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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Volunteers needed for multiple church construction projects in 2022

By Baptist Message staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Mike Shumock has issued an urgent call for volunteers to help remodel several Louisiana Baptist churches for 2022. Shumock, the Mission Builder strategist for Louisiana Baptists, said all of the projects scheduled for 2022 originally were to take place in 2020 and 2021, but multiple hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic and rising construction costs delayed the work. Now, he said, they are playing “catch up” and need Kingdom-minded people for the task. “I need churches and associations who will step up and commission skilled workers to come and help these churches with their facilities,” Shumock told the Baptist Message. “Everyone has something to offer, whether they are skilled or have just very basic knowledge of construction. We need people in churches that are willing to say we have skills, and these are God’s gifts to be able to utilize His glory for Kingdom work.” Work at First Baptist Church, Avondale, and Ban Suk Korean Baptist Church, Bossier City, is scheduled to begin in early January. First, Avondale sustained heavy damage from Hurricane Ida in August and needs to reroof its 10,000-sq.-ft. facility. Ban Suk Korean Baptist needs help to demolish its old worship … [Read more...]

Kennedy wishes Louisianans a Merry Christmas

By Office of Sen. John Kennedy MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) has released this message wishing Louisianans  a Merry Christmas. “On behalf of my better half, Becky, my son, Preston—who I named after my dad—and our two pups, Jack and Charlie, we want to wish you a merry, merry Christmas, and a wonderful new year,” said Kennedy. “From an earthly perspective, I love Christmas because hurricane season is over. I love Christmas because I get to be with my family and my friends. I love Christmas because it makes me happy, and I love Christmas because every now and then I get to do a little fishing and duck hunting. From a more important, spiritual perspective, I’m a Christian. And Christmas is very, very important to me as a Christian because we celebrate Christ's birthday—the Christ who died on the cross to save us from our sins,” he continued. “I hope that all of you have a wonderful holiday season and a wonderful Christmas. Merry Christmas!” Kennedy concluded. A video of Kennedy’s comments is available here. … [Read more...]

CHUCK KELLEY: Tradition

Tradition runs deep in the Kelley family. You will find it expressed in many ways, but especially in our holiday celebrations. … [Read more...]

Christine Gill answers the call as Louisiana Baptists’ new WMU strategist

By Philip Timothy, Managing editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Christine Gill didn’t go looking for the job; the job came looking for her. “I learned about the pending retirement of Janie (Wise, Women’s Mission & Ministry strategist) in October when I was at a minister’s wives retreat at Tall Timbers,” said Gill. “I remember thinking to myself who would be able to do that job?” Little did she realize but God already had the answer. “When they were seeking applicants, I didn’t apply. My name, though, was given to John Hebert who reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in the position,” said Gill. “I was shocked but excited to be given this opportunity. “I always have had a heart for women and a call to missions,” Gill continued. “So, when John called with the news I was shocked but excited.” The forty-two-year-old former IMB missionary was chosen to become the new Women’s Missions & Ministry strategist on Tuesday, Dec. 22, to replace Wise upon her retirement. “I am pleased to announce that Christine will begin her ministry here Jan. 1, 2022,” said John Hebert, director of Missions and Ministry for Louisiana Baptists. “I spoke with WMU leaders across the state and asked them to describe what … [Read more...]