By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer WASHINGTON (LBM) – A Facebook post by Congressman Mike Johnson warning families about the new FX cartoon “Little Demon” has reached more than 12 million people and been shared more than 157,000 times since Sept. 5. Johnson, who represents Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District and is a member of Cypress Baptist Church, Benton, shared his concerns about the show that was previewed during the Florida State-LSU football game Sept. 4 on ABC. According to the FX website, the show features a “reluctant” mother and her antichrist daughter as they try to live an ordinary life in Delaware. However, they are “constantly thwarted by monstrous forces, including Satan, who yearns for custody of his daughter’s soul.” Johnson, who has made four other Facebook posts about the show, said he was shocked Disney, which owns and markets FX, would expose so many individuals including children such as his own 11-year-old son to a trailer about a cartoon that has elements of satanism, graphic violence and profanity. “When I saw the trailer, I was alarmed,” Johnson told the Baptist Message. “It was not expected, and I couldn’t get to the remote fast enough to shield my son from it. I wondered … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – While refueling at an Alexandria gasoline station, Aug. 26, Disaster Relief volunteer James Irvine struck up a conversation with a young man who inquired about a job with the organization. Instead of securing employment, Justin left with something far better than a job opportunity … he left with a relationship with Christ. Irvine, who along with LBDR Strategist Stan Statham, prayed with Justin onsite as he gave his life over to the Lord. It served as a reminder that all Christ followers should look for opportunities to share the ‘good news’ found in the Lord. “Anytime you can lead someone to the Lord it’s an awesome experience, Irvine told the Baptist Message. “On that day the timing was right, and he was ready to change his life for the Lord. A lot of people miss those opportunities but when it is there you must step up and allow the person to either accept or reject Christ. I’m so excited Justin was willing to turn to Jesus right then and there.” Statham, who has maintained contact with Justin for discipleship and to help him get connected with a local church, said the incident served as a reminder of the ultimate purpose of disaster … [Read more...]