you are willing to support this final step, you can donate your gift to your church or any church who packs shoeboxes. Label you gift “OCC Transportation Fees”. These fees will be paid to Samaritan’s Purse in November when the shoeboxes are shipped out from our churches.
ATTENTION, CHURCHES WHO PACK SHOEBOXES! If you have any leftovers after you pack your shoeboxes, you can put them in a box and turn the boxes in when you turn in the shoeboxes. You can use any box you have as long as it is not an OCC shoebox! CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FILLERS! I will turn the boxes of FILLER in when your shoeboxes are turned in.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30
Prayer Focus – Families in difficult circumstances
Read the Bible in 2026
September 19
Psalm 36-39
Obituaries
Lander Pearce Bilbary, M.D.
January 6, 1941 — September 16, 2026
Amite, LA
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at her home in Amite, LA. She was born January 6, 1941 in Bunkie, LA and was 85 years of age. She was married 56 years to Charles E. Bilbray. Lander went to pre-medical school at Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in chemistry. In 1968, she went on to graduate from LSU Medical School. After graduation, she worked 12 years at Veterans Administration Medical Center in New Orleans from 1974 until 1986 including 11 years full time where she was in charge of vascular radiology for several years and served as a clinical instructor at LSU Medical Center. Dr. Lander also worked 1 year part-time at Veterans Administration Medical Center in New Orleans as the head of ultrasound section and also served as assistant chief of radiology. During this time she also worked part-time in a private clinic practice in Prytania, New Orleans, Louisiana. She worked 15 years at Elmwood MRI/Metairie Imaging. Dr. Lander also worked 6 years at Open MRI of Metairie/Independence Imaging until Hurricane Katrina. She published a script and appeared in an educational video on hypotonic duodenography in conjunction with Louisiana Regional Medical Program and Tulane Medical School Department of Radiology. Dr. Lander was a member American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of Louisiana, and New Orleans Radiology Society until it closed due to Hurricane Katrina. She is survived by her brother, Steve Pearce; “Her Guardian Angel”,Wylie Foster. Preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bilbray; sister, Stephanie Corine Pearce; father, Berthol S. Pearce; mother, Eula Pearce. Graveside Services will be held at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA at 10:00AM on Monday, September 21, 2026. Services conducted by Chaplin Chris Chavers. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Sara “Denise” Stevens
August 11, 1948 — September 16, 2026
Tupelo, MS
Sara “Denise” Stevens
It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved aunt, Sara Denise Stevens, age 78, who passed away peacefully September 16, 2026 at approximately 6:00 PM in Laurel, Mississippi, surrounded by her loving family. Sara Denise was known as “Dee Dee” to those of us closest to her and as “Coach Stevens” to the many former students and athletes whose lives she touched. Born and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Denise devoted more than 40 years of her life to teaching and coaching. She taught and coached PE and health in Louisiana and Texas. She loved working with her students and young athletes and took great pride in encouraging them, teaching them, and being a part of their lives. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom and the playing field, and we know that many of her former students and athletes will remember her for years to come. Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Amy Belle Stevens and Wayne Stevens; her infant brother, Preston David Stevens; and her brother, Carl Wayne Stevens. But to us, she was so much more than just our aunt. She was warm, loving, caring, and a very special part of our family. She was someone we could laugh with, talk to, and simply enjoy being around. We were incredibly blessed to have her in our lives. Those who knew Denise also knew how much she loved her sports. She especially loved watching her beloved LSU Tigers, and you could always count on her keeping up with her favorite teams. She was surrounded in her final moments by family who loved her dearly, including Carl Wayne “Rusty” Stevens II and his wife, Cherilon; Julee Stevens Pousson; Micah Stevens; and Matthew Stevens. Denise leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless former students and athletes whose lives she touched, and a family who will miss her more than words can express. Rest peacefully, Dee Dee. You were so much more than an aunt to us, and we will carry your love and your memory with us always. Graveside Services will be held at Bolivar Cemetery, Bolivar, LA at 11:00AM on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Robert “Bobby” Forbes
February 14, 1947 — September 17, 2026
Amite, LA
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)
Robert Melvin “Bobby” Forbes, 79, of Roseland, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 17, 2026. He was born on February 14, 1947 in Amite, Louisiana, and was raised in the Amite community by his beloved grandmother.
