By Baptist Message staff FLORIEN, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief crews and churches responded quickly to those impacted by wildfires in Sabine Parish east of Florien, Aug. 14. The are contained at this time. While this remains a very serious situation because of wind direction and changing weather conditions the wildfire was contained Monday evening. However, officials cautioned that flare-ups could ignite new fires in the area. The LA Dept of Forestry worked throughout the night clearing lanes to further control the fire. The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office posted on its Facebook page at approximately 2:14 p.m. their office received a call regarding a woods fire near Corleyville Road in the Mt. Carmel community. By 9 p.m., the fire was contained. As the fire raged Monday afternoon, residents in the path of danger were urged to evacuate. KSLA-TV (Shreveport) reported that at least eight homes were damaged or destroyed by the fire. “Sheriff Aaron Mitchell asks everyone to remember those in your prayers affected by this disaster as well as all first responders and law enforcement agencies who responded,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a Facebook post Monday evening. “Also, thank you to the many … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer HOLDEN, La. (LBM) – Russell Hinson served for 32 years as a pastor before his Dec. 31, 2022, retirement, but the last seven produced some of his most cherished memories when He saw God move in mighty ways at First Baptist Church, Holden. “It’s been a good seven years. I was able to be a part of God’s work and what He is doing here,” Hinson told the Baptist Message. “Some people may think because we are a small church, God is not going to do that much. Through the Lord, I have challenged my folks there is nothing too difficult for the Lord. It doesn’t matter if we’re small or don’t have a lot of money. We know the one who owns the cattle of a thousand hills and He can accomplish what He wants. We can trust God and He can and will do mighty things.” In 2022, Hinson was named a Louisiana Baptist Convention Exemplary Bi-vocational Pastor of the Year for his dedication to ministry. Born in Amite, Hinson gave his heart to Christ as a 22-year-old during a conversation in his home with Ferrell McMorris, who at the time was pastor of Magnolia Baptist Church, Holden. Ten years later, Hinson felt called to the ministry but believed he was inadequate to serve as a pastor because … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer JENA, La. (LBM) – For more than 35 years, Buddy Willis has been one of Louisiana Baptists’ faithful “utility” men in ministry. Since he was called to serve the Lord in vocational ministry, Willis has served in seven different roles that all have pointed others to the cross. “I loved working with our state people and making plans and seeing things come together and seeing things done,” Willis told the Baptist Message. “None of it was ever done for the glory of anyone. It was done for the glory of the Lord.” In 2022, Willis was named a Louisiana Baptist Convention Exemplary Retiree of the Year for his dedication to ministry. He retired in December 2021 as director of missions of LaSalle Baptist Association after serving in that capacity for eight years. Born in Jena, Willis gave his heart to Christ as a 9-year-old on June 9, 1949, during a revival service at Temple Baptist Church in that city. Sixty-two years later, Willis felt called to the ministry while he was transporting servicemen as they arrived and departed New York City during the Vietnam War era. However, he felt serving as a pastor would not financially support his family. But, the Holy Spirit continued … [Read more...]

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By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – An evangelistic and ministry strategy aimed at inviting and mobilizing Louisiana Baptist middle and high school students to reach their classmates for Christ is ready to roll out for the upcoming school year. The Student Missionary evangelism strategy, which will launch in early August, is a guide for a training ground for students to learn how to be intentional about being an evangelist on their campus over the school year. Sixth to twelfth graders will be commissioned by their church to share the Gospel at their school. Once a student enrolls in the effort, he or she will be matched with a coach who will help the student grow in Christ and receive the tools necessary to share Jesus with their classmates. Moreover, the student will have at least four prayer partners who will receive a monthly update from the participant. Steve Masters, coordinator of the program and director of the Louisiana Baptist Collegiate Ministry at LSU, said he hopes many churches will partner with students and help foster a foundation of discipleship that will carry on past high school. “Many seniors already have checked out of their faith and student ministry … [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 First Baptist Church, Wisner: A retirement reception will be held July 30 from 2-4 p.m. to celebrate the 32-year ministry of the pastor and his wife, Thomas and Loretta Peoples. The public is invited to attend. The church is located at 9402 Natchez Street in Wisner. Cory Barnes leaving First Baptist Church, New Orleans to serve as Dean of Doctoral Studies and Distance Learning at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Gary Myers, Executive Pastor of Discipleship, will assume Barnes duties of working with the Bible Study Group leaders to equip, encourage and lead these important leaders in the church. Scott, wife Bethany, Shirley is the new pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Shreveport. Garrison, wife Braiden, Griffith is the new pastor from … [Read more...]