By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer METAIRIE, La. (LBM) –Hurricane Ida wreaked significant damage to five of Celebration Church’s eight campus facilities and hundreds of members’ homes, Aug. 29, 2021. But instead of pausing, the congregation has pressed forward in ministry, despite substantial repair needs. “Serving our community has been a part of our DNA for a long time,” Celebration Church Lead Pastor Dennis Watson told the Baptist Message. “For most of our history we have talked about how we exist to bring honor and glory to God and to help people in the communities around us. We tell people when they join our church, we expect them to serve in the church or community, or both. Our people, in the midst of their own personal challenges and tragedies, continue to reach out to help others.” COVID STRUGGLES Like other Louisiana Baptist congregations, Celebration Church was not immune from the impacts of COVID. In January 2020, Celebration Church averaged 7,000 in combined worship attendance at its eight campuses in the New Orleans area and Northshore. But two months later, COVID-related safety concerns caused the church to move to online-only worship. When in-person services resumed, June 2020, … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer PELICAN POINT, Bahamas (LBM) – A Louisiana Baptist-led effort to help St. Matthew Baptist Church rebuild three years after Hurricane Dorian leveled their facility is nearing completion. According to Stan Statham, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief strategist, 90 percent of the work has been completed on the Pelican Point facilities. Remaining work includes installation of doors, air conditioning system and restrooms. Leaders are anticipating an April dedication of the facility. “Our volunteers and churches have committed to seeing this rebuild ministry through to completion for the glory of God,” Statham told the Baptist Message. St. Matthew Baptist is one of nine Baptist churches (there are a total of 13 Baptist churches on the island) severely damaged or destroyed by the storm that packed 185- mile per hour winds at the height of Hurricane Dorian on Sept. 2, 2019. Louisiana is among several states participating in ‘Bahama Rebuild,’ a partnership with the International Mission Board and Baptist Global Response. Louisiana and Mississippi have sent numerous teams to rebuild the church while the Baptist state conventions of Alabama and North Carolina are sending … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Leon Hyatt, former Louisiana Baptist Convention president and a missions services staff member, died Wednesday, Jan. 26. He was 95. GOD & COUNTRY A native of Lake Charles, Hyatt, at nine years old, surrendered his life to Christ and was baptized at Trinity Baptist Church, Lake Charles. A year later, God used the Royal Ambassador ministry at Trinity to call Hyatt to the ministry. Before launching into his lifetime of vocational service to God, Hyatt enlisted in the U.S. Army and was awarded the Purple Heart after he was injured in the battle to liberate Wingen sur Moder, Alcase, France, from Nazi control. After completing his military service in 1946, Hyatt enrolled at Louisiana College and then was called as pastor of Gillis First Baptist Church, Lake Charles. He also was pastor of Woodlawn Baptist Church, Baton Rouge (1949-1955), First Baptist Church, Houma (1955-1976) and Pineville Grace Baptist Church, Libuse (2002-2011). As a member of the LBC missions staff (1976-1993), Hyatt served, at separate times, as language missions director, Cooperative Missions director and as church extension director. He also was active in other areas of Southern Baptist life, including … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Paul Allbritton wanted to use his financial knowledge as a ministry when he became manager of the Baptist Employees of Louisiana Credit Union in 2010. Allbritton, who will retire, Feb. 14, from what is now the Louisiana Baptist Federal Credit Union, is grateful for the opportunity God has given him to help hundreds of members obtain car loans, refinance high interest rate credit card loans and receive financial advice based on biblical precepts. “My time here has been very rewarding,” Allbritton told the Baptist Message. “I’ve loved working with people over these years and have enjoyed helping members who sometimes may not have been able to get help in other places.” Allbritton, a native of Shreveport, previously worked at three other credit unions: Alexandria USDA Credit Union, Pineville (vice president of lending, 1988-2006); Willis-Knighton Federal Credit Union, Shreveport (president/CEO, 2007-2009); and Heart of Louisiana Federal Credit Union, Pineville (formerly Alexandria USDA FCU; collections manager, 2009-2010). When he assumed his BELCU role in 2010, membership was restricted to employees of the Louisiana Baptist Convention and its … [Read more...]