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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Churches must abandon 600MHz wireless sound systems

By Diana Chandler, Baptist Press WASHINGTON (BP) -- Churches that haven't updated their wireless sound system may have trouble being heard on any given Sunday, as the federal government is phasing out the 600MHz frequencies many congregations use. The Federal Communications Commission will complete the transition of the 617-652 MHz and 663-698 MHz spectrum bands from wireless microphones and television broadcasts by July 13, 2020, but the transition began in 2017. The frequencies are being transitioned to wireless communicators such as cellphone companies to meet industry demand, and will become unavailable for use by wireless mic systems by the 2020 deadline or earlier, according to the FCC. Violators could face fines or additional criminal penalties, the FCC reported. T-Mobile bought 45 percent of the available 600MHz spectrum during a 2017 auction when the transition began, the company announced, with a purchase price of $7.99 billion. Churches that haven't updated their wireless sound systems in recent years are more vulnerable to sound system failure, LifeWay Christian Resources' Mike Harland told Baptist Press. "Where it would impact churches is if they have wireless equipment that may be a few years … [Read more...]

Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief teams complete work on eight homes in LaPlace, Reserve

By Message Staff LAPLACE/RESERVE - Since early Thursday, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief teams have completed work in LaPlace and Reserve on eight homes, tarping the roofs and removing debris and cutting down tree limbs, according to Billy Puckett, director of community ministry at New Orleans Baptist Association. Puckett is also  coordinating Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief efforts in St. John the Baptist Parish. Two chainsaw teams, one tarp team and three assessor teams that include a chaplain with each assessor team are working the area. Puckett said they will continue their effort at least through the weekend. At which time, they will determine if will still be needed since many other organizations are coming to the aid of storm victims. Puckett said the unity portrayed by the faith-based community and the residents of St. John the Baptist Parish has been evident, not just in work on homes but in a prayer service held at Percy Hebert Building in LaPlace. More than 100 people attended the service. The various denominations are rotating days and times of feeding the community, Puckett said. “This community is very familiar with disaster relief,” Puckett said. “A lot of neighbors who didn’t receive any damage are … [Read more...]

Projects, partnerships and a conference highlight LBCH board meeting

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer MONROE – Construction is common place these days on the campus of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and its executive director knows how much of a blessing it is for the changed lives of children and women in the state. Renovation is scheduled to begin in November for the cottages serving children and house parents. Two other projects are also scheduled to begin soon that will benefit children and their mothers who are transitioning from a homeless lifestyle to one of job readiness. “We are so grateful for special friends who are making the much-needed renovations and new cottages possible,” Perry Hancock, president and CEO of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries, shared during the recent trustees meeting. Peace Cottage will receive new flooring, an updated kitchen and paneling will be removed. Moreover, all eight of the cottages, built in the 1970s, will  have been renovated by early 2016. Grace and Feazell cottages were the first to receive renovations in 2013. Since then, Joy, Rucker, Love, Hope and Faith have also received updates. While the cottage is receiving its renovations, construction has begun on Maggie’s Place, the first of … [Read more...]

Is America anti-semitic?

By Michael Foust, Christian Examiner NEW YORK (Christian Examiner) – Would you have risked the lives of yourself and your family during World War II to hide Jews from the Nazis? Although a majority of Americans say they would, a third say they would not, according to a new Barna survey that coincides with the DVD and digital release of "Return To The Hiding Place." That film is based on a true story and recounts the heroic efforts of the college students and young adults who helped Corrie ten Boom, a Christian woman in Holland, hide Jews after Hitler invaded the Netherlands. Thirty-one percent of Americans said they would not while 69 percent said they would. To read the rest of the article, click here. … [Read more...]

Louisiana College three-day revival begins tonight

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer Louisiana College kicks off its three-day campus revival tonight, with Dr. Sammy Tippit bringing a message at 6 pm. The annual revival will also take place the following day, with Lee Howell, Founder of Awaken Men Ministries and Director of St George Island Christian Retreat Center, presenting his message at 6:30 pm. The revival concludes on Thursday when renowned youth evangelist Curtis Zackery speaks in chapel at 11 am and that evening at 6:30 pm. Area churches will lead music each session. The Gathering Place will lead music on the first day; Zion Hill Church on Wednesday; the LC Chapel band at 11 am and the Philadelphia Baptist Church choir at 6:30 pm on Thursday. In the past, Dr. David Allen and last year Dr. John Bisagno, Dr. Alvin Reid, and Dr. Sammy Tippit spoke at the Joseph Willis Symposium, which served as the Campus Revival. Philip Caples, Vice President of Integration for Faith and Learning and Assistant Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry at LC, encouraged pastors, the campus community and others around the state to attend this year's revival. "We have great speakers and worship leaders, and the atmosphere on campus is set for the Lord to move in a powerful way," he … [Read more...]