I hope your Mother’s Day Sunday was a great day. Now, let’s make Monday one too. I know a few teachers and students who are getting excited about a summer break from school.
Senior Recognition Day
Sunday, FBC, Kentwood will be honoring their 2025 graduates. This week the Bibles that will be given to them Sunday will be available for members to highlight a passage and/or to write a special note by selected verses. The fellowship hall will be open Monday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00 for us to do so.
Please pray for Bro. Joe Baugh who fell Saturday. He and “Miss” Barbara were and are visiting in Mississippi where they have lots of loving family members.
Happy Lord’s Day to all of you and Mother’s Day to all mothers.
Daily Bible Reading
May 11
Leviticus 24-25
Obituary
Shelia Lea Esch
November 26, 1943 – May 9, 2025
Shelia Lea Esch, age 81, of Kentwood went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 9, 2025. She was born on November 26, 1943, to Robert Nick Lea Sr. and Blanche Dykes Lea in Osyka, Mississippi. A devoted servant of the Lord, Shelia lived her life as a testament to her deep and abiding faith.
She graduated from Spring Creek High School and practical nursing school. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse andlater earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Southwest Mississippi Community College and worked as a Registered Nurse. She dedicated herself to caring, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her passion for nursing was more than a profession – it was a calling. Before her retirement, she taught future nurses to do the same with compassion and wisdom.
She cherished her beloved husband; held a profound love for her children; and her pride in her grandchildren and great grandchildren was boundless. Her family brought her pure and immense joy. A faithful member of East Fork Baptist Church, Shelia was deeply committed to her church family and poured her heart into loving and supporting her many friends and the community she held so dear. Of all the loves in her life, the greatest was her love for Jesus. We are confident that as she met her savior, she was welcomed with the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
The visitation will be 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Monday, May 12, 2025 at East Fork Baptist Church, Kentwood. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 9:00 a.m. until funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jay Avance officiating. The burial will be at East Fork Cemetery.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sue Lea Hendrickson; and brothers, Nick Lea and Rod Lea.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 63 years Clinton Carroll Esch; her children Clint Esch (Terri), Dylea White (Chris), and Rachel Dykes (Charlie); grandchildrenSamantha Occhipinti (Brad), Brooke Halley (Jason), Robert Broyles (May), Trey Esch (Isabel), Caleb Dykes (Jordan), Nick Dykes (Kristie), and Ethan Dykes; 6 great grandchildren, Grace Carroll Halley, Emmy Claire Halley, Ace Henry Occhipinti, Clark Joseph Esch, Carsyn Catherine Dykes, and Cas Joseph Occhipinti.
Pallbearers will be Robert Broyles, Trey Esch, Caleb Dykes, Nick Dykes, Ethan Dykes, Brad Occhipinti, and Jason Halley.
Donations made to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center or East Fork Baptist Church Youth Fund.
I know many of you are celebrating graduates, new babies, engagements, and/or weddings. Love and honor each person as their time comes.
Today’s Thoughts
I’ve seen and heard that what mothers want most on this holiday is for their children to attend church with them today and families to be together. If it’s not too late for you to make that decision this morning, please consider doing so.
If possible, attend Sunday School and church today. Don’t wait until you cannot physically attend to decide to do so.
Sunday School Lesson Thoughts (Easy English Bible)
2 Peter 1:3-8
God’s Divine Power:Peter begins by highlighting that God’s divine power has given believers everything needed for life and godliness through the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Precious Promises:He emphasizes that God has given believers precious and magnificent promises, enabling them to share in the divine nature and escape corruption.
Adding Spiritual Qualities:Peter then calls for diligent effort to add qualities like goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love to faith.
Fruitfulness in Christ’s Knowledge:He emphasizes that if these qualities are present and increasing, believers will not be useless or unfruitful in their knowledge of Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:16-21
Eyewitness Testimony:Peter speaks of his eyewitness experience of Jesus’ transfiguration, confirming the truth of the prophetic message.
