By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer KENNER, La. (LBM) – Members of First Baptist Church, Kenner, recently accepted a God-sized challenge and raised, in one day, much of the $450,000 deductible needed to repair the worship center damaged by Hurricane Ida. By the end of the Dec. 12 worship service, members had raised $367,361 that, when combined with another $80,000 given from the New Orleans Baptist Association and Louisiana Baptist Convention, provided enough to begin renovations. Interim Pastor Reggie Ogea, who also is a professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, said he was amazed that 71 families stepped out in faith and committed to help their church rebuild. “I am still astounded, and the folks are, too,” Ogea told the Baptist Message. “When you consider that many of our families were still struggling themselves to make repairs to their own homes after Ida, they truly gave sacrificially. They have a strong sense that God is about to do something.” TRANSITION TIME FBC Kenner has been in transition since Ogea became interim pastor in April 2021. The congregation recognized the need to revitalize, and on June 27 voted to become the fourth member of First Baptist Church, Covington’s … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff KYIV, Ukraine (LBM) – Several Louisiana Baptist families have asked the faith community to join them in prayer as they attempt to finalize the adoption of their Ukrainian children. Russia invaded the country on Feb. 24, and the action subsequently may delay the adoption process. Sherrie Albritton, minister to children at Fair Park Baptist Church, West Monroe, her husband, Kirk, and four other individuals operate International Host Connection, a non-profit organization that places Ukrainian children with host home families in the United States for an unspecified amount of time, with the end goal being adoption. She said some of the families who have worked through their organization have been approved for adoption in the next month, but now face possible delays. “I ask that you pray for the orphanages that we have close contacts with as they try to move the children to safety,” Albritton told the Baptist Message. “And pray for the children and their health. Many children are sick and need medication but have no way to get it. “Finally, please lift up our missionaries that have chosen to stay and minister to the Ukrainian people and pray that Christians will turn to Him during this time,” … [Read more...]

By Staff CHENEYVILLE, La. – Kennith Gordon, pastor of Beulah Baptist Church, Cheneyville, died Thursday, Feb. 17. Gordon, 48, served in ministry for more 18 years with the last two years at Beulah Baptist. Before coming to Beulah, he was pastor of Bougere Baptist Church, Vidalia, Macedonia Baptist Church, Effie, Baptist Temple Church, Alexandria, and Oak Grove Baptist Church, Bentley. Gordon is survived by his wife, Susan; sons, Liam, Kieran and Silas, all of Cheneyville; daughters, Stella and Isla, both of Cheneyville; God daughter, Mkayla Sikes and her son, Jax Garr of Lecompte; and his parents, William David and Bobbie Ann “Mam Mam.” He was preceded in death by his brother, Brandon; maternal grandparents, Dan and Millie Wiley; paternal grandparents, Taft and Hazel Gordon; mother and father-in-law, Jimmy and Gail Ingram. Family and friends gathered Feb. 22 at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Marksville, for a celebration of life service. He was  buried the same day at Pease Cemetery in Larto.     … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff HORNBECK, La. (LBM) – After a year-long hiatus, an overflow crowd of more than 600 men welcomed the return of annual wild game supper at First Baptist Church, Hornbeck by packing the church’s fellowship hall. COVID-19 prevented the church from having the popular event last year and organizers were excited to see the response to its return. The 32nd annual event on Feb. 18 featured a variety of wild game cuisine, numerous hunting and fishing giveaways and an inspiring message by Alaskan game guide Billy Molls. It also netted 78 decisions for Christ. According to sponsors, 37 men professed their faith in Christ and another 41 restored their fellowship with the Lord. A follow-up team plans to contact each person who made a decision. “The most humbling and exciting blessing of the night was those who place their faith in Jesus,” FBC Hornbeck Pastor Jack Bell told the Baptist Message. “We had a fantastic night and our gracious Lord blessed tremendously.” In his message, Molls shared that for the past 24 years he has led sportsmen from around the globe to some of the most remote regions of Alaska in pursuit of moose, caribou, wolves, bear and sheep. And even though he has enjoyed each hunt, … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONROE, La. (LBM) – First Baptist Church, Monroe, was at a crossroads in 2020 when they learned repairs to their 110-year-old facility would cost $16.3 million. The congregation, which had worshipped at the same location since the church’s founding in 1854, could either make the necessary repairs or relocate and build at another location in the city. After months of prayer and fasting and a series of congregational meetings, the church voted unanimously in June to sell its facility and build on Tower Drive, an area of town with a flurry of new construction projects. Pastor James Doughty said the experience has been humbling. He believes God has opened doors for a move that will position the church to reach future generations for many years to come. “Through the whole process, God has been so faithful,” Doughty said. “Everything in his timing has worked out perfectly. God aligned everything perfectly. God did it. The way God opened doors, the favor we had through the negotiations, it excites me to see the church be willing to do whatever it takes to reach people with the Gospel.” Construction on the multi-purpose facility is expected to begin in early February, and … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff LOUISVILLE, Colorado (LBM) – A Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief team recently assisted residents in southeastern Boulder County in Colorado whose homes were destroyed by historic wildfires in late December. The seven-member team from Walker and Natchitoches spent the week of Feb. 15-20 helping recovery efforts at 10 home sites ravaged by fire. According to the Associated Press, two of the most destructive wildfires in decades, fanned by historic 100-mile-per-hour winds, destroyed over 6,000 acres, caused at least $513 million in damage and destroyed nearly 1,100 homes and structures. Louisiana Baptist DR team member David Cheatwood said among the items they recovered were a high school championship ring and a set of fine China from Germany. He said while the team did not see anyone accept Christ, they prayed with everyone at the 10 homesites. “There were lots of tears of joy when the homeowners saw us find something valuable to them,” Cheatwood told the Baptist Message. “For these people, they have lost nearly everything and found great comfort in the prayers and our presence. “Please pray for the residents as they deal with insurance and other details,” he said. “And pray for those who … [Read more...]