Following is a list by date of what Louisiana’s Southern Baptist churches are doing as outreaches in each church’s community. STATEWIDE – Following is a list by date of what Louisiana’s Southern Baptist churches are doing as outreaches in each church’s community. This information was gleaned from church newsletters and emails. If your church’s Christmas outreaches are not included this year, please make sure to let the Message know next year by Thanksgiving what you’re doing to spread God’s glory, hope and love around your community during the Christmas season. Ongoing Tioga First, Salvation Army bell ringers. First Jena, Giving Tree. Broadmoor Baptist, Baton Rouge,  “Patricia’s Home in LaCombe,” making it possible for Patricia Pierre, whose home was flooded by Hurricane Katrina, to be back in her home by Christmas. Calvary Alexandria, Encouragement for the Holidays, support group for those coping with grief, loss of any kind, stress from the season, strained relationships, and illnesses. First Simpson, distributing food baskets in community. First Sulphur, distributing blankets in community. First Haynesville, Angel Tree. Calvary Slidell, Youth … [Read more...]

More than 149 million people enjoy outdoor recreation annually, whether hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, camping or horseback riding. WAKE FOREST, N.C. (BP) – More than 149 million people enjoy outdoor recreation annually, whether hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, camping or horseback riding. Ministers like William Johnson in Montana realize the importance and popularity of such outdoor recreation, as well as the ministry potential. Johnson’s congregation, Gallatin Valley Baptist Fellowship in Manhattan, Mont., hosts sportsmen’s rallies for hunters and fishermen in his area. “The weekends are the only times when men who hold full time jobs get to enjoy these activities,” Johnson said. “They place recreation as a higher priority than coming to church on Sunday mornings. If we offer a rally during the work week, they make time to come.” The rally allows Johnson and other church members to meet many men who have never been involved in a church. It also offers an opportunity for men in the church to use their passions for God. “It has helped us gain the image that we meet people where they are instead of just inviting them to come join us,” Johnson said. “It shows genuine caring and has … [Read more...]

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary has announced the establishment of the Robert S. Magee Doctoral Fellowship in honor of the late Robert S. Magee for his fifty years of pastoral ministry to Southern Baptists, including thirty-four years as pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Ruston, La. NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary has announced the establishment of the Robert S. Magee Doctoral Fellowship in honor of the late Robert S. Magee for his fifty years of pastoral ministry to Southern Baptists, including thirty-four years as pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Ruston, La. The fund, the first of its kind for NOBTS, will award fellowships to new and currently enrolled students in the institution’s research doctoral program. Awards will be based upon the student’s academic achievement and scholarly potential. NOBTS administrators believe the fund will help in recruiting top quality students. As a man who distinguished himself in preaching, his major field of study during his doctoral work, Magee served as a mentor to many in vocational ministry. “He was a model for ministry for me and for dozens of other men who felt called into ministry through his decades as pastor of … [Read more...]

GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention is expanding its investment choices for eligible participants with the Jan. 2 launch of MyDestination Funds. DALLAS (BP) – GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention is expanding its investment choices for eligible participants with the Jan. 2 launch of MyDestination Funds. These five registered date target funds will be managed to specific retirement dates and may be suitable for investors of all ages looking to create or maintain a diversified age-appropriate retirement choice in a single fund. Each of the MyDestination Funds is a diversified “fund-of-funds” with an asset allocation that gradually becomes more conservative as an investor approaches retirement. The five funds are managed to specific target dates and 15 years after retirement in 10-year increments – 2015, 2025, 2035 and 2045 – allowing investors simply to choose the year closest to their planned retirement. The funds are designed for investors willing to bear additional expenses in exchange for automatic rebalancing. By investing in the MyDestination Funds, participants will incur the expenses of the funds in addition to those of the underlying … [Read more...]

ad to say, “Christian” films often do one (or both) of two things – they either make Christians look silly or they misinterpret the Bible. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) – Sad to say, “Christian” films often do one (or both) of two things – they either make Christians look silly or they misinterpret the Bible. When I was invited to an early screening of The Nativity Story in mid-October, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Thankfully, the feature film about the events of Christ’s birth, which opened nationwide Dec. 1, portrays “the greatest story ever told” with compelling acting, beautiful cinematography, moving music, cultural authenticity and, best of all, biblical accuracy. It’s a Christian film with all of the “wow” factors you want from a Hollywood production (realistic costumes, impressive locations, believable characters and dialogue) and none of the “ugh” factors you often find in films of the genre (sappy dialogue, cheesy costumes, preachy/melodramatic characters). Both the Mary and Joseph characters are complex and fallible – necessary qualities in a good protagonist. They’re not perfect, which makes their accomplishments all the more inspiring. I found myself reciting the biblical … [Read more...]

