Today’s Verse

‘To Whom Are We Listening?’ 

We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not

from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth.

I John 4:6

The Week of Prayer for International Missions ended yesterday, but I thought this story was worthy of sharing, even if late. The offering can be given at any time, even though the focus week has ended.

WEEK OF PRAYER: Brazilian families find Christ-centered care

Their choice is unimaginable. Infanticide or rejection by their tribe.  

Many Indigenous families in Brazil experience rejection by their tribes because the families refuse to practice infanticide. This cruel tradition, which involves the killing of babies born with birth defects, incurable diseases, or in cases of twins and unwanted pregnancies, is still observed by some tribes in Brazil.  

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/week-of-prayer-brazilian-families-find-christ-centered-care/

OBITUARIES

No new posts this morning

Read the Bible Today

• December 8
• Ezekiel 28-30

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

There are some wonderful articles to read this morning. I hope you will take the time to read some that appeal to you.

A House Fire Saturday

The Welch family lost their home. Contact the church office to get information about the needs and how to best help this family at this time.

‘Paul’s Boldness, Agrippa’s Refusal’

But Paul replied [to Festus’ charge that he had lost his mind because he believed in the resurrection of Jesus], “I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth. And King Agrippa knows about these things. I speak boldly, for I am sure these events are all familiar to him, for they were not done in a corner! King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do — “

Agrippa interrupted him. “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”

Acts 26:25-28 NLT

Thank You …

• To the WMU ladies who attended a Saturday meeting.
• To those who contributed stamped cards for the local jails to give to inmates to send a written Christmas to their families during this holiday.
• To Spring Creek for planning and carrying out the program Saturday. T
• To FBC, Kentwood for the adult Christmas program.
• To those who beautifully decorated FBC, Kentwood
• To those who have worked with the children of my church to present to all of us.
• Thank you to those who decorated for the children’s performance.
• To those who have prepared meals for some of our church members and others in the community.
• To Sunday School teachers who lead many classes each week.
• To men who step up and move the tables and chairs the fellowship hall for another event.
• To men who have been sharing hams as a class project.
• To the workers who work in the nursery any time we have a service.
• To volunteers who help in the nursery each week.
• To the church staff for all they do.
• To you for keeping a pray list and using it daily.
• ETC! (The list varies each week, but is always long. What can you add?

Have a wonderful week serving God, studying His Word, helping those with a need, visiting those who are homebound most or all of the time, etc.

Always take time to be an encourager to others of all ages.

You can impact many people with your positive words and actions! Today, let’s spend some time in saying “Thank-you”!

Anna Lee

Today’s Verse

Week of Pray for Lottie Moon Offering

(This is the brochure you should have received a week ago in a baptist church. If you missed any of the missionary stories, you can read them here. Today is day eight.)

Click to access WOP-25-Prayer-Guide-digital-1.pdf

Prayer Focus

• Families with recent deaths
• Families who will not be together for the Christmas holidays
• Church Christmas programs as they are presented
• Our military
• Those who live alone
• Those experiencing health issues.
• Salvation as the old, old story is told again and again

Today’s Bible Reading

• December 8
• Ezekiel 28-30

Thanks to Spring Creek Baptist Church

They hosted the quarterly WMU/Women on Mission meeting yesterday.

Christmas Cards for Prisoners

The stamped Christmas cards for the prisoners to use to contact family members were collected yesterday and will be give to jail administrators to distribute this week. The only exception to the deadline will be at FBC, Kentwood where the cards will be received through TODAY.

Obituaries

There are no new obituaries listed this morning.

Addition Bible Verses

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

— Ephesians 5:15-16

The holidays can be lonely and/or difficult for some people. Take time to visit, say, and /or do something that will be an encouragement.

This is also the season when Sunday School classes meet and have some “visiting” time, planning time, and remembering time.

Churches will also have Christmas programs. They can be a real blessing and help people get the right focus for the holidays. Try to attend several programs this year.

Christmas is about Jesus and what his birth, life, and death mean to our eternal future!

