Let’s honor Him today!’

Today’s Bible Verse

Read the Bible in 2025

• September 14
• Psalms 9-16

No New Obituaries

Message from Franklin Graham

Hope for a Broken Nation

Dear‍ Friend,

Our nation is in trouble.

We’re faced with overwhelming violence and hatred—and you don’t have to look farther than the assassination of Charlie Kirk or the brutal murder of a young Ukrainian woman on a train in North Carolina.

“What do you stand on when everything seems so dark, when everything’s falling apart?”
—Franklin Graham

My good friend Greg Laurie and I have put together a special broadcast that will air this Sunday at 2:30 p.m. on TBN, Newsmax, and Newsmax2. The 30-minute program, Hope for a Broken Nation, will also feature music by Michael W. Smith and Charity Gayle, and you can also watch it online at BillyGraham.org beginning at 3 p.m.

Greg and I will discuss the recent violence—and the great hope we have in Jesus Christ. America has faced many dark hours before, and we just commemorated one of the darkest: 9/11. We’ll also share the message my father preached from the National Cathedral 24 years ago. It’s just as relevant and powerful now as it was then.

“Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” (Psalm 46:2, NKJV).

I hope you’ll join me and Greg this Sunday. Please pray for our nation, that God will turn many hearts to Himself and heal our land.

May the Lord richly bless you,

Franklin Graham
President, Samaritan’s Purse

Yesterday’s WMU Meeting

Ladies, we increased our attendance at yesterday’s. I’m expecting another increased at our December meeting. You can be a part in that increase when we meet in December at Spring Creek Baptist Church.

We learned so much about the how Camp Living Waters is used and how we can use it. If you missed the opportunity yesterday, I hope you will take another opportunity and learn about these opportunities.

Additional Bible Verses

‘The Sabbath Rest’

Hebrews 3:7-4:11

Hebrews 3 and 4 focus on the superiority of Jesus Christ over Moses and issue a strong warning against unbelief and disobedience that could prevent believers from entering God’s spiritual rest. 

“Dear Father, I long to enter into your rest – into creative work that is effortless, into joyous activity in which there is no fatigue, into glorious…”

Study the Bible and worship the Lord today.

Anna Lee

Today’s Bible Verse

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for those who live alone. Many are lonesome for interactions with others. If you know of someone who fits that description figure out a way to impact that life.

Today, let’s also pray for those who are in rehabilitation facilities. These sites make a big difference in lives of people following surgery, sickness, and or accidents.

Read the Bible Today

• 9-13-25
• Psalm 1-8

Georgia Barnette Focus for 2025

Tomorrow, we will have week three of our focus on missions in Louisiana.

Additional Bible Reading

‘What about Us?’

Read Matthew 19:27-30.

Opportunities

• Associational WMU meeting today
• Sunday School and worship services for all ages tomorrow at many churches
• Participation in mission projects in our area
• Giving a check and/or groceries to the LA Baptist Children’s Home to help feed all the residents in the next year. A truck from the children’s home will pick up items in our area early Monday morning, so leave your donations by tomorrow.
• Learning about Camp Living Waters, summer camp opportunities, and other ways the facilities can be used
• Personal contacts with those hospitalized or receiving rehabilitation services.
• Visiting those who are homebound
• Contacting those who live alone
• Giving to the Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana or donation time to serve in outreach in our state

Have a wonderful day. May we all share Jesus in our own way(s) today.

Anna Lee

To those of you who look forward to Fridays, this is your day. It usually signals the end of a busy week and time for a more relaxing weekend. Sometimes, the weekend is so busy we look forward to Monday. However that works for you, be thankful you have this day, this weekend, this week, this month, and this year.

Today’s Verse

Bible Readings

• September 12
• Jov 40-42

Obituary

Grant Day

August 5, 1941 – September 10, 2025

Grant Day, 84 of Kentwood, LA passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at the St Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. He was born August 5, 1941 in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 9:00 am, at Pine Ridge Methodist Church Cemetery in Kentwood, LA.  Rev. Michael Townsend will officiate. Also Bro. Joe Day will deliver remarks.

Grant S. Day, a beloved member of the Bethel Baptist Church, was a man who lived life to the fullest. A true outdoorsman, he found his greatest joy in hunting and fishing. Grant was known for his incredible generosity, always willing to give away all he had, even the very shirt off his back. He had a deep love for his phone and was known to call friends and family at all hours of the night. Grant’s love for bluegrass music was contagious; he would often sing for anyone who would listen. The family extends a special thank you to the dedicated staff of the St. Helena Parish Nursing Home for their compassionate care.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ivy Day; mother, Maggie Cutrer Day; brothers, Ivy Ellis Day, Joseph Elvis Day, Carl Bentley Day, Charlie “Nick” Day and Donald Audis Day.

