By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Instead of going to the beach or amusement park for spring break, middle school students from Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria, chose to stay home for a mission “trip.” By the conclusion of their April 2-4 effort in Alexandria, the 25 sixth through eighth grade students, plus 10 adult leaders, were reminded they do not have to travel to another part of the United States or thousands of miles overseas to share the Gospel and show the love of Christ to others. “We talk about missions and a lot of our middle schoolers think it’s overseas,” CBC Middle School Minister Anthony Work told the Baptist Message. “But missions also are in our backyard. Our Jerusalem is right here in Central Louisiana. We brought to light that they can serve and pour out in those places that are familiar and need Jesus’ love too.” The team shopped for food items and supplies that they used to fill boxes for the Fostering Community, a local non-profit organization whose mission is “to improve the lives of children impacted by foster care through advocacy, resources, and support.” The students also toured and spruced up the CENLA Pregnancy Center building and grounds; … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Jacob Crawford is on a mission to help Louisiana Baptists meet a goal of expanding God’s Kingdom in the state by 1 percent over the next decade. As a new Send Network Louisiana church planting strategist, Crawford is excited about how planting 231 new churches by 2033 could reap eternal fruit. “I really believe we can see a movement take place in our state as people come to know Jesus and more disciples are made and churches are planted across the state,” Crawford told Baptist Message. “Our heart is Louisiana. We want to see Louisiana come to Christ. “Louisiana Baptists have continually blessed my family and the churches that we planted over the years. We have experienced first-hand the amazing work of God that results from the prayer, partnership, and participation of Louisiana Baptists. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve Louisiana Baptists and seek to have a Kingdom impact in the state.” A veteran church planter for 18 years, Crawford started Life Point Community Church, Mansura (2006-2020). During that time, he saw the church grow from 10 to over 250 and baptize 435. Through the years, he served in a variety of other ministerial … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff (LBM) – The Louisiana Baptist Foundation has reached its highest short-term fund rate in more than 16 years. According to LBF Executive Director Jeff Steed, the annualized rate of 4.00 percent is being earned by churches and other ministry accounts all over the state. Like a savings account, the short-term fund allows churches to invest their money with no minimum balance or investment period, limitless and penalty-free withdrawals, deposits and accounts, and daily-earned interest that helps steward funds for Kingdom impact. Steed added that the fund often offers higher interest rates than those provided through a traditional bank while providing access and availability each business day by phone, email, fax, mail or in-person visit to the foundation office inside the Louisiana Baptist Building in Alexandria. “In the last 12 months, over $4 million was generated for short-term fund accounts for churches and other ministries,” Steed told the Baptist Message. “We are very grateful that God is continuing to bless the Foundation’s ministry through maximizing impact for those whom we have the honor to serve.” The short-term fund is one of many ways the foundation partners with Louisiana Baptist … [Read more...]