By Erich Bridges RICHMOND, Va. - Retired Southern Baptist missionary Gladys (“Glad”) Martin, a farmer’s daughter from Louisiana bayou country who helped lead thousands of prison inmates and students to Christ during more than 30 years in Thailand, died May 8 following a stroke. She was 81. Alongside her husband and missionary partner, Jack, she pioneered ministry to Thai prisoners, perhaps the most hated and rejected members of society in the overwhelmingly Buddhist nation. The Martins’ determination to give inmates hope -- and the message of a God of second chances -- eventually won the respect and cooperation of national prison authorities and the admiration of Thailand’s royal family. Jack, an outgoing visionary and passionate soul winner, was the face of the prison ministry and the bustling Baptist Student Center in Bangkok, which trains more than 10,000 Thai professionals and college students each year in English and the Gospel. But as he cheerfully acknowledged in later years, the better-organized Glad often was the brains. They made an ideal team. “Dad gets a lot of the credit for what Mom actually did,” recalled their youngest son, Craig, who watched them in action before going on to his own media ministry … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM)–Via Dropbox and video messages Louisiana Baptist Convention entity heads delivered their respective reports to the Executive Board, May 5. LOUISIANA COLLEGE Louisiana College President Rick Brewer told board members that God is working despite challenges presented by the novel coronavirus pandemic. He shared that the school has received more than $15,000 toward production of a 3D printer to make frames for the protective face shields that are in demand by hospitals and clinics. Natalie Maxey, an assistant professor of engineering at Louisiana College, has used an on-campus lab to make the shields since March 25. “Almost every minute of almost every hour she is making essential items that we are sending to places like Lafayette, places here in central Louisiana, places around our state who need this protective equipment and who will continue to need it,” Brewer said. Another innovation has been to shift all instruction online, March 30, to facilitate remote learning – a move made possible by a $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Brewer said the school received the grant in 2019, and saved Louisiana College more than $100,000 in … [Read more...]

By Message Staff PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – The Acteens at First Baptist Church in Pineville were moved by the growing number of needs in their community arising from the lockdown due to the novel coronavirus; and, overcoming the obstacle of social distancing formulated and implemented a creative plan to share Christ's love with 250 local residents. The group of 16 seventh to twelfth grade girls made and mailed cards to church staff, Sunday school leaders and homebound single and senior adults, and they also crafted uplifting signs that were placed on the windows of each of the 100 residents of the Lexington House Care Center in Alexandria. Adrienne Martin, leader of the FBCP Acteens group, said her girls have lived out the mission of this ministry. “I’m so proud of the girls for their willingness to bring God’s message of hope and love during this difficult time,” Martin told the Baptist Message. Jess Archer, children/youth missions strategist for Louisiana Baptists, said she is encouraged by Acteens in the state who are serving their community. “Being that we are living in unprecedented times through self-quarantine, Acteens have stepped up to the plate to reach others in Jesus’s name,” Archer said. “I’m delighted … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist camps are facing an uncertain summer season but their ministry leaders are confident God will provide. Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center in Woodworth has not hosted any groups since Governor John Bel Edwards issued a stay at home order March 22 that limited gatherings to no more than 10 people. Camp Director Josh Bumgardner told the Baptist Message the only summer camp that has been affected so far is the Champion’s Camp. Because many of the special needs campers have compromised immune systems, Louisiana Baptist Convention children’s ministry strategist David Anderson made the decision to move that camp date from June to Sept. 18-20. “All of us want to have summer camps if conditions are safe to do so,” Bumgardner said. “Summer camps have a huge impact on the spiritual lives of children and youth. We see new Christians born each summer and so many more whose faith matures here. The decision to go ahead or cancel a camp will be made three weeks prior. "If it is safe enough to have a week of camp at that point, we absolutely want to host it,"he said. But he emphasized his commitment to set a good example on behalf of Louisiana … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer FOREST HILL, La. (LBM)--Louisiana Baptist churches soon will reopen their doors, and Elwood Baptist Church in Forest Hill is among the congregations considering how to adapt, yet again. Pastor Michael Evans told the Baptist Message that drive-in services have been so well received by his members and guests that these might continue, even when Sunday morning services resume in the worship center. Elwood Baptist has averaged 50 vehicles at drive-in services, and has drawn an average of 100 views for the Facebook Live broadcast of worship services. The congregation averaged 125 in the pews on Sunday mornings in early March. “Some can’t come in for various reasons, and may be reluctant to come inside a building with others at first,” Evans said. “Jesus said to go to highways and byways and compel them to come in. This alternative has been a great way to reach others in a new way.” The church also has used other methods to maintain connection with its members and prospects. Elwood posts on its Facebook page a devotional every Tuesday and Friday evening, and utilizes a phone bank to send 60-second messages. The congregation also has formed caravans of 15-20 vehicles to pass by the … [Read more...]

By Message Staff BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – Chief H. “Butch” Browning, the state fire marshal, has issued specific guidance for churches regarding how to conduct outdoor, in-person worship services in accordance with state safety directives intended to protect against transmission of the novel coronavirus: In accordance with Governor John Bel Edwards’ COVID-19 proclamation to be released May 1, 2020, any outdoor religious and places of worship venue must adhere to strict mitigation standards in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The general operating matrix will require spacing of groups, limiting concentration of people, strict use of Personal Protective Equipment and frequent sanitizing. The specific requirements are provided below: Life safety and egress Open areas with or without temporary tents, subject to local or parish rules and ordinances, must meet NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and must be open on all sides (no barriers). The tent must not be enclosed. The following conditions are required: The capacity is subject to social distancing requirements and spacing of seated attendees with strict supervision provided by crowd managers Limit group seating to persons who are members of the same household Modify … [Read more...]