By Baptist Message staff COVINGTON, La. (LBM) – Hundreds of Ukrainian refugees recently enjoyed an early Christmas when a 40-ft. container of needed supplies from the Covington-based Fairhaven Ministry arrived in Poland. Made possible through donations from individuals in Louisiana and beyond, the container was filled with clothing, medical supplies, hygiene products and toys. The container arrived in a Polish warehouse for early November distribution to Ukrainians who have sought refuge from the ongoing war in their country since February. Items from the container also were distributed to Ukrainian refugees in western Ukraine. Johnny Huffman, who has spearheaded the ministry with his wife, Sissie, for more than 30 years, said a businessman from Texas covered the estimated $7,000 in shipping costs. Fairhaven Ministry also helped God’s Warehouse (operated by Nolachunkcy Baptist Association, Morristown, Tennessee) cover the cost to ship another container to Ukrainian refugees in Israel. The shipment is the latest example of how God has guided and provided Huffman and the ministry with the means and finances to ship more than 150 containers to those in need in numerous countries over the years. “We try to leave … [Read more...]

By Message staff LAFAYETTE, La. (LBM) – The worship center of First Baptist Church, Lafayette, recently was transformed into a makeshift Cajun village whose centerpiece was a giant Singing Christmas Tree. During performances, Dec. 9-12, the audiences were treated to music by a choir stationed on platforms on the tree decorated with more than 100,000 lights, along with Christian tunes by an orchestra, local Cajun band and a drama team. The drama included a plan of salvation throughout the production, including an invitation from Pastor James Pritchard to accept Christ at the close of each performance. All who attended were invited to complete a response card for a chance to win one of 20 gift cards from Logan Farms Honey Glazed Hams in Lafayette. According to Minister of Media Dennis Clark, 3,995 attended the four performances at the church while another 700 tuned into the livestream. The most recent performances marked the 19th time First Baptist Lafayette has held the Singing Christmas Tree since the first one in 1985. During that time, it has been held at the church and the Cajundome in Lafayette.   … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff FARMERVILLE, La. (LBM) – A tornado leveled a trailer park in Farmerville on Dec. 13, injuring two dozen people and leaving 30 residents without food, clothing and other basic necessities. Area churches and Rolling Hills Ministry in Ruston were quick to step in with assistance as the needy individuals from Honduras and Nicaragua received air the following day. According to RHM Director of Ministries John Cowling, RHM Director David Abernathy, his wife, Jerri, and himself were assessing damage the tornado caused in the area when they were directed by local authorities to Alex, who manages the individuals who lived in the trailer park. After a brief conversation, Alex agreed to transport the residents to RHM’s thrift store, where they received clothing, other necessities, and a lunch. Later that evening, RHM also provided supper for the residents at their temporary housing, an apartment complex in Farmerville. Additionally, area churches from Concord-Union Baptist Association upon learning of the storm victims need donated $3,000, with RHM matching the donation. Each resident received $200 during a special prayer service, Dec. 14, at the former Farmerville High School. Cowling said he was … [Read more...]