Anna Lee

Today’s Verses

Read the Bible Today

• Dec. 6 – Ezekiel 23-24
• Dec. 7 – Ezeloe; 25-27

Obituary

Randal Lyn Ward

September 24, 1962 – November 26, 2025

Randal Lyn Ward, age 63, was born on September 24, 1962, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and passed away in Baton Rouge. He spent most of his life in Monticello, Baton Rouge, and Amite where he graduated from Amite High School. Randal was the son of Tommy Kyle Ward and Gladys Joyce Stanley. Randy as everyone called him, faced many challenges throughout his life, and his story was uniquely his own. His family and friends who knew him well will have many stories to remember him by.

He is survived by his children, Westley Aaron Ward and his wife Courtney Taylor Marx of West Palm Beach, Florida, Randi Lynn Nieves and her husband Leonardo Nieves of Sacramento, California, and Jackie Robert Ward of Monticello, Mississippi. His grandchildren include Dominick Brown and Kylee Annette Ward. Randy is also survived by his siblings, Terry Wayne Ward and his wife Sandra Whittington Ward, Tanya Hendry Warren and her husband Kyle Warren, and Lisa Ward Hennesy, wife of the late Jeff Hennesy. Nieces and nephews include Stephanie Flood, Shannon Ward, Aibhlinn Hennesy, and Alec Sparks. Step-mother, Cathy Ward.

Randy was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Joyce Hendry; his father, Tommy Kyle Ward; and his stepfather, Marion H. Hendry Jr. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, John App Ward, Geneva Dixon, Chester Stanley, Mabel Allen Stanley, and and brother-in-law, Jeff Hennesy.

If you would like to make a donation in Randy Ward’s name, please send it to the Baton Rouge Salvation Army or The First United Methodist Church of Amite. Arrangements will be handled privately by the family. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

WMU/Women on Mission

• Meet this morning at Spring Creek Baptist Church
• 9:00 Leadership Meeting
• 10:00 Regular meeting
• Focus – Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
• Bring a friend
• Refreshments provided
• Thanks to Spring Creek for hosting this meeting

Quote by William Temple

(He was an English priest who served in the 1920’s)

“To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.”

Holidays

Our days seem to get busier at this time of the year. We have more opportunities to celebrate. Let’s enjoy our faith, our friends, and our family. As you do that, remember, that the priority is to celebrate Jesus!

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Celebrate the Lottie Moon Week of Prayer today.

Today is a day to prepare for the Lord’s Day.

That includes reviewing or studying tomorrow’s lesson.

Matthew 3:13-4:11

Have a wonderful day as you encourage and pray for others.

Anna Lee

Today’s Verse

Read the Bible Daily

Ezekiel 21-22

Operation Christmas Child

It is not too early to or too late to volunteer to help with OCC in your church. Talk to your local leadership to get involved in shoeboxes for 2026.

December is a busy month. Set some priorities and schedule your time in what you think is important for you.

Obituaries – No new ones listed this morning.

Prayer Focus

At this time of the year there are many opportunities for us. Let’s choose those that are beneficial to us as individuals and families that point out the one true meaning of the season. Make some small signs and post in you home that say “Jesus is the reason for the season”.

Updates

Some of those we have been praying for are better and can be removed from our personal prayer lists. Others need to be listed again or for the first time. Updating is needed periodically.

If you have not been reading your Bible daily or according to a special plan, now is a good time to look around and choose one that will work for you. You are always welcome to read the passages I list each day. Feel free to join us in Ezekiel now.

Additional Scripture Reading

‘Sowing Faith, Hope, Love’

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 

4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 

5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel

Colossians 1:3-5 NIV

Christmas at FBC, Kentwood

I don’t know when all the Christmas activities/programs will be in my church and certainly not in the whole community, but as opportunities arise, take advantage of them.

One opportunity I would suggest is next week, on December 11th at 7 P.M. A US Marine jazz band concert will be at the Amite High Theater. The program varies each year, but has been good each year we have attended. There is no charge to attend. Maybe you will want to attend and see for yourself.

FBC, Amite is presenting a living Christmas Tree on the 14th with two performances. I don’t know if they have any more seats, but I know it was filling up quickly. The tickets are free, just a way to keep the size of the crowd within safe numbers.

