Click to Login or Sign Up

Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Tireless Louisiana DR teams providing aid, hope to hard hit Florida Panhandle

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer More than a dozen Louisiana Baptist Disaster relief teams and almost a 100 volunteers are working tirelessly to aid the Florida panhandle two weeks after Hurricane Michael dealt a crippling blow to the area. While a large area of the panhandle was impacted by Michael, Louisiana teams have centered most of their efforts in Marianna, Florida, 75 miles north of Mexico Beach which took the brunt of the storm when it made landfall Oct. 10. There have also been several teams from Louisiana working in and around Panama City. As of Tuesday, Oct. 23, the seven Southern Baptist Feeding Units there have served an estimated 243,961 meals. The Rolling Hills Ministry’s feeding unit, which is located in Marianna, has averaged roughly 5,200 to 6,200 meals daily. Louisiana Baptist Convention State Disaster Relief Director Gibbie McMillan said he is thankful for the turn out but there is a great need for even more volunteers to assist the people impacted by the hurricane. “I cannot thank these volunteers enough for what they have done so far but we are still in great need of even more volunteers, especially in the area of feeding,” said McMillan. “These volunteers are being the hands and feet … [Read more...]

Fall, family and friends

By David Jeremiah EL CAJON, Calif. (BP) -- This season of the year lends itself to gaining a renewed focus on what is important -- not only for growing into a more intimate relationship with God but also to set aside time to let your family and friends know how much they mean to you. I can't prove this, of course, but I think God made fall just for family and friends. I know, anytime is a great time for being with those we love and appreciate but this time of year seems special. Think about the reasons why it is a great time for relationships and reunions: -- School. As much as kids imply that they don't like school, most kids (of all ages) love the social reunions that the return to school brings. But it's not just the kids -- parents wave at each other in the carpool lanes, see each other at parent-teacher meetings and sporting events, and sit in activity committees together. After the summer break is over, a new school year offers the opportunity to rekindle relationships at school. -- Church. Because of travel and vacations, some churches drop back to a single service instead of multiple services during the summer months. They adjust the music programs, combine some Sunday School classes, and sometimes cancel … [Read more...]