Funerals are bittersweet times. When someone you have known and loved for years dies, there is sadness. When this person has lived a long, full, Christian life, and death delivers that person from suffering, the death is a relief. Funerals are bittersweet times. When someone you have known and loved for years dies, there is sadness. When this person has lived a long, full, Christian life, and death delivers that person from suffering, the death is a relief. When a Christian dies, there is a celebration of that person’s life and home going.   My wife went "home" for the funeral of her mother’s closest friend - a bittersweet time.   Leah had not been home in decades, at least not to see people she knew growing up until she left for college. When she left for college, she moved to another city so residential ties were broken. She anticipated seeing certain people she thought might be at the funeral of the deceased friend.   Sure enough, she rekindled relationships dormant for years. The same faithful workers who prepared the food and cared for the families who lost loved ones still perform that ministry. Interesting how the death of someone brings together folks you want to see, but … [Read more...]

The devastation of the terrorists’ attack grabbed America’s attention by the nape of the neck. The audacity of the attacks and their incredible destruction were beyond what most United States citizens imagined anyone dared do, could do. The devastation of the terrorists’ attack grabbed America’s attention by the nape of the neck. The audacity of the attacks and their incredible destruction were beyond what most United States citizens imagined anyone dared do, could do.   Two admirable reactions have been the proliferation of displays of symbols of patriotism and widespread invoking of God’s blessings upon the United States.   We expect both reactions during times of crises. Our national family suffers and we rise against those who perpetrated the horror. We turn to God realizing our need for His strength. We can be thankful for these responses from a people who proclaim unity in diversity and "one nation under God."   The days ahead will remind us that patriotism is more than displaying a flag in our front yards and on our cars. Hopefully, that will remind us that turning to God is more than asking for His blessings. In the coming months, our national government will tell us what … [Read more...]

Here Louisiana Baptists go again, preparing for what has become an every-two-years ritual of convention passage – election of a new president. Here Louisiana Baptists go again, preparing for what has become an every-two-years ritual of convention passage – election of a new president.   If recent history is any indication, the ritual is likely to be record-breaking and close.   Indeed, when it comes to predicting Louisiana Baptist Convention presidential elections, the only statement that can be made with any degree of certainty is that a new state leader will be elected at the annual denominational meeting in the Alario Center in Westwego on November 12-13.   Of course, election of a convention president is not the only item of importance during the annual convention. Messengers to the annual meeting also will consider a record Cooperative Program budget, handle various items of business, vote on key resolutions and hear several addresses and Bible study presentations. They also will receive reports on work going on throughout the state and through various convention agencies.   In addition, they will be challenged anew to be involved in the ongoing work of seeking to … [Read more...]

When Louisiana Baptists gather for their annual meeting in a matter of days, much focus will fall on election of a new president and adoption of key items of business. When Louisiana Baptists gather for their annual meeting in a matter of days, much focus will fall on election of a new president and adoption of key items of business.   However, for Wayne Jenkins, a key aspect of the convention will relate to prayer.   Indeed, a trio of prayer events are scheduled during the annual meeting at the Alario Center in Westwego on Nov. 12-13, said Jenkins, evangelism director for the Louisiana Baptist Convention.   All are aimed at helping to bathe the convention in prayer, as well as helping to focus the convention on its Great Commission task, Jenkins explained.   "We’re praying that as a convention, we would focus on why we gather," he emphasized. "We’re there to do kingdom work. We’re there to make decisions that will further kingdom work."   The trio of planned events begins with a pre-convention prayerwalk on Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. inside the Alario Center.   Participants will be instructed on prayerwalking and then will move throughout the convention … [Read more...]

For the week of November 1, 2001 Potpourri • BROUSSARD - First church: "In the Presence of Greatness" musical presented by combined choirs of First church, Broussard and Emmanuel church, Lafayette; Nov. 10-11, 6 p.m.; Richard Strahan, minister of music, to direct; Jeff Cook, pastor.   • EUNICE - Acadian center: Campers on Mission work week; Nov. 5-9; for information, call the camp at (337) 457-9047; James Newsom, camp manager.   • LONGVILLE - First church: The Calvary Singers in concert; Nov. 11, 6 p.m.; Rick Hamilton, minister of music; Stuart Graves, pastor.   • MONROE - Lighthouse church: Brothers in Christ in concert; Nov. 11, 6 p.m.; Danny Pitts, pastor.   • NEW ORLEANS - New Orleans Theological Seminary: alumni luncheon; Nov. 13, 12 noon; Chuck Kelley, speaker; The Seminarians, music; for information, call NOBTS at (504) 282-4455.   • WEST MONROE - Highland church: Not by Sight in concert; Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m.; Stan Taylor, minister of music; Gordon "Skip" Dean, pastor.   • WEST MONROE - Clyde Sanchez, pastor of New Chapel Hill church, recently received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Midwestern Theological Seminary. Homecomings • MANGHAM - … [Read more...]