Wanda Smith’s mother passed away yesterday morning.

A Scripture for Today

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

1 Corinthians 2:9

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for the prayer meeting services in our community tonight.

Read the Bible in 2026

• Septembeer 2
• Job 8-10

Obituaries

Michael Wayne Woodard

July 10, 1953 — August 29, 2026

Greensburg, LA

Michael Wayne Woodard was born July 10, 1953 and went to his Heavenly Home on August 29, 2026. Michael, who everyone knew as Mike, was the type of person who never met a stranger. No matter where he would go he would always strike up a conversation with people and try to get them to laugh. He loved to joke around with people and because of this would always make new friends no matter where he was. But he did not always joke around especially when it came to the Lord. He was a dedicated Christian and would talk with anyone about Heaven and how to get there. He actually started preaching when he was 18 years old at Red Bluff Baptist Church. He continued to preach for the next 55 years at various churches in Louisiana and Mississippi. He was currently the pastor at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Amite, LA. Not only was he a dedicated Preacher but he worked in the Sand and Gravel Industry for over 20 years before giving it up and going full-time with his other passion Law Enforcement. He started working for St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Department in 1984 as a Part-time Deputy and Dispatcher. He continued his way up through the department and after going full-time was promoted to Lieutenant. His primary duties with the Sheriff’s Department was with the Civil Division. He loved this job because it allowed him to once again get to talk with people he did not know. He was also in charge of leading all funeral escorts for the Department and he was going to make sure if he was in front with lights on then the cars coming better pull over. Above everything else he was an amazing father to his son, thought his daughter-in-law was one of a kind, but what really made his day was his two Grand-Daughters. He loved them with all his heart and there is nothing they would ask of him that he would not do. He loved to tell everyone about his Grand-Daughters and show pictures of them. He will be missed by everyone, but he would not want anyone to cry or dwell on his passing. He would want everyone to know he is in a better place and hopes one day to see everyone again. He is survived by his only child, Micah (wife Courtney); grandchildren, Caylee and Leah; sisters, Betty Jo Ford and Margaret Caraway; sister-in-law, Annette Woodward; nephews, Skip Caraway (wife Denise), Chip Caraway (wife Donna), Barry Levatino (wife Linda), Brian Levatino (wife Kathy), Chad Woodward (wife Shellie); nieces, Rhonda Enis (husband Donald), Shae Mclin (husband Robert); and numerous great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Lana Ardillo Woodard; parents, Buddy and Ethel Woodard; in-laws, Anthony and Georgie Ardillo; brother, James “Sonny” Woodward; sister, Livy Louise Levatino; brothers-in-law, Tommy Ford, Sammie Levatino Jr, and Sherrill Caraway; and a niece, Darlene Ford. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, Greensburg, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Services will be conducted by Rev. Shawn Ostoj. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. In lieu of flowers please donate to a church of your choosing in memory of Mike. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thomas Earl “Tom” Kopfler, Sr.

October 14, 1940 — August 31, 2026

Amite, LA

Thomas Earl “Tom” Kopfler, Sr passed peacefully on August 31, 2026. He was born on October 14, 1940 at Hotel Dieu Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Frederick Charles Kopfler, Sr and Blanche Hodges Kopfler and was raised in Amite. Tom graduated in 1958 from Amite High School, where he excelled at track and field. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1962, where he was also a member of the track and field team.

Tom proudly served his country as an officer in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. His service included duty aboard the USS Tioga County (LST-1158), where he served as First Lieutenant, and later with Naval Command Systems Support Activity as a computer systems analyst, which led to an assignment at the Pentagon. He ultimately attained the rank of Lieutenant and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal before being honorably discharged in 1969.

After his military service, Tom worked at the Smithsonian Institution on a taxonomy research grant before beginning his career with the United States Department of Agriculture at Michoud, where he worked as a computer systems analyst and programmed mainframe computers. Once retired, Tom returned to his roots in Amite, where he and his beloved late wife, Sandy, created their own slice of paradise and found a close-knit community whose kindness, sincerity, faith, and spirit of service enriched their lives immeasurably.

Tom was a man of unwavering moral conviction who was sincere, conscientious, humble, and possessed an extraordinary work ethic. He put his faith into action through service to others. He served as a lector at St. Dominic Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, making countless home visits to families in need.

