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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Florida set to ban sanctuary cities

By Message Staff TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (LBM) – The chambers of Florida’s legislature have passed competing bills banning sanctuary cities in the state, with the House version imposing a $5,000-per- day fine for each day that a sanctuary-city policy is in place and including a rule to suspend or remove government employees or elected officials who defy the ban. But both bills require local and state law enforcement to honor any federal agency’s request for detention of any person believed to be a “removable alien” under federal immigration law. If the differences can be worked out, observers expect Gov. DeSantis to sign the reconciled bill into law, with Florida joining nine other states (Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas) to enact such a mandate. A 2017 bill that would have prohibited sanctuary cities in Louisiana was left to die in committee, but the impact of that legislative failure is uncertain. The Center of Immigration Studies lists New Orleans as a “sanctuary city,” however the city signed a 2012 federal consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice Louisiana which governs its conduct with regard to reporting the immigration status of “victims or … [Read more...]

New Orleans flood insurance coverage at risk

By Message Staff NEW ORLEANS (LBM) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has declared that the $14 billion spent to fortify the Greater New Orleans area against flooding in the wake of devastation by Hurricane Katrina is at risk of failure, putting the region at risk of being disqualified from participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. In a “Notice of Intent” to prepare an environmental impact statement as part of a re-evaluation report, USACE stated the previous work it had completed to upgrade the levees, floodwalls, gates and pumps to reduce hurricane and storm damage risk at the “100-year level” was in peril in part due to weak soils and subsidence (sinking). The statement said an “engineering analysis” indicated the measures previously taken could be for naught “as early as 2023 … absent future levee lifts.” At that point, USACE will notify FEMA of the loss of risk reduction, “which may result in the loss of accreditation required for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.” … [Read more...]

Drills put participants through biblical paces

By Holly Jo Linzay Regional Reporter PINEVILLE – Intense concentration furrowed the brows of the nine ninth- grade students lined up across the stage in a face-off battle in the state Bible Drill competition. A scripture reference was called. The drill conductor said, “Start.” The students quickly flipped through their Bibles and then stepped forward when the verse was found. Time was called after eight seconds. In the end, two freshmen – Milain Marce, Ascension Baptist Church in Gonzales, and Jackson Barnes, First Baptist Church in Covington – were named winners and this summer will represent Louisiana Baptists in the Youth Division of the Bible Drill national competition in Concord, North Carolina. That match is representative of a day of fierce competition at the 2019 Louisiana Baptist State Youth and High School Bible Drill and Speakers Tournament held April 27 at the First Baptist Church in Pineville. Brandon Lewis, LBC youth ministry strategist, said Bible Drill is part of a discipleship program designed to assist youth in developing useful skills and knowledge of the Bible. The program teaches and tests students’ knowledge of the books of the Bible basic beliefs and doctrinal convictions, and, different … [Read more...]

Louisiana Notables

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 James H. Miller retired April 14 as pas­tor of the First Baptist Church, Spearsville. John Elliott retired April 28 from Em­manuel Baptist Church, Natchitoches. David Correira has resigned as pastor of Eastside Baptist Church, Ponchatoula. Stan Wyant is the new pastor at Faith Baptist Church, Bastrop. John-Robert Phillips is the new associ­ate pastor to students at First Baptist Church, Hammond. Haven Kinchen is the new director of children’s ministries at First Baptist Church, Hammond. Robert Robinson is the new pastor at Covenant Baptist Church, Slidell. Joseph (wife Megan) Cumberland is the new youth pastor at Rose Park Baptist Church from First Baptist Church, Tallulah. REVIVAL Social Springs Baptist Church, Ringgold: Harvest Sunday, May 12, 11 a.m. Evange­list: Sam Moore. … [Read more...]

Big numbers jumpstart ABC construction project

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer EUNICE – A million dollar gift to the Acadian Baptist Center has helped jumpstart construction on a much-needed new worship center, with camp leaders, board members and supporters breaking ground April 11 in a ceremony to launch construction and to celebrate how God has provided financially to build the facility. “A man and his wife came to summer camp worship and saw the gym full to the brim, and couldn’t stop thinking about our need for a new worship center,” camp director James Newsom told the Baptist Message. “He said I don’t know how God speaks to you but I couldn’t quit thinking about your need for the worship center so my wife and I decided to help you get started.” When completed in April 2020, the $3 million, 18,000-sq.-ft. facility will accommodate up to 1,000 people. More than $2.3 million has been raised in gifts and pledges. Additionally, the camp is signing up volunteers to augment the work performed by professional crews, he said. “It’s really exciting to finally get this project started because it’s such a God thing,” Newsom said. “Attendance has increased to 3,000 for camp, and we are thrilled the kids will have a nice worship center to enjoy. So many people … [Read more...]

Are you feasting or fasting on God’s Word?

