NEW YORK (Christian Examiner) – Al Qaeda's newest edition of Inspire, a jihadist magazine aimed at recruiting terrorists from among the English-speaking world, encourages black Americans to rise up against their own government, the Middle East Media Research Institute has reported. In the Inspire article titled, "The Blacks in America," a writer calling himself Abu Abdiliah Al-Moravid claims the recent killings of blacks such as Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., Freddie Gray in Baltimore, Md., and nine black parishioners at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., are unlike anything found in Islam. Islam, Al-Moravid writes, "does not allow even the smallest kind of injustice, be it by words or having contempt for a particular race. We the Mujahedeen are a portion of the Muslim Ummah (nation), we do not accept any type of oppression against our Muslim brothers among the Afro-Americans, or even the non-Muslims. And the opposite of oppression is Justice, and this was we have been commanded by our religion." Al-Moravid also claims the American media is helping white power structures in the country conceal the truth of what happened to Brown, Gray and others. In particular, he targets FOX News, the tool of the "Anglo-Saxon … [Read more...]
Archives for September 2015
Family relies on its faith, encouragement of others following death of NOBTS professor John Gibson
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer NEW ORLEANS – In the days following the death of her husband, a beloved professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Christi Gibson has seen the Christian community rally around her and her family. And she now wants others to know they should feel free to reach out to others for help in overcoming a certain sin in their own lives. “The message we hope to get out is that we must do life in community,” Christi Gibson said. “And that means having some sort of environment where we hold each other accountable, are transparent, and talk about our struggles. She said we must adopt the attitude that “whatever it takes for us to get real in the Christian community, we are ready to do it. We are going to walk in truth.” Tragedy Christi Gibson arrived home from work at approximately 5:30 pm. Aug. 24 when she discovered her husband, John, unresponsive at their home on the seminary campus. She immediately notified emergency medical services. Unfortunately, EMS responders were unable to revive him, and they pronounced him dead at the scene. Leavell College students were notified of their professor’s death during the first class period Aug. 25 and morning classes were … [Read more...]
Two Planned Parenthood protests planned Thursday
By Staff, Louisiana Right to Life Two protests against Planned Parenthood will be held in Louisiana tomorrow in conjunction with Women Betrayed: The Real Stories Rally and Lobby Day at noon in Washington, D.C. Locals will gather in Baton Rouge from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside Planned Parenthood Baton Rouge (3955 Government St., Suite 2) and from 5-6:30 p.m. at the new Planned Parenthood construction site at 4636 S. Claiborne Ave. in New Orleans. Protests are being held around the country Thursday in conjunction with the Washington, D.C. rally as citizens show their opposition to Planned Parenthood's abortion and baby-parts selling business. Pro-lifers will be urging Congress to defund the abortion business in this year's budget as they stand in solidarity for the unborn. There are no official programs at the local events, but Louisiana Right to Life officials, as well as leaders of Louisiana Students for Life, will be present and available for interviews. … [Read more...]
Son reveals how NOBTS professor John Gibson died
By Staff, Baptist Message NEW ORLEANS -- The Orleans Parish coroner has yet to release an official cause of the Aug. 24th death of 56-year-old John Gibson, a beloved professor, at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. However, Trey Gibson, the professor’s son, shared his father’s death appeared to come at his own hand during a chapel service Sept. 8. Dr. Chuck Kelley, president of NOBTS, said he could not comment further on the cause of death until the coroner’s report is complete. “On the first day of classes, we had the unexpected death of a much loved professor, colleague, and friend Dr. John Gibson,” Kelley told the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary family during a chapel service Sept. 8. “We learned that he made some very sad and unfortunate choices in his life, and his son shared in his memorial service his death appeared to come at his own hand.” Gibson was discovered at his home on the seminary campus at approximately 5:30 p.m., Aug. 24, by his wife when she arrived home from work. After finding Gibson unresponsive, she immediately notified emergency medical service. EMS workers were unable to revive him, and Gibson was pronounced dead at the scene. Leavell College students were notified of … [Read more...]
Pioneer missionary doctor Wana Ann Fort dies at 91
By Staff, Baptist Press RICHMOND, Va. (BP) –Missionary doctor Wana Ann Gibson Fort, 91, died Aug. 31 in Baton Rouge. Fort and her husband, the late Milton “Giles” Fort Jr., served with the then-called Foreign Mission Board as pioneer missionary doctors at Sanyati Baptist Hospital in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). At this hospital, Fort and her husband helped launch a spiritual awakening through medical missions. The Forts, appointed as missionaries in 1952, led countless patients to Christ. “We were committed to being God’s hands of mercy and healing to souls and bodies,” she once said. She and her husband raised five sons in Zimbabwe. Three have served or continue to serve as missionaries with the International Mission Board. Two of the Forts’ sons are medical doctors. “Mom lived out the reality of her faith,” said Gordon Fort, one of Wana Ann’s sons and IMB senior ambassador. “As wife, momma, teacher, doctor, women’s worker, and serving missions support functions, she demonstrated what it means to live a life of obedience to the Master. It has been our incredible privilege to have been a part of her life’s journey.” During the Forts’ missionary service in Africa, the Shona people named Fort “Mai … [Read more...]