Tom had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the natural world. He loved gardening, growing daylilies, and meticulously tending and manicuring his land. At times he could be found studying the migration patterns of birds flying over his yard, sometimes knowing where they were going before they did. The quiet hours he spent working outdoors gave him time for prayer, reflection, and contemplation.

An avid outdoorsman, he shared his love of the outdoors with his children, taking them fishing in his boat, crabbing, hunting, and beachcombing countless times over the years. He spoiled his family’s palate with his cooking—particularly his gumbo, jambalaya, fried fish, and boiled crawfish—and we have been comparing all versions to his ever since. He was the undisputed Boggle champion, and the spirited family games became cherished occasions that brought his children together.

His faith and his family meant everything to him.

He is survived by his daughters: Michelle (Mike) Lincoln, Lin (Andrea) Di Gennaro, Katie Glover, and Katherine (Cesario) Kopfler; his grandchildren: Lucy, Lola, and Aida Di Gennaro and Wyatt Kopfler.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sandra Jean “Sandy” Kopfler; his brothers, Robert Michael “Bobby” Kopfler and Frederick Charles “Fred” Kopfler, Jr; and his son, Thomas Earl “Tommy” Kopfler, Jr.

Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, 110 E. Factory St., Amite, Louisiana, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, 620 Third St., Independence, Louisiana, on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Reuben Dykes officiating.

Special Prayer Request

A friend left a message that George Bales was again in ICU at North Oaks. Pray for him, his family, and the medical staff caring for him.

Baptist Press

Texas town’s Downtown Bible Class still meeting after 100 years .

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/texas-towns-downtown-bible-class-still-meeting-after-100-years

This is one of the articles I think you will find interesting. It reminds me of the City Hall Sunday School Class at FBC, Kentwood.

Scripture about Prayer

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Be a blessing to others today.

Anna Lee

I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.   John 15:5 (WEB)

Today’s Prayer Focus

Telling others about Jesus through our words, deeds, and actions.

Reading the Bible in 2026

• September 1
• Job 5-7

No New Obituaries Posted for our Area

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Did you know this was and is in the Bible?

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19

We all answer to God for what we have done or not done.

Reminder:

Women and Missions

• September 12
• Ladies and girls
• Involves all area churches
• 10:00
• Learn about an the Georgia Barnette Offering and missions in our area
• “Ya’ll come” and learn how to get involved.

Anna Lee

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 (KJV)

Prayer Focus

1. Pray for college students.
2. Pray for those with recent surgeries.
3. Pray for older adults with medical concernss
4. Prayer for those with recent deaths in the family.

Read the Bible in 2026

• Monday, August 31
• Job 1-4

No New Obituaries

Baptist Press

LEAD ON PODCAST – https://feeds.transistor.fm/lead-on-podcast

Sunday School Lesson for Next Sunday

• September 6
• “True Power”
• Romans 1:13-25

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. – Romans 14:11

Mission Opportunities this Week

• Fall Food Round-Up for Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home – Pick-Up will be September 14 for Kentwood area.
• Help prepare food for “Manna”.
• Help bag food for distribution to children for weekends and holidays.
• Donate funds to OCC to help supply a Bible and provide transportation for “Shoeboxes” ($10.00 per shoebox)

Coming Soon

Four Sundays of learning about facing grief – Begins Sept. 6 at 4:00!

Closing Scripture

“Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him…”. I John 2:4(ESV)

Have a fantastic week!

Anna Lee

A Scripture for Today

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16 (KJV)

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for our family members who will not be in church, no matter the reason.

Continue to pray for Robbie Lynn who fell and broke her leg.

The update on Ora Lee Wilson is that she continues to feel much better since her recent procedure.

Please continue to pray for Mr. Charlie Davis.

Continue to pray for our local young men and women who participate in various sports/cheering/etc. in local high schools and colleges.

Read the Bible in 2026

• Sunday, August 30th
• Esther 6-10

No New Obituaries This Morning

Baptist Press

Louisiana Baptist school starts college football season with historic win.

(FBC, Kentwood has a player, Ashton Broussard, on the LBCU team. I hope to get to hear from his family today.)

Sunday School

I hope you will be present for the last lesson on Ruth. Also, new literature for the fall quarter will be in each classroom. Next week, we will begin a new unit from Romans.

