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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Evangelists press on against obstacles of COVID-19

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer HAUGHTON, La. (LBM) - Evangelist Bill Britt, in early 2020, was looking forward to preaching at crusades and revivals over a 45-week period, but in mid-March COVID-19 brought his schedule of events, like every other evangelist’s, to a near close. Britt saw 14 events cancelled, yet he is confident about his calling no matter the crushing burden caused by the COVID-19 shutdown. “You can’t stop the Gospel,” Britt told the Baptist Message. “When you have the opportunities to preach to the crowd, it’s exciting because you get to exercise your calling and gifts. Seeing Him move when people are full of fear and then to see some turn to the Lord is such a blessing.” In July, the evangelist from Haughton resumed his slate of crusades and revivals, though the crowds have been smaller because of COVID-19 attendance restrictions. Then Britt tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Although only a mild case, he had to cancel two more of his preaching assignments. “The Lord provided healing for me, finances and met all of my needs,” Britt said. “It has made me more sensitive to pray for those who are battling with this disease.” Despite these challenges Britt has seen multiple … [Read more...]

‘Who’s Your One’ inspires pastor to prioritize Gospel with daughter

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer COUSHATTA, La. (LBM) – Nathan Davis, pastor of First Baptist Church, Coushatta, accepted the “Who’s Your One” evangelistic challenge by sharing the Gospel with someone especially close to him -- his daughter, McKinley. Throughout the year, Davis planted Gospel seeds with his daughter and prayed she would become a follower of Jesus. His evangelistic efforts and daily prayers finally were answered during a revival service, Sept. 28, when McKinley, upon the invitation of evangelist Bill Britt to the First Baptist congregation, stepped forward to declare she had repented of her sins. A month later, on Oct. 25, McKinley proudly declared her newfound faith through baptism in front of her FBCC family. “It’s awesome to know that McKinley will join the rest of our family in Heaven one day,” Davis told the Baptist Message. “I tell our kids salvation is the starting point but not the finish line. I’m thankful we will get to spend life in Heaven together but also hopefully have a long life here to influence others for Christ.” McKinley said she and her dad have shared many joyful times, but that her baptism is perhaps the most memorable. “I was excited to show everyone I am a … [Read more...]

Baptist Message changes print schedule for 2021 to offset costs

By Baptist Message staff ALEXANDRIA, LA (LBM) -- Starting in January 2021, the Baptist Message will change its annual production run from 24 editions to 14 editions. The new printing schedule is basically a monthly plan, except two editions will be printed in October and January to meet the needs of covering Louisiana Baptist cooperative missions and ministries as well as key organizational events, including the fall annual meeting as well as winter evangelistic meetings. Importantly, the yearly subscription rates will remain the same: $14 for an individual subscription and $9.25 for a church group discount. Will Hall, executive editor of the Baptist Message, explained that the $14 individual subscription rate went into effect January 1, 2003, and since then has lost about 31 percent of its buying power. “We need to do something to make up the shortfall that has taken place during that long haul,” he said. “However, the economy in the state and the financial pressure it is placing on our households and our churches, means instead of raising rates for subscribers, we will cut costs, moving from 24 to 14 printed editions each year. Taking this step will reduce our costs an estimated 35- 40 percent, which essentially … [Read more...]