THE PRAYER LINK – SATURDAY

I am thanking God for allowing me to have had a good week and to spend time with friends in times to sadness and joy, as well as involvement with some of you to work on projects for our Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.

Today’s Scripture

That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

1 John 1:3 (WEB)

Prayer Focus

Let’s pray for comfort during the summer months as the temperatures rise. Be sure to say special prayers for those who can not as easily survive as others. Help others as needed.

Obituaries

Dr. Ernest Morris Graham

July 7, 1964 – July 15, 2026

Obituary for Dr. Ernest Morris Graham

A memorial service for Dr. Ernest Morris Graham, age 62 of Lindale, Texas, is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2026 at the Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home Chapel in Lindale, Texas. Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. prior to the service.
Ernest passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Lindale. He was born on July 7, 1964, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Edsel Burlin and Mary Ann (Morris) Graham. Ernest had just recently moved to Lindale and was previously of Longview, Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. After earning numerous degrees (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Louisiana College), he was currently working as an Adjunct Professor with LeTourneau University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Graham also served as a Minister of Education, Missionary, Pastor, and in Chaplain roles throughout his career. In his spare time, Ernest enjoyed watching sports, playing golf with his sons, reading to his grandchildren, and “chewing” on God’s Word with his wife.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chief of Police, Edsel Burlin and Mary Ann Graham, of Kentwood, Louisiana.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Samantha Graham of Lindale; children, William Graham and wife, Kasey of Long Island, New York; Clayton Graham and wife, Mollie of Fort Worth, Texas and their children, Soren and Judah Graham; Joseph Graham and wife, Julia of Longview, Texas; sisters, Becky Purvis and husband, Rusty, and Beth Lee and husband, Tim, both of Amite, Louisiana; niece and nephew Krista and Jeremy Purvis; and nieces Maryanna and Macy Lee.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Dr. Graham’s memory by instilling a treasured habit of his into your lives – telling a loved one what or who you’re thankful for, praying and eating as a family at the dinner table, or choosing a name of God to meditate on for the coming year at Christmastime.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. Ernest Morris Graham please visit our Sympathy Store.

Upcoming Events

Visitation

JUL 24. 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (CT)

Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home

206 West South Street

Lindale, TX 75771

(903) 882-3141

Memorial Service

JUL 24. 10:00 AM (CT)

Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home

206 West South Street

Lindale, TX 75771

(903) 882-3141

jeff@crdfh.com

Order Flowers for the Memorial Service Guaranteed delivery before Ernest’s
Memorial Service begins.

Read the Bible in 2026

  • July 18
  • I Kings 15-17

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

I have glanced over these articles and plan to come back to read most of these this afternoon.

A Verse to Meditate On

Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. 

Psalm 37:37

Today is the Day

The associational missions meeting at FBC, Greensburg will give you a good opportunity to learn about two missions, one in Baton Rouge and one internationally. You can come with a group or come on your own. Just come for 10:00 A.M. Finish the morning enjoying the pot-luck lunch.

This weekend is a good time to “Serve the Lord With Gladness”!

Finalize your plans and preparations for tomorrow, the Lord’s Day.

Anna Lee

THE PRAYER LINK – FRIDAY

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.  Psalm 32:8

PRAYER FOCUS

Again, we have a number of families to pray for due to deaths and other issues. Take your personal prayer list and go to your special place, if you have one, and get ready to have a heart-to-heart with Jesus.

