Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for company. Company can be friends or family. We are experiencing a first, a grandchild and spouse staying for a few days “just because”. David and I are thrilled and so very thankful.

Mr. Bobby Simpson

My update on Mr. Bobby was shared by his older daughter, Melissa. With the heart beating more frequently and the pneumonia cleared up, the doctor is looking ahead and discussing possibilities for rehab. Isn’t that wonderful?

Today’s Bible Verse

Read the Bible in 2025

• November 8
• Isaiah 54-58

Sunday School Lesson

Obituary

Linda Susan Rispone Hulsey

September 17, 1953 – November 7, 2025

Linda Susan, a native of Baton Rouge, LA and a life-long resident of Amite, LA passed away peacefully at the age of 72 on Friday, November 7, 2025, at PAM Health Specialty Hospital in Hammond, LA at 12:10 A.M. Linda was born on September 17, 1953 to Evelyn Sharkey Rispone and Vincent L. Rispone. She attended Amite High School, where she was a member of the WaHoop dance team for 3 years. She graduated from Amite High School in 1971. She then attended Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in Education, teaching 1st grade for many years before getting her masters and certification in Special Education, teaching Special Ed until her death. Linda was a life long member of the First Baptist Church of Amite. She was the sponsor of the Amite High WaHoop dance team for many, many years and truly had a hand in the lives and many young ladies which to this day loved her like she was their own mother. Linda’s love for her beloved Amite High Warriors, WaHoop Dance Team, LSU Tigers and The New Orleans Saints were like none other. She loved her teams and especially football. Every student that she ever taught was truly hers and she would let you know it at all times. Linda is survived by the 3 loves of her life, Hunter Hulsey Simmons and her husband David, of Magnolia, MS, Haley Hulsey White of Hammond, LA and Thomas Heath Hulsey of Amite, LA. Her 4 precious grandchildren were truly her heart and she lived her life daily for them. Thomlyn Brie White, Wyatt Lee Simmons, Madelyn (Maddie) Kate Simmons,and Bayleigh Jane Simmons. Her brother Vincent Jerry Rispone, Sr. and wife Kathy and a very special godson Joshua Ross Byars, and his wife Sarah and their son Briggs. She was preceded in death by her parents, her maternal grandparents Homer and Myrtle Sharkey and paternal grandparents, Joseph and Frances Rispone. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 9:00 A.M. until religious services at 11:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church in Amite. Services will be conducted by Rev. Matthew White. Interment will be at Amite Memorial Gardens. The family wishes to extend a special thanks for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Baton Rouge General, North Oaks Medical Center and PAM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be given to First Baptist Church of Amite, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and The American Cancer Society. McKneely Funeral Home of Amite is in charge of arrangements.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I think you will find more than one article worthy of your time and attention.

Sunday School Lesson for Tomorrow

• “Undivided Worship”
• Deuteronomy 12:1-11 and 29-32

Additional Bible Reading

‘Power over Our Misdeeds’

“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”

Romans 8:13

Do what you can to make tomorrow a great Lord’s Day.

Anna Lee

Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for my Bible, Christian books, Sunday School literature, etc. that help me have a better understanding of how God would have me live my life. I try, but often fail, just like all other humans.

Today’s Bible Verse

Update on Bobby Simpson

The procedure went well yesterday. Mr. Bobby’s heart rate is up to 70 now. Thank you for your continued prayers for him and his family.

Obituary

Jesse Louis Dean

December 7, 1940 – November 5, 2025

Jesse Louis Dean, a faithful servant of the Lord, devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, peacefully entered his eternal home in Heaven on November 5, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was born on December 7, 1940, in Osyka, Mississippi, to the late Samuel Emanuel (S.E.) and Mary Pope Dean.

A man of deep faith and quiet strength, Jesse lived his life as a true example of Christian love and service. He was a dedicated member of his church, where he served faithfully as a deacon for 50 years and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. His kindness, humility, and steadfast devotion to God and family touched everyone who knew him.

Jesse loved his church and found great joy in serving others, especially the widows in his community. Each holiday season, he could be found working alongside his Sunday School class to deliver hams to those widows, a tradition he looked forward to every year. He believed in living his faith through action, and his generosity touched countless lives.

Jesse was the beloved husband of Majel Hunt Dean for 57 wonderful years. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and strong faith.

