Thank-you God, for giving each of us meeting here today another day to pray, read Your Word, serve you, and to relate to others. May each of us make the world a little bit better today!
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for those around us who are hurting in some way.
A Verse for Today
Obituaries
Carol Jean Pittman Gill
July 11, 1936 – January 4, 2026
Carol Jean Pittman Gill, age 89, of Kentwood, Louisiana, passed away on January 4, 2026. She was born on July 11, 1936, in Kentwood, Louisiana to the late Rufus A. Pittman and Doris Carruth Pittman.
Carol Jean was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was married to her beloved husband, Fernie Ray Gill, for 71 years and together they built a family rooted in love and faith.
She is survived by her husband, Fernie Ray Gill; her children, Sonya McCoy (Joey), Steve Gill (Kathy), and Keith Gill (Lisa); nine grandchildren, Amy Sweat (Rodney), Robyn Smith (Ben), Brooke Roncancio (Edgar), Kacie Engemann (Eric), Emmy Schroeter (David), Brandi Allred (Brent), Callie Tiffany (David), Auti Kirk (Nate), and Chase Gill; and twenty-one great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Margaret Creel and Barbara Gill, and nephew, Brandon Pittman.
In addition to her parents, Carol Jean was preceded in death by her brother, Russell Pittman, and her nephew, Rusty Pittman.
Carol Jean spent her career as a schoolteacher. She obtained her master’s degree in education from Southeastern Louisiana University. She touched many lives through her work and care for her students. Carol Jean was also a talented seamstress, and her legacy will live on through the dresses she made for her granddaughters.
Carol Jean was a devoted member of Spring Creek Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and served as the church librarian. Her faith was evidenced by her service and kindness to others. Her family is comforted by the knowledge that she is at peace in God’s presence.
Carol Jean will be remembered for her dedication to her family and her church, her years of service as an educator, and the quiet strength and kindness she showed to all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the many generations she loved and nurtured.
Pallbearers will be Ben Smith, Rodney Sweat, Edgar Roncancio, Eric Engemann, David Schroeder, and Brandon Pittman. Honorary Pallbearers are Bubba and Tae.
Visitation from 9:00AM until Funeral services at 11:00AM at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith, Bro. Matt Gazaway, and Bro. Eric Latham. Interment to follow at Spring Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Spring Creek Baptist Church Building Fund. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Jacob Israel Gifford
February 25, 2007 – January 1, 2026
Jacob Israel Gifford, 18 of Leesburg, FL passed away on January 1, 2026.
Born on February 25, 2007, Jacob was a cherished son whose presence brought light, laughter, and warmth to everyone who knew him. His strong faith guided his life and was evident in the way he treated others—with kindness, respect, and an open heart. Jacob’s exuberant personality and welcoming spirit made people feel instantly at ease in his presence.
Jacob had a deep love for the outdoors and could often be found fishing, swimming, or enjoying any adventure that allowed him to be outside. His youth group was especially close to his heart, and his faith community played an important role in shaping the young man he became.
Above all else, Jacob adored his mother. The bond they shared was truly special—one built on love, trust, and unwavering devotion. He was a wonderful cousin to the younger members of his family, always patient, playful, and protective. Jacob was a respectful and loving grandson and nephew, and his family will forever treasure the memories they shared.
Jacob graduated from Trinity Catholic High School and proudly joined the United States Navy, stepping into his future with courage, purpose, and faith. He will be remembered for his joyful spirit, his ability to make everyone feel welcome, and the genuine happiness he carried with him wherever he went.
Jacob is survived by his loving mother, Katherine Gifford; his grandparents, Nathan and Susan Gifford, and Annette Pizzitola; his aunts Kelly Luper (Christian), Sarah Zimmermann, and Rachel Bishop (William); his cousins Alec Luper, Jake Luke and Harper Zimmermann, Harrison and Kellan Bishop; and many extended family members and friends from Louisiana and Florida and all points in between who loved him dearly.
A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Jacob’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 7 at 6:00 PM at St. Paul Catholic Church 1330 Sunshine Ave. Leesburg, FL.
A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Jacob’s life will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11:00AM at St. Helena Catholic Church, 122 S. First Street, Amite, LA. Interment with full military honors will follow at St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery, 75376 River Rd., Covington, LA 70435.
Jacob, you are deeply loved and will be profoundly missed, but your faith, joy, and light will live on in the hearts of all who knew you.
Baptist Press
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Read the Bible in 2026
- January 5
- Matthew 17-20
Additional Scripture for Today
‘God Is a Mighty Protector Who Saves’
21 There the LORD will be our Mighty One. It will be like a place of broad rivers and streams. No galley with oars will ride them, no mighty ship will sail them.
22 For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us.
Isaiah 33:21-22 NIV
Thank-you for reading and sharing portions of TPL today.
Anna Lee
The Prayer Link 
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