LBC Executive Director ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) -- In a time of uncertainty like this, when we await the exact path and strength of the storm, we also need to wait on God and watch to see where He is at work. The saying is true that “Sometimes God calms the seas and sometimes He calms the sailors.” I have seen Him do both and remind all of us to trust Him. Let us respond to the impending storm as Daniel’s three friends did when they faced the ridicule of King Nebuchadnezzar and the blazing furnace as recorded in Daniel 3:17-18: “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Remember that God is mighty to save, and He is fully able to miraculously calm this storm. Until we know otherwise, let’s pray to that end. … [Read more...]

By Message Staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) -- As the state braces for Tropical Storm Barry, Louisiana Baptists John Hebert and Gibbie McMillan shared about disaster response preparations being made in anticipation of the damage that could result. Hebert, the missions and ministry director for the Louisiana Baptist Convention who oversees disaster relief operations, said disaster relief leaders already have put a plan of action into place. “We’ve assessed our resources and issued alerts to our trained personnel to prepare themselves and their mobile units,” Hebert said. “In addition, we are ready to establish command centers, and our folks are maintaining a constant state of readiness – literally watching and praying.” Hebert added that if the storm hits Louisiana, the disaster relief organization will respond immediately. If the storm shifts course, he said “we are ready” to respond to requests for help from neighboring states. “Our priority will be to assist churches, staff, then members,” McMillan said in describing how resources will be allocated. “After that we assist the people in the areas around our churches. McMillan is the Louisiana Baptist disaster relief coordinator for the state. “If they need food, … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) -- Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards announced today, July 10, that he will declare a state of emergency ahead of a storm that may significantly impact the state. A broad area of low pressure may become a tropical depression later today or Thursday and could make landfall in the state Friday or Saturday. “Obviously we are not sure yet of the exact track of the storm or the strength of the potential tropical system once it makes landfall,” Edwards said during a press conference Wednesday morning. “However, we are confident that there will be widespread heavy rainfall and coastal flooding. We also know that the Gulf of Mexico, because it is so warm, that the longer the storm system lingers over the Gulf, the more organized and the stronger it is likely to become before it makes landfall.” Edwards said the storm could bring 10 to 15 inches of rainfall and that the storm will be slow moving. He said the Mississippi River levels in New Orleans could reach 20 feet, rising above the flood protection in Plaquemines Parish. “Right now we believe that any overtopping of the levees will be of a relatively short duration of about 12 hours,” he said. “But that is still a very, … [Read more...]