By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer WEST MONROE, La. (LBM) – Patrick Adams had been in and out of multiple state detention centers for 22 years when an encounter with Jesus changed his life. In September, Adams was released from Rich­land Parish Detention Cen­ter in Rayville after serving a conviction of simple bat­tery and three days later found freedom in Christ during a service at Rescue Church, West Monroe. “I let it go and gave it to God,” Adams told the Baptist Message. “That’s a hard thing for me to do and while I knew there was a God, I didn’t know a per­son like me could change. “But the love I felt the moment I walked into this place really grabbed my heart,” he continued. “I felt tingly all over and heard a voice saying, ‘I’ve got you son.’ At that moment I turned to Christ, and I haven’t looked back since.” Adams, who responded to a Gospel invitation from Pastor Russell Caldwell, Sept. 5, attended the ser­vice as part of his participa­tion in a recovery house on the church grounds – a ministry that includes daily small group Bible studies at 5:30 a.m., nightly meetings, a work requirement and Sunday morning services with Rescue Church. He is thankful for the men who pour into him … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer WOODWORTH, La. (LBM) – The recent Royal Ambassador Congress, March 22-23, saw an increase in attendance and fathers accompanying their sons (first through sixth grades) at the Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center event. The two-day conference drew 160 boys and adult leaders from eight churches and featured: Gospel presentations by “Champion Chaplain” Allen Huffman, the 2023 Southeast Super Truck Series champion; go-karting; pit row (how to change and plug a tire); a classic car show; and the Pinewood Derby and Soap Box car races. Louisiana Baptist Men’s Ministry and Disaster Relief Strategist Stan Statham believes the event reflected a renewed interest in RAs around the state. He noted the RA Congress drew 160 participants and fathers. “More churches are wanting to get back to emphasizing missions education and RAs is a great way to do that for young men who will carry on that passion for missions into their teenage and adult years,” Statham told the Baptist Message. “Events like RA Congress helps to train young boys to become godly men. I’m very encouraged to see more dads come out here and spend quality time for a couple of days with their sons. Additionally, the … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer BENTON, La. (LBM) – Cypress Baptist Church recently celebrated the grand opening of a new field house that will serve as place not only for fellowship and recreation but to plant Gospel seeds. Dedicated on March 24, the 81,687-sq.-ft., named the 3:16 Field House, features two courts that can accommodate basketball, pickleball and volleyball competition; a 48-yard by 66-yard indoor turf field; and a mezzanine to hold spectators. The church also will offer seasonal leagues and camps for a variety of sports and is available for local schools to use the facility year-round, including for non-sports community events. The first event featured a 5K and 10K race, age-based egg hunts (kindergarten through fifth grade) and a sports skills competition as part of its Easter Family Day, March 30. Cypress Baptist Recreation Pastor Brian Loe believes the facility will reach beyond the Shreveport-Bossier City area. “This is bigger than just Shreveport-Bossier,” Loe told the Baptist Message. “I envision we will draw people from the Ark-La-Tex and impact those who don’t go to church but want to play basketball, flag football or another sport. “This is a wonderful facility but … [Read more...]

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Baptist Message provides churches an opportunity to share with other Louisiana Baptists an upcoming revival, homecoming, new pastor, new staff member, a community outreach, or a concert in Louisiana Notables. To place your event in the paper, send your information (who, what, where, when, time) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. Please submit your information four weeks prior to the event to insure placement in the Message. ON THE MOVE Ron McLellan is retiring as pastor of Gloster Baptist Church on April 28. Mike Palmer is the new pastor at Red River Baptist Church, Benton. Gary Johnson, after serving as interim, is the new full-time pastor at Pilgrim Home Baptist Church, Benton. Jonthan Gers in the new senior pastor at Bedico Baptist Church, Ponchatoula. Larry Eubanks is the new pastor at Watson Baptist Church, West Monroe. Richard Gambill, First Baptist, Bastrop, has accepted the position of Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services and Operations at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Jacob, wife Allyson, Crawford in the new Church Planting Strategist on the Louisiana Baptists Missions & Ministry Team. Jackson Powers is the new youth minister at Belle … [Read more...]

Scotty Blackwell and Friends will headline the upcoming Senior Hymnfest 2024. Scheduled for April 18 at 1 p.m. inside Louisiana Christian University’s Guinn Auditorium, the event is free to attend. … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff SLIDELL, La. (LBM) – A line of powerful storms knocked out power to thousands and produced several possible tornadoes that caused significant damage in parts of potential tornadoes in the state, April 9-10. First Baptist Church, Slidell, lost some of its gymnasium roof after a tornado came through the back of the church, Pastor Casey Stark said. “A tornado touched down on the back of our property causing roof damage and significantly damaged the surrounding neighborhoods,” Stark told the Baptist Message. “We are working to get disaster relief efforts up and running in our neighborhoods.” The Slidell Police Department posted a video that showed extensive damage to businesses, apartment complexes and other buildings in south Slidell. Officers and other first responders also rescued individuals in areas that took on high water. Multiple injuries were reported. Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief Strategist Stan Statham said teams would be deployed soon to assess damage in Slidell and Lake Charles. In many communities of the state, high waters flooded streets and knocked out power. More than 135,000 customers were in the dark as of 2 p.m. on April 10, according to poweroutage.us The storms … [Read more...]