EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event.
ON THE MOVE
Ronnie Burke is the transitional pastor at Olivet Baptist Church, Sulphur.
Johnnie Wagner is the new pastor at Colfax Baptist Church.
Eric Harkins is the new pastor of Pisgah Baptist Church, Bernice.
Timmy Burns has resigned as pastor of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, Farmerville.
James Miller has announced his retirement as of April 15 at First Baptist Church, Spearsville.
Israel Montejo resigned at Bethel Hispanic Church, Bernice.
Luis Garcia is the new pastor at Bethel Hispanic Church, Bernice.
Connie Smith is the interim pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church, Dubach.
Michael Robinson has resigned from Summer Grove to become new children’s minister at Church at the Mall, Lakeland, FL.
Barry (wife Carol) Headrick is the new interim music minister at Gray Baptist Church, Jefferson, Texas.
Mrs. Dawn Backs is the new piano player at Gray Baptist Church, Jefferson, Texas.
Alvin Mason has resigned as pastor at Calumet Baptist Church.
Brent Romero is the new pastor at Pine Grove Baptist Church, Ruby. He resigned as pastor of First Baptist Church, Morgan City.
Wayne DuBose is the new interim Pastor at First Baptist Church, Blanchard.
Rob Sharp has resigned as music minister at Ellerbe Road Baptist Church to take the same position at First Baptist Church, West Monroe.
Randy Bowman resigned as pastor of New Horizon Baptist Church in Church Point, and is the new pastor at Lakefront Community Church in Catahoula.
REVIVAL
Bethel Baptist Church, Colfax: Revival, April 14-17. Evangelist: Scotty McDowell, chalk artist. Pastor: Carl Gulde.
Welcome Home Baptist Church, Columbia: Revival, April 14-19, Sunday, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Monday-Friday, 7 p.m. Evangelist: Craig Franklin. Worship Music: Rick & Jennifer Duckett. Pastor: Jim McKeithen.
Mineral Springs Baptist Church, Dubach: Revival, April 14-17, Sunday, 10:45 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Monday-Wednesday, 7 p.m. nightly. Speaker: Jeff Hurst. Pastor: Greg Tipton.
LAGNIAPPE
Eastern Louisiana Baptist Association annual community wide Easter Egg Hunts, April 13, 2-5 p.m. Live Oak High School, Watson; Sidney Hutchinson Ball Park, Walker, April 14, 3-6 p.m. Bring a basket and a friend to collect eggs and enjoy a day of celebration. The event is free and will have games, prizes, food and fun. Contact 225.664.9309 or email info at elbamissions.org for more information. Director of Missions: Richard Blue.
Pine Grove Baptist Church, Ruby: Community Easter egg hunt, April 13, 10 a.m.-noon. This event is open for children of all ages. Pastor: Brent Romero.
Judson Baptist Retreat Center, St. Francisville: Family Day, April 13, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Come spend the day at Judson Baptist Retreat Center and enjoy activities, games, horseback riding, food, fellowship. Cost: $5 per person, $20 max per family. You can even register your children for camp while having fun. The center will provide lunch and share about its future vision. Register at www.judsonretreat.org under upcoming events.
Mineral Springs Baptist Church, Dubach: Wild Game Supper, April 13, 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Jeff Hurst. Pastor: Greg Tipton.
First Baptist Church, Many: Easter Egg Hunt, April 13, 10 a.m.-noon for children 12 & under. Easter Sunday, April 21, Sunday school 9:45 a.m.; Morning worship 11 a.m. There will be no evening activities. Pastor: Johnathan Bost.
North Monroe Baptist Church, Monroe: Easter EGGstravaganza, April 13, 10 a.m.-noon. Bring your baskets for some egg hunting fun with pony rides, a petting zoo, jumpers, puppet shows and much more. Pastor: Bill Dye.
Life Point Community Church, Mansura: Easter Extravaganza and Grilling for God – BBQ Cook Off, April 13, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be arts and craft, car show, music, games, BBQ and an Easter egg hunt at noon. Pastor: Jacob Crawford.
