By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer NEW ORLEANS (LBM) – For the last 26 years, Kay Bennett has shared the hope of Christ with some of the most vulnerable in New Orleans as director of the Baptist Friendship House. In late April she retired from leading this key ministry, but her heart continues to be with the human trafficking victims, homeless mothers and school children she helped during her years with the ministry. “It’s been the adventure of a lifetime,” Bennett told the Baptist Message. “This is the most fulfilling thing I can ever imagine. I’ve gotten to do and see things some people only dream about. “I’ve seen Jesus chang[1]ing people’s lives when they needed Him most,” she continued. “What a joy and honor to see Him work for all these years.” CALLED Bennett’s ministry journey began as the daughter of a dairy farmer in Kokomo, Miss., who engrained in her the value of serving others. Her father and mother also took her to church every week and planted seeds that eventually, at age 12, resulted in Bennett trusting in Christ as her Savior. While attending the University of Southern Mississippi, Bennett landed a counseling internship at a mental facility in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Though she was … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer LAKE CHARLES, La. (LBM) – Steve James has led Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana, through a relocation, numerous natural disaster responses and multiple waves of baptisms during his 27 years as pastor. James is a former president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention (2002-2003) in Alexandria, Louisiana, a past trustee (2006-2017), including as chairman (2014-2015), with the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and a trustee with the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries (2020-present). As he reflected on fond memories ahead of his Aug. 31 retirement, James said he is thankful for the way God has used his church to share the hope of Christ with others in southwest Louisiana and beyond. “I have asked God that the latter days be greater than the former,” James told the Baptist Message. “I am at peace where I am. I have taken the church as far as I think I can take them. Anything you see at Trinity Baptist or hear is all God and He has let me come along for the ride. I give him the praise, honor and glory.” FROM REBELLION TO MINISTRY Despite growing up in the home of a pastor, James lived a rebellious life as a … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONTEGUT, La. (LBM) – Bernice Billiot was left hopeless after Hurricane Ida destroyed her house on the Pointe-au-Chien Indian reservation, Aug. 29, 2021. But in March, volunteers from Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief, Blessed Assurance Ministries (relief arm comprised of members from First Baptist Church, Covington), and Christian Public Service (agency of the Church of God in Christ Mennonites) came alongside Billiot and renewed her spirit by rebuilding her home. Billiot is the first of many who Louisiana Baptists plan to help through a lengthy reconstruction effort on the reservation. “I can’t express how much all the help has given me in moving forward,” Billiot told the Baptist Message. “I would still be living in my camper if it had not been for these people. It’s awesome the love they have shown to me and the others living in my town.” Of the 92 homes in the community, 78 were destroyed by Ida, a Category 4 storm (maximum sustained winds of 150 mph). Marvin and Debbie Savoie, former International Mission Board Missionaries who now are members of First Baptist Church, Lafayette, were appointed in November to oversee the rebuild project. They knew restoring the … [Read more...]

First Baptist Church, Merryville: Strength for Today Ministries presents a Bible conference, July 23-25, 6-8 p.m. The ministry of Evangelist Lyndon Longoria is celebrating its 25th year. Speakers: Dalton Isbell, DeRidder, Wesley Jackson, Anacoco, Asa Longoria, DeRidder, Robert McClelland, Kirbyville, Texas, Jim McKeithen, Hebert, Johnnie Phillips, Jena, David Richmond, Columbia, and Lyndon Longoria. Worship will be provided by Kerry Longoria and Mark Humble. First Baptist Church, Blanchard: Terrific Tuesdays, July 11, 6 p.m., John Fream, Cypress Baptist Church; July 18, 6 p.m., Casey Johnson, Bonita Road Baptist Church, July 25, 6 p.m., Lane Moore, Associational Mission Strategist for Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association. Pastor: Clay Fuqua. Zion Baptist Church, Georgetown: Revival, July 17-20, 7 p.m. nightly. Speaker: Brent Smith. Worship/music will be provided by area church including East Winnfield, Friendship Baptist and Zion Baptist. A nursery for ages three & under will be provided. Pastor: Don Wright. Harvest Sunday Bellaire Baptist Church, Bossier City: Harvest Sunday, June 16, 8:15 & 10:15 a.m., Evangelist: Lyndon Longoria. Pastor: Randy Harper. Willow Point Baptist Church, Shreveport: Harvest … [Read more...]

LAFAYETTE, La. – The Bayou Church will celebrate the grand opening of an expansion to their campus Aug. 6. According to a news release from the church, individuals will have the opportunity to attend worship services (8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.) and tour the new 32,485-sq.-ft. facilities that will include a 250-seat multi-purpose venue with restrooms and a small kitchen area for hosting weddings, memorial services, and other community events. The expansion also will feature a lobby, coffee shop (featuring Reve coffee and Caroline’s cookies), covered patio, restrooms and expanded children’s space and preschool area that will be available at the 9:30 and 11 a.m. services for those attending kindergarten to fifth grade. Kent Design Build of Mandeville led this project from conception to completion. The expansion replaces a 45-year-old building that sustained significant damage to its roof and infrastructure after Hurricane Delta made its way through the Lafayette area in October 2020. Built in 1979, the former skating rink, known as Roller City, had served as a worship and event space since it was purchased by the church in 1986. “This project has never been about a new building for us,” Senior Pastor Sean Walker said. “This … [Read more...]