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.
Let’s pray for those who live alone or have no friends. neighbors, church people, or anyone else who check on them regularly and who helps them out with the things they cannot do by themselves.
Verse of the Day
Daily Bible Reading
May 2
Exodus 39-40
Women and Children on Mission
Meet Sunday afternoon at 5 P.M. in New Hope Classroom and children’s mission classroom
1 Now I want to say something to you who are leaders of the groups of believers. Like you, I am also a leader. I myself saw how people caused Christ to have great pain so that he died. One day people will see how great he really is. Then I will be among those people who join with him in heaven. So I say this to you who are leaders:
2 Watch over the group of believers that God has given to you. Be like a shepherd that takes care of his sheep. Lead them well because you want to do it. Do not do it just because you have to do it. Do it in the way that God wants for you. Do not be a leader because you want to receive money for yourself. Instead, do it because you want to help people.
3 God has given you a group of believers to take care of them. Do not try to rule over them with power. Instead, show them how to live in a good way, so that they can copy you.
4 Then our master, Christ, will give you a beautiful crown when he appears. That is a great gift that will never become old or less beautiful. He is the great Shepherd who takes care of us.
5 I want to say the same thing to you who are young men. You must respect the authority of the leaders. All of you who are believers must respect one another. Do not think that you are more important than other people. The Bible says:
‘God is against proud people.
But he is kind to humble people.’
6 Remember that God is strong and powerful. So be humble in front of him. Then he will lift you up to a good place at the right time.
7 If you have any kind of trouble in your mind, give it to God. God has promised to take care of you.
8 Think seriously about how you live. Watch carefully for danger. Remember that the Devil is your enemy. He wants to hurt you. He walks about like a hungry lion. He is looking for someone to kill and then eat them!
9 But you must be strong to fight against him. Trust God completely. Remember this: Believers all over the world are having the same kind of trouble.
10 Yes, you will have trouble like this for a short time. But after that, God will make everything right. He is completely kind and he will always help you. Because you belong to Christ, God has chosen you to live with him in heaven for ever. You will join him in that beautiful place. Then God will make you well again. He will make you strong in your spirits. You will be able to stand strongly.
11 Yes, God rules with power for ever! Amen! This is true!
Today, let’s focus on friends we do not hear from often. What is going on in their world? Give them a call or speak to someone else who can tell you about them. If you learn of any needs, prayers, home, medical needs, phone call, etc., do your best for your friend.
Daily Bible Reading
April 30
Exodus 33-35
Obituaries
Marlyn Rene Davis
April 7, 1990 – April 28, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born April 7, 1990 in Hammond, LA and was 35 years of age. She graduated from Oak Forest Academy in 2008 and later received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southeastern Louisiana University. She spent her whole career teaching at Albany Upper Elementary where she loved her students as if they were her own. Marlyn was a loving “Honey” to Karsyn and Wade. Her pride and joy was her furry companion, Butler. She was a follower of Christ and served in many church activities at Montpelier Baptist Church. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her. She is survived by her parents, David and Barbara Brumfield Davis; brother, Brent Hanson Davis and wife, Mandy; niece and nephew, Karsyn and Wade Davis; loving aunts, Sara Brumfield and Jan Brumfield Lerille (Donny); uncles, Glen Davis (Sheelah) and Lyndon Davis (Lisa); numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and family members. Preceded in death by her grandparents, George Wilson Davis, Mary Retha Davis, Claude “Hank” Brumfield, Sr. and Eleanor “Cricket” Brumfield; uncles, Bryan Brumfield and Claude Brumfield, Jr. Pallbearers will be Brandon Andrews, Avery Andrews, Kahne Andrews, Robert Davis, Caleb Brumfield, and Bradley Brumfield. Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Chenier, Donnie Moore, and Brandon Gilbert. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM on Thursday and at Montpelier Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, May 2, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Rusty Durand. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Deloris Schroeder