Read the Bible in 2026

  • July 17
  • I Kings 12-14

Obituaries

Ann Gayle McNabb Huff

Oct 26, 1949 — Jul 14, 2026

Kentwood

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born October 26, 1949 in Magnolia, MS and was 76 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Huff; son, Keith Jarrell (Amber); step-children, Ruthann Thompson (Randy), Deborah Holliday (Jerry), Vikki Rutter, Bobby Huff, and Terry Huff; brother, Barry Keith McNabb; grandchildren, Christine Allen (Jack), Willie McGuff (Terra), Allison Roberson (Chris), Shane Church (Noah),Jeremy Anderson (Gabby), Jimmy Nettles, Kadon Anderson, Shannon Holliday (Joshua), Briar Anderson, Bayou Anderson, James Nettles (Crystal), Dakota Chisholm (Paisley), Conner Chisholm, Tristian Chisholm, Kinsley Jarrell, Kolt Jarrell, Timmy Huff, Ben Slaven, Phillip Fredenburg, Joseph Fredenburg (Misty),Tiffany Collums (Cliff), and Teresa Thompson; great-grandchildren, Stetson, Lisa, Jaxx, Colton, James, Matthew, Callie, Julee, Payton, Mason, Ashley, Brandon, Michael, Adalyn, Waylon, Remington, Hannah, Josephine, James, Jr., Haden, Skyler, Olivia, Brooke, Anglena, Austin, Sophia, Jayla, Ella, Grace, Brevick, and Wesson; great-great-grandchildren, Oakley, Kolt, and Aubree; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Nathan “Nat” Williams and Aubrey McMillan. Preceded in death by her spouse, Robert Linfield Huff; daughters, Julee Jarrell, Susan Adams, and Jaime Huff; son, Robert Jarrell; parents, Robert and Nannie Belle McNabb; brother, Johnny McNabb; niece, Lynette Woodard; special granddaughter, Megean Knippers. Pallbearers are Michael McNabb, Benny McNabb, Robert Glen McNabb, Kelly McNabb, Ronald Woodard, Christopher McNabb, and Landon McNabb. Honorary Pallbearers are Keith Jarrell, Willie McGuff, Jeremy Anderson, Jr., Shane Church, Conner Chisholm, Dakota Chisholm, Briar Anderson, James Nettles, and Jimmy Nettles. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Blades. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.


Juan Blades Potts

Nov 15, 1944 — Jul 15, 2026

Kentwood

Juan Blades Potts, a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the age of 81. She was born November 15, 1944, in Magnolia, Mississippi, to Charlie and Ruby Cutrer Blades.

Juan grew up in the Spring Creek Community and graduated from Spring Creek High. She was known as an excellent athlete and carried her love for sports into adulthood, always ready for a good ballgame. She married her high school sweetheart, W.A. Potts, and built a life with him and their three children in the East Fork Community of Kentwood for 57 years. She was a member of East Fork Baptist Church.

She worked alongside her husband in the dairy business and trucking business (Potts Trucking) while maintaining the household. She also worked at Spring Creek Milling for a time after her children were raised. She enjoyed the fellowship with customers and fellow employees.

She had a knack for decorating for all holidays; this was something she enjoyed doing along with cooking and especially making candy, something she passed along to the younger ladies in her family. She took pride in loving and raising her children. Her grandchildren were a constant in her home, and this gave her joy.

She is survived by her children: William Todd Potts (Cathy), Randall Kirk Potts (Renea), and Darla Potts Bridges (Khris); grandchildren: William Russton Potts (Julia), Amy Lynn Potts Brown (Cody), Chelsey Brooke Pellegrin (Garrin), Lana Michelle Ernest (Melanie), Haley Potts, and Dalton Blake Bridges; eleven great-grandchildren; sister, Peggy Blades Givens; brothers, Louis “Frog” Blades and Rex Blades (Mary). Preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Ruby Blades; husband, William Albert “W.A.” Potts; granddaughter, Brandy Potts; great-grandson, Holland Pellegrin; twin sister, Janice Fay Blades; sister, Bernadette Blades Oliver; and brother, Charlie “Sonny” Blades.

Pallbearers are William Russton Potts, Scotty Oliver, Cody Brown, Dalton Bridges, Terry Oliver, and Eugene Tackett. Visitation will take place at East Fork Baptist Church from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Services will be conducted by Bro. Jay Avance. Burial will take place at East Fork Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.

The family would like to thank Aston Court of McComb, MS, and Compassus Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care.

Also Dr. Ernest Graham has moved to heaven to receive his many rewards in heaven. There is no obituary at this time, but you can see a special post from one of Ernest’s sons on Becky Purvis’ or Beth Lee’s facebook pages. I’ll post the obituary when it becomes available

Services for Eddie Keith Schwartz will be this evening at McKneely’s in Amite.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Good articles to read today!

