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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Louisiana Baptist entities share how God is providing during crisis

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM)–Via Dropbox and video messages Louisiana Baptist Convention entity heads delivered their respective reports to the Executive Board, May 5. LOUISIANA COLLEGE Louisiana College President Rick Brewer told board members that God is working despite challenges presented by the novel coronavirus pandemic. He shared that the school has received more than $15,000 toward production of a 3D printer to make frames for the protective face shields that are in demand by hospitals and clinics. Natalie Maxey, an assistant professor of engineering at Louisiana College, has used an on-campus lab to make the shields since March 25. “Almost every minute of almost every hour she is making essential items that we are sending to places like Lafayette, places here in central Louisiana, places around our state who need this protective equipment and who will continue to need it,” Brewer said. Another innovation has been to shift all instruction online, March 30, to facilitate remote learning – a move made possible by a $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Brewer said the school received the grant in 2019, and saved Louisiana College more than $100,000 in … [Read more...]

Acteens still active in ministry during COVID-19 crisis

By Message Staff PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – The Acteens at First Baptist Church in Pineville were moved by the growing number of needs in their community arising from the lockdown due to the novel coronavirus; and, overcoming the obstacle of social distancing formulated and implemented a creative plan to share Christ's love with 250 local residents. The group of 16 seventh to twelfth grade girls made and mailed cards to church staff, Sunday school leaders and homebound single and senior adults, and they also crafted uplifting signs that were placed on the windows of each of the 100 residents of the Lexington House Care Center in Alexandria. Adrienne Martin, leader of the FBCP Acteens group, said her girls have lived out the mission of this ministry. “I’m so proud of the girls for their willingness to bring God’s message of hope and love during this difficult time,” Martin told the Baptist Message. Jess Archer, children/youth missions strategist for Louisiana Baptists, said she is encouraged by Acteens in the state who are serving their community. “Being that we are living in unprecedented times through self-quarantine, Acteens have stepped up to the plate to reach others in Jesus’s name,” Archer said. “I’m delighted … [Read more...]

National Day of Prayer continues, despite COVID-19 world crisis

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM)--The 2020 National Day of Prayer looked different than in previous years with fewer in-person gatherings on Thursday, but the messages of repentance and calls for spiritual renewal remained the same. While most people chose to participate through virtual events, some communities in the state hosted outdoor prayer meetings. Gov. John Bel Edwards on May 1 issued a proclamation allowing outdoor religious events to take place with adherence to social distancing measures. “So far as I can remember this was the first time in over 20 years that I did not participate in person with some kind of gathering on the National Day of Prayer,” Louisiana Baptists Executive Director Steve Horn told the Baptist Message. “However, I was pleased to prepare a 10-minute video challenge for Highland Baptist, in New Iberia, to replace being with them in person as I was scheduled to be. I also participated in online prayer meetings with a group of alumni and friends of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in the morning; the SBC prayer call in the afternoon; and, with my wife, Linett, in an evening prayer meeting sponsored by pray.com. “Though we had to limit our gatherings, I … [Read more...]

Who can I reach? Discovering new persons of peace

By Lane Corley You have a network of people that only you can influence for Christ. The term used for these people is Persons of Peace. A person of peace is someone who: God is drawing to Himself and opening their heart to the Gospel. (see John 6:44; Acts 16:13-15). Is open to hearing your story, God’s story and the Gospel. Welcomes you. Invites you in to their life and relationships. Has an interest in spiritual things and / or are interested in your life as a believer. Opens doors for you to meet others and gain more opportunities to share your faith. At any given time, we all have in our network persons of peace that we can share with and lead to next steps in their faith. These should be our first priority because we already know them and have a relationship with them. We can also DISCOVER NEW Persons of Peace around us. God is in the world reconciling people to himself (2 Corinthians 5:15-20). He’s always at work around us drawing people to himself (John 6:44). Here are some ways to Discover New Persons of Peace: Pray expectantly to meet persons of peace throughout your week. When we’re praying for opportunities to be a witness, our eyes are more open to the opportunities around us. Pray everyday … [Read more...]

Horn shares good news with LBC Executive Board

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Steve Horn, on the heels of the one-year anniversary of his election as Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Director, said during the first-ever virtual meeting of the Executive Board that God is moving throughout the state amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. “Words don’t come easy right now for any of us,” Horn told 64 board members logged in to computers around the state during the May 5 meeting. “If you’re like me, you are riding a rollercoaster of emotions. Depending on the hour, I feel devastated, paralyzed, hopeful, angry, fearful, heartbroken, overwhelmed, joyful, nothing at all ... repeat. This is a challenging time when nothing feels normal. “The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all of us—our own families, our churches, our ministries, our camps, our Bible schools, our Convention,” he continued. “It is affecting finances, health and access to health care, and even isolating us from friends and loved ones. “Even in the uncertainty, I know that God is God, and He is up to something.” Horn shared with board members while business as usual has changed since Gov. John Bel Edwards issued his first coronavirus-related proclamation March 13, the … [Read more...]