Thanks to my church for recognizing bothhigh school and college graduates yesterday. As individuals, we need to do the same.
Good Morning to a New Week.
For many students and families this is the last week of the 24-25 school year. I hope you have started your new day and new week with a prayer. This may help if you have not already done so.
We studied this Scripture in Sunday School the last Sunday of March. It is a very comforting Scripture you may want to return to periodically.
Please pray for all the people who lived through the tornadoes on the 16th. As you pray, remember the actual storm experience, the many deaths, and the destruction thousands of people will be facing. Pray for churches as they try to lead the way despite damage and destruction. Pray for Baptists as they help access and rebuild homes and churches as people think of rebuilding lives, families, homes, jobs, etc. Pray too for Baptist Disaster Relief and for Samaritan’s Purse as they move in to help access and clear damage and to put lives together again.
Daily Bible Reading
May 19
Numbers 14-15
Additional Scripture Reading
‘God Knows All About Me!’
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Ps. 139:1-3
Notice the word “all”. He knows even our innermost thoughts!
Scripture for Sunday School Next Week
II Peter 3:8-18
Prayer Time
Spend some time in prayer periodically throughout the day.
Others
What you say and do today will impact others. Make sure that will be a positive impact!
Today at FBC, the graduates will be recognized and honored. We are thankful for them and for their achievements.
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for the graduates as they close one chapter of their lives and move on to the next. Pray for their families too.
Verse of the Day
…I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
Philippians 1:19
Obituary
Maurice Jay Bridges
January 15, 1945 – May 15, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born January 15, 1945 in Magnolia, MS and was 80 years of age. He served as Constable for 4 years for St. Helena Parish and was an avid deer hunter. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy Bridges; 3 daughters, Debra “Dede” Bridges (Alton), Johna Blades (Cody), and Montana Pilcher (Kenny); 13 grandchildren, Erin Foster(Derrick), Zach Foster(Emma), Sunni Womack (Braxton), Adriohna “AJ” Blades, Curtis Blades, Dalton Blades, Bristol Blades, Kaiden Pilcher, Kaige Pilcher, Koby Pilcher, Martena “Tena” Pilcher, Harlee Wilson (BreAnna), and Heather McCraine (Dennis); 13 great-grandchildren, Blaise Sanders, Lennox “Lenny” Womack, Frankie Womack, Sabastian Brabham, Dominic Brabham, Emmie Lynn Brabham, Preston Hunt, Kinsley Hunt, Luke Foster, Lyla Foster, Kaysen Wilson, Kashtyn Wilson, and Kohlson Wilson. Preceded in death his parents, Willie and Tena Bridges; daughter, Rebecca Foster; sisters, Betty Wales, Monnie McNabb, Billie Ray Bullock, and Rhonda Bridges; brothers, Rocky Bridges, Thomas “Pudd” Bridges, and Curtis Bridges. The family would like to thank Pulse Hospice, his nurse Shani, and his caregiver James for their excellent care. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until Memorial Services at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Donnie Easley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Cottage Church, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Daily Bible Reading
May 18
Numbers 11-13
Looking ahead, I see we will read two chapters one day and three chapters the next day for a while. Isn’t that interesting?
We are still needing one girl staffer for Children’s Mission Camp and Mini MAC at Tall Timbers. The dates for camps for CMC and Mini MAC are July 19-27. Camp Staff Training will be held June 27-28.
We provide a stipend of $500 and we pay for mileage to and from camp.
If you know a college-aged girl who is interested and can work these two sets of dates, please have her contact Kristina.Henry@LBC.org ASAP.
It’s good to share again. I’m glad you “came” this morning.
Verse of the Day
This photo made me stop and think a while.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for those who are not saved. Let’s pray this is the day!
