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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

U.S. military purges Christians

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor WASHINGTON (LBM)—The United States Department of Defense has begun discharging military personnel after denying every vaccine religious exemption request to date. As of Dec. 29, 2021, there were 18,548 combined religious exemption requests among active-duty forces in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy. None had been approved, although some cases are pending. Meanwhile, the Marine Corps already has discharged 206 of those who made religious exemption requests and the Air Force has separated 27 airmen. Both the Army and Navy have said they will wait until January to begin proceedings against those who have been denied a religious exemption to the vaccine mandate. Now, a federal judge in Texas has issued a preliminary injunction against the vaccine mandate in a lawsuit brought by elite members of the U.S. Navy. U.S. District Court Judge Reed O’Connor, with the Northern District of Texas in Fort Worth, ruled, Jan. 3, that the DoD has violated the sailors’ constitutional right to refuse the vaccine based on their religious beliefs. The plaintiffs are 26 enlisted or chief warrant Navy Sea, Air and Land (SEAL) members, five enlisted special warfare combatant craft … [Read more...]

Fauci to MSNBC: Don’t rely on ‘hospitalization’ numbers

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor NEW YORK (LBM)- -During a broadcast interview, Dec. 29, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor to President Joe Biden, addressed the troubling number of children who have been hospitalized during the recent spike associated with the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Fauci, who has served under seven presidents as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, cautioned MSNBC host Ayman Mohyeldin that there were two factors contributing to the rising numbers among children. “Quantitatively, you’re having so many more people, including children, who are getting infected,” Fauci said. Additionally, hospitals are “overcounting the number of children who are hospitalized ‘with COVID’ as opposed to ‘because of COVID.'” On his first point, Fauci explained that “hospitalization among children is much, much lower on a percentage basis than hospitalizations for adults, particularly elderly individuals.” But he offered that with such a large volume of infections among children, “even with a low level of rate of infection, you’re going to still see a lot more children who get hospitalized.” Following up on his second point, Fauci offered that “if a child goes … [Read more...]

Churches celebrate baptisms to end 2021

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer LEESVILLE, La. (LBM) – Several Louisiana Baptist churches ended 2021 on high notes with baptismal celebrations. CANAAN BAPTIST Vernon Baptist Association Director of Missions Morris Goins experienced the blessing of baptizing a second great-grandchild in 2021. In a moment shared by family and friends, Goins baptized Beckham Hajighassem, 10, at Canaan Baptist Church, Leesville, Dec. 5. Just two weeks earlier, Goins had the privilege of counseling him after he had accepted Christ. Goins previously baptized his great-grand[1]daughter, Kaylee Pew, at Canaan Baptist, March 28. “It’s brand new and fresh with each one I have the honor of baptizing,” Goins told the Baptist Message. “Next to my own salvation experience, it’s the greatest joy I have felt.” Hajinghassem’s baptism was number 16 for Canaan Baptist in 2021, which averages 135 in Sunday worship service. Pastor Jason Nolde said the baptism reflects the importance of discipleship. “Through the many ups and downs the last 24 months, the Lord has continued to bless Canaan and our precious community,” Nolde said. “There have been tough times, indeed, but the Lord always shows up and shows out. Seeing Brother Goins … [Read more...]

LBC leader provides statement on arrest of former employee

By Message staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM)—Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Director Steve Horn provided a statement to the Baptist Message about the arrest of former employee Perry Leon Moses. Moses, 59, and a resident of Deville, Louisiana, was booked by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jan. 5, on three counts of molesting a juvenile victim, aged 13-16 years old. Horn said he was alerted, Jan. 3, to inappropriate sexual conduct by Moses, who had served 4.5 years as the maintenance supervisor for the Alexandria facilities of the statewide missions and ministries organization. “Within two hours, we arrived at work, confronted him with the allegation, which then led to termination of his employment,” he shared. “We later learned that authorities were investigating as to whether the employee had sexual interaction with a minor.” He subsequently was informed about the arrest. Horn said he was “heartbroken for the victim and the victim’s family” and that the LBC has offered to help the victim by providing for the services of a licensed counselor of the victim’s choice. “We are fully cooperating with law enforcement in every way possible, including their request of us not to discuss any further details until … [Read more...]