Discerning God’s call can be difficult no matter how old a person is, but it can be especially difficult for teenagers and young adults. NEW ORLEANS (BP)--Discerning God’s call can be difficult no matter how old a person is, but it can be especially difficult for teenagers and young adults. A conference held at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Nov. 17-18 sought to help students with their call into ministry. The theme of the inaugural KALEO conference was, appropriately, “God called. You answered. Now what?” KALEO: New Orleans was the first installment of an annual conference sponsored by the North American Mission Board’s Missions Prep Network focused on helping students identify and commit to a specific calling to serve God vocationally. “God has something very special in mind for the rest of your life,” Donald King, director of the conference, told the more than 300 students and leaders. “You won’t have all the answers when you leave here, but we want to help you know where you can go with your questions and who you can talk to.” King, also a senior consultant for NAMB, added, “Your call to ministry is not about you. It’s about what God is going to do through your … [Read more...]

More than 300 students and leaders with a call to ministry descended on the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary campus Nov. 17-18 for the inaugural KALEO: New Orleans conference. NEW ORLEANS (BP)--More than 300 students and leaders with a call to ministry descended on the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary campus Nov. 17-18 for the inaugural KALEO: New Orleans conference. KALEO: New Orleans was the first installment of an annual conference sponsored by the North American Mission Board’s Missions Prep Network. Speakers and activities focused on helping students identify and commit to a specific calling to serve God vocationally. God can use a variety of gifts and talents for His glory, students were told. “If God has called you and you answered Him, your ministry began when you said, ‘Yes Lord. Here am I,’ Every individual’s call is very unique and very different,” said Donald King, senior national consultant for the North American Mission Board and conference director. “You are very special and God has something special in mind for you.” The weekend included practical help for students wading through a call to ministry. Students not only heard that their call is unique but … [Read more...]

With one year of experience under his belt as project coordinator for the Arkansas Baptist Builders in New Orleans, Jackie James said he wouldn’t trade his volunteer position for any other job. NEW ORLEANS (BP) – With one year of experience under his belt as project coordinator for the Arkansas Baptist Builders in New Orleans, Jackie James said he wouldn’t trade his volunteer position for any other job. James and his wife, Linda, put the business that had been in their family for more than 50 years in the hands of a friend last October and went to New Orleans to join the Arkansas disaster relief team. In January, the Arkansas Baptist Builders were set in place for the rebuilding of homes in New Orleans, with James leading the team. They joined Baptists from other states in restoring a city devastated by Hurricane Katrina. As the supervisor for a growing workforce now numbering more than 1,400 volunteers, James and the Arkansas Baptist Builders have completed 44 homes, are working on 312 homes on an active construction list and have a waiting list of homeowners that is six pages long. They have seen 50 professions of faith. “Our primary goal is to rebuild lives,” James said. “Rebuilding … [Read more...]

“My daughter’s been riding a wave of emotion,” said one mother at First Baptist Church here. “She’ll be fine – playing and happy – and then she’ll be crying. They say that’s normal; it’s a process. Everyone grieves differently.” SLIDELL – “My daughter’s been riding a wave of emotion,” said one mother at First Baptist Church here. “She’ll be fine – playing and happy – and then she’ll be crying. They say that’s normal; it’s a process. Everyone grieves differently.” The First Baptist church family is grieving the death of 9-year-old Savannah Scharfenstein, who in less than 10 seconds – while her parents, sisters and many others from church were watching – fell during the local fire department’s Christmas parade Dec. 10 and was pulled under the wheels of a utility trailer being used as the church’s float. Savannah was in the parade to pass out flyers and application forms for First Slidell’s Upward Basketball program; about 900 youngsters participate each winter. She apparently was trying to climb onto the trailer when her foot got caught, the local media reported. Her dad had Savannah cradled in his arms within seconds of the accident, friends said; EMTs were onsite and bending over the child within … [Read more...]

Highland Baptist church here takes Luke 14:12-14 seriously NEW IBERIA — Highland Baptist church here takes Luke 14:12-14 seriously. Since 2002, the church has been serving those in need in their community by offering a Christmas dinner on Christmas day. They call it the Bread of Life. “I wanted us to provide in a small way for the emotional and physical needs of people in our community,” said Keith White, chairman of the deacons at Highland and coordinator for the Bread of Life Dinner, who began organizing the event in 2002. “I wanted to show them that we care, and at the same time present the gospel.” The pastor, David Denton, plans to provide a 15-minute message, sharing the gospel and the meaning of Christmas with those who attend the dinner. He and other counselors also stand ready for any who would like to talk further. Last year, because the church was financially supporting several families whose homes were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, Highland did not host the event, but in 2004, they served about 150 of their neighbors, said Tina Martin, church secretary. By advertising in the local paper, the church encourages those who want to attend to call ahead of time, … [Read more...]