Additional Scripture

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

Fall Food Round-Up for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home

Today is a good day to add to the donations for the La. Baptist Children’s Home. Donations can be left at the table at the north end of the hall that runs across the front of the fellowship hall, a location we have used for 40+ years. DO NOT BRING GALLON. SIZE CONTAINERS. Checks to purchase items in Monroe, are are also very helpful.

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day. Do your part to make it a better day in some way for someone else.

Anna Lee

The ladies of churches in the Two Rivers Association will be gathering Saturday, September 12, 2026. The leadership team will meet at 9:00 A.M. followed by a general meeting at 10:00.

The focus of this meeting is missions in Louisiana and the Georgia Barnette Offering. You will get to learn more so you can apply something new in your church. Let’s keep our mission projects growing and thriving.

The meeting will conclude with a pot-luck meal and sweet fellowship. Hopefully, our churches will be well represented. You can do your part by attending and bringing someone with you!

A Scripture to Focus on Today

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Prayer Focus

Let’s pray for each other as we make preparations for the Lord’s Day!

Read the Bible in 2026

• August 29
• Esther 1-5

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Sunday School Lesson

• “Redemption”
• Ruth 3:8-13
• Ruth 4: 13-17

Another Scripture for Today

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40, NIV

Today’s Plans

Don’t let today just happen. Make some plans for today and work. toward achieving them.

Reminders

• The class on GRIEF will begin in one week.
• Women on Mission Meeting – Sept. 12
• Pine Ridge Bible Study on Ruth begins Sept. 9. Let’s dig into the. story of Ruth.

Pray for Others

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:1

Anna Lee

Today’s Scripture

“The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for our family, friends, and neighborhood. Think of how uniques each of our prayer lists will be. That’s why I urge you to keep a prayer list of your own.

Read the Bible in 2026

• Aug. 28
• Nehemiah 12-13

No New Obituaries for Our Area

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Proverbs 18:24 NIV

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Research on Ruth

I have been doing some research on Ruth for Sunday School and the ladies’ Bible Study. Even though I have read the verses numerous times, I have picked up on new thoughts. You can never learn everything, even about a short book like Ruth. Keep on studying!

Mission Projects

Choose to create your own mission projects and/or participate in those at your local church.

Some Mission Opportunities Possible at Local Churches

• Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana Missions
• Encouragers/Prayer Groups
• Outreach to elderly
• Outreach to sick
• Outreach to those with financial needs
• Outreach to new members of the community
• Outreach to those who don’t know Jesus
• Outreach to those who do not have family support systems
• Packing “Shoeboxes” that introduce children to Jesus
• Etc.

Coming Soon – Classes on Grief

Beginning Sunday at 4:00 P.M. for four weeks. at FBC, Kentwood

Coming Soon – Women on Mission

• FBC, Kentwood at 10 A.M. on Saturday, September 12
• Focus on Georgia Barnette Offering
• Potluck Lunch to Follow
• Meet some inspiring Christian women

Reminders

• Donations to La. Baptist Children’s Home Fall Food Roundd-up
• Donations of canned goods to the Hope Center in Roseland
• Etc.

Coming Soon – Completion of new fellowship hall at FBC, Kentwood and first potluck meal in mid-September.

Be a blessing to someone today!

Anna Lee

Another week is flying by. Have we been self-centered or loving, doing, and sharing this week? Could we have done better? What will we do? Don’t put off what needs to be done and can be done today!

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.— Ephesians 2:10, NIV

Let’s be sure to use some ot the time God gave us to impact others in a positive way. That’s His plan for us!

