By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer BUNKIE – The First Baptist Church in Bunkie started 2019 by celebrating a new birth in Christ, baptizing its 50th convert in five years. “Baptisms bring new life in the person and in the church,” Pastor Mark Robinson said. “When you see someone baptized it gives someone hope that God is working in people around you, and it sets the precedent of obedience to God – those who come behind you see the steps that have to be taken to make public their faith. I don’t see any reason we wouldn’t baptize 10-15 a year. Our members always have been mission-minded but now there is a vision spreading of being ‘on mission.’” The January 13 baptism is representative of a rebirth First Baptist Bunkie has experienced since 2013. Five years ago, worship service attendance averaged 60 and Sunday school drew around 40, according to Annual Church Profile statistics. Through January, attendance for worship services has increased to 100 and Sunday school has averaged nearly 80. MILESTONE OF FAITH Robinson said the church was at a crossroads when he arrived in 2013, and faced the possibility of closing its doors. After Robinson met with the members, the congregation decided to renew itself with a … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer “Louisiana Loves Life” and thousands of Louisianans will show their love for life at five pro-life marches scheduled throughout the state in the coming weeks. For the first time, Lake Charles and Monroe/West Monroe will host a Louisiana Life March, Jan. 22 and Jan. 27, respectively. Baton Rouge and Shreveport/Bossier City marches are scheduled for Jan. 26 and Alexandria/Pineville will host its march Feb. 2. The Louisiana Life Marches are a chance for different denominations, ages and ethnic and racial backgrounds to march together and pray to declare their opposition to the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in 1973. The theme for this year’s marches is “Louisiana Loves Life.” “In Louisiana, we love life, and our love for life must extend to these least among us, especially unborn babies,” said Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Benjamin Clapper. “By marching for life together, our love can overcome the tragedy of abortion, provide support for mothers in need, and build a future without abortion.” The life marches will kick off in Lake Charles Tuesday, Jan. 22. Participants will gather for a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial … [Read more...]