Welcome to a beautiful day. Have a terrific Tuesday!

Prayer Focus

Let’s all pray for are families. I cannot tell you what your concerns and needs for your family are, so each person is on their own. Pray for health, school, jobs, travel, finances, etc., whatever the needs are.

Read the Bible in 2025

• October 21
• Proverbs 27-29

Scripture Verse

Obituary

William D. “David” Sellers

September 10, 1950 – October 19, 2025

William D. “David” Sellers, 75, passed peacefully from this world into the next on October 19, 2025. He was born September 10, 1950 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to Hascal Oreetha Sellers and Mary Oree Bucklew Sellers. After growing up in Seminary, Mississippi, he moved to Kentwood, Louisiana in 1967 and made his life there, raising a family and serving the community for many years as Director of Public Works. He is survived by his son, William D. “Bill” Sellers, Jr. (Michell), his daughter, Kara S. Corkern (Wesley), granddaughters, Molly Sellers and Camellia Corkern, and sister, Pam Sellers, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pamela Bunch Sellers, parents, Hascal Oreetha and Mary Oree Sellers, and siblings, Elizabeth Sellers Howell, Jerry Wayne Sellers, Rayford Harold Sellers, and Kathy Sellers Adams. The family would like to thank the staff at The Lodge at Tangi Pines and North Oaks Medical Center for their tremendous care. In accordance with David’s wishes, he will be cremated. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, Louisiana, on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 9:00AM until 11:00AM with religious services conducted by Brother Ryan Thurman at 11:00 AM. Interment at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, Louisiana.

Baptist Press

God ‘mobilizing the body of Christ’ after Colorado San Juan River flooding

From stethoscope to teacups, the unseen work of a health care missionary

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/faith-on-the-field-11-nc-high-school-football-players-baptized-after-recent-practice/

Take time to read one or more of these stories. Be encouraged.

Additional Scripture to Read

(Sunday School Scripture for Sunday – Deuteronomy 4:1-9 and 15-20, EEV)

God’s covenant with his people

1 Israel’s people, listen to the rules and laws that I will now teach you. If you obey them, you will live. You will go into the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving to you. The land will belong to you, for you to live in. 

2 Do not add anything to these rules. Do not remove anything from them. You must obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving to you.

3 You saw for yourselves what the Lord your God did at Baal-Peor. He killed every person among you who worshipped Baal there. 

4 But each of you who continued to trust the Lord your God is still alive today.

5 Look! I have taught you rules and laws, as the Lord my God told me to do. Now you must obey them when you go into the land where you will live.

……………………………………………………………..

15 Remember when the Lord spoke to you at Mount Horeb from the middle of the fire. You did not see him in any shape. So be very careful about everything that you do.

 16 Do not make any image to be your god. That would be a sin. Do not make an image in any shape as your idol. Do not copy the shape of a man or a woman, 

17 or the shape of any animal or bird. 

18 Do not copy the shape of anything that moves along the ground, or any fish that swims in the deep water. 

19 When you look up at the sky, you see the sun, the moon and the stars. They all shine up in the sky. But do not bend down low to them or worship them. They are there because the Lord your God has made them. He has given them to people everywhere in the world.

20 But you belong to the Lord. He brought you out of Egypt, which was like a hot oven where you had much pain. He rescued you, to be his own special people, as you are today.

Change of Schedule

F.B.C. will have a change in our regular schedule Sunday. Instead of the regular Sunday afternoon schedule, we will have the annual Fall Fest, beginning at 4 P.M.

What are you plans to make the day special for someone? Enjoy your day as you help someone else. I predict it will be a special day for you.

Anna Lee

Welcome to Monday. This is our verse to help carry us through the day.

Baptist Press

Faith on the field: 11 NC high school football players baptized after recent practice

Alabama volunteer says disaster relief is ‘great way to spend a vacation,’ spends 4+ months in North Carolina

Additional stories are also available at https://www.baptistpress.com/

No New Obituaries This Morning

Samaritan’s Purse

Many of us do not realize that Samaritan’s Purse, led by Franklin Graham has many arms to reach out to the world.

• Taking tents, medical care, food, etc. to Gaza
• Shoeboxes that open many homes to Jesus (Collection Week November 17-24 this year.)
• Working for peace as violent conflicts are occuring in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East rage on.
• Sharing Jesus in many ways and many places 24 hours a day. Pray for wisdom as Samaritan’s Purse responds in Jesus’ Name.
• Bottom Line – Not tents! Not food! Not shoeboxes! Not schools! Not medical care! It’s all about sharing Jesus! Those other things are secondary benefits!

