Today is “Wonderful Wednesday”. It is our day to study God’s Word, contact His People, and reach out to others with our prayers.

Today’s Verse

Reading the Bible This Year

• August 27
• Nehemiah 10-11

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Obituaries

Kaston Drake Simmons

August 10, 2025 – August 21, 2025

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, LA. He was born August 10, 2025 in Hammond, LA. He is survived by his parents, Joshua Darin Warren and Mackenzie Rachelle Simmons; 2 sisters, Braylie Warren and Kaylynn Warren; 1 brother, Danyel Warren; grandparents, Tonya and Kent Simmons and Darin Warren; aunts, Paislie Crowe and Kentlie Simmons. Visitation at Chesbrough Baptist Church from 9:30AM until religious services at 11:30AM on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Interment Wilmer Cemetery, Wilmer, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Bobbie Jean Yarborough

September 4, 1976 — August 24, 2025

Sour Lake, Texas

Bobbie Jean “BJ” Yarborough, 48, went to be with her beloved Jesus on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at her home in Sour Lake, Texas, after a long illness. BJ was born in Landstuhl, West Germany (before the fall of the Berlin Wall), on September 4, 1976. She was a self-described Army brat and lived with her parents in Kaiserslautern, Germany, during two different tours lasting 9 years. She was outgoing in every respect and a force to be reckoned with (today they might call it hyper, but back then we just called her deliciously “mischievous”).

BJ had the privilege of traveling Europe extensively as a child while her father was serving two tours in Germany, spending a birthday at the Leaning Tower of Pisa; devouring heaps of gelato in Vatican City, Rome; screaming and waving at Pope Paul on a Thursday balcony appearance; chasing pigeons in St Mark’s Square, Venice; camping with fellow girl scouts at a castle in Scotland; walking the streets and shops of London and Paris; getting her first tan in Costa Brava, Spain.

BJ and her parents settled in Woodbridge, Va., after her father retired from the Army, where she later graduated from Woodbridge High School. After high school, she worked for the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C., as a Human Relations specialist. When her parents retired and left Woodbridge in 2007, she followed them to Sour Lake, Texas and moved in next door. She married in 2008, became a homemaker, loved small town life, and dove head first into her beloved arts and crafts. She was talented artistically (inherited from her dad) and much of her work graces her Mom and Dad’s home.

BJ is survived by her husband Bradley F. Yarborough of Sour Lake, TX; son, Matthew Leland Gibson II of Joint Base Andrews, MD; daughter, Bailey Jean Gibson, partner Travis Campbell, and grandson Kayson Campbell of Stafford, VA; and daughter, Lanis Taylor Yarborough of Sour Lake, TX. Also surviving are her parents, 1SG Cecil Robert “Bobby” Johnson, U.S. Army (Retired), and mother, Collie Jean (Cox) Johnson of Sour Lake, TX; sister, Marti Lyn Destree and Lewis of Pahrump, NV; brother, Ronnie Johnson and Jackie, of Alexandria, LA; sister, Yalonda Lucas and Mark of DeRidder, LA; sister, Bonnie Kloster of Alexandria, LA; beloved mother-in-law Jan Yarborough of Kentwood, LA; and many, many aunts, uncles, and cousins throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Virginia who she did not often see but loved and cared about all her life.

Of special mention are her beloved fur baby Sophie; mother-in-law, special friend, Kathy Walker of Luella, Texas; and special cousins, Karen and Jenna Carter of Covington, Virginia; Her cousin Jenna leaves us with the most accurate description of her cousin BJ:

“I looked up to and idolized her in ways she may never have even realized. I’m so grateful that you two brought her into this world, decided to settle in Virginia for a while, and made it possible for me to bask in all of her fun, hilarious, fiercely loving, and chaotically gorgeous energy.”

–Jenna Carter, 24 Aug 25

Yes, our girl did it her way…

Family and friends visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont, Texas. A graveside service will be held Friday, August 29, 2025, at Rosedale Cemetery in Sour Lake, Texas.

“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”  John 11:25

Only Two Road Closures Remain

• East of Arcola to river bridge
• Highway 51 near Smitty’s

Keep praying for everyone involved.

Morning Thought by Charles Spurgeon

The Lord said to Moses, ‘These people continue to turn away from me. I did great miracles to show them my power. But still they will not trust me.

Numbers 14: 11

“Strive with all diligence to keep out that monster unbelief .It so dishonours Christ, that he will withdraw his visible presence if we insult him by…..”

Charles Spurgeon

Prayer Focus

Let’s pray for all the churches in our area today.

Thanks for praying today and every day.

Anna Lee

8-26-25

Verse of the Day

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for those who are ill, but not yet diagnosed. It can sometimes be a long progress. Pray for those people to stay focused on getting the diagnosis right, so treatment will be beneficial.

