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 Dustin Davis (wife, Sonni) is the new pastor with First Baptist Church, Pineville, of Lecompte. Terry Shabrono (wife, Charlotte) is the new pastor with Hurricane Creek Baptist Church, Dodson. Deacon LaFollette is the new youth director with First Baptist Church, Many. HOMECOMING/ANNIVERSARY Big Cane Baptist Church, Morrow: 180th Homecoming, Oct. 24-25. A Gospel concert featuring Catahoula Drive will take place at 5 p.m., followed by a fellowship meal on Oct. 24. A celebration service is scheduled at 10:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon and special singing on Oct. 25. Guest speaker: Matt Tullos. Pastor: Benji Richard. Parhams Baptist Church, Parhams: 225th Homecoming, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. First Baptist Church, Pollock: Homecoming, Nov. 8, 10 … [Read more...]
Baptist Message managing editor faces challenges after two spinal surgeries
By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor NEW ORLEANS (LBM) – Philip Timothy suffered a broken back after a fall in his home, and now after two spinal surgeries he faces paralysis, doctors have advised his family. Timothy, an award-winning journalist, has served as managing editor of the Baptist Message since August 20013, and has been with the news service since 2007. He is now a patient of the Neurological Rehabilitation Center with the Touro Infirmary, a faith-based hospital in New Orleans. His wife, JoAnne, who serves as office manager with the Baptist Message, said he has been moving between the ICU, to treat emerging health conditions, and the rehabilitation center, which is focused on helping him learn what he will need to know and do when he is sent home. Meanwhile, she said, family and friends are helping her to get their home ready for Philip to return. “We are so thankful for the kindness of others who are fixing ramps and other projects around the house. We have a way to go, but we trust God will provide for every need,” she said. “I am also thankful for every prayer. Philip has many challenges ahead.” Those who wish to share a word of encouragement with Philip and JoAnne may write to … [Read more...]
View the sample ballot in your parish (click here)
PAR voter guide explains Louisiana’s 10 amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot
Early voting in Louisiana, Oct. 20-27 (except Sunday), for Nov. 3 elections
Church insurance informational sessions scheduled
Louisiana voters to decide amendments on property tax breaks
Louisiana Baptists respond to Florida disaster
By Baptist Message staff MILTON, Fla. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief teams have been activated in response to Hurricane Isaias. Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief Associate Mark Morelock told the Baptist Message that chainsaw, chaplaincy and feeding teams will partner with Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Disaster Relief teams to serve in Milton, Florida. A departure date has not been set, but teams have been asked to prepare now to deploy. Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, on Oct. 9, as a Category 2 hurricane. The maximum sustained winds of 105 mph caused power outages and damaged homes and businesses. Heavy rainfall accompanied the storm. Hurricane Isaias, the first of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, is responsible for at least four deaths. Morelock asked Louisiana Baptists to consider donating money to offset some of the costs for helping those in need. "With the rising diesel fuel costs that it takes to run generators on site and transport equipment, giving to help would be appreciated,” Morelock said. Give and volunteer via the Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief webpage. … [Read more...]
CENLA hymn sing scheduled for Oct. 25
By Baptist Message staff TIOGA, La. (LBM) – Faith Baptist Church will host a hymn sing, Oct. 25, 6 p.m., to bring together central Louisiana churches for a time of joint worship. The hymn sing, under the direction of Kevin Boles, pastor with Lone Star Baptist Church, Hineston, will include Bible reading and prayer. “The hymn sings are a powerful and uplifting experience,” Faith Baptist Pastor Clark Palmer told the Baptist Message. “As we sing, we realize we were made to sing together to God and about God. I hope many will join in.” … [Read more...]
Grant Parish churches ‘reach’ their Jerusalem for Jesus
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer DRY PRONG, La. (LBM) – More than 200 volunteers from 12 churches showed the love of Christ in their Jerusalem through a weekend of acts of service, Sept. 18-19. The Grant Parish Reach Project involved volunteers from the Big Creek Baptist Association as well as other denominations. They completed 32 service projects that also provided opportunities to plant Gospel seeds, including: installation of two metal roofs; replacement of plumbing; building four wheelchair ramps; removal of a subfloor; yard work; and tree removal. Meanwhile, several churches provided meals for volunteers: Hebron Baptist Church, Dry Prong; Bethel Baptist Church, Colfax; New Prospect Baptist Church, Dry Prong; Fairfield Baptist Church, Dry Prong; Colfax Baptist Church; and Liberty Christian Church, Colfax. Kenny Bratton, pastor with Bethel Baptist Church, said he was thankful for those who ministered to the community through Grant Reach. “The biggest thing I noticed was the power of unity,” Bratton told the Baptist Message. “I told men from other churches that they are not from their own church that weekend but are just a church moving in a direction to help others in need. “It allowed us to … [Read more...]
