By Baptist Message staff PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – There is an opportunity for individuals, congregations and businesses to bless attendees to the upcoming E4+ Preaching Conference through “I Love Pastors” sponsorships. The conference, set for Sept. 23 in the facilities of First Baptist Church, Pineville, will feature keynote messages by Fred Luter, senior pastor with Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans, his wife, Elizabeth, and his son, Chip, who also serves as senior associate pastor with FABC. There also will be breakout sessions for pastors as well as directors of youth, media/sound, music and children ministries, and for ministers’ wives. According to conference organizer Stewart Holloway, the registration fee covers only one-third of conference costs so attendance can be more affordable for pastors. Sponsors are needed to cover the remaining costs, said Holloway, pastor of FBC Pineville. Anyone wishing to sponsor a pastor can give three ways: Online (click HERE); by check via mail (FBC Pineville, 901 Main St., Pineville, LA 71360, include “E4 – I Love Pastors” in the “for” line); or in person at FBCP. … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff KERR COUNTY, Texas (LBM) – As the country continued to mourn and pray for those impacted by the July 4th weekend deadly flood in Texas Hill Country, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief teams were on stand by. LBDR Strategist Stan Statham told the Baptist Message that two shower units were ready if needed. “Pray for the families who have lost loved ones,” Statham told the Baptist Message. “Pray for the first responders who are still searching for those missing.” Nearly a foot of rain caused catastrophic flash flooding on Independence Day morning in Kerr County, engulfing structures and leading to the deaths of at least 80 individuals. Among those were 27 children, counselors and director of Camp Mystic, a private Christian camp situated along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt. The camp released a statement on its website: “Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly. We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from community, first responders, and … [Read more...]