The Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola once was known as the bloodiest prison in America. But today, thousands of inmates have professed Christ as Lord and Savior, and violence has decreased by 85 percent. Of the 6,300 inmates now held at Angola, nearly 50 percent are thought to be Christians. Some of that change has occurred through a program at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, which has a campus inside the prison walls. “Thank you so much for the prayers,” former Angola Warden Burl Cain said, speaking directly to Louisiana Baptists during the taping of an exclusive interview with the Baptist Message. “And thank you for your dollars. And thank you for being a good steward. Thank you for letting us have the opportunity to show how we can change lives in prison.” Look for a complete story on this and why Cain was exonerated of charges of wrongdoings Friday at 2 pm at baptistmessage.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq8BhxLT5e0&feature=youtu.be   … [Read more...]

By Lisa Sergent, Director of Communications, Illinois Baptist State Association LEESVILLE - Funeral arrangements have been made for Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) volunteer Don Fulkerson, who died of a heart attack Tuesday, March 29, while serving flood victims in Leesville, Louisiana. Fulkerson, 77, was with a group of trained DR workers from First Baptist Church of Galatia, IL, and volunteers from other Illinois Baptist churches. Visitation will take place Friday, April 1 from 6-9 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Galatia, 108 E. Church St., Galatia, IL 62935. His funeral will be Saturday, April 2 at 11 a.m. also at First Baptist Church of Galatia. Fulkerson was a member of the church. Rex Alexander, Disaster Relief coordinator for the Illinois Baptist State Association (IBSA), suggested DR volunteers attending the funeral, “wear your yellow shirts in honor of Don’s faithful service to the Lord through Disaster Relief Ministry.” Southern Baptist DR volunteers are easily identified at disaster recovery scenes by the bright yellow shirts they wear. “The callout to Louisiana was Don’s 15th response over a period of only four years and his wife, Margie, was almost always by his side serving whenever the opportunity … [Read more...]

By Message Staff NATCHITOCHES - After eight consecutive days of clearing debris from yards and cleaning out the inside of homes damaged by recent flooding in Natchitoches, students from Northwestern State University’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry have taken a break from disaster relief efforts. But their work is far from over. Since last week, 25 students from the BCM have completed jobs at six homes. Once they return from spring break next week, the students will continue their disaster relief efforts after morning classes on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. Most of the homeowners they assisted were Louisiana Baptists, though the students did share the gospel with one homeowner who is not a member of a Baptist church. While the homeowner did not accept Christ, NSU BCM Director Bill Collins said the seeds were planted for a possible conversion one day. “This was a powerful witness by the student who took the time to slow down and talk with the homeowner,” Collins said. “All of these students displayed compassion and were excited to share their faith in this way.” … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer LEESVILLE – An Illinois Baptist State Association Disaster Relief worker has died while working in Louisiana. Don Fulkerson died on Tuesday while serving those affected by the flooding in the state. Fulkerson, and his wife, Margie, were serving with other members of the First Baptist Church Galatia Baptist Disaster Relief team in Leesville when he experienced a heart attack. Attempts by team members and emergency personnel to revive Fulkerson, 77, were unsuccessful. The team is making the return trip back to Illinois today. “The callout to Louisiana was Don’s 15th response over a period of only four years and his wife, Margie, was almost always by his side serving whenever the opportunity arose,” said Rex Alexander, disaster relief coordinator for the Illinois Baptist State Association. “Their faithful service to Christ brought great joy to both of them as they served side by side in the ministry of Disaster Relief.” Nate Adams, executive director for the Illinois Baptist State Association, echoed the thought. “Our Illinois Baptist family certainly grieves with and is in prayer for the Fulkerson family, and the entire church family at First Baptist in Galatia,” Adams … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer JONESVILLE – The flood waters were almost to the steps of the home of Jamie Cole March 20 but nothing was going to deter him from getting to church. With much of the Larto community battling four to five feet of floodwaters, the only way Cole, and many of his neighbors, could get around was by boat. OK, if that is what it took. So last Sunday morning, Cole put on chest waders, loaded his Bible in a ziplock bag, got into his boat and made the four-mile trek to Larto Baptist Church, his favorite destination. “Everywhere we go, we have to go by boat because of the high water,” Cole said. “I figure if I can go to work and town by boat, I can certainly go to church by boat. “It’s the only means of transportation right now,” he continued. “If you go anywhere it’s by boat. I wasn’t going to stay home just because I had to go by boat.” The first time to come to church on a boat, Cole said the experience tickled many friends and family, including himself. “My kids, who are grown, loved it and I even thought it was cool,” Cole said. “How many times do you get the chance to come to church in a boat?” Clay Fuqua, pastor of Larto Baptist Church, said that determination to … [Read more...]

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By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer Volunteers are pouring into Louisiana by the droves. Some have given up their spring break while others have taken time off work to offer a helping hand and share Christ’s love with thousands of flood victims. Since historic storms dumped record amounts of rainfall over the state causing widespread flooding in early March, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams from 16 states have answered the call for help and those volunteers have been working tirelessly to help victims get back on their feet. And to compound matters, another round of severe weather is expected beginning late Wednesday evening. The National Weather Service (NWS) indicates every region of the state is under a slight to marginal risk for severe weather through Thursday. According to the NWS, large hail, damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes are possible during this event.  Forecasters say up to four inches of rain could fall in certain areas causing flash flood concerns across the state. With more than 13,000 homes already flooded, it is not the type of news that rain-weary Louisianans want to hear. BY THE NUMBERS After the first incident command center was established on March 14, SBDR … [Read more...]