By Rick Warren “How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey” (Psalm 119:103 NLT). After my wife Kay and I got engaged, we did something unusual: We moved to opposite sides of the world. She moved to Birmingham, Alabama, to work in an inner-city church, and I moved to Nagasaki, Japan, to plant a church. We were separated most of our engagement.In those days, we didn’t have cell phones. It cost $15 a minute to call Japan, and we were dirt poor. So we only had one alternative: writing letters. We each wrote a letter every day, and receiving hers was the highlight of my day during that time. The moment a love letter arrived, I would tear it open and read it. Then I would reread it and try to read between the lines. I’d underline and memorize portions of it. I was trying to gather every drop of love this woman had for me. What if we read the Bible—God’s love letter to us—that same way? If you’re not poring over the Bible, trying to glean every bit of wisdom from it, then you are not fully tasting the banquet that God has prepared for you. Psalm 119:103 says, “How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey” (NLT). This Bible is full of nourishment—spiritual food that will keep you healthy, … [Read more...]

LC adjusts so 13 athletes experience an ‘early commencement’

By Message Staff PINEVILLE – Thirteen Louisiana College athletes won’t have to miss commencement as the school held an early service, Wednesday, May 1 at Martin Performing Arts Center. The 13 athletes will be participating in the American Southwest Conference baseball and softball tournaments which will be played this weekend and would not have been able to attend the regularly schedule commencement ceremony on Saturday. School President Rick Brewer told the graduating students that LC strived to help the students earn their credentials, prepare for a career, discover their calling and build character. He emphasized that they make God a priority as they enter the workforce. “As you go out into life and go into the next place God has called you, live in stature,” Brewer said during the ceremony inside the Martin Performing Arts Center. “But pursue increasing in wisdom. And learn to grown in favor with God and man.” The 164th annual commencement is scheduled for 10 a.m., May 4 at the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, at which time 250 degrees will be conferred. The event will feature keynote speaker Johnny Martin, chairman of Martin Sustainable Resources at Roy O. Martin. LC will also bestow honorary … [Read more...]

Ten characteristics of life in Jesus

By David Cranford Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6b, CSB) and “Because I live, you will live too.” (John 14:19b, CSB) What is life in Jesus like? Life in Jesus is incarnate– our life is lived in Him and He lives in us Life in Jesus is eternal– eternal in quantity AND quality Life in Jesus is whole– complete, with shalom Life in Jesus is free– there is no condemnation, but justification Life in Jesus is spiritual– our spirit is alive again Life in Jesus is significant– abundant, full of purpose & production Life in Jesus is joyful– comes with a new perspective -> contentment Life in Jesus is thankful– filled with gratitude Life in Jesus is challenging– there is bread to sustain growth Life in Jesus is transformative– changes us & others Scripture is just really clear about this issue of life and Jesus: “The one who has the Son has life. The one who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:12, CSB) David Cranford is senior pastor of the First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula. This editorial first appeared on his blog. … [Read more...]

The ‘Mailman,’ former NBA legend, delivers to Tech BCM after tornado

By Message Staff RUSTON – Former NBA legend Karl Malone recently gave an assist to the Louisiana Tech Baptist Collegiate Ministry, whose chapel sustained significant damage from an EF3 tornado that touched down in Ruston Thursday, April 25. Malone, a Summerfield native and Louisiana Tech alum, used his construction equipment Friday to help BCM staff and students remove a large tree that had fallen onto the roof of the chapel during the height of the storm. Kevin Inman, director of the Louisiana Tech BCM, said Malone is among the many volunteers who have stepped up to help the BCM to clean up the chapel and grounds. The staff also was joined by BCM staff and students from Northwestern State University and Louisiana State University, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief Teams, numerous Louisiana Baptist churches and volunteers from the community. “It’s been amazing to see so many people to give of their time and resources,” Inman said. “We are just so grateful for every single individual who has helped us during this time.” While the chapel was damaged, other areas of the BCM complex were not impacted. Students will utilize the lobby to meet for worship, lunch meetings and other outreach activities while the chapel is … [Read more...]

Situation reversed as Ruston’s Burkhardt now on receiving end

By Message Staff RUSTON – Hunter Burkhardt has ministered to hundreds as a staff member of Rolling Hills Ministries, but a tornado that severely damaged his home in Ruston Thursday, April 25, left him on the receiving end of much needed assistance. Burkhardt, who serves as human resources manager, arrived at the home of Rolling Hills Ministries Director David Abernathy 15 minutes before the tornado touched down in his neighborhood shortly after midnight Thursday. Once the storm had passed, Burkhardt ventured back into his neighborhood to find numerous downed trees and power lines as well as homes, including his own, badly damaged or destroyed. By early Friday morning, a Disaster Relief team from First Baptist Church in Blanchard and individuals from Grand Cane Baptist Church arrived to remove debris, including two trees that went through his home. Others from the Rolling Hills Disaster Relief Team and residents of Ruston finished removing debris late Friday. Burkhardt said he has appreciated the support and love the community has shown to himself and others since the EF3 tornado devastated homes and businesses. “The response has been phenomenal,” he said. “I’ve seen this community come together and organize at a … [Read more...]