New believers brave cool temps to show ‘hearts on fire’ for Christ
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer BATON ROUGE – Despite cool fall temperatures, 20 new believers braved the brisk conditions to be part of a special outdoor baptism service Oct. 22 at Istrouma Baptist Church. One by one, each stepped into a brimming horse trough, restated his and her individual faith in Christ, was plunged beneath the water and raised to symbolize being born again in Christ – and was greeted with hugs and cheers from friends and family among the several hundred supporters in attendance. Scheduled as part of its “One Another Sunday,” the baptisms brought together Istrouma Baptist’s Baton Rouge, Prairieville and Hispanic campuses. Indeed, a number of the baptized were among the 105 people who responded to Evangelist Jay Lowder’s message during the morning worship service that day. “It’s like Jay drew the net but the seed had been sown in people’s heart by the love our people show the community throughout the year,” Pastor Jeff Ginn told the Baptist Message. “When push comes to shove, we are called to lead people to Christ, baptize them and make disciples. All of those who are new to Christ tend to bring their friends and that’s what happened here. They came to the baptism service and brought … [Read more...]
First Pineville updates facilities in time to host ECON 2018
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Just in time to host the 2018 Louisiana Baptist Convention Evangelism Conference, Jan. 22-23, First Baptist Church, Pineville, has completed Phase One of its largest building renovation effort since 1997. After two years of planning, the $5 million project started in 2015 has given a major facelift to every building on its campus during the first of several planned stages of construction and updates. Among the most notable improvements, so far, are the new carpet, lighting, pews and sound equipment in the worship center, which are complimented by renovated bathrooms and a bride’s room in the lobby area. New landscaping has been completed as well. But, other areas of the campus have seen improvements, too: The activities building received a new elevator and expanded restrooms; the fellowship hall was updated with a new stage, sound system, and lighting; the adult education building now has expanded restrooms; the children and preschool areas have new paint and flooring; there is a new playground; and, the church offices are renovated. Pastor Stewart Holloway said the congregation’s growth from their faithfulness to the vision humbles him. “From the moment we … [Read more...]
Frizzell’s passion for revival rooted in prayer, evangelism
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Gregory Frizzell believes the need for prayer and evangelism has never been more urgent than today. Moreover, he contends the time is now for Christ’s followers to rise up and ask God for a great revival and awakening to sweep across the United States – beginning in the hearts of each believer. “If programs, education, strategies and promotions could by themselves bring revival, we would have long since had the biggest in history,” Frizzell said. “The fact that true New Testament power must also be tied to fervent prayer and deep repentance is now abundantly clear. We are past being helped by quick general prayers and surface confession. The good news is that more and more are awakening to this reality.” Frizzell, whose ministry is based in Oklahoma City, Okla., will share more about his passion for revival during the final session of the 2018 Louisiana Baptist Convention Evangelism Conference, Jan. 22-23, at First Baptist Church, Pineville. He also will touch on the elements of an effective prayer life during the Senior Adult Luncheon at ECON 2018. Frizzell will be joined in the program by Fred Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans, and … [Read more...]
Experiences lead Tippit on powerful evangelistic journey
PINEVILLE – In 1970 much of the country was being torn apart by violent protests against the divisive Vietnam War, but in Monroe, Louisiana, revival was unifying the area with faith, hope and love. Only 25 people attended the first night of that February revival which was being led by Baton Rouge native Sammy Tippit at Calvary Baptist Church, Monroe. But an area-wide movement quickly broke out. The scheduled five-day campaign had to be expanded into a three-week crusade, and, attendance exploded, necessitating a move to the Monroe Civic Center to accommodate the crowds. Importantly, thousands of lost souls were subsequently saved. “Pastor L.L. Morris was the only one praying at first and believed God was going to move mightily,” Tippit told the Baptist Message. “More of us joined him and a great prayer movement emerged, followed by many decisions by young people.” Tippit, who founded Sammy Tippitt Ministries based in San Antonio, Texas, will share more about how God has moved through mass evangelism events as part of his message at the 2018 Louisiana Baptist Evangelism Conference, Jan. 22-23, at First Baptist Church, Pineville. He will be joined in the program by Fred Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, … [Read more...]
ECON 2018: Pray for the souls of Louisiana youth
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Churches throughout the state are encouraged to pray for a great harvest of souls of youth expected to attend the upcoming Student Night Jan. 22 at the Louisiana Baptist Convention Evangelism Conference. One of the first events for 2018 associated with the statewide Harvest initiative to “pray for every home and share with every person” in Louisiana, Student Night will feature a pre-session pizza party, a demonstration by the Real Encounter stunt team and music by Elevate, a travel band from Louisiana College. The main session, which will be live streamed, will feature Ray Jones and the Community Bible Church Praise Team of San Antonio, and, a message by Brent Crowe of Orlando, Fla. Jones is the brother-in-law of Wayne Jenkins, who is retiring as Louisiana Baptists’ director of evangelism and church growth, and Crowe is a vice president with Student Leadership University, which was founded by Southern Baptist evangelist Jack Strack. The pre-session will begin at 5 p.m. inside the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church, Pineville. Steve Maltempi, youth strategist for Louisiana Baptists, said Student Night is a continuation of a challenge to share Christ … [Read more...]
Louisiana Baptist youth leader, NOBTS student, dies on mission field
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer NAKARU, Kenya – Even as family and friends mourn the loss of a loved one, they are celebrating the Christ-honoring legacy left behind by Emily Martin, an interim youth leader at Hebron Baptist Church in Bush, Louisiana, who died Jan. 1 while serving on her third mission trip to Kenya. Martin, 21, passed away following complications from a blood clot that developed inside her lungs shortly after arriving in the country. Martin organized the trip, traveling with her brother, Joshua, cousin, Ashtin Mullett, and friend, Vally O’Connor. While in the country, she worked alongside missionaries Len and Susan Eastwood, who represent Neighbors Outreach Worldwide ministry in Nakaru, Kenya. Her father, Scot, told the Baptist Message that his daughter spent her final days in a place she loved. Even before her first visit to Kenya, Martin had a strong love for missions that began as a teenager with a church evangelistic trip to Oklahoma where she took part in conducting Vacation Bible School. She also took mission trips to Belize and Guatemala in recent years. A student with the Leavell College of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Martin likely would have moved to Kenya to continue … [Read more...]
Johnson, Landry publish guidance on religious expression in schools
By Hayden Haynes, Office of U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson BATON ROUGE – U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry have released the Louisiana Student Rights Review, a publication that provides guidance on prayer and religious expression in public schools. The resource was created to answer many of the most frequently asked legal questions and misconceptions about religion on campus. The Louisiana Student Rights Review is available as a free online resource at:http://www.mikejohnsonforlouisiana.com/religious_expression_in_schools. A hard copy of the publication will soon be mailed to all school superintendents throughout the state. “It is important to remember that our Constitution and laws protect the rights of students to live out their faith on campus," said Johnson, a member of First Baptist Church, Bossier City. "Religious liberty is the first freedom listed in the Bill of Rights, and the next generation of Americans needs to be encouraged to help preserve it." The U.S. Supreme Court acknowledged almost 60 years ago, "The vigilant protection of constitutional freedoms is nowhere more vital than in the community of American schools." “Unfortunately, too many people have been misled into … [Read more...]
New year, new laws: A look at Louisiana’s new rules set to take effect for 2018
Louisiana’s sugarcane harvest better than expected
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