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...]

By Baptist Message staff SHREVEPORT, La. (LBM) – More than 250 members of the Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association’s churches came together to cry out to God to bring revival during the fellowship’s 7th annual “Call to Prayer.” Hosted by Woodridge Baptist Church, Shreveport, the Jan. 30 gathering brought together Christians of various ages and ethnicities to pray for law enforcement, the persecuted church, missionaries serving around the world, pastors and other church leaders. As in previous gatherings, this event was marked by prayer in multiple formats: from the worship center stage; in small groups around the room; and by individuals who pleaded with God for revival in their community, state and nation. Thirty pastors either shared a message or prayed for a variety of needs. The event also included a special designed time of prayer for area schools, teachers and students. The “Dads On Duty” from Southwood High School in Shreveport were present for a time of corporate prayer. These men recently were featured in national news reports for their efforts to have a strong male presence through daily visits to the school as a means to curb violence. REVIVE US Lane Moore, NLBA director of missions, reminded the crowd of the … [Read more...]