Daily Bible Readings
May 17
Numbers 8-10
Sunday School Lesson Tomorrow
“Be Alert”
Passages from II Peter and Jude
Obituaries
Sylvia Thompson Misita
June 6, 1935 – May 16, 2025
A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025 at her home. She was born June 6, 1935 in Amite, LA and was 89 years of age. “Even in the face of her declining health challenge, her enthusiasm for life was always present, she remained internally strong and willing to do what it took to remain mobile. She was determined to be able to do for herself, never allowing her spirit to falter.” She was truly a remarkable lady, she spent her life serving others within the family. Others needs were her focus. We became ever more amazed at her strength and determination until the end. We will miss you Mom, but I know you will remain in our hearts pushing us the family forward. She is survived by 1 daughter, Susan Misita Petty and husband, Spurgeon; 2 sons, John Michael Misita and wife, Cindy, and Anthony Jay Misita; 6 grandchildren, Jennifer Lynn Fleming, Joseph Misita, Micah Marie Misita, Kaci Misita Guidry, Nicholas Misita, and Austin Shaw Dillon; 9 great-grandchildren, Aidan Fleming, Mary Payton Fleming, Denton Bowen, Benjamin Guidry, Marcelle Guidry, Luke Guidry, Drew Peyton Dillon, Ava Tyler Dillon, and Landon Misita. Preceded in death by her son, Dwayne Thomas Misita; daughter, Toni Lynn Misita; her husband, Anthony Thomas Misita; parents, John and Dorothy Thompson; 2 sisters, Frances Joan Thompson and Dorothy Ann Thompson Bobbit; 2 brothers, John Rex Thompson and Frank Joe Thompson; and aunt, Ruthie Lautier. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, May 19, 2025. Services conducted by Deacon Eddie Renz. Interment Amite Memorial Garden, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Jeanette Relan
March 28, 1941 – May 15, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at her home in Amite, LA. She was born March 28, 1941 in New Orleans, LA and was 84 years of age. She is survived by her children, BimBo Relan, Kalola Harrelson (Mike), and Tony Relan; grandchildren, Chance Relan, Denver Harrelson, Lundyn Harrelson, Kiley Harrelson, Jolene Relan, and Dakota Settoon; great-granddaughter, Naomi Harrelson; sister-in-law, Margaret Relan; and her good friend, Wanda Oliver Donovan. Preceded in death by her husband, Bennie Relan; 2 sons, Sam “Chunky” Relan and Richard “Balbo” Relan; parents, William and Della Rainey; brothers-in-law, Frank Relan, Sambo Relan, Joe Relan, and Charles Relan, Jr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:30PM on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Services conducted by Ricky Relan. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Pallbearers will be Mike Harrelson, Denver Harrelson, Chance Relan, Denny Currier, Charles “Chuck” Reid, Thomas “BoBo” Hood, and Kevin Morgan. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Time seems to go by so quickly. I think it is because of “being busy”.
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for the elderly in our communities. Especially pray for those who live alone. You may want to add some of them to your daily prayer list.
Verse of the Day
Obituary
Raymond Chabaud
October 13, 1950 – May 12, 2025
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025 at his home. He was born October 13, 1950 in New Orleans, LA and was 74 years of age. He is survived by 2 daughters, Alisa Miller (Tod) and Jessica Beyl (Timothy); grandchildren, Brittany Allen (Chris), Tyler Miller (Tiffany LeJeune), Montana Kirkland, Kyleigh Beyl, and Kayleigh Beyl; great-grandchildren, Emerie Allen and Brinley Miller; ex-wife, Cindy Miley Chabaud; and numerous brothers, sisters, and other family members. Preceded in death by by parents, Adolph Chabaud, Jr. And Louise Cambre Chabaud; significant other, Belinda Allen; and his in-laws, Ruthie Lee Gerald and Woodrow Gerald. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, May 16, 2025. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Graduates’ Bibles
Today is the last day for you to sign the Bibles for our 2025 graduates. Sunday, the graduates will be honored with a special breakfast and recognized during the 10:30 A.M. worship sservice.
Vacation Bible School
June 2 is coming quickly. Sign up your children and/or grandchildren in the church office Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M.- 5:00 P.M.
I’m hoping for another beautiful day! Spring is my favorite season of the year!
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for Vacation Bible School in all the churches this summer. The VBS at FBC is June 2-6. Get the children registered if they are not already on the roll.
