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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Archives for 2021

Pro-life marches planned for eight locations, Jan. 23

By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – The 2021 Louisiana Life Marches have moved to a one-day socially distanced life chain event Jan. 23. Originally, the life marches were scheduled to take place around the state over a three-week period in January and February, but novel coronavirus pandemic concerns caused organizers to alter the format for “Stand for Life, Louisiana.” Only the Baton Rouge event will include a program from 9-10 a.m. on the Capitol building steps and will feature messages, music and prayer that will be streamed live on the Louisiana Right to Life Facebook page. A lineup of speakers will be announced closer to the event date. Attendance will be limited to 500 people, who must register online. Following the event in Baton Rouge, pro-life supporters will gather from 10:30 a.m. to noon at designated locations around the state: -- Alexandria (Intersection of Jackson Street and McArthur Boulevard) -- Baton Rouge (756 Colonial Dr. and also Plank Road in front of St. Isadore Church) -- Bossier City (Airline Drive between Viking Drive and George Dement Boulevard) -- Marksville (Intersection of Ferdinand Street and Tunica Drive) -- Metairie (Intersection of Veterans Boulevard … [Read more...]

Amite native, Alabama WR DeVonta Smith thanks God after MVP performance

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MIAMI, Fla. (LBM) – Devonta Smith’s stellar career with the Alabama Crimson Tide came to a close with a record-breaking performance in the national championship game Jan. 11, but in his postgame interview the former Amite High School star was quick to give credit to the Lord for his on-field success after a 52-24 win over Ohio State. Smith, who was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player, set championship game records for the most receptions (12) and receiving touchdowns (3) while accounting for 215 of the Crimson Tide's 464 receiving yards, all of which came in the first half, according to Alabama Sports Information statistics. He left early in the third quarter with an injury to a finger in his right hand. “I wouldn't be able to do any of this without my teammates or without God,” Smith said in the postgame interview. “I just put in the work every day no matter what the situation was, just believing in my coaches to put me in the right situations just to make plays.” The week before, during the Heisman Trophy presentation, Smith gave credit to the Lord for helping him win the award given to the nation’s top college football player. Smith, who helped Amite win the … [Read more...]

Edwards extends modified Phase 2 for at least four more weeks

By Baptist Message staff BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana will remain in a modified version Phase 2 for at least four more weeks, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said on Tuesday, Jan. 12. The current phase was set to expire Wednesday, but will now be extended for another 28 days. During his news conference, Edwards encouraged all employers to maximize the use of telework where possible and asked Louisianans to continue wearing masks, observe proper social distancing measures and avoid social gatherings. “It is time to buckle down,” Edwards said. “Collectively, while many individuals have been extremely careful and responsible, too many have not. And we can do a better job collectively.” Under the order that expires Feb. 10, attendance at churches will continue to be limited to 75 percent of a worship center’s seating capacity and businesses including restaurants, gyms and non-essential retailers will be limited to 50 percent capacity. A statewide mask mandate also remains in place for anyone eight years or older or with a major health condition. Social gatherings will be limited to 25 percent capacity and no more than 75 people indoors and 150 outdoors when physical distancing is not possible. … [Read more...]