When Christian [of Pilgrim's Progress] uses All-Prayer in the battle, the demons rush back into the pits of Hell, and do not come forth against him again. “And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert, and always keep on praying for all the saints.  Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains.  Pray that I may declare Him fearlessly, as I should.” (Ephesians 6:18-20). John Bunyan, in Pilgrims Progress, writes about his Christian disciple, who he calls “Christian” fighting all kinds of battles against the forces of evil, and with great success. Then he encounters the demons that have come forth out of the very pits of Hell. He finds he is unable to stave them off, even though he uses all of the armor (Ephesians 6: 13-17) that has been given him, even the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.  So he begins to engage another weapon that God has provided him that Bunyan calls, “All-Prayer.” When Christian uses All-Prayer in the battle, the demons rush back into the pits of Hell, and do not come forth … [Read more...]

Nearly 4,000 books were distributed to 32 church libraries across the state during a recent library conference at First Marrero. MARRERO – Nearly 4,000 books were distributed to 32 church libraries across the state during a recent library conference at First Marrero. The books came from individuals, churches and businesses in 17 states. More than 40 volunteers organized books by categories during the conference and boxed books for redistribution to churches that registered for the conference. “People were amazed at how many books came in,” said Hope Ferguson, event organizer. “We will never know this side of heaven the impact of helping start 27 church libraries and helping expand five more.” Ferguson, a member at First Natchitoches, has led church library conferences at both the state and national level and has co-authored the book Church Library Ministry Information Service, available from LifeWay Christian Resources. Training was offered in several areas of library ministry, by workshop leaders from Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Classes included administration for beginning librarians, classification and cataloging, collection development, promotion planning, reading club … [Read more...]

Not only do the members of two of the state’s Baptist choirs, the Singing Ministers and the Louisiana Baptist Singing Women, pay their own way for each concert, they also provide $8,000 worth of scholarships and/or funds to music students in the state. ALEXANDRIA—Not only do the members of two of the state’s Baptist choirs, the Singing Ministers and the Louisiana Baptist Singing Women, pay their own way for each concert, they also provide $8,000 worth of scholarships and/or funds to music students in the state. “These people travel all over the state and pay their own way,” said Randy Turner, the current director of the choirs and the State Music Strategist at the Louisiana Baptist Convention (LBC). “They really put out a lot of effort to be in these groups.” No LBC funds are used for the choirs, Turner said. Members pay annual dues of $15 each and furnish their own clothing. Women wear a black outfit with a strand of pearls while the men wear black suits with a white shirt and a coordinating tie. Because there are so many people in the choirs, the churches where they perform usually sponsor a meal, with choir members paying $5 each. In addition, every fall, the two choirs have separate … [Read more...]

Bruce Sides, area director for Guidestone Financial Resources, recently moved from the Dallas area to the Baton Rouge area. BATON ROUGE – Bruce Sides, area director for Guidestone Financial Resources, recently moved from the Dallas area to the Baton Rouge area. This makes him Guidestone’s prototype for an out-based person, Sides said with a wide grin. “I think it’s going to be something that will prove to be a viable option,” said Sides, a native of Baton Rouge who had been wanting to move back home to live nearer his family. As the first geographically out-based employee of Guidestone – an area director who lives out in the field as opposed to being based in Dallas – Sides’ duties will not change very much. He will continue to relate to Louisiana, Tennessee, and California.  In addition, Sides will pick up Mississippi because of his proximity to that state. There is no major difference in Sides’ relationship with Louisiana or the other states he represents, Sides said. It should not be perceived that Sides is becoming a “state representative,” the Guidestone representative added. However, the change in location does make for a more personal relationship with Guidestone clients … [Read more...]

Potpourri ALBANY – Old Zion church:  His By Grace in concert; Nov. 19, 6 p.m.; free admission, love offering accepted; Jerry Chapman, minister of music; Bobby Stults, pastor. BOYCE (Gardner Community) – St. Clair church:  The Greene’s in concert; Nov. 17, 7 p.m.; free admission, love offering accepted; Ronnie Parks, pastor. DRY PRONG – First church:  “Eternity – Will You Be Ready?” drama presentation by Jack and Betty Crosby; Nov. 17, 7 p.m.; free admission; nursery provided for all ages, not recommended for children under the age of six; Lloyd Whitman, pastor. SHREVEPORT – Pinecroft church:  Lane Moore, associate director of missions, guest speaker; Nov. 26, 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Marty J. Wright, pastor. KURTHWOOD – Sunny Hill church:  Sign, Sealed and Delivered in concert; Nov. 17, 7 p.m.; free admission, love offering accepted; Ricky Carver, pastor. Revivals MONROE – Loch Arbor church:  Nov. 26, 10:50 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Nov. 27-29, 7 p.m.; Jerry Chaddick, evangelist; Charles Canterberry, music; Andy Myrick, pastor. WILDSVILLE – Evangeline church:  “Monday Night Manna’ one night revival; Dec. 4, 7 p.m.; Perry Gardener, evangelist; Dennis … [Read more...]

