Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galations 6:2 NIV
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for others and their health, heat, finances, jobs, schools, transportation, etc.
Read the Bible in 2026
Aug. 20
Ezra 1-3
Obituary
Mr. Billy Swindell, former administrator at Parklane Academy in McComb passed away. His service will be Monday. The Natchez Trace Funeral Home is charge of the funeral.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. …
Please continue to pray for people to be wise in the extremely hot days we are having.
Read the Bible in 2026
August 19
II Chronicles 35-36
Obituary
Donald Foster Gay, Jr.
Nov 10, 1946 — Aug 16, 2026
Amite, LA
Donald Foster Gay, Jr.
Devoted Father, Adored Son, beloved Brother, and Loving Husband Donald “Donnie” Gay, Jr. gained his heavenly wings Sunday evening on August 16, 2026 at home surrounded by close family and friends in Amite, LA. He was born November 10, 1946 in Long Beach, CA and was 79 years old.
Donnie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon “Kay” Gay; 2 children, Toni Michelle Gay Rager and husband, Jason Matthew Rager, Scott Adam Gay and wife, Layla Sullivan Gay; 2 grandchildren, Jessica Maryn Gay, Korbin Scott Gay; brothers, Robert Lynn Gay and wife Darlene, Todd Gay (Michigan); sisters, Kathryn Ann Cavaretta and husband Roy Michael and Linda Jo Constantino; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Virginia “Jennie” Ardillo Constantino and Donald Foster Gay Sr.
Donnie will always be remembered as a hardworking man with a gift for connecting with people. He used his talents and built a career in the automobile industry. To him, selling cars was never simply about making a sale; it was about people. He had a natural ability to strike up a conversation and make a stranger feel like an old friend, which earned the trust of generations of customers. While Donnie was a reliable, hardworking man, he also enjoyed filling his spare time playing golf, maintaining his yard and swimming pool, watching his grandkids play sports, and relaxing in his treasured recliner watching sports (in his flannel pajama pants, of course). He left some very big shoes to fill, and a very big hole in all our hearts and in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00 am until religious services at 12:00 pm on Friday, August 21, 2026. Services conducted by Brother Luke Lindsey of First Baptist Church of Arcola. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA.
I see. some articles I want to read later today. I trust you will also find articles that interest you.
More Scripture
Isaiah 58:10-11, English Standard Version
10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. 11 And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
Prayer Report
The good news about Ora Lee Wilson is that she is not experiencing any pain now. The procedure seems to have been very successful.
Missions
Consider some of your personal and church mission opportunities today. Then pray, asking God to lead you to the ones He wants you to be involved in.
“But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.”Psalm 86:15
Prayer Focus
Pray for safety and comfort as we begin another day of extremely hot weather.
Read the Bible in 2026
August 18
II Chronicles 25-27
Obituary
Jennifer Marie Kaltenbaugh
Jan 5, 1989 — Aug 15, 2026
Holden, LA
A resident of Holden, LA, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at The Butterfly Wing of Baton Rouge Hospice. She was born January 5, 1989 in New Orleans, LA and was 37 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Savanna Kaltenbaugh; mother, Lori Newman; sister, Theresa Landrum and husband, William; brother, Robert Kaltenbaugh and wife, Alayna; grandmothers, Louise Kaltenbaugh and Betty Durr; nieces and nephews, Tyler Landrum, Lauren Landrum, Kelsey Kaltenbaugh, and Aiden Kaltenbaugh; and numerous aunts and uncles. Preceded in death by her father, Robert Kaltenbaugh; step-father, Donnie Newman; and grandfathers, Glenn Kaltenbaugh and Melvin Durr. A memorial service will be held at Theresa Landrum’s Home, 3258 Hwy 1045, Amite, LA at 1:00PM on Saturday, September 5, 2026. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Baptist Press
7 killed; a dozen churches, hundreds of homes damaged in Indiana storms
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8 ESV
“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)”
Today, let’s thank God for the progress of several people who had surgeries recently and pray for others who will be having surgery this week. We can begin that part by praying for Ora Lee Wilson who will be having back surgery in Covington this morning. Pray for her surgery to go smoothly and be effective. Also, please continue to pray for the homebound who are on our list. Update your personal prayer list as needed today.
Read the Bible in 2026
August 17
II Chronicles 28-31
Sunday School Lesson
August 23
‘Faithfulness”
Ruth 1:11-18,2:5-12
Pine Ridge Ladies Bible Study
The new study will be starting the second Wednesday of September . It’s about Ruth and entitled “The Girl’s Still Got It” by Liz Curtis Higgs. Contact Kathy Wales to join us or just show up the first day. We would love to have you.
