We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Today, let’s pray for our state as Hurricane Francine is headed our way. Exactly where she lands and what path she chooses, she will still have people in danger. Pray for the people who will have damage to property and danger to lives.
Schools in our area will be closed today and tomorrow. Most churches seem to have cancelled tonight’s services.
Stay alert. Storms can change their direction. They can also bring tornados with them. If you should run across water on the road, DO NOT drive through it. Be safe!
Read the Bible Every Day
September 11th
Job 39:13-40:24
Psalm 107:1-9
Proverbs 22:11-12
I Corinthians 15:12-34
Week of Prayer for the Georgia Barnette Offering
(I did not include these links easlier, so I will send two to catch up Watch the video for each day.
Sunday & Monday
Day 1
A Life-Changing Discovery
The Woodlake Addiction and Recovery Ministry is reaching people struggling with addiction.
Today, we need to focus on the possibility of Hurricane Francine coming our way tomorrow. Today, is our day of preparation. Be sure to do what you need to do now, not when the winds are blowing and the rain falling. Hopefully, it won’t be too bad her or anywhere else. Today is an excellent day to check on others. They might need a loaf of bread, some water, some picking up of outdoor furniture, plants moved, etc. Help them out!
Read the Bible Every Day
September 10
Job 38:1-39:12
Psalm 105:40-48
Proverbs 22:9-10
I Corinthians 14:26-15:11
Obituaries
Marsha Ann Stokes Graham
July 22, 1951 – September 8, 2024
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born July 22, 1951 in and was 73 years of age. She loved her roses and cooking for her family. Marsha was one to care for others. She loved both her sons dearly. She was the most loveable person. She loved talking about politics. She worked at Tangipahoa Parish School Board, North Oaks Medical Center, and Tangipahoa Parish Teachers Credit Union. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, David James Graham who was her high school sweetheart. They were together for 60 years; son, Gerald David Graham and wife, Esther; 4 granddaughters, Carley Graham, Sara Graham, Taylor Sansovich (Louis), Katie Monteleone (Cody);1 grandson, Hunter Blayne Graham (Jessica) 10 great-grandchildren; great-granddaughter, Amyra Gray. Preceded in death by her son, Stacy James Graham; father, Gordon Stokes, Sr.; mother, Lois Smith Stokes; brother, Gordon Stokes, Jr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 9:00AM until 11:00AM. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Amos Leon Brabham, Jr.
January 19, 1951 – September 8, 2024
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at The Claiborne in McComb, MS. He was born January 19, 1951 in Independence, LA and was 73 years of age. Mr. Brabham was a U. S. Army Veteran of Vietnam where he received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, The Air Medal, and The First Team with the First Cavalry Division Association. He is survived by his 4 children, Cissy Brumfield and husband, Albo, Leanne Gill and husband, Scott, Derrick Brabham and Erin Foster, and Christopher Brabham; 15 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Shirley Shill and husband, Jimmy, Louise Brabham, Nancy Brabham, Janice Carter and husband, David, Randy Brabham and wife, Kathy, Robert Brabham and wife, Janice, and Mike Brabham and wife, Felicia special friend, Betty Stubbs. Preceded in death by his daughter, Tiffany Lynn Brabham; parents, Amos Leon Brabham, Sr. and Louise Newcomb Brabham; brothers and sisters, Jo Wall, Deb Grice, Becky Millet, Faye Brabham, Marie Lederer, Angie Hebert, and Eugene Brabham. Visitation at Pine Ridge Methodist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Pine Ridge Cemetery, Kentwood. Pallbearers will be Derrick Brabham, Sabastian Brabham, Scott Gill, Albert Brumfield, Joseph Brabham, and Ryan Kirkpatrick. The family would like to thank Arden Hospice, the Claiborne and his sitters, Quida Williams and Bobbie Fultz, and his special friend at the Claiborne Mr. Tommy Kizer. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Associational WMU Meeting
Thank-you to all the FBC members who greeted others, carried food to the kitchen, decorated, provided food, worked in the kitchen, provided music, worked with the video presentation, took up the offering, attended the leadership meeting and/or the regular meeting, helped cleaned up, etc. I suppose I could say “It takes a village” or better than that, “It takes a church”!
