By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer CROWLEY – Regina Istre received a late Mother’s Day present, but the delay did not lessen her joy. The mother of two was ecstatic May 21 to see her children baptized, and moments later followed them in this step of obedience as well. “It was wonderful to have them walk alongside me on this special day,” said Istre, who gave her heart to Christ and committed to live for Him during a worship service at Berean Baptist Church April 16, the same day as her children. “Knowing that we all will be walking with God in Heaven is something that I can rejoice in. This was a blessing and a great family memory we always will share. “Before we accepted Christ we weren’t whole,” she continued. “But since April 16th when we decided to put Christ in our lives, the change has been evident.” MORE CHANGES Istre and her two children were among nine people baptized in a portable baptistery at the multi-ethnic Berean Baptist Church in Crowley. The special service included a presentation of a certificate of church membership and a shirt containing the church name and logo. “We hold our baptisms outside as a way to reach people who may be passing by and wonder why people are in going underwater … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – As more and more Louisiana Baptists commit to “pray for every home and share Christ with every person” as part of the 2017-2018 Harvest evangelism initiative, a representative with the Billy Graham Evangelism Association told directors of missions and pastors from around the state that as much as prayer plays a role in mass evangelism, planning is critical, too. ORGANIZATION IS KEY “Plan it like an iceberg,” J.W. Hutchens said at the Baptist Mission Center in Pineville, Tuesday, May 16, saying, like an iceberg, so much about a crusade is not readily apparent. “The evangelist is only 10 percent of it,” he emphasized. “Preparation is 50 percent of a crusade. Forty percent is follow-up.” PLANNED PRAYER, TOO But he also underscored the importance of intentional and regular prayer. “If you do not plan on having a great prayer structure for your crusade, don’t have a crusade,” “Prayer God blesses. When you have a crusade, bathe it in prayer.” COOPERATE FOR SUCCESS Hutchens said crusades can range from just a few hundred in attendance to as many as 40,000, and both large- and medium-sized events require a concerted effort of many churches focused on drawing … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message Once again, violent storms have shredded much of north/central Louisiana as powerful storms packing high winds, damaging hail and blinding rain left thousands shaken and more than 75,000 without power. Authorities in Natchitoches, DeSoto, Caddo, Caldwell, Franklin, LaSalle, Winn, Rapides, Catahoula and Concordia parishes reported a number of trees down, homes damaged and people without electricity or phone service. In addition to the swath of destruction, tragically two people were confirmed killed by falling limbs and a one-year old baby was injured when a tree fell on its parent house in the Kickapoo area. Mansfield Police Chief Gary Hobbs gave an indication of the extent of the storm damage. He reported 25 homes had trees on top of them and there were an estimated 70 to 100 trees blocking roads. Hobbs says the police department, fire department and city officials have been working tirelessly to get the roads clear from tree limbs and downed power lines. "We are so blessed here in the city. We did have to extricate an elderly couple, but other than that we really didn’t have any reports of injuries, and to be in such a heavily populated area where it hit, we're absolutely blessed … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Twenty-six Louisiana Baptist churches are just two months away from hosting an international mission trip in their home state. Around 50 South Korean children are expected to participate in the ninth annual Camp USA, a two-week midsummer adventure for elementary and middle school students. They will spend July 14-23 in central Louisiana and the remainder of their time in Ponchatoula. A partnership of REACH Missions and the Korean Baptist Church Development Board, the camp involves 25 churches in Big Creek, Central Louisiana and North Rapides Baptist Associations, along with First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula. UNIQUE EXPERIENCE The children will participate in Vacation Bible School, games, English classes and other activities at CENLA area churches and the Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center in Woodworth. After a week in central Louisiana, the campers will depart for southeast Louisiana where the South Koreans will enjoy recreational activities and excursions and take part in a music camp at First Baptist Ponchatoula with children of the church. The week will conclude with a musical performance July 30, 6:30 p.m., in the First Baptist Ponchatoula worship … [Read more...]