TIOGA – I was at the evangelism conference when a man offered me his business card. “You look like someone who would like my church,” said Clark Taylor, pastor of Faith Baptist. By Karen L. Willoughby Managing editor TIOGA – I was at the evangelism conference when a man offered me his business card. “You look like someone who would like my church,” said Clark Palmer, pastor of Faith Baptist. What a line – but I was hooked by my curiosity. And what a blessing I received from Sunday morning worship with the warm-hearted folks of Faith. They meet in a simple, first-unit building with a wooden cross behind the baptistry,  four stained-glass windows on either side of the building, and pews, even. Truly I felt like I was in church. “Father, we come today to reconnect with you, and to fellowship with each other,” prayed the pastor with a Ph.D. who calls himself “Brother Clark.” We sang a medley of older choruses, and then hymns such as “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Sweet Sweet Spirit.” Much as I loved these songs many churches have gotten out of the habit of singing I appreciated even more the pastor’s clear words from I Corinthians 13. “Love restrains responses that are harmful,” Palmer preached. … [Read more...]

PINEVILLE – After months of delay, Joe Aguillard Ed.D. is to be inaugurated March 22-23 as the eighth president of Louisiana College. PINEVILLE  – After months of delay, Joe Aguillard Ed.D. is to be inaugurated March 22-23 as the eighth president of Louisiana College. Aguillard was elected president in January 2005 but the normal fall convocation of a new president was delayed because of the hurricane damage in New Orleans. “I’m thrilled the Lord has led Dr. Aguillard to lead our college,” said David Hankins, executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, which owns the college. “We’re excited about what has already taken place under his leadership. It’s an honor to be part of his inauguration and his leadership of the school.” An inaugural worship service is set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, in Guinn Auditorium on the college campus, with a reception following. An inaugural convocation is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 23, in Guinn Auditorium with a reception following. A prayerwalk on the campus is set for noon Saturday, March 25. … [Read more...]

NEW ORLEANS – Even before out-of-area law enforcement personnel began gathering at the headquarters of Troop B in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the church across the parking lot had offered use of its building for housing, showers and three meals a day for what ended up being about 500 men. By Karen L. Willoughby Managing editor NEW ORLEANS – Even before out-of-area law enforcement personnel began gathering at the headquarters of Troop B in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the church across the parking lot had offered use of its building for housing, showers and three meals a day for what ended  up being about 500 men. Williams Boulevard Baptist Church was one of several Southern Baptist churches large and small that were in the right place at the right time to help minister to the needs of Katrina victims and First Responders. Their churches will never be the same, and that’s a good thing, pastors say. “We’ve still got a lot of people coming who came during the storm, including several Catholics,” said Jim Caldwell, pastor of Riverside Baptist in River Ridge. “They’re still a bit leery of us, I think, but they see something different here.” The First Responder … [Read more...]

TOLEDO BEND, La. – For spunky, fast-talking, fast-walking Mary Gore, it’s just another Saturday in bass-fishing paradise. Gore is busy doing what she does best. She’s out fishing – not for largemouth bass, but for souls. By Mickey Noah North American Mission Board TOLEDO BEND, La. – For spunky, fast-talking, fast-walking Mary Gore, it’s just another Saturday in bass-fishing paradise. Gore is busy doing what she does best. She’s out fishing – not for largemouth bass, but for souls. To say “Miss Mary” – as she calls herself – has a passion for winning others to Christ, is like saying seafood prepared by Louisiana chefs is just another meal. Both fall into the “gross understatement” category. On this particularly gorgeous Saturday afternoon, she’s making the rounds of about 70 campsites at North Toledo Bend State Park, just outside Zwolle. At each campsite, she’s inviting campers – who’ve come from across the nation – to be her special guests at an 8:30 a.m. worship service the next day. Some Sundays, Gore may lead 30-minute worship services in as many as five different campgrounds. The services may take place in one of the lake’s gazebos or in a local bait and tackle shop. A native of Silsbee, … [Read more...]

TOLEDO BEND, La. – For spunky, fast-talking, fast-walking Mary Gore, it’s just another Saturday in bass-fishing paradise. Gore is busy doing what she does best. She’s out fishing – not for largemouth bass, but for souls. By Mickey Noah North American Mission Board TOLEDO BEND, La. – For spunky, fast-talking, fast-walking Mary Gore, it’s just another Saturday in bass-fishing paradise. Gore is busy doing what she does best. She’s out fishing – not for largemouth bass, but for souls. To say “Miss Mary” – as she calls herself – has a passion for winning others to Christ, is like saying seafood prepared by Louisiana chefs is just another meal. Both fall into the “gross understatement” category. On this particularly gorgeous Saturday afternoon, she’s making the rounds of about 70 campsites at North Toledo Bend State Park, just outside Zwolle. At each campsite, she’s inviting campers – who’ve come from across the nation – to be her special guests at an 8:30 a.m. worship service the next day. Some Sundays, Gore may lead 30-minute worship services in as many as five different campgrounds. The services may take place in one of the lake’s gazebos or in a local bait and tackle shop. A native of Silsbee, … [Read more...]

