By Norm Miller, Baptist Message special assignments reporter LAKE CHARLES, La. (LBM)--University Baptist Church in Lake Charles escaped the brunt of Hurricane Laura’s wrath and has since become a haven for three other congregations who were not spared. “We saw the needs of other churches that were damaged beyond use,” said UBC Pastor John Astling. “And we wanted to help them get back to worshiping again – get back to some sense of normalcy.” At staggered times every Sunday, UBC opens its facilities to three other Lake Charles churches: Emmanuel Baptist and its Hispanic mission, as well as Calvary Baptist Church. UBC also hosts services by Johnson Funeral Home, which Laura demolished. “Zeb Johnson has done so much for our community that I just jumped at the chance to help him,” Astling explained. “His benevolence toward law enforcement and the fire department and others is well-known in the community.” Astling told the Baptist Message it is a tremendous opportunity because people are coming into UBC that congregants have not had a chance to touch with ministry before. “The funerals have given us the chance to talk to people, witness to them, and to build relationships in the community,” he said. Others are … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer TIOGA, La. (LBM) – Clark Palmer has encouraged his members to “find one, invite one and bring one” to Palm Sunday or Easter Sunday services at Faith Baptist Church in Tioga. He said he is praying the effort will yield much spiritual fruit, including additional baptisms at a church whose post-pandemic Sunday morning worship attendance is 70. Palmer is hopeful they will soon return to their pre-virus average of 80 to 90. “We all know the number one way that people come to church is by someone inviting them,” Palmer told the Baptist Message. “Lots of people are waiting to be invited. If 30 people are invited and five come, and one develops a long-term relationship with Christ because of it, then it would have been worth the effort. We are not responsible to make results happen, but we are responsible to invite, encourage and make an appeal to people.” The effort is part of the “Increase Challenge,” a five-step action plan in effect through May 31 that Palmer, who is moderator for the CENLA Baptist Association, has issued to member pastors. He is encouraging them to find a way to focus on actions that can move people to understand the Gospel clearly and then respond in … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff BAKER, La. – Joseph Backholm, a senior research fellow for biblical worldview and strategic engagement at the Family Research Council, will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Louisiana Family Forum Leadership Academy. Scheduled June 6-8 at Timothy Retreat Center in Baker, the intensive training program will equip young adults, ages 16-22, with leadership skills, life-purpose strategies, advanced communication techniques, public speaking skills, counter-culture methods, and a biblically based perspective on government. By the end of the weekend, attendees will be able to answer, “What is my life’s purpose?” An early registration cost of $250 is available through May 1. Afterward, the cost will increase to $300. Scholarships are available for those with financial hardships. For more information on attending, or to donate funding for scholarships, visit lafamilyforum.org/2021academy/. … [Read more...]

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 Katy Baumgardner is the new youth ministry associate at Summer Grove Baptist Church, Shreveport. Tim Patrick will conclude duties as Director of Missions for Beauregard Parish in April. Byron Comish is the interim pastor at First Baptist Church, Springfield. Nick (wife Kara) Watts is the new student minister at First Baptist Church, Lafayette Trey Miller is the interim director at Bethany Camp & Conference Center. Chris Young is the new associate pastor at Calvary Baptist Church, Shreveport. Danny (wife JoDee) Taylor is the new pastor at Ida Baptist Church, Ida. Chris Young resigned as pastor at South Bossier Baptist Church, Bossier City. Daniel Martin has been called to Midway Baptist Church, Livingston as pastor. Carl Sullivan is the new interim pastor at Satsuma Baptist … [Read more...]