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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Milestones

COMINGS, GOINGS Ryann (wife Diana) Cooper, new as minister to youth and families at First Baptist, DeRidder. Randy Butler, new as music director at Downsville Baptist, Downsville. Jessie J. Charpentier Sr., new as pastor of Jenkins Memorial Baptist, St. Martinville. William “Bill” Pianki, new as associate pastor of youth and young adult ministries at Colyell Baptist, Livingston, from First Baptist, DeRidder. Mark (wife Michele) Wilson, new as student minister and associate pastor at First Baptist, Monroe. Brian Lee, resigned as associate pastor of youth and recreation at First Baptist, Vidalia. NEEDED A full-time maintenance technician and part-time housekeeper and food service worker are needed at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center, Woodworth. Call 318.445.6797. Associate pastor of youth and recreation needed at First Baptist, Vidalia. Call 318.336.7111. Part-time, full-time and flexible hour childcare assistants are needed at East Leesville Baptist, Leesville. Interviews are to be held January 10. Call 337.239.3733. AVAILABLE A free piano is to be given to a mission church or any church. Contact First Baptist, Haynesville, at 318.624.0214. REVIVALS HAYNESVILLE – First … [Read more...]

Becoming a Sunday school leader

When it comes to maintaining a vital relationship with the Lord, Sunday School leaders never graduate from the spiritual disciplines prescribed through the ages for all Christians NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) –When it comes to maintaining a vital relationship with the Lord, Sunday School leaders never graduate from the spiritual disciplines prescribed through the ages for all Christians: praising God and hearing His Word in corporate worship; praying to the Father and reading His Word in daily devotions; allowing the Holy Spirit to work through our spiritual gifts to minister to others; obeying Jesus by witnessing to His love and sharing the Good News of eternal and abundant life in Him; and gathering with other believers for fellowship. You could add other disciplines to this list. But there are some disciplines unique to the effective Sunday School leader. Here are a few: Continuous preparation The Sunday session always goes better when you start preparing early in the week. That may mean simply reading the Scripture passage on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning, and perhaps glancing at the teaching materials, especially the teaching aim. There are obvious reasons to do this, but there are also some less obvious ones. By … [Read more...]

Heisman winner’s priorities are in order

Football rates a mere fourth on his list of priorities behind God, family and academics.  NEW YORK (BP) – Football rates a mere fourth on his list of priorities behind God, family and academics. Even so, in New York City Dec. 8 Tim Tebow became the first college sophomore to win the famed Heisman Trophy in the 70-plus years of the award. The University of Florida quarterback was a finalist along with Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan and Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel. The trophy is one of the most prestigious individual awards in all of sports. “I’d just like to first start off by thanking my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who gave me the ability to play football and gave me a great family and a support group and great coaches and everything around me,” a breathless Tebow said at the ceremony, moments after the award was announced. Going on to thank teammates, high school coaches, his parents and siblings, Tebow repeated thanks to Jesus Christ and drew laughter when pledging his love for his chosen school for the third time. “I love the University of Florida, I love being a Gator. I love Gator Nation,” Tebow said. A graduate of Nease High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Tebow helped … [Read more...]

Leaders sharpen effort to reach continent

More than 700 leaders from 41 state conventions, LifeWay Christian Resources and the North American Mission Board met Dec. 3-6 with the goal of finding more effective ways to partner in the effort to reach North America for Christ.  NASHVILLE (BP) – More than 700 leaders from 41 state conventions, LifeWay Christian Resources and the North American Mission Board met Dec. 3-6 with the goal of finding more effective ways to partner in the effort to reach North America for Christ. Leaders from both the state conventions and SBC entities acknowledged the urgency Southern Baptists face as North America drifts toward a more secular mindset and becomes more spiritually diverse. “This is not your father’s North America,” NAMB President Geoff Hammond told attendees at the 2007 SBC State Conventions’ Summit. “What used to be a melting pot has become a mixing pot. Cities like New York have 500 people groups represented. As Southern Baptists, having engaged only 35 of those groups is not enough.” Hammond called the meeting “historic,” saying Southern Baptist forefathers would have expected today’s Baptists to work together, even in the midst of different ministry responsibilities. “Every partnership has some walls,” he said. “My … [Read more...]

Church builds CP Momentum led by former, current pastor

The Cooperative Program and First Baptist Church in Tehuacana, Texas, were started in 1925 – and both continue to serve as beacons of God’s light throughout the world. TEHUACANA, Texas (BP) –The Cooperative Program and First Baptist Church in Tehuacana, Texas, were started in 1925 – and both continue to serve as beacons of God’s light throughout the world. “We have a strong belief in missions,” said Dale McDaniel, First Baptist’s pastor. “We feel that by our giving we who cannot go into all the world can send those who can.” The church gives at least 10 percent of its undesignated offerings through the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptists’ cornerstone method of shared support for missions work state by state and around the world. In addition to its CP Missions commitment, the church also sends similar sums to the Bi-Stone Baptist Association for cooperative local Southern Baptist missions endeavors and to a nearby youth camp. At the same time, First Baptist focuses on local ministry, fellowship and community needs. It often does so in cooperation with the local Methodist church and with trustees of the Westminster University campus, now in restoration as an academic institution. One joint project was outdoor … [Read more...]