He was a devoted father to Jennifer Hayes (Steve) of Mandeville, LA and Jason Dean (Larissa), and a proud “Pawpaw” to his cherished grandchildren, Delanie Dean Fortenberry (Colby) and Dylan Dean (Claire). He was overjoyed to become a proud new “Great Pawpaw” to his great-grandson, Bentley Carroll Fortenberry and Audrey Kathryn Dean arriving in March 2026, all of Osyka, MS.

Family was at the center of Jesse’s life. He loved deeply and gave freely of his time, his energy, and his heart. He is also survived by his sister, Theresa Dean Cutrer, bonus granddaughters, Alyssa Hayes and Whitney Hayes Orndorff (Jonah), many nieces and nephews who will forever remember his devotion to family and his storytelling.

Jesse worked as a conductor for Canadian National Railroad for 42 years, where he was known for his reliability, dependability, and strong work ethic. His career took him across Louisiana, Mississippi, and beyond, and along the way, he became something of a restaurant expert.

Jesse could tell you the best places to eat in every little town along the railroad tracks and a few hidden gems far off them, too. He loved sharing those stories and making sure no one ever missed a good meal.

Before and alongside his railroad career, Jesse also worked as a dairyman, and in his prime years, he was often found helping other farmers on his days off. Hard work wasn’t just part of his routine; it was part of who he was.

Jesse also proudly served his country in the National Guard, carrying with him the values of honor, service, and dependability throughout his life.

In his retirement years, Jesse found great joy in cheering for his beloved LSU Tigers. Whether it was watching football, baseball, or the Lady Tigers basketball team, he rarely missed a game, and his enthusiasm for LSU sports was infectious.

Just as faithfully as he followed the Tigers, he was his grandson’s biggest fan, attending countless youth baseball games and cheering from the stands with pride. He never missed a chance to celebrate a good hit or offer a few words of advice after the game. Those afternoons at the ballpark brought him more joy than any LSU victory.

He was also incredibly proud of his granddaughter, admiring her academic accomplishments and her decision to follow in Nana’sfootsteps as a teacher. Her dedication, compassion, and love for learning reminded him so much of Majel, and he never missed an opportunity to brag about her achievements.

When he wasn’t watching LSU, you could often find him fishing in his pond and later frying up his famous catfish, a family favorite his grandson now tries to duplicate.

Jesse’s life was filled with love, laughter, and purpose. He was a storyteller, a hard worker, a man who loved good food and fellowship, and someone who found joy in the simple blessings of everyday life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Emanuel (S.E.)and Mary Pope Dean; his in-laws, Jack and Sadie Hunt; his sister, Patsy Benefield; his brothers-in-law, Walter Benefield and Sambo Cutrer; and his nephew, Sammy Cutrer.

Jesse’s life was a testament to faith, family, and integrity. His legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched and the love he shared so freely.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff and doctors at North Oaks for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion they provided to Jesse and his family.

In honor of Jesse’s servant heart, the family asks friends and loved ones to honor his memory by providing a ham to a widow this holiday season, continuing the tradition he held so dearly.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to McKneely Funeral Home. Services will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Line Creek Baptist Church in Kentwood, Louisiana.

Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Line Creek Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Line Creek Baptist Church Gym Floor Fund in Jesse’s memory, honoring his lifelong faith and love for his church family.

Read the Bible in 2025

• November 7
• Isaiah 49-53

Quote by G. K. Chesterton, a well-known British author of the last century:

“The issue now is clear. It is between light and darkness and everyone must choose his side.”

Have a wonderful day. Be a “light” and “let it shine”!

Anna Lee

Good morning. God gave us another opportunity to love and serve Him, as well as to be a friend and helper to others.

Today’s Scripture

THANKFULNESS

Today, I am thankful for having a church where I can serve God and worship Him with many friends who also love Him. It’s like a second home in a familiar setting and with many familiar worshipers. There are also many new worshipers now. What a blessing!

OBITUARIES

There are no new obituaries posted today, but I would like to share that Jesse Dean of Line Creek passed away late yesterday morning in Hammond. His funeral will be Saturday at Line Creek Baptist Church. I’ll share an obituary tomorrow morning.

Also, Don Schneeweiss lost a brother.

Surgery this Afternoon

Pray for Bobby Simpson, the medical staff, and his family as he will get a pacemaker early this afternoon at North Oaks.