Survivors include his sister, Lauree Day Phillips (Adrian) of Kentwood, LA, and brother, Lynn Day (Betty) from Kentwood, a host of nieces and nephews and a special friend Pat Erwin.

Pallbearers will be: Colton Strickland, Adrain Strickland, Ronnie Strickland, Dayne Passman, John Travis Day and Travis Day.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Ivy “Shorty” Williams, Wendell Day and Michael Charles Passman II.

An online guestbook may be signed at http://www.sharkeyfuneralhome.com

Getting Closer

We are only one day away from the Two Rivers Associational WMU/Women on Mission Meeting. I hope to see you tomorrow morning at 10:00 at FBC. Kentwood. We will focus on the Georgia Barnette offering and Camp Living Waters.

Fall Food Round-Up

We are almost to Sunday, our deadline to turn in items or checks for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home “Fall Food Round-up”.

Baptist Press

Eyewitness to Kirk assassination recalls chaotic aftermath

Southern Seminary scholars discuss death of Charlie Kirk, national animosity

Clint Pressley issues call to prayer for this Sunday

FIRST-PERSON: Remembering Charlie Kirk

The greatest truths of all time: The greatest need

‘Who Can Be Saved?’ (Mt. 19:25-26)

“Go down in front of the LORD and worship him in the holy clothes that he wants. Be afraid of him, all people on the earth! Say to other countries, ‘The LORD is King!’ The world is fixed and strong. He will be a fair judge for all people”. 

Matthew 19:25-26

Easy English Bible

Prayer Focus

• Grieving families
• Those who are hospitalized
• Homebound
• Those who are having changes or issues in their families
• Combating many opportunities to miss church
• Safety for those involved in football, band, cheerleading, etc.
• Weekend travelers
• Many people involved in church activities this weekend
• Etc.

‘Your Majestic Name’

Your Majestic Name’

“O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth.”

Personal Prayer Lists

Today, let’s update our personal prayer lists and pray for those listed as we do so.

This Helps Me

A few weeks ago I suggested you write the names of some of your favorite hymns/songs on small pieces of paper and post them throughout your home or office. I don’t know how many of you did so, but I did. Today, I want to say that it was a good plan for me. As I go about each day, I run into those hymn titles on doors, door handles, etc. It reminds me of God as I focus on the words and their meaning to me.

Terrific Thursday

As we live our daily lives today, I hope we can deepen and share our faith. Blessing and encouraging others besses us and encourages us first.

Anna Lee

Frances Ann Hickman

October 27, 1948 – September 9, 2025

FRANCES ANN HICKMAN, AGE 76

And a resident of Franklinton passed away early Tuesday morning September 9, 2025 at her home, the property where she has lived her entire life. She was born on October 27, 1948 and following graduation from high school, attended business college in Baton Rouge and worked for a short time, before returning home to raise her family. Frances loved sewing and quilting, often making clothes and other items for her family and others. She loved making crafts, often helping her grandkids make the perfect items to enter into the booths at the Washington Parish Free Fair each year. Most recently, she made cute teddy bears for each of her family members and others she wanted to spread a little joy to. Frances enjoyed taking care of her yard and tending to her beautiful flower beds. She was forever a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be sadly missed by all that knew her.

Survived by:

Husband of 57 years: Tommy L. Hickman

Son and Daughter in law: Tommy Hickman, Jr. and Celeste Hickman

2 Daughters and a Son in law: Michele and Perry Talley,
Rachel Polk

Grandchildren: Kaitlin, Cassidy, Austin, Preston, and Brody Hickman,
Vivian and Samuel Talley,
Weston and Anna Kate Polk

Sister: Jerrie Hickman

Sisters in law and Brothers in law: Iris Hickman,
Michael and Harriet Hickman,
Lloyd Hickman,
Deborah and Tom Eckert,
John and Melanie Hickman

Also numerous nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents Ben Passman and Leona Magee Passman, sister Georgia Quinones, brothers Bennie Gene Passman, James Harold “Joe” Passman, father in law and mother in law Johnny and Audrey Hickman and other family members.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Friday September 12th from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am Friday with Bro. Mark Jenkins officiating. A private graveside service will follow in the family cemetery on their property.

Pallbearers: Austin Hickman, Preston Hickman, Brody Hickman, Samuel Talley, Weston Polk, Kaydin Passman

Good morning, friends. I’m thankful for you and our time “visiting” every day. I hope you feel purposeful and encouraged today.

Reading the Bible in 2025

• September 11
• Job 38-39

WMU/Women on Mission

• Quarterly Associational Meeting
• FBC, Kentwood
• 10:00 A.M. Saturday
• Come learn about the Georgia Barnette Offeing for Louisiana Missions and Camp Living Waters
• I encourage all ladies and girls to a attend. You do not need a specific invitation, a WMU organization at your church, etc. Just come.
• As a mother, If you have plans to send your child there, you may be interested in attending.
• If you are a youth worker, this may be very informative to you.
• If you support state missions, you may be interested in this site that ministers in our area.
• No tickets or special invitations needed.

