By Will Hall, Message Editor WASHINGTON —Two of Louisiana’s three newest elected U.S. officials recently spoke with the Baptist Message to share their thoughts about the wholesale change of attitude in the White House with regard to respect for the life of the unborn since the inauguration of the 45th president of the United States, with both men commenting on the participation of the vice president in the March for Life, Jan. 27, in Washington, D.C., as historic. “I’ve gotten to know Vice President Pence, starting with my campaign. He’s a godly man and believes as I do that every life is precious,” Sen. John Kennedy said. “He is soft-spoken, but he knows who he is and he knows what he believes, and, he’s not afraid to stand up for what he believes.” Kennedy garnered nearly two-thirds of the runoff vote, Dec. 10, to represent the state in the Senate. Likewise, his counterpart in the House, Mike Johnson, also won with a landslide margin, and now serves as Louisiana’s representative from the U.S. 4th Congressional District. Rep. Johnson said it was “a shame that it took 44 years for someone of his stature to appear,” and he said all the pro-life advocates who had worked “so many years in this arena” celebrated the fact … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 2,000 Louisianans joined 500,000 others from across the nation and world to stand up for the unborn in the 44th Annual March for Life Friday, Jan. 27. Ben Clapper, executive director of Louisiana Right to Life, told the Baptist Message that he was encouraged to see so many people brave the cold weather to march for life. “These brave warriors, most of them young people, send a strong message to our nation that life must be protected from beginning to end,” Clapper said. “Over 2000 Louisianians joined the crowd and brought the “Preaux-life” message to Washington DC.” During the pre-march rally, Vice President Mike Pence told the crowd he was humbled to become the highest ranking U.S. official to speak at the event. He said ending tax-payer funded abortions and appointing a pro-life Supreme Court judge are among the priorities of the administration of President Donald Trump. Pence encouraged all supporters of life to show compassion as they continue the pro-life battle. He encouraged supporters of the pro-life movement to show compassion. “Because of all of you and the many thousands who stand with us in marches like this all across the … [Read more...]

By Philip Timothy, Managing Editor ALEXANDRIA–Despite five confirmed tornadoes, Louisiana was not pummeled as badly as its neighbors over the weekend as a strong storm system swept across the south. In Texas and Oklahoma strong winds and a severe ice storm crippled the area while to the east a rash or tornadoes left a swath of multiple deaths – 18 fatalities with scores injured in Mississippi and Georgia – and destruction costing millions in its wake. The enormous storm system which blew through Louisiana Jan. 21, left trees uprooted, destroyed homes and trailers, toppled power lines, snapped trees in two, and injured several people. Gibbie McMillan, Disaster Relief director for the Louisiana Baptist Convention, said no teams were being dispatched to these areas in the state as local communities had already begun the clean-up process. However, five teams – three to Petal, Miss., and two more to Woodward, Okla., -- were being dispatched. “We are sending chainsaw, blue tarp and debris removal crews to Mississippi,” he said. “Mike Shumock, who is from the Hattiesburg area and is helping us with the rebuild here in the state, is leading those volunteers to Mississippi.” McMillan said the devastation is significant, … [Read more...]

ON THE MOVE Mike Smith resigns as pastor of Brookwood Baptist Church, Shreveport. Mark Cole is the new NextGen pastor at First Baptist Church, West Monroe. Ed Baldwin is the new pastor at Sharp Baptist Church, Lena. Josh Eliff is the pastor at First West, Calhoun. David Brown is the pastor at Refuge Church, Monroe. REVIVAL First Baptist Church, Patterson: Revival, Jan. 29-Feb. 1, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.; Sunday evening thru Wednesday, 6 p.m. Evangelist: The Lisembys. Pastor: Michael D. Reichard, Jr. Sugartown Baptist Church, Sugartown: Revival, Feb. 2-5, Thursday thru Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. Evangelists: The Lisembys. Social Springs Baptist Church, Ringgold: Harvest Sunday, Jan 29.  Evangelist: Sam Moore. Pastor: James Hester. Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, Spearsville: Revival, Feb 5-8. Evangelist: Sam Moore. Pastor: Adam Hill. Wilda Baptist Church, Gardener: Revival, Feb. 8-12. Evangelist: Lyndon Longoria. Pastor: Joey Rudisill. LAGNIAPPE Earnest Little is available for interim or supply.  Call 318.663.2770. The Evangeline Baptist Association is recognizing Wallace Primeaux on his 90th birthday at the end of January. Primeaux is the former Director of Missions for Evangeline and Gulf … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell. Message staff writer LEESVILLE – Shortly before Christmas 2016, Sherry Slaydon gave her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren a priceless gift – the opportunity to celebrate her new life in Christ by being present at her baptism. “I pray watching their grandma proclaim her love for God was an inspiration to them,” she said. “I had people tell me I had a glow afterward … words can’t describe the feeling.” Now, she is anxious to share the Good News that changed her heart with others, too. Slaydon was among 77 people East Leesville Baptist baptized in 2016, adding up to a combined three-year total of 205. Rarely does a Sunday pass when Pastor Jeff Smart or another staff member is not baptizing someone. “We are so used to baptisms every week that it’s something our church looks forward to every Sunday,” Smart shared, saying baptisms reflect the heartbeat of the congregation – evangelism. God even uses baptisms for still more evangelism, he said. “I tell those who are getting baptized that they are telling their story of how Christ has changed their life,” Smart said. “Someone who isn’t saved sees that and they might accept Christ – which has happened numerous times.” The heartbeat of … [Read more...]