Author: Anna Lee

FRIDAY

Good morning friends. God has chosen to bring us through the night. Let’s be thankful and show Him our appreciation by what we say and do today.

Read the Bible in 2026

  • January 16
  • Mark 6-7

Prayer Focus

As we pray for other needs, let’s continue to pray for our country each day at noon as well as praying for family members and friends who are facing a struggle today.

Obituary

Jimmy Earl Ebarb

December 19, 1938 – January 15, 2026

U.S. Veteran

A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at The Richard Murphy House in Hammond, LA. He was born December 19, 1938 in Ebarb, LA and was 87 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Katherine Renee Cernich (Danny); sisters, Lavern Bourgoyne, Margaret Sossaman, and Linda Miller; grandchildren, Joseph Cade Cernich (Grace), Cobie James Cernich (Laura), Tyler Dan Ebarb, and Kyle Ebarb; great-grandchildren, Landon Joseph Cernich, Annaleigh Grace Cernich and Kynnedy Ann Ebarb. Preceded in death by his wife, Frances Arnone Ebarb; sister, Carol Michelli; brother, Danny Ebarb; son, Samuel “Bo” Ebarb; parents, Sallie and Daniel “Dan” Ebarb. Pallbearers are Cade Cernich, Cobie Cernich, Danny Cernich, Robert Richerson, Issac Duhon, and Gary Clyde Durbin. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Monday, January 19, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Danny Carter. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. In lieu of flowers donate to Richard Murphy Hospice House or St. Helena Catholic Church. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

A Message from Waylon Bailey:

“It’s Not Time to be Invisible”

The last six weeks have been remarkable. We will never forget this time in our lives.

One of the positives that has come from this time is the necessity to connect with people other than in our weekend worship services. So many of us connect simply–and wonderfully–by passing someone in the hallway, smiling, and moving on.

That isn’t happening now and we are forced to connect in other ways–also wonderful and meaningful. Everything that happens gives the opportunity to connect to people.

One of those happened last week in our church. We sent out a request for people to send us a picture to put up in our worship center to help me with my preaching and to remind us that the church is not a building but the people of God. It also helps our pastors have a mental picture of people for whom they are praying.

One of the men in our church sent his picture and a few lines about knowing and serving Christ. I responded back thanking him for sending the picture and being faithful in this time. He answered with a classic response: “It’s not time to be invisible.”

In fact, it is time to be very visible as we serve and minister. It is time to be bold and courageous. It is a time to pray and to encourage others to be faithful as they live out their faith.

Jesus made clear our necessity for being visible. “In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

It is time to live for Christ with all that we are and all that we have.

Additional Scripture

Unstoppable!

‘More than Filling the Gap’

20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,

r“ ‘May his camp become desolate,

and let there be no one to dwell in it’;

and

s“ ‘Let another take his office.’

21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during tall the time that the Lord Jesus uwent in and out among us.

Acts 1:20-21 ESV

Have a “Fantastic Friday”!

Anna Lee

Have a “Fantastic Friday”!

THURSDAY

Prayer Focus

Yesterday, we had a special prayer time to pray for our country. Today, let’s continue to pray for our country, the leadership of our country, and those who are involved in any branch of the military or police.

Let’s also pray for the many around us who are ill, some with seasonal colds and some with serious health issues. Thank God for those who provide any form of health care for them.

Read the Bible in 2026

  • January 15
  • Mark 4-5

No New Obituaries Listed this Morning

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Waylon Bailey

“It’s Not Time to be Invisible”

The last six weeks have been remarkable. We will never forget this time in our lives.

One of the positives that has come from this time is the necessity to connect with people other than in our weekend worship services. So many of us connect simply–and wonderfully–by passing someone in the hallway, smiling, and moving on.

That isn’t happening now and we are forced to connect in other ways–also wonderful and meaningful. Everything that happens gives the opportunity to connect to people.

One of those happened last week in our church. We sent out a request for people to send us a picture to put up in our worship center to help me with my preaching and to remind us that the church is not a building but the people of God. It also helps our pastors have a mental picture of people for whom they are praying.

One of the men in our church sent his picture and a few lines about knowing and serving Christ. I responded back thanking him for sending the picture and being faithful in this time. He answered with a classic response: “It’s not time to be invisible.”

In fact, it is time to be very visible as we serve and minister. It is time to be bold and courageous. It is a time to pray and to encourage others to be faithful as they live out their faith.

Jesus made clear our necessity for being visible. “In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

It is time to live for Christ with all that we are and all that we have.

