Submitted by philip on
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
ALEXANDRIA – For the past 11 years, Cut Off native Jess Archer has spent a lot of time traveling in the service of the Lord.
She has traveled to California and Illinois and as far away as Malawi, Africa, and Kaneohe, Hawaii to serve as a missionary.
Now, she hopes to bring that same passion and skillset as the new children/youth mission education strategist for the Louisiana Baptist Convention.
“Honestly, the Lord paved the way for me to be here and all credit is due to God,” said Archer, whose first day on the job was Nov. 25, 2013. “Five months ago, as I was praying about where to serve Him full time in ministry work, I knew working at the LBC was exactly where He wanted me to be as I walked with Him by faith.
“God has given me a heart for ministry, missions education and discipleship and I believe my job here as a strategist is a very fitting position,” Archer continued.
A graduate of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Archer spent the last six years as education and children’s minister at First Baptist Avondale.
During her time on staff at First Avondale she coordinated mission trips in New Orleans and beyond and led Bible studies.
While on staff at First Avondale, Archer was earning her seminary degree, which included serving as an Unlimited Partnership student from 2007-2010.
Unlimited Partnership is an initiative that matches students with area churches needing assistance in the area of Christian education.
Prior to her time at Avondale, Archer was a summer missionary to Hawaii, Kentucky and Africa, and was active in leadership at the Nicholls State Baptist Collegiate Ministry.
John Hebert, missions and ministry team director for the LBC, said her experience will be a valuable asset to churches.
“Our team has welcomed Jess and I am pleased to introduce her to Louisiana Baptists as our Mission Education Strategist,” Hebert said. “Ms. Archer has a wonderful testimony and has been on a journey with the Lord that has led her to this opportunity of service with the Louisiana Baptist Convention’s Missions Team.
“She is someone that our Mission Friends, GA and Acteens can look up to and emulate on their journey toward adulthood,” Hebert added.
Janie Wise, women’s missions and ministries strategist for the LBC, echoed the thought.
“We are excited Jess Archer has joined our staff,” Wise said. “She brings with her a love of missions and involving children and teens in missions and has invested her life in the lives of Louisianans. All of that together makes her an asset.”
Archer said she is excited to be a part of serving with Louisiana Baptists who strive for one common goal in Louisiana and beyond.
“I love the Cooperative effort I see in the Southern Baptist churches of Louisiana,” Archer said. “We are all working together in unity on one common goal – to love others the way Christ does and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone.”