By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONROE, La. (LBM) - A week after Winter Storm Fern knocked out power to thousands and scattered debris across properties in north Louisiana, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams have been busy helping those impacted. Since Jan. 27, a feeding team from Rolling Hills Ministries in Ruston has prepared 2,200 meals, collectively, in West Monroe, Monroe and Rayville. Additionally, since Jan. 29, teams from Lake Charles, CENLA, Covington and Denham Springs (working out of McClendon Baptist Church, West Monroe) have assessed 79 homes and completed 32 of the 127 chainsaw jobs that have been requested by individuals. Louisiana teams at First Baptist Church, Schwartz, have shared the Gospel 13 times, prayed with 26 individuals, distributed six Bibles and recorded 45 showers taken on-site. Meanwhile, Arkansas Baptist DR chainsaw and feeding, Missouri laundry and Texas shower teams are working out of First Baptist Church, Delhi, while Arkansas chainsaw and shower teams are stationed at Providence Church (non-denominational), Lake Providence. Louisiana Baptist DR Associate/Volunteer Mobilizer Mark Morelock asked for continued prayers as teams continue to pick up the pieces and … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff (based on LBCHFM press release) MONROE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries trustees announced, Jan. 30, that David Jeffreys has been elected the next president and chief executive officer of the entity, effective Feb. 16. Jeffreys serves as vice president of denominational and church relations with Louisiana Christian University, where he also was executive vice president and chief operating officer (2022-2024) and acting president of the university (March 2024-May 2025) during the presidential search. A LBCHFM news release cited Jeffreys’ “wealth of experience in Christian leadership, ministry development and organizational oversight” and his “huge heart for children and families, his commitment to biblical values and his proven ability to lead organizations with vision, integrity and compassion [the hat] are visible in every role he has held.” The trustees also expressed confidence in Jeffreys’ leadership and calling. “We are grateful to God for leading us to Dr. Jeffreys, his passion for ministry, servant-leadership and love for people align perfectly with the mission of LBCH&FM. We believe God has prepared him for this season,” said Search Committee … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff TULLOS, La. (LBM) – Pastor Steven Smith is grateful for God’s protection after a tree fell a mere 15 feet from his bedroom in the parsonage of the Tullos First Baptist Church, Jan. 25. Smith said he was alone, 6:30 a.m., when he was “jolted” from his bed by the sound of a crashing tree. He immediately grabbed a flashlight and found nearby gaping holes and limbs where the tree had landed, and he discovered it missed by just inches a gas line that ran underneath the house. “As I was taking pictures of the incident there were still limbs falling from other trees all around,” Smith told the Baptist Message. “God was watching over me as always,” Smith told the Baptist Message. “I thank Him that no one was in the room that received the most damage.” Smith and others from the church were able to remove the tree, Jan. 26, and place a tarp on the roof the following day. They are working with the insurance company about the damage claim. … [Read more...]