Verse of the Day
Daily Bible Reading
May 15
Numbers 5-6
Obituary
Kelly Charles Bellavia, III
October 10, 1963 – May 8, 2025
Kelly Charles Bellavia III, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Born on October 10, 1963, he was a lifelong resident of Tangipahoa Parish. He is survived by his wife of thirty-seven years, Michelle Cheramie Bellavia, children Zachary (Dana) and Zoë Bellavia; grandchildren Zelia and Cosima Bellavia; sister Kim Bellavia Eiland (Eric); sister-in-law Jan Cheramie King; nieces Katie King and Kate Eiland; and great-nephew Dominic King.
Kelly was a man of many interests and talents: musician, songwriter, novelist, and expert marksman. He was a proud member of the Marine Corps Reserve and the Army National Guard. His career was dedicated to the care of those with special needs. He leaves behind many dear friends whose friendship he cherished.
He was preceded in death by daughter Emily Bellavia; mother Mary Jones Bellavia; father Kelly Charles Bellavia, Jr.; mother-in-law Carmen Price DeRoche; father-in-law Dr. Leonard A. Cheramie; and brother-in-law Walter A. King.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Thursday. Rosary will be held at 10:30AM on Friday, May 16, 2025 at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00AM. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Additional Scripture to Read
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
Good morning friends. I certainly enjoyed being outside some yesterday. It was a beautiful day. Maybe, we will have a similar day today.
Verse of the Day
Prayer Focus – VBS
This is the time of year to focus one or more Vacation Bible Schools for your children and/or grandchildren. FBC, Kentwood will begin the VBS season June 2-6. If you. have not already registered your children, contact the church office at 229-8111 or stop by between eight and five.
Daily Bible Reading
May 14
Numbers 3-4
Obituaries
Angelina Maddie Matise
January 10, 1924 – May 10, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Angelina Maddie Matise, who peacefully left us at the age of 101. She was a woman of unwavering faith, deep love, and boundless generosity, who devoted her entire life to God, her family, and the care of those around her.
Angelina, who was affectionately known by her family as MawMaw ‘Tise, was a constant presence of warmth and kindness, always ready to offer a comforting cup of Community Chicory coffee or a delicious meal to anyone who walked through her door. She prayed the rosary three times a day and her unwavering devotion to God set an example of grace and strength for all who knew her. Throughout the ups and downs of her long life, she maintained a positive attitude, always facing challenges with strength, optimism, and a smile. Her ability to find joy and laughter, even in the most challenging times, was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her.
She lived humbly, finding fulfillment in the simple pleasures of nature and family. She enjoyed tending to her garden and loved all animals, especially chickens. Her home was forever filled with the rich aromas of Italian cooking and she was best known for her red gravy, which she made every Sunday, her homemade Italian cookies at Christmas, and the sfinges that delighted her loved ones. If you were ever sick, you could count on her to make you a bowl of broccoli with Birds Eye noodles or fluffy scrambled eggs. Her freshly baked bread, Italian olives, and hearty meals were always made with love and were a staple at every family gathering.
She was a loving mother to five children, whom she raised with tenderness and strength after the untimely death of her husband when she was just 34. She never remarried, choosing instead to dedicate her life to her family and their well-being. She shared a special bond with each of her siblings, and fond memories of days spent laughing and playing cards remain a cherished part of our family’s history.
Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she adored her great-grandchildren with the same fierce love that she gave to her own. Her legacy of love, faith, and family will continue to live on in all of us who were blessed to know her.
Though we mourn her passing, we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, surrounded by the love and light that she shared so freely with us all. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be eternal.
She is survived by her daughters, Frances M. Neal and husband, Marvin B. Neal, Sr., Grace M. Misita and husband, Raymond V. Misita, and Charlene Gratia and husband, Terry Gratia; son, Charles Matise; grandchildren, Marvin B. Neal, Jr.(Melissa), David W. Neal (Angie), Michael T. Neal, Amanda Neal Smith (Walter), Michelle Misita Walker (Herman),Christopher R. Misita (Caron),Rachel E. Misita and Emily M. Matise; 20 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her father, Antonio Maddie; mother, Cora Grace Levatino; husband, Santo J. Matise; son, Anthony S. Matise; siblings, Anthony Maddie, Emile Maddie, Sr., Leon Maddie, Joe Maddie, Rosie DiGiovanni, and Theresa Liotta; great-grandson, Austin Neal.