Bobby was a 1965 graduate of Amite High School. Throughout his life, he was known for his strong work ethic, loyalty, quick wit, and genuine love for the people around him. He worked as a supervisor at K&B where the perk was all you could eat ice cream. He was a faithful member of Roseland Baptist Church, where his Christian faith was an important part of his life.
Bobby loved his family deeply, and his greatest pride and joy were his wife, Jane, their daughter, Laura, and their grandchildren. He and Jane built a life together centered around family, hard work, and making memories. After working hard throughout their lives, they enjoyed the opportunity to travel across the United States in their camper, seeing new places and experiencing the country together. Those travels became treasured memories that they shared as husband and wife.In retirement, Bobby and Jane returned home to Roseland, where they enjoyed settling back into the community and reconnecting with old friends.
An avid fisherman, Bobby enjoyed spending time outdoors and never needed much of an excuse to enjoy a day of fishing. He was also a devoted dog lover and had a special fondness for his four-legged companions, Bunny (2008) and Molly (2024). Whether fishing, traveling with Jane, spending time with family and friends, or simply enjoying the comforts of home, Bobby appreciated the simple things in life.
Above all, Bobby was a Christian whose faith was personal and deeply rooted. He was passionate about studying the Bible and faithfully read it every day. His love for Scripture was an important part of his daily life and his relationship with the Lord. His faith and love for God’s Word were a lasting part of the legacy he leaves with his family and friends.
Throughout Bobby’s extended illness, Jane remained faithfully by his side. With love, devotion, and unwavering commitment, she cared for him and walked with him through each season of his illness until his passing. Their nearly 55 years of marriage were a testament to the life they built together and the love they shared.
Bobby is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 55 years, Nancy “Jane” Russell Forbes; his daughter, Laura Ricuard; grandsons, Robert Ricuard (Anna) and Bruce Ricuard, Jr.
He is also survived by his siblings, Alice Mayer (Glenn), Bubba McCrory (Teresa), and Lester McCrory; sisters-in-law, Fairba Cade (Raymond) and Julie Kathy Russell; along with numerous extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will cherish his memory.
Bobby was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ruby Burch Forbes; mother-in-law, Juanita Bowman Russell Miller; siblings, Jackie Giroir (Sylvester), Linda Landreneau, John McCrory (Velma), Mary Murray, Nelson McCrory, and Essie Mae Sellers; and brothers-in-law, Lloyd Russell and Roy Russell.
Visitation at Roseland Baptist Church from 10:30AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Interment Arcola Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Kathy Wales asked me to include the name of Ronnie Ricks. He passed away yesterday. I expect his obituary will be available later today at McKneely Funeral Home.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:35-40
Missions
Get involved in one of the mission projects. Volunteer!
Important Date for your calendar
December 5, 2025
Women on Mission @Spring Creek at 10 A.M.
Learn about international missions.
This is when we bring stamped Christmas cards that are given to Tangipahoa Parish and St. Helena Parish to send to family members.
Closing Scripture
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.”
Happy Friday to all of you. I hope you plan a day that will benefit others, not always thinking about yourself.
A Scripture for Today
The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
Psalm 121:7-8
Prayer Focus
There have been a number of deaths in our communities lately. Please say special prayers for these families.
No new obituaries have been posted so far this morning.
Sunday School Lesson Reminder
September 20
“Saving Faith”
Romans 3:21-4:5
Scripture About Prayer
Continue steadfastly in prayer,
being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2
Missions – Manna
The ladies on this team prepare food, determine where the food is delivered, and deliver the food to homes. If you would like to prepare some food, make suggestions about needs, and/or take part in delivering it, please contact Haley, Toni, or Jackie. The church office can give you contact numbers for these ladies.
Missions – Georgia Barnette Offering for Missions in Louisiana
Pray
Join us in praying for the Georgia Barnette Offering and the ministries it supports all through the year. Through the month of September, we will pray for 4 featured ministries.
Reminder – Hope Center
We have a delivery person checking on food delivered to the church by you. It will be transported to the Home Center on a routine basis.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.Psalm 91:1-3
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for all those around us who are lonely. After we pray for them, let’s find a way to help that feeling go away for a while. Suggestions: visits, eating lunch together, short shopping trip, walking in the yard, looking at a photo album, talking about mutual friends, emjoying a snack together, etc. The main thing is to spend time together! Both of you will be blessed.
