NEW ORLEANS – For 10 years, David Crosby tried to get the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to consider the Crescent City. By Karen L. Willoughby Managing editor NEW ORLEANS – For 10 years, David Crosby tried to get the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to consider the Crescent City. The pastor of First Baptist Church of New Orleans was chairman of an interfaith effort to make that happen, but somehow, it never did. “I think the Graham name is the name that is most able to unite the largest number of people in the New Orleans area for a spiritual event,” Crosby said. But because not enough of a cross-section of the Christian community would commit to being involved, the Graham organization said the time wasn’t right. Then Katrina hit, and within days Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse organization was on the ground, with chaplains, food and water. “They have made a long-term commitment to the Gulf Coast,” Crosby said. Some of the pastors spoke to Franklin Graham about the 10-year effort, and by November, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association agreed to fully underwrite a festival now set for March 11-12 in the New Orleans Arena, which seats 18,500. In late January, Crosby … [Read more...]
New church starts in West Monroe
WEST MONROE – Three weeks after Claiborne Baptist Church here closed its doors forever, Faith Baptist Church was born. In all, 35 people participated in the first service of the new start; the charter rolls remained open until March 1. WEST MONROE – Three weeks after Claiborne Baptist Church here closed its doors forever, Faith Baptist Church was born. In all, 35 people participated in the first service of the new start; the charter rolls remained open until March 1. “This is a work God has been doing for three years,” said founding pastor Mike Thompson. “I wouldn’t have tackled this on my own for a million dollars, but it’s exciting to see what God is doing.” Claiborne Baptist started in 1951 as Nelson Baptist, and was renamed Claiborne Community in the mid-1970s when what some said was a charismatic faction took over. The North Louisiana congregation dwindled by 1981 to five families, and after a two-year legal tussle, the property reverted to Southern Baptists. Twenty years after that, the congregation asked Thompson to lead a mid-week Bible study; four months later, he was called as pastor. Since then the congregation has made great strides in spiritual maturity, and has begun to witness in the … [Read more...]
Franklin Avenue leads state in baptisms
NEW ORLEANS – With an emphasis on “frangelism,” Pastor Fred Luter led the 8,314 pre-Katrina resident members of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church to baptize 309 people in the 2004-05 church year. By Karen L. Willoughby Managing editor NEW ORLEANS – With an emphasis on “frangelism,” Pastor Fred Luter led the 8,314 pre-Katrina resident members of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church to baptize 309 people in the 2004-05 church year. Other leaders included Airline Baptist, Bossier City, an 837-member congregation, with 128 baptisms; Lighthouse Baptist, Shreveport, a 200-member congregation, with 58 baptisms; and Crossroads Community in Kenner, a 108-member congregation, with 56 baptisms. The evangelism team of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Feb. 22 released tentative figures for baptisms in the 2004-05 church year. The “tentative” was because with the destruction of New Orleans, many records were lost that might have changed final totals, said Wayne Jenkins, evangelism team leader. In all, 12,586 people are known to have made their faith public by being baptized in Louisiana Baptist churches during the 2004-05 reporting year. “We’re excited about what God has done through the ministry of Louisiana … [Read more...]
Checking out churches: Faith beckons me to walk with love
TIOGA – I was at the evangelism conference when a man offered me his business card. “You look like someone who would like my church,” said Clark Taylor, pastor of Faith Baptist. By Karen L. Willoughby Managing editor TIOGA – I was at the evangelism conference when a man offered me his business card. “You look like someone who would like my church,” said Clark Palmer, pastor of Faith Baptist. What a line – but I was hooked by my curiosity. And what a blessing I received from Sunday morning worship with the warm-hearted folks of Faith. They meet in a simple, first-unit building with a wooden cross behind the baptistry, four stained-glass windows on either side of the building, and pews, even. Truly I felt like I was in church. “Father, we come today to reconnect with you, and to fellowship with each other,” prayed the pastor with a Ph.D. who calls himself “Brother Clark.” We sang a medley of older choruses, and then hymns such as “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Sweet Sweet Spirit.” Much as I loved these songs many churches have gotten out of the habit of singing I appreciated even more the pastor’s clear words from I Corinthians 13. “Love restrains responses that are harmful,” Palmer preached. … [Read more...]
Louisiana College plans
PINEVILLE – After months of delay, Joe Aguillard Ed.D. is to be inaugurated March 22-23 as the eighth president of Louisiana College. PINEVILLE – After months of delay, Joe Aguillard Ed.D. is to be inaugurated March 22-23 as the eighth president of Louisiana College. Aguillard was elected president in January 2005 but the normal fall convocation of a new president was delayed because of the hurricane damage in New Orleans. “I’m thrilled the Lord has led Dr. Aguillard to lead our college,” said David Hankins, executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, which owns the college. “We’re excited about what has already taken place under his leadership. It’s an honor to be part of his inauguration and his leadership of the school.” An inaugural worship service is set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, in Guinn Auditorium on the college campus, with a reception following. An inaugural convocation is set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 23, in Guinn Auditorium with a reception following. A prayerwalk on the campus is set for noon Saturday, March 25. … [Read more...]
