By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
HAUGHTON, La. (LBM) – More than 300 members from 107 churches in the Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association joined together, Feb. 4, to pray to Almighty God during the fellowship’s ninth annual “Call to Prayer,” according to organizers.
Hosted by Eastwood Baptist Church, Haughton, the gathering brought together Christians of various ages and ethnicities to pray for law enforcement officers, the persecuted church, missionaries serving around the world, pastors and other church leaders.
The event was marked by prayer from the worship center stage, in small groups around the room and by individuals who pleaded with God for revival in their community, state and nation. The evening also included a special message from U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, a member of Cypress Baptist Church, Benton.
URGENCY TO SEEK GOD
NLBA Associational Missions Strategist Lane Moore told the crowd that America is at a crossroads and needs a divine solution to the troubles of the world.
“We are clearly in an uncertain hour all across this nation,” Moore said. “2023 was a very turbulent year in our world to say the least. We are obviously living in a more wicked and fallen world with each passing day. The Scripture tells us in 1 Timothy 3:13, that evil men will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived. However, you also know from Scripture that the Father has us in His hand. And let’s remind ourselves of that truth tonight.”
Brad Kirby, pastor of Eastwood Baptist, told the crowd that spiritual healing is needed in communities across the nation as well as in their personal lives. Sharing from Psalm 51, Kirby said David had committed great sins and needed spiritual renewal.
“If [God] can forgive David, He can forgive me and He can forgive you,” Kirby said. “It’s not about you. It’s not about your sins. It’s not about the brokenness of our world. It is about Jesus. It is about His grace.”
Raymond Wilkinson, pastor of Open Road Fellowship Church, Haughton, encouraged the crowd to strive to live a holy life. Referencing 1 Peter 1:13, Wilkinson said Christ followers who live differently from the world can have a witness that others will notice.
“Let’s go find some lost people,” Wilkinson said. “Tell them about Jesus. Watch them be conformed, transformed, into the image of Jesus. And I’m telling you, you will be able to run through a wall not of your own strength but because of the Spirit renewed inside of you, as you watch people go from death to life.”
Calvin Hubbard, pastor of Barksdale Baptist Church, Bossier City, said the nation and world are living in chaos. But despite the uncertainties, Hubbard reminded the crowd they can shine Christ’s light, just as Daniel did when faced with the choice of obeying man or God.
“There is opportunity before us to bring forth the fruit of light, which is goodness, righteousness and truth,” Hubbard said. “So let us show care for others. Let us do acts of righteousness. Let us be authentic and dependable in our lives. There is an opportunity for us to return to the Lord, to learn of the Lord, and to learn how to apply God’s Word in the affairs of this world.”
Terry Young, pastor of Airline Baptist Church, Bossier City, encouraged the crowd to be a strong witness for Christ. Basing his message on Acts 1, Young said the world must see something different in the lives of Christ followers that is special.
“Have you ever seen Jesus?” he asked. “Do you have something special? Has your life been changed? That sounds like something to get excited about. That’s what our world needs to see.”
JOHNSON REMARKS
Johnson thanked the crowd members for their continued prayers and encouragement. Despite the obstacles Christ followers face, Johnson said he remains encouraged for America’s future.
“I’m convinced that God is not done with America yet,” he said. “I’m convinced He’s going to give us another chance if we stand for the foundations of our country and the great principles that made us the greatest nation in the history of the world.
“We have to get more of the American people conversing in that to understand what we’re fighting for, and why,” he continued. “But I’m convinced we can do that. So, thank you for standing with us, our family. On behalf of Kelly and the kids. I just cannot tell you how profoundly grateful we are.”
Josh Johnson, brother of House Speaker Johnson and a deacon with Ellerbe Baptist Church, Shreveport, then offered a few remarks. He noted that throughout this life, his brother has studied his Bible and strived to be a servant of Christ.
“Now is just another hour for him to build his testimony,” he said. “And ‘One nation under God’ is one of those things that drives him every day he wakes up.”
CLOSING THOUGHTS
After the conclusion, Moore told the Baptist Message that the event was a meaningful time of celebration around the common bond of prayer.
“This Call to Prayer event wouldn’t have been what it needed to be without a specific time to pray for our friends in Israel,” he said. “I wanted to make sure that aspect was added to our agenda for the evening. 2023 was a very turbulent year to say the least, and we as the body of Christ need to be on our knees asking for the Father’s provision and perseverance. From the looks of it, 2024 appears to be another stressful year on the national and world stage.
“We were also pleased to have the current Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson, who joined us by way of video and allowed us the opportunity to pray over him as Scripture commands us to do.”
