Have you ever noticed the picture at the top of my post every day? It is a sunset photo of Swan Lake at Berry College in Rome, Georgia, the location of the Mission Fuge camp for our church youth this summer.It is a beautiful location day or night, any day of the year. If you know a youth or chaperone who attended, you might want to share this photo. with them.
Scripture for Today
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 NIV
I hope you know and have friendship with HIM!
Prayer Focus
Join me in praying for those who are in new situations, high school, college, jobs. etc. Let’s pray they will search for situations that provide reliable friends that help them build a wonderful relationship to God.
Read the Bible in 2026
- August 25
- Nehemiah 7
Obituary for Mr. Billy Swindle
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Natchez Trace Funeral Home, Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematory – Madison on Aug. 20, 2026.
Billy Leon Swindle of Madison, MS went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday August 19, 2026, at MS Baptist Medical Center after an abundant 89 years of life. He was born on December 11, 1936, in Carrollton, AL to Opal Williamson and Roy Lee Swindle. He grew up and graduated high school in West Point, MS in 1954. Shortly after, he met his beautiful bride Elizabeth Swindle, and the two were married on July 14th, 1956. They recently celebrated 70 beautiful years together as husband and wife. Billy later received his bachelor’s degree in education from Mississippi College in 1958, where he also was quarterback for their football team, and received his master’s degree in education in 1966.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Ray and Carlton Swindle. Billy is survived by his four children, Jay Swindle (Louisa), Mike Swindle, Mark Swindle (Jennifer), and Christy Brady (Brad). He was also lovingly known as “PawPaw” to nine grandchildren, Jenna Hutcheson (Grant), Hope Guillory (Rhein), Alyssa Swindle, Steven Swindle (Cady), Sydney Walters (Caleb), Kailee Phillips (Parker), Hannah Minter (Joshua), Avery Hunt (Ethan), and Parker Brady, along with eight great grandchildren- Laikyn, Caroline, Jack, Jace, Kynslee, Weston, Reese, Charli, and one great granddaughter on the way-Eden. He leaves behind a legacy of deep love and admiration for his family.
Billy was passionate about education and had an accomplished career in the school systems for fifty years. He served as both coach and teacher at Tunica High School (1958-1961), Canton High School (1961-1963), Durant High School (1963-1966), and Tylertown High School (1966-1968). He served as high school principal at Ripley High School (1968-1969) and Hazelhurst High School (1969-1970) and was the first headmaster at Woodland Hills Baptist Academy (1970-1975). He ended his prestigious career in education at Parklane Academy in McComb, MS- a school in which he was proud to serve as headmaster for 33 years (1975-2008). He also leaves behind a legacy of students and faculty who were touched by his care and leadership for those he coached, taught, and mentored.
Billy had many hobbies and interests over time, including playing golf, taking walks with his wife and dogs, exercising, watching sports, and spending time with his church friends and family members. He spent the latter of his life residing in Madison, MS since 2014 and was a proud member of First Baptist Church of Madison.
Out of all the many notable accomplishments Billy had throughout his life, the one that his family is the proudest of is his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord and spent his private time reading his Bible and devotional books and publicly teaching God’s Word in his Sunday School class and to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He set an example for all those around him of what a godly man looks like-a loving husband, devoted father, hardworking educator, and overall faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Because of that personal decision Billy made many years ago to give his life to Jesus, we have great confidence that he is now in the joyous presence of his Savior. And all those who have put their faith in Christ look forward to seeing Billy again in glory. While we mourn his loss on earth, we rejoice that he is now in his eternal home with King Jesus and we will one day see him again. And what a glorious day that will be!
Polly Elizabeth Griffin Bridges
September 10, 1947 – August 22, 2026
Kentwood, LA – I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalms 121: 1-2
Born in Jackson, LA, married Charles A. Bridges where she became a longtime resident of St. Helena Parish. She passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026 at the age of 78, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Most of all she was a devoted Christian and served her church faithfully as a teacher and secretary for many years. Polly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, working with her plants and flowers in her yard, and being a member of the garden club and historical society where she enjoyed her “outings”. She is survived by her sons, Mitchel Adrian Bridges and wife, Donde, Joseph Wilson Bridges and wife, Jennifer; 11 grandchildren, William Bridges and wife, Robbi, Matthew Bridges and wife, Kayla, Rachael Graham and husband, Jake, Rebecca Bridges, Davin Booty and wife, Marlee, Ashton Bridges Allen and husband, Brennan, Sarah Byars and husband, Josh, Lauren Harrelson and husband, Denver, Kirkland Bridges and wife, Jazilyn, Eliza Bridges and Charley Bridges; 14 great-grandchildren, Kaylynn, Piper, Madelyn, Blakely, Annabelle, Kori Kate, Sadie Mae, Karsyn. Naomi, Hutson, Briggs, Adrienne, Hallie Rae, and Everleigh; brothers, Wade Griffin and wife Debby and Joseph Griffin, Jr. and wife Kathey. Preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bridges; parents, Joseph Griffin, Sr. and Ionia Griffin. Special thanks to Mrs. Joyce Ann Gilbert for all her service and care, along with several others that the family appreciates. Visitation at Taylor Creek Baptist Church from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, August 28, 2026. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment will follow at New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Baptist Press
There are a number of good articles here, but I am sharing about one that caught my attention.
At least 176 Christians killed or imprisoned in Iran; watching Gospel TV criminalized
By Diana Chandler, posted August 24, 2026 in International News, Persecution
Sunday School Lesson for this Week
- “Explore the Bible”
- August 30th
- “Redemption”
- Ruth 3:8-13; 4:13-17
Additional Scripture
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
Reminders
- Class on Grief at FBC to begin the first Sunday of September
- Ladies’ Missions meeting at FBC on Saturday, September 12th for all ladies of all churches. The meeting begins at 10:00 and ends with a potluck lunch.
Final Scripture for Today
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all. Mark 9:35, NIV
I know many people who fit this description. The ladies meeting on September 12th will give you some ideas of how we can do this locally. I hope you will come and participate.
Thanks for reading this morning. Have a wonderful Saturday!
Anna Lee
The Prayer Link 
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