Prayer List

If you have not already done so, please add Rhonda Miller to your prayer list. Rhonda was involved in an accident Wednesday. She is at home resting and recovering. Pray for her family and friends as they encourage her.

Also, please pray for Joan Scarle who had emergency surgery and is recovering now.

Pray for the family of David Sellers. He completed his life here on earth about noon yesterday.

Pray for Samaritan’s Purse and all it does to minister to people on earth to help them add a home in heaven with Jesus to their future!

Read the Bible in 2025

• October 20
• Proverbs 24-26

Additional Bible Reading

‘God Enriches Life and Brightens Your Future’ 

5 You, Lord, are all that I need.

What you give to me is enough,

for me and for my descendants.

6 Yes, you have given to me a good way of life.

Your gifts are better than good fields

or valuable land.

7 I will praise the Lord,

who is my guide through life.

In the dark nights,

you help me to learn what is right.

8 I will always trust the Lord to be with me.

He is very near to me,

so I will not be upset.

Plan a Wonderful Week

I hope you have a great week ahead and are planning to include Jesus into each day.

Anna Lee

Make today a great Lord’s Day by giving Him time and honor today.

Today’s Focus Verse

There so much information in the Bible. I hope you spend some time as an individual and as a member of a group studying today.

Sunday School Lesson Today

• Instructions Given
• Numbers 33:50-56 and 34:13-15

Today’s Bible Reading

• October 19
• Proverbs 22-23

Prayer Focus

Please continue to pray for families of those who are sick or recovering from injuries at hospitals or at home. Also, prayer for older individuals and those limited to their homes. Most importantly pray for those who need to give their lives to the Lord this very day.

Additional Bible Reading

¹⁰ But the day when the Lord comes again will surprise everyone like the coming of a thief. The sky will disappear with a loud noise. Everything in the sky will be destroyed with fire. And the earth and everything in it will be burned up.^[a] 

¹¹ Everything will be destroyed in this way. So what kind of people should you be? Your lives should be holy and devoted to God. 

¹² You should be looking forward to the day of God, wanting more than anything else for it to come soon. When it comes, the sky will be destroyed with fire, and everything in the sky will melt with heat.

2 Peter 3:10-12, EEB

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Read the Bible in 2025

• October 18
• Proverbs 19-21

Obituary

Conley Wayne Alford

October 9, 1965 – October 15, 2025

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Hood Memorial Hospital  in Amite, LA. He was born October 9, 1965 in Independence, LA and was 60 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Cara McDaniel Alford; daughter, Caitlyn Michelle Alford; 2 sons, Ryan Pierson and Brian Pierson; 2 grandchildren, Brianna Pierson and Brynnly Pierson; niece, Samantha Alford Thaggard (Andy); great-nephew, Cory Patterson; 2 great-nieces, Lacy Patterson and Karly Brandon; his dogs, Holly and Sally; and his granddogs, Dixie and Rambo. Preceded in death by his parents, Karl L. Alford, Sr. and Mattie Irene McDaniel Alford; brother, Karl L. Alford, Jr. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Ben Wayne Blackwell. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Updates

Margie Williams has been moved to Greensburg and is in room 102. She will receive rehab there.

Blake Bennett was again able to follow the football game from the sidelines. His family said he will slowly begin to attend school next week. Lord, we thank you for healing this young man.

Continue to pray for the families involved in the accident on the river bridge Wednesday.

Baptist Press Articles

Alabama volunteer says disaster relief is ‘great way to spend a vacation,’ spends 4+ months in North Carolina

Faith on the field: 11 NC high school football players baptized after recent practice

Prayer Focus

Pray for wonderful church services tomorrow in all the area churches. May people choose to have Jesus as their Savior and constant friend. Pray for churches to continue to reach out to those in our community.

Pray for families and friends of those involved in accidents this week.

Pray for those at home or in a hospital who have health issues.

Pray we can and will be an ambassador of Christ in all we do and wherever we go.

Thank-you for reading and praying.

In closing, here is one more verse to meditate on and thank God for today.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.”

Psalm 33:12

I am thankful for the “Verse of the Day”. You may want to check this site and have verses sent to you daily.

Anna Lee

Good morning, friends. Let’s thank God for this day He has given to us. Let’s ask God to walk with us today and to take care of us as He sees fit.

