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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

SEND Relief assessment team activated for refugee camp in Poland

By Baptist Message staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – A SEND Relief assessment team plans to leave next week for Poland to determine how they can best assist refugees fleeing from the war in Ukraine. The SEND Relief team will minister to refugees in camps in Poland. Once their mission is complete, future opportunities in the country will be determined. Louisiana Baptists Disaster Relief State Coordinator Stan Statham said one of the most pressing needs for the team and refugees is prayer. He asked Louisiana Baptists to pray for: -- Peace in Ukraine; -- God's protection for believers serving and ministering on the front lines of this crisis; -- Those suffering in the areas of active conflict and for those who have lost loved ones; -- God to open people to the hope of Christ through this difficult season in their lives; -- Displaced individuals, including women and children without husbands or fathers, as they find a place to live away from the areas where fighting continues; and -- Wisdom for local churches who serve and offer compassionate ministry in difficult circumstances. “Like any disaster, we need people to pray, provide with donations and maybe even volunteer to serve on site,” Statham said. ‘Pray … [Read more...]

First Kenner congregation gives big to fix Ida damage

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer KENNER, La. (LBM) – Members of First Baptist Church, Kenner, recently accepted a God-sized challenge and raised, in one day, much of the $450,000 deductible needed to repair the worship center damaged by Hurricane Ida. By the end of the Dec. 12 worship service, members had raised $367,361 that, when combined with another $80,000 given from the New Orleans Baptist Association and Louisiana Baptist Convention, provided enough to begin renovations. Interim Pastor Reggie Ogea, who also is a professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, said he was amazed that 71 families stepped out in faith and committed to help their church rebuild. “I am still astounded, and the folks are, too,” Ogea told the Baptist Message. “When you consider that many of our families were still struggling themselves to make repairs to their own homes after Ida, they truly gave sacrificially. They have a strong sense that God is about to do something.” TRANSITION TIME FBC Kenner has been in transition since Ogea became interim pastor in April 2021. The congregation recognized the need to revitalize, and on June 27 voted to become the fourth member of First Baptist Church, Covington’s … [Read more...]

Louisiana Baptists seek prayer for adoption of Ukrainian children

By Baptist Message staff KYIV, Ukraine (LBM) – Several Louisiana Baptist families have asked the faith community to join them in prayer as they attempt to finalize the adoption of their Ukrainian children. Russia invaded the country on Feb. 24, and the action subsequently may delay the adoption process. Sherrie Albritton, minister to children at Fair Park Baptist Church, West Monroe, her husband, Kirk, and four other individuals operate International Host Connection, a non-profit organization that places Ukrainian children with host home families in the United States for an unspecified amount of time, with the end goal being adoption. She said some of the families who have worked through their organization have been approved for adoption in the next month, but now face possible delays. “I ask that you pray for the orphanages that we have close contacts with as they try to move the children to safety,” Albritton told the Baptist Message. “And pray for the children and their health. Many children are sick and need medication but have no way to get it. “Finally, please lift up our missionaries that have chosen to stay and minister to the Ukrainian people and pray that Christians will turn to Him during this time,” … [Read more...]