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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Disaster Relief efforts foster racial unity

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – While racial tensions continue to claim national headlines, the multi-state disaster relief response to one of the largest hurricanes ever to make landfall in the country is serving as an opportunity to build goodwill between ethnic groups in storm-affected parts of Louisiana. Hurricane Laura came ashore in the state with 150 mph winds and maintained its ferocity far inland, with tropical storm winds of 50 mph, gusting to 85 mph, recorded in Alexandria, about 130 miles north from where the eye of the storm struck the coast. The winds knocked out power to 579,000 homes and businesses in the state, but the total devastation in terms of lost homes and businesses has not yet been tallied. In Central Louisiana, comprising 10 parishes, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief, alone, has received 900 calls for help regarding damaged homes and property during the first week after the storm. The enormous response, especially by a predominately white Southern Baptist Disaster Relief organization, has alleviated many physical needs, but it also has brought some racial healing. MAGNOLIA STATE CONVERT Bob Thomas, a member of Highland Baptist Church in Senatobia, … [Read more...]

U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham visits Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief Command Center

By Staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Congressman Ralph Abraham made a surprise visit on his tour of Louisiana to assess damage and the many corresponding relief efforts, stopping in Alexandria to encourage volunteers at the Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief Command Center. Abraham, a member of Alto Baptist Church, dropped off donations of bottled water, and took a look at the operations hub. But he spent most of his time encouraging the disaster relief workers who provide support to volunteer field teams by taking calls for help, ordering food, water and ice for distribution, and, coordinating the overall efforts of the multi-state response of Baptists. “I want to thank you for all you’re doing for Louisiana,” Abraham told the group. “Everyone sees the teams in the field serving meals and clearing trees, but few know about the behind-the-scenes support like this that run such a large operation across the state. “Keep the faith. God is working through you,” he added. The center, which now occupies the offices of the Louisiana Baptist Missions and Ministry Team department, coordinates the Louisiana Baptist and other state Baptist disaster relief efforts in the state. As of Sept. 2, the date of the congressman’s … [Read more...]