A Picture and Thought To Remember

“For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.”

Psalm 96:5

It’s as easy as 1,2,3.

  1. Other gods are fake: The gods of other nations are just “idols” (things of nothing).
  2. The LORD is real: But the LORD made the heavens (the sky, stars, etc.).
  3. Worship Him: So, the LORD is the only one truly worthy of our worship because He is the Creator. 

Easy English Commentary

Here is one of the earliest Scriptures I learned.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you,” Ephesians 4:32 KJV

Of course, I learned the King James version. The New International Version is shown below.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 NIV

I get the same message from both versions. Let’s work to practice this today!

Anna Lee


WEDNESDAY

Happy Wednesday. Let’s see how many ways we can thank God for giving us this day. How will you show your appreciation to Him?

Scripture Passage for Today

Prayer Focus

Rev. Franklin Graham as called us to pray for our country at noon today. Let’s be sure to do just that.

Obituary

Clinton Arnold Passman

January 6, 1963 – January 8, 2026

Clinton Arnold Passman, a resident of Baton Rouge, LA,  died peacefully on January 8,2026, at The Guest House in Baton Rouge, La. after a lenghy illness. He was bom January 6,1963 in Amite, LA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hezzie Donice Passman, Jr. and Olga Lee Spring Bahm, two brothers Hezzie Donice (Pete) Passman, III and Thomas Patrick Passman, and a sister, Sharon (Sissy) Passman Dunaway, and a brother-in-law, John Martin. He is survived by his sister and caretaker, Felicitie Davis and husband Brad, stepmother, Artrie Passman, sisters Tracie Pierce and husband Ronnie, Jackie Morgan and husband Joseph, Pam Martin, Connie Albrado and husband Tommy, Julie Gibson, Missie Pierce and husband Larry, and a brother, Scott Passman and wife Deana, numerous nieces and nephews, and a daughter Katie who he loved with all of his heart. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Friendship Baptist Church, 62508 Friendship Church Road, Amite, La. from 10:00 AM until funeral services at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in the Friendship Cemetery. Services will be conducted by the Rev. Brandon Phillips. Pallbearers will be: Jonathan Pierce, Bradley Davis, Zachary Davis, Russell Pierce, Clint Sands, Andre Chaney and Arthur (Slim) Holden. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Wednesday Night

Many local churches have prayer meeting and other scheduled events tonight.

Read the Bible Today

  • January 14
  • Mark 1-3

A Special Thought from Rev. Waylon Bailey

The First Words of the Day

How did your day start?

I’ve long encouraged people to rise a little earlier than they really have to in order to start the day with God. That practice may be the most meaningful part of my day.

Starting the day with God can take several forms. You can pray, read Scripture, meditate and memorize Scripture, or simply sit quietly acknowledging God and His goodness. All of these are helpful. I recommend them all.

Today my day began with a wonderful surprise. On my phone screen from the YouVersion Bible App were these words:

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NASB).

Those words were given by the prophet to the people of Israel in exile. God had big things for them to do. They were to leave the only land most of the people had ever known to return to Jerusalem and the land of Israel to rebuild and to follow God.

They had plenty to fear and be anxious about, but they also had the promises of our Righteous God. God was encouraging them to be righteous and obedient.

You have plenty to make you anxious and obedient.

What would God say to you today? The Word of God speaks loudly to me today: “Do not be fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.”

When I begin my day in this way, I always have a good day. I pray the same for you.

Waylon Bailey

The First Words of the Day

How did your day start?

I’ve long encouraged people to rise a little earlier than they really have to in order to start the day with God. That practice may be the most meaningful part of my day.

Starting the day with God can take several forms. You can pray, read Scripture, meditate and memorize Scripture, or simply sit quietly acknowledging God and His goodness. All of these are helpful. I recommend them all.

Today my day began with a wonderful surprise. On my phone screen from the YouVersion Bible App were these words:

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NASB).

Those words were given by the prophet to the people of Israel in exile. God had big things for them to do. They were to leave the only land most of the people had ever known to return to Jerusalem and the land of Israel to rebuild and to follow God.

They had plenty to fear and be anxious about, but they also had the promises of our Righteous God. God was encouraging them to be righteous and obedient.

You have plenty to make you anxious and obedient.

What would God say to you today? The Word of God speaks loudly to me today: “Do not be fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.”

Stories Worth Telling

Rev. Waylon Bailey

April 30, 2020

Additional Scripture for Today

‘God Protects Those Who Seek Him For Safety’

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Ps. 91:1-2 NIV

Don’t forget to pray for our country at noon today.

