Many churches will recognize/honor mothers Sunday. Another thing that is often done today is to have a baby dedication. What a special way for parents to commit to raising their children up in church and to know the Lord as well as to bring families together at church. If you would like to have that done for your family, contact your church office or pastor.
Scripture for Sunday School
The Sunday School lesson for Sunday is “Be Equipped” and focuses on II Peter 1:3-8 and 16-21.
Prayer List
Take time to update your prayer list and to pray today.
If you haven’t been going to Sunday School and church, today is a great day to start. Do you think Sunday School is for children? Ask any of the adults, young adults to senior adults, who regularly attend.
At FBC, Kentwood, Sunday School begins at 9:15. There are lots of adult classes to choose from, so get ready and try one out.
Women and Children on Mission will meet at 5 P.M. in the New Hope classroom.
Update
Kaye Robert’s sister, Carol Ann Alford, has greatly improved. The doctor said there was not much sign of damage after the stroke. She has been moved to a private room and is much stronger, including the ability to talk. Prayers have been answered. Thank you so much for being a part of her improvement.
Prayer Focus: Today, let’s pray for tomorrow’s church services in all our area churches.
Verse of the Day
Daily Bible Reading
May 3
Leviticus 1-4
Prayer Request
Kaye Roberts asks for prayers for her sister-in-law, Carol Ann Alford, from the McComb area who had a stroke and then a procedure to remove a blood clot in Jackson about noon yesterday.
Obituary
Fr. Howard Reed Adkins
March 9, 1946 – April 29, 2025
Fr. Howard’s Obituary
Fr. Howard Reed Adkins, a highly respected and loved Pastor with the Diocese of Baton Rouge, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2025. Born on March 9, 1946, in Iota, Louisiana, to the late Robert and Yvonne Adkins. He is survived by his son, Chaille Matthews Adkins (Whitney); granddaughter, Abbey Adkins; sister, Sharon Upton; niece, Rayne Upton Hainey; and many devoted parishioners. Fr. Adkins was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps and Reserve, receiving the National Defense Service Medal for his service.
Ordained as a priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge in May 2007, Fr. Adkins retired from Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence, La. in 2018 to St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, Louisiana, where he assisted Fr. Mark Beard with Masses and Sacraments. He was particularly fond of administering the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.
A Rosary and Visitation will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall in Amite, Louisiana, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, with the Rosary at 8:30 AM and Visitation from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. A Funeral Mass will immediately follow in the Church. Interment Greenoaks Memorial Park Cemetery, Baton Rouge.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mater Dolorosa, Independence, St Anne, Napoleonville, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Plattenville, St. Philomena, Labadieville, Our Lady of Mercy, Baton Rouge.
A special thank you to his caregivers and Modern Home Health and Hospice for their loving care.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.
Let’s pray for those who live alone or have no friends. neighbors, church people, or anyone else who check on them regularly and who helps them out with the things they cannot do by themselves.
Verse of the Day
Daily Bible Reading
May 2
Exodus 39-40
Women and Children on Mission
Meet Sunday afternoon at 5 P.M. in New Hope Classroom and children’s mission classroom
1 Now I want to say something to you who are leaders of the groups of believers. Like you, I am also a leader. I myself saw how people caused Christ to have great pain so that he died. One day people will see how great he really is. Then I will be among those people who join with him in heaven. So I say this to you who are leaders:
2 Watch over the group of believers that God has given to you. Be like a shepherd that takes care of his sheep. Lead them well because you want to do it. Do not do it just because you have to do it. Do it in the way that God wants for you. Do not be a leader because you want to receive money for yourself. Instead, do it because you want to help people.
3 God has given you a group of believers to take care of them. Do not try to rule over them with power. Instead, show them how to live in a good way, so that they can copy you.
4 Then our master, Christ, will give you a beautiful crown when he appears. That is a great gift that will never become old or less beautiful. He is the great Shepherd who takes care of us.