I am so thankful for those of you who came to me Sunday saying, “You can call on me anytime.”, “I want to help again”, “What can I do now?”, etc. You are certainly appreciated!
Special Meeting
Tomorrow night after prayer meeting (6:45 P.M.), there will be a meeting with our new children’s minister for those who want to help her as she ministers to the children in our church.
Bible Study
The Bible study at Pine Ridge has been postponed for a week due to the possibility of bad weather. I have done my “homework” for the week and enjoyed doing it. See up in a week.
Sunday School Lesson
It is always helpful to read the lesson for the following Sunday early in the week and then to really study it at the end of the week. It helps us to learn and understand more. This works for me! Give it a try.
Thanks
I appreciate those who check here each day for a devotional thought, the current obituaries, a list of illnesses or hospitalizations, announcements, etc. Your prayers are appreciated each day by others. I appreciate you too!
Today is Monday, the start of a new work week for most people and the start of a new school week for many students and teachers. Let’s pray for each of them to have a safe and productive week.
Prayer Concerns
Bro. Darryl – sick over the weekend
Nathan Daniels – planned back surgery
Ruby Schwartz – planned neck surgery
Amy Tolar – surgery in Florida this week
Bryan Tate – at home
Dorothy Wall – able to walk some; anxious to walk again
Bobby Raborn – at home
Kenneth Birch – at home
Cete Dillon – at home
There are others who need out prayers, but they were not on my list today. Please pray for those listed here and for those on your prayer list. If you know of someone I need to list, please send me the name. Thank-you.
Read the Bible Every Day
September 9
Job 36:1-37:24
Psalm 105:32-39
Proverbs 22:7-8
I Corinthians 14:1-25
Sunday School
We had a good lesson from Acts 13 yesterday and will continue to learn more about Paul’s travels to different places to tell the Gentiles about Jesus. You are invited to my class, New Hope, or to any other class you choose. Studying God’s Word helps us understand who God wants us to be.
Children’s Christmas Program
The leaders and children met for the first time last night. If you have a child ages 4 – 6th grade (I think.), they can participate. The children will meet again next Sunday afternoon. It is not too late to begin to practice for the December presentation. Contact Nikki Rhodus or Wendy Fowler for more information.
Two River’s Associational Meeting
The meeting Saturday at FBC, Kentwood went well. The focus was on the Georgia Barnette offering for mission work in Louisiana. Many of the mission projects were discussed.
The next meeting will be Saturday, December 7th at Spring Creek Baptist Church. We will focus on Lottie Moon and the missionaries who serve internationally. All ladies and girls are invited to attend.
Thanks
Thanks for reading, praying, and all you do to help or encourage others. May we all be faithful to do the things God asks us to do including church attendance. You are appreciated!
Help needed?
If you need help learning more about FBC, or any other church, contact the church office, a church member, or look on the computer/phone for services available online and for the church’s website.
This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot.
Let’s pray for those who have been invited to church this week. I pray that those who choose to attend will realize they want and need to attend regularly
Read the Bible Every Day
September 8
Job 34:1-35:16
Psalm 106:24-31
Proverbs 22: 5-6
I Corinthians 12:21-13:13
Sunday School Focus Today
Acts 13
Associational Meeting Yesterday
Yesterday was a great day. The associational meeting was very good. Thanks to everyone who came. Special thanks to the ladies from Kentwood who worked so hard! I’m proud of you and thankful for you!
Fall Food Round-Up
If you have purchased food for the fall food round-up, you can leave it in the stairwell at the NW corner of the fellowship hall. Their greatest The items will be picked up on the 16th, so be sure to get your’s to the church no later than the 15th.
Have a wonderful day. Be a blessing to someone in some way!
Today, let’s pray for students and parents who have free time on the weekend. Let’s pray they choose their activities carefully and are aware all day of being safe and helping others around them be safe.