Prayers Needed

Please continue to pray for Maurice Wall.

Obituaries

Jan Yarborough’s daughter-in-law (Brad’s wife) passed away Sunday in Sour Lake, Texas. Her services will be at the end of the week. I’ll post an obituary after it is posted.

Gordon “Brian” Nettles

June 28, 1968 – August 24, 2025

On Sunday, August 24th, Gordon “Brian” Nettles of Hammond, LA passed away at the age of 57. Brian will be lovingly remembered by his brother Mark Nettles (Emilie), nephew Lawson, nieces McKay, Gabrielle & Emma, numerous cousins and former wife & best friend, Sara. Preceded in death by his parents, Gordon “Boogie” and Janis Nettles.

Brian was born on June 28th, 1968. He was a member of The First Pentecostal Church of Roseland. Some of Brian’s biggest enjoyments in life were cooking and enjoying a good meal with his family.

A memorial/prayer service will be held at The First Pentecostal Church in Roseland, 11327 LA-1048, Roseland, LA at a later date.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Eagan Hospice for their care and compassion and also to Darick Selders.

McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Nettie Louise Phillips Causey

January 23, 1943 – August 24, 2025

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at the Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond, LA. She was born January 23, 1943 in Magnolia, MS and was 82 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Jimmy Causey; son, Aubrey “Cat” Watson; sister, Liz Phillips; step-son, Marlon Causey; step-grandchildren, Bethany Causey, Ann Causey, Michelle Kirby, Amber Kirby, and Jacob Stewart; numerous step-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Joseph L. Phillips and Bertha L. Westmoreland Phillips; 3 brothers, Joseph W. Phillips, Rev. James R. Phillips, and Glenn R. Phillips; 2 sisters, JoAnn Phillips and Irma L. Bennett. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 2:00PM on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Brandon Phillips. Interment Pine Hill Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Today’s Bible Reading

• August 25th
• Nehemiah 8-9

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

This article about a church with a focus on missions “jumped out to me” this morning.

For one Texas church, missions begins at home, goes worldwide through CP

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/for-one-texas-church-missions-begins-at-home-goes-worldwide-through-cp/

Additional Bible Reading

‘Don’t Yield to False Gods!’ 

Deu. 32:16-18

“They made God jealous with foreign gods and angry with hateful idols. They made sacrifices to demons, not God, to gods they had never known, new gods….”

Have a wonderful day.

Anna Lee

Today’s Verse

Today’s Bible Reading

• August 25
• Nehemiah 7

Prayer Focus

Today let’s continue to focus on three groups of people

• Residents of Roseland who have not been allowed to return home because of the continuing danger from the fire at Smitty’s
• Firefighters who continue to fight and watch over the site
• Employees of Smitty’s and their families

No New Obituaries Listed this Morning

Additional Scripture Reading

[After the massive earthquake that opened the jail doors and released the prisoners’ chains in Philippi, Paul assured the jailer that no one had escaped. Then, the] jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.

— Acts 16:29-34 NLT

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Operation Christmas Child

Postage is now being collected.

Special Thanks

Men and women who are available and willing to help others in Kentwood when needs are determined are thanked for their services. They do so to help, not be recognized.

Women on Mission

The next Two Rivers Associational WMU meeting will be Saturday, September 13. Ladies and girls, mark your calendar.

The mission focus for this meeting will be on Camp Living Waters which is in the Loranger area.

Anyone who works with children or youth will find this useful infotmation. Also, other groups are encouraged to attend and learn about the availability of this site for additional gatherings for their church activities.

The meeting is at 10 A.M. and will be followed with a potluck lunch for everyone.

Have a wonderful Monday.

Anna Lee

OOPS, I see that I titled yesterday’s Prayer Link ” Friday”! Sorry, it should have said Saturday. I had it right in my prayer list notebook, but that doesn’t help you! Without going to work Monday – Friday, the days seem to run together.

Today is the Lord’s Day. I am excited to have studied a lesson based on Psalms again.

Today’s Verse

Reading the Bible in 2025

• August 24
• Nehemiah 4-6

Prayer Requests

Please pray for Maurice Wall. He grew up in Roseland. I knew his whole family. Maurice has been having health issues lately. He is a little better and in North Oaks. Please pray he continues to improve.

Please continue to pray for those who worked at Smitty’s. I read that the fire was almost out. The workers there will all be without jobs. Pray for them as they make adjustments in their lives and recover from images of what has happened to their work site. Pray for

Also pray for the first responders and firemen who have been at the site trying to put out one of the largest fires ever in out area. Pray for their emotions as they relive the fire over and over. Pray for families too!