Reading the Bible in 2025

• Thursday, November 6
• Isaiah 45-48

Devotional by Rev. Charles Spurgeron

“I will pour water onto land that is thirsty. I will pour streams of water on the dry ground. I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and I will bless them“. 

Isaiah 44:3

The verse is a promise from God to provide spiritual renewal and blessings to his people, using the metaphor of water bringing life to a dry land. 

As I often tell you,“Be an encourager today”.

Anna Lee

Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for friends. As we travel out of this area, we often realize we know nobody there. When out grandchildren visited here, they always noticed how many people know us and took time to “visit”. They would ask who was driving in the car where someone waved. They lived and still live in big cities where they seldom know anyone outside of their immediate neighborhood or church. I’m thankful for living among “friends”, many “friends”!

Read the Bible Today

• November 5
• Isaiah 42-44

Prayer Requests

• Bobby Simpson – Room 1517 at North Oaks
• Jesse Dean – ICU at North Oaks yesterday
• Andy Taylor – home
• Robbie Lynn – Baptist Hospital in Jackson, MS
• All those who are homebound!
• Caregivers
• Emergency area workers
• Pastors
• Etc.

No New Obituaries are Posted This Morning

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Baptist Message

http://www.baptistmessage.com/

Pine Ridge Bible Study

Chapter 10

Meet at noon today

Midweek Prayer Meeting

Many area churches will have prayer meeting and other options tonight such as youth and children’s activities, missions, music rehearsals, and as always nursery care will be provided.

Operation Christmas Child

This is the season for packing shoeboxes! I’ve been getting reports about various churches packing the boxes. Great work! May you be richly blessed for your desire to tell so many others about Jesus through a filled cardboard or plastic box.

Thanksgiving Meals

Various churches will minister to others at this time of the year. Thank-you for caring and doing lots of work to bless others.

Others

Will you make a call or visit today? Will you prepare a dish or a meal? Will you deliver a plant or a meal? Will you give a ride? Will you . . . . ?

Anna Lee

Thankfulness – Day 4

Today, I am thankful to be an American. God placed me in our great, but imperfect country, but one that was founded of Christian principles. I hope we will always strive to be a Christian nation.

Today’s Verse

Read the Bible in 2025

• 11-4-25
• Isaiah 36-41

Sunday School Lesson

• November 9
• “Undivided Worship”
• Deuteronomy 12:1-11 and 29-32

OCC Shoeboxes

It is the season to pack shoeboxes for children around the world and for giving children (and their families) the opportunity to learn about Jesus and to become Christians. I know of one area churches that will be packing shoeboxes TODAY and under new leadership. I thank God for their efforts to provide many children with gifts and with knowledge about being saved. Say a special prayer for the packers at 2 P.M. Also, say a prayer for the children who will receive the shoeboxes. May they not only appreciate the gifts, but also grow to love Jesus and his message for their salvation. Remember, in 2025, each shoebox will share the message of the Bible with ten people and in their very own language.

Prayer Requests

• Bobby Simpson
• Robbie Lynn
• Dorothy Wall
• Andy Taylor
• Others who are listed on your personal prayer list

Additional Bible Reading”

“Walking in the Light”

6 Do not let anyone have a chance to deceive you with a false message about those kinds of bad things. God will certainly punish people who do not obey him.

Ephesians 5:6

Same verse in an easier to read version:

“Don’t let anyone fool you with words that are not true. God gets very angry when people who don’t obey him talk like that.”

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

• Hundreds respond to Gospel during Mississippi GO TELL crusade. (Imagine being in a stadium in Brookhaven and seeing 700+ people saved in four nights!)
• Hurricane Melissa deals another heavy blow to Jamaica’s farmers and fishers
• Texas pastor packages hunting adventures with the Gospel 
• Trump calls out Nigeria for Christian persecution; threatens sanctions, military force
• Persecution refines believer’s faith in Southeast Asia

Training and Leadership Opportunities in LA

“There’s Sill Room for You”

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

There are also many opportunities in Kentwood. Find one or more that “fit” you and get busy!

Today is a great opportunity! Use it well.

Anna Lee

Thankfulness

I am thankful formy heritage. It seems to have focused on faith, family, and friends(others). We learned to love God and each other and to help others along the way. I’m thankful I learned those lessons early in life. I don’t think that has really changed in my life over the years.

Today’s Scripture

Baptist Press

Today’s stories center around planting new churches, disaster relief, and leadership.