Read the Bible Today
September 7
Job 32:1-33:33
Proverns 22:3-4
I Corinthians 12:1-20
Thankfulness
Dorothy Wall broke her hip three weeks ago. She has had surgery and rehabilitation. Yesterday, she was able to go home. Pray for the adjustment she is making now. Thank God all has gone well in her treatment. I expect her to be back at church as soon as she can manage the walking.
Obituary
Wayne Wyatt Dixon
September 10, 1953 – September 3, 2024
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at The Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond, LA. He was born September 10, 1953 in Jacksonville, FL and was 70 years of age. He is survived by his brother, John Steve Dixon; niece, Kimberly Russell; nephews, John David Dixon and Daniel Lee Dixon; great-nieces, Chelsie Verberne (Allen Bickford), Caitlin Verberne (Corey Cloutre), and Carlie Verberne (Hayden Varnado); great-great-nieces, Kamryn Verberne and Lynleigh Cloutre. Preceded in death by parents, Estelle and John Baptist Dixon; sister, Wanda W. Holden; brother-in-law, Bruce E. Holden; nephew, John Wayne Dixon. Graveside Services will be held at Sharon Cemetery, Amite, at 2:00PM on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Services conducted by Bro. Randy Foulks. Pallbearers will be David Dixon, Daniel Dixon, Brandon Russell, Dakota Russell, and Allen Bickford. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Saturday
Today, is the day for the Two Rivers Associational Meeting at FBC, Kentwood. All ladies and girls are invited to come enjoy learning about the Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana Missions. The meeting begins at 10:00 in the church sanctuary and will be followed by a potluck lunch in the fellowship hall. Our next meeting will be the Lottie Moon Christmas Tea at Spring Creek Baptist Church on Saturday, December 7th.
Fall Food Roundup
Every year we send items and checks to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. This year the items they need most are cleaning supplies, but you are also welcome to send paper supplies such as paper towels, gift cards to fast food outlets, or personal checks made out to them. If you have a bag of supplies, please place your items in the area beneath the stairwell at the NW corner of the fellowship hall building. The pickup is early on September 16, so try to get your items/checks to the church sooner.
Use today wisely.
Be a helpful friend or neighbor today. Help someone who is having a difficult time because of sickness, a death, etc. Invite some families to attend church with you. Prepare for church by getting clothing ready for your family members. Study your Sunday School lesson or read Acts 14 from your Bible. I think you get the idea.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ ”
I hope you read the story about the man who sold his beautiful old car to buy a piece of equipment for Disaster Relief yesterday.
Sadly, I saw the article about China closing their adoptions of other children. David has two beautiful great nieces who were adopted from China more than twenty years ago. Many American families will be affected.
Two Rivers WMU Meeting
Tomorrow morning at 10:00
Leadership meeting at 9:00
FBC, Kentwood
Focus on Georgia Barnette Offering
Potluck lunch to follow the meeting
All ladies and girls invited to come
Fall Food Round-Up
Give items for use at the Children’s Home this year
Greatest need – household cleaning supplies
Get your items in soon. Pick-up will be on the 16th. Get your items to the church office or the stairwell at the NW corner of the fellowship hall soon.
Starting Sunday – Week of Prayer for the Georgia Barnette Offering for work in Louisiana.
You can look this up online or pick up a brochure at your local Baptist church.
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Pray for students and teachers around the world as they go to schools with the news of an incident in Georgia that cost the lives of students and teachers yesterday.
Read the Bible Every Day
Job 28:1:30:8
Psalm 105:37-45
Proverbs 21:29-31
I Corinthians 10:25-11:16
Pine Ridge Bible Study
There were 25-30 ladies present for the first Bible study of Seamlesss by Angie Smith. Many of the ladies shared prayer requests. Please pray for these requests as a unit. May God bless each of the ladies as they study God’s Word in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
You are invited to meet with the ladies of Two Rivers Baptist Association as they learn about and celebrate the many mission projects through the state every year. The meeting will begin at 10:00 A.M. and conclude with a potluck lunch.
Obituary
Mark Hamilton Leto, Jr.