In God, he trusted during World War II

The words come slowly at first, and then in a rush as 88-year-old Willis Prather started to recall memories long ago forgotten and buried. BENTLEY – The words come slowly at first, and then in a rush as 88-year-old Willis Prather started to recall memories long ago forgotten and buried. Sitting at his kitchen table in front of a stack of old pictures, it is hard to tell by his voice, still strong and vibrant, what he is feeling as he relives his experiences in World War II. His hands, though, finally give him away. “You know, I saw some terrible things back then that I don’t want to ever see again. I have done my best to block them from my memories,” Prather said, as every so often he would wring his hands. “As hard as I try, though, I can’t forget them – the images, sounds and smells. I believe the good Lord just doesn’t want me to forget them.” As a member of the famed 82nd Airborne, Prather, along with millions of fellow U.S. servicemen, fought their way across Europe and the Pacific during the dark and bloody days of World War II. He was part of a generation that helped to shape the modern world and paved the way for freedom. His generation has been hailed as America’s greatest generation, a title many, … [Read more...]

Annual LBC Convention convenes on Nov. 12

An anticipated 2,000 messengers and guests will converge for celebration, reporting, preaching, official business, adoption of resolutions and selection of officers Nov. 12-13 for the 160th meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. STATEWIDE – An anticipated 2,000 messengers and guests will converge for celebration, reporting, preaching, official business, adoption of resolutions and selection of officers Nov. 12-13 for the 160th meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. The annual meeting of the largest evangelical faith group in Louisiana begins at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Alexandria Riverfront Convention Center. The Louisiana Baptist Convention (LBC) is comprised of 1,576 local churches that cooperate for missions outreach and church growth/strengthening ministries.  “This year (2007) marks the 160th annual meeting of Louisiana Southern Baptists. Since our humble beginnings at Mount Lebanon in 1848 with 88 churches, Louisiana Baptists have given hundreds of millions of dollars and invested thousands of our best people for the cause of mission work in the state, North America and around the world. This year’s event, which will be available on www.LBC.org via real time video streaming, holds  potential to set … [Read more...]

Q & A For Louisiana Baptist Convention Presidential Candidates

Charles Michial “Mike” Holloway Charles Michial “Mike” Holloway Pastor at Cook Baptist in Ruston FAMILY: Born in Monroe, he was saved when he was 8-years-old at Bethel Baptist in West Monroe. Married in May of 1981 to Dawn, the couple have two children – 24-year-old Candace Dawn Rodriguez and 21-year-old Charles Matthew. EDUCATION: Graduated from University of Louisiana at Monroe with a B.A., New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a M.Div. and Mid-America Seminary with a D. Min. EXPERIENCE: In the past 23 years, Holloway has pastored four churches in Louisiana – Highland Park Monroe, First Marion, Unity Cotton Valley, Cook Ruston. He has been at Cook Baptist since October 2005. He also is serving as the evangelism director of the Concord-Union Association, but has served in every possible position in the association, including moderator. From 1992-98 he served on the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board, and while there was a chairman of the budget committee (1996-98) and vice president (1997-98). He also has served on the NOBTS Board of Trustees from 1992-98. PRESENTATION STATEMENT: “I believe you will find that Dr. Holloway brings strong, proven leadership to Louisiana Baptists. I have personally … [Read more...]

Q & A For Louisiana Baptist Convention Presidential Candidates

Chuck Pourciau Pastor at Broadmoor Baptist in Shreveport Chuck Pourciau Pastor at Broadmoor Baptist in Shreveport FAMILY: Born Sept. 2, 1961 in Baton Rouge, he was saved at Comite Baptist Church in Baton Rouge at age 9. Pourciau married his wife Tracy on Jan. 3, 1981. The couple have two daughters – Leigh and Casey. Leigh is a senior in English Education at Mississippi University for Women. Casey, who was recently married in June, graduated in May with a B.S. in nursing and is currently working as a nurse in Fayette, Alabama. EDUCATION:  He is a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a M.Div and Ph.D. EXPERIENCE: Pourciau was ordained a pastor in September 1984. Whille he spent a number of years pastoring in Mississippi, he has pastored at Lewiston Baptist Church in Kentwood before returning to Louisiana in April 1999 to become pastor of Broadmoor. In the past 81/2 years, he has served on the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board and the Louisiana College Board of Trustees. PRESENTATION STATEMENT: “If elected president, Chuck Pourciau will emphasize missions – both in giving and participation. He will bring a passion for evangelism and growth to his presidency. And, he will seek to help … [Read more...]

Hughes’ book is about hope

Bible study teacher Rebecca Hughes happened to be at the Baptist Building in Alexandria the day Women’s Missions and Ministry Director Janie Wise received Hughes’ new book, so Hughes sat down at Georgia Barnette’s desk in the WMU office and inscribed Winds of Hope: Healing Devotions for Life’s Storms for Wise. NEW ORLEANS – Bible study teacher Rebecca Hughes happened to be at the Baptist Building in Alexandria the day Women’s Missions and Ministry Director Janie Wise received Hughes’ new book, so Hughes sat down at Georgia Barnette’s desk in the WMU office and inscribed Winds of Hope: Healing Devotions for Life’s Storms for Wise. The book is a 60-day devotional featuring stories of hope in times of natural disaster. It includes Katrina stories as well as stories of other kinds of disasters, such as earthquake, fire, windstorm and more. “My prayer is the book will be an encouragement to anyone who is experiencing a disaster, natural or otherwise, and a resource for anyone ministering to those in recovery,” Hughes said. A Book Release party was held on Nov. 1, at Riverside Baptist in River Ridge. A book-related overnight retreat is set for Nov. 16-17 at Camp Living Waters. The theme of the retreat is “Look At Us Now,” … [Read more...]