By Baptist Message staff
LAFAYETTE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist leaders announced Jan. 23 that the 2026 state Evangelism Conference will not take place this year because of meteorological warnings about an approaching ice storm.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency on Jan. 22.
“We have made the difficult decision to cancel ECON ’26 scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, January 26-27, at First Baptist Church, Lafayette, due to the forecasted weather,” Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn said in a statement. “While Lafayette and South Louisiana may not be affected much, ECON is a statewide event. Those coming from Central and North Louisiana are likely to face significant travel impacts. In addition, many of our speakers, musicians, and presenters are facing difficult travel. Furthermore, our Disaster Relief teams are standing by to provide assistance to those affected by power outages.
“We are incredibly thankful for the staff and members of First Baptist Church, Lafayette, who have been wonderful partners in preparing for ECON ’26,” he continued. “We are disappointed in our inability to gather this year, but we look forward to sharing details about ECON ’27.
“Until then, keep sharing Jesus!” Horn urged.
More than 170 million people from New Mexico to the Carolinas were under winter storm or cold weather watches or warnings, according to the Associated Press. The storm could knock out power for days in impacted areas, including parts of the state.
Ahead of the storm, the Rolling Hills Ministries Disaster Relief team was on alert. And on Jan. 22, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief team members helped distribute supplies in Natchitoches and Leesville.
“Louisiana Disaster Relief has placed all units on Alert in anticipation of a potentially severe winter storm that will impact much of the country,” Louisiana Baptist Men’s Ministry and Disaster Relief/Compassion Relief Strategist Stan Statham wrote on his Facebook page. “In LA there is a possible impact from North LA through Central LA. Please join me in praying for those in the path of the storm.”