What a great gathering we had yesterday! New ladies, good discussions, good meal, wonderful discussion, etc. We will be studying chapter three in our book about Ruth next Wednesday. All ladies are invited to join us for lunch and Bible study.
A Scripture about Prayer
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
Missions!
It’s all about Jesus!
Operation Christmas Child
If your church has not already decided to pack ashoeboxs, you still have time. There are ways you can still be involved. You have plenty of time to pack as an individual, class, business, family, class, etc.
One way of packing I do not usually include is packing online. On your phone or computer you make a few choices (boy or girl, age group, what items you wish to include). You pay for the shoebox online. They do all the rest for you. It’s easier and quicker, but to me personally it takes away the joys of shopping, working together, all the hands on work, and filling the boxes.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for those in hospitals, rehab facilities, nursing homes, and limited to their homes.
We need to add an additional name to our lists today. Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson fell and injured her back. She’s in North Oaks. I know you will want to pray for her and add her to your prayer journal.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another,
that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous person has great power
as it is working.
James 5:16
Missions
I know most, if not all churches, have numerous mission projects. One of the benefits of mission organizations like WMU is to share what’s going on in our churches and gather ideas from other churches and/or mission locations. I believe that was surely done Saturday at the Associational WMU meeting. Not only will addition canned goods and other items be collected for the Hope Center, but more workers will volunteer to serve on a regular basis.
Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana
Georgia’s Story
The moment I stepped off that train in New Orleans in 1901, something stirred in my soul. I was new to Louisiana—this beautiful, complex tapestry of cultures and landscapes—but the Lord had prepared my heart for what would become my life’s calling.
I still remember my first Sunday at First Baptist Church of New Orleans. The congregation welcomed me warmly, but I couldn’t help noticing how much work remained to be done. So many souls in this vibrant city had yet to hear the Gospel, and beyond the city limits stretched countless communities across the state where Christ’s message needed to reach.
People often ask what drove me to travel those difficult miles across Louisiana. The answer is simple: love. Love for my Savior and love for the people of this remarkable state. When I accepted the position as the first Executive Director and Treasurer of the Woman’s Missionary Union, it wasn’t about a title—it was about having a platform to mobilize believers across Louisiana.
The challenges we faced were numerous. Transportation was difficult, funding was scarce, and not everyone understood why missions in our own state mattered so much. But I would often remind my fellow believers: “How can we reach the world for Jesus if we haven’t first reached our neighbors here in Louisiana?”
I haven’t read any of today’s articles yet, but I look forward to doing so.
Pine Ridge Bible Study
Tomorrow at noon
We will be studying chapter two of our book about Ruth.
We had a number of new members last week.
Another Scripture
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door
and pray to your Father who is in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:6
Missions
Thank-you to all the members of area churches for your generous gift to the annual Fall Food Roundup for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. Many of you were very generous.
Reminders
Don’t forget the Georgia Barnette Offering for ministries (new churches, summer camps, family campground ministries, college ministries, food ministries, etc.) in Louisiana. You can be a part of so many wonderful things when you give and help meet needs. Let God use you….
Thank you for your donations of food and/or money fot the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home to have for the next year. Pick-up in the Kentwood area will be today. The pick-up for the churches south of here will begin tomorrow.
The Georgia Barnette offering for churches/projects will be collected all month. This offering is for work in Louisiana. When you give to this offering, you can be confident all of it is used here in our state to help tell others about Jesus in so many different ways.
Thank-you for supporting these and other ministries in our churches. Make a decision to be involved/support these and other missions.
Closing Scripture
Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed,
for I am your God;
I will strengthen you,
I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
What is God leading you to do this very day? Listen to His plans!
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
Church Services
This is the Lord’s Day. Let’s pray for people to attend services in their chosen church and learn from teachers and pastors.
Read the Bible in 2026
September 13
Psalm 1-8
Obituary
Elbert Hamilton “Bert” Newton, Jr.
January 16, 1941 — September 10, 2026
Roseland, LA
Elbert Hamilton “Bert” Newton, Jr. was born January 16, 1941. He went to be with the Lord September 10, 2026.
He served his country in the United States Air Force. He served his community as a firefighter and police officer in the Town of Roseland. He then served the parish as a deputy for Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office where he achieved the rank of lieutenant. While serving his community he also served as deacon at Roseland Baptist Church. He was a lifetime member of Amite Masonic Lodge.
