THE PRAYER LINK – WEDNESDAY

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. 

Baptist Press

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Sunday School Lesson

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.

Philippians 4:6 

Thanks for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee