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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

LFF names states longest married couple

By Staff GONZALES, La. – The Louisiana Family Forum has named Gail and Patsy Richardson as the winner of its contest for the state’s longest married couple. Gail, a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Gonzales, and Patsy, who attends St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Gonzales, married on Sept. 1, 1940. Gail Richardson said the key to marriage is a faith centered on God and trusting in Him. “He handles all of the little and big things in our lives,” he told the Baptist Message. “For those who want to have a long, happy marriage, treat your spouse well and have lots of one on one time. Love one another and help each other in whatever way you can. And, forgive and forget.” The longest-known married couples are honored yearly for their commitment to building a culture of strong marriages in Louisiana and for being examples of lasting love. "We want to remind the next generation that marriage is good for both men and women. Married couples are healthier, wealthier, love more often and more deeply… and are less trim!” commented LFF President Gene Mills stated in a LFF press release. "We are honored to shine a light on these examples of lasting love." The Richardsons are among 15 couples who have been inducted into … [Read more...]

WMU names four Acteens to national panel

By Margaret Colson, The Alabama Baptist National Woman’s Missionary Union has named four young women to the 2022 National Acteens Panel: Grace Carter of University Hills Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina; Taylor Glover of Harps Crossing Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia; and Aileen Gregorio Mejia and Nievez Montanez, both of Freeman Heights Baptist Church in Garland, Texas. “We are excited to have these young women represent Acteens this year,” said Heather Keller, WMU ministry consultant for children and students. “I am anxious to see how God will use this group to impact their generation with the gospel and encourage other believers to share the gospel with the world. “Acteens is an amazing opportunity of growth, a time to build confidence and a place for teen girls to realize their role in the Great Commission,” Keller added. “The young women on this year’s panel are amazing examples of what Acteens is all about: making disciples of Jesus who live on mission.” GRACE CARTER Carter, 17, has been personally involved in missions since she was in sixth grade, traveling with her church’s youth choir throughout the nation and also serving with Acteens to minister in practical ways to those in … [Read more...]

Judson Baptist Retreat Center to suspend operations for final eight months of 2022

By Baptist Message staff SAINT FRANCISVILLE, La. (LBM) – The Judson Baptist Retreat Center, a camp owned by churches of the Baptist Association of Greater Baton Rouge, has announced it will suspend operations from May to December. According to BAGBR Director of Missions Tommy Middleton, coronavirus pandemic-related financial challenges played a key role in the decision. While the camp will not be available for all camps, retreats and other activities for the foreseeable future after April 30, events already scheduled before that date will take place. Camp Director Justin Busby will remain on staff and a task force will be formed to study Judson Baptist Retreat Center’s future. Middleton said the task force will report its findings during the BAGBR Annual Meeting in October. “Hopefully, they will be able to bring forward an approach and direction for the Center that will result in a new direction, reimagined, and reinvigorated for 2023 and beyond,” Middleton wrote on the camp's website. “Your prayers and input for the task force will be needed and appreciated. Within the next few weeks when the task force has been fully formed, we will be releasing the names of this team.  “Finally, we, as the churches of the Baptist … [Read more...]