By Message Staff BATON ROUGE - The gospel was presented – and accepted by many – at Istrouma Baptist Church during the funeral of East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy Brad Garafola. Held on July 23, the service to remember one of three fallen law enforcement officers from the Baton Rouge area drew a crowd of 3,000 from the community, state and nation. When Istrouma Baptist Pastor Jeff Ginn offered the chance for anyone in attendance to accept Christ, he heard many voices across the worship center publicly declare out loud their intention to follow Jesus. “We wanted to be a part of that and the Lord allowed us to wrap our arms around all who attended,” Ginn said. “It was an unparalleled opportunity to share the hope that is found in Jesus. Many prayed to receive Christ and we believe eternity was changed.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ-6uXziPoo   … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message SLIDELL – Bayou Baptist Church Pastor Frank Treme is hoping a $10,000 reward will finally help solve the mystery of who set fire to his church for the second time in 10 months. Earlier in the month, Crimestoppers offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an arsonist who burned down the church. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced July 21 that it was giving Crimestoppers another $5,000 to help capture the guilty party. Treme said even though the fire destroyed one of the church buildings, his congregation holds no malice toward the arsonist. “What good would it do for me or my congregation to hate someone?” Treme said. “That would go against what we believe and what the Word of God says.” Treme said the congregation continues to pray for strength and guidance, and seeks for prayers from others as well. Members have stayed committed, and the church has even gained some members since the last fire. The latest fire occurred on July 2. After a neighbor called 911 to report flames engulfing the church, firefighters arrived in just over two minutes after the 7:30 a.m. call to find flames leaping from the front and rear of the 2,500 … [Read more...]

BATON ROUGE – Christmas may be five months away but it can a little early recently for a group of women at Florida Boulevard Baptist Church. Making snowmen filled with white chocolate pretzel treats and wreaths and hearing a devotional about turning tragedy into inspiration were among the highlights for the Christmas in July event at the church. During the event, Ginny Traylor shared the story of her daughter, Tracy, a freshman at Baylor University majoring in interior design. Left paralyzed from the neck down following a car accident, Tracy Traylor refused to give up on her dream. Currently, she designs jewelry based on scripture and her mother has become her hands to make a line of Christian jewelry called PRIMS.  The jewelry is made of baked clay beads and semiprecious stones fashioned in a primitive look. Next year, the event will feature a “Ladies Tea” with all the trappings of an “old-fashioned” tea time. The women will enjoy five varieties of tea and breads and scones, tea sandwiches, finger food and desserts during the occasion. … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer TIOGA – Twenty-five churches in central Louisiana came together this week for an international mission trip in their own backyard. Providing food every day, teaching English classes and sharing laughs over a  day of fishing and swimming at an area lake, the churches’ mission was clear – share the love of Christ to over 40 South Korean children in town for Camp USA. A partnership of REACH Missions and the Korea Baptist Church Development Board, the camp involves 25 churches in three Baptist associations. The children are participating in a Vacation Bible School at Alpine First Baptist Church and spending the afternoons participating in activities at area churches. After a week in Central Louisiana, the campers will depart for southeast Louisiana and spend the remainder of their time in the Ponchatoula area. While there, the children will participate with American children in a music day camp at First Baptist Church of Ponchatoula. The combined 90-voice choir will present ‘Kidz Under Construction’ at 6:30 pm July 31 at First Baptist Ponchatoula. “Camp USA expands the vision of God’s kingdom for both the children and the churches here,” said Tim Hisaw, pastor of Tioga First Baptist … [Read more...]