Anna Lee

TUESDAY

Call to Prayer and Repentance

Dear‍ Friend,

If you think our nation is in trouble now, just wait… As our streets boil over with hate, anger, crime, drugs, and just sheer hopelessness, is there something we can do? You bet there is.

I would like to call for a time of prayer and repentance this Wednesday, January 14, at 12:00 noon.

As a nation our sins are so great. We have increasingly turned our backs on God and His commands, embracing godless secularism. We need to ask His forgiveness and seek His face.

Pray for our leaders, and pray that God would bring calm to our streets.

There are many who would like to stir things up—there are even those who would like to destroy this great country. Pray that these efforts would be thwarted and their plans would be brought into confusion.

Ask God to use His Church to be His instruments of peace in this time of great uncertainty.

Remember, this Wednesday at noon, please stop and pray. Millions of people remembering our sins and asking for forgiveness, repenting, and seeking His face will make a difference.

Let’s humble ourselves. Let’s give God the glory for this great nation and thank Him for His hand of blessing, protection, and mercy.

Sincerely,

Franklin Graham
President, Samaritan’s Purse

“…for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn His face from you if you return to Him.”
2 Chronicles 30:9

Reading the Bible in 2026

  • January 13
  • Matthew 27-28
  • We have already had the opportunity to read a book of the Bible this year. If you did not start on January first, you can double up in the next few weeks and catch up . That can be a great plan!

No New Obituaries Listed Today

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

There are some very good articles for us today. Don’t miss the opportunity to read them.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s have a dual focus. First, let’s remember the “call to prayer” and pass the one on to others.

Also, let’s pray for the elderly in this cold weather. Check your prayer list for those you are led to pray for. I will give you one name to start with – Mrs.. Ferrie Gene Blackmon. You add from those who are already onyour prayer list.

Senior Adult Lunch Outing

Next week, on Wednesday, we will travel to Hammond for lunch. If you are interested, contact the church office for details.

Additional Bible Reading

‘Time Together Meant Timein Prayer’

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Acts 1:12-14, NIV

‘God Rescues, Protects, & Strengthens’

2 And he said:

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

3 The God of my strength, in whom I will trust;

My shield and the horn of my salvation,

My stronghold and my refuge;

My Savior, You save me from violence.

II Samuel: 22:2-3 NKJ

Have a wonderful day doing something that is important to you. Then, reflect on your accomplishment and smile.

Anna Lee

SATURDAY

Read the Bible in 2026

  • January 9 – Matthew 20-21
  • January 10 – Matthew 22-23

A Scripture for Today

Obituary

Joseph E. Frickey, Jr.

July 23, 1936 – January 7, 2026

Mr. Joseph Edward Frickey, Jr., age 89 of Des Allemands, LA, passed away peacefully and went home to be with the Lord on January 7, 2026. 

Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of his life on Tuesday, January 13th, at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA, with visitation from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence, LA. Interment will follow at Amite Cemetery. 

Joe was born in Bessemer, AL, to Joseph and Theresa Frickey. He attended  Hahnville High School and Southeastern Louisiana University. He married Dell Dees on November 19, 1955, and they made a home in Des Allemands in St. Charles Parish. He worked as a masonry contractor for close to 50 years, where he skillfully built houses for countless families in St. Charles, Lafourche, and Terrebonne Parishes.

Joe is preceded in death by his mother and father, his beloved wife of 65 years, Dell Dees Frickey, and his sister, Dolores Frickey Zaccaria. He is survived by his children, Douglas Frickey (Mary), Lynn F. Becnel (Stewart), Laurie F. Hendrickson, and Leia Frickey, a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his sister, Patricia Roger (Marvin). Joe loved visiting with family and the wonderful friends who blessed his life, including his Hahnville High School classmates and friends at Mater Dolorosa Church and the Skeet Club. As his senior class president, he hosted many reunions throughout the past 71 years, committed to maintaining lifelong friendships. He is fondly remembered for his sense of humor and ever-ready smile and helping hand. He modeled the importance of hard work, prayer, and faith in Jesus Christ. He loved gathering people together to laugh, play Pedro, and listen to music. He was often blaring Sinatra as he fried catfish to generously provide a wonderful meal for loved ones.
 
He meant the world to so many, and he will be dearly missed. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that any memorials be given to Mater Dolorosa Catholic School in Independence, LA.

McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

I found several articles I am interested in. You probably wil too.

Waylon Bailey

http://www.waylonbailey.com

The First Words of the Day

by Waylon Bailey

How did your day start?

I’ve long encouraged people to rise a little earlier than they really have to in order to start the day with God. That practice may be the most meaningful part of my day.

Starting the day with God can take several forms. You can pray, read Scripture, meditate and memorize Scripture, or simply sit quietly acknowledging God and His goodness. All of these are helpful. I recommend them all.

Today my day began with a wonderful surprise. On my phone screen from the YouVersion Bible App were these words:

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NASB).

Those words were given by the prophet to the people of Israel in exile. God had big things for them to do. They were to leave the only land most of the people had ever known to return to Jerusalem and the land of Israel to rebuild and to follow God.

They had plenty to fear and be anxious about, but they also had the promises of our Righteous God. God was encouraging them to be righteous and obedient.

You have plenty to make you anxious and obedient.

What would God say to you today? The Word of God speaks loudly to me today: “Do not be fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.”

When I begin my day in this way, I always have a good day. I pray the same for you.

Additional Scripture Reading

Unstoppable!

‘Mission’

7 Jesus replied, ‘My Father decides when things will happen in the world. You do not need to know the day or the time when this will happen. 

8 But the Holy Spirit will come to you, and he will give you power. The Holy Spirit will make your spirit strong. Then you will tell other people everywhere in the world about me. You will do that in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria and in places far away.’

9 When Jesus had finished speaking to his apostles, God took him up to heaven. The apostles watched Jesus while he went up. Then a cloud hid him and they could not see him any more.

10 The apostles were still looking carefully up into the sky when suddenly two men appeared. They were wearing white clothes and they stood near the apostles.

11 The men said to the apostles, ‘You men from Galilee, you should not still be standing here and looking up into the sky. God has taken Jesus into heaven. You saw the way that Jesus went up to heaven. One day, he himself will return in the same way.’

Commentary – Easy English Bible

Acts 1:7-11 is about Jesus telling his disciples it’s not their job to know when God’s kingdom fully returns, but to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to get power to be his witnesses everywhere (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, world). As they watch him ascend, angels appear, telling them to stop staring at the sky because Jesus will physically return the same way. It’s a message to focus on God’s work now, not future timing. 

Sunday School Lesson for Tomorrow

“Authority Acknowledged”

Matthew 7: 15-29

SS at FBC, Kentwood begins at 9:15. There is a class for everyone.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for all the Sunday School classes in all the area churches.

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Anna Lee

FRIDAY

Good Morning.

It’s nice to be with you again. I’m thankful for you and your prayers.

Today’s Bible Passage

19
 Do not want to have many valuable things here in the world. Insects or water can destroy those kinds of things. Or people may come into your house and they can rob you of those things. 

20
 Instead, you should want to have valuable things in heaven
. Insects and water cannot destroy anything there. Men cannot rob you of your things there. 

Matthew 6:19-20

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for those who do not have Jesus in their hearts. Pray for them to find Him and treasure Him in their lives.

If you don’t already have a list that describes friends, family members, and neighbors that way, today is a good day to work on your personal prayer list.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Waylon Bailey

“How Can I Do Things that Matter” (Waylon Bailey)

How Can I Do the Things that Matter?

Read the Bible in 2026

  • January 8 – Matthew 18-19
  • January 9 -Matthew 20-21

Rain

The weather has caused my satellite to not work correctly, so I will stop for today. Hopefully tomorrow’s weather will be better for my technology.

Anna Lee

Thursday

Today’s Scripture

Obituary

Leroy Kent

July 29, 1935 – January 6, 2026

Leroy Kent passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the age of 90. He was a retired pipe fitter and dairy farmer, and lifelong resident of Greensburg, LA. He was a long time Dairy Farmer, Beef cattleman, a loving Husband and Father, a man who you listened to when he spoke, but most importantly he loved reading the Bible.

Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, in Kentwood, on Monday, January 12th, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Religious services will begin at 12:00 p.m. Graveside will follow in the Kent Family Cemetery.