Today’s new articles don’t seem to be posted at this time, but may be posted by the time you look for them.
Obituaries
There are no new obituaries at this time on a Monday morning. You can check later.
Devotional Thought
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35
Choose a Mission Project for this Week
La. Baptist Children’s Home
Hope Center
Neighbor and/or friends with needs today
A student just beginning classes for a new year
Helping with postage for OCC Shoeboxes (10.00 per box) that introduces the child to Jesus through specially designed classes and literature in their own language, etc.
Etc.
Have a great day doing what God has planned for you today.
Then you will delight yourself in Yahweh, and I will make you to ride on the high places of the earth, and I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father; for Yahweh’s mouth has spoken it. Isaiah 58:14
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus our prayers on people choosing to attend church and the messages they receive from the pastor and others in attendance..
Read the Bible in 2026
August 16
II Chronicles 25-27
Obituary
Betsy Ann Baham Creel
Jan 25, 1946 — Aug 15, 2026
Tickfaw, LA
A resident of Tickfaw, LA, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at her home. She was born January 25, 1946 in Tickfaw, LA and was 80 years of age. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Wesley Creel; parents, Robert T. “RT” Baham and Maudes Populis Baham; siblings, Donald Baham, Ronald Baham, Sr., Calvin Populis, and Patsy Baham. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment St. Rock Cemetery, Husser, LA. Pallbearers will be Robert Baham, Ronald Baham, Jr., Tristan Baham, Dakota Newman, Shawn Perilloux, and Dylan Forrest. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.Baptist Press
Baptist Press
You may want to check out the podcast at some time today.
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4
SOME of the ONGOING MISSIONS at FBC
“Manna” – Food Ministry
Weekend Meals for Young Students
Operation Christmas Child
Coming Soon – Four week class on Grieving
Sigh up today on list in church foywer.
Classes on the four Sundays of September
Reminder – Today is the Lord’s Day!
Thank you for praying for our area churches today.
“I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.” Proverbs 8:17 ESV
Prayer Focus
Let’s ask God to help us seek Him this weekend and then use what we learn.
Read the Bible in 2026
August 15
II Chronicles 21-24
Obituaries
Sandra Gail Lessig Ferguson
Jul 24, 1946 — Aug 11, 2026
Sandra Gail Lessig Ferguson passed into the presence of her Lord and the waiting arms of the love of her life, husband H. B. Ferguson on Aug. 11, 2026 at the age of 80 yrs. Left behind to grieve her loss and cherish her memory are sister Colleen A. Scott of Tennessee, brother Terry V. Lessig of Independence, LA, nephew Ronald Lessig of Alabama and nephew Rick Lessig of Pennsylvania. Also many dear friends from the Independence Senior Center and her church, The River, in Tickfaw. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Tammy Howell Terrebonne
Dec 11, 1970 — Aug 12, 2026
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond, LA. She was born December 11, 1970 in Independence, LA and was 55 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Brian Terrebonne; 3 sons, James Anthony Garza and wife, Alexandra, Shane Cameron Terrebonne, and Sean Caleb Terrebonne; 2 grandchildren, Haleigh Marie Garza and Wyatt James Garza; mother, Betty Howell; sisters, Carolyn H. Magee and husband, Hugh, Becky Jane Howell, Thelma Wallace and husband, Douglas, Betty Prescia and husband, Anthony, and JoAnn Lato and husband, Vincent;1 brother, Ricky Howell. Preceded in death by her father, James “Bud” Howell; sister, Sharon Waterbury. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. David Cutrer. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Psalm 100:2 (KJV)
Tomorrow’s Sunday School Lesson
August 16
“Compromise”
Judges 16:16-31
Mission Projects
Most churches have more then one ongoing mission projects. Find out what is going on and get involved with one or more of the mission opportunities
Coming Soon
Four Sundays of studying about grief at 4 P.M. during the month of September at FBC, Kentwood. Everyone is welcome to sign up for the class.
Reminder
Fall Food Roundup at Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. Groceries and cleaning supplies are needed. Why not check the list to see what they need rather than give what they are already stocked up on? See my previous posts this week.
Have a great weekend! Don’t leave God out! Make Him the center of the weekend!
Closing Scripture
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
A busy weekend, starting today, is on our schedule. I am so thankful for the friends who include us in their special family events. We are honored.
Scripture for Today
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray for families of little ones who are going to school for the first time. Pray for parents as this time of separation begins for many families. I think it is as difficult, or even harder, for the parents as the children.