Longview Baptist Church, Deville: It Is Finished – Adult Choir Easter Musical, April 14, 10:30 a.m. Easter egg hunt, 11:30-1:30 p.m. The children will hunt Easter eggs following worship services and dinner on the grounds. Pastor: Robby Poole.
New Sarepta Baptist Church, Sarepta: Jordan Family Band in concert, April 14, 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Marty Wright.
First Baptist Church, New Orleans: Easter Egg Hunt, April 14, 4-5:30 p.m. The afternoon includes crafts, the Easter story, age-graded Easter egg hunts, and snacks! Kids can bring their baskets to gather eggs or use bags from the egg hunt.
First Baptist Church, Mandeville: Easter Egg Hunt, April 14, 4:30 p.m. The event is for preschool to sixth grade. Presentation “The Historical, Scientific and Medical Evidence for the Easter Story,” April 17, 6:30 p.m. in the worship center. Guest Speaker: Vern Palmisan. Pastor: Jake Roudkovski.
First Baptist Church, Minden: Easter Night of Praise, April 14, 6 p.m. Pastor: Leland Crawford.
First Baptist Church, Bogalusa: Celebrate Easter, April 14-21; Palm Sunday, April 14, 10:30 a.m.; Good Friday, April 19, 10:30 a.m. and Easter Sunday, April 21, 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Greg Whaley.
First Baptist Church, Lafayette: The Reason- Easter Week, April 14-April 21. Palm Sunday, April 14, a worship celebration presented by choir and orchestra; Maundy Thursday, April 18, 7 p.m., observance of the Lord’s Supper; Tenebrae Service, April 19, 7 p.m., Reflections on the Cross; Easter Sunday, April 21, 8:15 & 10:45 a.m., services with choir and orchestra. Pastor: Steve Horn.
Baptist Association of Greater Baton Rouge: Passion Week – An Easter Journey, April 15-19, 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Lunch will be provided. ASCENSION PARISH, Monday- Oak Grove Baptist Church; Tuesday, Graceworks Church, Wednesday – Fellowship Church, Ascension, Thursday – Dutchtown Baptist Church, Friday -Ascension Baptist Church; CENTRAL – Monday-Zoar Baptist Church, Tuesday-Greenwell Springs Baptist Church, Wednesday-First Baptist Church of Central, Thursday -Fellowship Baptist Church Friday – Comite Baptist Church; BATON ROUGE – Monday-Living Hope Fellowship in Sherwood, Tuesday – Woodlawn Baptist Church, Wednesday -Jefferson Baptist Church Thursday – First Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, Friday – Florida Boulevard Baptist Church. Director of Missions: Tommy Middleton.
Calvary Baptist Church, Slidell: Church-wide Easter Egg Hunt, April 17, 6 p.m. There will be lots of candy and filled eggs for the children. Easter Service, April 21, 10 a.m. Pastor: Casey Stark.
Lanier Baptist Church, Baton Rouge: The Life of Christ – An Easter Musical Production, April 18-20, 6:30 p.m. Cost: Free. For more information, call 225.355.5605 or go online to www.lanierbc.com. Pastor: Mike Ferguson.
First Baptist Church, Winnsboro: Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Story, April 19, 10 a.m. Children 11 years of age and younger are welcome to come hunt Easter Eggs. Pastor: Craig Beeman.
Watson Baptist Church, Watson: Good Friday Services, fish fry and Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, April 19, 6 p.m. WBC Choir will be performing followed by the Lord’s Supper. So, invite a friend and come enjoy some wonderful Easter Music followed by the Lord’s Supper, then feast on fried fish with all the fixings. Easter Services, April 21, 10:15 a.m. Pastor: John Pemberton.
Fair Park Baptist Church, West Monroe: Service of Darkness, April 19, 6 p.m. in the worship center. Join us for an inspirational depiction of the events leading to the cross. Easter at Fair Park, April 21, 10 a.m. Pastor: Waymond Warren.
