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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Revival spurs spiritual renewal at FBC Natchitoches

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer NATCHITOCHES, La. (LBM) – Nearly 400 members and guests of First Baptist Church, Natchitoches, sought reconciliation and laid down their own idols during a recent four-day Thirst Revival Conference. Hosted by Niles, Michigan-based Life Action Ministries, the gathering featured nightly messages on the need to trust in God even in the hard seasons of life, removing idols, dangers of bitterness and examination of one’s own love for the Lord, himself and others. The conference also included high-energy music, children’s programming and a women’s luncheon led entirely by Life Action’s ministry team. In the end, the church came away more unified and ready for God’s next step in their lives. Tommy Rush, senior pastor of FBCN, told the Baptist Message that every night entire families filled the altar and others gathered in pews as they sought reconciliation and offered long-overdue encouragement. “It was more of a focus on being refreshed and restoring relationships in our family and church,” FBCN Senior Pastor Tommy Rush told the Baptist Message. “Sometimes you don’t realize how hungry people in the church are to restore broken relationships. “The revival focused a lot … [Read more...]

Prayers needed for Compel Outreach Bible University graduates serving in earthquake-ravaged Myanmar

By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer MYANMAR (LBM) – An urgent prayer request has been issued by the founder of Compel Outreach International for 27 graduates of its Bible university who are living in Myanmar, a country devastated by a March 28 earthquake that resulted in more than 3,800 deaths. According to Bill Britt, ministry founder and a member of First Baptist Church, Haughton, the graduates are in a difficult situation but are still being faithful to their call to spread the light of Christ in a dark time. “We’re trying to get relief money to them right now for food, clothes, water and other necessities,” Britt told the Baptist Message. “They’re still sharing the Gospel with people who are there. A lot of people are looking for answers right now, so it's a good time to tell them about the Lord. “Pray first of all that we can get some relief to the 27 graduates so they can help other people as well,” he continued. “And pray that God will open the people’s hearts to the Gospel during this time of devastation.” The 27 Compel Outreach’s Bible University graduates are among 1,500 (serving in 12 Asian nations as evangelists, church planters, pastors and missionaries) who have earned a degree since it started in … [Read more...]

LBCHFM celebrates opening of regional compassion center

By Baptist Message staff MONROE, La. (LBM) – The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries has opened a center that will provide the hope of Christ to those in one of the nation’s poorest regions. Supporters gathered April 10 for a ribbon cutting to mark the official opening of the Compassion Center, located at 501 Kansas Lane on the campus of the LBCHFM. Approved by entity's trustees during its May 12, 2023 meeting, the 15,000-sq.-ft. facility will provide food, school supplies, diapers, shoes, new clothing and other life essentials. Matt Hancock, executive director with Compassion for Kids, a LBCHFM ministry that will operate the Compassion Center, told the crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting that the facility should serve 25,000-30,000 individuals a year. According to the 2020 U.S. Census American Community Survey, 34.9 percent of Monroe residents live at the poverty level. “Luckily, all the time at the Children’s Home we ask the question, ‘Lord, where are the children and families who need us,’ and we don’t have to look very far for the answer,” Hancock told the crowd “It’s right here in our community, and it’s all across the state. So, the Compassion Center will be here to meet physical needs, … [Read more...]

LCU recognizes outstanding students at Honors Convocation

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University held its 64th Annual Honors Convocation Tuesday, recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of students in academics and athletics. “The students honored today are high achievers with very bright futures,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Henry O. Robertson. “Our faculty have worked with them to bring out their many God-given talents.  I am pleased we could come together at Honors Convocation and celebrate their achievements.” Student awards and recipients are listed below by department, including hometowns. Art Central Louisiana Ad Club Scholarship Award                              Juliette Elsayed, Moreauville Grady Harper Scholarship Award                                                     Christa-Ann Kees, Pineville Thilo Steinschulte Scholarship Award                                             Olivia Huffman, Pineville Athletics NAIA Student Athletes of the Year                                                    Rodrigo Moreira Silva, Portugal Emma Leigh Hunt, Denham Springs Business ACBSP Student Leadership Award                                                   Alexandra Cedeno, … [Read more...]