Read the Bible in 2026
August 14
II Chronicles 21-24
Obituaries
Sandra Gail Lessig Ferguson
Jul 24, 1946 — Aug 11, 2026
Sandra Gail Lessig Ferguson passed into the presence of her Lord and the waiting arms of the love of her life, husband H. B. Ferguson on Aug. 11, 2026 at the age of 80 yrs. Left behind to grieve her loss and cherish her memory are sister Colleen A. Scott of Tennessee, brother Terry V. Lessig of Independence, LA, nephew Ronald Lessig of Alabama and nephew Rick Lessig of Pennsylvania. Also many dear friends from the Independence Senior Center and her church, The River, in Tickfaw. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Tammy Howell Terrebonne
Dec 11, 1970 — Aug 12, 2026
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond, LA. She was born December 11, 1970 in Independence, LA and was 55 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Brian Terrebonne; 3 sons, James Anthony Garza and wife, Alexandra, Shane Cameron Terrebonne, and Sean Caleb Terrebonne; 2 grandchildren, Haleigh Marie Garza and Wyatt James Garza; mother, Betty Howell; sisters, Carolyn H. Magee and husband, Hugh, Becky Jane Howell, Thelma Wallace and husband, Douglas, Betty Prescia and husband, Anthony, and JoAnn Lato and husband, Vincent;1 brother, Ricky Howell. Preceded in death by her father, James “Bud” Howell; sister, Sharon Waterbury. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. David Cutrer. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Today’s articles are greatly varied, but all so interesting.
Sunday School Lesson
Lesson for August 16
“Compromise”
Judges 16:16-31
Devotional Thought
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Purchase some extra groceries to share with the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home without making a trip there. The Children’s Home will make pickups in various churches. You deliver your items purchased and deliver to one of the local churches. At FBC, Kentwood, we leave our items at the northwest corner of the fellowship hall building.
Contact some members of your Sunday School class who have not been attending lately.
Invite someone to Sunday School and church both from a list you create today and as you see people during the day.
Do a special deed for someone who cannot do everything by themselves. Examples: changing lighting bulbs, cleaning windows, sweeping a porch, picking up sticks and pine cones in a yard, moving a neighbor’s garbage can out and back in each week, picking up someone’s daily newspaper and placing it by the most used door, etc.
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Today, the midpoint of the first week of a new school year, let’s pray for the children of our family, neighborhood, and friends. Let’s. pray for a productive and successful year for each student, no matter their age, preschool through college. Each year will bring new challenges for the students. Let’s pray the students are prepared for what’s ahead of them this year and that they have a big desire to do well, their best, each day of the new school year.
Read the Bible in 2027
August 13
II Chronicles 13-17
Sunday School Scripture
August 16
“Compromise”
Judges 16:16-31
Obituaries
Annie Piscotta DiGiovanni
Jul 1, 1946 — Aug 11, 2026
Independence, LA
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Annie DiGiovanni, of Independence, Louisiana, who passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the age of 80. Annie was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her family was the center of her world, and the love she gave so freely will forever remain in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Anthony DiGiovanni; her father, Louis Piscotta; her mother, Josephine Baiamonte Piscotta; her stepmother, Laura Giardina Piscotta; and her brother, Tony Piscotta. Annie leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughters, Louise (Frankie) and Phine Eleser; her grandchildren, Frank III, Kari (Joe), Amy, Charles (Meagan), and Toni (Dayne); and her great-grandchildren, Emily, Hailey, and Kayelynn. She is also survived by her brother, Vincent (Kathy), and her sister, Mary Jo Marcus, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Annie also deeply loved her church family. Her faith and the fellowship she shared with those at church were an important part of her life. She treasured the friendships, prayers, and love she received from her church family, and they held a very special place in her heart. Annie will always be remembered for the love she had for her family and the countless memories she created with those closest to her. Her presence touched the lives of so many, and her memory will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, church family, and everyone who was blessed to know her. Although our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for every moment, every laugh, every story, and every memory we shared with her. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, family, and faith that will continue for generations to come. Annie was deeply loved, will be greatly missed, and will never be forgotten. May she rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Arcola from 9:30AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, August 14, 2026. Services conducted by Pastor Luke Lindsey. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(Annie was an older student at AHS and usually stood near me, alphabetical order, in PE lineup. We were friends for a couple of years. I haven’t heard from her since her senior year, but quickly remembered her when I saw her name.)