Reliability of Prophetic Messages:He emphasizes that they have received a more sure word of prophecy, which they should pay attention to like a light shining in a dark place.
No Private Interpretation:Peter warns that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation.
Divine Inspiration:He states that prophecy came not from human will but from holy men of God, moved by the Holy Spirit.
Prayer Focus: As were are predicted to have a number of additional days of rain, pray for those who will be negatively affected by the great volume of rain as they travel and/or around their neighborhood and/or home.
Daily Bible Reading
May 9
Leviticus 19-21
Obituary
Lewery Fox
Lowry Smith Fox, Jr., 84, of Conyers, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Lowry was raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, where he graduated from Kentwood High School in 1959. He began his collegiate journey at McNeese State University, where he played football, before transferring to Louisiana State University (LSU), earning his bachelor’s degree in 1964. He later obtained a master’s degree in history from Southeastern Louisiana University.
Following his graduation from LSU, Lowry served in the United States Air Force as a pilot during the Vietnam War. In 1972, he had the distinguished honor of flying the lead guide plane escorting President Richard Nixon into the Soviet Union. His exemplary service earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross and several other Air Medals. His ten-year tenure in the Air Force allowed him to travel the world and forge lifelong friendships.
In 1977, Lowry met Marilyn Christie Bergold and her two children, Christie and Hunter. They married and had a son, Jason. Lowry returned to his roots by teaching and coaching at Kentwood High School, his alma mater. He also co-owned a dairy farm with his brother, Frank, and served as an elected police juror for Tangipahoa Parish. Later, Lowry and Marilyn relocated to North Georgia, eventually settling in Conyers, where he served as city manager and led the North Georgia Drug Task Force. He concluded his professional career as a workers’ compensation investigator for the state of Georgia.
Lowry was a humble, patient, and resilient man who never complained. He had a deep appreciation for SEC sports—especially LSU football and baseball. He cherished trout fishing trips in North Georgia with his sons and their friends and was an avid fan of high school and college wrestling. A good Western or cowboy movie was his favorite form of home entertainment. He relished Louisiana cuisine, particularly jambalaya, oyster po’boys, and seafood gumbo—and he never turned down a bowl of Blue Bell ice cream. Known for his humorous storytelling, Lowry could recount tales with a charm that made each retelling as delightful as the first. Above all, he deeply loved his wife, three children, six grandchildren, great-grandson, and many friends who were like family. He will be dearly missed.
Lowry is preceded in death by his parents, Lowry Smith Fox Sr. and Avis Smith Fox; his wife, Marilyn Bergold Fox; his two sons, Jason Lowry Fox and George Hunter Bergold III; and his brother, Frank Mann Fox.
He is survived by his daughter, Christie Bergold Callender (Greg); six grandchildren: Carlie Anderson (Eric), Landry Callender, Cole Callender, Brandon Bergold, Browning Bergold, and Shaw Bergold; and great-grandson, Owen Anderson.
To celebrate Lowry’s life, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 7, at 11:30 a.m. at Lea Cemetery in Gillsburg, Mississippi
Good morning, friends. I’m thankful for your presence today.
Verse of the Day
Daily Bible Reading
May 8
Leviticus 16-1
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s thank God for the homebound people we know and contact at least one of them today.
Obituary
Sondra Lynn Sagnibene
February 15, 1967 – May 6, 2025
A resident of Hammond, LA, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. She was born February 15, 1967 in Greensburg, LA and was 58 years of age. Sondra was a loving fiancé, mother, daughter, sister, and title she was most proud of “Sonnie”. She is survived by her fiancé, Steve Gottschalck; daughter, Danni Dennis and husband, Zach; son, Coy Baham and wife, Cheyenne; grandchildren, Jayden Lapine and Cruz Baham; mother, Mary Theaux; brothers, Sammy Sagnibene and Frankie Sagnibene; numerous nieces and nephews; best friend, Lori Stillwell. Preceded in death by her father, Frank Sagnibene, Sr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12Noon on Friday, May 9, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Larry Kropog. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Baptist Press
This is a sweet story.
