Two couples from Louisiana were among the 105 people appointed by the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board during a recent commissioning service at First Baptist Church of Houston.  HOUSTON (BP) – Two couples from Louisiana were among the 105 people appointed by the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board during a recent commissioning service at First Baptist Church of Houston. Ian and Katie Brou, and Carrie and Shannon Lewis were among those appointed during the Nov. 11 service, which brings the total of Southern Baptist Missionaries serving overseas to 5,541. The Houston group was the third-largest  number appointed since at least 1980. IMB President Jerry Rankin closed out the trustee meeting that was concurrent with the appointment service by asking trustees to sign a large globe as a symbol of their commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission. “A thrilling aspect of our work over the years has been to see the attitude of our missionaries who started using the expression ‘wigtake,’” Rankin said. “When faced with a challenging assignment or danger or formidable task, they respond with that expression – witake – whatever it’s going to take.” … [Read more...]

At least 200 Southern Baptist Convention-endorsed military chaplains will be pleasantly surprised with a box of Christmas goodies by Dec. 25. ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) – At least 200 Southern Baptist Convention-endorsed military chaplains will be pleasantly surprised with a box of Christmas goodies by Dec. 25. Chaplains in Iraq and Afghanistan will receive boxes of candy, instant coffee and hot chocolate, powdered soft drinks, snacks, CDs, books and magazines, toiletries, batteries, pre-paid phone cards, socks, boot laces, sunglasses and even small Christmas trees and decorations. Some 100 North American Mission Board employees and members of several Atlanta-area Baptist churches collected and boxed the items as a “symbol of love” for the chaplains, said Keith Travis, team leader of NAMB’s chaplaincy evangelism team in Alpharetta, Ga. Travis initiated the project because he “felt like we needed to do something to let the chaplains know we’re thinking of them at the holidays because the chaplains in Iraq and Afghanistan are doing such a great job over there. Other than this, all we can do for them is pray. “These chaplains are serving on the front lines as pastors for our soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines,” Travis … [Read more...]

Thank you. Thank you. Two words that indicate recognition and express appreciation of a kindness received from a source outside of ourselves. Thus it was in 1621 that the Pilgrims took time out from the busy task of survival to offer a “thank you” to the ultimate outside source – God. While I am sure they were appreciative to the natives who had befriended them, the first English settlers – in what would come to be known as America – paused for several days of feasting, reflection and prayer dedicated to God. They celebrated His goodness, they remembered His faithfulness and they expressed with their lips a harmonious “thank you.” Despite the best efforts of some to paint the first thanksgiving with a politically correct brush, the Indians were not the focus of the Pilgrims’ gratitude. The Native Americans were included in the feast and recognized for their assistance to be sure, but it was God who was supremely “thanked.” The fruits of the earth were enjoyed, but Mother Nature was never mentioned during the days of thanksgiving. In a letter dated Dec. 12, 1621, Edward Winslow described the Pilgrims’ three days of celebration. One phrase in the letter – sprinkled with references and praise to God – is most … [Read more...]

The recent elections accentuate the need to change the adjectives that describe those who reflect biblical social/moral positions compared to those who call themselves Christians but succumb to media hype. The recent elections accentuate the need to change the adjectives that describe those who reflect biblical social/moral positions compared to those who call themselves Christians but succumb to media hype. Instead of calling biblically-oriented followers of Christ “conservative” Christians, it is time to call those who practice biblical values “convictional” Christians. The word conservative has multiple uses. It is employed to discuss fiscal policy, a major moral position, one’s attire, or the rate of speed a person or organization reacts to a circumstance. In the political realm, the word conservative is a relative term on a sliding scale of public opinion. Conservative is in opposition to liberal with a huge number of people in between. In the world of public opinion, you have “ultra” conservative (fundamentalist) as demonstrated by the Westside Baptist clan from Topeka, Kansas, who make a living bashing people with their picket signs. On the other side of the spectrum, the “ultra” liberal forces use the rule … [Read more...]

Resolutions that messengers at the 161st annual meeting at First Baptist New Orleans had to vote on passed unanimously and without dissent. Editor’s Note: Here are the resolutions that messengers at the 161st annual meeting at First Baptist New Orleans had to vote on. All resolutions passed unanimously and without dissent. Resolution 1: EXPRESSION OF APPRECIATION WHEREAS, many individuals and groups have had a part in planning, preparing and conducting this 161st annual meeting of our Louisiana Baptist Convention; and WHEREAS, the messengers of this convention desire to recognize warmly and express appreciation to the following: David Crosby and the staff of First Baptist Church, New Orleans, for their assistance with details and for providing the use of the facilities for this annual meeting; and Joe McKeever, director of missions for the Baptist Association of Greater New Orleans, for the association’s tremendous work with the Crossover events that we trust will yield a harvest in the name of the Lord Jesus; and Mike Holloway, LBC president, for his gracious spirit in leading, speaking, and listening to Louisiana Baptists during the year, and his gentle firmness in moderating this annual meeting; and Mitch … [Read more...]