Sunday School Lesson (Reminder)

  • July 19
  • “Vital Decision”
  • Joshua 24:14-24

Meditate on this verse today.

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation…To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (KJV)

Reminder – Associational WMU Meeting

  • Tomorrow morning at 10:00 A.M.
  • FBC, Greensburg
  • Learn about many mission Opportunitiess
  • Potluck Lunch to follow

Think and do according to the needs of others!

New Baby

David and I have our first great grandchild!

Sylvie Lynn Alford was born last Friday in Rome, GA. (I waited for them to post first.)

  • Parents – Braden and Virginia Nash Alford
  • July 10, 2026
  • Rome Georgia
  • 7 lb. 7 oz.
  • 20 in. long
  • Both sets of grandparents also live in Rome.
  • Branden, Virginia, and Sylvie have been home a few days and all are doing well.

Anna Lee


THE PRAYER LINK – THURSDAY

It’s the middle of another month. Time seems to move quicker now than it did in previous years. It must be a result of aging and a lack of a strict routine.

A Scripture for Today (Serving God)

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation…To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (KJV)

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for those we see frequently. Enjoying the company of others seems to make time go by quickly. Today, let’s thank God for those we see most ofter. It might be a relative, a neighbor, a friend, etc. Let’s thank God for them ask Him to bless those we see most often in the stage of life we are zooming through now.

Read the Bible in 2026

  • July 16
  • I Kings 10-11

Obituary

Charles Bradley Cleveland

Jun 28, 1972 — Jul 14, 2026

Brandon, MS

Passed away on July 14, 2026 at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS. He was born June 28, 1972 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg, LA. He was 54 years old. He resided in Rankin County Mississippi with a very special young lady and the love of his life, Stephanie Parks. He is survived by his parents, Robert and Rayanne Cleveland; his loving children, Ashton Lyle Cleveland and Emilyanne Mariam Cleveland; his uncle, Charles and Rita Allen and cousin Bryan Allen were very special to him. He will also be missed by a multitude of family members and friends. He was a very enthusiastic LSU fan and loved to play golf. He was a graduate of Runnels Academy in Baton Rouge and Mississippi College in Clinton, MS. Visitation will be at Pine Ridge Methodist Church from 10:00AM until Memorial Services at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Dr. Michael Townsend. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Today’s articles cover various interesting topics. Enjoy reading some of them.

Facing Uncertainly

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD,

plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

 Jeremiah 29:11

Reminder – Associational WMU Meeting

  • Saturday – This Week!
  • FBC, Greensburg
  • 10 A.M.
  • Potluck Lunch
  • Two Mission Topics – Seaman’s Mission in Baton Rouge & Distributing Shoeboxes Internationally
  • Come see what’s happening in missions. Get encouraged.

Children’s Camp

The children of FBC, Kentwood will attend camp next week. Begin praying for them now.

Sunday School Lesson

  • Explore the Bible Series
  • Joshua 24:14-24

Closing Scripture

“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”
Isaiah 58:10

Thank you for taking time to read here. May God bless you richly today as you serve Him!

Anna Lee

THE PRAYER LINK – WEDNESDAY

Today’s Scripture

I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Prayer Focus

  • Vacation Bible Schools
  • Camps for Children and Youth
  • Mission Projects and Trips
  • Those facing difficult medical issues
  • Families with recent deaths
  • Children, youth, teachers, and others who are out of school for the summer

Read the Bible in 2026

  • July 15
  • I Kings 8-9

Obituaries

No new obituaries listed at this time

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

I predict you will find more than one news article you are interested in.

Sunday School Lesson

I know it is only Wednesday, but it is certainly a good day to begin studying for Sunday’s lesson.

  • July 19
  • “Vital Decisions”
  • Joshua 24:14-24

Scripture about Others

“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, you were doing it to me!’    Matthew 25:40

Thank you for checking in here today. Now, pray and move into action.