Today’s Verse

Isn’t that a wonderful assurance? Today, there are several in need of our prayers. Sickness, accidents, and procedures always provide a list of people to pray for. We might not have a turbulent ocean as a setting for our prayers, but God provides ponds, rivers, woods, lawns, and hills as some good locations.

Read the Bible in 2025

• October 17
• Proverbs 16-18
• (I’m enjoying reading Proverbs again.)

Obituaries

Sandy “Granny” Nicholas

September 11, 1944 – October 15, 2025

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2025 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. She was born September 11, 1944 in Long Beach, California and was 81 years of age. Granny was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was an avid bowler, wonderful seamstress, and loved attending LSU baseball games with her husband and grandchildren. Granny is survived by her son, Mike J. Nicholas; daughter, Melissa D. Lawton; 3 granddaughters, Brynne Nicholas Huye, Allie Hall (Caleb), and Mandy Amond; sister, Terry Parish (John); six nieces and nephews; and five great-nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Billie Scardina; husband, Joe Nicholas, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Heather Nicholas; grandson-in-law, Scott Huye; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe Nicholas, Sr. and Cecil Mae Ortis Nicholas. The family would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love, support, and prayers during this difficult journey. Special thanks to the staff at the The Lodge at Tangi Pines for their supportive and compassionate care given to our beloved Granny and family. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Harold William Harter

September 22, 1934 – October 3, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Harold William Harter, of Kentwood, Louisiana, on October 3, 2025. He was 91 years old.

Harold was born on September 22, 1934, in Winfield, Iowa. He was the son of the late Harold Franklin Harter and Helen Appel Bevil. Both his parents were born in Iowa.

A proud veteran, Harold served in the U.S. Air Force. He later dedicated 25 years of his life to a career with the U.S. Government Immigration as a Border Patrol Agent. He received a Commission of Immigration Certificate of Appreciation, and he served in the NLL Sector of Immigration U.S. Border Patrol and was a member of the Texas Rangers Association. He also had a passion for farming and raising cattle. He was a devoted man of the Christian faith and a longtime member of Church of the Nazarene in Baton Rouge, LA.

Harold is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Stella Viola Harter; son, Frank Harter; daughters, Pam Harter, Connie Sampognaro; grandchildren, Hayden Hatchell, Drew Hatchell, Nicholas Sampognaro, Emily DeLee, Carliss Sampognaro, Frankie Sampognaro; and a host of family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Greg Sampognaro, Hayden Hatchell, Edward DeLee, Nick Sampognaro, Drew Hatchell, and Mark Simon.

Honorary Pallbearers include Ricky Brumfield, Brad Blades, John Harter, Tommy Delatte, Buddy Rutland, Paul Knight, and Dave Smith.

Services will be at 12:00 PM on Friday, October 10, at Sharkey Funeral Home.  Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Kentwood, LA. Rev. Chandler Veasey will be officiating with Sharkey Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana

It is never too late to contribute to this offering. There are always projects, new churches, camps, etc. in our state that can benefit. There are always friends, family members, homeless, etc. who need to hear about Jesus. Let’s make sure they have the opportunity.

Samaritan’s Purse Provides Opportunities to Pack Shoeboxes and for Children in needy countries to hear about Jesus.

Shoeboxes are unique. They provide love and prayers from packers, toys, school supplies, Bibles, Sunday School lessons, and much love to children with the hope of introducing each child to Jesus.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Choose the articles you want to read.

Another Thought from the Bible

‘Persecutor of the Way’ 

4 I caused great trouble to the disciples of Jesus. I even wanted to kill them. I took hold of them and I put them in prison. I did that to both men and women. 

5 The most important priest and all the group of Jewish leaders can tell you that this is true. They gave me letters for the Jewish leaders in Damascus. So I travelled to Damascus to take hold of the believers in that city. I wanted to tie them up and bring them back to Jerusalem. Then the leaders here could punish them.’
Acts 22:4-5

Our Blessings

Did you receive some blessing this week? Often our interactions with people impact our lives as much as they impact the lives of others. These interactions can be planned or spontaneous. What you say or do to bless someone else often blesses you too!

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

Today’s Bible Verse

All around us today will be people who are facing their problems and crying out to God. Hopefully, they know God can and will help them get through any situations they find themselves in. He’s real! He’s there for us! He wants to help us! We need to reach out to Him!

