By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer SHREVEPORT – Nearly 600 members of the Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association’s 118 churches closed out the month of January by coming together to seek God during the local fellowship’s fourth annual “Call to Prayer.” Much like the association’s other Calls to Prayer, Moore said the gathering, Jan. 27, brought together Christians of various ages and ethnicities to pray for law enforcement, the persecuted church, missionaries serving around the world, pastors and other church leaders. The 2019 event at Broadmoor Baptist Church, Shreveport, was marked by prayer from the worship center stage, in small groups around the room, and by individuals even in the hallways outside, he described, adding that in the end, participants uniformly described a movement of the Holy Spirit in that place for revival were lifted up. REPENTENACE ESSENTIAL Shaun Armstrong urged others to come before God with broken hearts and turn from their sins. He said repentance is essential for salvation. “Repentance is not a one-time act that occurs at the moment of your salvation never to be repeated again, but rather repentance is a way of life for somebody who truly knows God through Jesus Christ,” said … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer MARKSVILLE – The effort to protect more unborn babies just got a shot in the arm with the announcement that Avoyelles Parish will soon have a pregnancy center of its own April 9. The 600-sq.-ft. facility, located at 115 Ferdinand Street in Marksville, will be the first of its kind in Avoyelles Parish. The center, which will be a satellite of the Cenla Pregnancy Center in Alexandria, will operate Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will offer pregnancy decision coaching by trained advocates, free pregnancy tests, information about pregnancy options, maternity and physical resources and post-decision support including parenting education and post-abortive healing. Center leaders hope to purchase an ultrasound machine once they can raise the necessary funds. Heidi Peavy, who has worked as office manager at the Cenla Pregnancy Center since it opened in December 2017, will be at the helm when the center opens. “Many of the women think they have no other option other than abortion, and we are here to make sure they know that there is another option other than abortion,” Peavy said. “We have gotten a sense the community is open and supportive of a pregnancy center … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ROBELINE – Evangelist Sam Moore originally planned to preach just 10 days at the revival he led for the First Baptist Church in Robeline. However, what began with a Disciple Now youth weekend retreat at church on Jan. 18 continued until Feb. 6, an additional nine days after the congregation extended the revival services two times. Church officials reported 50 people repented and committed to live for Christ and that 38 of the new converts were baptized during the services. Moore thanked God for sending the Holy Spirit to stir the people’s hearts. “The altars were full every night as the invitation was extended, and believers prayed for the lost and for themselves,” Moore said. “Many publicly declared they had experienced personal revival in their lives. This church has really been in a state of revival for several years now. This church is very serious and intentional about prayer and outreach. God blessed their efforts and faithfulness.” Brian Ray, pastor of First Baptist Robeline, said the extended revival was not about the pastor, congregation or who was on the schedule but was all about God’s presence in the services. “Every ounce of glory goes directly to Him,” Ray … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA (LBM) -- Critics from across the country chimed in via the internet recently to target Reggy McDaniel, owner of Mac’s Fresh Market stores with locations in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, because of a Christian-based message he published in his grocery chain’s weekly mailer. McDaniel, a member of Kelly Baptist Church in Kelly, said he did not intend to cause a political controversy, but simply wanted to use a current topic to shine the light of Christ in a spiritually dark world. The ad, mailed out in early February, contained the message: “Heaven has a wall, a gate and a strict immigration policy. Hell has open borders. Let that sink in.” After the ad was published, state and national newspapers, television stations and blogs issued reports on the response from customers and other people. The criticism on the company’s Facebook page included accusations of “false teaching” and complained about mixing religion, business and politics: “You have lost several customers and considering this is a very small community, you will feel the impact,” one person posted. Another person wrote: “How’s about you just stick to selling food? Leave Jesus and your politics out … [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@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event. IN REMEMBERANCE Grace Lee, wife of former Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Director Robert L. Lee, went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 27, 2019. She passed away in her home surrounded by her family holding her hands and singing “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” She was affectionately referred to through the years as “Amazing Grace” by her husband and friends because of her gracious Christian sprit and servant heart. There will be a memorial service to honor her life on March 1 at 6 p.m. at FBC Pineville. Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. in the sanctuary. Following the service, there will be a supper/fellowship in the FBC fellowship hall commemorating the 40 years that Grace helped coordinate and preside over an annual International Fellowship for foreign born persons within the community. The family invites … [Read more...]

By Message Staff NEW ORLEANS – Global Maritime Ministries recently honored Pat Trembly as its board member of the year. Trembly, who is a member of Metairie Baptist Church, was recognized during the ministry’s annual meeting in early February for her role as board vice president of membership. According to a news release from Global Maritime Ministries, Trembly has helped plan an annual benefit event for the ministry for more than a decade, and recently established a Lighthouse Keepers group to promote the ministry opportunities and to recruit volunteers. Since the early 1960s, Global Maritime Ministries has shared the Gospel through meeting the needs of the international seafarers and the local maritime community in one of the world’s busiest waterways, the Lower Mississippi River. The port ministry held its annual meeting this January as an opportunity for all those that support the ministry on a consistent basis, or those interested in being involved, to hear updates about their work at the port. For more information on serving with Global Maritime Ministries, visit PortMinistry.com. … [Read more...]

By Louisiana Right to Life NEW ORLEANS – A new poll has found that 70 percent of Louisiana residents consider themselves to be pro-life, and they do not believe taxpayer funds should be used to provide abortion. A survey of 1,180 likely 2019 General Election voters was commissioned by Louisiana Right to Life and conducted Feb. 10 and 11 by the Remington Research Group. The sampling was across all demographics. Question 1: On the issue of abortion, do you consider yourself to be pro-life or pro-choice? On this question, 70 percent of responders said pro-life, while 30 percent said pro-choice. Question 2: Do you think taxpayer funds should be used to provide abortion services? On this question, 71 percent of responders said no, 18 percent said yes and 11 percent were not sure. In Louisiana being pro-life is a non-partisan issue, as shown by overwhelming support in both chambers of the Louisiana Legislature on pro-life votes. In this poll, 87 percent of Republicans, 58 percent of Democrats, and 65 percent identifying as non-partisan identified as pro-life. Interestingly enough, while 67 percent of responders who identified as liberals said they were pro-choice, just 40 percent of those said taxpayer funds should … [Read more...]