Leroy is survived by his wife, Palmyra “Molly”, his children, Geraldine Thompson, spouse Alvin (Pee Wee), Michael L. Kent, spouse Penny, John Kent, spouse Marcia, Cheryl Templet, spouse Lucien, and Sheila Bourque, spouse Kenny; Grandchildren, Jason Thompson, Kevin Thompson (Jennifer), Alvin Thompson,   III (Nicki), Kyle Kent (Christy), Jessica Haygood (Chris), Cole Kent (Briley), Lauren Robertson (Josh), Chelsey Miller (Nick), Bobbi Jo Davis (Joe), Kayla Shaw (Matt), Wendy Smith (Alan), Kenneth Bourque III (Jaclyn), and David Bourque (Andrea); Great Grandchildren, Reed and Remilyn Thompson, Kaegan and Kinlea Thompson, Tucker and Austin Thompson, Preston Kent and Gerren Spring, Walter Haygood, Aria, Mackenzie and Alexandra Robertson, Parker Miller, Darren Quave and Charlotte Davis, Katherine and Matt Shaw, JR, Kale and Amelia Smith, Andrew and Braden Bourque, Tori, Garrett, and Corbin Bourque. Brother, AJ Kent, and sister Mae Dearman.

Preceded in Death by a child, Lynn Kent; father, Leroy Harelson Kent; mother, Edwenia Kinchen Guillot; brother, James Kent and wife Pat, sister, Janice Marie LeJeune and husband John; sister-in-law Lillie Kent, and grandchild Kelsey Kent.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Thompson, Alvin Thompson, III, Reed Thompson, Cole Kent, Preston Kent, Josh Robertson, Matt Shaw, Chris Haygood, Honorary Pallbearers- Jason Thompson and Kyle Kent.

Leroy looked forward to helping people and having family get togethers. He will be greatly missed by a multitude of friends and family.

Read the Bible in 2026

  • January 7 – Matthew 15-17
  • January 8 – Matthew 18-1

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Waylon Bailey

The First Words of the Day

How did your day start?

I’ve long encouraged people to rise a little earlier than they really have to in order to start the day with God. That practice may be the most meaningful part of my day.

Starting the day with God can take several forms. You can pray, read Scripture, meditate and memorize Scripture, or simply sit quietly acknowledging God and His goodness. All of these are helpful. I recommend them all.

Today my day began with a wonderful surprise. On my phone screen from the YouVersion Bible App were these words:

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NASB).

Those words were given by the prophet to the people of Israel in exile. God had big things for them to do. They were to leave the only land most of the people had ever known to return to Jerusalem and the land of Israel to rebuild and to follow God.

They had plenty to fear and be anxious about, but they also had the promises of our Righteous God. God was encouraging them to be righteous and obedient.

You have plenty to make you anxious and obedient.

What would God say to you today? The Word of God speaks loudly to me today: “Do not be fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.”

When I begin my day in this way, I always have a good day. I pray the same for you.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for someone who is lonely. As you pray, ask God to guide you in calling, visiting, delivering food, an invitation to lunch, etc. After praying, take the appropriate action.

Additional Scripture to Read

“Rejected”

 10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 

11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 

John 1:10-11 NIV

What action is God directing you to today?

Anna Lee

WEDNESDAY

A Verse for Today

Ephesians 5:1-2

Read the Bible in 2026

This Week

  • January 4 – Matthew 9-10
  • January 5 – Matthew 11-12
  • January 6 – Matthew 13-14
  • January 7 – Matthew 15-17

Special Invitation

We have been invited to attend a special event at Camp Living Waters, their Kick-Off event for 2026, beginning at 5 P.M. Saturday. Some of the activities will be worship led by the Allens and testimonies by area ministry leaders in the worship center. At 6 P.M. there will be a worship service in the gym.

*21230 Livingwater Road, Loranger.

*985-345-1831

The focus group is Tangipahoa and Washington Parish ministers and spouses, youth leaders and spouses, children’s directors and spouses, those involved in missions, and other church leadership. Those who will attend will get a glimpse into what will be happening this summer at the camp.

I know this is short notice, but I was just contacted late yesterday afternoon. Be sure to tell your church leadership about this free event.

If you have any questions, contact Harrell Jr. and Julie Sharkey.

Prayer Focus

Let’s pray for this event to reach out to lots of church leadership with a message that will be encouraging in reaching out to the children and youth in camps this summer.

Prayer Reminder

Don’t forget to pray for the birth of a new great-grandchild for Kenneth and Yvonne Birch this morning.

There are no new obituaries for our area.

Additional Scripture

‘I will Trust in Your Good Name’

I will always praise you, God,

for what you have done.

I will trust you to help me,

together with all those who serve you.

Psalm 52:9

How will you be of service to God today?

Anna Lee

TUESDAY

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

U.S. Veteran

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

https://www.baptistpress.com/

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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

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Anna Lee