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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Brees credits Jesus, pastors in Pro Football Hall of Fame speech

By Baptist Message staff CANTON, Ohio (LBM) – Former New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees shared about the impact Jesus and pastors had on his life during his Pro Football Hall of Fame speech. Brees, who led the New Orleans Saints to their Super Bowl XLIV championship and shattered all team passing records and multiple NFL records, reflected on how an injury in high school led him to a path to accepting Christ as his Savior. “One of the most life-changing events occurred my junior year of high school,” he said the speech, Aug. 8. “After suffering a major injury, which put my athletic career in jeopardy, my identity was challenged. Up until that point, sports had defined me, and I wasn't sure who I was without it. “Sitting in church on my 17th birthday, Christ came into my heart and changed me forever,” he continued. “I felt protected, connected and directed towards the path that God had for me. He would equip me for the journey, which led me to places I never could have expected.” Brees also thanked pastors who influenced him, including Rob Wilton, who served as pastor with Vintage Church, New Orleans (2008-2017) and was the team chaplain (2010-2024). “Thank you to Pastor Shawn Mitchell, Miles McPherson, Rob Wilton and … [Read more...]

Saudi Arabia leads formation of Middle East ‘maritime coalition’ to protect key shipping lanes

Excerpted from and linked to Fox News. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense announced Thursday that 14 countries have reaffirmed their support for the creation of a “multinational defense maritime coalition” aimed at protecting against threats in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab-el-Mandeb strait. It identified the countries as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti and Somalia. The coalition would protect shipping from Houthi attacks, sources told Reuters on Wednesday. The Ministry of Defense said it hosted a meeting Thursday with representatives from 43 nations, “reflecting growing international interest in reinforcing maritime defense cooperation.” “Participants discussed the increasing threats targeting maritime security -- including attacks on commercial vessels, energy tankers, and maritime infrastructure -- and the risks they pose to the safety of maritime navigation and the stability of global supply chains. ... Continue reading by clicking HERE and scrolling down on the landing page. … [Read more...]

Graham’s longtime pastor remembers him as man of faith

By Baptist Message staff WASHINGTON (LBM) - Tim Tate, the pastor of Sen. Lindsey Graham, described the late senator as a man grounded and committed to Jesus Christ during his memorial service at the National Cathedral, July 28. “We’ve joined together today to celebrate and I choose the word celebrate because I know where Senator Lindsey Graham is because I know by his profession of faith, he professed Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior,” Tate told the crowd gathered following his death, July 11. “So for that cause, we celebrate.” Tate shared he did not realize when he became pastor with Corinth Baptist Church, Seneca, S.C., 15 years ago that a U.S. senator was a member of his congregation. But as the years passed, he appreciated Graham’s constant encouragement. “Senator Graham was my friend and I tried to be a friend to him,” he said. “We would sit and talk sometimes in my office and sometimes in the living room. I wanted to be a safe place for him. I didn’t ever want to go to him and want a favor or want something because so many wanted him and needed him and he was always there for them. But I just wanted to be his pastor and be afforded me the opportunity to do that.” Tate shared a favorite memory of how Graham … [Read more...]