Father-daughter duo graduate together: A surprise MBA journey
Pray for peace and love among the nations of our world. Pray for leaders who trust in and follow our Lord.
Daily Bible Readings
May 7
Leviticus 14-15
Obituaries
Janice “Sue” Knight
April 15, 1949 – May 5, 2025
A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born April 15, 1949 in Clinton, LA and was 76 years of age. Sue met the love of her life while working at the tasty freeze in Bogalusa. It wasn’t long after, that they were married and began their life together. Sue would always say the only two things she ever wanted to do was be a mom and a wife, and she was great at both. She spent many years at the football field, watching Dave and Cindy doing what they loved. She would then spend the next 15 years at the race tracks with her family doing what they love most. After her three granddaughters we’re born she knew her life was complete. Sue loved her entire family with all her heart from her parents, siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be missed by so many people and loved forever. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Dennis Knight; daughter, Cindy Knight Edwards and husband, Ricky; son, David Knight, II and wife, Diedra; 3 grandchildren, Madison Knight, Jordan Knight, and Ali Grace Edwards; 2 sisters, Jennifer Biggs and Patti Burrows; 1 brother, Jody Hodges; sister-in-law, Linda Martin and husband, Billy Wayne; brothers-in-law, Willis Knight and wife, Marilyn, Kenneth Knight and wife, Stephanie, and Jerry Knight and wife, Vickie; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Dewitt and Janet “Nanny” Hodges; brother, Deloy Hodges; mother-in-law, Helen “Granny Knight; father-in-law, Malcolm Knight; sister-in-law, Pat Knight; brothers-in-law, Lavelle “Sac” Knight, Calvin Knight, Ralph Knight, and John Burrows. Pallbearers are Stevie Martin, Keith Knight, Colby Knight, Gene Knight, Glynn Knight, and Kenny Knight. Honorary Pallbearers are Klint Knight, Koel Knight, Greg Martin, and Aaron Knight. Visitation at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Mike Adams. Interment Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA. Special thanks to Modern Hospice nurses, Lyndy, Kayleigh, Sharon, and Kylan. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Helen Laverne Brewer McMillan
July 20, 1929 – May 5, 2025
Helen Laverne Brewer McMillan passed away peacefully at The Lodge at Tangi Pines Nursing Facility in Amite, LA on May 5, 2025 at age 95.
She was born July 20, 1929 in McComb, MS and after marriage lived in Metairie, LA for the past 85 years. She was an LPN, working at Baptist Hospital and Metairie Hospital for many years before going into private practice nursing, working for Dr. Alton Oschsner, Jr. before her retirement. She was a longtime member of Metairie Baptist Church in Metairie, LA.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Hewette L. McMillan; son, James “Jimmy” McMillan; daughter, Cheryl McMillan Gray; father, Malcolm Brewer; mother, Nellie Sullivan Travis; stepfather, Johnny L Travis; her brothers, Melvin and Ralph Brewer and 1 step-sister, Ruby Ann.
She is survived by her caregiver, Denise Acosta McMillan, granddaughters, JoLynn Moreau (Herman), Melissa Atkins (Brad) and Kayla Brown (Gene); grandson: Chad D. McMillan; 11 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren and 1 step-sister, Pam.
Services will be Friday, May 9, 2025 at 1 PM at Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit, MS with a private graveside service at Gillsburg Cemetery in Gillsburg, MS.
In lieu of flowers in her memory, donations should be made to support a Veterans organization of your choice.
NASHVILLE (BP) – Cooperative Program giving remained 3.3 percent below year-to-date budget goals at the end of April, the same as it had at the end of March. However, CP giving in April 2025 was slightly higher than giving in April 2024.
