By Message Staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – The Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists has planned a special online outreach event Easter weekend. The one-hour program will be livestreamed on Facebook, April 9 at 7 p.m., and will be available on-demand throughout the weekend. The special broadcast will feature music and a message by COSBE President Sammy Tippit, who will co-host the meeting with Richard Hamlet, president and CEO of Global Ministries Foundation in Memphis, Tenn. The event, “Covered by the Cross,” will feature the powerful stories of men and women who found a place of hope at the cross. Luke Hockenjos of Haughton, and Keith Fordham and Kim Stanely, both of Fayetteville, Ga., are among those who will share their testimonies. Musicians Joe and Kim Stanley, Russell and Kristi Johnson, all of Conway, S.C., and Amy Stockwell, of Katy, Texas, will lead a time of worship by song. Tippit will conclude the evening with an invitation to follow Christ. COSBE has asked for churches, associations and state conventions to partner and participate in the effort by sharing the video on their websites or Facebook pages, or by requesting a link for the organization’s Vimeo channel that also will livestream the … [Read more...]
You are doing great, Louisiana Baptists!
By Steve Horn ALEXANDRIA, (LBM)--You might be tired of hearing that we are living in unprecedented days, and, of listening to endless reports about the crisis, quarantine, social distancing, stay-at-home orders, and flattening the curve. I know I am. So, how about some good news? Our churches are responding to the challenge with online worship, online giving, online Sunday school, and online prayer meetings. [I haven’t heard of an online dinner on the grounds, but I’m ready when someone tries that!] Others are doing drive-in church. We are at our best when our motto is: “Whatever it takes!” And you know what? You are doing great Louisiana Baptists! Louisiana Baptists also are providing real solutions to real problems in other ways: -- Louisiana College’s Pre-Engineering Department is making protective face shields and masks for hospitals. -- Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief has established a prayer line, distributed at least 24,000 N-95 respirators, and are participating in food distribution. -- Our Business Office, in cooperation with our Office of Public Policy and Communications Team, is helping associations and churches interpret the CARES Act which provides financial assistance for churches. You … [Read more...]
Louisiana College launches telehealth resource for students
By Norm Miller, LCNews PINEVILLE, La. (LCNews)—Difficulties posed by social distancing, travel restrictions, and the shift in established routines are unsettling. Add to the mix personal health concerns, and the reasons Louisiana College launched a telehealth service for students on March 30 become apparent. “Because our primary concern is the health and well-being of the Louisiana College family, we are providing free telehealth service to our students,” said Louisiana College President Dr. Rick Brewer. “With the necessity of online classes comes the separation of our campus community, but I want students to know they are not separated from our compassion and concern.” Louisiana College partnered with TimelyMD, which hosts Campus.Health. Available via smartphone or any web-enabled device, students have 24/7 unlimited free access to professional health advice and licensed counselors. Whether students are feeling sick or overwhelmed, they can talk to Campus.Health medical providers -- who can diagnose common conditions (cold, flu, sinus infection) -- and licensed counselors that offer students a safe space to talk about anything at any time, whether COVID-19 or any other mental stressor. All Campus.Health counselors are … [Read more...]
Governor’s office clarifies guidelines for ‘drive in’ church
By Will Hall, Message Executive Editor BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM)—Responding to questions regarding guidance about the “drive in” service many churches are conducting, Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn contacted the governor’s office for clarification about how state mandates about public gatherings apply in this instance. “I am grateful that Louisiana Baptist churches have made news for innovation in providing worship during this crisis rather than our non-compliance or outright defiance,” Horn told the Baptist Message. “I learned that the proclamation does not prohibit individuals from driving to their houses of worship for such services.” Horn said Adren Wilson, the governor’s deputy chief of staff for programs and planning, stated this type of service was “a reasonable solution if strict practices are followed,” which include: -- worshipers may not exit their cars for any reason and must keep windows up; -- restroom facilities on campus must remain closed; -- no one may sit in the bed of a truck; and, -- lawn chairs may not be used on church grounds. Horn was positive about the conversation and urged Louisiana Baptists to comply with the guidelines. “Let’s continue to be good neighbors, … [Read more...]
Drive-in prayer gathering in Natchitoches lifts up medical personnel
By Message Staff NATCHITOCHES, La. (LBM) – In a show of Christian love and support more than 200 cars gathered in a parking lot across from Natchitoches Medical Center for an impromptu prayer vigil Sunday, March 29. The evening included music and a time for families to pray together in their vehicles, where they remained throughout the event, which took place at 8 p.m. A similar event is planned for Thursday, April 2, 6:45 p.m. outside Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and Rapides Medical Center in Alexandria. Mike McGrath, minister to students and families at First Baptist Church in Natchitoches, led the opening prayer, which was prerecorded and played by organizers to honor the practice of social distancing. He was honored to rally around the local hospital and show them love and appreciation. “It was a special time for the hospital to see the community supports them, appreciates them, acknowledges that what they do matters significantly,” he said. “We as a community wanted to let them know we will continually lift them up in prayer during this unique and uncertain time.” Jason Womack, pastor of Goldonna Baptist Church, enjoyed the evening of prayer with his family and other Christ followers. “My wife and I … [Read more...]
