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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Gatlin named LC director of safety and security

By Norm Miller, LC News PINEVILLE, (LCNews) - Louisiana College tapped a law enforcement veteran who served the Alexandria Police Department for 33 years. Captain Clifford Gatlin began as Director of Safety and Security on the Pineville campus, August 13. He was associated with the Alexandria Regional Police Academy for 15 years, ultimately as commander of the training division. "The safety and security of our campus population is a top priority," said LC President Rick Brewer. "A cursory look at Captain Clifford's seven-page resume reveals an extensive and expansive range of training, certifications, and other credentials that eminently qualify him for this role." Gatlin earned a BS in Criminal Justice from Upper Iowa University and is certified in the following: FBI Law Enforcement Instructor Development POST Firearms Certification FEMA contingency plans Civil Rights On-line Investigations Search and Seizure Domestic Violence Safe Haven Training Child Abuse Workshop Suicide Prevention Leadership and Supervision Brewer said that Gatlin embodies "all the qualities and qualifications we sought to serve as our Director of Safety and Security. His ultimate qualification, like all … [Read more...]

Baptist Global Response launches new GoatFundMe crowdsourcing campaign 

By Casey Watson, Baptist Global Response Staff Writer The Southern Baptist disaster relief and community development organization recently launched its first GoatFundMe Campaign, which encourages supporters to donate enough money to purchase 1,000 goats for people in need around the world. One goat costs roughly $75, so the organization has set a $75,000 goal for this campaign. CEO Jeff Palmer says GoatFundMe is particularly effective because it focuses on one, very useful animal to help improve life for a multitude of families. “Goats can produce healthy, nutritious milk for families, and in most cases, their milk is even recommended over cow’s milk because of its favorable protein composition,” he says. “Goats not only produce milk but they can also produce meat for the family as well as extra income through the selling of their offspring. Moreover, they are easy to raise, take up very little land area and are, for the most part, a hardy animal that can survive in a variety of climates.” BGR is encouraging entire churches to get involved in GoatFundMe and to donate as many animals as possible. The organization has published downloadable resources online to help individuals and congregations raise support for goat … [Read more...]

Kelleys’ ‘Great Dakota Adventure’ more than vacation

By Marilyn Stewart, NOBTS public relations NEW ORLEANS (BP) - The Dakota Badlands, a barren stretch of land once described as "a place with a long list of secrets," doesn't typically receive top billing as a vacation destination. But for Chuck Kelley, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and his wife Rhonda, a trek across North and South Dakota is one they wished they had taken sooner. Taking their cue from the NOBTS centennial challenge to go on a mission trip this year, the Kelleys decided on a mission trip/vacation this summer, encouraging church planters with a listening ear alongside Chuck Kelley's goal to visit all 50 U.S. states. The trip allowed him to visit states 49 and 50. Dubbing it the "Great Dakota Adventure," the Kelleys set out to find and encourage church planters and their wives serving in out-of-the-way places. Over a meal at each stop, the Kelleys heard stories of blessing and God's faithfulness and of trial and difficulty as church planters told of what God is doing in the Dakotas. The Kelleys came away inspired. "These are heroes of the faith," Chuck Kelley said of the new friends they made. "They are giants." People are scarce in the Dakotas, a region equal in size to … [Read more...]

‘Abba, Father’

By Greg Laurie "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." - Romans 8:15 My grandkids call me “Papa.” The other day one of my grandchildren said, “Uppy, Papa!” which means, “Pick me up!” How can you say no to that? It’s a term of affection. Other people can’t call me “Papa” because that term is based on my relationship with my grandchildren. Jesus said, “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9 NKJV). The Bible tells us, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father’” (Romans 8:15 NKJV). The word Abba is more or less the Hebrew equivalent of “Papa” or “Daddy.” Don’t think of your heavenly Father as distant or disinterested. Rather, think of Him as a warm, loving Father. Perhaps the most vivid illustration of what our heavenly Father is like is found in a story Jesus told in what is called the parable of the prodigal son. Usually, this story’s emphasis is on the son, but we could just as easily call it the parable of the loving father. It’s the story of a father who had two sons. One son went astray, wrecked his … [Read more...]