By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA (LBM) -- Critics from across the country chimed in via the internet recently to target Reggy McDaniel, owner of Mac’s Fresh Market stores with locations in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, because of a Christian-based message he published in his grocery chain’s weekly mailer. McDaniel, a member of Kelly Baptist Church in Kelly, said he did not intend to cause a political controversy, but simply wanted to use a current topic to shine the light of Christ in a spiritually dark world. The ad, mailed out in early February, contained the message: “Heaven has a wall, a gate and a strict immigration policy. Hell has open borders. Let that sink in.” After the ad was published, state and national newspapers, television stations and blogs issued reports on the response from customers and other people. The criticism on the company’s Facebook page included accusations of “false teaching” and complained about mixing religion, business and politics: “You have lost several customers and considering this is a very small community, you will feel the impact,” one person posted. Another person wrote: “How’s about you just stick to selling food? Leave Jesus and your politics out … [Read more...]

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event. IN REMEMBERANCE Grace Lee, wife of former Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Director Robert L. Lee, went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 27, 2019. She passed away in her home surrounded by her family holding her hands and singing “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” She was affectionately referred to through the years as “Amazing Grace” by her husband and friends because of her gracious Christian sprit and servant heart. There will be a memorial service to honor her life on March 1 at 6 p.m. at FBC Pineville. Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. in the sanctuary. Following the service, there will be a supper/fellowship in the FBC fellowship hall commemorating the 40 years that Grace helped coordinate and preside over an annual International Fellowship for foreign born persons within the community. The family invites … [Read more...]

By Message Staff NEW ORLEANS – Global Maritime Ministries recently honored Pat Trembly as its board member of the year. Trembly, who is a member of Metairie Baptist Church, was recognized during the ministry’s annual meeting in early February for her role as board vice president of membership. According to a news release from Global Maritime Ministries, Trembly has helped plan an annual benefit event for the ministry for more than a decade, and recently established a Lighthouse Keepers group to promote the ministry opportunities and to recruit volunteers. Since the early 1960s, Global Maritime Ministries has shared the Gospel through meeting the needs of the international seafarers and the local maritime community in one of the world’s busiest waterways, the Lower Mississippi River. The port ministry held its annual meeting this January as an opportunity for all those that support the ministry on a consistent basis, or those interested in being involved, to hear updates about their work at the port. For more information on serving with Global Maritime Ministries, visit PortMinistry.com. … [Read more...]

By Louisiana Right to Life NEW ORLEANS – A new poll has found that 70 percent of Louisiana residents consider themselves to be pro-life, and they do not believe taxpayer funds should be used to provide abortion. A survey of 1,180 likely 2019 General Election voters was commissioned by Louisiana Right to Life and conducted Feb. 10 and 11 by the Remington Research Group. The sampling was across all demographics. Question 1: On the issue of abortion, do you consider yourself to be pro-life or pro-choice? On this question, 70 percent of responders said pro-life, while 30 percent said pro-choice. Question 2: Do you think taxpayer funds should be used to provide abortion services? On this question, 71 percent of responders said no, 18 percent said yes and 11 percent were not sure. In Louisiana being pro-life is a non-partisan issue, as shown by overwhelming support in both chambers of the Louisiana Legislature on pro-life votes. In this poll, 87 percent of Republicans, 58 percent of Democrats, and 65 percent identifying as non-partisan identified as pro-life. Interestingly enough, while 67 percent of responders who identified as liberals said they were pro-choice, just 40 percent of those said taxpayer funds should … [Read more...]

By Tom Strode, Baptist Press NEW ORLEANS (BP) - Southern Baptists celebrated the power of partnership with a veteran National Football League player and his family in dedicating a new ultrasound machine in a New Orleans health center. Benjamin and Kirsten Watson, along with their five children, joined in the dedication of the new addition to the ministry of Baptist Community Health Services (BCHS). The Watsons donated the ultrasound machine in the fall through the Psalm 139 Project, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission's ministry to help place such technology in pregnancy resource centers across the country. The machine serves women in crisis pregnancies as well as others with medical needs at BCHS' Andrew P. Sanchez Center in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. The nonprofit ministry provides health care through four centers in underserved areas of the city. The churches of the New Orleans Baptist Association, with the help of the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board, launched BCHS in 2014. Speakers at the Feb. 10 ceremony at the Sanchez Center pointed to the cooperation demonstrated by the ultrasound machine's placement. "It's been great to see how the Lord has used the passions of the Watson … [Read more...]