Louisiana Baptists to host virtual prayer meeting Thursday
By Message Staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptists are invited to join Louisiana Baptists Executive Director Steve Horn and other state leaders for an online prayer meeting Thursday, April 2, at 7:14 p.m. The specified time is based on 2 Chronicles 7:14 -- if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. The event will be streamed on the LBC Facebook page. "This is a time for us to unite our hearts and our prayers," Horn said. "The writer of Hebrews [in chapter 4, verse 16] invites us to boldly approach the throne of grace so we can find mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. "The need is now and I'm inviting all Louisiana Baptists to surround the throne with our petitions relating to the Coronavirus pandemic in our state and beyond." … [Read more...]
DR feeding units, Baptist churches team up to feed the hungry in Lake Charles
By Message Staff LAKE CHARLES, La. (LBM) - A Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief feeding unit set up at Trinity Baptist Church has teamed up with members of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Lake Charles for distribution of food which is being funded by United Way, as part of Southwest Louisiana VOAD to provide meals for hungry school children, elderly and their families. According to Reggy Saxon, blue hat for the Carey Baptist Association disaster relief unit out of Lake Charles, the United Way notified the association that the Calcasieu Parish School Board had paused its feeding program Last week. The United Way offered to provide the food and asked if the disaster relief unit would find a way to cook and serve the meals. Since Friday, March 27, the disaster relief team has cooked 1,444 meals at Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, and then transported them to Mt. Olive Baptist, whose congregation has helped team members serve meals to families through a drive-thru lane. Saxon said they plan to continue cooking and serving meals through April 10. He added that an additional feeding trailer arrived Sunday to accommodate the growing demand for meals, which began with 212 on Friday and increased to 512 on Monday. "We … [Read more...]
Price Harris overcomes bout with COVID-19
By Message Staff SHREVEPORT, La. (LBM) - Evangelist Price Harris is celebrating God's healing power after surviving a bout with Coronavirus Disease 2019. Price, founder of Price Harris Ministries in Shreveport, was diagnosed Sunday, March 29, with the illness after battling fever over the weekend. His lungs are now clear and he does not have any fever. He is prescribed two weeks of isolation at home by his family doctor. "My main concern is for my wife, Ann, and a few folks I have touched over the last days," Harris told the Baptist Message. "Friends have been so good and I am trusting God for full recovery. I am really doing well." … [Read more...]
Churches urged to apply quickly for loans provided in $2T coronavirus relief bill
By Will Hall, Message Executive Editor NOTE: The original paragraphs 11 and 12 have been replaced with a single paragraph to correct information about loan forgiveness. WASHINGTON (LBM)—The U.S. House has approved a $2 trillion coronavirus impact aid bill that provides economic relief to workers and businesses; and, because of the work of many concerned lawmakers, these provisions extend also to 501(c)(3) entities, which include churches, Christian schools and other religious bodies. Importantly, evangelists are eligible for the payroll protection loans provided in the legislation. WHAT THE LAW MEANS In a summary of the Coronavirus Aid Relief Economic Security (also known as C.A.R.E.S.), U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.), a member of the First Baptist Church in Bossier City, said the Small Business Assistance portion of the legislation, passed by voice vote in the House, March 27, after it was approved 96-0 by the Senate, March 25, includes nonprofits with payrolls not exceeding 500 employees per location and caps any single loan at $10 million. “This will be an important lifeline for so many of our churches and ministries here in Louisiana and nationwide, and we are grateful for it,” said Johnson. “This is a time … [Read more...]
LC manufactures face shields to protect doctors, nurses from COVID-19
By Norm Miller, LCNews PINEVILLE, La. (LCNews) - An idea that began with the discovery of a social media post originating in Montana has quickly flown south to Louisiana and nested in the heart of Dr. Natalie Maxey, Assistant Professor of Engineering at Louisiana College. Using a 3D printer in the school’s engineering lab, Maxey began on Wednesday, March 25, making frames for the protective face shields that are in demand by hospitals and clinics amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Maxey, who was looking for an opportunity to help, jumped in without hesitation. “My sister is a doctor, and I couldn’t bear the thought of her running short of what she needed to protect herself.” All health care workers are somebody’s loved one, Maxey added, noting that local publicity on social media has fostered numerous companies to fire up their 3D printers and help. “This response represents my vision, because I can’t print the frames as quickly as the hospital needs them,” she said. Based on a Facebook post, Maxey called the President of Louisiana College Dr. Rick Brewer about the project. Brewer called Jason Cobb, FACHE, Rapides Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer. Brewer said Louisiana College could produce the much … [Read more...]
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