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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

After White House meeting, Edwards confident state will reopen soon

By Message Staff WASHINGTON, D.C. (LBM) – Gov. John Bel Edwards struck an optimistic tone for reopening the state’s economy during a meeting with President Donald Trump Wednesday. Edwards, who two days earlier extended a stay-at-home order in the state through May 15, said during the meeting at the White House that a commitment by the Trump administration to supply Louisiana with 200,000 kits monthly to test for novel coronavirus, beginning in May, was a top reason for reopening the economy. “This is the big piece that we have been looking for,” Edwards said. “And with that commitment we feel much better about moving forward.” During the meeting, Edwards thanked Trump for providing field hospitals, ventilators and Navy medical personnel during the crisis. “We have obviously turned the corner in Louisiana,” he said. “We are in a much, much better place in Louisiana than we thought was even possible five or six days ago. That’s because of our local partners and our federal partners and hard work.” Trump thanked Edwards, US. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, and others in Louisiana for their cooperative spirit throughout the crisis. “It’s an honor working with you and the people of Louisiana,” Trump said. … [Read more...]

Re-gathering the Church

By Steve Horn Louisiana Pastors and Church Leaders, We have received a number of requests to help churches interpret the phasing aspects related to the re-gathering of congregations. A wise Seminary professor once lectured, “The definition of a fool is he who tries to guess what is going to be on the test.” Therefore, we have intentionally remained silent on what re-entry means to the churches of Louisiana until we heard from the Governor. As you probably know by now, on April 27 he extended the stay-at-home order until May 15 with an update tentatively targeted for May 11. Suggestions, information and links are currently on our website. You can access them by clicking on the Resources slider and the Re-entry slider. We have intentionally not passed along every article and post we’ve run across. Much of the information is redundant and we’re hoping to avoid information overload. While we’re waiting for specifics from the governor’s office, let me offer several words of general guidance as you peruse the mountain of other suggestions. Re-gathering the church, just like all aspects of our society right now, is likely going to happen in several phases. The governor indicated that congregations may initially be limited … [Read more...]