July 24, 1956 – April 28, 2025
A resident of Livingston, LA, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born July 24, 1956 in Independence, LA and was 68 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Joseph “Joe” Franklin Schroeder, Sr.; 1 daughter, Demisha Parker (James); 1 son, James Genoni; step-daughter, Stephanie Runnels (Joe Joe); step-sons, Joseph “Joey” Schroeder (Barbara) and Jerald “Jerry” Schroeder (Melanie); 3 sisters, Zula Hopgood, Murlane Welch, and Charlotte Strahan (A.C.); sister-in-law, Mary Lindsey; grandchildren, Brandon Parker, Nathan Parker, Demarcus Brown, Keyanna Brown, Jamyiria Genoni, Joseph Schroeder(Sarah), Emily Schroeder, James Schroeder, Haley Schroeder, Tori Sanchez (Joey), Hannah Schroeder (Josh), Loretta Schroeder, Sara Runnels, and Billy Runnels; great-grandchildren, Kylen, Genoni-Brown, Ke’myiri Brown, Jaxon, Trinity Schroeder, James, Kayden, Alexis, Maliyah, Camryn, Jonathan Schroeder, Jr., Abbie Campo, Serinady, Skylar, Sydney Sanchez, Wyatt Minor, Remi, and John Prevost; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Gladys Lindsey; brothers, R.J. Frazier and Jimmy E. Lindsey; grandchildren, Jamarcus Brown and Jonathan K. Schroeder, Sr. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. 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.
Scripture for Sunday School this Week
“Be Humble”
I Peter 5:1-11
Additional Scripture to Read and Think On
‘Blasphemy!’
Matthew 12:31-32
And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but ….
God expects us to show our love for others.
Be a volunteer. What can you do? If you cannot figure that out, ask someone. You can cook, rock babies, teach a lesson, make a purchase, pray, paint a door, drive a vehicle, and so many other things.
A resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, Tollie Marie Carpenter Miller was born on October 29, 1947 and passed peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at North Oaks Medical Center. She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Willie Ray Miller, step daughters Belinda (Steve) Mauduit and Theresa (Tobey) Trahan and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; Sister Mary (Keith) Felder and brothers William “Bill” Carpenter, Sr (Karlene) and Austin Carpenter Jr. ; numerous beloved nieces and nephews and a very special great-niece, Addy. She is preceded in death by her parents, Austin Carpenter Sr. and Mary Lou Herbert Carpenter Teekel. Pall bearers are: Billy Carpenter, Jeremy Carpenter, Trey Carpenter, Brady Carpenter, Bubba Bridges and Bill Carpenter. Graveside services will be held at Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA at 11:00AM Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Danny Smith . McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
From the WMU Louisiana Baptist Leadership in Alexander:
Please pray for the family of Nelda Seal who passed away today, April 28, 2025. Nelda served in a variety of roles in state WMU leadership and on the executive board of national WMU including:
2008-2010—interim executive director of WMU of Texas
2003-2007—president of Louisiana WMU
1998-2001—interim executive director of Louisiana WMU
1986-1995—executive director of Louisiana WMU
1985-1986—president of Louisiana WMU
Services will be held Thursday, May 1, at First Baptist Church, 541 Avenue F, Bogalusa, Louisiana. Visitation will be 9:00–11:00 a.m. with a funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be immediately afterwards at Bonnie Cemetery in Angie.
The Seal Family (Ryan, Tonia, Presley, Annabella, Gentry) at 1314 Military Road, Bogalusa, LA 70427.
Additional Bible Study
‘Order Out of Confusion’
1 Co. 14:1-12
Missions
Ladies, please join us Sunday for Women on Mission at 5 P.M. in my Sunday School classroom. The directors are Amy McDaniel and Lisa Newman.
You are invited to bring a friend and/or your elementary school agechildren or grandchildren, both boys and girls. The boys and girls will meet in a nearby area. I will be working with that class to introduce them to missions.
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