By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer RUSTON, La. (LBM) – Louisi­ana Baptists were encouraged to embrace an evangelistic mindset in at home and abroad during ECON 2024, held in the facilities of Tem­ple Baptist Church, Ruston, Jan. 22-23. ECON featured Louisiana Bap­tist pastors, seminary professors, a representative from the Interna­tional Mission Board, a comedian and other evangelism associates from across North America. The event also included times of worship led by the Temple Bap­tist praise and worship team and Charles Billingsley, an award-win­ning Christian contemporary artist, as well as breakout sessions. GEORGE LEE George Lee IV, minister of com­munity engagement at Temple Bap­tist, reminded Louisiana Baptists to develop a heart of service and win others to Jesus. “How badly do we want to win as a body of believers?” said Lee, drawing from 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. “A win is seeing somebody who has a one-way ticket to hell being redeemed and reconciled to the Father by the power of the Gospel.” He reminded Louisiana Baptists that they cannot win those they do not serve, they cannot serve every­one the same way and they cannot serve God without serving people. “Every day you wake up you … [Read more...]

By Office of Sen. Billy Cassidy WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) has released a statement following his A+ rating on Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s 2023 national pro-life scorecard. The rating recognizes his work in Congress to protect the lives of innocent unborn children. “Being pro-life means being pro-mothers, pro-babies, and pro-healthy futures - a philosophy I carry with me in the Senate,” said Cassidy. “Proud to receive this recognition and looking forward to continuing my efforts in Congress to protect an unborn child’s right to life.” Some of Cassidy’s efforts in 2023 to protect the lives of unborn babies include: Cassidy introduces permanent ban on taxpayer funding for abortions Cassidy votes to block illegal VA abortion rule Cassidy demands answers on HHS promoting “AbortionFinder” website, targeting of minors to get abortions without parents’ knowledge Cassidy sounds alarm over the potential use of taxpayer dollars to promote abortion services in schools Cassidy urges HELP Chair Sanders to ensure pro-life protections, protect parental consent in funding for school-based health centers … [Read more...]

By Office of Sen. John Kennedy MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) has earned an “A+” rating for his commitment to protecting the lives of the unborn through his pro-life legislative record during the first session of the 118th Congress. The Susan B. Anthony List’s national scorecard recognizes lawmakers who have consistently championed life through their voting records and legislative leadership. “All human life, whether its 82 years or 82 seconds old, is precious. I will never stop defending America’s defenseless unborn children,” said Kennedy. During the first session of the 118th Congress, Kennedy cosponsored legislation to prevent the Biden administration’s Department of Defense from facilitating abortions. The senator also cosponsored the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act to permanently stop federal funding for abortions. In the 117th Congress, Kennedy opposed using taxpayer money to fund abortions and voted against Democrats’ attempt to force states to legalize abortion up to the point of a child’s birth. He also helped lead an effort to defund Planned Parenthood. Prior to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Kennedy co-led the pro-life … [Read more...]

BATON ROUGE, La – Governor Jeff Landry signed an Executive Order focused on identifying, quantifying, and mitigating the adverse effects of illegal immigration in Louisiana. This order will require the head of every executive branch entity throughout the state of Louisiana to capture certain data in order to determine the costs the state is having to incur due to those entering our country illegally. “The cost of illegal immigration in this state is falling on the shoulders of hard-working Louisianans. This Executive Order will analyze data to determine the financial burden our citizens are being forced to carry because of those who do not follow the law,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Louisiana will always welcome those who legally immigrate, but taxpayers cannot continue to foot the bill for individuals who break the law and skip the line.” To view Governor Landry’s Executive Order, please click HERE. … [Read more...]

