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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Louisiana abortionist’s medical license suspended

NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners has suspended the medical license of Kevin Work, a physician who performs abortions at Delta Women’s Medical Clinic in Baton Rouge and Women’s Healthcare Center in New Orleans. The LSBME issued a “Notice for Summary Suspension of Medical License” on its website Tuesday, February 26, notifying the public that Work’s medical license has been suspended pending “final resolution” in an administrative hearing. The notice states that “pending the institution and conclusion of formal administrative procedures herein, emergency action is imperative to safeguard the public health, welfare, and safety.” The suspension comes following letters by State Attorney General Jeff Landry and Louisiana Right to Life. Both raised serious questions in their letters about threats to women’s health and safety. In a news release from Landry’s office, he noted in his letter  Work has been cited on multiple occasions by the Board for failing to meet basic standards of patient care. In demanding action on this issue, General Landry outlined that the LSBME and the Louisiana Department of Health, who regulate abortion clinics, fall under the Governor’s authority. Louisiana Right to Life … [Read more...]

Pucik assumes leadership of the Northshore

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer COVINGTON – Don Pucik, a former Louisiana Baptist pastor who moved out of state in 2002, has returned as association mission strategist for the Northshore Baptist Association. Pucik, who served as senior pastor of Wynne Baptist Church in Wynne, Arkansas since 2013, said he is excited about the opportunity to minister to pastors in a state where he once served. “For us it’s a homecoming,” Pucik said. “Two of our six kids were born here and the rest of them grew up here. We have always loved Louisiana, particularly south Louisiana’s culture. We’ve always loved the celebrated spirit of Louisiana life. We are really delighted to be back and we are looking forward to the future.” CALLED TO SERVE Pucik was raised in a family that practiced Roman Catholicism, but he turned from God and religion when he entered high school, he told the Baptist Message. However, before his senior year he found Christ during a worship service at a Baptist church in Dayton, Ohio. “In high school, I stepped back away from all things church, God and religion,” he said. “­The world for me became a very dark place. I met some genuine Christians who invited me to church and it was there in a storefront … [Read more...]

Don’t be a sore loser

By David Jeremiah EL CAJON, Calif. (BP) -- In the movie "On the Waterfront," Terry Malloy was a dockworker who had been a promising young prizefighter until a mob-connected union boss instructed him to deliberately lose a fight he could have won. Later Terry found his own life in danger and was in anguish about having thrown the fight. "You don't understand," he said to his brother. "I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am." In throwing the fight, Terry had thrown away his career, his future and, most of all, his self-respect. The late W.A. Criswell once preached a sermon on Demas. In Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 1:24, Criswell pointed out, Demas was working alongside the apostle Paul in Rome. But years later Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:10 that "Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world." Demas could have been somebody. But he wasn't willing to let loose of the world. 'Remember Lot's wife’ The Bible has many stories of men and women who could have been somebody. Instead they became half hearted followers, half-committed disciples, people who started down the road but looked back. They weren't willing to choose the right … [Read more...]

Inaugural ‘Church Resource Expo’ set

PELICAN – The inaugural Church Resource Expo will be held March 1, at no charge for attendees or vendors. Organizers expect more than 40 vendors to participate and are planning for a crowd of 400 at the Clara Springs Baptist Camp event in Pelican. Insurance representatives, office suppliers, copier sales and service providers, janitorial supply distributors and others will share information about the different products and support they can offer churches. There will be Christian entertainment, too. One of the largest vendors, Sysco Foods, will host a church food show that will spotlight various foods ideal for serving at Vacation Bible School, dinner on the grounds and other events. ­The expo will begin with a minister’s conference at 3 p.m., but the general public will need to wait for the main exhibit hall and food show to open at 5 p.m. Twenty-four breakout sessions by vendors are being offered during the expo, and door prizes donated by vendors will be awarded. ­The expo will conclude with two events: a demonstration from Xtreme Obedience, a ministry that utilizes dogs to share the Gospel, and a small concert by the Allen Family. For more information go to the Clara Sparings Baptist Camp website, or call … [Read more...]

Louisiana churches give special guests a night to remember at Tim Tebow event

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer Hundreds of special needs individuals in the state were given a night to remember Feb. 9, courtesy of Tim Tebow and several Louisiana Baptist churches. Dressed in their formal attire, these special guests enjoyed a variety of activities to make them feel like kings and queens in God’s eyes at the fifth annual Night to Shine prom. Eastwood Baptist Church, Haughton, Cypress Baptist Church, Benton, Fellowship Church, Prairieville, and the First Baptist Church, Ruston – were among the 655 churches in 50 states and 11 countries that hosted the event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The former Heisman Trophy and NFL quarterback started the event five years ago for people who have special needs. From the beginning, the evening was magical for the guests, who were transported by limousine, trolley or classic car to a red carpet. Once there, they were greeted by an enthusiastic group of volunteers armed with cameras and cheers from the crowd. Guests received the royal treatment, including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining areas, corsages and boutonnieres, a catered dinner, karaoke, prom favors and a dance floor. All of this led up to the moment when each guest was … [Read more...]