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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

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...]

Rolling Hills reopens thrift stores

By Message Staff RUSTON, La. (LBM) – Rolling Hills Ministries has reopened its thrift stores for the first time since Gov. John Bel Edwards ordered non-essential businesses to close in the state. On Monday morning the ministry’s locations in Arcadia, Bossier City, Monroe and Ruston welcomed customers who had been unable to shop at any of the shops since March 15. No more than 10 customers at one time were allowed in the store, and each person could shop for up to 30 minutes while adhering to the social distance guideline of six feet of separation as they moved along the aisles and waited in line to check out. Everyone was encouraged to wear a mask. “We are giving people confidence they can buy low cost clothing and household items in a safe environment by following state guidelines,” Rolling Hills Director of Ministries John Cowling told the Baptist Message. “We are all blessed to be working at Rolling Hills again.”   … [Read more...]

Camps take COVID-19 threat, seriously, and are ready to host

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist camps are facing an uncertain summer season but their ministry leaders are confident God will provide. Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center in Woodworth has not hosted any groups since Governor John Bel Edwards issued a stay at home order March 22 that limited gatherings to no more than 10 people. Camp Director Josh Bumgardner told the Baptist Message the only summer camp that has been affected so far is the Champion’s Camp. Because many of the special needs campers have compromised immune systems, Louisiana Baptist Convention children’s ministry strategist David Anderson made the decision to move that camp date from June to Sept. 18-20. “All of us want to have summer camps if conditions are safe to do so,” Bumgardner said. “Summer camps have a huge impact on the spiritual lives of children and youth. We see new Christians born each summer and so many more whose faith matures here. The decision to go ahead or cancel a camp will be made three weeks prior. "If it is safe enough to have a week of camp at that point, we absolutely want to host it,"he said. But he emphasized his commitment to set a good example on behalf of Louisiana … [Read more...]