Anna Lee

THE PRAYER LINK – TUESDAY

Scriptures for Today

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me Revelation 3:20 KJV

Sorry, about the delay. The sky didn’t cooperate this morning. Enjoy some of this cool day outside if you have the opportunity.

Read the Bible in 2026.

  • July 14
  • I Kings 6-7

Obituaries

Ruth Stewart Cutrer

December 20, 1948 – July 10, 2026

A resident of Osyka, MS, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026 at her home. She was born December 20, 1948 in Clinton, LA and was 77 years of age. She is survived by her husband, George D. Cutrer; sons, Kevin D. Cutrer and wife, Catherine and Eric S. Cutrer and wife, Shari; sister, Helen “Rose” Cook; brothers, Paul N. Stewart, Don E. Stewart, and Larry J. Stewart; grandchildren, Kade Cutrer, Landon “Grasshopper” Cutrer, Elliott McRae, Macey Cutrer, and Myles Cutrer. Preceded in death by her parents, Robert Odell Stewart and Lillian Kossow Stewart; brothers, Robert Allen Stewart and Arthur Leslie Stewart. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Eddie Keith Schwartz

September 22, 1952 – June 28, 2026

Eddie Keith Schwartz joined God on June 28, 2026. He was born on September 22, 1952 to John and Mary Alice Schwartz. Eddie Keith attended Kentwood High School and went on to pursue his education at Southwest Community College and Southeastern Louisiana University with a marketing and finance degree. He was a banker for 40 years and an avid golfer.  Most importantly, he was a man of God and has belonged to First Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA his entire life. Eddie Keith will be missed by many, but his daughter, Ashley, was his proudest accomplishment. He was a loved father and son. He leaves behind his daughter, Ashley Schwartz, 42, and a brother, Shelly Schwartz, along with special cousins, Charlie and Richard Schwartz. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until Memorial Services at 7:00PM on Friday, July 17, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Darryl Miller. 

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

WMU and Women on Mission

We will gather at FBC, Greensburg Saturday morning at 10:00 A.M. to discuss mission opportunities, and conclude with a potluck meal. All ladies and girls are invited to attend. The speakers sound like they are going to be great. Come get some ideas about missions you as an individual or as a member of a group might want to participate in. If you have any questions, call Judy Noonan of Greensburg or me.

Another Scripture

“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

Coming Soon

Children’s Camp

Services Tomorrow Night

Enjoy the message, the fellowship, and praying for needs.

Enjoy some quiet time at least once today. God waits to hear from us.

Anna Lee

Addition

Patti Tyler sent a message that her husband did well in surgery yesterday. Thank you for praying for him. Now, let’s pray for good surgery results and the recovery process. Pray for Patti too!

THE PRAYER LINK – MONDAY

Today’s Scripture

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16 (KJV)

Prayer Focus

Today, lets focus on OTHERS.

  • Thankfulness for salvation
  • Thankfulness for family and friends
  • Those who are between jobs
  • Those who are without a church home
  • Those who without an adequate paycheck or adequate insurance
  • Thankfulness because of health, a job, family, etc.
  • Those who are grieving
  • Thankfulness for precious memories of ancestors
  • Thankfulness for pastors and church families
  • Family members who are ill and hospitalized
  • Those who are ill and at home
  • Those waiting for an appointment
  • Those who do not have a diagnosis yet
  • Those with surgery or a procedure this week
  • Those who are traveling
  • Thankfulness for ability to travel
  • Boys and girls at a church or school camp
  • Parents of those at camp
  • Homebound because of illness
  • Those without adequate cooling
  • Those traveling to appointments
  • Those without a church home and family
  • Those away for most family members
  • Thankful for our great country
  • Needs within our leadership
  • Our military
  • Recent graduates seeking a job
  • This list can go on and on. THERE IS ALWAYS PLENTY TO PRAY ABOUT!

