By Jerry Love, Director of Planned Giving By now most people have heard about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed by congress in the latter days of 2017. However, there may still be some misinformation, or a lack of information, causing some confusion. The Louisiana Baptist Foundation assists individuals with donations in support of Louisiana Baptist ministries, and we attempt to stay abreast of changes in the US tax code, particularly as it relates to charitable giving. Here are some highlights that might help you in planning your gifts: Business Tax Reform – Without going into the depths of corporate tax changes, the reduction of the corporate tax rate from 35% down to 21% already is adding to personal pocketbooks. Since January, several companies, including Walmart, announced an increase in base wages and other salaries. Other companies such as Apple and AT&T announced one-time bonuses for employees as a share of company tax savings. Additionally, a number of businesses announced they would be expanding their workforces with several reporting they would be returning overseas operations to U.S. soil. All these situations can be an encouragement to workers and allow them to give to ministry for the first time or … [Read more...]
Archives for July 2018
St. Rest Baptist Church leaves a legacy of faith and giving
By Jerry Love, Director of Planned Giving Logged into my childhood memories is a place that still brings a smile and a warm feeling – Saint Rest Baptist Church on the White Lightning Road. It is a quaint red-brick, two-story church about halfway between Vienna and Homer on LA Hwy 146. The building itself is interesting with the sanctuary sitting atop a partial-basement bottom floor that housed classrooms and a fellowship hall. The pews were made from 1-by-4 lumber cut at my granddad’s sawmill. Before cushions were added, a wrong move meant a pinched bottom from those pew slats. The church also came complete with a “ghost” in the cemetery and a “boogie-man” in the dungeon (closet) under the stairs. But what I remember most about those days were the people. Every Sunday and Wednesday, they faithfully gathered to worship and pray. Another thing I remember was that almost everyone was related to someone else in the church which made for one big family of believers. Here are a few who come to mind: – Aunt Alvice with a beautiful smooth-as-silk, lilting voice – I didn’t know then that she had a Southern drawl, it was just the way she talked – could tell a Bible story to a room of squirmy kids like no one … [Read more...]
Prayers needed for Louisiana team amidst unrest in Haiti
By Message Staff CROIX DES BOUQUETS, Haiti - A Louisiana Baptist mission team in Haiti is safe and asking for prayers amidst unrest that broke out in the country late last week. Darrin Badon, who is in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti, with a team of 35 from Louisiana posted on his Facebook page late Saturday, July 7, they have sought shelter with a few other mission teams from the US. "Heartbreaking what’s happening in Haiti," posted Badon, operations director at Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. "We had a good day of service on Friday. But things quickly went downhill Friday afternoon through Saturday. We have sheltered in place and are all safe. Our team is set to depart on Tuesday. The teams have done well remaining calm in uncertain times." The Associated Press reported at least three people were killed in protests Friday, July 6, after the Haitian government planned a fuel hike from 38 percent to 51 percent. However, the following day the government scrapped those plans. Cancellation of flights stranded mission teams from states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, the Associated Press said. By late Sunday, July 8, at least three U.S. carriers resumed flying in and out of Haiti's capital, … [Read more...]
Christ’s answer to every problem
By Steve Horn I find myself thinking and praying for multiple friends today who are going through a hard time. One of the difficulties of being a pastor is to help people through difficult seasons of their life. Usually, there is no advice to give or anything to say that will really change the circumstances. At the same time, saying something like, “Just trust God,” seems so hollow and void of real compassion. And yet, is there any better answer to all of our problems than the answer that Christ gives? Jesus said to Paul and He says to us, “My grace is sufficient for you.” I always think of this passage in hard times. I hope it blesses those today who need to hear it again. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself. 8Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. 9But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. 10 So because of Christ, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am … [Read more...]
New radio wave technology can see people through walls
24 killed in train derailment after heavy rains in Turkey
U.S. added 213,000 jobs in June
Spider-Man co-creator dies at age 90
Mazda recalls 270,000 vehicles over Takata airbags explosion risk
Starbucks says it will stop offering plastic straws by 2020
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