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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

All eyes are on Gordon

By Baptist Message Staff All eyes are on Tropical Storm Gordon. In a 10 a.m. update Tuesday, September 4, the National Hurricane Center said Gordon was moving toward the north Gulf of Mexico, and was located about 145 miles east-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River. Reports from separate NOAA and Air Force Reserve Unit flights monitoring the storm measured winds near 65 miles per hour with higher gusts. Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief officials, along with others, have been closely monitoring the disturbance. "We are praying for the storm not to intensify," said Gibbie McMillan, Louisiana Baptists state disaster relief director. The New Orleans area remains under a tropical storm warning, though the warning has been discontinued for areas in Louisiana west of Grand Isle. A hurricane warning is in effect for the area from the mouth of the Pearl River to the Alabama-Florida state border. The tropical storm warning for the area west of Grand Isle was discontinued Tuesday morning, but a tropical storm warning remains in effect from Grand Isle to the mouth of the Pearl River, including Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas. A storm surge watch is still in effect for the areas west of Shell Beach to the … [Read more...]

Get to know those who serve

By Curt Iles ALEXANDRIA (BP) -- His name was Raymond, and we met when we were both about 18. It was unlikely we'd cross paths, much less become friends. Raymond was an urban black man from Pineville, and I was a redneck fresh from the woods of Dry Creek. He was the janitor for our section of Tudor Hall, the men's dorm at Louisiana College. I was a freshman and he had recently gone to work at the school. I was brought up to be friendly, so I introduced myself to Raymond. I'd spent all of my teen summers working at church camp, doing custodial-style work, which had taught me that all work has dignity when done well. So that served as common ground for our friendship. As we crossed paths daily, Raymond and I became friends. I think it happened because I learned his name when we met. Our casual friendship continued for my extended five-year college stay while Raymond moved up in his department. His success didn't surprise me. He was a conscientious worker who got along well with people. Thirty years later, I returned to Louisiana College as a trustee. While walking across campus one day, I saw Raymond. Like me, he had aged, his hair and beard now peppered with gray. We greeted each other and laughed at how young … [Read more...]

Christ Church commissions Murrah to ministry

The men of Christ Church in Lafayette lay hands on Joel Murrah following his recent ordination to the Gospel Ministry. He is being commissioned to pioneer a new Celebrate Recovery ministry at the church. The ministry will start Sunday evening, October 7 at a time to be determined. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind. According to its website, this ministry is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life. … [Read more...]

PreTeen Invasion draws 18 to Christ

By Message Staff ALEXANDRIA – Eighteen pre-teens responded to Micah Mariano’s call to become fully devoted followers of Jesus during Preteen Invasion Saturday, Aug. 25. “We may think as long as we do life for Jesus on Sunday, Wednesday, and at church camp, we are obeying what God wants,” Mariano said during the annual event for fourth, fifth and sixth graders at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria. “But what God wants is not our actions. He wants our hearts. He wants every bit of who we are.” Mariano, worship pastor of The FOUR56 Church in San Angelo, Texas, was the main speaker for Pre Teen Invasion. The event also featured music by the worship team from Cypress Baptist Church in Benton and powerlifting demonstrations by Steve Carrier of MegaForce Ministries. David Anderson, children’s ministry strategist for Louisiana Baptists, said Pre Teen Invasion has become the go-to event to celebrate going back to school for younger teens. “I love Preteen Invasion because it gives our fourth, fifth and sixth graders a chance to spend the day hanging out and enjoying being with each other while being pointed directly to Jesus,” Anderson said. “This event, which the Lord has let me be a part of over the years, is easily one … [Read more...]

Fund established for firefighter who died in car accident

By Message Staff POLLOCK – First Baptist Church in Pollock has established a memorial fund for a fireman who died following injuries sustained in a car accident Tuesday, Aug. 21. According to a press release from Louisiana State Police, John Whitaker, 33, died in Oberlin in a traffic accident. Brian Gunter, pastor of First Baptist Pollock, said Whitaker accepted Christ and was baptized at his church. While he recently moved to work for the Jennings Fire Department, Whitaker commuted back to Pollock some Sundays to attend church and spend time with his wife, Brittany, and their two daughters. Whitaker also attended Grace Community Baptist Church in Iota when his schedule would not allow him to travel back to Pollock. “John was a very dedicated and faithful husband and father,” Gunter told the Baptist Message. “We are all heartbroken by this tragedy and we are determined to help take care of John’s family since he no longer can.” To donate to the fund, go to any Colfax Bank branch and make checks payable to “The John Whitaker Memorial Fund.” All donations will be used to help with expenses for his daughters. … [Read more...]

