By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer EUNICE, La. (LBM) – David Guillot came to Acadian Baptist Center in the summer of 1977 just hoping to have a fun time, but he also gained a personal relationship with Jesus, he said. Now a physician and member of Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria, Guillot still recalls the eternal impact the camp made on him. “I believe that a believer in Christ’s spiritual eternity begins at the moment of salvation,” Guillot told the Baptist Message. “And for years when I shared my testimony I’ve said, ‘As an eight-year-old boy I asked Christ to be my Savior at ABC in Eunice.’ So, Acadian Baptist Center is very special to me.” Guillot was among many who reminisced about the life-changing impact Acadian Baptist Center had on them during ABC’s 50th year anniversary celebration, Nov. 9. Held on the grounds of the Eunice camp, the event featured music led by a band of former ABC staffers, testimonies and a challenge by Oren Conner, former staffer and now pastor, Greenwell Springs Baptist Church. There also was a groundbreaking ceremony for the James and Diana Robinson worship center in appreciation of the couple’s stellar commitment to the camp. James is an alum of ABC and his dad, … [Read more...]
EVANGELISM 101 (Part 12): How to organize to win souls
By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Soul winning is not a spontaneous behavior, but a deliberate act of obedience. It is something that must be a matter of intentional prayer (John 17:20), preparation (1 Peter 3:15) and pursuit (Luke 19:10). Indeed, intentionality – under the guidance of the Lord -- is a spiritual concept (Prov. 16:3; Luke 14:28; 1 Cor. 9:22-23; Col. 3:23-24). BIBLE BASICS Do not misunderstand. The Holy Spirit is either at work in the hearts of the lost (John 16:8; 2 Cor. 7:10), or He is not. Likewise, He is either working in the hearts of soul winners (John 15:26-27; Acts 1:8; 24:25; 26:25), or He is not. But throughout the Word, God is explicit that He is not the author of confusion or chaos but of orderliness: Old Testament -- Jethro helped Moses create an organization of administrators (rulers of tens, fifties, hundreds and thousands) to judge minor disputes, freeing Moses to address the difficult issues (Ex. 18:13-26). -- King David (who was prohibited from building the temple) organized everything needed for the construction, operation and administration of the temple: the plans, workers, gold, silver, cedar, priests, musicians, military, officials … [Read more...]
Saints veteran LB Demario Davis among NFL’s top 10 in tackles while ‘serving Jesus well’
ECON 2026: Reach Louisiana for Jesus
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer LAFAYETTE, La. (LBM) – During the upcoming state Evangelism Conference, Jan. 26-27, hosted by First Baptist Church, Lafayette, speakers will urge Louisiana Baptists to reach their friends and family for Christ. “ECON continues to be a valuable time of equipping and encouragement for pastors and church members,” Louisiana Baptist Evangelism and Church Growth Director Keith Manuel told the Baptist Message. “I hope everyone will make plans now to attend. It will help you begin the new year with a clear focus and a renewed commitment to reaching the lost and strengthening a culture of evangelism in your church.” SCHEDULES ECON kicks off at 1:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon with featured messages by Leroy Fountain, church planting catalyst, Louisiana Baptists, and David Burton, founder, David Burton Ministries, Middleburg, Florida, and worship led by David Logan and Adam Watson from First Baptist Church, Covington. Breakout sessions are scheduled during the dinner hour with free meals available (please register) during the presentations: -- The Discipleship Collaborative will feature Larry Hyche, global missions associate, Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, who will … [Read more...]
Church self-insurance coop receives $1.45 million from Louisiana
By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – On Nov. 17, the Fellowship of Louisiana Churches and Nonprofit Religious Organizations received a $1.45 million check from the Louisiana Department of the Treasury to support the launch of a church self-insurance program. The program was authorized by legislation in 2023 and a total of $2.9 million was appropriated in 2025, half of which is represented by the check that was received. With the receipt of these funds, the goal is to open enrollment to churches and religious nonprofits sometime in the second quarter of 2026. FINANCIAL BOOST Steve Horn, president of the FLCNRO board of directors and executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, told the Baptist Message that receiving the grant “is an incredible blessing.” “I received a first call about church insurance companies not renewing our churches in February 2023. Almost immediately, Will Hall, Dale Lingenfelter, and I started working on solutions,” Horn explained. “We are not at the finish line, but receiving this grant is the result of hours of meetings and phone calls. All along the way, God provided us with people who showed us incredible kindness and expertise to navigate … [Read more...]