FBC, Kentwood will have a program presented by the adults and another one presented by the children. I cannot give you dates or times, but you can call the church office for that information. The programs are on Sundays and within our usual church schedule.

Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Anna Lee

Today’s Verse

No New Obituaries Today

Reading the Bible

• December 4
• Ezekiel 18-20

Surprised and Blessed

Last night, I was very surprised when Trey Harrison walked into Prayer Meeting. He told me he had been in church Sunday, which was a surprise to me. God certainly continues to answer prayers. Thank-you for your continued prayers for him.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Today is Day 5 of the Focus Week

Geographic Area – Central Asia

Here is the link to a site that will share stories of international missions work.

https://www.imb.org/stories/

Additional Bible Reading

‘Content in All Circumstances’

¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

 ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 

¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:11-13

The weather sounds bad periodically. Get ready for three days of rain.

Anna Lee

Today’s Verse

Read the Bible Today

• December 3
• Ezekiel 16-17

Prayer Focus

Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions

Solving the world’s greatest problem—lostness!

Today’s Mission Focus

The 2025 Lottie Moon Week of Prayer for International Missions is taking place from November 30 to December 7, 2025. It is an annual event where Southern Baptist churches pray for missionaries and give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering to support international missions. The week is an opportunity to learn about missionary work and give financially to support the International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries who serve around the world. 

• Dates: November 30 – December 7, 2025
• Purpose: To pray for and financially support international missionaries serving with the IMB.
• Activities: Many churches will participate by using a prayer guide, reading stories, and taking up the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
• Theme: The theme for the 2025 offering is “Together”.
• Giving: Financial gifts are collected during this week and support the nearly 3,600 IMB missionaries and their families. 

WMU/Women on Mission Focus for Two Rivers Baptist Churches – We will meet Saturday morning at 10:00 at Spring Creek Baptist Church. All ladies and girls are invited to attend.

Obituary

William Frederick Waller

August 13, 1947 – December 1, 2025

It is with heavy hearts the Waller family informs you of the passing of William “Freddy” Waller. A native of Kentwood, he was 78 years old. A loving husband, father, son, and grandfather. He was our rock.  He was a retired dairy farmer and retired truck driver. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Ferrage Waller, and sons, Michael David Waller and Christopher Scott Waller. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse M. Waller, Jr. and Fannie S. Waller and beloved granddaughter, Stephanie Michelle Waller. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. Thanks to the staff of Interim Healthcare for their support. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Memorial Services at 12 Noon on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Sonny Travis. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

The following obituary at Sharkey Funeral Home is incomplete at this time.

Joseph “Joey” Ray Little

March 10, 1978 – November 30, 2025

Sunday School Lesson for Sunday

• “Affirmation”
• Matthew 3:13 – 4:11
• (Adult “Explore the Bible” Series of Baptist Press)

Additional Bible Reading

5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue ⁱknowledge, 

6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control ⁴perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 

7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and ^jto brotherly kindness love.

2 Peter 1:5-7, NKJV

Two Thinks to Take Action on Today

Thank God for safe traveling of Thanksgiving travelers.

Pray for your improvement is some part of your daily life.

Anna Lee

Reason for the Season

Reading the Bible

• December 2
• Ezekiel 12-15

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Obituary

Samuel John Alford

June 30, 1947 – November 30, 2025

Samuel John Alford, 78, born June 30, 1947, a resident of East Fork Community in Kentwood, LA passed peacefully at Lakeview Hospital in Mandeville, LA on Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Visitation is 9:00 a.m. until religious service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at East Fork Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA. Interment will be in East Fork Cemetery.

Sam retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant with 20 years of service. He traveled world wide serving 4 years in Spain and 4 years in England. He was also an avid deer hunter and fisherman. He always planted a large garden sharing his produce with family and friends. He was married to Kay Harrell Alford and they recently celebrated 25 years of marriage. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, his brother Harrell Alford and his wife Janet of Kentwood, LA, his sister-in-law Judy Alford of Tupelo, MS and his two sons, Samuel J. Alford Jr. and his wife Donna of Houston, TX and Jeffrey Alford Sr. of Kentwood, LA. He had 8 grandchildren, Jesse and Ashley Alford, Jeffrey Jr. and wife Emily, Joshua, Jacob, Jude, Shyanna Alford and Amber Escobar and husband Omar; great-grandchildren Alejhandro Alford, Cooper Alford, Melanie, Lawson, and Owen Escobar.