Obituary

Rebecca Ann Freeman Tabor

October 6, 1971 – September 9, 2025

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank in Gretna, LA. She was born October 6, 1971 in Madill, OK and was 53 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Thomas R. Tabor; children, Bailee Brassell and husband, Phillip, Skylar Tabor and fiance, Caitlin Reeves, Detroit Dixon and fiancé, Jessica Ingle, and Daylin Dixon and fiancé, David Walker; daughter-in-law, Autumn Morgan; grandchildren, Callee, Aspen, Britton, Ryder, Danica, and Anna Catherine; step-mother, Judy Freeman, father-in-law, Earl Tabor; and mother-in-law, Janice Cowman. Preceded in death by parents, Tommy Ray Freeman and Wanda Faye Williams Freeman; sister, Melissa Morris; and a brother, Tommy Ray Freeman. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 2:00PM until religious services at 3:00PM on Saturday, September 20, 2025. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

A Thought to Ponder

“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.”

Proverbs 20:29

Prayer Focus

Many people need to have Jesus as their Lord and Savior. If you know of some, please pray for them and your need to minister to them. Today, add their names to a special prayer list. Then, pray for them frequently. Encourage them to be with those who will be encouragers and teachers.

One Last Thought

‘Jesus, Pioneer of Salvation’

“Dear Father, King of all, Thank you for subjecting the world to come to our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you that Jesus was willing for a time to be made…”

Hebrews. 2:5-13)

Enjoy this beautiful day the Lord has given to us.

Anna Lee

I hope you are enjoying the cooler temperatures. I am. Yesterday’s afternoon shower was nice.

Reading the Bible in 2025

• September 10
• Job 35-37

Today’s Bible Verse

Bible Study

• Today
• Studying about Potiphar’s wife
• Pine Ridge Methodist Church
  • Meet at Noon
  • Begin with a meal
  • Contact Kathy Wales if interested in joining.

No New Obituaries Today

Reminders

• Pickup for the Fall Food Round-Up for the LA Baptist Children’s Home Monday. Sunday is the last day to turn in donations of food or checks.
  • Christmas program practice for children 4th-6th grade, is on Sunday afternoons.
  • Associational WMU/Women on Mission meeting Saturday in Kentwood at 10:00. Get the latest update on Camp Living Waters.
  • FBC, Kentwood has a Sunday School class for every age group and services twice on Sunday and on Wednesday.
  • Small group Bible studies in addition to regular classes.

Baptist Press:

baptistpress

Baptist Message:

https://www.baptistmessage.com/

Quote by Aaron Landry

“Once you’ve experienced the awesomeness of God, from then on you come to expect it.”

Share with some people how awesome our God is.

Be an encourager today.

• Invite someone ….
• Make some telephone calls.
• Send a simple card in the mail.
• Arrange to visit or meet with someone.
• Take someone to lunch.
• Offer a ride.
• Share a treat.

Have a “Wonderful Wednesday”!

Anna Lee

Welcome to this day God has created for us.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus on people. May we always love God, help others, and strive to be a good citizen in our homeland. Pray for America and for your responsibilities as a citizen.

Today’s Verse

Obituary

Jackie Scott Phelps

August 8, 1989 – September 8, 2025

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025 in Tickfaw, LA. She was born August 8, 1989 in Concord, NC and was 36 years of age. She was a loving wife, mother, and daughter. She is survived by her husband, Reagan Phelps; 3 daughters, Lacy Prue, Annabelle Prue, and Ivy Prue; mother, Gina Causin (Steve); brother, Robbie Scott (Rachel); grandparents, Gene and Jane Throwe; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mike and Tracey Phelps; and sister-in-law, Emily Phelps. Preceded in death by her father, Ken Scott; daughter, Sophia Prue; grandfather, James Scott; grandmother, Sandy Scott. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Born without arms, Daniel Ritchie still reaches with the Gospel

Reading the Bible in 2025

• September 9
• Job 32-34

Extra Bible Reading for Today

‘In All His Holy Splendor’

(9)

Worship the Lord, who is beautiful and holy.

Everyone on earth must shake with fear in front of him.

(10)

 Tell all the nations,‘The Lord rules as King!’

He has fixed the world in its place,so that nothing can shake it.

He will judge all the people of the world fairly.

Psalm 96:9-10 (Easy English Bible)

WMU/Women on Mission – Saturday

I’ve already given you the details. I hope you can make this event a key focus of your weekend schedule.

Update

Chris and Korey Wales are both doing very well following back surgeries last week. Thank-you for your prayers for them.