Southern Baptists are a force for good, particularly when they work together through the Cooperative Program, said Jeff Iorg, president of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee. Kentucky Today/Robin CornetetBy Chip Hutcheson/Kentucky Today, posted May 6, 2025 in Cooperative Program
MURRAY, Ky. (KT) — More than 300 Kentucky Baptists celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Program Monday night (May 5) at its birthplace — First Baptist Church of Murray. The event not only honored the CP legacy but looked forward to the future and what can be accomplished through cooperation.
WASHINGTON (BP) – Christian faith threatens Russian President Vladimir Putin because it is out of his control. As such, his war on Ukraine has centered on the systematic persecution of Christians, their families and their churches.
Workers in the Hédzranawoé Market in Lomé, Togo, secure bales of used clothes atop a van to take to rural areas for resale. The market is one of the largest second-hand goods markets in West Africa. IMB Photo
Today, let’s pray for parents who dedicate their children to the Lord. Thank God parents/families take this step for their child/children.
Daily Bible Reading
May 6
Leviticus 11-13
Obituary
Baylor Austin Battles
4, 2004 – April 24, 2025
Baylor Austin Battles passed away on April 24th, 2025, at the Naval Base in King’s Bay Georgia. Baylor was born on Sunday, July 4th, 2004, in Covington, Louisiana to Angela Brooke Battles.
Baylor is survived by his mother, Brooke Battles, stepmother Teresa Bartus (Chris), siblings Baylei Webre, Elijah Knox, Braylynn Battles, & Brooklynn Battles, maternal grandparents Robert and Mary Battles, grandparents Tim and Valerie Knox, and step grandmother Gail Todora. He’s also survived by his maternal aunts Becky Battles (Cody), Stevie Knox, Ashley Hall, aunts Dina Kutch (Aaron), Christie Williamson (Marc), maternal uncle Allen Battles, uncle Zachery Knox, Joel Alack (Leslie), Neil Alack (Jessica), and Colby Nagem (Jene’e). He is also survived by his Aunt Becky’s children Caden and Chloe who are more like his brother and sister. There are also many great aunts, great uncles, and cousins and he was deeply loved by each and every one of them.
Baylor was preceded in death by grandmother Jerrilynn Melancon, grandparets, Evelyn Geraldine Battles and Clifford Nathan Battles, his baby brother, Bennett Nathan Battles, grandparents Margaret “Marty” and Anthony “Chili” Alack, grandparents Jimmie and Patti Knox, and Gerald and Margie Melancon, and step grandfather Frank Todora, Jr.
Baylor grew up in Amite, Louisiana where he graduated high school from Oak Forest Academy in 2022. He then studied at Southeastern Louisiana University for a year leading up to his decision to join the United States Navy. Baylor enlisted March 19th, 2024, and shipped out May 7th, 2024, to the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Recruit Training July 18th, 2024, and was then sent to Groton, Connecticut, for Naval Submarine School. Baylor graduated from Submarine School on January 24th, 2025. After graduation Baylor was stationed in King’s Bay, Georgia where he was to spend the next 4 years in his career as a Sonar Technician on the USS Rhode Island.
Baylor, our 4th of July baby, our B-man, Baylor Bear, our one of a kind with a big gentle heart and a great sense of humor. He had a big loving family and always made time to visit with all of them. Baylor loved playing video games and while away could easily interact with his little sisters playing Roblox and with his brother playing Minecraft. He didn’t just enjoy playing video games but also the technical component of making them and had become quite tech savvy over the years. Baylor was definitely a momma’s boy, and they spent many weekends hitting up all the local garage sales or traveling. Baylor also loved running and would go for a nightly run around the naval base in King’s Bay. He also liked to fish and very recently gained an interest in riding motor bikes which he would do on the weekends with some of his Navy buddies.
Baylor would’ve been 21 this year and had just begun to really explore life and all its wonder. He was taken way too soon and left a big hole in the hearts of all who knew him because to know him was to love him. He will be forever missed and never forgotten.