December 14, 1980 – September 1, 2024
Mark Hamilton Leto, Jr. was born on December 14, 1980. He was born with a song in his heart and a laugh in his belly. He was an affectionate, adventurous, fearless, joyful, and witty boy. He started playing drums with pencils and sticks, long before he ever touched an instrument. If he wasn’t tapping on something, he was tapping his foot, whistling or singing. If you spent a day with him, you’d leave him with an annoying song stuck in your head. If you ever woke up in a house with him, you enjoyed a shower serenade that would put a Grammy winning artist to shame.
Mark makes you fall in love with him. You can’t help it, really. He gives himself so freely to anyone he meets and offers vulnerability and raw emotion to everyone; whether in an elevator conversation with a stranger or a heart to heart with a lifelong friend. Everyone is like family to Mark and everyone feels like family when they’re with Mark. He wants it that way. It is his super power. His heavenly gift. It is his purpose every day. He loves intimate conversations and closeness and straight talk. When he is shining, he will make divine connections and in more scenarios than we’ll know this side of Heaven, those connections made eternal impact. There is no prerequisite with Mark, no walls, no expectations and God knows, NO boundaries! Right now, you can probably recite a tacky joke he told you. He is generous with his big heart and gives it away to anyone who will receive it. In that way, Mark is a faithful servant. He didn’t hide his talents.
Mark has been son, brother, friend, husband, and Daddy. Daddy was his favorite. He loved all kids but his three girls, they were his glory. He was the kind of daddy that kept his home full of magic and laughter, and the occasional toe touch competition. He loved his three girls with all he had and if you felt loved by Mark, imagine the love he gave them, that they will pass on and carry forever.
He loves the beach. He loves driving fast. He loves karaoke. He loves baseball caps. He loves live music. He loves at least 3 beverages choices with each meal. He loves too much cologne. He loves a good plate lunch, and everyone he had was the best one yet! He always has a wad of gum in his mouth or on the rim of his cup. He loves to cook and if you’ve ever had his delicious cuisine and picked up a little something you couldn’t quite put your finger on, it was cinnamon or ketchup. He will make you laugh at the most inappropriate time. He plays drums like a professional. He can sell you something you don’t want, for twice what it’s worth.
Mark is a worshipper. He loves to sit at the feet of Jesus. It’s where he is most peaceful, where he feels most at home. He returns there often, worshipping through a battle or celebrating a victory. He was made to worship and he can lead people in from the back pew at a packed church, with his sacrifice-arms stretched as high as he could, offering himself to his Savior.
Mark gets to worship at the throne of his King, forever. He entered the arms of his Heavenly Father on September 1, 2024 and he wants to invite you to sing with him there in eternity.
Visitation at Cornerstone Church of Amite from 9:00 A.M. until religious services at 1:00PM on Friday, September 6, 2024. Services conducted by Rev. Phil Nicaud and Rev. Mervin Strother. Interment will be private. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Prayer Requests
Before you pray today, take a few minutes to update your prayer journal.
Saturday’s WMU Associational Meeting at Pine Ridge
Read the Bible Every Day
September 4
Job 24:13-27:23
Psalm 105:28-36
Proverbs 21:27-28
I Corinthians 10:6-24
Two Important Events this Week
Today – Bible Study at Pine Ridge: Seamless by Angie Smith and taught by Kathy Wales. Meet at noon to enjoy a lunch prepared by Chris and Kathy followed by the Bible Study.
Saturday – Associational WMU meeting at FBC, Kentwood at 10 A.M. (Leadership meeting at 9:00. The emphasis will be on the Georgia Barnette Offering for all the many missions done in Louisiana. Bring a dish for the potluck meal that will follow the meeting.