He also loved and cherished Kay’s children, Scott Simmons and wife Debbie and Brent Simmons and wife Beth of Kentwood, LA; grandchildren; Christina Taylor and husband David of Spanish Fort, AL, Crystal Morgan and husband Heath of Independence, LA, Renee Travis and husband Wesley of Livingston, LA, Koley Simmons and wife McKenzie of Ponchatoula, LA, Steven Simmons of New Roads, LA and Laken Carlin and her husband Kynan of Kentwood, LA; great-grandchildren, Emilee, Lauren and Addison Taylor, Taylor Morgan, Charli Kate Travis, Nicholas, Raylee and Riley Simmons and Logan Carlin.

Preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Mildred Alford, his brother James Alford and step-grandson Alex Simmons.

Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Alford Jr., Joshua Alford, Jacob Alford, David Taylor, Heath Morgan and Wesley Travis.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to all of the family and friends who offered their prayers, love and support. Heartfelt thanks go out to Hood Memorial Hospital and Lakeview Hospital for their care.

Week of Prayer for International Missions

WEEK OF PRAYER: Korean American missionaries transform lives in home country and focus an audience of teens, the group with the highest rate of suicide and a low percentage of Christians.

Quote by F. B. Meyer:

(an English pastor and evangelist)

“There is nothing, indeed, which God will not do for a man who dares to step out upon what seems to be the mist; though as he puts his foot down he finds a rock beneath him.”

As we move forward into this holiday season, let’s slow down and think about what we are celebrating. That should be our focus!

Enjoy some wonderful Christmas events that focus on Jesus at churches and other places.

Christmas Gathering of Women sponsored by Two Rivers Association and Spring Creek

• Saturday, December 7th
• 10:00 A.M.
• Spring Creek Baptist Church
• Focus: Reason for Christmas and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
• Bring Stamped Christmas card for prisoners if you have not turned them in at you local church.
• All refreshments will be provided by Spring Creek.

Choose your Christmas celebrations carefully. There will be many more than you can attend.

Anna Lee

It’s hard to believe it is December, but lots of people, especially children, are happy to be at this point of the year.

Today’s Verse

No New Obituaries Today

Read the Bible Through

• December 1
• Ezekiel 9-12

Bro Darryl began a new Sunday Night study of First Peter last night. You might want to read chapter one before next Sunday night.

Mission Project

Thank-you to those who contributed Christmas cards, with a stamp on each envelope, so the St. Helena and Tangipahoa Parish prisoners can send one to a family member. You have another week to get that done. They can be turned in at the Lottie Moon WMU meeting Saturday morning at Spring Creek or at the entry to FBC, Kentwood by next Sunday. I will deliver the cards to the Tangipahoa Parish jail next week. Judy Noonan will deliver to the St. Helena jail the cards given in St. Helena churches.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

This is an annual week of prayer for international missions.

• Dates: November 30 – December 7, 2025.
• Purpose: To pray for international missionaries and the spread of the gospel, and to raise the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
• Resources: The IMB provides a variety of resources, including daily prayer guides, videos, and other materials, to help individuals and churches participate.
• Giving: The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is collected to support the work of international missionaries, with 100% of the gifts going directly to this cause. 

We will be given an opportunity this month to contribute to international missions. If you do not already know about Lottie Moon, I hope you will look her up and learn about the lady with a passion to tell others about Jesus, where she ministered, why she died, etc.

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/week-of-prayer-korean-american-missionaries-transform-lives-in-home-country/

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQcqtlSjxJQFLSPgJKNBdtFJjnJ

‘His Saving Power’ (Ps. 98:1)

Sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
    have worked salvation for him.