First Baptist Church, Tioga: Wild Easter Egg Hunt, April 19, 10 a.m. Free food, fun, games and the Hunt. That evening there will be service and communion, 6 p.m. April 21, One Day musical presented by the Sanctuary Choir, 10 a.m. Sunday school, 9 a.m. Pastor: Tim Hisaw.
First Baptist Church, West Monroe: Easter at First West, April 20-21, West Monroe Campus on Saturday at 6 p.m. or Sunday at 9:30 or 11 a.m. Easter at the First West – Fairbanks Campus on Sunday, April 21 at 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Easter at the First West – Calhoun Campus on Sunday, April 21st at 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Michael Woods.
Haughton Baptist Church, Haughton: Community Easter egg hunt, April 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Lawson Bo Brandon Sports Complex. There will be inflatables, face painting, ice cream and 10,000 filled eggs. The egg hunt will begin at 11:00am. Sunrise services at Hillcrest Memorial, April 21, 6:30 a.m. (Hillcrest), Easter morning services, 8 and 10:30 a.m. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us. Pastor: Gevan Spinney.
HIS Church, Pineville: Easter Services, April 20-21, Saturday, 6 p.m.; Sunday, Sunrise service, 6:30 a.m.; Southern Gospel Celebration, 8 a.m.; Contemporary Celebration, 9:30 a.m. and Contemporary Celebration 11 a.m. Pastor: Steve Speer.
First Baptist Church, Winnfield: Easter Egg Hunt, April 20, 10 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service, April 21, 7 a.m. Both community events will be held at Earl K. Long Park sponsored by Winn Ministerial Alliance. Pastor: Steven Smithson.
Bellevue Road Baptist Church, Haughton: Easter Sunday, April 21. Come worship with us in spirit and truth as we celebrate the Lord’s Passover as in Exodus 12:11. Pastor: McKinley Bascoe.
Alto Baptist Church, Alto: Easter Sunrise Service, April 21, 7 a.m. Breakfast fellowship, April 21, 7:30 a.m. and Easter Cantata, April 21, 10:30 a.m. Music Minister: Jay Ellerman. Pastor: Alan Miller.
New Hope Baptist Church, Athens: Special Easter Services, April 21, 11 a.m. dinner on the grounds, will follow morning services. There will be an Easter Egg hunt and plenty of events to follow. Pastor: Eddie Balance.
Olivet Baptist Church, Sulphur: Francis LaRocque in concert, April 21, 10 a.m. Pastor: Ronnie Burke.
East St. Mary Ministerial Alliance, Morgan City: Easter Sunrise Service, April 21, 7 a.m., at Lawrence Park, Morgan City. Please bring your own lawn chair.
Bayou Vista Baptist Church, Morgan City: Easter Service, April 21, 7 a.m. (sunrise service) and 11 a.m. (morning worship). Pastor: Steven Kelly.
First Baptist Church, Ruston: Easter Egg hunt, April 20, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. The Easter Egg hunt will take place at Greenwood Park in Ruston; Easter services, April 21, 9 and 11 a.m. with no Connection Groups. Pastor: Chris Craig.
First Baptist Church, Hornbeck: Easter services, April 21, 11 a.m. Pastor: Jack Bell.
Family of Grace, Alexandria: Easter services, April 21, 10 a.m. (North Campus); 11 a.m. (South Campus). Pastor: Brad Webb.
First Baptist Church, Zwolle: Easter Sunrise Service, April 21, 6:45 a.m.; Worship service, 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Marty Williams.
Calvary Baptist Church, Slidell: Easter service, April 21, 11 a.m. Pastor: Aaron McGuffee.
Rocky Springs Baptist Church, Homer: Easter Services, April 21, 8 a.m. Easter Services will begin with an early morning Worship Service and Children’s Church. Children need to bring their Easter baskets to Children’s Church. After services, there will be a fellowship breakfast. Bring your favorite breakfast finger-food. Morning Bible studies will begin at 9:30 a.m. with dismissal thereafter. Pastor: Larry Sellers.
