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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Why VBS?

By Steve Horn Summer means several things — no school, family trips, baseball, heat, and here in Louisiana, hurricanes. But, summer for churches means Vacation Bible School. Would you stop right now and pray for churches investing in children this summer through Vacation Bible School? Some estimate that 2/3 of Americans plan to send their children to a VBS this summer. This is an astounding number. What an opportunity! Why then is VBS so important? Their futures are at stake! The future of every child begins with a strong foundation. Their salvation is dependent upon hearing and responding to the Word of God. Paul declared, “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.” (Romans 10:17) Their strength is developed by hearing and responding to the Word of God. The Psalmist summed up the power of the Word of God. How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word. (Psalm 119:9) Their success in the God endeavors of life is dependent upon obeying the Word of God. Read Joshua 1:8. “This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you … [Read more...]

Kisatchie Baptist celebrates ministering at the crossroads

By Teresa Chance,  Special to the Message PROVENCAL – Kisatchie Baptist Church celebrated a special homecoming March 31, marking 151 years of Christian service and commemorating the commitment of the seven founding members who helped to establish the ministry within the community. A number of current and former members, relatives of deceased members, and residents of the surrounding area took part in a program of worship, remembrance, special music and fellowship, taking time to acknowledge the blessings God has poured out on the congregation since its inception in 1868. Church records document that Kisatchie member have been active in missions and ministry from the beginning, starting with the support of a missionary, 123 years ago, at the cost of fi ve dollars per month. Located west and adjacent to Kisatchie National Forest and bordered to the south and east by the Peason Range on Fort Polk and the Joint Readiness Training Center, the present facility stands within yards of the original building spot. But the structure has changed over the years from a log cabin, which doubled as the school house on week days, to the present brick building comprising the sanctuary, Sunday school classrooms and a fellowship … [Read more...]

Estate planning is stewardship

By Jerry Love, Louisiana Baptist Foundation Planning is a part of our daily lives. We plan menus for the day or week; we plan vacations; we plan meetings; and, … the list goes on. Why, then, is it difficult to make plans for one of the more important parts of our lives – our estates? Estate planning often is looked at as a dreaded or unpleasant task. Many people have expressed feelings that if they make plans for their estate their lives will be over. Others take a more cavalier approach, saying “someone else can deal with that after I am gone.” As followers of Christ, we should all be interested in the stewardship of our assets, or our “stuff.” A prayerfully thought-out estate plan can be the largest single act of stewardship that you will undertake in your lifetime. Indeed, determining how to take care of others, how to be a blessing to others and how to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ through your personal planning is stewardship. So, take a look at some essentials of estate planning, which is stewardship! PEOPLE The first step is as simple as making a list of the people who are most important to you. This should include anyone (children, spouse, grandchildren, parents) in your care during your … [Read more...]

Louisiana Notables

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event. HOMECOMING Bethsadia Baptist Church, Many: Homecoming, June 9 10:45 a.m. Dinner on the grounds in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the morning worship service. Speaker: James “Buddy” Greer of Paris, Texas. Pastor: Jay Begbie. Linda Lay Memorial Baptist Church, Gilliam: 100th anniversary/homecoming, June 9, 10 a.m. A catered BBQ lunch will be served following the worship service. Speaker: Steve Armstrong. Special Music: The Offering. Pastor: Eddie Kent. Laurel Hill Baptist Church, LaCamp: 150th Homecoming, June 22, 2 p.m. There will be a meal after the program. Former pastors have been invited to speak. Everyone is invited to attend. Pastor: Wesley Jackson. REVIVAL Bethsadia Baptist Church, Many: Revival, June 6-8, 6:30 p.m. Speaker: James “Buddy” Greer of Paris, Texas. Pastor: Jay Begbie. First … [Read more...]

Bridges: I am thankful to be a Southern Baptist

By Reggie Bridges RUSTON (LBM) -- Within today’s culture, there are many who seem to dismiss the idea of belonging to a denomination. These “non-conformers” denounce such organizations as archaic, stilted, and unnecessary, preferring instead a less-entangled, non-denominational or independent congregation at the expense of working together. My background as a life-long Southern Baptist has positively impacted my own position about our Convention, or fellowship, of cooperating autonomous congregations. You see, I used to be a Southern Baptist by birth, but I remain a Southern Baptist by choice and conviction: -- I hold to the basic doctrinal framework that defines us as Baptists -- that is first and foremost! When I operate within my denominational family, I acknowledge that we stand together on the foundation of God’s Word. -- I, my congregation and I, voluntarily cooperate together to advance the Gospel of Christ through missions and ministries. We recognize that we can do more together than we can do apart, demonstrating an unselfish spirit when we contribute to a collective effort instead of trying to build our own kingdoms. -- Moreover, as Southern Baptists, we have a wonderful extended family with whom we … [Read more...]

New River renewed after floodwaters, spiritual drought

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer SAINT AMANT – Jacob Watkins was in bondage to a life of alcoholism, drug abuse and depression in Febru-ary when he accepted an invitation to attend New River Baptist Church in Saint Amant. One month later, Watkins was set free from the chains holding him back from a relationship with Christ when he turned to Jesus. “I have been clean of alcohol and drugs and haven’t suffered from de-pression because I have been shown that you just give all of your problems to God,” Watkins told the Baptist Mes-sage. Watkins is one of 17 new convert baptized since July 2018. Pastor Adam Beach celebrated Watkins’ salvation and his obedience by baptizing him March 10. Beach said Watkins’ story is representative of how God has moved through the congregation since August 2016, when its worship center and gymnasium were deluged under 4 feet of water during the record flood in that region of Louisiana. After the waters receded, the congregation went through a nearly two-year drought where no one was baptized. But since last summer the congregation has witnessed the wave of baptisms plus 13 other additions, growing by 30 new members, combined. “Once our members got back into the building and saw … [Read more...]