Baptists raced to the rescue
NEW ORLEANS – Even before out-of-area law enforcement personnel began gathering at the headquarters of Troop B in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the church across the parking lot had offered use of its building for housing, showers and three meals a day for what ended up being about 500 men. By Karen L. Willoughby Managing editor NEW ORLEANS – Even before out-of-area law enforcement personnel began gathering at the headquarters of Troop B in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the church across the parking lot had offered use of its building for housing, showers and three meals a day for what ended up being about 500 men. Williams Boulevard Baptist Church was one of several Southern Baptist churches large and small that were in the right place at the right time to help minister to the needs of Katrina victims and First Responders. Their churches will never be the same, and that’s a good thing, pastors say. “We’ve still got a lot of people coming who came during the storm, including several Catholics,” said Jim Caldwell, pastor of Riverside Baptist in River Ridge. “They’re still a bit leery of us, I think, but they see something different here.” The First Responder … [Read more...]
Louisianian ‘Miss Mary’ angles for souls
TOLEDO BEND, La. – For spunky, fast-talking, fast-walking Mary Gore, it’s just another Saturday in bass-fishing paradise. Gore is busy doing what she does best. She’s out fishing – not for largemouth bass, but for souls. By Mickey Noah North American Mission Board TOLEDO BEND, La. – For spunky, fast-talking, fast-walking Mary Gore, it’s just another Saturday in bass-fishing paradise. Gore is busy doing what she does best. She’s out fishing – not for largemouth bass, but for souls. To say “Miss Mary” – as she calls herself – has a passion for winning others to Christ, is like saying seafood prepared by Louisiana chefs is just another meal. Both fall into the “gross understatement” category. On this particularly gorgeous Saturday afternoon, she’s making the rounds of about 70 campsites at North Toledo Bend State Park, just outside Zwolle. At each campsite, she’s inviting campers – who’ve come from across the nation – to be her special guests at an 8:30 a.m. worship service the next day. Some Sundays, Gore may lead 30-minute worship services in as many as five different campgrounds. The services may take place in one of the lake’s gazebos or in a local bait and tackle shop. A native of Silsbee, … [Read more...]
Louisianian ‘Miss Mary’ angles for souls
TOLEDO BEND, La. – For spunky, fast-talking, fast-walking Mary Gore, it’s just another Saturday in bass-fishing paradise. Gore is busy doing what she does best. She’s out fishing – not for largemouth bass, but for souls. By Mickey Noah North American Mission Board TOLEDO BEND, La. – For spunky, fast-talking, fast-walking Mary Gore, it’s just another Saturday in bass-fishing paradise. Gore is busy doing what she does best. She’s out fishing – not for largemouth bass, but for souls. To say “Miss Mary” – as she calls herself – has a passion for winning others to Christ, is like saying seafood prepared by Louisiana chefs is just another meal. Both fall into the “gross understatement” category. On this particularly gorgeous Saturday afternoon, she’s making the rounds of about 70 campsites at North Toledo Bend State Park, just outside Zwolle. At each campsite, she’s inviting campers – who’ve come from across the nation – to be her special guests at an 8:30 a.m. worship service the next day. Some Sundays, Gore may lead 30-minute worship services in as many as five different campgrounds. The services may take place in one of the lake’s gazebos or in a local bait and tackle shop. A native of Silsbee, … [Read more...]
Acteens lay burdens at the cross
WOODWORTH – Approximately 145 Louisiana Baptist Acteens recently laid their burdens at a cross – literally. By Brian Blackwell Staff writer WOODWORTH – Approximately 145 Louisiana Baptist Acteens recently laid their burdens at a cross – literally. As Christian recording artist Heather Payne sang “I Surrender All,” clusters of young women from participating churches built 5’ by 3 1/2’ crosses at Tall Timbers Conference Center in Woodworth. The Acteens then individually prayed beside the crosses. “This symbolized the girls’ need to follow Christ every day and in every way,” Janie Wise, Louisiana Baptist Missions Friends/Girls in Action/Acteens associate, said. “The world needs more cross bearers and fewer cross wearers.” The theme for this year’s Louisiana Baptist Acteens Conference was “Following Christ Every Day in Every Way 24/7.” Among the highlights of the two-day event were a spiritual gifts inventory, breakout sessions and a missions project for a New Orleans ministry. Above all, the conference reinforced the philosophy that the Acteens should evangelize in their Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. “For the girls, the conference was the idea of helping them think how … [Read more...]
Weekly announcements
Week of February 27, 2006 Potpourri VIDALIA – First church: Testify in concert; March 12, 6 p.m.; Dan Glenn, pastor. WILDSVILLE – Evangeline church: The Beene Family in concert; March 10, 7 p.m.; free admission; Dennis Baker, pastor. BATON ROUGE – Jefferson church: Jamie Womack, guest speaking at ladies’ event; March 7, 6:30 p.m.; T. C. French Jr., pastor. Revivals DODSON – First church: March 10-11, 6:30 p.m.; March 12, 11 a.m.; Larry Jinks, evangelist; Tommy Gray, pastor. WEST MONROE – Mount Vernon church: March 12-15, 7 p.m. nightly; Jack Daniels, evangelist; Woody Rimes, pastor. FARMERVILLE – Culbertson church: March 12, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; March 13-15, 7 p.m.; Casey Johnson, evangelist; Brad Mount, music; Scott Jennings, pastor. WEST MONROE – Bethel church: March 5, 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.; March 6-8, 7 p.m.; Milton Wilson, evangelist; Greg Duncan, music; Gene Thomas, pastor. PINEVILLE – Trinity church: March 12, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; March 13-15, 7 p.m.; Bill Britt, evangelist; The Calvary Singers, music; Darryl Hoychick, pastor. DEQUINCY – New Hope church: March 12, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; March 13-15, 7 p.m.; Dwight Singleton, evangelist; Stephen Gibbs, worship leader; Rob Sumrall, … [Read more...]
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