WOODWORTH – Approximately 145 Louisiana Baptist Acteens recently laid their burdens at a cross – literally. By Brian Blackwell Staff writer WOODWORTH – Approximately 145 Louisiana Baptist Acteens recently laid their burdens at a cross – literally. As Christian recording artist Heather Payne sang “I Surrender All,” clusters of young women from participating churches built 5’ by 3 1/2’ crosses at Tall Timbers Conference Center in Woodworth. The Acteens then individually prayed beside the crosses. “This symbolized the girls’ need to follow Christ every day and in every way,” Janie Wise, Louisiana Baptist Missions Friends/Girls in Action/Acteens associate, said. “The world needs more cross bearers and fewer cross wearers.” The theme for this year’s Louisiana Baptist Acteens Conference was “Following Christ Every Day in Every Way 24/7.” Among the highlights of the two-day event were a spiritual gifts inventory, breakout sessions and a missions project for a New Orleans ministry. Above all, the conference reinforced the philosophy that the Acteens should evangelize in their Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. “For the girls, the conference was the idea of helping them think how … [Read more...]

Week of February 27, 2006 Potpourri VIDALIA – First church: Testify in concert; March 12, 6 p.m.; Dan Glenn, pastor. WILDSVILLE – Evangeline church: The Beene Family in concert; March 10, 7 p.m.; free admission; Dennis Baker, pastor. BATON ROUGE – Jefferson church: Jamie Womack, guest speaking at ladies’ event; March 7, 6:30 p.m.; T. C. French Jr., pastor. Revivals DODSON – First church:  March 10-11, 6:30 p.m.; March 12, 11 a.m.; Larry Jinks, evangelist; Tommy Gray, pastor. WEST MONROE – Mount Vernon church: March 12-15, 7 p.m. nightly; Jack Daniels, evangelist; Woody Rimes, pastor. FARMERVILLE – Culbertson church:  March 12, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; March 13-15, 7 p.m.; Casey Johnson, evangelist; Brad Mount, music; Scott Jennings, pastor. WEST MONROE – Bethel church:  March 5, 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.; March 6-8, 7 p.m.; Milton Wilson, evangelist; Greg Duncan, music; Gene Thomas, pastor. PINEVILLE – Trinity church: March 12, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; March 13-15, 7 p.m.; Bill Britt, evangelist; The Calvary Singers, music; Darryl Hoychick, pastor. DEQUINCY – New Hope church:  March 12, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; March 13-15, 7 p.m.; Dwight Singleton, evangelist; Stephen Gibbs, worship leader; Rob Sumrall, … [Read more...]

Week of February 27, 2006 IMB establishes landside relief Web site ... RICHMOND, Va. – The International Mission Board has established a Web site for people who want to give to the relief effort in Guinsaugon, Philippines, which was buried in a Feb. 17 landslide in the small village. The site can be found at www.imb.org/worldhunger. More than 100 bodies have been pulled from the mountain of mud that swallowed 375 homes there; Filipino officials say they fear the death toll could climb as high as 1,500. Though no IMB personnel were in Guinsaugon when the landslide hit, a team has been sent to the village to assess the damage and learn how they can best help. The missionaries ask people to pray for an end to the heavy rains that initially caused the landslide and continue to slow rescue efforts. IMB personnel also have requested prayer for wisdom and safety of the rescue crews as well as the IMB team headed to Guinsaugon. To make a donation to relief efforts in Guinsaugon, visit the IMB relief Web site or make checks out to the International Mission Board, and write Philippines Mud Slide, World Hunger Fund, or General Relief Fund in the memo section, depending on where you would like to designate … [Read more...]

ALBUQUERQUE – First Baptist Church of West Albuquerque doesn’t participate in the Cooperative Program out of obligation, but to pass on the blessing, as pastor Tim Marrow puts it. By Karen L. Willoughby Managing editor ALBUQUERQUE – First Baptist Church of West Albuquerque doesn’t participate in the Cooperative Program out of obligation, but to pass on the blessing, as pastor Tim Marrow puts it. Originally named Taylor Ranch Baptist Church, the congregation was birthed with Cooperative Program gifts and has given back at least 10 percent of its offerings from the beginning. With its 10th anniversary, the church began increasing its CP Missions gifts upward a quarter of a percent every other year. “God has blessed us so much, we just feel like we could do more than just give a tithe,” Marrow said. As part of its Great Commission focus, First Baptist disciples and equips its members and provides ways they can reach out to those who live in the rapidly growing area west of the Rio Grande River. Nearly 400 people gather for Sunday worship at 7:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m., with Bible study for all ages at 8:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. During the school year, while children are in choir on Sunday … [Read more...]

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) – The White House, in a report assessing the response to Hurricane Katrina, praised and commended faith-based organizations including Southern Baptists for their quick and coordinated work to aid storm victims in the Gulf states. By Baptist Press staff ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) – The White House, in a report assessing the response to Hurricane Katrina, praised and commended faith-based organizations including Southern Baptists for their quick and coordinated work to aid storm victims in the Gulf states. The 228-page document report, titled “The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina, Lessons Learned,” said “faith-based organizations ... provided extraordinary services. For example, more than 9,000 Southern Baptist Convention North American Mission Board (NAMB) volunteers from 41 states served in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. These volunteers ran mobile kitchens and recovery sites.” Hurricane Katrina was one of the worst natural disasters in American history -– leaving more than 1,300 dead in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, hundreds of thousands homeless and without jobs, and tens of billions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses and the Gulf Coast … [Read more...]