By Message Staff WOODWORTH – As a young girl, Kelsie Miller’s summer memories included a week at Girls in Action Camp at Tall Timbers Conference Center. So when she was given a chance to serve as a leader for Girls Mission camp years later, Miller quickly accepted the job. “GA Camp was such a blessing to me. I made so many memories when I went,” said Miller, a member of Alto Baptist Church in Rayville. “The staff strengthened my walk in Christ and I wanted to do that for the other girls. It’s fun to see the campers grow closer to Christ and it’s a reminder of good times I had as a GA.” Alto was one of 23 staff members who are leading 233 campers and sponsors at the annual Girls Mission Camp, which began July 23 and ends July 27. The camp’s theme is “Run the Race,” based on 1 Timothy 4:8. Campers are participating in drama, archery, missions, crafts, swimming and Bible study sessions. They also are learning from retired missionaries who are retired and currently reside stateside, hearing inspiring messages from camp pastor Brandon Digilormo and taking part in worship led by Kristen and Kellie Fuselier. Jess Archer, children and youth missions education strategist for Louisiana Baptists, said the hand of the Lord is evident on … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message JACKSON, MISS. -- It has been just nine days since Kelly Kiper Longoria was abducted, shot in the head by an assailant and left to die in Winnsboro. Doctors at Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit Hospital and Medical Center in Jackson, Miss., were not able to remove the bullet and were very concerned what the adverse effects would be by leaving the bullet. Truthfully, they really had no answers. But word quickly spread about this Christian couple and thousands upon thousands went to the Lord in prayer. The ‘Great Physician’ has heard the prayers and responding as only our Almighty God can and that is in a powerful and mighty way. In another miraculous development, a Facebook post this morning, July 25, by Shane Longoria, her husband, revealed she would being moved to a private room. In his post Longoria wrote, "The doctors and nurses have told us Kelly will be moved to a room today or tomorrow depending on when a room becomes available! The Lord is good! Please continue to pray for strength and progress!" Lisa Kiper, her mother, added, “As a result of God's people calling upon His name, she is being healed! Praise the Lord! #Prayforkelly. #kellystrong.” … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message WINNSBORO – It is a magnificent show of faith and support. Through social media, newspaper articles and TV reports, people by the thousands have joined together to lift up 22-year-old Kelly Kiper Longoria of Winnsboro, who was shot in the head by an assailant eight days ago, July 16. Friends and strangers alike have been quick to try and help. An account has been set up for Kelly Longoria at Winnsboro State Bank. A Go Fund Me page, started by Richelle Cox Huggins of Winnsboro, the day after the shooting has raised $11,860 in seven days. Fresh Start Ministry, a seven-month, faith-based addiction recovery program in Winnsboro, raised $5,400 at its annual auction for Kelly Longoria in just nine minutes. But the biggest help has come in the unceasing prayers. From individuals to Sunday school classes to congregations of churches, people by the thousands have all joined together to ask God to intercede for her and her family. And God is answering those prayers in a mighty way. “God has already answered our prayers before our day started well,” Lisa Knight Kiper, Kelly’s mother, wrote on Facebook July 23. “Kelly is off the ventilator, shaking her head when asked a question about what she wants, biting … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message The Louisiana College community is mourning the loss of one of its staff members, following a fatal car crash Friday, July 22, in Mississippi. According to school officials, Bonny Elliott died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident while traveling to Memphis, Tenn. Also in the car was her husband, David Elliott, who serves as chairman of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the school. He suffered minor injuries. Further details on the accident were not known. Bobby Powell, music minister at Bayou Vista Baptist Church in Morgan City and Bonny’s brother, posted on Facebook Saturday morning, “My wife’s brother Dr. David Elliott and his wife Bonny Elliott were in a tragic accident yesterday and Bonny was killed. “Bonny was one of the most hospitable persons I’ve ever known,” he continued. “She had a strong faith and a strong prayer life. We are in shock and deeply grieved over this loss. “Please be in prayer for our family as we mourn her loss and celebrate her being in the presence of Jesus,” Powell wrote. Brewer said the the Elliotts are a special family loved by so many both inside and outside the LC community. "Please pray for Dr. Elliott and his family as they grieve the … [Read more...]

By Waylon Bailey, Pastor FBC Covington I am praying for law enforcement officers, and I hope you are too. One of the law-enforcement families I know lives out of my area. Like so many others, they are struggling with this unprecedented time in American history. As I think of these families, I am having difficulty imagining what they are saying to family members and to children in particular. How can we help? First, we need to thank and encourage those who serve. Because of the shameful way some Americans have treated military personnel, we have learned to acknowledge and thank those who serve in the military. It’s now time to do the same with those who serve in law-enforcement. The greatest demonstration I have seen of this occurred at the funeral for Martha’s nephew who was killed in Afghanistan. We watched as a group of freedom riders made it their personal responsibility to make sure that protesters or others would not be able to get close to the family. Though there was no disturbance of any kind, their presence – – one of thankfulness and encouragement – – blessed the family. We can do the same for law-enforcement people around us. A hand shake, a nod, or a thank you will probably give the encouragement that these … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message ALEXANDRIA – Louisiana Baptists are celebrating a milestone – nearing the 150th church planted since 2010. According to John Hebert, missions and ministry team leader for Louisiana Baptists, the most recent church planted was in late July. The achievement marks the half-way point for the goal of 300 churches planted by 2020. The report of the President’s 2020 Commission, affirmed by messengers during the 2013 LBC Annual Meeting in Alexandria, included 10 actions steps, of which one was to plant 300 churches by the year 2020. Another milestone that should be reached by the end of the year is the 10,000th decision to follow Christ and the 2,000th baptism through church plants in their first 36 months of existence since 2010. Funding for church plants is provided through the Georgia Barnette Offering for State Missions, the Cooperative Program and the North American Mission Board. … [Read more...]