By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer KENNER, La. (LBM) – In Kenner, New Hope Community Church are bringing the light of Jesus to a community still recovering from Hurricane Ida and COVD-19. According to Pastor Mark Mitchell, the church has served more than 2,200 people since March 2020. Whether they are feeding the community, mentoring school children or conducting sports camps, the Gospel is being shared and souls are being saved. “We engage the community with the Gospel of Christ,” Mitchell told the Baptist Message. “When He calls us, it’s an opportunity on mission with Him. No matter what opposition we may face, God helps us overcome.” Among its most difficult trials the church faced was in late 2021, when Hurricane Ida damaged their facilities and caused a reduction in its membership from 250 to 125. Still, the church pressed on and continued pouring into its community. Some of their ministry efforts have included holding men’s and women’s Bible studies to help raise godly leaders, hosting “front yard” Bible clubs and “adopting” multiple schools to build relationships with the students, teachers and parents. By early January, the church hopes to complete renovations to its facilities as they … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – U.S. Congresswoman Julia Letlow encouraged 70 ladies gathered for a Women on Mission meeting to remain hopeful in difficult circumstances. Letlow, during the monthly meeting, Aug. 11, at First Baptist Church, Pineville, shared how her faith in Christ sustained her after her husband, Luke, died from COVID-19 complications, Dec. 29, 2020. He was just five days from taking office after winning an election the month before to succeed Ralph Abraham, who retired from Congress. She later won the seat in a special-called election in March 2021. “He doesn’t waste an experience, good or bad, for His calling and His purpose in our lives,” Letlow said. “I am so thankful to be able to choose hope. I continue to choose hope. I think it’s so important for my children to see that in their mom, when life knocks you down you have a choice to make. You can either stay down or you can get up and you can continue to walk in faith.” Letlow said serving others is a way to move forward when tragedy strikes. “When you are hurting get outside of yourself, serve other people,” she said. “And that will provide healing and give you hope.”   … [Read more...]