Conway Baptist Church, Farmerville: “The Story of Jesus” Pageant, April 19, 6:30 p.m. and on Resurrection Sunday, April 21, 11 a.m. You are invited to Conway Baptist 4323 HWY 549, Conway, LA., to share this drama depicting the life of our Savior. Pastor: Paul Carter.
Northeast Baptist School 9th Annual Golf Tournament, April 22 at Calvert Crossing. It will be 4-man scramble. Cost: $100 per person. Registration, 7:30 a.m.; shotgun start, 8 a.m.,or registration /lunch at noon with shotgun start at 1 p.m. Registration forms available at the Northeast Louisiana Baptist Association Center, the School, or online at www.nelba.net. For more information call the school at 318.325.2077 or log onto www.nbs.school
First Baptist Church, Haughton: Praise Jesus Outdoors two man team bass tournament, April 26-27, Friday, registration banquet, 6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Guest Speaker: Pro Fisherman Nick LeBrun. Winning team will receive $500 and big bass will win $250. Pastor: Gevan Spinney.
IN REMEMBERANCE
B. Gray Allison, 94, of Arlington, Tennessee went to be with the Lord on February 12, 2019. Born in Ida, Louisiana on May 7, 1924, Allison made a profession of faith at age 11 at First Baptist Church in Ida, his hometown. Seven years later, he sensed a call to preach at age 18. Nine years later, during World War II, he served as a B-24 bomber pilot in in the Pacific. He married his wife Voncille in 1946, earned an undergraduate degree at Louisiana Tech and initially was an insurance salesman until entering New Orleans Seminary, where he earned a divinity degree in 1952 and a doctorate in theology in 1954. After three-plus years in church ministry, serving congregations in Hilly, Sharon and Ruston, La., he joined the NOBTS faculty, where he taught until 1966 when he was named associate director of the Home Mission Board’s evangelism division, with a special focus on reaching college students. He had an evangelistic ministry from 1960-1966 and 1967-1972, leading evangelistic meetings in Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, until he began Mid-America Seminary. In August, 1972, Gray founded Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis. The seminary’s focus was, and continues to be, personal evangelism and world-wide missions. Gray retired as President of Mid-America in 1997. However, he continued to serve as a Professor of Evangelism there through the fall of 2017, when he was 93 years old. Allison is survived by his wife Voncille of 72 ½ years; three children, daughter, Suzanne Grigsby (Charlie), of Arlington, TN; daughter, Charlotte Miller (Rama), of Maumelle, AR; son, Gray M. Allison (Anita), of Collierville, TN; 6 grandchildren and their spouses; 12 great-grandchildren and another on the way; brother, James Allison; sister-in-law Margaret Allison; very special nieces and nephews; and a large host of extended family members and friends.
Nicky Rese Peters, 71, passed away March 22, 2019 at his residence in Lafayette. Nicky and his twin brother Rick were born December 16, 1947 in DeFuniak, FL to John Carter Peters and the former Lois Davis. He was an Air Force veteran, having joined with his brother Rick on the buddy system. They served during the Vietnam War, stationed in different locations. Licensed to preach in December of 1978, he served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Carencro for 32 years. He serve on Executive Board of Louisiana Baptist Convention in 1992. He was employed as a welder/steel erector in the Oil and Gas industry, and worked with Ron Randolph Oilfield Valve Service and Supply for 20 years. Survivors include his devoted wife of 48 years, Glyndia Ann Trahan Peters of Lafayette; one son, Toby Tyler Peters of Broussard; one daughter, Lois Angelina Peters Goff and husband, Michael Shane, of Crowley; five grandchildren, Christana Dane Goff, Rese Cassidy Goff, William Casey Goff, Alicia Tayler Peters and Christian Tyler Peters; two brothers, twin Ricky John “Rick” Peters and wife, Marilyn, of Carryville, FL, Preacher Mark Kimbel Peters of Goodlettsville, TN; and two sisters, Sharon Desiree’ Peters and Lisa Angela Peters Holcomb, both of Crestview, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Carter Peters and Lois Jeanette Davis Peters; and one grandson, Michael Alexander Goff.
