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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Called to Foster: A family’s journey of faith

By Christy Goodwin, Special for the Message as told by Brandon & Hannah MONROE, La. (LBM) -- Brannon and Hannah’s foster care journey began several years ago when Brannon felt a sudden, undeniable call to open his heart and home to children in need of care. OBEDIENCE After that it seemed that he could not view social media or television without being confronted with the reality of children without stable homes, and the calling he felt only intensified. Then, after watching a video depict­ing a young boy’s story of neglect, Brannon knew he could not ignore this call any longer. He told his wife, Han­nah, that he believed they needed to become certified foster parents, and to his delight, without hesitation, she agreed. However, even with willing hearts, they still had questions about the possible impact on their three young children, and they also worried about whether they had what it takes to help foster chil­dren work through trauma. After going back and forth about the pros and cons, they eventually decided to invite an experienced foster family into their home and peppered them with ques­tions. Waiting patiently for an opportunity to interject, the foster mom, holding a two-week-old foster place­ment in … [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 Shane, wife Victoria, Russell is the new Outreach Minister at Wilda Baptist Church, Boyce. Mike, wife Phyllis, Freeman is the new minister of music at First Baptist Church, Marion. Michael Collins is the new pastor at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Farmerville. Collin, wife Leslie, Carpenter has been called by Calvary Baptist Church, Ruston as the new youth pastor. Jeremy Babb is the new associate pastor at Highland Baptist Church, New Iberia. Clayton, wife Gracie, Bryan is the new pastor at Cheniere Baptist Church, West Monroe. Billy, wife Linda, Edwards is the new pastor at Marksville Baptist Church, Marksville. Aaron Coffey is the new pastor at New Sarepta Baptist Church, Sarepta. Evan Griffin to be ordained into the ministry March … [Read more...]

Maggie Martin Marketplace Leadership Summit slated for April 14

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University’s 4th Annual Dr. Maggie Martin Marketplace Leadership Summit will be held April 14 at the Granberry Conference Center. The keynote speaker for this year’s event is comedian Mike Goodwin. His signature bowtie represents his expectation-defying brand of comedy that leaves a variety of audiences - from churches to corporate events to swanky galas laughing hysterically and completely inspired, without a foul or vulgar word spoken, according to mikegoodwin.com. Goodwin, a South Carolina native, holds a master's degree in education from the University of South Carolina and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is a former primary and secondary education professional. He infuses his varied life experiences into his act, making him relatable to all. Using his ability to merge leadership and laughter, Mike is a powerful communicator whose primary goal is to leave places and people better than he found them. He has appeared on America's Got Talent, Dry Bar Comedy, Today Show, Lifetime, BET, Amazon Prime, TBN, Daystar, USA, the Word Network, Circle TV and SiriusXM. Tickets are still available for this highly anticipated annual event and can be purchased at … [Read more...]