By Staff, Evangeline Baptist Association BROUSSARD – Church Acadiana was launched in a living room in June of 2005 by Andy and Lydia Manning with the prayer and support of the Evangeline Baptist Association and the North American Mission Board. Today, over fifty people gather weekly for worship at Celebrity Theatres in Broussard. And meeting in a movie theatre has its advantages. Two Sundays a year (every April and October), area charities utilize the theatre for their events, attracting hundreds of people. And Church Acadiana takes advantage of the crowds. “We invite all of our members to show up early on those days,” Manning said.  “Wearing matching t-shirts, we give out free refreshments and pass out flyers inviting people to church.  Instead of viewing these events as disturbances, we sensed God telling us that these events were His way of helping us invite the community to church.” Church Acadiana is focused on reaching the lost at any cost. In 2011, the church was experiencing some financial setbacks, even with Manning working bi-vocationally. It was during this time of shortage that God gave the church an impossible vision – raise an additional $8,000 and put on a big day for Easter 2012. “It was a crazy idea that … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 12/20/2013 - 11:11 Fred Luter, pastor of Franklin Ave. Baptist Church in New Orleans and President of the Southern Baptist Convention, was the featured speaker at a recent Louisiana Life March in Baton Rouge. At last year’s March, more than 3,500 pro-life supporters marched five blocks from the Old State Capitol to the current Capitol to show support for life issues. By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer Louisiana Baptists and other pro-life supporters throughout the state will have an opportunity to stand up for the unborn during one of two Louisiana Life Marches later this month. Scheduled for Jan. 18 in Baton Rouge and Jan. 25 in the Shreveport/Bossier City area, the Louisiana Life March is a chance for various denominations and groups to march together across several blocks and pray to declare their opposition to the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in 1973. The theme for the third-annual Louisiana Life March North in Shreveport/Bossier City is “4,003 Lives Too Many” while the theme for Louisiana Life March South in Baton Rouge is “Adoption: The Power of Possibility.” In addition to an hour-long march, the event also includes nationally-known speakers … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 12/20/2013 - 11:19 Don Wilton, pastor of First Baptist Church in Spartanburg, S.C. By Philip Timothy, Managing Editor He has spent his life investing in others so that they may know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Don Wilton, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, S.C., will describe what it takes to invest in someone’s life at this year’s Evangelism Conference on Jan. 27-28 at Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. In addition to Wilton, other speakers at the Conference include Fred Luter, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist in New Orleans; Burl Cain, warden of Angola State Penitentiary; David Hankins, executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention; Fred Lowery, retired pastor of First Baptist Bossier City; Tony Nolan, president of TNT Ministries in Canton, Ga.; former Southern Baptist Convention President Johnny Hunt, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Woodstock, Ga. and Brad Bennett, president and founder of Real Encounter Outreach. “Don is no stranger to Louisiana,” Louisiana Baptist Convention Evangelism Director Wayne Jenkins said, “having taught evangelism at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 12/20/2013 - 11:15 Brad Bennett, president and founder of Real Encounter Outreach, his primary passion in life is sharing the life changing message of Jesus Christ. Bennett also has always had a passion for motorcycles. He will be one of the speakers at this year's Evangelism Conference in Baton Rouge. By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer SPRINGFIELD, Mo. –For Brad Bennett, president and founder of Real Encounter Outreach, his primary passion in life is sharing the life changing message of Jesus Christ. Bennett also has always had a passion for motorcycles. Fortunately for Bennett, he is able to use the two together, performing action sport stunt shows to see as many as 5,000 people accept Christ as their personal Lord and Savior every year. “It’s hard to explain the feeling and impact you have from that,” Bennett said. “It’s an honor and real privilege to be a part of what God does in that way.” Bennett, who is a former professional motocross racer, almost never picked up his bike again after answering the call as a student pastor. However, a vision from God to use his gift as an evangelist and motorcycle rider changed his direction four years later. “I was sensing God was telling … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 12/20/2013 - 11:23 Pastor Bob Braly of Morrow Baptist Church speaks with Roy O. Martin employee Roger Christian. Braly is one of six chaplains that Roy O. Martin Lumber Company in Alexandria make available to its employees in its four locations through a Dallas-based company, Marketplace Chaplains. By Rachel Ortego, Regional Reporter ALEXANDRIA—When Pastor Bob Braly of Morrow Baptist Church “shods his feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace” for his part-time job, he also dons size 12DD steel-toed boots, a neon orange safety vest and a hard hat. Braly is a one of six chaplains that Roy O. Martin Lumber Company in Alexandria makes available to employees in its four locations through a Dallas-based company, Marketplace Chaplains. On his weekly rounds at Roy O. Martin’s MARTCO OSB processing plant in Oakdale in late August, Braly was touching base with employees – providing a listening ear, a cheerful word or comfort to those who needed it.  He feels this ministry/job has a positive and far-reaching impact on employees and their families. “People crave personal connection,” Braly said, “but they are not used to it. There are some people who really don’t think anyone cares about … [Read more...]

