LBC Executive Director ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) -- In a time of uncertainty like this, when we await the exact path and strength of the storm, we also need to wait on God and watch to see where He is at work. The saying is true that “Sometimes God calms the seas and sometimes He calms the sailors.” I have seen Him do both and remind all of us to trust Him. Let us respond to the impending storm as Daniel’s three friends did when they faced the ridicule of King Nebuchadnezzar and the blazing furnace as recorded in Daniel 3:17-18: “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Remember that God is mighty to save, and He is fully able to miraculously calm this storm. Until we know otherwise, let’s pray to that end. … [Read more...]

By Message Staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) -- As the state braces for Tropical Storm Barry, Louisiana Baptists John Hebert and Gibbie McMillan shared about disaster response preparations being made in anticipation of the damage that could result. Hebert, the missions and ministry director for the Louisiana Baptist Convention who oversees disaster relief operations, said disaster relief leaders already have put a plan of action into place. “We’ve assessed our resources and issued alerts to our trained personnel to prepare themselves and their mobile units,” Hebert said. “In addition, we are ready to establish command centers, and our folks are maintaining a constant state of readiness – literally watching and praying.” Hebert added that if the storm hits Louisiana, the disaster relief organization will respond immediately. If the storm shifts course, he said “we are ready” to respond to requests for help from neighboring states. “Our priority will be to assist churches, staff, then members,” McMillan said in describing how resources will be allocated. “After that we assist the people in the areas around our churches. McMillan is the Louisiana Baptist disaster relief coordinator for the state. “If they need food, … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) -- Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards announced today, July 10, that he will declare a state of emergency ahead of a storm that may significantly impact the state. A broad area of low pressure may become a tropical depression later today or Thursday and could make landfall in the state Friday or Saturday. “Obviously we are not sure yet of the exact track of the storm or the strength of the potential tropical system once it makes landfall,” Edwards said during a press conference Wednesday morning. “However, we are confident that there will be widespread heavy rainfall and coastal flooding. We also know that the Gulf of Mexico, because it is so warm, that the longer the storm system lingers over the Gulf, the more organized and the stronger it is likely to become before it makes landfall.” Edwards said the storm could bring 10 to 15 inches of rainfall and that the storm will be slow moving. He said the Mississippi River levels in New Orleans could reach 20 feet, rising above the flood protection in Plaquemines Parish. “Right now we believe that any overtopping of the levees will be of a relatively short duration of about 12 hours,” he said. “But that is still a very, … [Read more...]

National Hurricane Center forecasters are warning a possible tropical depression, or storm, may form in the Gulf of Mexico later this week. While it is still too early to predict the storm’s path, it is a reminder that the time to prepare is now, according to Louisiana Baptists State disaster relief Director Gibbie McMillan. “The only time it is too late is after a disaster occurs,” McMillan told the Baptist Message. “It is too late to turn the lights off when the electricity goes out. It is never too late to prepare for the unknown, and for the unexpected. Just begin now.” McMillan suggested storing one gallon of bottled water per person per day in the household, non-perishable food, cash, first aid kit, medications, a laminated copy of important documents, and phone numbers of extended family members and friends who live in other states. McMillan said a disaster plan should include a list of possible rendezvous sites near one’s home or in a neighboring state and a phone tree for making contact in case of disaster. He invited Louisiana Baptists to participate in future Disaster Relief instruction and to take advantage of online training available at louisianabaptists.org/disasterrelief. Hurricane season began June … [Read more...]

LEESVILLE, La. (LBM) -- Pastor Wesley Jackson, June 22, welcomed six ministers with close ties to Laurel Hill Baptist Church to celebrate 150 continuous years of ministry by the congregation. The church was established June 19, 1869, by 44 charter members with the leadership of W.S. Terrell, and has a long history of sending out pastors “to preach the Gospel,” according to usgarchives.net, an internet genealogy research site. Joining Pastor Jackson during the program were Sherman Busby, Glenn Cooley, Morris Dale Goins, Huey S. Haymon, Millard Monk and John Smith, each with their own special ties to the congregation: -- Haymon, who is 91 years of age and pastor of Flactor Baptist Church in Hicks, shared memories from as far back as 1952 when he served as pastor to the Laurel Hill congregation. Haymon baptized Jackson and Monk, a minister and a long-time Laurel Hill member. -- Busby, who served as pastor for eight years at Laurel Hill, called the congregation “the mother of all other churches in the area.” During his tenure, two area-wide tent revivals were conducted and the membership of Laurel Hill doubled, according to church records. He now serves as pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church in LaCamp. -- Cooley, a former … [Read more...]

There seems to be an unpatriotic movement among many Christian churches today. They are removing the American flag because if may be offensive to someone. We all realize America is not a perfect nation.  America has some ugly past, which we can’t change but which person doesn’t have something in their past they wish they could change. Then others feel like I do and see some of today’s current trends leading us in an unwise path of moral decline.  Yet, as a nation built on Judeo-Christian values that promises freedom not only for our nation but helps others around the world who desire freedom, the flag represents a nation that pushes for freedom. It is Americans who have bleed and died on battlefields around the world, to stop tyrants of evil ideology or terrorists determined to destroy everyone who resists their view of the world.  The red in that flag should remind us of the blood sacrifices made that ensure our freedom to worship as we desire. The next reason the flag is disappearing from church properties is because some say our allegiance is only to God and not country.  Our founders fought for God and country to promote religion of conscience that is not coerced by the government. Alexander Hamilton said, “I … [Read more...]

By Will Hall, Executive Editor ALEXANDRIA (LBM) – Like many churches in Louisiana, Alto Baptist Church held a special celebration of “God & country” on June 30 ahead of the July 4th holiday. But unlike other congregations, this small country church hosted one of the most prominent politicians in the state, with U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham highlighting the service. Pastor Alan Miller told the Baptist Message that the special service was a way to thank God for blessing this nation and to honor veterans as well as men and women who continue to serve in the military and law enforcement. “Doc shared that courage is necessary to life's journey of service to God and country, and illustrated this biblical truth with the lives and leadership lessons of George Washington and Old Testament hero Joshua,” Miller described. “Dianne sang beautifully, ‘Heal Our Land,’ from 2 Chronicles 7:14.” Miller said his congregation has a special advantage in terms of access to the Abrahams. “They are more than members or attenders,” Miller said. “They have their own pew where they have worshipped and served as a family for 43 years.” Both have spent their lives from childhood with the congregation, and her mother, Nancy Johnston, has … [Read more...]