BASILE – More than a year after their home in Mamou flooded, the parsonage at First Baptist Church, Basile in which Pastor Mike Fontenot and his wife Jessica were staying, has been destroyed by a fire. Fontenot said the blaze happened between 2 and 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, but no one was inside. The couple, who live in the parsonage only on the weekends, reside at their house in Mamou during the rest of the week. And just like when their Mamou home flooded, they have experienced an outpouring of support from the community and the state. The couple is grateful for the concern shown by others since the fire likely was started by a lightning strike. “Jessica and I are well, praise God," Mike Fontenot told the Baptist Message. "The house is a total loss but that can be replaced. We did not have insurance on our personal belongings because we did not know we needed it due to our first time in a parsonage. So we are trusting God to help replace these things when we rebuild.” Jessica Fontenot, who is human resources specialist for Louisiana Baptists, took to Facebook and expressed gratitude for the encouraging words offered. “I wanted to take this opportunity before I go to bed tonight to thank each and every one who … [Read more...]
Haiti mission teams return safely home, grateful for prayer
By Message Staff After spending several tense days sheltered in a compound after violent protests broke out in Haiti last weekend, a Louisiana Baptist mission team has made it safely back to the United States. The team of 35 landed in Miami, Florida, early in the evening on July 10 and caught a connecting flight to New Orleans at 11:15 p.m. “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go to city of Miami," Louisiana Baptists church planting director James Jenkins told the Baptist Message. "The word relief is just not strong enough to convey my feelings about safely leaving Haiti and returning to America." Jenkins said the team left the missionary compound at 6 a.m. and arrived shortly afterward at the airport, where they spent most of the day until their departure at 4:30 p.m. "Despite the events of the past days, I am convinced that we cannot give up on Haiti," Jenkins said. Baptist Associations of Southeast Louisiana Director of Missions Stan Statham posted on the association's Facebook page that the team members were in good spirits. "We want to thank everyone for their prayers and ask you to continue to pray for our Haitian brothers and sisters in this time of need in Haiti," he wrote. "Our team of 35 … [Read more...]
Abraham releases statement on resolution calling on DOJ to comply with Congressional subpoenas
By Office of Congressman Ralph Abraham WASHINGTON - Congressman Ralph Abraham has voted in favor of a House resolution demanding that the Department of Justice comply with requests from Congress to turn over documents relating to possible abuses of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act by DOJ personnel. The Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has investigated potential FISA abuses by the DOJ since March 2017. On Oct. 24, the House Committees on the Judiciary and Oversight and Government Reform began a joint investigation into decisions made by DOJ in 2016 and 2017 during its investigation of the emails of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. During these investigations, DOJ has delayed and failed to fully comply with requests for information and congressional subpoenas. The resolution, H. Res. 970, demands that DOJ fully comply with the requests, including subpoenas, no later than July 6. “It’s past time that the Department of Justice respects the laws of this land and Congress’ Constitutional oversight authority,” said Abraham, a member of Alto Baptist Church. “This has been going on for far too long, and the American people deserve answers. It’s time for the DOJ to pony up these documents and comply … [Read more...]
Kavanaugh’s nomination praised as a win for religious liberty, pro-life
By Message Staff WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump’s nomination of Brett Kavanaugh as the next associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court has drawn praise from Louisiana’s delegation to Congress and pro-life and religious liberty advocates. Trump announced Monday evening, July 9, Judge Kavanaugh of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit was his choice to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, who is retiring at the end of July. Kennedy has long been viewed as the swing vote on the Supreme Court. Kavanaugh, 53, was selected by Trump among 25 nominees. According to his website, Kavanaugh has served as a judge on the D.C. Circuit since 2006. He also worked in the White House counsel’s office under President George W. Bush and was a clerk to Justice Kennedy. Away from his judicial role, Kavanaugh has been active in the community, where he has served as a lector and coached girls basketballl at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. “What matters is not a judge’s political views, but whether they can set aside those views to do what the law and the Constitution require,” Trump said in his announcement. “I am pleased to say that I have found, without doubt, such a person.” Sen. Bill Cassidy … [Read more...]
Thinking of Giving to ministry in 2018?
By Jerry Love, Director of Planned Giving Appreciated Assets – Even with the volatility in early Feb, markets are still at all-time highs. Give stocks or mutual funds that have increased in value to benefit your church or ministry. Retirement Assets – Redirect retirement assets as part of your estate plans. These plans are taxable when distributed to individuals, but tax-free to charitable organizations. Consider leaving your church or another ministry as the beneficiary of your retirement plan, and other assets to your heirs. IRA Rollover – Those who are 70 and one-half in age or older may distribute IRA assets directly to a church or ministry. There are other stipulations, so contact the Louisiana Baptist Foundation for more information. Donor Advised Fund – Use this type of account to ‘bundle’ 2 years of deductions, if finances allow, into one to take advantage of itemizing deductions. Take the standard deduction following year, using the DAF to make distributions to ministry. Again, contact the Foundation for more details. The Louisiana Baptist Foundation is an entity of the Louisiana Baptist Convention and supported by the Cooperative Program. The Foundation assists people who want to give assets to their … [Read more...]
