Click to Login or Sign Up

Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

One year later, SWLA Baptists battle back

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer LAKE CHARLES, La. (LBM) – Three hurricanes dealt Louisiana a vicious blow in 2020, but despite the destruction and emotional toll the storms left behind, Louisiana Baptists showed their resiliency in fighting back from historic weather events, Carey Baptist Association associational ministry strategist Bruce Baker said. “Churches are committed to their Gospel mission. They want to do Kingdom work. That’s been very, very positive in this whole rebuilding process” Baker told the Baptist Message. “There’s a strong community aspect among the people impacted by the storm,” he continued. “They want to be together. They want to be with one another in what has been a shared hardship. They are there to encourage one another in what has been a difficult time but also a time in which we have come together to move forward and build a better Louisiana.” Laura made landfall Aug. 27 as a Category 4 hurricane (150 mph winds) in Cameron. Then, on Oct. 9, Delta crashed ashore as a Category 2 storm (100 mph winds) in Creole, nearly 13 miles east of Cameron. And on Oct. 28, Zeta made landfall near Cocodrie as a Category 3 hurricane (110 mph winds). Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim … [Read more...]

GBO helps Bethel Metropolitan to reach others one meal at a time

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer LAKE CHARLES, La. (LBM) – Each Saturday morning, Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Fellowship Church’s parking lot is transformed into a massive feeding operation where up to 150 Lake Charles area motorists line up to receive a boxed meal, some as early as three hours before the official start. Since opening the parking lot ministry in September to serve individuals impacted by Hurricane Laura, the church whose worship attendance averages 15 members, has seen God move mightily, according to church pastor. Their efforts to show Christ’s love has encouraged many food recipients and even has led to 20 professions of faith. “The church is in worship on Sunday but on Saturday the church is working,” Pastor Clyde Lewis told the Baptist Message. “You see the cars line up around the building and block and it just fires me up. “The thing I keep pushing to my members is this is our assignment,” he continued. “We are called to the people’s business. People matter to God so people have to matter to us. You can’t do it unless they are your passion. When you talk about people, it’s all people. Jesus has called us to love all people. You get a chance to minister to people not just by telling … [Read more...]

NLBA offers temporary shelter for those seeking a permanent home

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer SHREVEPORT, La. (LBM) – David Shelton was left homeless after a fire destroyed his Shreveport condominium, April 21, but within a few hours God provided new accommodations at the recently opened Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association temporary living facility. Since then, Shelton has felt the love of Christ at his one-bedroom apartment and been reminded of a hope for the future. “I am now in the midst of Matthew 25:40, which says ‘and the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me,’” Shelton said. “I praise God for the love and compassion shown to me during this time.” Shelton’s story is like so many other residents who are grateful for the opportunity to stay at the center. The vision for Masada Transitional Living Center was cast in 2016 after Western Hills Baptist Church Pastor Joey Ketchum indicated an interest in opening the facility on his church property. After discussions with associational leadership, renovations to the building were begun a year later. Much of the $350,000 needed to renovate the facility was funded through the sale of … [Read more...]