5 I want to say the same thing to you who are young men. You must respect the authority of the leaders. All of you who are believers must respect one another. Do not think that you are more important than other people. The Bible says:
‘God is against proud people.
But he is kind to humble people.’
6 Remember that God is strong and powerful. So be humble in front of him. Then he will lift you up to a good place at the right time.
7 If you have any kind of trouble in your mind, give it to God. God has promised to take care of you.
8 Think seriously about how you live. Watch carefully for danger. Remember that the Devil is your enemy. He wants to hurt you. He walks about like a hungry lion. He is looking for someone to kill and then eat them!
9 But you must be strong to fight against him. Trust God completely. Remember this: Believers all over the world are having the same kind of trouble.
10 Yes, you will have trouble like this for a short time. But after that, God will make everything right. He is completely kind and he will always help you. Because you belong to Christ, God has chosen you to live with him in heaven for ever. You will join him in that beautiful place. Then God will make you well again. He will make you strong in your spirits. You will be able to stand strongly.
11 Yes, God rules with power for ever! Amen! This is true!
Today, let’s focus on friends we do not hear from often. What is going on in their world? Give them a call or speak to someone else who can tell you about them. If you learn of any needs, prayers, home, medical needs, phone call, etc., do your best for your friend.
Daily Bible Reading
April 30
Exodus 33-35
Obituaries
Marlyn Rene Davis
April 7, 1990 – April 28, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born April 7, 1990 in Hammond, LA and was 35 years of age. She graduated from Oak Forest Academy in 2008 and later received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southeastern Louisiana University. She spent her whole career teaching at Albany Upper Elementary where she loved her students as if they were her own. Marlyn was a loving “Honey” to Karsyn and Wade. Her pride and joy was her furry companion, Butler. She was a follower of Christ and served in many church activities at Montpelier Baptist Church. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her. She is survived by her parents, David and Barbara Brumfield Davis; brother, Brent Hanson Davis and wife, Mandy; niece and nephew, Karsyn and Wade Davis; loving aunts, Sara Brumfield and Jan Brumfield Lerille (Donny); uncles, Glen Davis (Sheelah) and Lyndon Davis (Lisa); numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and family members. Preceded in death by her grandparents, George Wilson Davis, Mary Retha Davis, Claude “Hank” Brumfield, Sr. and Eleanor “Cricket” Brumfield; uncles, Bryan Brumfield and Claude Brumfield, Jr. Pallbearers will be Brandon Andrews, Avery Andrews, Kahne Andrews, Robert Davis, Caleb Brumfield, and Bradley Brumfield. Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Chenier, Donnie Moore, and Brandon Gilbert. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM on Thursday and at Montpelier Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, May 2, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Rusty Durand. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Deloris Schroeder
July 24, 1956 – April 28, 2025
A resident of Livingston, LA, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born July 24, 1956 in Independence, LA and was 68 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Joseph “Joe” Franklin Schroeder, Sr.; 1 daughter, Demisha Parker (James); 1 son, James Genoni; step-daughter, Stephanie Runnels (Joe Joe); step-sons, Joseph “Joey” Schroeder (Barbara) and Jerald “Jerry” Schroeder (Melanie); 3 sisters, Zula Hopgood, Murlane Welch, and Charlotte Strahan (A.C.); sister-in-law, Mary Lindsey; grandchildren, Brandon Parker, Nathan Parker, Demarcus Brown, Keyanna Brown, Jamyiria Genoni, Joseph Schroeder(Sarah), Emily Schroeder, James Schroeder, Haley Schroeder, Tori Sanchez (Joey), Hannah Schroeder (Josh), Loretta Schroeder, Sara Runnels, and Billy Runnels; great-grandchildren, Kylen, Genoni-Brown, Ke’myiri Brown, Jaxon, Trinity Schroeder, James, Kayden, Alexis, Maliyah, Camryn, Jonathan Schroeder, Jr., Abbie Campo, Serinady, Skylar, Sydney Sanchez, Wyatt Minor, Remi, and John Prevost; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Gladys Lindsey; brothers, R.J. Frazier and Jimmy E. Lindsey; grandchildren, Jamarcus Brown and Jonathan K. Schroeder, Sr. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Larry Blades. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Scripture for Sunday School this Week
“Be Humble”
I Peter 5:1-11
Additional Scripture to Read and Think On
‘Blasphemy!’