Pray for those who had to evacuate their homes for their safety and many others involved in the situation in so many ways. Be patient and safe in whatever involvement you have.

Sunday School Lesson

I look forward to teaching about Psalm 5:1-12. Learn more about David’s pleas with God.

Women on Mission

The Two Rivers Associational WMU/Women on Mission will meet at FBC. Kentwood on Saturday morning, September 13. Come learn more about Camp Living Waters and the Louisiana missions yearly offering.

There are No Local Obituaries Today.

Quote of the Day

Words of Quinton J. Everest:

“When a person’s faith seems to collapse without warning, one can be sure it has been the result of inner conflicts — the termites of disobedience.”

Have a Great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Prayer Focus

This morning I thank God for safety for many people at Smitty’s, in the community, and on the highways as an explosion occurred and nobody was injured! I also thank God for those who went there after the explosion to keep the situation from getting any worse and to protect many lives. God’s protection was clearly present. There are now and will be many needs of people who work and live in the area. Thank God for His protection for everyone! Ask God to continue to watch over the all those involved.

Today’s Scripture

This verse was the focus fifteen years ago today. It seems very fitting today for many people.

Read the Bible Today

• August 23
• Nehemiah 1-3

Obituary

Laney Ray Varden, Jr.

January 26, 1942 – August 21, 2025

A resident of Plaquemine, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at his home. He was born January 26, 1942 in Pine Grove, LA and was 83 years of age. Laney was the only child of Mr. Laney Ray Varden, Sr. and Mrs. Westa Duplechin. He graduated from Baker High School and continued his education by graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. While in college he resided with his loving aunt Lorena Yarborough in Greensburg, Louisiana. It was at this time that he met his wife, Connie Annettte Bridges. He is survived by wife of 58 years, Connie Annette Varden; sons, Steve DeLaune Varden and Ron Louis Varden; grandchildren, Brady Varden, Addie Varden, and Olivia Varden. Preceded in death by his father, Laney Ray Varden, Sr.; mother, Westa D. Varden; and son, Michael Ray Varden. A special Thank you to Comfort Care Hospice.  Visitation at Tangipahoa Baptist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, August 25, 2025. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thank-you for believing in prayer and for putting it into practice regularly.

Anna Lee

Welcome to this new day. I hope it is a great day for us to be ENCOURAGERS.

No New Obituaries Listed Today

Bible Reading

• August 22
• Ezra 8-10
• That completes the reading of Ezra!

Scripture Focus

There’s that word again today – “Encourage”!

It works both ways. We need to encourage others. They can be encouraging to us!

Sunday School Scripture

• Psalm 5:1-12
• Lament – Sadness

Associational WMU/Women on Mission Meeting

• Saturday, September 13
• Leadership – 9:00 A.M.
• Meeting 10:00 A.M.
• Theme – Georgia Barnette Offering (LA Missions)
• Focus – Camp Living Waters
• Speaker – Harrell Sharkey, Jr., Pastor of Kedron Baptist Church, Amite
• Potluck Lunch
• All ladies and girls are invited.

Quote by Charles H. Spurgeon

“The repetition of small efforts will accomplish more than the occasional

use of great talents.”

— Charles H. Spurgeon

I’m so glad you checked in today. I’m looking forward to this great gift. What about you? I hope we can share some of today’s joy and blesssings with someone else.

Anna Lee

Here we are with another Thursday. I wonder what will. happen today. Let’s keep our focus on God as another day unfolds itself in front of us.

Today’s Bible Verse

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s give some prayer emphasis to parents of students. Let’s pray they have set good, reachable goals appropriate for each of their children. Pray parents can address current daily needs and eternal needs for each of their children. May they also realize the goals they work toward will have long-lasting and even eternal purposes and benefits!

Surgery Yesterday

Mrs. Ruby Schwartz had back surgery yesterday. Last night, Bro. Darryl reported that the surgery was just completed and all seemed to have good results. Pray for her as she recovers.

Others – Medical Tests and Improvement

As usual, there are others in and out of the hospital who are receiving care and learning of medical needs that need to be addressed. George Bales will be beginning to take a new medication today his body needs. Pray for George and his family as they proceed as a family team.

Pray for others who choose not to be named, but who are also receiving much needed medical care.

No New Obituaries Posted This Morning

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Sunday School Lesson

• “God’s Righteousness”
• Psalm 5:1-12

Additional Scripture –  Proverbs 11:25

Charles Spurgeon

“We are here taught the great lesson, that to get, we must give; that to accumulate, we must scatter; that to make ourselves happy, we must make others…”

Pine Ridge Bible Study

Our study is only two weeks away. If you would like to join us you need to contact Kathy Wales to enroll and purchase a copy of the book about some of the women of the Bible. All meetings are at Pine Ridge.

