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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Camp USA connects South Koreans, Americans

By Message Staff CENTRAL LOUISIANA – Visiting America always seemed like an out of reach dream for South Korean teenager Phillip Lee. But Lee was finally given that opportunity when his family signed him up to attend Camp USA on July 14-29. “This camp [which takes place around Central Louisiana and Ponchatoula] is allowing me a chance to explore what the United States has to offer and do a lot of things I had only seen in videos,” Lee said. “The Louisiana people have shown us much hospitality and we always will remember our time here with them.” A partnership of REACH Missions and the Korea Baptist Church Development Board, the camp involves more than 25 churches in Cenla Baptist Association (formerly Central and North Rapides associations) and First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula. The children participate in a Vacation Bible School and experience Louisiana culture during their time at Camp USA. The children participate in a Vacation Bible School, swimming, English classes and fishing at area churches and campsites. They also visit various sites unique to Louisiana. During their time in the state, each camper is assigned a host family. This allows the Koreans and Americans to interact with one another in a … [Read more...]

Learn from God and live for Him

By Waylon Bailey More and more I find myself being drawn to the Proverbs. I am afraid that in the past I have not taken this teaching of God seriously enough. God gave the Proverbs to teach the people of Israel to learn from God and to live for Him. As you go through the Proverbs, this twin teaching seems to be found again and again. All of us are to Learn from God, and we are to live for Him. Not only is this the theme of the Proverbs, but it is also the theme of the Scripture and of our relationship with God. God wants us to be conformed to His image. When we are like God, then we shall do as He does. We will live for Him. God wants us to learn from Him. The Proverbs begins by a proper relationship with God. Only from God can we get wisdom and understanding. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and understanding” (Proverbs 1: 7). God Himself is the source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. The person who would live wisely must learn from God. We are always tempted to assume we have all knowledge and all understanding. Even now, we seek to conform God to our image instead of being conformed to His image. Until we learn from God, we really can’t learn. God wants us to … [Read more...]

Camp USA brings international missions to Louisiana

By Message Staff CENTRAL LOUISIANA – If the church is unable to do international missions, bring international missions to the church. And for two weeks annually in mid-to-late July, Camp USA provides churches in Central Louisiana and Ponchatoula the opportunity to experience international missions without ever having to leave the state. Thirty South Korean children have joined with a large group of American children for a week-long Vacation Bible School as part of a partnership of REACH Missions and the Korea Baptist Church Development Board. Alpine First Baptist Church is hosting this year’s VBS July 16-20. Now in its 13th year, Camp USA involves more than 25 churches in the Cenla Baptist Association (formerly the Central and North Rapides associations) and First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula. “Our kids always look forward to it because it’s like having an international mission trip right here at Alpine,” said Lucas LaCour, pastor of Alpine First Baptist. “Our church loves to do outreach and this is a different way to accomplish it. “I love seeing the numerous volunteers and having an opportunity to get to know them throughout the week,” he continued. “It’s neat to see churches unified for a common … [Read more...]