Matthew 12:31-32
And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but ….
God expects us to show our love for others.
Be a volunteer. What can you do? If you cannot figure that out, ask someone. You can cook, rock babies, teach a lesson, make a purchase, pray, paint a door, drive a vehicle, and so many other things.
A resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, Tollie Marie Carpenter Miller was born on October 29, 1947 and passed peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at North Oaks Medical Center. She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Willie Ray Miller, step daughters Belinda (Steve) Mauduit and Theresa (Tobey) Trahan and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; Sister Mary (Keith) Felder and brothers William “Bill” Carpenter, Sr (Karlene) and Austin Carpenter Jr. ; numerous beloved nieces and nephews and a very special great-niece, Addy. She is preceded in death by her parents, Austin Carpenter Sr. and Mary Lou Herbert Carpenter Teekel. Pall bearers are: Billy Carpenter, Jeremy Carpenter, Trey Carpenter, Brady Carpenter, Bubba Bridges and Bill Carpenter. Graveside services will be held at Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA at 11:00AM Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Danny Smith . McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
From the WMU Louisiana Baptist Leadership in Alexander:
Please pray for the family of Nelda Seal who passed away today, April 28, 2025. Nelda served in a variety of roles in state WMU leadership and on the executive board of national WMU including:
2008-2010—interim executive director of WMU of Texas
2003-2007—president of Louisiana WMU
1998-2001—interim executive director of Louisiana WMU
1986-1995—executive director of Louisiana WMU
1985-1986—president of Louisiana WMU
Services will be held Thursday, May 1, at First Baptist Church, 541 Avenue F, Bogalusa, Louisiana. Visitation will be 9:00–11:00 a.m. with a funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be immediately afterwards at Bonnie Cemetery in Angie.
The Seal Family (Ryan, Tonia, Presley, Annabella, Gentry) at 1314 Military Road, Bogalusa, LA 70427.
Additional Bible Study
‘Order Out of Confusion’
1 Co. 14:1-12
Missions
Ladies, please join us Sunday for Women on Mission at 5 P.M. in my Sunday School classroom. The directors are Amy McDaniel and Lisa Newman.
You are invited to bring a friend and/or your elementary school agechildren or grandchildren, both boys and girls. The boys and girls will meet in a nearby area. I will be working with that class to introduce them to missions.
Today, let’s focus our prayer on someone who you haven’t seen lately because they no longer get out of their home for health reasons. When you pray, ask God how He would want you to reconnect with them.
Daily Bible Readings
Sunday – Exodus 25-27
Monday – Exodus 28-29
Women on Mission
Meeting Sunday afternoon at 5:00
Get involved with next mission project
Bring your school age children to a special missions class for them.
Baptist Press
Read current news articles for church members which are new Monday through Friday.
A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025 at the age of 81. He was raised in Hillsdale, LA. He made his choice to serve the Lord at a young age. He married his highschool sweetheart, Laura Lee, in 1961. Together they lovingly raised five children. A life long dairy farmer, he served on numerous dairy boards, was passionate about helping his fellow dairyman, and loved serving his community. He loved to deer hunt, spend time with his grandkids, and visit with his friends over a HOT cup of coffee.
