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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Post Ida: DR teams celebrate rebuilt homes in Montegut

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONTEGUT, La. (LBM) – Hurricane Ida washed ashore the Ponte-au-Chien trial community, Aug. 29, 2021, destroying most homes and leaving the residents discouraged and hopeless. But by early 2023, despair gave way to optimism when Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief teams and other groups came to help the residents rebuild. Since March 2023, teams have restored two houses in the community, where 78 of the 92 homes were heavily damaged by the Category 4 storm (maximum sustained winds of 150 mph). “We have just helped a lot of people and that has injected some hope into the community that felt hope was gone,” Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief Associate Mark Morelock told the Baptist Message. “There still is hopelessness in the area but some people are starting to realize that they do have a future. They are seeing a presence of a church that is growing again and projects that are being completed; and they have begun to realize that they shouldn’t give up.” Marvin and Debbie Savoie, former International Mission Board Missionaries who now are members of First Baptist Church, Lafayette, have overseen the rebuild project. Marvin Savoie said the cooperation among so many groups has … [Read more...]

Special needs campers treated like ‘champions’

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer WOODWORTH, La. (LBM) – A field at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center was transformed into a bazooka battlefield for 23 individuals with special needs during the fourth annual Champions Camp, Sept. 6-8. The campers, accompanied by 30 “buddies” and staff, did their best to dodge nerf rockets that were fired from air launchers. Among those campers was Matthew Otto, a member of Christ’s Community Church, Denham Springs. “I really loved all of it,” Otto, who attended his first Champions Camp, told the Baptist Message. “I’m loving the chance to shoot the balls and I’m very excited about singing some Sesame Street songs later during the karaoke party. This weekend has been one of my favorite times of my life.” Jon Johnston, Christ’s Community Church, was a “buddy” to Otto. He enjoyed the chance to share Christ with him. “It's an opportunity for us to get guys like Matthew and whole bunch of other folks that wouldn't normally be able to go to a camp to experience this,” he said. “We can serve them and best of all tell them about Jesus while we have lots of fun.” The Louisiana Baptist summer camp for people with special needs matched participants with buddies who … [Read more...]

Louisiana Notables

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Baptist Message provides churches an opportunity to share with other Louisiana Baptists an upcoming revival, homecoming, new pastor, new staff member, a community outreach, or a concert in Louisiana Notables. To place your event in the paper, send your information (who, what, where, when, time) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. Please submit your information four weeks prior to the event to insure placement in the Message. ON THE MOVE Robert Beadle is retiring as pastor of Benton First Baptist Church, Benton. Adam Thornton is the new pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church, Effie. Mike Anderson is the new pastor at Westlake Baptist Church from interim. New Hope Baptist Church, Elmer welcomes Mark Morelock as its new pastor. Ben Martinson is the new youth minister at First Baptist Church, Vivian. Ryan James has been called as executive pastor of ministries at Trinity Baptist Church, Lake Charles. David Keeny is retiring as pastor from Woodlawn Hills Baptist Church, Shreveport. Zander Kirkland is the new full-time maintenance technician at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center. Jordy, wife Jessika, McCaskle is the new executive pastor/singles minister at North Monroe, … [Read more...]

Fall into a fitness routine this ‘Walktober’

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - October is ‘Walktober,’ and Louisiana Christian University invites the community to participate in this annual fall fitness challenge. ‘Walktober’ is a physical activity challenge from Oct. 1-31 where participants track and record their steps or minutes of physical activity every day. Prizes will be awarded for the top three overall participants and awards for each age group with the most steps. The ‘Walktober’ challenge is free and open to everyone. Age groups for the male and female divisions include: 10 – 14; 15 – 19; 20 – 29; 30 – 39; 40 – 49; 50 – 59; 60 – 69; and 7o+. Those interested in registering for the 'Walktober' challenge can visit the LCU wellness program website. Participants are encouraged to use a fitness tracker or an app on their smartphone. While there, they can record how many steps or minutes they accumulate daily on the 'Walktober' log. Participants will receive an email with a link to log how many steps/minutes they have recorded for the week. All physical activity counts. Participants can use a step equivalency chart for more information on how to convert other forms of exercising to steps/minutes. Participants are invited to … [Read more...]