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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Racial reconciliation – the way forward

By Ken Hemphill Paula, my wife and ministry partner, loves Psalm 145:4 “One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.” This verse is the preface for the times when Paula and I talk to our grandchildren about the many ways we have seen God at work in our extended family. Believe it or not, the grandkids love these stories about our history and will often ask for us to “replay” certain stories. Among the issues that have been discussed in recent days is the matter of racial reconciliation and social justice and how we should address them as a denomination. Before we look at the present and future, it might be helpful to take an honest look at our past. While no one would deny that some persons and some churches have been less than Christian in their treatment of persons of other races, I think it is important to look at the positive contributions to racial reconciliation that are also part of our collective history. A look at our past Although critics argue that much of the division between Baptists in the North and South was related to slavery, they often fail to point out the role Southern Baptists have played in trying to remedy racism. (I have included several resolutions from … [Read more...]

Projects, partnerships and a conference highlight LBCH board meeting

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer MONROE – Construction is common place these days on the campus of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and its executive director knows how much of a blessing it is for the changed lives of children and women in the state. Renovation is scheduled to begin in November for the cottages serving children and house parents. Two other projects are also scheduled to begin soon that will benefit children and their mothers who are transitioning from a homeless lifestyle to one of job readiness. “We are so grateful for special friends who are making the much-needed renovations and new cottages possible,” Perry Hancock, president and CEO of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries, shared during the recent trustees meeting. Peace Cottage will receive new flooring, an updated kitchen and paneling will be removed. Moreover, all eight of the cottages, built in the 1970s, will  have been renovated by early 2016. Grace and Feazell cottages were the first to receive renovations in 2013. Since then, Joy, Rucker, Love, Hope and Faith have also received updates. While the cottage is receiving its renovations, construction has begun on Maggie’s Place, the first of … [Read more...]

Is America anti-semitic?

By Michael Foust, Christian Examiner NEW YORK (Christian Examiner) – Would you have risked the lives of yourself and your family during World War II to hide Jews from the Nazis? Although a majority of Americans say they would, a third say they would not, according to a new Barna survey that coincides with the DVD and digital release of "Return To The Hiding Place." That film is based on a true story and recounts the heroic efforts of the college students and young adults who helped Corrie ten Boom, a Christian woman in Holland, hide Jews after Hitler invaded the Netherlands. Thirty-one percent of Americans said they would not while 69 percent said they would. To read the rest of the article, click here. … [Read more...]

Students with Louisiana ties graduate from seminaries, colleges

Students from Louisiana College, as well as those from Southern Baptist seminaries recently graduated. Below is a list of the graduates.   Louisiana College: Name                                                                   Degree                                                        Hometown Quincy R. Gill, Associate of Arts in Pastoral Ministry                                                            Sugartown Michael David Hotard                                     Associate of Arts in Pastoral Ministry                                                                                       Cutoff Joe Everett Alexander                                     Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies                                                                                         Bernice Ronald Gray Anders                                         Bachelor of Arts in Health & Physical Education                                                                   Zachary Phillip Sean Baker                                             Bachelor of Arts in Health & Physical Education                                                                   Zachary Robert Emery Beaman                                   Bachelor … [Read more...]

Women’s conference to challenge participants to be more ‘obedient’

By Message Staff PINEVILLE – Author and Bible study leader Katie Orr and dramatist, speaker and  author Gwen “Ms. Chocolate” Williams will challenge hundreds of women to become more obedient in their walk with Christ at the upcoming Kaleidoscope women’s conference. More than 300 women are expected to attend the annual conference Feb. 23-24 at First Baptist Church, Pineville. The theme of the 2018 conference is “Obedience.” Janie Wise, women’s missions and ministry strategist for Louisiana Baptists, said this year’s Kaleidoscope features several firsts. Not only has the conference expanded to include an additional day to offer more opportunities for fellowship and breakout sessions, but event organizers also will offer participants the chance to purchase a women’s missions and ministry shirt. “The important thing about Kaleidoscope is what God has in store for each of us related to obedience,” Wise said. “It’s not an easy topic, but I invite each woman across Louisiana to come and learn together,” Wise continued. “We will better serve the Lord and more effectively reach the lost when we learn to live in obedience to Him. We have a great program team to help us.” During the main sessions, Orr, author … [Read more...]