Obituaries
Orlando Baños
November 3, 1934 – August 31, 2024
Orlando Baños passed peacefully surrounded by his wife and children, Saturday, August 31, 2024, after a 20 year battle with dementia. Orlando was born November 3, 1934 in San Antonio de las Vegas (a providence of Havana, Cuba). He married wife Dalia Labrador Baños and after witnessing the revolution and takeover by Fidel Castro of their beloved country, they fled to live the American Dream. A resident of Amite, Louisiana for 57 years, Orlando was well known for his joyous spirit and kind heart. He worked hard to provide for his family and embodied American Patriotism. His infectious laugh, love of music and dance, and can-do attitude will be passed down from his children and grandchildren for generations to come. Orlando is survived in death by his three sons Orlando Baños and wife, Ann, of Austin, TX, Omar Baños and wife, Laura, of Amite, LA and Oscar Baños and wife, Rita, of Dallas, TX; eight grandchildren Allyssa, Candace, Ariel, Trey, Brock, Alex, Dakota, and Sara; seven great grandchildren; and three step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters. Honorary pallbearers will be Trey Baños, Brock Baños, Alex Baños, Dakota Baños, Ryan Hillderbrand and Bradley Hillderbrand. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8:00AM until 10:40AM on Friday. Religious Services at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 11:00AM on Friday, September 6, 2024. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Patsy Puckett Boyd
November 22, 1940 ~ September 2, 2024 (age 83)
Mrs. Patsy Puckett Boyd, 83, a lifelong resident of Utica, Mississippi prior to a debilitating stroke passed away peacefully Monday, September 2, 2024, at Vicksburg Convalescent Home where she was a resident. She joyfully entered her home in Heaven to abide eternally with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Patsy was born in Utica, MS on November 22, 1940. She was the daughter of Douglas “Boots” and Grace Puckett. She was a graduate of Utica High School and went on to begin Nursing School at Mississippi College. She was a lifelong member of Utica Baptist Church faithfully singing in the choir. Following her marriage to Richard “Larry” Boyd she was an exceptional homemaker for her family. She was always well put together with a perfectly clean home and delicious food especially her famous fried chicken! She especially enjoyed preparing for the holidays! She invested her life in tender care and gentle nurturing of her daughter and two sons and later her four grandchildren. Patsy enjoyed reading and has collected many books over the years. She also enjoyed exercising and has walked many miles on treadmills and trails. Patsy was an avid sports fan and enjoyed cheering on Ole Miss and the Utica Goldwaves! Her generosity was appreciated by the many charitable organizations to which she and her husband contributed. Her gentle spirit was recognized by family, friends and many animals. She loved playing with and caring for her many cats and they loved her!
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard “Larry” Boyd, daughter Penny Allen, Utica; and two sons Richard Bradley “Brad” Boyd (Charlotte), Utica and Robert “Robby” Earl Boyd (Karen), Vicksburg and four grandchildren, Kaylee Elizabeth Eisman (Ben), Greenville, SC; Rebecca Lauren Cochran (Jacob), Vicksburg; Emily Grace Davis (Jacob), Pattison; Ryan Bradley Boyd (Kaylan Gray, Fiancee), Philadelphia, MS and a step grandchild, Skylar Colbie Singleton (Raeven), Amite, LA and four great grandchildren Saylor Davis, Levi Eisman, Colbie and Hudson Singleton and a brother-in-love, Earl Mathes, Clinton, MS as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas “Boots” Puckett and Grace Sisk Puckett, sister, Doris Ann Mathes, three brothers, Douglas “Sonny” Puckett, Lawrence Puckett and Bruce Puckett as well as a son-in-law, Dexter Allen.
Visitation will be Friday, September 6, 2024, from 9:30-11:00 at Utica Baptist Church with a memorial service immediately following for family and friends.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of the Vicksburg Convalescent Home and Dr. Sam Pierce for their faithful care to Patsy. We would also like to thank the many friends and family members that have prayed for and supported her throughout the past five years.
In lieu of flowers gifts may be given to Utica Baptist Church in her memory.
Thankfulness
Today, I am very thankful for the ladies and girls who have shown a new interest in various mission opportunities.
Today, let’s focus our prayers on the upcoming week of prayer for Louisiana Missions, the Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana. Also, please pray for Saturday’s Two Rivers Associational WMU meeting at FBC, Kentwood. The associational leadership will meet at 9:00 followed by the regular meeting at 10 A.M. Then, a covered dish lunch will conclude the meeting.
The Prayer Link 
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