Local contractor donates crane, labor for Georgia Barnette Center
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer WOODWORTH – Baptist roots run deep through Cecil Gassiott’s blood. He is a member at Calvary Baptist Church in Woodworth and went to Rapides High School in Lecompte with John Hebert, missions and ministry director for Louisiana Baptists. So when the chance to donate manpower and use of his crane for laying trusses for the Georgia Barnette Conference Center became available, Gassiott knew this was an opportunity too good to pass up. “I have been so, so blessed through the years doing a few volunteer projects that I try not to miss one,” said Gassiott, a general contractor in Alexandria. “The end result winds up being so much more fruitful than any paying job can be. Just one ‘anything’ from God can change your life and your business. Plus, this job is at home and we’re working with friends.” The crane began operating around 7 a.m. Aug. 24 at Tall Timbers Conference Center and Gassiott’s crane finished on Sept. 3, but not without a small setback that was quickly resolved. Two days into the laying of trusses, the team on site discovered the pieces were slightly taller than what was needed. But Rogers Manufacturing Corporation in West Monroe, the company that built the … [Read more...]
Louisiana Notables
ON THE MOVE Stephen Jennings is the new associate pastor of music and worship at Colyell Baptist Church, Livingston. Michael Shamblin is the new pastor at Emmanuel, Lake Charles. John Astling is the new pastor at University Baptist Church, Lake Charles. Wayne (wife Michelle) DeSlattes is new as pastor at Kingston Road Baptist Church, Shreveport. Jeremy (wife Julie) Shepherd is the new pastor at Pineville Park Baptist Church, Pineville. Jacob (wife Amanda) is new as minister of local ministry evangelism at Summer Grove Baptist Church, Shreveport. Robbie Briggs is new minister of music at New Hope Baptist Church, DeQuincy. Tommie Hodge from New Hope, DeQuincy, to Pine Terrace Baptist Church, Milton, FL. Luke Hand is new youth and family pastor at Amite Baptist Church, Denham Springs. Bill Stroud is the interim pastor at Caddo Prairie Baptist Church, Hosston. Pat Lofton has been called as the interim pastor at Tillou Baptist Church, Bastrop. Daniel (wife Sarah) Guaglairdo is the new youth minister at Central Baptist Church, Springhill. Jeffery Triplet (wife Dianna) is the new youth minister at First Baptist Church, Haynesville. HOMECOMING Vick Baptist Church: Celebrating 100th Homecoming, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. … [Read more...]
Organizer says God at work in community outreach
ALEXANDRIA – Walter Layssard, a contractor and a member of Homewood Baptist Church in Alexandria, is on fire for God. “God is really in my life right now and He has laid it upon my heart to touch one million lives,” Layssard said. “And that is my objective.” A talented songwriter and singer since the age of 14, Layssard has turned to the ministry and has put together a community outreach – To Make Homewood Your Home – in which he is inviting people to come to church, while also feeding lunch to the first 200 people, handing out 100 CDs filled with Christian songs by Charles Crawford and two cases of Gideon Bibles. And it is all free . He will hold his outreach on Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Quick Print Printing Services, located at 1125 Texas Avenue in Alexandria. “God has opened so many doors,” Layssard said. “I can’t say enough about Miss Sharon [Meranto] not only allowed me to use her parking lot but also provided me with the fliers and invitations I’ve been passing out. She donated three hours of her valuable time to make and print these fliers and invitations. “People at our local radio and TV stations have also been so helpful helping to get the word out as well. It has been a blessing to get this much … [Read more...]
How to deal with aftermath of Ashley Madison reveal
By Dr. Kathy Eichelberger, Director, Granberry Counseling Center, Monroe The Ashley Madison website was launched in 2001 as a matchmaking site for married people seeking to have affairs. The site’s slogan was “Life is short. Have an affair.” In July, hackers stole the personal data of more than 30 million of the site’s users and released it online in August, according to media reports. Stories are being heard across the globe, as well as in our state, of families torn apart, of children who are afraid of what’s happening to their parents, and of the tragedy of suicide. Ministers have resigned from their churches. Others are struggling with the guilt and shame of hidden sin, hoping that no one will find them out. Churches, Christian organizations, and their leaders are grappling with how to deal with the aftermath of Ashley Madison with grace and truth. Christian leaders need to understand the extensive nature of the damage that can be done by extramarital affairs to both families and church congregations. It will take months, and in some cases, even years, for complete healing to occur. Many see this issue from only one perspective: it is a sin problem. And yes, it is a sin problem that requires confession, repentance and … [Read more...]
Down by the river: First West celebrates baptism of 31 members in Ouachita
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer WEST MONROE – A few hundred members of First West recently celebrated the baptism of 31 fellow members down by the riverside. One of two river baptisms the church holds each year, First West held River Fest on a mid-August afternoon that resembled a true celebration by the Ouachita River. Nearly 600 people were present to witness the baptisms and take part in games, music, inflatables for the kids and a catered catfish supper. “There was a lot of energy, as people were super excited to get baptized,” said Christopher Trombatore, student pastor at First West. “We had people from every age range and socio-economic class. It was just a really neat day for our church and the people who were baptized.” For Trombatore, River Fest was extra special. The last person he baptized was Caleb Adams, a member of the youth group when Trombatore was student minister at Tom Hebert Road Baptist Church in Lake Charles. Now an intern for the student ministry at First West, Adams believed he had made a decision when he was younger and was baptized. However, as a teenager, Adams realized his true need for Christ but had not followed through with believer’s baptism. Adams told Trombatore he knew … [Read more...]
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