People are drawn to God through the Jesus-work they see in us, Robert Coleman writes in the “Impartation” chapter of The Master Plan of Evangelism. People are drawn to God through the Jesus-work they see in us, Robert Coleman writes in the “Impartation” chapter of The Master Plan of Evangelism. Jesus gave himself away. “Love is like that; it always gives itself away,” Coleman wrote. “[T]he Master considered no service too small nor sacrifice too great when it was rendered for the glory of God.” For the first four articles in this series, go to www.baptistmessage.com and search for “Evangelism.” “Jesus gave himself to those about him so that they might come to know through his life a similar commitment to the mission for which he had come into the world,” Coleman wrote. “… Just as they had seen for three years, the disciples were to give themselves in selfless devotion to those whom the Father loved and for whom their Master died (John 17:23).” The secret of the “victorious life” was the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, according to The Master Plan of Evangelism. “Indeed, the privileges which the disciples were to enjoy in this deeper relationship to the Spirit were greater than they had known as Jesus walked with … [Read more...]

This year, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering national goal is $170 million, which will provide support for more than 5,300 missionaries serving around the world. The Week of Prayer for International Missions is Nov. 30-Dec. 7, 2008. We recognize your significant role to help engage Southern Baptists in personalized prayer for the missionaries serving in countries located in South America – and the peoples they seek to reach.  If you think after generations of missionary work the story of Jesus has reached every corner of South America, talk to Gabriel Mugmal.  His idol-worshipping neighbors almost burned him alive for preaching the Gospel.  Gabriel boldly shared his faith with other Quichua villagers high in the Andes Mountains of northern Ecuador. He challenged them to stop the idol worship that permeated the area.  Enraged, the crowd demanded that Gabriel renounce his words. When he refused, villagers dragged Gabriel and his family to the center of town and doused them with gasoline.  The thought, “Don’t burn me,” raced through Gabriel’s mind. But he wasn’t afraid and began preaching to the crowd from Genesis.  Suddenly, the mob fell silent. A priest was so moved by Gabriel’s willingness to die for Jesus that … [Read more...]

DAY 1 - FERENANDO AND BRENDA LARZABAL: INDIGENOUS OF COLOMBIA From missions field to missionary force – that’s the dream of Fernando and Brenda Larzabal for the South American nation of Colombia.  “The Gospel has been in Colombia for more than 150 years,” Fernando says. “Our problem is that the average Colombian Christian has the perception that missions belongs to somebody else. But missions belongs to the local church.” That’s why the Larzabals are working to mobilize Colombian churches for the sake of evangelizing the country’s indigenous tribes. Isolated from the Gospel by remote locales, social prejudice and insurgent armies, more than 60 of these tribes have no knowledge of Jesus Christ. Most are animists, spirit-worshippers who live in fear of failing to appease gods they can neither know nor love. “Without God there is slavery,” Fernando says. “Without Christ there is fear and that’s what they breathe day in and day out.” Pray that more Colombian churches will grasp their Great Commission calling and respond to the indigenous tribes’ need for the Gospel. Ask the Lord to give Fernando and Brenda wisdom as they choose where to invest their time and energy. DAY 2 - RICK AND KELLY MARTINEZ: AYMARA OF … [Read more...]

Clark Springs Baptist Church Northeast Louisiana Baptist Association EROS – Pastor Mickey Hudnall’s wife, Barbara Hudnall, said, “We’re proud of what’s going on. The Lord has been blessing us.” This article corrects one from the Nov. 20 issue that had this same information, but attached to the wrong church. The Message regrets the error. This past year they have had 28 baptisms, including three adults on the evening of Oct. 19. About 90 to 110 attend Sunday service every week depending on what’s going on, she said. In November the church is planning an official baby dedication ceremony for children ages – infant up to three years old. “He [Pastor Hudnall] prays and he gives them all a little Bible,” she explained. The church does this once a year. Though presently the church is made up of quite a few older people, Mrs. Hudnall said several young families are beginning to attend the church. Youth Director Vicki Wood is leading a “boot camp” for the teens every week. When asked what they do, Hudnall said, “I have no idea.” She just knows they use the old “itty bitty church” behind the newer church building. Ban Suk KOREAN Baptist Church Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association BOSSIER … [Read more...]

Patsy Fowler recently was recognized for her 40-plus years of faithful service in the music ministry at Sharon Baptist Church by Pastor Carroll Holmes. … [Read more...]