By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil – In the 33 years Wayne Jenkins has participated in mission trips to Brazil, 26 times while representing Louisiana Baptists, he has seen multitudes saved, including 2,568 this year, and 65 church buildings erected, counting the three added in July. But one of his most special memories took place this year when his grandson, J’Von, was baptized – the first time a member of the U.S. team has done so in Brazil. Already a believer before the summer mission trip, J’Von had not followed through with baptism. It was while experiencing God’s presence during the mission trip that he felt compelled to take that next step of obedience. His father, David Denton, pastor of Highland Baptist Church in New Iberia, baptized him in the team hotel pool. SINGULARLY SIGNIFICANT “Two years ago I had two grandsons make professions of faith while on a mission trip and now to have J’Von follow through with a decision is an added blessing,” said Jenkins, director of evangelism and church growth for Louisiana Baptists. “God does a work in the lives of those who go on mission as well as those we go to minister to.” Denton said J’Von had been exposed numerous times to the … [Read more...]

By Will Hall, Message Editor ALEXANDRIA (LBM) – Evangelist Bill Britt has been guided 40 years by the message of Luke 14:23 to “go out into highways and hedges” and share the Gospel, compelling him to go near and far to reach the lost with a message of hope. The result has been multitudes of new believers who now enjoy saved souls from placing their trust in Jesus, but who also live saved lives because of the discipleship Britt ensures through such follow up activities as the seminary training of pastors to lead the new flocks that result. A TEAM EFFORT Britt is not alone in his ministry and he credits his wife, Wendy, for taking on critical out-front and behind-the-scenes roles that have helped Compel Outreach International change hearts with the Gospel, and, to alter the human condition of many through the aid of compassion ministries. “She is the voice and face of COI with our sponsors for 200 orphans, and she keeps up with the orphans – how they are doing physically, and with their school,” Britt said. “She’s the point woman for taking care of their needs – raising money for school supplies, collecting clothing and more. “These are important relationships and functions,” he said, adding, “and she has to … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer WOODWORTH – Fourteen students said yes to Jesus during the final day of the last Kids Camp. Overall 40 campers made professions throughout all three camps which saw a total of 997 camp participants. “Jesus does for us what we can’t do for ourselves,” camp pastor Corey Olivier told the second through sixth graders. He said to say “yes” to Jesus who was the only person able to rescue them from their sin. “We’ve been teaching them, going through some of the key passages of the old testament, showing how God invites them to be a part of some pretty amazing things,” Olivier said. “It’s a great camp for us to share the gospel and disciple kids. It’s a joy to be a part of all that’s going on.” Olivier’s message came during the third and final Kids Camp of 2017 at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center, which began July 30 and concluded Aug. 2. More than 330 children and adults leaders took part in worship sessions, Bible studies, archery, paddle boat rides, bazooka ball and basketball at the final of three camps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLERyhW0HuA The theme was Let’s Go to Camp, based on various passages from the Exodus story, which many campers took to … [Read more...]

By Message Staff BATON ROUGE – Members of the Baton Rouge community will gather on the steps of Louisiana’s capitol building for a time of prayer Saturday, Aug. 12. Scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m., “Prayers for Progress” will focus on praying for the recovery of the greater Baton Rouge area more than a year after the thousand-year flood of 2016. During that time, the area was inundated by floodwaters, which damaged more than 140,000 homes. The prayer vigil will feature area pastors and community leaders and is open to the public. “We are praying on the anniversary of the flood to bring awareness to the continued efforts that need to occur to attain recovery,” said Thomas Sheppard, pastor of the Church at Addis and president of the Provisions Project. “A year has passed and many people outside our area have forgotten about the destruction left behind. We have three to four years of work left here and we are hoping that by coming together for prayer, people will be reminded of the need we have.” The Provisions Project is a long-term disaster recovery group created by the Church at Addis. Through this effort, they are providing financial and physical resources to help people in the Baton Rouge area to move back into their … [Read more...]