Religious Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church in Tickfaw, LA. Services conducted by Fr. Michael Galea. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
David Lane Graham
May 1, 1948 – May 13, 2025
David Lane Graham passed away in Amite, LA on May 13, 2025 at age 77. He was born May 1, 1948 in Tylertown, MS to Mr. Aubrey J. Graham and Mrs. Elsie Tate Graham
David loved reading his Bible and doing word search puzzles. He loved to think and share about growing up and the fun life that he lived. He was a loving brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his brother, Harry Douglas Graham; sister, Paulette Jones; numerous nephews and nieces; and a host of friends.
Services will be Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA with a graveside to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 9:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM. Elder Ed Penton and Elder Terry Robertson will be officiating with Sharkey Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Baptist Press
The Co-operative Program is 100 years old!
SBC leaders gather for a Declaration of Cooperation to mark the Cooperative Program’s 100th anniversary
Be sure you add all the graduates to your prayer list today. Their life has been so structured by schools, but now is changing. Pray they make good decisions about the next steps of life, whether it be more education or a profession or other decisions in their personal lives.
I hope your Mother’s Day Sunday was a great day. Now, let’s make Monday one too. I know a few teachers and students who are getting excited about a summer break from school.
Senior Recognition Day
Sunday, FBC, Kentwood will be honoring their 2025 graduates. This week the Bibles that will be given to them Sunday will be available for members to highlight a passage and/or to write a special note by selected verses. The fellowship hall will be open Monday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00 for us to do so.
Please pray for Bro. Joe Baugh who fell Saturday. He and “Miss” Barbara were and are visiting in Mississippi where they have lots of loving family members.
Happy Lord’s Day to all of you and Mother’s Day to all mothers.
Daily Bible Reading
May 11
Leviticus 24-25
Obituary
Shelia Lea Esch
November 26, 1943 – May 9, 2025
Shelia Lea Esch, age 81, of Kentwood went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 9, 2025. She was born on November 26, 1943, to Robert Nick Lea Sr. and Blanche Dykes Lea in Osyka, Mississippi. A devoted servant of the Lord, Shelia lived her life as a testament to her deep and abiding faith.
She graduated from Spring Creek High School and practical nursing school. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse andlater earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Southwest Mississippi Community College and worked as a Registered Nurse. She dedicated herself to caring, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her passion for nursing was more than a profession – it was a calling. Before her retirement, she taught future nurses to do the same with compassion and wisdom.
She cherished her beloved husband; held a profound love for her children; and her pride in her grandchildren and great grandchildren was boundless. Her family brought her pure and immense joy. A faithful member of East Fork Baptist Church, Shelia was deeply committed to her church family and poured her heart into loving and supporting her many friends and the community she held so dear. Of all the loves in her life, the greatest was her love for Jesus. We are confident that as she met her savior, she was welcomed with the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
The visitation will be 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Monday, May 12, 2025 at East Fork Baptist Church, Kentwood. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 9:00 a.m. until funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jay Avance officiating. The burial will be at East Fork Cemetery.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sue Lea Hendrickson; and brothers, Nick Lea and Rod Lea.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 63 years Clinton Carroll Esch; her children Clint Esch (Terri), Dylea White (Chris), and Rachel Dykes (Charlie); grandchildrenSamantha Occhipinti (Brad), Brooke Halley (Jason), Robert Broyles (May), Trey Esch (Isabel), Caleb Dykes (Jordan), Nick Dykes (Kristie), and Ethan Dykes; 6 great grandchildren, Grace Carroll Halley, Emmy Claire Halley, Ace Henry Occhipinti, Clark Joseph Esch, Carsyn Catherine Dykes, and Cas Joseph Occhipinti.
Pallbearers will be Robert Broyles, Trey Esch, Caleb Dykes, Nick Dykes, Ethan Dykes, Brad Occhipinti, and Jason Halley.
Donations made to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center or East Fork Baptist Church Youth Fund.
I know many of you are celebrating graduates, new babies, engagements, and/or weddings. Love and honor each person as their time comes.
Today’s Thoughts
I’ve seen and heard that what mothers want most on this holiday is for their children to attend church with them today and families to be together. If it’s not too late for you to make that decision this morning, please consider doing so.
If possible, attend Sunday School and church today. Don’t wait until you cannot physically attend to decide to do so.
The Prayer Link 
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