Understanding what ‘Tax Reform 2018’ means for charitable giving
By Jerry Love, Director of Planned Giving By now most people have heard about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed by congress in the latter days of 2017. However, there may still be some misinformation, or a lack of information, causing some confusion. The Louisiana Baptist Foundation assists individuals with donations in support of Louisiana Baptist ministries, and we attempt to stay abreast of changes in the US tax code, particularly as it relates to charitable giving. Here are some highlights that might help you in planning your gifts: Business Tax Reform – Without going into the depths of corporate tax changes, the reduction of the corporate tax rate from 35% down to 21% already is adding to personal pocketbooks. Since January, several companies, including Walmart, announced an increase in base wages and other salaries. Other companies such as Apple and AT&T announced one-time bonuses for employees as a share of company tax savings. Additionally, a number of businesses announced they would be expanding their workforces with several reporting they would be returning overseas operations to U.S. soil. All these situations can be an encouragement to workers and allow them to give to ministry for the first time or … [Read more...]
St. Rest Baptist Church leaves a legacy of faith and giving
By Jerry Love, Director of Planned Giving Logged into my childhood memories is a place that still brings a smile and a warm feeling – Saint Rest Baptist Church on the White Lightning Road. It is a quaint red-brick, two-story church about halfway between Vienna and Homer on LA Hwy 146. The building itself is interesting with the sanctuary sitting atop a partial-basement bottom floor that housed classrooms and a fellowship hall. The pews were made from 1-by-4 lumber cut at my granddad’s sawmill. Before cushions were added, a wrong move meant a pinched bottom from those pew slats. The church also came complete with a “ghost” in the cemetery and a “boogie-man” in the dungeon (closet) under the stairs. But what I remember most about those days were the people. Every Sunday and Wednesday, they faithfully gathered to worship and pray. Another thing I remember was that almost everyone was related to someone else in the church which made for one big family of believers. Here are a few who come to mind: – Aunt Alvice with a beautiful smooth-as-silk, lilting voice – I didn’t know then that she had a Southern drawl, it was just the way she talked – could tell a Bible story to a room of squirmy kids like no one … [Read more...]
Prayers needed for Louisiana team amidst unrest in Haiti
By Message Staff CROIX DES BOUQUETS, Haiti - A Louisiana Baptist mission team in Haiti is safe and asking for prayers amidst unrest that broke out in the country late last week. Darrin Badon, who is in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti, with a team of 35 from Louisiana posted on his Facebook page late Saturday, July 7, they have sought shelter with a few other mission teams from the US. "Heartbreaking what’s happening in Haiti," posted Badon, operations director at Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. "We had a good day of service on Friday. But things quickly went downhill Friday afternoon through Saturday. We have sheltered in place and are all safe. Our team is set to depart on Tuesday. The teams have done well remaining calm in uncertain times." The Associated Press reported at least three people were killed in protests Friday, July 6, after the Haitian government planned a fuel hike from 38 percent to 51 percent. However, the following day the government scrapped those plans. Cancellation of flights stranded mission teams from states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, the Associated Press said. By late Sunday, July 8, at least three U.S. carriers resumed flying in and out of Haiti's capital, … [Read more...]
Ministry highlights obedience to God using retrievers
By Holly Jo Linzay, Regional Reporter DENHAM SPRINGS – Johnny Morgan’s life has really gone to the dogs, and he could not be happier. “I’m getting to use a passion of mine for God. It’s a blessing to use my Labrador retrievers to teach about obedience and present the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a unique way,” Morgan, the founder of the ministry, Obedience 2 Death, said. The non-profit organization, based in Denham Springs, uses dogs as visual illustrations and blends humor with timeless biblical truths to show the power of obedience in the life of the believer. Morgan named his ministry based upon Philippians 2:8 “Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” “We have to die to ourselves,” Morgan said. A life-long avid hunter, Morgan was raised around hunting dogs. While growing up he trained and hunted with rabbit dogs, coon hounds and squirrel dogs; and, he is amazed at the quirks and turns in his life that opened the door to a ministry for him where dogs help lead folks to the Lord. “God can use anything we have if we make ourselves available. It’s very humbling to me that God is using a country boy and his dogs for His glory,” Morgan said. Obedience 2 Death ministry was … [Read more...]
Dads celebrate becoming His children on Father’s Day
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer VINTON – Father’s Day was especially memorable for Hernan Irizarry, one of four dads who participated in a special outdoor baptism service June 17 at Magnolia Baptist Church in Vinton. One by one, Irizarry, his fiancée, Jo Neil, and six others stepped in a horse trough on the church lawn and stirred the baptistery waters as around 40 members and friends cheered on each new convert. Irizarry, who has four children living in his native Puerto Rico, said the baptism was symbolic of how Christ helped him overcome an addiction to drugs. He and Jo Neil both accepted Christ in March after attending a worship service at Magnolia Baptist. “This baptism was a reaffirmation we were on the right track in our walk with the Lord,” said Irizarry, who travels with Jo Neil most Sundays by bus from Corpus Christi, Texas, to attend Magnolia Baptist. “I feel committed to share Him with other people as a member of a church that really cares about its community and world.” SWEEPING REVIVAL The baptism service signifies a revival sweeping throughout Magnolia Baptist since Pastor Rick Edwards’ arrival in January 2017. When Edwards became pastor of Magnolia Baptist, the Sunday morning worship … [Read more...]
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