Jerry Russell King
Jul 6, 1937 — Aug 11, 2026
Amite, LA
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 6, 1937 in Russelltown, LA and was 89 years of age. Survived by her children, Cynthia “Cindy” King Reeves and John R. King; stepdaughter, Belinda and Mike Goff; grandchildren, Jonathan Caleb Hart, Meghan Lier Brumfield, Lynn and John James, Allen and Kim Murray; great-grandchildren, Shaya Lynn Brumfield, Allen Michael Hart, Jonah Thomas Brumfield, Ty Douglas Brumfield, Jay Digel, and Ashlee Digel; sisters-in-law, Barbara Sue King, Dorothy King and Jerry Harrison. “Miss Jerry” has numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews—too many to name them all—but she loved them so very much. She also loved her church family and friends unconditionally. Preceded in death by her husband, Cecil R. King; parents, Clarence Lee and June Pevey Russell; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Cecil and Clara Mae King; stepson, Cecil Allen King; siblings and in-laws, Charles and Nettie Russell, Gerald and Lavilla Russell, Marie Russell Sanders and Earl “Bob” Sanders, Wallace and Betty Russell, Reginald P. Russell, Kenneth and Elaine Russell, Bonnie Mae Russell, Betty Russell Connell and Wade Connell, numerous nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. The visitation will be at the church she loved so much, House on the Rock, from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Funeral services will be conducted by Pastors Jeff McKneely and Chip Fitz. Interment will follow in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. Pallbearers will be Dennis Cothern, Malcolm Henry, Lyndon Earl Davis, Ed Smith, Dawson Primes, and Mark Stevens. Honorary Pallbearers will be Donald Raffray, Tommy Marcantel, Jimmy Perry and Carl Self. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(David and Jerry were Russell cousins.)
Another Scripture
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
We have made our purchases and prepared the boxes. At this time, we begin our focus on the shipping charges of $10.00 per box, which also include other things such as the cost of a new Bible in each child’s language and some literature which will introduce the child, and usually 9-10 family members, to Jesus.
Postage on each “Shoebox” is $10.00. Speaking as a parent with an child who was overseas for 20+ years, that is a fantastic price! Please do your part in helping to get the “shoeboxes” delivered. Best of all, helping people learn about Jesus!
One more thought. Each child who receives a shoebox will only receive one in their lifetime. That puts a lot of pressure on us to pack a wonderful assortment of items.
Donations can be made to your church by labeling them OCC. If your local church is not that far along, it is still not too early to donate to the shipping charges. Your gifts will be greatly appreciated!
If your church, school, business, family, etc. is not packing shoeboxes, I urge you to get involved with a group who does send boxes each year. You can also do them on your own. Read the information of the Samaritan’s Purse website or contact me. You can turn your boxes in to FBC, Kentwood during the collection week in mid-November.
Missions – Fall Food Round-Up for the LA Baptist Children’s Home
Please refer to yesterday’s post to learn of needs and deadlines for our area. Doing for others brings great joy. Knowing a child or children who have been placed there due to difficult family situations is a big encouragement. Our speaker at church Sunday morning was one of the blessed children who got to grow up there after the death of his mother.
Have a great day. Remember, God placed you here to help others. Find ways to do that regularly.
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”
1 Timothy 4:4-5
Prayer Focus
Begin praying with openness and pray as god leads you to pray.
Read the Bible in 2026
August 12
II Chronicles 9-12
Obituary
Thomas Parker Morgan, Sr.
A resident of Montpelier, Louisiana, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, Louisiana.
He is survived by his two children, Thomas Parker Morgan, Jr. (Autleigh) and Brittany Morgan Faunce (Hunter); his two precious granddaughters, Livvy Parker Morgan and Millie Parker Faunce; his sister, Cynthia Morgan Blades (Bill); brother, Jonathan Morgan (Donna); half-sister, Gloria Mack Dykes; a niece, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews; and his long-time companion, Brooke Bishop.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas E. “Bobbie” and Marilyn Bond Morgan; sister, Bobbie Lynn Morgan; and nephew, Robert William Clemons, Jr.
Tom was born December 12, 1960, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and was 65 years of age.
He was a member of the Ironworkers Local 623. There wasn’t a bridge or building that he worked on where he didn’t acknowledge that he was a part of or more proud of, especially the Natchez bridge. Hunting, fishing and being outdoors is what he lived for and what brought him the ultimate amount of happiness and satisfaction.
Visitation will be held at the Montpelier Methodist Church from 8:30 AM until religious services at 11:30 AM on Friday, August 14, 2026. Interment Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier, Louisiana. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, are in charge of the arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10
MISSIONS – Fall Food Roundup at the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home
It’s better to do something when it is on your mind than to postpone it and forget it. The pick-up at FBC, Kentwood will be early on September 8 this year. The most needed items this year are:
Sugar – regular, brown, and powdered
Cooking oil
Canned meats – tuna, chicken, and Spam
Pantry staples – peanut butter, cereals , pasta, and rice
Baking and seasoning – Mixes and spices
It’s always better to meet needs when you give rather tan give items they already have an adquate supply of!
The Prayer Link 
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