By Jerry Love, LBF director of planned giving ALEXANDRIA (LBM) – Some positive economic news, a significant increase in assets and deposits, highlighted the quarterly meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Foundation Board of Trustees meeting May 8. INVESTMENT UPDATES Pat Lacour, trustee from Pineville, chaired the morning meeting of the investment committee and had Lee Morris, Investment Consultant with Graystone, give an update on the performance of the LBF portfolio. Morris said the first quarter saw “lots of noise, with not much happening,” explaining that there was a lot of volatility in the equity markets without much progress in investment growth for the beginning of the year. The outlook for fixed income positions is still very modest, he added, saying the general expectation is that the Federal Reserve will bump rates higher at least a couple more times this year. However, the LBF’s bond portfolio managers are continuing to maintain shorter durations, hedging against the rise in rates. Other smaller investment allocations in the LBF portfolio, such as preferred stock, and, oil and gas MLP’s, continue to add value to the mix of assets so far this year, he said. Morris told trustees analysts expect … [Read more...]

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event. ON THE MOVE Charles Malone is the new pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Calhoun. Morgan McCallister is the new pastor at Trinity Baptist Church, West Monroe. Jason Purdy was ordained April 22 at First Baptist Church, Livingston. Frank Valenzano resigned as pastor of One Life Church, Denham Springs and is now the new pastor at First Baptist Church, West Fairbanks. Mallory Sanchez is the new worship leader at Bayou Oaks Baptist Church, Monroe. HOMECOMING Pine Hill Baptist Church, Leesville: 124th annual homecoming, June 3, 10 a.m. Dinner on the grounds will follow the service. Speaker: Chase Burns. Pastor: Tri Evans. Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, Vivian: 158th Homecoming, June 3, 10 a.m. Dinner on the grounds will follow the service. The church invites everyone to come and fellowship on this special … [Read more...]