Eugene is survived by his daughters, Tessa Robertson Crouch (Stefan) and Scarlett Robertson Breckwoldt (Chris); sons, Daryl Robertson (Mary Jo), Curtis Robertson, and Hilton Polk Robertson (Regina); grandchildren, Jay Crouch (Samantha), April Hayden (Kyle), Dustin Robertson (Amanda), Brittany Cockerham (Ben), Amanda Hyde (Devin), Austin Robertson, Hunter Crouch, Kristin Sicard (Jody), Cassidy Johnson (Myles), Shelby McKee (Aaron), Bryce Robertson (Ashley), Ashton Fletcher (Gaten), Billy Trabeaux (Lindsey), Barbie Trabeaux, and Brandi Thomas (Kane); many great-grandbabies that he loved and adored; sister, Vivian Morgan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Laura Lee Tiner Robertson; sister, Mae Jean Robertson Smith; 4 brothers, Hulos Robertson, Emmit Robertson, Terry Robertson and Jerry Lynn Robertson.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Interment Robertson Family Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA.
Pallbearers will be Jay Crouch, Hunter Crouch, Bryce Robertson, Myles Johnson, Ben Cockerham, Jody Sicard, Aaron McKee, and Gaten Fletcher.
The Robertson family extends their sincere appreciation for the excellent care provided by Modern Hospice and The Lodge at Tangi Pines. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Personal Message: I met him and his wife at school activities when I taught their children a “few” years ago. They were a great family.
Colby & Delanie Dean Fortenberry introduce Bentley
Bentley Fortenberry has arrived!
April 24th
8:27 pm
6 pounds 15 ounces
19 3/4 inches long
We are thrilled for them and can hardly wait to see him.
Welcome back. I’m thankful you joined with me this morning to study and pray.
Verse of the Day
Prayer Focus
I know many families have traveled during this past week of Spring break in many schools. Let’s pray for them to be ready for school (and work) tomorrow..
Commentary for Tomorrow’s Lesson
Suffering as a Christian (I Peter 4)
Verse 12
‘Dear Christian friends’. Peter loves and cares about the people to whom he is writing. Again, he says that Christians should not be surprised when they have painful troubles. The *Greek word for ‘painful’ means ‘burning’. Painful troubles are like the fire that tests the gold of *faith (see chapter 1:7). Difficulties are an opportunity for a Christian to show real trust in God.
Verse 13
When people suffer because they are Christians, they can have joy. They know what will happen in the future. They suffer as Christ did when he was in the world. When he returns, they will have a share in his *glory. Then they will be full of joy.
Verse 14
God blesses Christians when people curse them. Peter calls the Holy Spirit ‘the Spirit of *glory and of God’. All Christians have the Holy Spirit in their lives. When Jesus returns, all Christians will have a share of God’s *glory. But those who suffer because they are Christians have special help from the Holy Spirit now.
Verse 15
Christians know that it is wrong to murder or to steal. These are among the 10 commands that God gave to Moses (Exodus 20). It is also wrong to ‘make trouble in other people’s lives’. That means being too interested in someone’s personal affairs.
Verse 16
Not everyone will suffer as a Christian. If you do, that is no reason to be ashamed. Philippians 2:9-11 says that, in the end, everyone will have to agree that Jesus Christ is *Lord. Christians can thank God now that Jesus Christ died to forgive their *sins and to give them new life. They are happy to know that he is their *Lord.
Verses 17-18
‘Judgement’ is the act of judging. God will judge people by his standards of what is right and wrong. Then he will reward or punish each person. It is not easy to live a Christian life. God wants Christians to be pure. He allows them to have troubles. These troubles test their trust in God and make it more pure. But many people do not trust Jesus or obey him. Their lives are full of what is bad. They are wicked people. If they do not accept Jesus, it will be awful for them when God comes to judge them. God will not forgive them. In Matthew 18:9 Jesus says they will go to ‘the fire of hell’. This describes their terrible fate.
Verse 19
Christians cannot always understand what God allows to happen. However, they must continue to trust him and to do what is right. God created the whole world and everything and everybody in it. So he has very great power. God is ‘loyal’. This means that he will use his power to care for all who put their trust in him. He will never fail them. He will always do what is good for them.
Daily Bible Reading
April 26
Exodus 22-24
Dig a Little Deeper – “Unstopable !
“When the apostles in Jerusalemheard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived,….”
(Acts 8:14-17)
Do something for someone else. Have a wonderful day!
The Prayer Link 
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