By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor COLFAX, La. (LBM) – During a live streamed press conference, June 12, Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain urged anyone who has any knowledge of crimes by, or has been victimized by Daryl Stagg, a former Louisiana Baptist associational mission strategist, to report it. “We are concerned that there are other children that have been hurt,” McCain shared. “So, our message this morning is: ‘You’re safe. Mr. Stagg is in jail.’” The contact website is www.GrantSO.org, and the phone number is (318) 627-2010. McCain indicated that the investigation was sweeping and involved Rapides, Grant and Union Parishes in Louisiana, and Kenosha County in Wisconsin. “If you’ve been hurt by Daryl Stagg, if you get in touch with us, we will do the rest,” he promised. McCain said his office was contacted about three weeks ago by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office about “some young children that had been raped.” The investigation grew to involve the four sheriffs’ offices that are now engaged in the matter and led to Stagg’s arrest in Grant Parish on the morning of June 8. CHARGES McCain restated the charges that have been filed in Grant Parish against Stagg: three counts of first-degree rape, three … [Read more...]

By Philip Timothy, Baptist Message managing editor NEW ORLEANS (LBM) — Spiritually, the math is not adding up for the state of Louisiana. And Steve Horn, executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, wants to see that change. In his greeting to the more than 700 volunteers from the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia, Oklahoma, Missouri, Oklahoma, North and South Carolina), Saturday, June 10, for the beginning of Send Relief ‘Serve Tour’ and North American Mission Board’s Crossover at First Baptist Church of New Orleans, Horn said too many people in this state have no relationship with Jesus Christ. “Louisiana is a state of 4.6 million people, “Horn said. “Eighty percent of the people live at or below the I-10 corridor of which a quarter lives in New Orleans. “We also believe when we follow census numbers that 155 people die each day in Louisiana,” he continued. “Missionally — when we study these things — 70% of Louisiana is lost. Therefore, 108.5 or 109 of those 155 have no relationship with Jesus Christ. If they would die today, the Bible tells us they would spend eternity in hell.” “The Bible tells us very specifically in the early church in the Book of Acts that everyday … everyday … the Lord was adding to … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer COVINGTON, La. (LBM) – Two Covington churches took to the streets of their community and subsequently saw five individuals come to Christ and many others request prayer, June 10. First Baptist Church reported two decisions for Jesus while New Zion Baptist Church recorded three who put their faith in the Lord. Additionally, FBC hosted an appreciation lunch for first responders after members canvassed their community with the Gospel. The efforts were part of “Crossover,” a large-scale evangelistic effort, that took place in 65 locations, collectively, in Bayou Baptist Association, New Orleans Baptist Association and North Shore Baptist Association, June 10. Sean Barnes, a member of FBC Covington and director of the church’s Community Evangelism Network, said a teenager and her brother accepted Christ during a team’s visit to their home. “I was tearing up as we led them in the sinner’s prayer,” Barnes said. “It was so awesome seeing God work and letting their hearts be tender and receptive to the Gospel.” Meanwhile, Wayne Ivey, a member of New Zion Baptist, along with his wife, Dianne, and church member Brenden Spears, who recently accepted Christ, led a young … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer VIOLET, La. (LBM) – Seventeen people went all in for Jesus, June 10, during a block party at Celebration Church’s Lower St. Bernard campus, participating in believer’s baptism. One by one, each person came in and out of a water-filled portable trough and was greeted with applause during the church’s first ever “Jesus Fest” block party. According to Pastor Trevor Truitt, Thirteen who were baptized made a decision during the block party and four others already had planned on being baptized during the event. Additionally, 19 children came forward at the block party and will be contacted for follow up. “We knew God was a part of this and He just blew our mind,” Truitt told the Baptist Message. “Our church is very evangelistically driven and understand what it means to be a fan of Jesus but not a follower. Because of that, we understand the need to win others for Jesus and help them grow deeper in the faith.” Truitt said he was grateful for each person who were baptized during the “Jesus Fest” block party that featured Gospel presentations, games, inflatables, face painting, cotton candy, music and food vendors. The evangelistic event was a combined effort by the Lower … [Read more...]