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 .
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
The Prayer Link 
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