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Obituary

David Carter

September 7, 1936 — October 30, 2025

Hammond

David Edwin Carter passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025, in Tickfaw, Louisiana, at the age of 89. He was born on Monday, September 7, 1936 in Rolling Fork, Mississippi to the late Edith Carter and the late Luther Carter. He was a resident of Tickfaw, Louisiana.

David Carter worked for Wilson’s Sporting Goods in Chicago as one of the designers and as of today the NFL football that he & 2 other men designed is still in play. He also designed the first aluminum tennis rack. In 1981, David & Margaret opened David Carter Exterminating Co. in Kenner, La. that is still currently in operation. He loved fishing and hunting and feeding the deer on his property. He was a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and did mission work. He started a Special needs ministry in his home in Kenner with 5 children which grew to over 200. He loved going to Kentucky to do Missions work there and participating in Operation Christmas Child. David was also President of Kenner No. Kiwanis in 1988.

David is survived by his wife, Margaret Carter; daughters, Karen Ann Carter Denham (Wayne), Kathy Marie Carter Skaggs (Tom), Diane Jewel Carter Kimbro (John), and Sandra Joyce Clark Kuhn; son, Steven Lloyd McCullough (Fran); 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and brothers, John Carter and Alan Carter (Dorothy).

He was preceded in death by his father, Luther Carter; mother, Edith Carter; daughter, Charla Smith Russel; and granddaughter, Marie Denham LeCourt.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at The River Fellowship Church, 45173 River Road, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Saturday, November 8, 2025 beginning at 11:00 AM with the memorial service starting at 1:00 PM.

(His wife, Margaret, heads-up the Operation Christmas Child in our area of Louisiana. He was her number one assistant and encourager.)

Read the Bible in 2025

• November 3
• Isaiah 31-35

Thank-You

A big thank-you to those who have contributed to OCC to help pay the $10.00 per box fee that covers literature, including a Bible, in the child’s language, transportation to the child, training local Christians to teach about Jesus, etc. When you think about all it covers, the fee is small. It only seems to be larger because of how many boxes are shipped.

Two Rivers WMU

Our next meeting will be at Spring Creek Baptist Church on December 6th. That’s when area churches need to turn in the Christmas cards they collect for the local inmates (Tangipahoa and St. Helena patishes).

Pine Ridge Bible Study

Wednesday, we will be on lesson 10.

OCC

The Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child drop-off schedule for First Baptist Church (FBC), Kentwood during the 2025 National Collection Week (November 17-24) is as follows: 

Date	Time
Monday, Nov. 17	10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 18	2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 19	4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 20	10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 21	2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 22	10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 23	4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 24	8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Thank-you for checking-in this morning.

Anna Lee

Scripture Focus

THANKFULNESS

Today, I am thankful to God, my Savior. I have a wonderful “retirement home” in heaven with God when my life on this earth is finished. You can make plans to have one too!

Read the Bible this Year

• November 2
• Isaiah 28-30

Prayer Request

Betty Simpson requests prayers for Mr. Bobby.

Linda Callihan requested prayers for Robbie Lynn.

Time Change

If you have not changed your clocks back an hour, you probably should do so before you begin your Sunday morning. Devices that change automatically are nice, but we still have several that need “personal attention”.

Obituaries

There are no new obituaries listed for our area at this time.

Sunday School

Enjoy a great lesson from Deuteronomy 6 on God’s love.

 Henry Gariepy was a officer, pastor, and writer for the Salvation Army. One of his quotes is:

“God still draws near to us in the ordinary, commonplace, everyday experiences and places…He comes in surprising ways.”

Pine Ridge Bible Study

Lesson ten will be Wednesday.

May you be blessed this Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Scripture Focus for Today

Read the Bible in 2025

• November 1
• Isaiah 23-27

Sunday School Lesson for Tomorrow

Out lesson is based on Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and 20-25 and titled “Love”.

Updates

Margie Williams has improved enough to go home from rehab. Pray for her as she continues to make that adjustment.

Bobby Simpson will not be having an ablation or pacemaker, just medication and monitoring. His pneumonia is better because of the antibiotics he is taking. Please keep praying for Bobby and Betty.

Caregivers are vital in many situations. Pray for Betty Simpson, Betty Taylor, and all the others who serve their loved one 24 hours a day, every day.

Funerals

Linda Graves – Today at East Fork Baptist Church

David Carter – Next Saturday at River Road Baptist Church in Hammond

Reminder

Set you clock back one hour before you go to bed tonight.

