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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

YEC smaller and multi-site, but impact unchanged

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – The format was different for this year’s Youth Evangelism Celebration but the message to proclaim the Gospel in the students’ schools and communities remained unchanged for the more than 1,100, collectively, who gathered for three one-night regional events in November. Originally, the largest annual gathering of Louisiana Baptists – typically counting 6,000 attendees -- was scheduled to convene at the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, Nov. 22-23. But, novel coronavirus pandemic attendance restrictions caused planners to restructure the event into a regional format called “YEC: Limited Edition.” Importantly, the three gatherings combined resulted in 69 students making some type of faith decision: 16 statements of belief, 44 acts of repentance to restore fellowship with Christ and nine commitments to vocational ministry. “It was a blessing to even have the opportunity to do this,” Louisiana Baptist Youth Ministry Strategist Brandon Lewis told the Baptist Message. “I want to express to (Louisiana Baptist Executive Director) Dr. Steve Horn and the (Louisiana Baptist) administrative council my appreciation for even trying this and making a way for … [Read more...]

Billy Burkett, pastor for more than seven decades, passes away at 90

By Baptist Message staff MANY, La. (LBM) – Billy Burkett, a pastor of northwest Louisiana Baptist churches for seven decades, died Sunday, Nov. 1. He was 90. A native of Converse, Burkett preached his first message when he was 16 and one year later surrendered to the ministry at Fellowship Baptist Church in Converse, according to his obituary. Burkett served 70 years as a pastor in Louisiana and two years as missions pastor of College Heights Baptist Church in Alamosa, Colorado. Most recently, he was pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Marthaville, one of 10 Louisiana Baptist churches he served. Burkett also was active in the District 8 Baptist Convention, helping to form Clara Springs Baptist Camp in Pelican. Burkett was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gladys Burkett; his first wife for 62 years, Mary Louise Pentecost; and his sister, Johnnie Mae. He is survived by his wife, Martha Jane; sister, Elaine Burkett; three children, Mike Burkett (Sue), Don Burkett (Virginia), and Lisa Graham (Randy); Martha's children, Robert Burleson and Jo Lynn Graham; and numerous grandchildren. Family and friends gathered for celebration of life services Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Fellowship Baptist. In lieu of flowers, the family is … [Read more...]