Today’s Scripture
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.
Romans 15:1-2 ESV
Prayer Focus
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.’”
Baptist Press
Missions – O.C.C.
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.
Anna Lee
The Prayer Link 
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