Concert helps LC reopen renovated Guinn

By Message Staff PINEVILLE – A mini concert by Matt Papa helped Louisiana College reopened the doors to its newly renovated Guinn Auditorium Thursday, Aug. 23, during the school’s first chapel service of the fall semester. LC President Rick Brewer told the students, faculty and staff gathered inside the 1,661-seat auditorium how thankful he was to be back in the facility which last hosted an event in June 2016. The building, used for chapel services, commencement exercises and other large gatherings, has new lights, sound system, HVAC, roof, ceiling, walls, floor and seats. “It’s awesome to be back in here again,” Brewer said of the $6.5 million renovation. “To God be the glory.” https://youtu.be/3-9FrQPkALg The building is one of 18 school buildings that have received interior and exterior improvements after GuideOne Insurance approved a claim for $18 million of projects that stem from an April 2015 hail storm. The school contacted GuideOne to request an inspection, which revealed the refurbishment would be rather costly but the insurer agreed to cover all the repairs. “GuideOne has been incredibly gracious throughout this process,” Brewer said. “We are deeply grateful for every consideration.” The Matt Papa … [Read more...]

Revival at Benson Baptist Church

Benson Baptist Church, Benson: Revival, September 2-5, 6:30 p.m. nightly. Evangelist: Lyndon Longoria. Special Music: Kerry Longoria. Everyone is invited to attend. The church is located at 3213 Highway 512. Converse, LA. Pastor: Delmon Rogers. … [Read more...]

Revival at Calvary Baptist Church, Forest Hill

Calvary Baptist Church, Forest Hill: Revival, September 2-5; Sunday 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Monday-Wednesday, 7 p.m. Evangelist: Wayne Jones and Freedom Mission. There will be the Word of God, testimonies, praise and worship. For more information, call 318.733-0248. Pastor: Wayne Dunn. … [Read more...]

Surrounded by family, friends and prayers, baby Elijah passes away

By Message Staff NEW ORLEANS - Elijah Kelly, the baby who thousands have prayed for as he journeyed through difficulties with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, has died. According to a post on the Elijah's Miracles Facebook page, he died at 4:17 pm Tuesday at Children's Hospital in New Orleans. Kelly, who was the grandson of Gulf Coast Baptist Association Director of Missions Steven Kelly, was born June 6 and weighed four pounds, 13 ounces. Two days later, the doctors diagnosed him with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare condition that left the newborn with only three of four chambers of his heart working properly. In the ensuing months, Kelly endured three open heart surgeries, a brain bleed, kidney dialysis and countless injections. Up until the end, family and friends from across the world offered prayers of support. Tammillee Kelly, wife of Steven Kelly, expressed appreciation for all who supported the family. "He was surrounded by his family and closest friends," she wrote on the Elijah's Miracles Facebook page Tuesday night. "He was cared for, prayed over, loved on, and sang to as he left our presence and into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Visitation will take place … [Read more...]

Camp moves on after losses in fire, storm

By Message Staff LORANGER – Camp Living Waters has lost its maintenance building, office equipment and kitchen air conditioning system in the last five months, but Camp Director Scott Mercer is maintaining a grateful attitude for the way he has seen God provide through the difficult circumstances. “It’s very humbling for how people have given and pulled together to support us,” Mercer said. “The size of the gift isn’t important as much as their obedience in following God’s direction to help us. We have full confidence in the midst of the storm God has a plan. All of us here at the camp are excited for what He has for us in the future.” A fire destroyed the maintenance building at Camp Living Waters April 23. Lost in the blaze were a tractor, two zero turn lawn mowers and golf cart. Two months later, a lightning strike heavily damaged the landline phones and computers in an office, and an air conditioning system in the kitchen. Christians rallied to support the camp, which is owned by Northshore, Eastern Louisiana, Two Rivers, Washington and New Orleans Baptist associations. Mercer said churches donated funds for a new lawnmower and raised money from their Vacation Bible School to buy new equipment. Another … [Read more...]