Louisiana Notables
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Baptist Message provides churches an opportunity to share with other Louisiana Baptists an upcoming revival, homecoming, new pastor, new staff member, a community outreach, or a concert in Louisiana Notables. To place your event in the paper, send your information (who, what, where, when, time) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. Please submit your information four weeks prior to the event to insure placement in the Message. ON THE MOVE Scotty Blackwell resigns as music minister at First Baptist Church, Minden to go be Pastor of Worship Ministries at Kingsland Baptist Church, Katy, Texas. Wade, wife Rebecca, Penefield is the new pastor at First Baptist Church, Many. There will be a Pastor Installation Service on Sunday, December 21st. Russell Hinson is the interim/transitional pastor at First Baptist Church, Livingston. Zach Anderson is the new pastor at Westside Baptist Church, Natchitoches. REVIVAL Liberty Christian, Colfax: Harvest Sunday, December 14, 2025. Evangelist: Scotty McDowell. Pastor: Deric Cox. Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Hineston: Revival, January 18-21. Evangelist: Scotty McDowell. Pastor: Eugene Williams. Eastvue Baptist Church, Jena: Revival, January … [Read more...]
YOUNG: Some too-early Thanksgiving thoughts
Collins to retire from NSU BCM after 36 years of faithful service
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer NATCHITOCHES, La. (LBM) – For nearly four decades Bill Collins has helped students on the Northwestern State University fulfill the Great Commission. Collins, who is set to retire March 31, 2026, from his role as NSU’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry director, said he is thankful for the chance to see so many students who have been a part of the ministry become warriors for Christ. “I always believe that you should take yourself out of the game before someone has to take you out of the game,” Collins told the Baptist Message. “I know I had probably a few more years left but really felt God leading me to go ahead and step down to allow a younger, more energetic person to come in and be able to do some new things. “This is a new generation of students, and somebody younger, a little closer to their life experiences, is going to be able to help them formulate some new programming,” he continued. “I really believe this the best thing for the NSU BCM, for my wife Phyllis and myself. And of course, we’re not retiring from ministry, just retiring from the NSU BCM.” During his time at NSU, Collins has seen students come to Christ, discipled and sent on mission trips. He … [Read more...]
EVANGELISM 101 (Part 11): Demolishing obstacles to soul winning
By Mike Bergeron, special to the Baptist Message NEW ORLEANS (LBM) -- Some studies indicate that as few as 10 percent of professed Christians share the Gospel regularly, with “regularly” meaning only about one time per month. What is the “brick wall” that seems to stand between many professed Christians and them sharing the Gospel? An informal survey, November 2025, of SBC pastors (small churches to megachurches), along with seminary professors, and associational directors of missions and church planters (across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Missouri) sought their opinions about the top reasons why so many Christians today either never or rarely share the Gospel. Below are their candid responses combined with biblical passages to tear down each brick in the wall. NOTE: Scriptures are from the NKJV translation of the Bible. Not Vibrantly Walking with Christ: Too many Christians seem content to remain spiritually shallow in their own walk. Some feel disqualified to share the Good News because of personal sin in their own lives. 1 Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you; with meekness and … [Read more...]
Former slave girl experiences freedom with ‘Louisiana Reach Haiti’
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer CAP HAITIEN, Haiti (LBM) – Louisiana Reach Haiti ministry leaders recently welcomed a 12-year-old Haitian girl who had been just freed from slavery. The transformation of Esther from a girl held captive to one who now experiences the love and compassion of Christ has been yet another blessing for a ministry that in 2023 had to seek refuge in Cap Haitien after gang-ravaged Port-au-Prince became too dangerous as a homebase. “When I met Esther after she was brought to us by her rescuers, Haiti’s child protective service, she shared about her love for the other children and her new life here,” LRH President Darrin Badon told the Baptist Message. “We’re just loving her and sharing the Lord’s goodness with her. “Our calling is to help any child that we can and ultimately reunite them with family,” he continued. “While reunification won’t happen with Esther, we can show God’s love to her for the many years she will be with us and prepare her, spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally for the future. “I know God has placed her with us because He knows that we love our kids and that we can defend those kids against the evils of the world. Their spiritual health is … [Read more...]
