By John Kyle, Louisiana Baptists Communications ALEXANDRIA (LBM) – How do you reach a culture that is seemingly not interested in you? How can you instill a vision and passion for missions in children? How can you use current communication platforms to seed God’s truth across the state? How can you bring a once vibrant congregation back to life? According to Missions and Ministries team leader John Hebert, all of the above is possible, “With a lot of help from your friends.” “In the day-in and day-out grind of ministry, it’s easy to forget how large our task is,” Hebert said. “If we’re going to make the impact all of us agree needs to be made, we need more individuals participating in the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering.” David Hankins, executive director for Louisiana Baptists, echoed this challenge. “We have literally hundreds of churches and thousands of our members who do not participate in this crucial offering for Louisiana,” said Hankins. “It’s not simply a money issue, it’s a participation issue, a resource issue. The task in Louisiana is so large, so big, it’s going to take an even larger effort on our part to provide the Gospel opportunities needed to engage the estimated two million … [Read more...]

By Janet Tompkins, Special to the Message ALEXANDRIA (LBM) – Who knows what life would have been like for Flora Coleman if her mother and father had not died in 1930 when she was just 8 years old and living on a mountainside in West Virginia? She would not have been separated from her six other siblings, or gone to work in other households. Maybe she would not have become a nurse or wound up in Otis, Louisiana, where she is a member of Dixie Baptist Church. Those experiences, to be sure, have given her an extra dose of perseverance and a faith in God and fire in her belly to make a difference in other people’s lives — even at 96 years of age. SHARING CHRISTMAS JOY Her current project is Operation Christmas Child, the mission program of Samaritan’s Purse to bring a Christmas package and the message of Jesus Christ to children throughout the world. Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has partnered with local churches around the world to deliver 157 million Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes of gifts to children in need in 160 countries. Each box is filled with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items. “Miss Flora” has her home filled with the decorated boxes in every stage of completion.  There are 100 … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer FOREST HILL – Being wheelchair-bound could not stop 82-year-old Percy Babineaux from publicly declaring his faith in Jesus through baptism. Babineaux repented and turned to Christ three years ago, but only recently was able to gain enough strength in between cancer treatments to participate in his long-awaited baptism at Elwood Baptist Church in Forest Hill. Moments after the baptism, Babineaux pointed to Heaven in celebration. “I wanted to be baptized like Jesus was,” said Babineaux, who has been confined to a wheelchair because of his poor health condition. “At that moment I was so happy, and ever since I’ve been telling everyone about how my life has been changed with Christ.” Babineaux is one of 13 converts baptized at Elwood since January. Pastor Mike Evans said the baptisms are representative of a commitment to missions by the central Louisiana congregation, which averages about 100 in Sunday morning attendance. Elwood is located in a community with a large Hispanic population. The church has embraced the opportunity and formed relationships with this immigrant population through visiting the nurseries that employ them. Subsequently, Elwood has been blessed to … [Read more...]

MINDEN – Cassie Hammett, founder of a ministry that shares Christ’s love with women ensnared in the sex trafficking industry, will challenge middle and high school girls to realize Christ is enough for them at the Masterpiece Conference, Oct. 6, hosted by the First Baptist Church in Minden “Enough” is the conference theme. ”The Word shows time and time again about our worth in Christ,” said Bethany Jones, who co-founded the conference with her sister, Emily. “Our event this year will focus on how we are enough because of Christ and how He is enough for us. “We believe that once young girls can understand that they are God’s masterpiece, their relationships and outlook can truly be impacted,” she continued. “We want this event to be both intentional and relevant for our young girls and leaders.” During the main sessions, Hammett will encourage the girls, along with their adult sponsors, to understand God has a unique plan for their lives. “I want them to understand that at this moment they have a mandate on their lives, placed on them by God,” she said. “They will also understand how to walk that out on a daily basis.” Hammett founded The Hub: urban ministries as an outreach to the homeless. She expanded this … [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 Stan Foster is the new pastor at Jamestown Baptist Church, Jamestown. Mark, wife Stephanie, Long is the new pastor at Bogue Falaya Baptist Church, Folsom. HOMECOMING Alto Baptist Church, Alto: Homecoming, Sunday, September 30, 10:30 a.m. Dinner on the grounds will be served at noon. Worship leader: Jay Ellerman. Pastor: Alan Miller. Jamestown Baptist Church, Jamestown: Homecoming, September 30, 10:30 a.m.  Covered dish luncheon and fellowship will follow the service.  Bring your family and friends to join us for this special day.  Speaker: Stan Foster. The church is located at 5852 Hwy 153, Jamestown, LA. For more information, call 318.894.8631. Pastor: Stan Foster. Conway Baptist Church, Farmerville: Homecoming, September 30, 10 a.m., Sanctuary Quartet in Concert; 11 a.m., memorial and worship … [Read more...]