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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Fewer abortions in Louisiana reported for third consecutive year

By Louisiana Right to Life communications NEW ORLEANS - The number of abortions in Louisiana decreased by 3 percent from 2016 to 2017, according to preliminary figures provided to Louisiana Right to Life recently by the Louisiana Department of Health. It was the third straight year abortion numbers have dropped. There were 8,706 abortions performed in Louisiana in 2017, down from 8,972 abortions reported in 2016, 9,362 abortions reported in 2015, and 10,211 abortions reported in 2014. The number of abortions performed in the state had increased steadily since Hurricane Katrina before the abortion rate began to decline. Even with numbers down nearly 15 percent since 2014, an average of 24 abortions per day were performed in Louisiana in 2017. Louisiana Right to Life will continue working hard to reduce these numbers until every baby is saved. "We are excited that for the third straight year abortion has decreased in Louisiana," said Benjamin Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life. "This decrease means that children were born in 2017 who may have been aborted in previous years. These babies now get to enjoy their life in the great state we call home. We believe that every life deserves a lifetime, and … [Read more...]

Dogs help LC students get a ‘paw’ up on finals

By Message Staff Maltese and retrievers provided the perfect distraction for Louisiana College students preparing for their final exams Wednesday, April 25. With the assistance of the Catahoula Dog Club, the LC library hosted the “Paws Up” event for students on the day before finals began Thursday, April 26. Library director Rusty Tryon said many of the 125 LC students who participated in a similar event in 2017 reported reduced levels of stress after spending a few moments with the dogs. Tryon said the event is a way for the library staff to minister to students by showing them they care about their emotional and spiritual needs.     “We know this is a very stressful time for students as they are wrapping up the semester,” Tryon said. “We wanted to give them a chance to take a break from all of that, to just get away and do something that is relaxing and calming. We think this will position them better as they move into those exams to be in a relaxed frame of mind, rather than really stressing out about it.” Freshman Kari Speak said spending time with the dogs provided the perfect break from studying. A dog lover herself, Speak said petting and holding the animals helped her not miss her German … [Read more...]

Rolling Hills Ministries dedicates Monroe thrift store

MONROE -- Rolling Hills Ministries celebrated the grand opening of its Monroe thrift store April 20. The $1.8 million, 15,600 sq. ft. store is the fourth to be opened by the ministry.  Rolling Hills also operates locations in Arcadia, Bossier City and Ruston. The new Monroe location accepts drop off items, and picks up donations such as furniture and other large items. Proceeds help fund Rolling Hills’ compassion center, which is located in the same building as the thrift store. This summer, Rolling Hills will begin teaching a retail certification for women who are residents of the Home Place family ministry at the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. The ministry also plans to offer a course to prepare others for the High School Equivalency exam. Located at 5339 Desiard Street, the store is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For information about serving as a volunteer or donating items, call 318.381.8500 or 318.251.0065 or visit rollinghillsministries.com.   … [Read more...]

Harris inducted into William Carey University Hall of Fame

By William Carey University Communications HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Price Harris was among four alumni inducted into William Carey University’s Hall of Fame on April 20 during the school’s homecoming weekend. The induction ceremony, which is one of the highlights of the weekend, took place during a banquet at Southern Oaks House and Gardens in Hattiesburg. The inductees included Harris (1964), Don Biadog (1983), (1964), Gary Roberson (1986), and Victoria King (2014), who received the Distinguished Young Alumnus Award. Born in Tupelo, Harris graduated from Tupelo High School in 1959. After attending Clarke Memorial College in Newton and Mississippi College in Clinton, he graduated from William Carey College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Music in church music. During his college years, he served Hickory Baptist, Richton Baptist, Calvary Baptist in Columbia, and First Baptist Union. At Calvary Baptist in Columbia, he met and married Ann Leonard, who was in her first year of teaching after graduating from Mississippi Southern University. They celebrated 54 years together in June of last year. They have two children and eight grandchildren. In 1964, Harris joined another Carey graduate, Dr. W.D. “Step” Martin, as music and … [Read more...]

We are still here!