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Due to the inclement weather, the Louisiana Christian University campus will remain closed on Jan. 17. Faculty and students will continue to follow the continuity of 0perations plan guidelines and continue classes online through Canvas assignments. The drop/add date for classes will be adjusted and extended after the campus reopens. Food service will provide brunch and dinner on Tuesday and Wednesday. … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer POLLOCK, La. (LBM) – Eleven months after a fire destroyed most of the facilities of the New Friendship Baptist Church, the congrega­tion is amid a rebirth. While the church was devastated due to the loss of buildings, they have enjoyed the good­ness of God through donations, phone calls and in-person visits. Ad­ditionally, five new con­verts were baptized in a lakeside service in June. “I have never seen this many people join togeth­er to help a church out,” Pastor Lloyd Whitman told the Baptist Message. “Churches from differ­ent denominations have sent us money, called to ask what they can do and donated items, like chairs. It’s been a blessing to me as pastor to see the unity, not only with our people, but with people from all denominations. It’s been wonderful to see an outpouring of love from all areas and not just Baptists.” “The people of the church have experienced a true awakening of unity, not only from us but from the community and other communities,” he continued. “They feel blessed that people all over are giving and sharing with us. It brings tears to our eyes. Our people have been so en­couraged and are excited about even greater things to come.” The … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – The Louisiana Baptist Foundation has launched a new service aimed at helping individu­als with personal invest­ments that also advance the Kingdom. “Investments for Indi­viduals,” available through a partnership with Church Finance Corporation (affili­ated with the New Mexico Baptist Foundation), gives Louisiana Baptists the opportunity to put their money into short or long-term investments, LBF Executive Director Jeff Steed said. This allows indi­viduals the opportunity to earn interest on their funds and helps to fund church loans for building projects and other similar purposes to benefit the Kingdom, he noted. “The Louisiana Baptist Foundation is grateful for the partnership in minis­try with Church Finance Corporation to help Loui­siana Baptists with their personal investments and also advance the Kingdom,” Steed said. According to its web­site, the Albuquerque, N.M.-based CFC was established in 1960 to make loan funds available to churches and ministries for property acquisition, building construction, expansion and remodeling. CFC also provides invest­ment opportunities that grow existing resources and expand the body of Christ. CFC … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff LAKE CHARLES, La. (LBM) –Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief feeding and laundry teams have been activated for ministry to the homeless in Lake Charles. The team of 12 members from Carey Baptist Association and Rolling Hills Ministries will cook meals (using equipment provided by Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville), Jan. 15-17, for an expected 125 homeless individuals who will be housed at Watersedge Church (non-denominational), Lake Charles. Reggy Saxon, DR coordinator for Zone 5 that encompasses southwest Louisiana, asked for prayers for those individuals the teams will minister to over the next few days. “God reminds us that He cares even for the least of these,” Saxon said. “These are folks without a home. Shame on us if we ignore them, especially in a time of need. This is an excellent time to share the Lord in tough conditions.” Lake Charles is among communities throughout the state and nation impacted by frigid temperatures and wintry precipitation from Winter Storm Heather. Across the state, roadways, businesses including all state offices and schools were closed as Heather blanketed parts of the state with snow, freezing rain and sleet. According to AccuWeather, the storm … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist collegiate ministry leaders hope to equip students to intentionally share the Gospel in daily life during the upcoming Collegiate Evangelism Conference, set for Feb. 2-3 in Louisiana Chris­tian University’s Guinn Auditorium, Pineville. They said their goal is to prepare participants to establish personal out­reach as a lifestyle habit. CEC will feature three speakers: Chad Gilbert, First Baptist Church, New Orleans, Jordy McKaskle, Calvary Bap­tist Church, Alexandria, and George Lee, director, Grambling State Univer­sity Baptist Collegiate Ministry. The worship team from Istrouma Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, will lead music. Students also will have a chance to at­tend breakout sessions that center around the conference theme and learn about missions and ministry opportunities representatives of Loui­siana BCM GOLA Mis­sions, the International Mission Board and New Orleans Baptist Theo­logical Seminary. Chad McClurg, direc­tor of the Baptist Col­legiate Ministry with the University of Louisiana at Monroe, told the Baptist Message that the conference will be an opportunity for students from Louisiana Baptist church college … [Read more...]