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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Churches regather within Phase One limits

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM)--Many Louisiana Baptist churches opened their worship centers for services over the weekend, nearly two months after restrictions on public gatherings forced congregations to find alternatives to meeting together within their facilities. But reopening had limits. On Friday, Gov. John Bel Edwards issued guidance that restricted attendance to 25 percent of seating capacity and instituted other measures said to mitigate transmission of the novel coronavirus --  as part of Phase One of restarting the economy after limiting assemblies to 10 people or fewer since March 15. "As we begin to regather in buildings I pray that we never take for granted the public worship assembly," Louisiana Baptists Executive Director Steve Horn told the Baptist Message. "As we regather, I pray that just as in the days after the Old Testament era of exile, there will be a return to true and pure worship. Moreover, as we see a return to the building and a more authentic worship, may it prompt a repentance that leads to revival." Philadelphia Baptist Church in Deville reported 385 in attendance, collectively, for its service on Saturday night and three services Sunday evening, and 113 total … [Read more...]

Disaster relief volunteers offer frontline response during COVID-19

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM)--The novel coronavirus pandemic has kept most of the state's population at a general standstill for nearly two months, but not more than 100 Louisiana Baptist volunteers who have been on the front lines providing disaster relief to tornado-stricken victims, for instance, while also offering them the hope that is found in Christ. MINISTERING TO THE MULTITUDES Since Gov. John Bel Edwards issued his first of several statewide restriction measures, March 13, disaster relief teams have ministered at feeding sites, provided hospitals with essential protective equipment, established a homeless outreach center, set up a mobile shower station to assist a jail in its COVID-19 response, and, completed chainsaw and other cleanup duties in multiple tornado-stricken communities. Gibbie McMillan, Louisiana Baptists state disaster relief coordinator, said he has been amazed at the volunteers' selfless attitude. "They have been champions," McMillan told the Baptist Message. "They had the time off from their regular jobs and felt like as long as they practiced common sense social distancing they would be alright. Thankfully, none of our team members even got sick and we credit that … [Read more...]