Read the Bible Today

  • July 13
  • I Kings 3-5

Obituaries

I’ve been waiting to share an obituary for Ruth Cutrer, a Greensburg native and longtime resident of Osyka. There was nothing to share until now. The official one is not available yet, but there is a beautifully written tribute by one of her sons and his wife. At Ruth’s request there will NO SERVICES, but George invites us to visit him at home and encourages us to bring a plant or bulb to add to the many things Ruth has planted in the yard. That is a unique request, but so very appropriate.

(Ruth and I taught next door to each other for many years. She was a great teacher and friend!)

Surgery Today

This is the day for Tim Tyler’s major surgery in Baton Rouge. Patti requests our prayers for today and the uncertainty of what he is facing in treatment.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Thank you for praying today!

Anna Lee

ADDITION: James Rimes asks for prayers for the son-in-law of one of his retired law enforcement friends from Pike County. Paul Calcote was struck by a falling tree and is paralyzed from his neck down. It’s in God’s hands according to the surgeons. Paul is in a Jackson, MS hospital.

THE PRAYER LINK – SUNDAY

Today’s 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, you were doing it to me!

Matthew 25:40

Prayer Focus

It’s is the Lord’s Day. Let’s focus our prayers this morning on praying for those who will be in Sunday School and church today. Pray they will be good listeners and learn more about God today in whatever church they choose to attend.

Special Prayer Request

Pattie Tyler would appreciate prayers for her husband, Tim, as he has surgery Monday in Baton Rouge. Please also pray for the family and the medical staff at Our Lady of the Lake. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Read the Bible in 2026

  • July 12
  • I Kings 1-2

Obituaries

There are no new obituaries listed this morning for people from our area.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Ladies’ Missions

The Two River’s Baptist Association will host a meeting a Saturday morning at FBC, Greensburg at 10:00 A.M. featuring the Baton Rouge Seaman’s Mission and Delivery of OCC “Shoeboxes” internationally. You are invited to the meeting and to the potluck meal that will follow. Also, please bring a friend or two.

“Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”
Isaiah 58:10

Allow God’s light to shine through you today!

Anna Lee

THE PRAYER LINK – SATURDAY

It’s Saturday again. Let’s all accomplish something today special as we end the week.

A Scripture for Today

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

James 4:8 KJV

Prayer Focus

Pray for the family, employees, and many patients and friends of Dr.. Ray as his memorial service in held today.

Obituaries

I didn’t find the one I was looking for, so I guess we are waiting for arrangements to be complete this morning. You can check back this afternoon.

Read the Bible in 2026

  • July 11
  • II Samuel 22-24

Baptist Press

There are some especially good articles to read this morning.

https://www.baptistpress.com

Sunday School Lesson

If you have not already done so or if you want to read/review the lesson for tomorrow, turn to Joshua 14: 1-15 in a Bible.

A Help for Today

 God, you are my God. I will earnestly seek you. My soul thirsts for you. My flesh longs for you, in a dry and weary land, where there is no water.  Psalm 63:1 WEB

Prayer Focus

Pray for service in our local area, our state, our nation, and all through the world tomorrow.

Scripture to Claim Today

“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

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

THE PRAYER LINK – FRIDAY

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”    Ephesians 2:10

Read the Bible Today

  • July 10
  • II Samuel 19-21

Prayer Focus

We seem to have had a number of deaths in our area this week. Let’s pray for the families we know and the families we don’t know.

Obituaries

Blake Bellue Stewart

November 8, 1974 – July 8, 2026

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born November 8, 1974 in McComb, MS and was 51 years of age. 

Blake had a quiet way of making people feel loved. He had a tough exterior, but those who knew him best knew that beneath it was a gentle spirit and a heart full of compassion. His kindness, loyalty, and selflessness defined the way he lived and the way he loved. 

Blake adored his wife, Denise. He never missed a chance to tell people how beautiful she was or how lucky he was to have her. More than anything, he loved being a dad. His daughters were his whole world, and he was endlessly proud of them. He spoiled them every chance he got and loved them with every part of his heart. 

A devoted Ole Miss fan, Blake’s favorite place was Oxford, Mississippi, surrounded by his girls, his family, and his friends. He also found great joy in grilling on his porch, watching football, and spending time with the people he loved, especially his two “buds,” Jordan Hawkins and Brody Tate. 