Five ‘Life Marches’ planned for Louisiana

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – Thousands of Louisianians will stand “together for life” at five pro-life marches scheduled throughout the state in the coming weeks. COVID-19 pandemic concerns caused the marches to be changed to “socially-distanced” rallies in 2021. “Together for Life” is the theme for this year’s events, which will once again bring together pro-life supporters of different denominations, ages and ethnic backgrounds to declare opposition to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in 1973. The current 6-3 majority ap[1]pointed by Republicans to this highest federal court has led to speculation that Roe v. Wade could be overturned. “As the Supreme Court reconsiders the unjust decision of Roe v. Wade, we must march united in defense of every precious unborn baby with a strong commitment to support moms, both now and in a post-Roe Louisiana,” Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper told the Baptist Message. “Please march with us in 2022 and spread the word.” The Life Marches will kick off Jan. 22 with three events: -- Participants will gather for a candlelight vigil, 6 p.m., in Veterans Memorial Park at the Lake … [Read more...]

Lee Strobel to headline 2022 ECON

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer COVINGTON, La. (LBM) – Lee Strobel, an atheist-turned-Christ follower who authored the best-selling book “The Case for Christ,” will headline the 2022 Louisiana Baptist Evangelism Conference, Jan. 24-25, at First Baptist Church, Covington. Strobel, whose message was cut short at the 2019 ECON at FBC Covington because of an area-wide power outage, said the conference is a prime way to train Louisiana Baptists to reach their community, state, nation and world for Christ. “When I was at Billy Graham’s funeral, the big question was, ‘Who’s the next Billy Graham,’” Strobel told the Baptist Message. “I don’t think it’s just one person -- I believe it’s millions of contagious Christians who are equipped, motivated, and deployed to share the Good News far and wide. That’s why this conference is so important. How can churches encourage and train their congregations to be stronger salt and brighter light in our increasingly skeptical culture? This conference is a strategic opportunity to offer ideas and proven approaches.” Strobel originally went on a search to disprove Christianity but instead found a relationship with Jesus on Nov. 8, 1981. He said apologetics is an important … [Read more...]

FBC members ‘geaux’ on mission in Zachary

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ZACHARY, La. (LBM) – More than 100 members of First Baptist Church, Zachary, recently celebrated baptisms and then ventured into the community to share Christ. During “Geaux Sunday,” Dec. 12, four teams planted Gospel seeds in homes neighboring the church. The first team delivered 100 bags that included a coffee shop gift card and an invitation to attend various Christmas activities, another reconnected with 50 families who had not attended the church in 12 months, the third team wrote encouraging cards that were mailed to individuals in Zachary and the final team prayed for the effort that took place. Before venturing into the community, the church celebrated the baptism of four new converts and observed the Lord’s Supper. Jake Roudkovski, interim pastor since late October and a professor with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, said the day was fruitful because members stepped outside the four walls of the church and shared the love of Christ with their neighbors. “God favored our efforts when we intentionally decided to go to the community,” Roudkovski said. “Going is part of the Great Commission. When we go, good things happen in the church and in our … [Read more...]

Louisiana Notables

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage. com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event. ON THE MOVE Jack West will be retiring as pastor of Holloway Baptist Church on January 23 after 37 years. Following the 11 a.m. worship service, everyone is invited to dinner on the grounds and for the reception honoring West for his 37 years of service. The dinner and reception will take place at 1 p.m. Everyone is invited to share their stories and their memories on this special day according to the church. Randy, wife Chelby, Ziegler is the new pastor at South Bossier Baptist Church, Bossier City. Greg Gill is the new pastor at Hopewell Baptist Church, DeRidder. n John, wife Kelsey, Prose is the new pastor at Mooringsport Baptist Church, Mooringsport. Chris Wales is the interim pastor at First Baptist Church, Carlyss. Jerry Masters is the interim pastor at Red River Baptist Church, Benton. Brad, wife … [Read more...]

LBC maintenance worker arrested for child molestation

By Staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM)—The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office booked Perry Leon Moses, 59, a former employee of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, Jan. 5, on three counts of molesting a juvenile victim, aged between 13-17 years old. Moses, a resident of Deville, Louisiana, had served until Jan. 3 as maintenance supervisor for the LBC’s Alexandria facility which houses offices for different ministries of the state fellowship of churches. He had been employed about 4.5 years. Moses’s bond was set at $300,000, $100,000 for each charged offense, and as of Jan. 6 he was in RPSO custody. … [Read more...]