By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – After months of the Holy Spirit working on his heart, Will Sharbino, 11, finally was convicted of his need for a Savior, during a revival service, March 23, at the First Baptist Church, Pineville. Leading up to that night, Sharbino had been soaking in biblical truths from his family as well as faithful teaching by his FBC Pineville Sunday school teacher, he shared with the Baptist Message. After that revival service, he went home and prayed with his parents, repenting of his sins, and committing to follow Jesus as Lord. “I realized I was a sinner and knew Jesus had forgiven me for what I had done,” Shabrino said. “I then knew He lives inside my heart and that I would now go to live in Heaven one day with God.” INTENTIONALITY Sharbino, along with six others, publicly shared his faith decision during a special baptismal celebration, March 28, at FBC Pineville. The baptisms were visible evidence of the rejuvenation experienced by the congregation from the four-day revival services. Stephen Rummage, pastor of Quail Creek Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, preached and the FBC Pineville worship team and choir led music each night, March 21-24, and … [Read more...]

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event. ON THE MOVE Jesse Balch is the new pastor at Bosco Baptist Church, Monroe. Charley Westbrook has resigned as pastor from Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Springs and is available for pulpit supply. Mark Talbot is the interim pastor at Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Springs HOMECOMING Beech Springs Baptist Church, Minden: 150th Anniversary, September 2021. The church is in the process of looking for prior/current members for whom they have lost contact in preparation for its anniversary celebration. Please send name(s), address, phone and email to beechspringsbs2@suddenlink.net. Pastor: Randy Brown. REVIVAL New Hope Baptist Church, Calcasieu: The Mackey Willis Family in concert, June 5. Worship: Mackey Willis Family. Pastor: Robert McLane. Laurel Hill Baptist Church, LaCamp: Revival, June 6-9, Sunday at 10 a.m. … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer BALL, La. (LBM) – Nathan Law, Joshua Pugh and Macey Baze were chosen to represent Louisiana at the national competition at Dallas Baptist University, June 17-18, following the recent state Youth and High School Bible Drill, and Speakers’ Tournament. The event, which was postponed last year by COVID-19 safety concerns, drew 62 children and 96 youth to Kingsville Baptist Church in Ball, April 24. Bible Drill is a discipleship program for children and youth to help increase their knowledge of the Bible. It is also fun as children learn to memorize Scripture and gain confidence in their knowledge of the Bible and their ability to quickly locate significant passages with ease. Participants in the state Bible Drill and Speakers’ Tournament advanced from the district level after competing in their local churches. “We are so thankful that we were able to host state Bible Drill and Speakers’ Tournament in-person this year,” Louisiana Baptist Youth Ministry Strategist Brandon Lewis told the Baptist Message. “The students worked hard and did a fantastic job. The scriptures that have been hidden in students’ hearts is a treasure that will remain with them forever. We’re also thankful for … [Read more...]