Spend some time reading your Bible and in prayer today.

Pine Ridge Bible Study

The current series of Bible study will end Wednesday. Be sure to express your thanks to Kathy Wales, Pine Ridge ladies, Linda Hendry, and all our great cooks!

Disaster Relief Teams

Pray for and support the Baptist and Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief teams as they move into areas devastated this week by the hurricane. Pray for those who are doing their best to survive in the devistated country today. Also pray for the families who lost members during the storm. Pray for these areas as they slowly recover from the hurricane and it’s damage. Thank God for volunteers who go into the area to help any way possible.

Operation Christmas Child

Pray for shoeboxes in many area churches, schools, and organizations as they are packed and made ready to deliver to one of the area drop-off locations beginning on Monday, November 1. You can check the Samaritan’s Purse site for locations, dates, and times.

If you did not pack any shoeboxes, you can contribute a monetary gift that will help then as we collect, transport, etc. the many boxes. REMEMBER, it not all about the toys, school supplies, and clothing that goes into each box. It’s about introducing people to Jesus and giving them a chance to love and serve Him the rest of their lives. The gifts are good, but Jesus is so much more!

If you pack one box, it will probably touch the lives of ten people. Just think, if you pack five shoeboxes, your boxes impact fifty lives. If you pack . . . .

Thankfulness

Every year at this time, I try to express some of my thankfulness to God. Today is November 1. My thankfulness is to God who lovingly created the world, light, people, animals, the sky, etc. He have a BIG PLAN! He didn’t have to labor for long periods of time doing so. All He did was to speak it and there it was. What a great week that was! He really loved us and still does today. Let’s love Him and thank Him.

What are you thankful for on November 1, 2025?

Anna Lee

Welcome to Friday! I hope you will have a fantastic day today.

It seems like fall is slowly, but surely dropping the temperatures. Tomorrow night, it will be time to change our clocks back one hour. Don’t forget.

Today’s Scripture Focus

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

James 1:17

Read the Bible in 2025

• October 31
• Isaiah 18-22

Prayer Request

Betty Simpson just sent a message that Mr. Bobby is in North Oaks with pneumonia and a slow heart rate. She requests we pray for him. I request prayers for both of them.

Another Request

I have a second request for prayers. Let’s pray for our country and for congress to learn to work together in Washington. Their inability to work together is affecting many people in negative ways. Let’s pray they work to do the jobs they were. elected to do. Let’s also thank God for those who have continued to work despite not being paid yet.

Baptist Press

Texas churches join forces to amplify witness in growing town

Women witness God’s purposes, plans on mission trip to Peru

Nov. 2 Day of Prayer for Persecuted Church uplifts endangered Christians globally

Bible Study: Revival within us

ACP analysis reveals areas of decline, growth in SBC

Additional Bible Passage to Ponder

‘What You Should Say’

  I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.

Luke 12:8 NIV

Be an encourager today.

Anna Lee

Linda Callihan asks for your prayers for Robbie Lynn, the daughter who is in ICU at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, MS. She has fluid around her heart and very low blood pressure. Linda thanks you for your prayers and continued thoughts.

Christmas Cards

The Two-Rivers WMU will be collecting new Christmas cards with holiday stamps from the post office affixed to the envelopes. Religious cards. are preferred. Your cards will be delivered to the jail in the parish where your church is located – Tangipahoa or St. Helena. These can be turned in through November and the first few days of December. (Our meeting is December 6th at Spring Creek Baptist Church.). You do not have to be a WMU member to participate. Let’s give the prisoners an opportunity to experience some Christmas family joy.

Shoeboxes

We, FBC Kentwood, have 450 filled shoeboxes packed into 30 OCC cartons and ready to deliver to the next destination. Thanks to all who volunteered and worked so long and hard to complete this step. You are GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Collection week will be November 17-24. The specific times for Kentwood can be found on the Samaritan’s Purse web-site. I’ll also post them here when it gets a little closer to that time.

A Sad Note

David Carter, husband of Margaret Carter, the leader of the Northshore area SHOEBOX program, passed away this afternoon at home. She was able to leave her husband with relatives while she conducted a meeting for drop-off location leaders last week. He was her “right-hand” helper in the shoebox work and was as dedicated as she is! I’ll post his obituary when one is available. He will be greatly missed!