The people in Blake’s life meant everything to him. He was loyal to the core, generous to a fault, and always there when someone needed him. He treasured his lifelong friendships with Misti Causey and Ricky Ivey, whose bond with him reflected the love and loyalty he gave so freely. 

Blake showed those around him what it meant to love your family well, to be a faithful husband, a devoted father, and a true friend. He will be missed beyond words, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him. 

He is survived by his wife, Denise Dyer Stewart; 2 daughters, Aley Blake Stewart and Ashby Elizabeth Reeves; granddaughter, Ella; 1 brother, Michael Lewis Stewart, Jr.; 2 nieces, Sophie and Sarah Stewart; uncles, Lane Bellue and wife, Cindy and Ricky Stewart and wife, Sandra; cousin, Trey Bellue and family. Preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Jean Stewart; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Beverly Dyer. 

Visitation at Hillsdale Baptist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Friday, July 10, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Darryl Miller. Interment Sharkey Cemetery, Amite, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Edith “Bay” Cutrer

March 22, 1927 – July 8, 2026

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born March 22, 1927 in Independence, LA and was 99 years of age. “Bay” loved her flowers, spending time with her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She loved LSU Baseball and listening to The Dominos Band. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Joan Schnellenberger and husband Ralph and Belinda Edwards and husband Andrew; 3 grandchildren, Annie Schnellenberger, Shea Edwards and wife Bailie, Shanna Ott and husband Johnny; 1 great-granddaughter, Emersyn Mae Ott. Preceded in death by husband, Leslie J. Cutrer; parents, Alex and Amelia Clark; brother, Loyce Clark; 3 sisters, Lucille Demon, Bessie Clark, and Vera Mae Sullivan. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 3:00PM on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Mitch Williams. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Choose the articles you wish to read today.

SS Lesson for July 12th

  • “Unwavering Determination”
  • Joshua 14:1-15
  • Explore the Bible Series

Devotional Scripture

You shall call on me, and you shall go and pray to me, and I will listen to you…You shall seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart. 

Jeremiah 29:12-13 (WEB)

Children’s Camp Coming Soon

Pray for the children who will attend and the adults who will be working with them.

A Closing Scripture

You shall call on me, and you shall go and pray to me, and I will listen to you…You shall seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart. 

 Jeremiah 29:12-13 (WEB)

I will prayer for you as you go through this Friday and let your “life shine for Jesus”. May your witness be strong in faith today!

Anna Lee

THE PRAYER LINK – THURSDAY

Today’s Scripture

For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants to one another. 

 Galatians 5:13 (WEB):

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s thank God for those around us who have helped us get through the “bumps” in our lives. Let’s realize that “No man is an island”. Our lives impact others and others impact our live. Thank God for using others to help you when you have needs and thank Him when he allows us to help others.

Also, thank God for the many careers that function on the principle of helping make life better for others. We could never function if we didn’t have others to help us get through the “bumps” in our lives.

At any given time in our lives, we probable know one or more people going through a very difficult time. Let’s be sure to pray for them and minister to them as God leads us to do for others.

Read the Bible in 2026

  • July 9
  • II Samuel 16-18

Obituary

The obituary for Dr. Derrris Ray was posted yesterday afternoon. If you missed it, please read below today’s Prayer Link.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Sunday School Lesson

We cam spend some time studying your lesson for tomorrow even if we have already done so this week. We will surely “Pick up on something we missed” earlier.

Words and Acts of Encouragement

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this,

that you must support the weak.

And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said,

 ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  

Acts 20:35

Coming Soon

We always need to be aware of opportunities that are available for us. One will be the WMU meeting at FBC, Greensburg Saturday of next week at 10:00 A.M. followed by lunch. All ladies are encouraged to find a friend and meet us there.

Our focus will be on the Seaman’s ministry in Baton Rouge and a report from someone who delivered shoeboxes.

Count Your Blessings today and every day!

Anna Lee