New Obituaties – None

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Today, there are a number of articles I think you may be interested in. These articles include:

• State of the Bible: Nearly quarter of U.S. adults say Bible ‘just another book’
• FIRST-PERSON: Winning against pornography
• Helene left lasting scars, but Georgia Baptists’ faith still stands

Prayer Requests

• As you continue to pray for Michael Anthony, he asks that you also pray for Joseph Lala, his brother.
• Continue to pray for Margie Williams as she works to heal and overcome her recent injuries from a fall.
• Pray for Mrs. Barbara Erwin as she continues physical therapy.
• Pray for those on your heart too.

Read the Bible in 2025

• October 16
• Prroverbs 13-15

Sunday School Lesson

• “Instructions Given”
• Numbers 33 and 34

Additional Scripture

Morning Thought by Charles H. Spurgeon

“Jesus said to them, ‘Come here and eat breakfast.’ None of the disciples was brave enough to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ They knew that it was the Lord”. 

John 21:12

Here’s one word for you today – “SERVICE”!

Anna Lee

Samuel Christian Smalley

December 8, 1972 – October 10, 2025

Obituary for Samuel Christian Smalley

SAMUEL CHRISTIAN SMALLEY, AGE 52

And a resident of Hammond passed away peacefully early Friday morning October 10, 2025 at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer. Chris was born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana on December 8, 1972, before moving with his family to Franklinton as a young boy. He played youth baseball for several years and later graduated from Franklinton High School Class of 1991. Chris was chosen for the Louisiana All-State Chorus and, throughout his life, had a love for different types of music. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Franklinton, and had participated in all youth group activities, including R.A. basketball, which he enjoyed very much. After graduation, he served his community and country in the Louisiana Army-National Guard for several years. Chris worked at the Tulane Biomedical Research Center in Covington for the last 20 years, serving in different departments, most recently as a bio-safety engineer traveling to facilities around the area. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed shooting pool with his friends. Chris loved grilling for his family and friends, considering himself a “Grill Master”. He also loved family vacations to the beach and any time they could spend together. Chris had a contagious laugh, which his countless friends could attest to, although he considered himself the funniest person he knew. Recently, he loved spending time with his young granddaughter and enjoying time with his friends at Franklinton Demons football games, watching his favorite LSU Tigers and just being together with all those he loved. He will be forever remembered by all that knew him.

Survived by:

Wife: Rebecca Bennett Smalley of Hammond

Daughters: Madison Smalley of Hammond.
Morgan Bond

Son and Daughter in law: Samuel Christian Smalley, Jr. and Emily Curry Smalley of Hammond

Granddaughter: Rumi Nyx

Parents: Karen and Rev. Joey Miller of Franklinton,
Sam Smalley of Mandeville

Siblings and Spouses: Chad and Allison Smalley of Florence AL,
Carson Smalley of Mandeville,
Chaplin and Leah Ann Smalley of the Stateline Community,
Scott and Katie Miller of Mt. Hermon,
Sally Ann and Cory Shaver of Montgomery, TX,
Chase Miller of Atlanta,
Michael and Stacey Rase,
Lance and Erika Rase

Nieces and Nephews: Stella, Savannah, Layla, Chandler, Brady, Peyton, Eden, Kodi Grace, Quinn, Crew

Aunts and an Uncle: Janet and Doug Perrigin,
Jan Perry Davis

Mother in law and Father in law: Charlotte and Andy Williams of Port Vincent

Father in law and Mother in law: Bruce and Linda Bennett of Denham Springs

Sister in law: Brittney Bennett,

Brothers in law and Sisters in law: Preston and April Bennett,
Landon and Maggie Watts

Also numerous cousins and many dear friends that he loved as family

He was preceded in death by grandparents Nyra “Nell” and Rev. Wallace Perry, Harley and Toby Smalley, uncle Aubrey Perry, step-mother Marsha Smalley and other family members.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home (1109 Bene Street, Franklinton) on Monday October 13th from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm and after 9:00 am on Tuesday. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am Tuesday with Rev. Joey Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Ellis Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Chandler Smalley, Tony Fagan, Shane Willis, Landy Lott, Heath Bernard, Robert Kerne, Chris Wood

Honorary Pallbearers: Greg Holmes, Wesley Green, Graham Wolbrecht, Derald Cupp, Rob Crain

Welcome to a cool, 60 degrees morning. I trust you plan to try to make it a great day for others!

A Verse for You Today

Reading the Bible in 2025

• October 15
• Proverbs 10-12

No New Obituaries Listed This Morning

Baptist Press

LSU BCM Building Damaged by Gunfire

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/lsu-bcm-building-damaged-in-on-campus-shooting/

What Should We Do?

