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.
Time flies by! We’re already in the second half of this week!
Here’s a Scripture to start this Thursday!
But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for those who are lonely even though they are not alone. They might be at school, working a job, living in a busy neighborhood, etc. There are people all around them, but they still feel alone. That’s one reason we need to speak to people. We can help their break their feeling of loneliness, even if for a short time.
Update
George Bales is still hospitalized in Hammond. Your prayers for George and the family will be greatly appreciated.
Read the Bible in 2026
September 10
Job 35-37
Obituary
Genevieve Dupont
Dominique
Jun 10, 1939 — Sep 1, 2026
Genevieve Dupont Dominique went into eternal rest on September 1, 2026. Genevieve was born in Jennings, Louisiana on June 10, 1939 to Abbie and Susan Dupont. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family, and reading books any chance she could get.
Genevieve will be remembered by her daughters Dena Dominique, Wanda Smith (Lea), sons Ken Dominique (Joy), Joey Dominique (Mary), Steven Dominique (Sharon), brother George Dupont (Frances), grandchildren Jena’ Leake (Ben), Lauren Stroud (Eric), Chance Dominique, Macie Dominique, Kayla Miller (Luke), Erin Herring (Joseph), Travis Bruce (Courtney), Brandon Bruce (Katie), great grandchildren Sean Bruce, Sera Bruce, Landon Miller, Jensen Miller, Emery Stroud, Knox Herring, Julien Bruce, and Willow Bruce.
She is preceded in passing by her beloved husband of 60 years Burt P. Dominique, parents Abbie and Susan Dupont, brother Abbie Dupont, and son in law Julien Bruce.
A graveside inturnment will be held at Friday September 11, 2026 for 10AM at Memorial Gardens Cemetery located at 2618 Hwy 43 S. Picayune, MS 39466.
Choose the articles that draw your attention. Enjoy reading.
Sunday School Lesson
September 13
“Coming Judgment”
Romans 2:1-13
Scripture on Peace
EasyEnglish Bible reads: “I will go away but I will give you a gift of peace. It is mine to give and yours to keep. It is not like a gift that this world gives. Do not let yourselves be sad. Do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Georgia Barnette, Offering 2026
Planting new churches in Louissiana
Compassion Ministries
Meals during Disasters
Church Construction Help
Scholarships
Media Outreach
Only Two More Days
WMU Meeting for Our Area
FBC, Kentwood. Fellowship Hall
Saturday
Leadership Meeting at 9:00
Meeting at 10:00
Bring a covered dish for our lunch.
Speakers will share about the Hope Center
Closing Scripture
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Good morning friends. Let’s start with a Scripture.
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18
Prayer Focus – Let’s pray for the new Bible study, beginning today at Pine Ridge. It’s about two great women who lived long ago – Naomi and Ruth. They lived through some difficult times, but wound up being a part of the genealogy for Jesus.
Read the Bible in 2026
September 9
Job 32-34
Obituaries
Richard Paul White
September 12, 1947 — September 7, 2026
Kentwood, LA
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Monday, September 7, 2026. He was born September 12, 1947 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 78 years of age. Richard was one of a kind. He was loud, rough around the edges, and always had something to say. He was a country man who loved working in the field and bailing hay, but underneath that tough exterior was a big heart. He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back and always made sure his family was taken care of. He loved to joke and his sense of humor and unmistakable personality will never be forgotten. Family meant everything to Richard. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren more than words could say, and he loved making memories with them. He also loved to dance, and whether he was cutting loose on the dance floor or joking around with family and friends, he knew how to have a good time. He wasn’t perfect, and he certainly wasn’t quiet, but he was loving, hardworking, generous, and always himself. He wasn’t just Paw to his family—he was Paw to everybody, and there will never be another one like him. We will miss his voice, his jokes, his dancing, and most of all, his presence. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Missy and Jessie White; son-in-law, Ricky Williams; 7 grandchildren, Bryan Menard, Harley Jones and husband, John, Wyatt Travis, Kayla, Cole, Krissy and Kasey Williams; 10 great-grandchildren, Heidi Menard, Bradley Holton, Ella Menard, Cooper, Mason and Addie Jones, Cohen, Emmett, and Evan Williams, and Everleigh Dunigan; and a brother, Russel White. Preceded in death by his wife, Lynell Hyde White, parents, Enos and Marie White; daughter, Pam Williams; grandson, Grant White; sister, Beverly Cernich; and 3 brothers, Enos, Bobby, and Harold White. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, September 14, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Tim Lacoste. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Gary Wayne Woodard
July 13, 1952 — September 7, 2026
Kentwood, LA
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28–30
Gary Wayne Woodard, born on July 13, 1952, in Kentwood, Louisiana, went to his heavenly home on September 7th, 2026.
