Archives for 2021

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) -- After a year that saw most activities come to a halt by COVID-19, and facilities battered by hurricanes, tornadoes and major storms, the state’s Baptist camps are gearing up for a busy summer. “COVID-19 had huge effects on us and many other camps in 2020,” Josh Bumgardner, director of Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center, told the Baptist Message. “This is the first time in our history that we did not host or program overnight summer camps for our churches. Summer is the focal point for our year and not having camps – understandable, with the ongoing pandemic -- was a huge loss to our staff and to our churches. Most of our other retreats and guest groups cancelled throughout the year, too.” But so far (mid-April) in 2021 the camp has filled 1,925 spots, with space for an additional 1,325 guests. Bumgardner said his staff has worked hard over the past year to work on upgrades to the new Dogwood Cabin, renovations to hotel rooms at Lee Lodge, as well as repairs to the activity building and Indian Creek Lodge that sustained damage from Hurricane Delta. He asked for continued prayers for his staff and guests, and, also for other Christian camps … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – With the availability of COVID-19 vaccines widely accessible and a continued reduction in COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Tuesday, April 27, the end to the state’s mask mandate. While masks still will be required at colleges and universities, early childhood education centers, healthcare facilities, on public transit and most state government buildings, local leaders and business owners will now be able to set their own mask policies starting today, April 28. Social distancing still is recommended. “Many Louisianans have been wearing masks for more than a year now and the statewide mask mandate has been in place for nearly 10 months,” said Edwards, who has kept a mask mandate in place since July 2020. “We know masks work – the science is clear and we’ve seen the positive impact in our own state. “It’s intuitive for people to protect themselves with masks in higher risk situations, and this important mitigation measure should continue,” he continued. “But we have many more tools for slowing the spread of COVID than we did not have even a few months ago, including better treatments and, most importantly, several highly … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer WOODWORTH, La. (LBM) – Eighty young men from nine churches were joined by 43 adult leaders for the Royal Ambassador Congress, April 9-10, at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center in Woodworth. The theme for the weekend was “Cowboy Church,” using a creative take on Psalm 20:7. The weekend featured Paul Daily, founder of Wild Horse Ministries in Trout, and his daughter Lenora, who used the taming of an unbroken wild horse to help present the Gospel. Throughout the two-day camp, the youngsters grew deeper in their faith while learning how to rope cattle and ride a mechanical bull, organizers said. By the closing session, nine of the boys had made salvation decisions. Mike Collie, an RA consultant for Louisiana Baptists, said the decisions resulted from seeds being intentionally planted, cultivated, and harvested throughout the weekend. “It was so exciting to be able to host an event after a year of COVID,” he said. “Using horses from Paul Daily’s Wild Horse Ministry, the boys and their dads got to see what it meant to submit to God’s will. The boys also learned how cowboy churches are helping to further the Gospel in their communities.” “The true highlights of the … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – For the last 15 years, Gibbie McMillan has been the face of Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief, serving on the frontlines of LBDR-led responses that helped rebuild homes, and, also, offered the hope found in Christ to thousands impacted by floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. McMillan is set to retire, April 30, as men’s ministry and disaster relief strategist for Louisiana Baptists. But he will continue to pursue his passion for disaster relief as the leader of a newly formed chainsaw team affiliated with Two Rivers Baptist Association. “Working for Louisiana Baptists has been one of the most rewarding opportunities I have ever had,” McMillan told the Baptist Message. “Being the hands and feet of Jesus enabled me to meet needs because of the generous giving of the churches of Louisiana. Our Georgia Barnett State Missions offering each year provided the funds needed for a quick response in times of disaster. Not every church in Louisiana is involved in disaster relief -- but they can be when they support the Georgia Barnett State Missions offering.” Stan Statham will succeed McMillan, May 1. He currently serves as associational missions strategist … [Read more...]