Visitation at First Baptist Church of Amite from 10:00AM until religious services at 12Noon on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Matt White. Interment Battles Bennett Cemetery, Amite, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Looking Ahead
Sunday School on Mother’s Day
“Be Equipped”
II Peter 1:3-8 and 16-21
2025 Graduates
FBC, Kentwood has Bibles for the 2025 graduates lined up in the hallway of the fellowship hall for us to underline, mark, and/or to write a comment in them for the next week and a half. The front door will be unlocked for us to do so from 8:00 – 5:00 each of those days. What a special gift this will be for graduates!
Baptist Press
Vietnam anniversary brings memories of reunions, sacrifice, purpose for member of Operation Babylift
I know the story of another young man who was blessed with a home in our area. I’m so thankful for people who are called to step-up and help children like those in this picture!
It is never too late to make your contribution at a local Southern Baptist Church. Funds are always needed and put to good use. 100% of what is given is used for North American missions. I think we can all agree there are more people in North American who need salvation.
Baby Dedication
If there is a child in your family that you would like to have dedicated this week, please contact the church office soon.
Many churches will recognize/honor mothers Sunday. Another thing that is often done today is to have a baby dedication. What a special way for parents to commit to raising their children up in church and to know the Lord as well as to bring families together at church. If you would like to have that done for your family, contact your church office or pastor.
Scripture for Sunday School
The Sunday School lesson for Sunday is “Be Equipped” and focuses on II Peter 1:3-8 and 16-21.
Prayer List
Take time to update your prayer list and to pray today.
If you haven’t been going to Sunday School and church, today is a great day to start. Do you think Sunday School is for children? Ask any of the adults, young adults to senior adults, who regularly attend.
At FBC, Kentwood, Sunday School begins at 9:15. There are lots of adult classes to choose from, so get ready and try one out.
Women and Children on Mission will meet at 5 P.M. in the New Hope classroom.
Update
Kaye Robert’s sister, Carol Ann Alford, has greatly improved. The doctor said there was not much sign of damage after the stroke. She has been moved to a private room and is much stronger, including the ability to talk. Prayers have been answered. Thank you so much for being a part of her improvement.
Prayer Focus: Today, let’s pray for tomorrow’s church services in all our area churches.
Verse of the Day
Daily Bible Reading
May 3
Leviticus 1-4
Prayer Request
Kaye Roberts asks for prayers for her sister-in-law, Carol Ann Alford, from the McComb area who had a stroke and then a procedure to remove a blood clot in Jackson about noon yesterday.
Obituary
Fr. Howard Reed Adkins
March 9, 1946 – April 29, 2025
Fr. Howard’s Obituary
Fr. Howard Reed Adkins, a highly respected and loved Pastor with the Diocese of Baton Rouge, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2025. Born on March 9, 1946, in Iota, Louisiana, to the late Robert and Yvonne Adkins. He is survived by his son, Chaille Matthews Adkins (Whitney); granddaughter, Abbey Adkins; sister, Sharon Upton; niece, Rayne Upton Hainey; and many devoted parishioners. Fr. Adkins was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps and Reserve, receiving the National Defense Service Medal for his service.
Ordained as a priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge in May 2007, Fr. Adkins retired from Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence, La. in 2018 to St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, Louisiana, where he assisted Fr. Mark Beard with Masses and Sacraments. He was particularly fond of administering the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.
A Rosary and Visitation will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall in Amite, Louisiana, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, with the Rosary at 8:30 AM and Visitation from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. A Funeral Mass will immediately follow in the Church. Interment Greenoaks Memorial Park Cemetery, Baton Rouge.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mater Dolorosa, Independence, St Anne, Napoleonville, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Plattenville, St. Philomena, Labadieville, Our Lady of Mercy, Baton Rouge.
A special thank you to his caregivers and Modern Home Health and Hospice for their loving care.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.
The Prayer Link 
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