By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA (LBM) – With hurricane season almost here, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief State Director Stan Statham said churches and residents must not delay preparations for the next big storm. “The forecast is for a slower season, but everybody has got to remember that it just takes one storm to be a bad season,” Statham told the Baptist Message. “Don't be lulled to sleep just because we didn’t have a hurricane here last season or the forecast is to be a slower season. Louisiana must be prepared.” The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a below-normal hurricane season, which runs June 1-Nov. 30. The agency is forecasting 8-14 named storms. Of those, three to six are forecast to become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes. Meanwhile, Colorado State University estimates 13 named storms will develop in the Atlantic basin, including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes that are Category 3 or higher. PLAN AHEAD Statham said residents should create a plan, stay inormed and put together a storm readiness kit. “We always think about hurricanes, but what if there’s a train derailment near your home and you had the police … [Read more...]

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By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Sheila Johnson became burdened years ago for the plight of young women who were asking, “Who am I?” Eventually her burden for helping these girls find the answer in Christ became a call to form the Uncommon One ministry, whose mission is to help young women “to seek and find their TRUE God-given identity.” Formed in 2022 with her friend Cindy Nardini, the Pineville-based group empowers, equips and en­courages young women via connection groups for 5th-12th grade girls. Licensed mental health profession­als offer mental health tips. Meanwhile, community service and outreach proj­ects as well as other events unite participants and inspire growth. Johnson, wife of Lou­isiana Speaker Pro Tem­pore Mike Johnson and a member with First Baptist Church, Pineville, said her background in coaching (she served as head wom­en’s basketball coach with Louisiana College, now Louisiana Christian Uni­versity) helped prepare her for this calling. She also is the career scoring leader of LC’s women’s basketball team which contributed to her 2006 induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. “I’ve always had a heart and passion for girls and letting them know … [Read more...]