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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Camp USA: An international mission trip at home

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Twenty-six Louisiana Baptist churches are just two months away from hosting an international mission trip in their home state. Around 50 South Korean children are expected to participate in the ninth annual Camp USA, a two-week midsummer adventure for elementary and middle school students. They will spend July 14-23 in central Louisiana and the remainder of their time in Ponchatoula. A partnership of REACH Missions and the Korean Baptist Church Development Board, the camp involves 25 churches in Big Creek, Central Louisiana and North Rapides Baptist Associations, along with First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula. UNIQUE EXPERIENCE The children will participate in Vacation Bible School, games, English classes and other activities at CENLA area churches and the Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center in Woodworth. After a week in central Louisiana, the campers will depart for southeast Louisiana where the South Koreans will enjoy recreational activities and excursions and take part in a music camp at First Baptist Ponchatoula with children of the church. The week will conclude with a musical performance July 30, 6:30 p.m., in the First Baptist Ponchatoula worship … [Read more...]

‘Connecting the dots’ for a Christian home

By By Jerry & Bayne Pounds, Louisiana College PINEVILLE – As children, most of us enjoyed a simple game that not only stimulated our minds but kept us from mischief. The pencil and paper activity was called “Connect the Dots.” This activity always involved some type of drawing which contained a sequence of numbered dots. The purpose was to begin with the first dot and draw a line to the second dot and so on. Soon, an outline of an object was revealed. An additional lagniappe, usually, was having extended time to color in the drawing. Designed for children, this activity also captivates adults and allows one idea to be associated with another in order to find a “big picture.” So, let’s connect some dots about “Christian homes.” Dot 1:  God created the family for evangelism and discipleship. As believers, we would find it difficult to oppose the idea that our homes should be Christian. The fact is, however, that individual members of the home are Christian, and the family unit then testifies to following Christ or not. The Bible states that the way we live our lives will either make the Gospel attractive or repulsive to others (see Titus 2). In Genesis 2:28, the Bible reveals that God’s plan is for a man … [Read more...]

From prison to praise, NOBTS grad sees God’s hand

By Marilyn Stewart, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary communications NEW ORLEANS – Standing in front of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary’s Leavell Chapel on graduation day, Tara Garcia looked back with fondness on her undergraduate experience. But unlike the graduates lined up beside her, Garcia earned her degree inside prison walls. Garcia completed every class except one prior to her release in January from the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women in St. Gabriel. “I don’t think you grasp how many lives are changed because of what you have done,” Garcia said she tells her NOBTS professors. “Prison, for me, outside of accepting Christ as my Savior, is probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Last year’s graduating class of 13 marked the first conferral of degrees by NOBTS’ extension center at the women’s prison. Soon after, the extensive flooding in Louisiana in August 2016 forced the evacuation of residents to various facilities across the state. The extenuating circumstances prompted Garcia to ask for a six-month early release, which was denied. In chapel the following Sunday, Garcia faced a moment of truth. “I asked myself, ‘Who am I doing this for?’” Garcia said regarding her … [Read more...]

Live to ‘give glory to God,’ Kelley tells NOBTS grads

By Marilyn Stewart, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary communications NEW ORLEANS – God’s holiness, sovereignty and glory were underscored to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary graduates for their new chapters in ministry by President Chuck Kelley during commencement May 13. “You are to so live your lives that those who see you will give glory to God because of the way you are living,” Kelley exhorted the seminary’s 144 graduates. Focusing on God’s nature with a walk through Scripture, Kelley began with John 1 and Isaiah 6 to show God’s holiness; Psalm 139 to demonstrate God’s sovereignty; and Revelation 5 to remind that glory belongs to Christ. Kelley concluded by encouraging graduates to let Scripture animate their lives and ministries, saying, “Leave with His Word in your heart, in your mind, and coming out of your mouth.” SPECIAL HONOR Steve Lemke was recognized for his 20 years of service in his final graduation as provost, receiving a standing ovation. He will transition to the role of vice president for institutional assessment Aug. 1 and was named provost emeritus. “I pray regularly for you,” Lemke told the graduates. “I pray that God will enable you to be strong and powerful in your … [Read more...]

So that others may live: Pararescue veteran uses war experience to minister to airmen

By Jane Rogers, Southern Baptist Texan SAN ANTONIO - As an Air Force pararescueman in Vietnam, Doug Brinson often faced death to save downed pilots, including a treacherous three-week stretch of missions in 1972 that shaped his life in ways he will never forget. “I probably aged a few years in those three weeks,” Brinson said. Brinson’s parents urged him to follow his brother by enlisting in the Air Force, thinking it the safest branch of the military. The southern Louisiana native found himself drawn to the allure of dangerous USAF pararescue. Brinson’s training as a pararescueman, or PJ, was rigorous, involving Navy scuba school, Army jump school, Army Ranger mountain school, Army medical training and other survival schools. “A PJ is supposed to be able to rescue a pilot down anywhere,” Brinson said, adding that even today, most “wash out” of the tough training. His class consisted of 12 men, 10 of whom deployed to Vietnam. Brinson arrived in Southeast Asia in the “last really hot year of the war,” when the ground war was winding down in favor of air power. The North Vietnamese seized the offensive, threatening South Vietnam. PJs stayed busy rescuing downed pilots, treacherous work accomplished with helicopters … [Read more...]