“Let us always be mindful of the past, living in he present, and preparing for the future,” writes Pastor Dan Glenn in First Vidalia’s newsletter. The Adult 2 class was to gather Nov. 11 for a bonfire and Christmas  in November. The (apparently) year-long World Missions offering receipts exceed more than $15,000. Deacons one recent Saturday helped prepare members’ vehicles for winter. Mitch Harris is pastor at Goodwood Baton Rouge. He writes in a recent newsletter about the need to be watchful in prayer. “Our prayers are often hampered by a dull drowsy frame of mind,” Harris writes. “We must be on the alert. The Greek word for watch means to be awake or vigilant. Webster’s defines watch as ‘keeping awake in order to guard.’” Last year First Jonesboro filled 170 boxes for Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse. This year they want to do even more. Perry Webb is interim pastor. Charles (wife Judy) Wesley apparently has been called as pastor; at any rate, they’re buying property in the area. Grace Baton Rouge provides Daily Bible Readings in its newsletter. Weekly ministries include JOY Club, Ikebana, AA meeting and a mid-month potluck with a Methodist … [Read more...]

Edgewater Baptist Church has done an excellent job embracing their post-Katrina neighborhood. By Tobey Pittman Special to the Message NEW ORLEANS – Edgewater Baptist Church has done an excellent job embracing their post-Katrina neighborhood. Pastors Kevin Lee and Jason Sampler have inserted themselves very effectively as anchor-points for members and  neighbors who want to return. Even though they are meeting in a tent or in cramped quarters inside the partially renewed facility, Sunday attendance is now greater than it was before the storm! Samaritans Purse has installed a wonderful new playground for the children. Bear Creek Baptist in Katy, Texas, recently installed a new fence around the playground. Pastor Ben needed a deep layer of pea gravel along one side of the playground. He did not know how to order a dump truck of pea gravel in New Orleans. Next door a local construction company was rebuilding a house. Who better to ask? Marvin asked how much gravel was needed. He came over to measure the area, called his office and ordered the gravel. Ben asked what the price would be. Marvin said that he was donating the gravel. This is how God’s new economy works in … [Read more...]

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The North American Mission Board has appointed Vanessa Lynn Kulpa as a Baptist Center missionary, serving in New Orleans, La. Prior to her new post, Vanessa was a sign language interpreter for the First United Methodist Church in St. Augustine, Fla. A Florida native, she earned an A.A.S. degree in sign language at Florida Community College at Jacksonville, Fla., and a B.S. degree in nutrition at the University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Fla. She also attended Saint Johns River Community College, Palatka, Fla. … [Read more...]

A majority of states in America now have adopted constitutional marriage amendments. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) – A majority of states in America now have adopted constitutional marriage amendments. Seven states passed amendments Nov. 7 protecting the natural definition of marriage, bringing to 27 the number of states nationwide that have adopted amendments aimed at prohibiting “gay marriage.” An eighth state, Arizona, seemed to be on the verge of becoming the first one to defeat an amendment, although conservatives there still hoped to see the final count yield a victory. The seven states passed the amendments with an average of 63.6 percent of the vote, ranging from 52 percent in South Dakota to 80 percent in Tennessee. In Colorado, conservatives celebrated a double victory, watching the amendment win easily while also helping defeat Referendum I, which would have granted same-sex couples many of the legal benefits of marriage. It was a somewhat stunning loss for Referendum I after it led in pre-election polls. “This shows that, nationwide, Americans still support marriage,” Glen Lavy, an attorney with the conservative Alliance Defense Fund, told Baptist Press. “They know that marriage … [Read more...]

Throughout Global Missions Week at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, all the activities and sermons were leading to one moment – a chance for the next generation of missionaries to respond to God’s call. NEW ORLEANS (BP) – Throughout Global Missions Week at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, all the activities and sermons were leading to one moment – a chance for the next generation of missionaries to respond to God’s call. When International Mission Board President Jerry Rankin offered that opportunity, a number of students responded by committing their lives to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Rankin did not mince words in his message: He assured the audience that a call to global missions is no easy task. “God is not primarily concerned about your safety and your comfort and your security,” Rankin said. “God’s primary concern is His glory among the nations.” Rankin noted the paradox facing missionaries today: In a world of increasing turmoil, God is bringing about a great harvest. “We are living in a time of probably the greatest mission advance in history, but our news is just filled with chaos, disaster, warfare, violence [and] political upheaval,” he said. … [Read more...]