Perhaps you have heard about David Meade’s prediction that the rapture would take place yesterday, April 23? He said the same thing last year. Then, he said he miscalculated. His failed prediction of yesterday has him now saying that the rapture will take place between May and December. For Mr. Meade’s sake, I am glad that the law of Deuteronomy 18:20 was not invoked. Look it up—“That prophet must die.” I do have some strong feelings about people misleading others about the subject of Jesus’ return. Jesus gave the supreme answer on the matter. “Now concerning that day and hour no one knows.” Case closed. Next subject. Stop paying attention to the date setters. Before Jesus’ death, after the resurrection, and by the Spirit after His ascension, Jesus spoke of His return—His second coming. This is the great hope of the church. The importance of the return of Christ is evident in that these are the last words that Jesus spoke. The promise of Jesus’ return ought to make a difference in our lives. How should we live in light of the promise of the return of Christ? I want to point your attention to three principles today. The certainty of His coming ought to give us great comfort. One of the strongest arguments for the … [Read more...]

Fire destroys Camp Living Waters maintenance building

By Message Staff LORANGER - A fire Monday, April 23, destroyed the maintenance building at Camp Living Waters in Loranger, but camp staff are thankful no one was injured. Camp Director Scott Mercer told the Baptist Message the fire, believed to be electrical, started around 1 p.m. Monday. Responding to the fire was the Loranger and 8th Ward Volunteer Fire Departments. A total of 14 firemen from six trucks battled the blaze until it was extinguished. Among the most expensive items lost in the fire were a tractor, two zero turn lawn mowers and golf cart, worth more than $60,000. The fire also destroyed Mercer's personal camper. He is waiting to find out what items insurance will cover. "Prayer is the beginning of the process as we wait to hear from insurance," Mercer said. "Then people can begin to pray for us as we recuperate our losses and rebuild. Pray for wisdom of where to start and how we can do this process in a way that honors and glorifies our Lord. "When you think of the shop it’s not just a building,” he continued. "It is the contents of the building that takes its toll. "So our immediate needs will be for those bigger items," he continued. "Grass doesn't stop growing and camp season is just a few … [Read more...]

State DR teams answer needs, minister to victims following deadly weekend storms

By Message Staff An outbreak of tornadoes left death and destruction in its path Friday, April 13, and Saturday, April 14, as tornadoes touched down in Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Lincoln and Union parishes, according to the National Weather Service. Louisiana Disaster Relief teams wasted no time responding in the wake of the storms. “Storms are a reality in Louisiana and we have volunteers ready and willing to help when needed,” Gibbie McMillan, state disaster relief director for Louisiana Baptists said. “Many ask why and the answer is so we can share the good news of the gospel.  It seems like God uses the storm to get our attention and then we are called to respond with help healing and hope.” McMillan said the tornado outbreak is a reminder of how valuable volunteers are for responding with Christ’s love in disastrous situations. DEADLY STORM Besides uprooting trees, causing structural damage and knocking out power to more than 76,000 SWEPCO customers in a three Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana, the powerful storm claimed the life of 20-month-old Carli Ortiz, who was killed early Saturday when a tree feel on the recreational vehicle in which she was sleeping in the Hill Crest Mobile Home & RV Park in … [Read more...]

TRUSTEES: NOBTS announces multi-ethic initiative

By Gary D. Meyers, NOBTS Communications NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary announced a multi-ethnic initiative designed to diversify the seminary community and a tuition cap plan during its spring trustee meeting on April 12. Trustees approved a $23.4 million dollar budget, four new master of arts in missiology specializations, new undergraduate training sites and faculty promotions. In addition, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Russell Moore was named visiting professor of theology and ethics, and Liberty University apologist Gary Habermas was named as visiting professor of apologetics. NOBTS President Chuck Kelley introduced the multi-ethnic initiative, which he calls "Different Voices," during the presidential report. The goal of the initiative is the increase in minority representation in every layer of the seminary community -- students, staff and faculty. Initial plans include workshops for minority students seeking a ministry in Southern Baptist Convention academics and a doctoral fellowship for minority students. As the plan was developed, Kelley met with minority students to share ideas and receive feedback. Kelley said the group wholeheartedly endorsed the name of the … [Read more...]