It is the most rural of the three associations Lonnie Wascom, director of missions, oversees, but the impact the 20 churches in the association makes is huge. LATANGI BAPTIST ASSOCIATION – It is the most rural of the three associations Lonnie Wascom, director of missions, oversees, but the impact the 20 churches in the association makes is huge. Located in eastern Livingston and Tangipahoa Parishes, this small Baptist association has reached out to its two larger cousins to the east in a big way, especially during the post-Katrina era. “They do a such great job,” Wascom said. “They have formed a tight identity with the two other associations to the East, thanks to the Katrina. “They were probably the least affected physically after the storm because they were pretty far west of the storm’s path. But post-Katrina they have truly done a tremendous job of ministering to their brothers and sisters in the East. I suspect from listening to their testimony and from the experiences I have witnessed over the past couple of years, LaTangi didn’t always relate to the others. “But the storm did a remarkable thing – it brought our churches together into a unified body,” Wascom said. “This is cooperation at its … [Read more...]

It is said there is strength in numbers, but in a rural community numbers are not always a luxury. It is said there is strength in numbers, but in a rural community numbers are not always a luxury. Located in rural southeast Louisiana, the LaTangi Associational Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), which is directly north of the more populace North Shore, overcomes a lack of numbers by partnering with other churches. “I believe our ability to partner with other churches is a big part of our success,” said Sue Woolery, head of the LaTangi Association’s WMU. A firm believer in missions work, it has become a part of her life for Woolery and her husband, recently the pastor at Lee Hill Baptist Church in Folsom. “When we went to Norway in 1984-85 for the International Missions Board, it gave us the insight to getting involved, not only in missions, but getting involved in everything,” she said. “I am very active here, but I also try to be as active as possible in the Louisiana Baptist Convention’s WMU.” Lonnie Wascom, director of missions for the three associations -- LaTangi, St. Tammany and Chappapeela – in the North Shore area says this associational WMU team is one of the most successful he has seen in terms of number … [Read more...]

Highland Baptist Church last Sunday helped Henry King celebrate his 100th birthday, which technically was Sept. 16. WEST MONROE – Highland Baptist Church last Sunday helped Henry King celebrate his 100th birthday, which technically was Sept. 16. “No gifts, please. Your presence is your gift,” was imprinted on the invitation. King’s life is a gift. He and others like him – those born from 1900 to 1920 and thereabouts –  helped build this nation and the Lousiana Baptist Convention. King was a youngster when Americans got involved in World War 1. He married Lottie in 1926 – before the stock market crashed in 1929. He worked for 42 years as a shipping clerk for Brown Paper Mill in Monroe, even through the Depression years. In his 30s – 1937 to 1947 – he watched the United States become embroiled in a second world war, and not long after that, in a war against Communist aggression in Korea. In the 1950s, Henry and Lottie adopted two toddlers. They moved “uptown” into a new, larger home, and they moved their church letter from Peniel Baptist West Monroe to Ridge Avenue Baptist West Monroe, before getting involved in a new church start that today is Highland Baptist West Monroe. “I guess they wanted a … [Read more...]

Arnold Nelson came to Jesus in a new-ground cornfield, freshly hacked from the brush, in 1922 when he was eleven years old. MANSFIELD — Arnold Nelson came to Jesus in a new-ground cornfield, freshly hacked from the brush, in 1922 when he was eleven years old. Along with his cousin, Nelson felt the Lord leading them to pray even there. “I hurt my foot and said to my cousin, ‘I was just about to curse,’” Nelson remembered. “[Then] I said, ‘No, I’m not going to say it.’” When the cousin wanted to know more about that change of heart, Nelson obliged. “I said I knew it was wrong, and I wasn’t going to do it anymore. We sat down and talked about how wrong we were.” After praying and giving their lives to the Lord, the two boys made professions of faith at a church revival service that very night. “I was baptized in a pool at the foot of a hill dug out just below a spring,” Nelson said. “My mother was a widow as long as I can remember,” he continued. She had four other children, a set of twin girls older than he, as well as another boy and another girl both younger than he. A teacher, Mrs. Nelson moved around a good deal, and the result was that her oldest son was “broken in by rough living,” he said. “My cousins … [Read more...]

Early Baptists in Louisiana John Coulter From Kentucky, John Coulter moved with his family to what would become Morehouse Parish in April 1797. They were the first known Baptists in Louisiana. David Cooper Accompanied by his horse and the Lord, David Cooper of Woodville, in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, often traveled the 30 miles — an eight hour journey — to the Felicana area near St. Francisville in Louisiana to minister. Cooper, an ordained Baptist minister and a practicing physician, had been active in the Charleston Association in South Carolina, helping to constitute a church and ordain its pastor, before moving to Mississippi in 1802. In Mississippi, Cooper not only helped organize the Mississippi Association, he was also active in evangelistic and pastoral work, serving as a missionary doctor in Mississippi and Louisiana. He was married in his later years to the widow of Louisiana’s first elected governor, William C.C. Claiborne. In an 1817 letter he wrote about the area in Louisiana where he was ministering: “It is a large and populous settlement, almost entirely destitute of the gospel, except the little attention they have received from your unworthy servant, and is, of course, good missionary … [Read more...]