Update Your Prayer Journal

This needs to be done regularly. Keep your list current.

Thanks for Reading and Praying today.

Remember to focus some prayer time on others.

Anna Lee

Good morning. It’s good to have you check with us this morning. Let’s all start the day listing our blessings.

Scripture Focus

• August 20
• Ephesians 2:19-20

No New Local Obituaries Posted This Morning

Two Deaths in One Family

Liz Morrman co-teaches Sunday School with Yvonne Birch. Yvonne called yesterday to request prayer for Liz’s family. Her mother, who doesn’t live in this area, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Liz’s uncle also passed away. Thankfully, two unrelated deaths in one family a day apart is not common. Let’s pray for Liz and her family.

Good Report

A church member spent a couple days in a hospital, but is back with family. Thank God all hospital stays are not for long periods of time. Sometimes doctors can learn what they need to know to release a patient without a long stay. What a blessing – a double win! Information gained, a new plan developed, and only a short hospital stay.

We have at least one other member in the hospital. Thank God for good, specialized help when it is needed.

Keep your prayer journal updated so it will be most helpful.

Reading the Bible Today

• Wednesday
• Starting a new book of the Bible
• Ezra 1-3
• I hope you are keeping up. This plan has been a good one.
• It’s almost time to decide on a plan for next year.

An Additional Scripture; “Wise Counsel”

The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

— Galatians 5:14

Prayer Focus

Today, pray for your family members who live in the same home as you, family members who live in this area, family members who live in other states, and even those who sometimes live far away. Today, let’s prayer for families who do not all live in the same area, but who depend on vehicles and electronics to stay in touch.

Wednesday Night at FBC

Adults – Sermon by Bro. Darryl

Youth – Meet in Lighthouse for special activities

Children – Groups meet under the direction of “Miss” Shelly.

Nursery – Care provided for children too young for the “Miss” Shelly’s group

A class for everyone!

If you missed the lunch provided last Sunday, you missed a good meal, hot and ready to go when the service was concluded. Thanks to those who cooked any portion of the delicious meal.

Baptist Press – Good stories to read!

https://www.baptistpress.com/

God will be traveling with you in all you do today.

Anna Lee

Good morning. Let’s get up smiling because God gave us this morning. Be sure to thank Him. You can also ask him to provide you opportunities during the day to be helpful and encouraging to “OTHERS”.

Today’s Verse

No New Local Obituaries This Morning

Read the Bible Every Day in 2025

• August 19
• II Chronicles 35-36
• That completes another book of the Bible!
• Tomorrow, we’ll begin the book of Ezra.
• Bro. Darryl has preached from Ezra lately. It will be interesting to follow his sermons up with another good reading of Ezra.

Pine Ridge Bible Study

We will begin a new study on Wednesday, September 3rd at 11:00 A.M. at Pine Ridge Methodist Church. All ladies are invited to attend. Tell Kathy Wales you will be joining us or tell me. I will pass the message on to her. By the way, we enjoy some delicious meals together each week! The fellowship is as great as the study!

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for parents as they enforce the rules and guidelines they have set for their children. We all know it is important to be consistent. That’s easier to say than to do. Let’s help them to aim high and to do a good job by praying for them.

Sunday School Lesson

The lesson this week concerns “God’s Righteousness” and is based on Psalm 5:1-12. A Psalm of lament reminds us that “clouds of despair” have been hanging over the heads of others for many years. Sometimes we experience them too. God is ALWAYS there is carry us through!

Fall Food RoundUp

This week is a good time to write a check for the Fall Food Roundup or to purchase some items they will need at the Children’s Home in the coming year. A truck will be at the church EARLY that morning, so get you food or check to the church before the last day.

Have a wonderful day. Pass some of your blessings on to others.

Anna Lee

This reminds me of singing, “Glory for Me, That Will be Glory for Me!”

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on God’s Glory. My it be evident in our lives!

There are no new obituaries listed this morning.

Today’s Bible Reading

• August 18
• II Chronicles 32-34

Yesterday was certainly a great day to be in God’s house. Today is going to be a great day to contact those who were unable to be in church yesterday.

Project

Today, contact several people you missed in church yesterday. They may have a need you can address.

Operation Christmas Child

Special thanks to the individuals and groups who contributed to the OCC POSTAGE FUND! Thanks-you so much for helping with the next “Shoebox” step!

Schools

Please continue to say special prayers for students in new schools (Just beginning, Changing buildings, College and dorm life, New majors, etc). Pray for parents to make wise decisions in choices, support, friendships, sports, activities, friends, etc. for their students. Many times parents do not realize how vital their support and encouragement is!

Have a richly blessed day as you minister to others.

Anna Lee