By Kelly Boggs, Message Editor “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled,” so wrote the author of the Book of Hebrews in the Bible. A variety of sources define the word bitterness as indignation, resentment or ill-will felt as a result of a real or imagined grievance. Once bitterness is planted, according to the Bible, it develops a root and, if ignored, will grow to the point it internally troubles and annoys a person harboring ill feelings, ill-will and resentment. Eventually, if left unchecked, bitterness will continue to increase until it bears fruit that  will defile many. Among the noxious produce of bitterness is negativity, cynicism and a critical spirit. Bitterness is a possible reality in every life. When someone wrongs you in any shape form of fashion, or you just perceive you have been mistreated, bitterness is waiting to take root. A man was perusing the automotive section on an Internet classifieds website one Sunday morning when his eyes fell on an ad he could hardly believe. “Like new Jaguar, loaded, one owner, low mileage,” the ad stated. Though he was certain it had to be a misprint, the man called the … [Read more...]

By Sara Horn, Author/Speaker About a week before Christmas, I had to get a prescription filled at our local grocery store pharmacy. Rather than deal with the congestion of people inside, I decided to take advantage of the "walk-up" window the pharmacy had recently installed. The window is sort of a cross between a fast-food window and bank teller drive-thru, I half-expected the approaching pharmacist to say "Welcome to Kroger Pharmacy – may I take your order?" He didn't. Instead, he offered me a slightly wry look, pushed a button and said, "Yes?" While I was waiting for him to bring me my prescription and feeling slightly silly that I was getting my medicine much in the same way I would get a Big Mac and fries, I turned and watched the busy pace of the parking lot behind me. Pedestrians hurried back and forth, risking life and limb as they dashed between oncoming cars that refused to slow down to a courteous crawl. A woman, all bundled up, stood in front of the store next to a shiny red kettle, ringing a bell while people quickly passed by trying to avoid eye contact – and the possibility they might have to stop. For many years, it's been common for our American society to be described as fast-paced but it struck me as I … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 12/20/2013 - 11:32 Brad Moore By Brad Moore, Financial Coach/Counselor As I have watched Fox News over the past few weeks, I have become increasingly concerned regarding the effect Obamacare might have on the average American family.  As a result, I decided to call a few insurance agent friends of mine. What I found was disturbing, especially because part of my work involves helping people budget effectively. Before Obamacare, a Blue Cross plan for my family of five would cost approximately $900. After Obamacare kicks in, however, the agent informed me that I could expect a monthly premium of anywhere from $1500-$1800. As soon as I heard this I knew that I needed to let my clients as well as other believers know that there are other possibilities, available only to the church. In 1981, the first healthcare sharing ministry, Christian Healthcare Ministries was formed. Years later, Samaritans Ministries and Medishare followed suit. A healthcare sharing ministry consists of members who share a common set of religious beliefs and share resources to pay for one another’s medical expenses in accordance with those beliefs. Currently, the total membership of the three ministries previously … [Read more...]

By Jeff Iorg, President of Golden Gate Seminary The longer a person leads, the more susceptible they are to discouragement, cynicism, and bitterness.  Frankly, losing hurts.  It’s hard when evil prevails. No matter how hard we preach, teach, and counsel – some people still make horrible choices that destroy relationships, families, and churches.  No matter how much we strategize, sinful people can undermine our best efforts. Political systems, governing authorities, and corporate practices all bear the taint of sin and sometimes seem to conspire against spiritual progress.  When these forces align, it’s tough to maintain faith. When a ministry organization loses money or people or influence because of unjust practices, it’s easy to just give up.  Why try when the deck seems stacked against us? We must maintain faith in God’s promises and strive for the best, believing that over a lifetime God’s ways produce positive results.  The only problem is, sometimes they don’t.  That admission may shock you. As a Christian leader, you might expect me to claim otherwise.  The fact is God’s people are sometimes thwarted, not just in their lifetimes but for several generations (remember 400 years of slavery in Egypt?). Spiritual forces, … [Read more...]

By Rex Butler, NOBTS Throughout the tapestry of church history countless threads of Christian suffering, persecution and martyrdom are woven. This observation should not surprise or dismay us, for Jesus himself warned his disciples about the end times: “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name…. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:9-10, 14 NASB). The Greek word behind “testimony” is marturion, the root word of which is martus, or “witness.” A martyr, then, is one who witnesses to his or her faith in Christ even unto death. For the past two years, various writers from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary have contributed a series of articles about Christian martyrs, both men and women, to the Baptist Message. One of the lessons learned from the stories of these heroes is that during periods of persecution the early church not only survived, but also thrived in at least three ways. First, the martyrs’ testimony spurred the growth of the church. In the words of Tertullian, “The blood of the … [Read more...]