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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Situation reversed as Ruston’s Burkhardt now on receiving end

By Message Staff RUSTON – Hunter Burkhardt has ministered to hundreds as a staff member of Rolling Hills Ministries, but a tornado that severely damaged his home in Ruston Thursday, April 25, left him on the receiving end of much needed assistance. Burkhardt, who serves as human resources manager, arrived at the home of Rolling Hills Ministries Director David Abernathy 15 minutes before the tornado touched down in his neighborhood shortly after midnight Thursday. Once the storm had passed, Burkhardt ventured back into his neighborhood to find numerous downed trees and power lines as well as homes, including his own, badly damaged or destroyed. By early Friday morning, a Disaster Relief team from First Baptist Church in Blanchard and individuals from Grand Cane Baptist Church arrived to remove debris, including two trees that went through his home. Others from the Rolling Hills Disaster Relief Team and residents of Ruston finished removing debris late Friday. Burkhardt said he has appreciated the support and love the community has shown to himself and others since the EF3 tornado devastated homes and businesses. “The response has been phenomenal,” he said. “I’ve seen this community come together and organize at a … [Read more...]

Our hope

By Waylon Bailey I have good news and bad news. We smile at that statement, but we know that the statement is true. There is always bad news. As long as “Satan is alive and well” and as long as we struggle with our old sinful nature, there will be plenty of bad news. But, I also have good news, and it is really good. Last week I read a post by Joel Rosenberg, best selling novelist and committed follower of Christ. Joel Rosenberg is Jewish and believes in Jesus as the Jewish Messiah. Last week, he reported what is going on among the Jewish people. First, you need a little background. In 1967 (the time of the Six-Day War), there was a reported 2,000 Jewish followers of Jesus worldwide. Last year, Lifeway Research reported 871,000 followers of Christ among Jewish people in America. Joel Rosenberg says that 30,000 Israelis are Christians as well plus all those in Europe and around the world. In total, Rosenberg now estimates 1 million Jewish followers of Christ. This is wonderful news. Rosenberg often answers the question (he says he loves to be asked this) how he can be Jewish and believe in Jesus. He says the first time he was asked the question he was being interviewed in upstate New York on a rock radio … [Read more...]

Louisiana Baptists’ rapid tornado response ‘amazing’

By Message Staff RUSTON (LBM) -- A day after a devastating EF3 tornado significantly damaged homes and businesses in Ruston, an army of volunteers has rapidly descended on the Northeast Louisiana town in amazing show of support and assistance. Thirty Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers were on the ground Friday, April 26, to help with clean-up efforts. Ten additional volunteers are cooking food and organizing disaster relief donations for distribution to first responders, volunteers and individuals impacted by the storm. More than 1,500 meals have been prepared since Thursday. The Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers were assisted by volunteers from the Cajun Navy, National Guard, Louisiana Tech athletic department and  students from Louisiana Tech, Northwestern State University, and Grambling State University, the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana and numerous churches and high schools. John Hebert, missions and ministries director for Louisiana Baptists, said he has been amazed by the level of support and comradery between Louisianans. “Our disaster relief system is working and we have crews coming from Lake Charles, Bogalusa, north Louisiana and east Texas,” Hebert said. “To compliment the … [Read more...]