Open Gate Western Heritage Church is to host a wilderness worship, camp out and trail ride Friday-Saturday, Sept. 28-29. JENA – Open Gate Western Heritage Church is to host a wilderness worship, camp out and trail ride Friday-Saturday, Sept. 28-29. All people connected with cowboy churches and ministries in Louisiana are invited to attend, Pastor Mark Stagg recently announced. “Let me know if your church will be coming so we can hold a spot for you ‘round the campfire,” Stagg said. Contact him at 337.488.6616, markstagg@suddenlink.net or see www.opengatewhc.org. After school on Friday, Sept. 28, folks will be driving to the 3,000-acre Wolf Creek Hunt Club campground near Jena, on Hwy 84 northwest of Alexandria. That evening a Dutch oven cook-off between churches is to take place. “We’ll have music and worship under the stars,” Stagg said. “Remember, this is primitive camping: Bring your bedroll.”  Saturday will be a trail ride through the piney woods. People without horses can fish or just relax with other Cowboy Christians, the pastor said. “A river that runs through has some of the most unusual rock formations in the state,” Stagg said. “We’ll be stopping there on the trail ride, or people can walk to it.” … [Read more...]

Nearly 400 women were expected last Saturday, Sept. 15, at Camp Living Waters, for a Spa Day Getaway led by Bible Study Leader Rebecca Hughes, Vocalist Katie Boudreaux and Comedian Kathy Frady. LORANGER – Nearly 400 women were expected last Saturday, Sept. 15, at Camp Living Waters, for a Spa Day Getaway led by Bible Study Leader Rebecca Hughes, Vocalist Katie Boudreaux and Comedian Kathy Frady. “I’m having to close off registrations,” said Jane Wasson, administrative assistant, on Thursday. “We can’t safely take any more at this time.” Registrations had been received from as far as Pineville and Barataria, with most being from the New Orleans and Northshore areas, Wasson said. “One of the board members was saying this is one of the biggest events Camp Living Waters has ever had,” Wasson added. Spa Day had its debut last May at the BAGNO offices in New Orleans. It’s a day of Spirit-enriched worship, laughter and Hughes’ practical biblical insights, powdered by the kind of pampering women long for, but rarely give themselves.  Hughes’ Katrina-inspired book, Winds of Hope: Healing Devotions for Life’s Storms, is to be published Nov. 1 by New Hope Publishing. The trio plans another reteat at Camp Living Waters – … [Read more...]

First Baptist Church looks all bright and new inside, with renovations now complete. This renovation project is part of the church’s 20-20 long range plan, looking toward the year 2020, reports Jerry Wascom. FRANKLINTON – First Baptist Church looks all bright and new inside, with renovations now complete. This renovation project is part of the church’s 20-20 long range plan, looking toward the year 2020, reports Jerry Wascom. “These were much needed renovations for the growth we’re having and for just general appearance, making our sanctuary more pleasing,” said Wascom, office manager. Renovations to the 54-year-old church building include newly-refurbished pews. They were taken apart and sent back to the manufacturer, who restained them a light walnut and added royal blue seat and back cushions. Previously only the seats were cushioned, Wascom said. The pews are back in place: three sections in the sanctuary that seats about 325. Other renovations: new blue carpet, lighting, paint to the sanctuary. In the Senior Adult Center, new flooring was laid, walls were painted and new curtains hung. Eight classrooms also were constructed in the church’s Bickham Building. Luther Stanford has been pastor since April 2004. Read … [Read more...]

COUSHATTA – “It’s About Time” ladies conference is set for 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at Fairview Baptist. Speakers for the event are Judy Landry; Sheila Breazeale and Betty Young. The cost is $10 with a catered lunch.  MONROE – The Fall Food Roundup is now in progress statewide for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. Requested items include canned and dry goods as well as cleaning supplies. Specific items are listed on the web site at www.lbch.org, as is a schedule of daily pickups at churches throughout the state until Oct. 16. Perry Hancock is executive director. HAYNESVILLE – First Baptist ordained Sean Kennedy to the deacon ministry. Shelby Cowling, pastor. DRY CREEK – Dry Creek Baptist Camp is to host a See You at the Pole Rally at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 22. Eric Johnson, speaker; Louisiana College BCM band, music; mime group, AMoment of Silence, entertainment. Participants are asked to bring a picnic lunch. Recreation activities to follow. BETHANY – Camp Bethany is to host Branson at Bethany at 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2. Cost is $7. Program personalities are Mickey Bounds, Cajun humorist; Wayne Berry, pianist, comedian; Donny Lee, illusionist/juggling. BAKER – First Baptist is to … [Read more...]

COMINGS, GOINGS Bart (wife Sheri) Walker, new as pastor of Kingsville Baptist Pineville, from Parkview Baptist, Natchez, Miss. Michael Devillier, new as pastor of Downsville Baptist from Holly Grove Baptist Wisner. Lindsey (wife Janet) Burns, new as pastor at First Baptist DeRidder, from First Baptist Winnfield. Duane Sutton, new as interim pastor of First Baptist DeQuincy. David (wife Melinda) Brown, new as pastor of Ridge Avenue Baptist Monroe from Lakeview Baptist New Orleans. Dennis Hensley, new as pastor of Ouachita Baptist West Monroe. Ken Ronaghan, new as pastor of First Baptist Collinston. Rusty Grant, new as pastor of Edgewood Baptist West Monroe. Wayne Bridges, new as associate pastor of worship of First Baptist Ruston. Ryan Chapman, new as pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Farmerville. Harvey Hoffman, new as interim pastor of First Baptist Farmerville. Steven Blaney, new at Louisiana Tech Ruston as BCM intern, from Emmanuel Ruston  minister of youth. Jerold McBride, new as interim pastor of First Baptist Winnfield. Lee Myers, new as Airline Baptist Bossier City minister of youth from First Baptist Baton Rouge. Steve Younger, new as bivocational pastor of Emmanuel Baptist … [Read more...]