If you want to serve God in a completely good way, do things like this: Help children who have no parents and women who are widows. Help them in their troubles. If you serve God our Father like that, he will be pleased with you. Do not let the bad people in this world make you bad too.

James 1:27

I hope you will take these words to heart and let your actions and words show that you care! Try to contact one individual today. Today will also be the day to start a new section in your prayer list, a small notebook, or even a calendar . It can include “Personal Actions” such as visits, phone calls, meals, transportation, a baked treat, etc. It’s not a brag book, but a way to keep track of ministry to others, your personal encouragement to “do” and not just “talk”. Nobody needs to see or even know what you write there. It is for your personal accountability and encouragement! If you are uneasy or unsure, get a partner. I know a partner helped me to start reading my Bible when I was a teenager. Even if you are serving in this way, “step it up a notch”!

May the Lord richly bless you today! May we see Him working in our lives!

I hope these thoughts are encouragements to all of us.

Anna Lee

Welcome to a new day God has provided for us. We don’t know what the days holds, but we know who holds the day!

Today’s Verse

Read the Bible in 2025

• October 14
• Provers 7-9

Obituary

Edwin L. Cooper

August 6, 1954 – October 9, 2025

Edwin L. Cooper, a resident of Amite, LA, born August 6, 1954 was called home on October 9, 2025. There to meet him was his daughter Cassandra Marie Cooper and parents Byron and Edith Cooper. Left to carry on his memory are his wife of 46 years Susan K Cooper, his daughter Nikki, son Jay, daughter in law Tabbie and son in law Kyle. His legacy will continue through his 5 grandchildren: Olivia Finley, Alexis Courville, Amelia Cobb, Jase Cooper and Corlea Cooper. As well as his great granddaughter Ezralynn Courville.

Edwin was a United States Air Force Veteran and later worked for an airline in Atlanta Georgia where he retired after over 30 years of employment.

It was Edwin’s desire to be cremated. His family is grieving privately but will hold a celebration of life at a later date. The family thanks everyone for their outpouring of love and support. 

Edwin and Susan found a church home at First Baptist Church of Arcola where Edwin enjoyed helping with youth activities and talked about his church family with pride. As such, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Edwin please do so by making a donation in his memory to The First Baptist Church of Arcola. All donations will be used to benefit the youth programs and allow him to bless them once more.

Sunday School – October 19

“Instructions Given”

Numbers 33:50-56 and Numbers 34:113-15

Prayer Focus

Pray for Israel and the changes that have been made to benefit the peoplle. May the focus be, not on changes, but benefits.

Baptist Press

Tainted joy’ upon hostage/prisoner exchange, leading Israeli care group says

After hostages and prisoners freed, complex issues remain

Tennessee Baptist DR aids recovery efforts following tragic explosion

There are other articles you might be interessted in reading too.

‘Study God’s Word and Will
Wholeheartedly’

‘Alive in Christ’

“I enjoy your laws. I will not forget your word. Be good to me, your servant, so that I may live to obey your word. Open my eyes wide! Then I will see great things in your Law.” 

Psalm 119:16-18

Don’t be totally selfish today. Think, pray for, and do for others today.

Anna Lee

10-13-2025

If you watched any news today, you surely heard about 20 hostages being released to their homeland, Israel, this morning.!

If you read “The Prayer Link” regularly, you may have read Saturday that the Bible Readings for that day said:

SATURDAY

• 10-11-25
• Psalm 146-150

I must admit I got busy last week and got behind on reading the assigned passages.

SO…TODAY, I set out to read the Scriptures I missed out on as well as today’s Scripture. Before long, I read Psalm 147:2.

The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
    he gathers the exiles of Israel.

I paused, reread the verse, listened to the television a moment, and thought… “Did I just read a verse about the very issue that has been on the news and on our television all day?”

I read it again and almost jumped up and down! If I had read the chosen verses on Saturday, I may have made the connection today, BUT I read the verse after the news today was saturated information about 20 prisoners who had just been released hours before I the Bible verse about it. What an impact!

I read a book one time that called such experiences “GOD WINKS”! I didn’t feel like God winked at me, I felt like He grabbed me and shook me!

I’m thankful for the released hostages and their families. That has already brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart periodically all day. Then, God gives me this verse:

The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
    he brings back the captured Israelites.

I just had to share my joy for the hostages and their families as for how God made the Scripture so real to me. Why me? I don’t know, unless it is so I can share it. That I gladly do right now!

Anna Lee