Read the Bible in 2026

• August 27
• Nehemiah 10-11

Obituary

Frank Garnett “Randy” Dunn

Jul 22, 1952 — Aug 25, 2026

Grangeville, LA

Frank Garnett “Randy” Dunn died peacefully at the age of 74 in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 25, 2026 in Amite, LA. He was born in Clinton, LA on July 22, 1952 and resided just north of Grangeville in St. Helena Parish for most of his life. Randy was a 1970 graduate of Greensburg High School. He worked as a steel fitter and fabricator, was a cattleman, and retired as an independent contract welder for Cal-Maine Foods in 2023. He was an active member of Wesley Methodist Church and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, road trips, home-cooked meals (especially home-made ice cream), M&Ms, lemonade, reading, westerns, and fishing. Randy is survived by his children Joseph Dunn (Leslie) and Kathryn Dunn Forrest (Kevin) who will never forget the love and generosity he showed them, their spouses, and their children. His grandchildren Hayden Dunn (Kristen) and Amelia Dunn; Trenton Forrest, Dalton Forrest & Elizabeth Forrest Lindsey (Brady); and Journey Stark will remember him as a loving and joking Paw Paw who gave great hugs and (mostly) good advice. He was immensely proud of them and grateful to see them begin their lives as adults. Randy is also survived by his sister Doris Dunn Higgins and countless other relatives and friends. He enjoyed a unique bond with each of his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, who often visited to enjoy his company, to take him fishing or out to eat. He was preceded in death by his adored wife Janie Phillips Dunn; his parents Joseph Emerson “Joe” Dunn, Sr. and Ethel Harvell Dunn; and his brothers Leslie Lyle “Bubba” Dunn and the Reverend Joseph Emerson “Sandy” Dunn, Jr. Randy’s family would like to thank the staff of The Lodge at Tangi Pines and Modern Hospice Care in Amite, as well as Dr. Michael Castine and the staff of the Hematology Oncology Clinic in Zachary for their patient and attentive care. A celebration of life will be conducted by Bro. Steven Miller at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church, 5177 Hwy 448, Greensburg, LA on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Visitation begins at 10:30, service at 11:00, with a reception to follow on the church grounds. A private inurnment in the family columbarium will take place at a later date.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3:27, NIV

Sunday School Lesson for August 30th

• “Redemption”
• Ruth 3:8-12; 4:13-17
• For the ladies who will be attending the Pine Ridge Bible Study, the lesson last Sunday and this next Sunday will “wet our appetites” to study the book of Ruth beginning September 9th.

This lesson will finish our current Sunday School books, but new books should be placed in our classrooms for next week. The religious magazines and Bible reading guides should also be available Sunday in the classrooms.

Baptist Press Articles for Today

https://www.baptistpress.com

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10, NIV

Missions Reminder

It’s time to help fill some of the needs for the LA Baptist Children’s Home. I remember doing this for many years. Some of those years, I personally knew some residents there. Most years, I only knew of the need and felt led to help them.

This year’s theme, “Fill Their Plates. Feed Their Future”!

Ideas for items to contribute: https://lbch.org/pdfs/ffr-letter-2026.pdf

Be sure your items are at at a church the day before the collection date for your church. Pick-up. begins early each morning.

Monday, September 14 – Collection Date for Our Area

New Zion
Kentwood
Spring Creek
Chesbrough
Mt. Hermon
Clifton
Franklinton
Hillcrest
Bethel
They will gladly receive your check and make purchases locally for them and as needed.

If you have already contributed, you may even be able to make another contribution by Sept. 14th.

Women’s Mission Meeting

Saturday, September 12

First Baptist Church, Kentwood

Focus: Georgia Barnette Offering

9:00 – Leadership Meeting

10:00 – Meeting Begins

Potluck meal at conclusion of meeting

Women of all ages are invited to come learn with us.

Have a wonderful day. Make plans to help others as God leads you.

Anna Lee

Today’s Scripture

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

Prayer Focus

Let’s pray for those who are negatively influenced by the high temperatures we are having – the older folks, those with breathing problems, those who are unable to cool their homes sufficiently, etc.

Read the Bible in 2026

• August 26
• Nehemiah 8-9

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

I read some this morning. I hope you will too.

Another Scripture

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13, NIV

Prayers Requested

Today, I request prayers for the shoeboxes that will soon be filled and send on their way to children around the world so they can “meet” Jesus. What a great opportunity – praying for empty boxes and the potential they have to tell children and their families about Jesus! It’s not of most importance who packed the boxes, who handed the boxes to children, who provided items for the shoeboxes, etc. The importance is praying for the children with the great opportunity to learn about Jesus and to pass that opportunity to others in their family unit and circle of friends. When you see a Bible in your home, remember all the Bibles that will soon be in homes where there is no Bible today. Place a Bible in a place in your home where the Bible will be a reminder to pray for the many children who will have the opportunity to receive a Bible in their own language. Pray for the child and the family to want to learn more and more about Jesus.

Reminder

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9, NIV

You can be a part of a prayer service in person or online guest of a service tonight. My church meets and broadcasts at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesdays as well as 10:30 and 6:00 on Sundays.

Have a wonderful day as you reach out to others.

Don’t forget to pray for the children who will receive the “Shoeboxes” all during the coming year!

Anna Lee