By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ST. GABRIEL – The newest campus of Celebration Church, located in St. Gabriel, celebrated its grand opening in style June 11, witnessing the baptism of three new believers, all part of a special “All In” weekend across the nine campuses of the combined congregation that spans Baton Rouge, New Orleans and the Northshore area. Held June 10-11, the weekend saw 137 people participate in believer’s baptism -- some scheduled already, and others taking place in response to the sermons presented that day. The event was promoted heavily by Dennis Watson, pastor of the Metairie campus, and the campus pastors on his staff. Leading up to the baptism weekend, Watson and other pastors led a sermon series on baptisms and reached out to the multisite congregation and the community about the biblical basis for baptism through social media, Life Groups, worship service announcements and e-mail blasts. ST. GABRIEL A crowd of 109 cheered as each of the three St. Gabriel converts declared their faith in Christ and were submerged in a portable baptistery. Tiffany Gomez was among the first that day. She told the Baptist Message that her decision to be baptized was the culmination of a journey … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA – Frances Clark stands amazed at one of God’s miracles. A Scott Brame Middle School lead teacher, in Alexandria, Clark witnessed first-hand God’s power and love May 10, during a school field day when 58 students accepted Christ. The nearly daylong celebration, sponsored by the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes club and attended by nearly 500 students, was filled with activities, with 25 volunteers from Philadelphia Baptist Church’s Horseshoe Drive campus cooking food, leading games and competitions, and helping students make crafts. Students also were offered opportunities to hear a brief Gospel presentation at a booth featuring Harley Davidson motorcycles and at another station where colorful bracelets were made. ENDURING IMPACT Nearly two months later, Clark still marvels how God used members of PBC at Horseshoe Drive to bring about a harvest of young souls and sow seeds of spiritual change on campus. “God is up to something big,” Clark said. “I hope we can continue this strong bond between the church and school. “For the future of Brame, I can see how, possibly, revival could break out -- because the Lord can use these young people,” she added. … [Read more...]