While Gary was a quiet man, his love for his family ran deep. He adored his daughter, Ashley, and frequently shared that she was the absolute best thing in his life. Known affectionately by his friends as “Red Bird,” Gary found joy in the simple things: casting a fishing line, firing up the grill, watching LSU Football, and spending time riding around town with his lifelong buddy, Eddie.
Gary leaves behind his only daughter, Ashley Nicole Woodard Turner, and her husband, Kyle; He was the youngest of five children and is survived by his brothers, Virgil “Woody” Woodard Jr. (MaryLee) and Roy Woodard; and his sister, MarySue Woodard. Gary also leaves behind his nephews, Samuel Woodard and Brandon Lester (Kori); his niece, Casey Whittington (Jason); his great-nephews, Eli Woodard and Barrett Whittington; and his great-nieces, Reese Whittington, Khloe Lester, and Kamryn Lester.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil V. Woodard and Mary Nell Cain Woodard; his grandparents, Samuel and Sally Woodard and David and Susie Cain; his sister, Patricia “Tish” Lester, and brother-in-law, John Lester; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was also preceded in death by his two lifelong friends, Eddie Cummings and Gene Swindle.
Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood, on Saturday, September 12th, 2026 from 9:00 AM until the religious service begins at 11:00 AM conducted by Deacon David Templeton. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Kentwood. Pallbearers will be Kyle Turner, Samuel Woodard, Brandon Lester, Jason Whittington, Eli Woodard, and Barrett Whittington.
If you have not begun to study your lesson for this week, today is a good day to do so.
Pine Ridge Bible Study
Noon Today
Study of Ruth
Study with some wonderful, Christians ladies
Call me this morning if you have questions.
Coming Real Soon – Associational WMU Meeting
Saturday morning at 10 A.M.
Leadership meeting att 9 A.M.
Learn more about Georgia Barnette Offering
Close with a pot-luck meal, so bring your favorite dish
Fall Food Round-Up for the Children’s Home
The pick-up day is September 14th. You still have time to bring more items for them. Think about cleaning supplies and toiletries if you get to shop some today. They are always needed and appreciated too. They really need more than food.
Closing Scripture
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
“But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you;
what I have vowed I will pay.
Salvation belongs to the Lord!”
Jonah 2:9:
(Jonah learned the lesson the hard way!)
PRAYER FOCUS
Today, let’s pray for rain to fall on areas that are very dry.
READ THE BIBLE IN 2026
Sept. 8
Jonah 29-31
Obituaries
No new obituaries are listed at this time. You might want to check back this afternoon. I was informed of a local death, but it has not been listed yet.
Two Requests for Prayer
George Babes – at North Oaks
Ferrie Gen Blackmon – Her next test will show how beneficial her cancer treatment has been.
Pray for all the Kentwood ladies who have had a recent shoulder surgery. Pray they will be as immobile as the doctor suggests.
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”
Colossians 3:23-24
Missions
LA Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe Annual Fall Food Roundup
Bring food, toiletries. and cleaning supplies. Checks to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home are also appreciated. They are helpful so the LBCH can make purchases all during the year as needs arise.
Coming Soon – Bible Study
The Pine Ridge study of Ruth begins Wednesday, tomorrow, at noon. You can research Naomi and Ruth and read Ruth 1:1-5. If you have the book, you can read the introduction and chapter 1.
(I have read and studied Ruth many times, but I learned new information from the author of our book when I prepared for tomorrow’s meeting.)
If you have any questions about joining this group, I will be glad to help you. Give me a call or send me a text message.
Georgia Barnette Missions Offering
The focus of the Georgia Barnette Offering is mission work in Louisiana. Two men who are long-time volunteers at the Hope Center will be our guests. Come learn with us. Our meeting will be at FBC, Kentwood and begins at 10 A.M.
There will be a leadership meeting at 9:00 in the fellowship hall for 1-2 leaders of each church.
Following the meeting, we will have a potluck lunch. Bring a favorite dish you want to share. The church will provide the chicken and tea.
Closing Scripture
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth,
when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,
The Prayer Link 
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