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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Edwards loosens COVID-19 restrictions, moves Louisiana into Phase 3

By Baptist Message staff BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana, which has been in Phase 2 of reopening the state’s economy since Nov. 25, will move into the next phase on March 3. Gov. John Bel Edwards, during a news conference March 2, said while the mask mandate will remain in place and social distancing encouraged, churches will be allowed to operate at 100 percent capacity and restaurants, malls and most other businesses can accommodate customers at 75 percent capacity. The new order will remain in effect until it expires at the end of the month. Sporting venues can hold 50 percent capacity, and gatherings at indoor centers should not exceed 50 percent occupancy, up to 250 people. Conventions, conferences, fairs and festivals also may operate at up to 50 percent capacity. Bars in all parishes will be authorized to open for indoor service up to 25 percent capacity, and at 50 percent if a parish has a positivity rate of 5 percent or lower for two consecutive weeks. “We are currently moving in the right direction and have been for several weeks now,” Edwards said. “And certainly, we are all gratified for that.” The news comes a day after the state surpassed 1 million administered doses of COVID-19 vaccines, … [Read more...]

Are you ready to pray?

By Stewart Holloway PINEVILLE, La. - I’ve heard people say, “If that doesn’t light your fire, your wood is wet.” I would say that about yesterday. It’s been a while since I had a 15 1/2 hour Sunday and was so jazzed when I got home that it was hard to come down. But yesterday was that. First, we had baptisms in both services. In the first service, I baptized a father and daughter. That kind of baptism is always extra special, especially when the little girl says, “Yes sir!” with joy and certainty when I ask, “Have you trusted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?” Second, in our second service, we honored a young man who made a difference in a kid’s life. That moment was moving as our entire congregation stood and clapped, some wiping tears from their eyes. Third, we had our highest worship attendance since the shut down a year ago, falling just twenty-five people short of pre-Covid attendance. It was also good to see even more of our people back for the first time in a year. Every Sunday is like a homecoming now! We had powerful worship services. I got a text from one person watching online that simple read, “Glory!” People left saying, “I felt the Spirit today” and “I feel like I’ve been to heaven.” Fourth, … [Read more...]