By John Marcase, Special to the Message PINEVILLE -- What was supposed to be a 1,000 mile cycling trip for a growing ministry in Bossier City did not launch exactly as planned April 4. Still, it did not prevent the group, consisting of men from Men of Courage Louisiana and the Christ Fit Gym in Bossier City, from seizing upon a ministry opportunity when it presented itself. The “1,000 Miles for a Mission” trip had barely started when Christ Fit Gym owner Billy Weatherall suffered a malfunction with his bike. “We were 20 miles out of Bossier and I had a blowout,” Weatherall said. Later that night at First Baptist Church in Pineville he shared his testimony and the cycling group took part in a worship service. “It was the only one we experienced” that day. But, it just so happened the blowout occurred near some railroad tracks where maintenance was being performed. “There was a railroad worker who I knew and hadn’t seen in years,” said Weatherall. “He came over and said he had been going through a rough time and needed prayers. “God has been using us like this all along the way.” Officially, the 1,000 Miles for a Mission ride is to raise funds for both Men of Courage and Christ Fit Gym. Both organizations … [Read more...]

By Robin McCall, WMU Communications BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – WorldCrafts, the fair trade division of Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU), has expanded an initiative that supports Southern Baptists’ work for children and families through a partnership with Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home & Family Ministries in Monroe. The initiative, which was first launched with Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries and Arizona Baptist Children’s Services & Family Ministries in January, supports the work of the Baptist Coalition for Children and Families. Through this initiative, churches or individuals partner with WorldCrafts to support at-risk children and to provide life-sustaining work for global artisans and their families. “The new WMU WorldCrafts initiative for Baptist Children’s Homes will make a significant impact on the lives of our children here in Louisiana,” said Perry Hancock, President and CEO of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home & Family Ministries. “LBCH is one of the few children’s homes across America that receives no government funding for the care of foster children. The new WMU project will help us expand our support of foster children both on campus in Monroe and across the state,” he … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer NEW ORLEANS (LBM) -- Louisiana Baptist churches have come alongside the only Southern Baptist church in the New Orleans French Quarter to serve up food with the love of Christ on Friday afternoons. Since 2013, First Baptist Church, Ponchatoula, and more recently, First Baptist Church, Norco, have sent teams to help prepare and hand out meals to as many as 70 homeless men and women who come inside Vieux Carre Baptist Church for what Pastor Tom Bilderback calls “Shower Fridays.” Bilderback said the Shower Fridays are a way to reach people who may be stepping into a church for the first time. Visitors often include drug dealers, satanic worshipers and homeless individuals. “We share the Gospel and are there to practice what it means to be in the presence of Christ for the least of these,” Bilderback said. “Once we offer them some food and a hot shower, we’re able to then share with them hope found in Christ. Many times it will build bridges with those who may have come far from Christianity.” The homeless hear a Christian testimony from Bilderback or someone else who has overcome the hardships that homeless people typically experience. The first time can be a little … [Read more...]

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistsmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event. ON THE MOVE Carl Sullivan is interim pastor at New Bethlehem Baptist Church, Denham Springs. Bubba Courtney is interim pastor at Gray’s Creek Baptist Church, Denham Springs. Rebecca Galloway is the new Children’s Minister at Norris Ferry Community Church, Shreveport. Caleb Walls has resigned as music minister at Northside Baptist Church, Denham Springs. Howard Turner has retired as pastor from Live Oak Baptist Church, Denham Springs. Johnny Morgan is the new pastor at Live Oak Baptist Church, Denham Springs. Michael S. Fielding is the new Student Minister at Live Oak Baptist Church, Watson. Austin Bedwell is the new youth minister at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Shreveport. Chris Lee is the new interim pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Jonesboro. HOMECOMING First Baptist Church, Gretna: 100th … [Read more...]

By Will Hall, Message Editor ALEXANDRIA (LBM)—During an April 9 morning meeting and luncheon at Philadelphia Baptist Church, Horseshoe Drive, U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham and evangelist Rick Gage shared inspiring words with 33 local pastors and other leaders gathered to get some political insights from Washington, D.C. and the latest updates about #Hope4U2018, an area-wide evangelistic crusade slated for CENLA, October 14-17. HOPE 4 CENLA Gage told the crowd the leadership teams are coming together, and that discussions with the local school systems were well under way. “The door has already been opened for us to speak in all of your high schools and all of your middle schools,” Gage shared regarding the On Track moral development program which covers issues like bullying, suicide and drugs and alcohol. But he emphasized the need right now is to “get your congregation to use their talents and gifts and callings to serve in this campaign. Using the decision counseling team (trained individuals who meet one-on-one with persons who come forward) as an example, Gage said there are opportunities “for your people” to serve “that will enhance and strengthen your local fellowship! “It’s going to set their souls on fire … [Read more...]