Bible Study

This week – Chapter 2

Noon Wednesday at Pine Ridge

Georgia Barnette Offering

Can you tell three facts about this lady? If not, it’s time to read about her.

1.

2.

3.

God has given us this day. Let’s make something good happen.

Anna Lee

I hope you noticed the moon last night and again this morning. God put on a special show for us. The moon was an absolutely huge and beautiful light! Only God!

 (I did take a couple pictures last night, but this is not one of them. It was a golden color last night!)

Prayer Focus

This morning, let’s thank God for His many creations, especially human life and for the big beautiful moon he shared last night.

Today’s Verse

The Bible is like a special letter delivered to us each day. It is only words unless we read it and then apply it to our lives.

Read the Bible in 2025

• September 8
• Job 29-31

No New Obituaries This Morning

WMU/Ladies on Mission

• Quarterly Meeting for Two Rivers Association
• Saturday at FBC, Kentwood
• 10:00 – 12:00
• Leadership Meeting at 9:00
• Focus on Louisiana Missions (Specifically Camp Living Waters at Loranger)
• Speaker: Bro. Harrell Sharkey, Jr. (Pastor at Kedron)
• Pot-luck meal to follow
• ALL ladies are invited.

One Week!

The truck from the La. Baptist Children’s Home will be here next Monday. Your food donations and or checks should be at the church by Sunday, September 15. You can give through any of our local Baptist churches.

You can also write out checks at this time or at any time of the year.

Give at church or mail to:

La. Baptist Children’s Home 

7200 Desiard Street

Monroe, LA 71203

Children’s Christmas Program at FBC, Kentwood

• Early December
• Children from four years to sixth grade
• Directed by Wendy Fowler and Nikki Rhodus

Operation Christmas Child

Thanks to the classes and the individuals who are contributing to pay the shipping charges on the boxes. The cost is minimal for each box, but large when many boxes are packed. We desire to place manyy boxes in many hands again this year.

Your support is both needed and appreciated. Be a part of getting boxes in all those little hands and the message of Jesus in all those precious hearts.

Pine Ridge Bible Study

• Wednesday at Noon
• Read chapter 2

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

FIRST-PERSON: Why am I a Southern Baptist?

Questions can lead children to Jesus, ministry leader says

Pro-life lawmakers join call for VA abortion rule change

Small but bright, Gospel light in Germany draws those seeking real life

Etc.

Prayer Time

Pray throughout the day today. Let each prayer be for specific people, needs, missions, etc.

Thank-you for reading and for encouraging other people to read. I know you do that because new readers often tell me about your encouragement.

Anna Lee

Good morning, friends. I look forward to Sundays every week. I’m sure many of you do too.

Today’s Scripture

We’ve been experiencing our usual hot, summer days. I’m sure all of you can relate to a bottle of cold water. Just like we can have a thirst for water, we can also have a thirst for the Lord. I hope you regularly seek to worship Him, especially on Sundays.

No New Obituaries This Morning

Georgia Barnette Offering

As we move into week two of focus on this Louisiana Baptist Focus, let’s consider the resort ministries. Louisiana is well known for recreation that involves water. Toledo Bend is a good example. You may be surprised to learn of the opportunities for a miisionary to serve there. Mary Gore has done so for 32 years.

She has made four requests:

• Personal strength and perseverance as she continues to serve.
• Volunteers and summer mission teams to join her in reaching out to tourists and locals.
• Local churches who partner with the resort ministry to share the Gospel.
• Increased giving to the Georgia Barnette Louisiana Missions Offering to sustain this and other resort missions who reach out to people outside of a traditional church setting.

Let’s continue to give so others can serve in various sites across our state.

Fall Food Round-Up for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home

You only have one more week to bring your donations of checks, foods, and cleaning supplies that will be instrumental in helping feed and care for the residents for another year. The truck will be in Kentwood for pick-up of our donations on September 15th. The next pick-up will be during September 2026. Checks can always be mailed to them .

Two Rivers WMU/Women on Mission Meeting

• Saturday
• 10 A.M.
• FBC, Kentwood
  • Focus – Georgia Barnette Offering and Camp Living Waters in the Loranger area
  • Guest Speaker – Bro. Harrell Sharkey, Jr., pastor at Kedron Baptist Church
  • All ladies and girls are invited to attend.

Reading the Bible in 2025

• September 7
• Job 24-28

Additional Bible Reading

‘Let Them Come to Me!’ (Mt. 19:13-15)

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Chris and Kathy’s daughter just sent an update on Korey and Chris’ surgeries. Korey is home and already noticing how much better he feels and walks. Chris is still at the hospital, but plans are to release him today. Chris also is feeling a needed improvement and expects to be released today. Everyone surely is wearing a big smile at this point.

The family thanks you for your continued prayers. They apologized for not updating you sooner. Keep praying!