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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Louisiana sheriff’s officer gives a kidney to Mississippi coach

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer WEST MONROE, La. (LBM) – Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office Captain Patrick Johnson has put himself in harm’s way to protect and serve the public for 23 years as a law enforcement officer. But recently he risked his own health and safety to extend the life of a stranger by donating a kidney. Johnson, a member of Ce­dar Crest Baptist Church, West Monroe, gifted the organ on Dec. 11, 2023. For his courageous act, Johnson was awarded the 2024 Heart of Law Enforcement Service Before Self Award dur­ing a ceremony in Baton Rouge. The award is given each year to Louisiana law enforcement of­ficers who have been nominated by their agencies or the public for acts of kindness they performed outside the scope of their normal duties for the previous year. “Looking back on it, I can say Jesus was there to help me the whole way,” Johnson told the Baptist Message. “And I see how he made me strong through the process. You don’t have to look very far to see somebody in seri­ous need that you can help. And I’ve seen what Jesus did for me and I just wanted to be part of this process. “It never was ‘my’ kidney,” he added. “I was just keeping it warm for Jesus until someone needed … [Read more...]

Louisiana Notables

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Baptist Message provides churches an opportunity to share with other Louisiana Baptists an upcoming revival, homecoming, new pastor, new staff member, a community outreach, or a concert in Louisiana Notables. To place your event in the paper, send your information (who, what, where, when, time) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. Please submit your information four weeks prior to the event to insure placement in the Message. ON THE MOVE Emily Slay is the new Production Coordinator for the Louisiana Baptists Communications Team. T.J. (wife Kaycie) Weed is the new Youth Minister at Alto Baptist Church, Alto, Louisiana. Alan Miller is the Pastor. Paul (wife Sue) Perry will celebrate 50 years in the ministry, August 17 from 2-4 p.m., in Fellowship Hall at Coax Baptist Church, HWY 868, Winnsboro, La 71295. In a special services August 18, Jerry Grant will provide the music at 10 a.m. and Jim Richards was the guest preacher at 10:45 a.m. Lunch would follow after the worship service. Kevin (wife Malanie) Ulmer, formerly senior pastor at First Baptist, Ferriday, has joined the LBC Evangelism/Church Growth Team as the new evangelism strategist July 1. Blade (wife Lalynn) Foster is the new … [Read more...]

Louisiana officials, faith leaders offer prayers for Trump after apparent assassination attempt

By Baptist Message staff BUTLER, Pa. (LBM) – Numerous elected officials and faith leaders from Louisiana requested prayers for former President Donald Trump after he survived an apparent assignation attempt during a campaign rally, July 13. A few minutes into his speech, a popping sound was heard and Trump placed his hand over his right ear before Secret Service agents pulled him to the ground. He signaled to the crowd as he was escorted away. The Associated Press reported a shooter was dead and an attendee was killed. Two attendees were critically injured. Secret Service agents, according to the AP, said the shooter was not an attendee at the rally and was killed by agents. Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn also posted that he is “praying for Louisiana Baptists pastors as they preach tomorrow. I have said before that preaching on the Sunday after 9-11 stands out in my memory above most any other Sunday. Brothers, just ‘Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; rebuke, correct, and ENCOURAGE with great patience and teaching.’ (2 Timothy 4:2).” Speaker Mike Johnson, also a member of Cypress Baptist Church, Benton, shared that “Kelly and I are praying for President Trump and all the attendees of the … [Read more...]