He married Vivian Schmidt of McComb, MS. They enjoyed life together camping, jet skiing, and watching beautiful sunsets at Percy Quinn State Park. He is survived by his daughter Natalie Newton, son-in-law Rick Elder, and grandson Zander Cole Monteleone.
He is also survived by nieces Becky Lambert (Edward) and Mandy Wootan (Evan), and many great/great-great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Mildred and Elbert Newton Sr., sister Anne Filteau (Jeremy), nephew Lynn Filteau, and wife Vivian Schmidt Newton.
Services will be held at FBC Roseland. The visitation will be Thursday evening, Sept. 17th, from 6–8 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday morning, Sept. 18th, from 10–11 a.m. with service at 11 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Arcola-Roseland Cemetery. After interment, friends and family are welcome to gather at FBC Roseland for food and fellowship. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.
Associational WMU
A nice group of ladies from a number of churches attended. The meeting went very well yesterday. Officers for the next two years weree chosen. Our special guests from the Hope Center in Roseland were very informative and encouraging.
I trust you will find some interesting stories to read here this morning.
Sunday School
I hope you will enjoy a time of learning and sharing in your class this morning.
Prayer Focus
Spend one or more times in prayer. Thank God the George Bales was able to come home after eleven days of hospitalization. Please continue to pray for him and his family.
Closing Scripture
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:28
Thank you for reading and praying today. Make today count in positive ways.
But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
IIThessalonians 3:3
Prayer Focus
Today. let’s focus on governments and leaders. Let’s pray each one knows God and strives to serve both God and their country as God would have them to do.
David and I were blessed to see Debi Bales yesterday afternoon. She gave us an update on George. Please continue to pray for them and their family.
Read the Bible in 2026
September 12
Job 40-42
Obituaries
There are no new obituaries posted for our area this morning.
Baptist Press
The headline article immediately caught my attention.
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. II Samuel 22:3-41
Today’s the Day!
The Women on Missions groups from throughout our are will meet at 10:00 this morning at FBC, Kentwood to learn more about the Hope Center which is one of the locations in our area receiving funds through the Georgia Barnette Offering. That is the focus of the meeting today. This is the time of the year when we focus on missions in Louisiana.
If you are involved in missions leadership in your church, you are invited to our leadership meeting at 9:00 before the regular meeting. I hope to see many of you this morning.
Fall Food Round-Up
This weekend will finalize our time to bring food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies to area Baptist churches for 2026. A truck will be in our area going from church to church early Monday morning. That is the deadline for this year. You are also invited to send checks that can be used to purchase item they need during the year. They can get large group discounts, so a check is also a good way to support them.
A Final Scripture for this morning.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Psalm 100:2 (KJV)
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for those who don’t know Jesus as their Savior. Hopefully, this very weekend will be when they do.
There are many people who need our prayers. One group is older folks, but there are troubled people, people without a focus, people with financial concerns, disputes in families or on the job, etc. Pray for others, with or without calling a name.
Read the Bible in 2026
September 11
Job 38-39
Baptist Press
Today’s articles are about 9/11 and look so interesting. Read how the day impacted so many lives. It still impacts many lives today
There are no new obituaries listed for our area this morning.
Verse about Contentment
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 1 Timothy 6:6 ESV
Missions – Georgia Barnette Offering
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 1 Timothy 6:6 ESV
The WMU meeting tomorrow morning will introduce you to opportunities for you at the Hope Center in Roseland. I hope you will plan to be at FBC, Kentwood at 10:00 A.M. tomorrow. The Gerogia Barnette Offering is such a great opportunity to witness for others.
Missions is about giving and doing for others, not about something we can add to our list of worldly treasures. Come and learn how you can join the team working at the Hope Center or another of the many opportunities we have to serve God in our state.
The meeting tomorrow is not just for those who have joined a group that meets periodically. It is for anyone who wants to learn about our mission to share Jesus with others. Please feel free to join us in learning.
Volunteer?
You can be a volunteer to help get ready for tomorrow’s WMU meeting. Meet us at the church at 2:00 this afternoon. We will be in the. fellowship hall. Opportunities abound! Don’t let them pass you by.
Closing Scripture
For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.
The Prayer Link 
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