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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Hopewell Baptist Church reborn through prayer

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13 CENTER POINT, La. (LBM) – Just four years ago, Hopewell Baptist Church was down to 15 in worship when Ricky Belgard felt led to accept God’s call to become pastor. Reluctant at first to leave his position as prayer minister with Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville, Belgard instead chose to put aside his security and join God in an adventure that eventually led to a prolonged season of revival and a drastic increase in worship attendance, decisions for Christ and baptisms. “I had told (PBC Pastor) Philip Robertson I’d be there with him ‘til I died,” Belgard told the Baptist Message. “You probably shouldn’t say that because God has a tendency to change your thinking and change your mind for you. We preached that first seriice, and the power of God just moved and fell in that place. What was meant to be just a few months turned into something that has continued and we continue to see God move.” PRAYER MOVEMENT Belgard, who became pastor in October 2020, preached for the first six months on prayer. Additionally, … [Read more...]

Special needs campers treated like ‘champions’

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer WOODWORTH, La. (LBM) – A field at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center was transformed into a bazooka battlefield for 23 individuals with special needs during the fourth annual Champions Camp, Sept. 6-8. The campers, accompanied by 30 “buddies” and staff, did their best to dodge nerf rockets that were fired from air launchers. Among those campers was Matthew Otto, a member of Christ’s Community Church, Denham Springs. “I really loved all of it,” Otto, who attended his first Champions Camp, told the Baptist Message. “I’m loving the chance to shoot the balls and I’m very excited about singing some Sesame Street songs later during the karaoke party. This weekend has been one of my favorite times of my life.” Jon Johnston, Christ’s Community Church, was a “buddy” to Otto. He enjoyed the chance to share Christ with him. “It's an opportunity for us to get guys like Matthew and whole bunch of other folks that wouldn't normally be able to go to a camp to experience this,” he said. “We can serve them and best of all tell them about Jesus while we have lots of fun.” The Louisiana Baptist summer camp for people with special needs matched participants with buddies who … [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 Robert Beadle is retiring as pastor of Benton First Baptist Church, Benton. Adam Thornton is the new pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church, Effie. Mike Anderson is the new pastor at Westlake Baptist Church from interim. New Hope Baptist Church, Elmer welcomes Mark Morelock as its new pastor. Ben Martinson is the new youth minister at First Baptist Church, Vivian. Ryan James has been called as executive pastor of ministries at Trinity Baptist Church, Lake Charles. David Keeny is retiring as pastor from Woodlawn Hills Baptist Church, Shreveport. Zander Kirkland is the new full-time maintenance technician at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center. Jordy, wife Jessika, McCaskle is the new executive pastor/singles minister at North Monroe, … [Read more...]

Fall into a fitness routine this ‘Walktober’

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - October is ‘Walktober,’ and Louisiana Christian University invites the community to participate in this annual fall fitness challenge. ‘Walktober’ is a physical activity challenge from Oct. 1-31 where participants track and record their steps or minutes of physical activity every day. Prizes will be awarded for the top three overall participants and awards for each age group with the most steps. The ‘Walktober’ challenge is free and open to everyone. Age groups for the male and female divisions include: 10 – 14; 15 – 19; 20 – 29; 30 – 39; 40 – 49; 50 – 59; 60 – 69; and 7o+. Those interested in registering for the 'Walktober' challenge can visit the LCU wellness program website. Participants are encouraged to use a fitness tracker or an app on their smartphone. While there, they can record how many steps or minutes they accumulate daily on the 'Walktober' log. Participants will receive an email with a link to log how many steps/minutes they have recorded for the week. All physical activity counts. Participants can use a step equivalency chart for more information on how to convert other forms of exercising to steps/minutes. Participants are invited to … [Read more...]

We need to tell them

The story is told of an attorney who was trying to deliver an important document to a man who was determined to avoid him. The man reasoned that it was a subpoena of some kind, and he went out of his way to dodge it. … [Read more...]