Psalm 98:1

An explanation of this verse:

Psalm 98 teaches us that praise forms the community of faith. This psalm of praise moves the community of the faithful from a historically rooted expression of joy in God’s might to a deeper understanding of God as a God of faithfulness.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I know of special needs this week. You probably do too. Take time to pray and and act on them in a way that seems best.

Have a “marvelous Monday”! Be aware of how you can minister to others today.

Anna Lee

Good Morning. Happy Lord’s Day!

The last two car loads of family just left. We had a very busy Thanksgiving week!

Prayer Focus

Pray for holiday travelers today. Some will travel by air, but many by car. Pray for safety and happy memories for all of them.

Read the Bible Today

• November 30
• Esther 5-8

Today’s Scripture

New Literature

New Sunday School literature will be available in your regular Sunday School class at FBC today. Get your literature so you can prepare for next week’s lesson.

Obituaries

Zack Elester Stewart, Sr.

December 17, 1964 – November 24, 2025

Zack Elester Stewart, Sr., 60, of Roseland, Louisiana, entered into the arms of Jesus on November 24, 2025. A devoted husband, father, and family man, Zack lived a life defined by love, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the people he cherished.

Married to his beloved wife, Melinda Stewart, for 30 years, Zack was the proud father of ten—a role he carried with honor, patience, and a heart bigger than the outdoors he loved so much. If he wasn’t spending time with his family, he could be found doing what brought him peace: hunting, fishing, and appreciating the simple gifts of nature.

Zack worked his entire life in the scaffold industry, where he was known as a hardworking man whose handshake was as binding as any contract. To know him was to know a man of principle—steady, honest, and always true to his word.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Nellie and Brady Stewart, his son Wesley Stevens, and his brother Bubba Stewart.

He is survived by his wife, Melinda Stewart; his sons Zack Stewart Jr. (Karagan) and Kadin Stewart; his daughters Courtney Stewart, Christa Stewart, Victoria Herrington (Chris), Ella Stewart, and Madilynn Stewart; and his niece and nephew, Chasity and Edward Granger II.

Sister Genelda Dubois (Johnny) and brother AJ Stewart (Pam).

Zack was also blessed with a large and loving group of grandchildren who brought joy and laughter into his life: Seth, Scott, Gracie, Destiny, Josh, Chyanna, Logan, Khloe, Kinsleigh, Lettie, Brady, Noah, and Kyrsten.

Zack’s legacy is one of strength, loyalty, and quiet kindness. His presence will be deeply missed, but the love he poured into his family will continue to live on in every story told, every memory held, and every tradition passed down.

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Friday and from 8:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Saturday. Services conducted by Bro. Carlin Sanders. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Charles Bennett Welch

February 13, 1940 – November 29, 2025

Charles Bennett Welch, born February 13, 1940, in Opelousas, LA and a long time resident of Kentwood, LA, has passed away peacefully at his home on November 29, 2025. He was a member of East Fork Baptist Church. He was a servant of God. Charles is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Margaret Lavone Welch; his parents, Clifton Welch (Ona) and Shirley Brown; brothers, Daulton Welch and Gene Welch; and great-granddaughter, Lily Rae Hose. He is survived by his daughters, Kim (Mike) McNabb and Stephanie (Stewart) Pedigo; grandchildren, Dennis Pedigo, Leslie Pedigo, Christopher (Brita) McNabb and Landon McNabb; great-grandchildren, Evy Hose, Audrey Hose, Haidyn McNabb, Amilya McNabb, Maddox McNabb, Parker McNabb, Paige McNabb and Paxton McNabb; his brothers, Wayne McMillan, Billy Welch and Bobby Welch. Visitation will be at East Fork Baptist Church, 17280 La Hwy 1054, Kentwood, from 5:00pm until 8:00pm on Monday December 1, 2025 and from 9:00am until religious service at 11:00am on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Services conducted by Reverend Jay Avance. Interment will follow at East Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory to a charity of your choice. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Additional Bible Reading

‘Focused on Goodness’

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. … And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9 b

Have a great Lord’s Day! If He doesn’t live in your heart, you are missing out on so much!

Anna Lee