“Unto every one of us is given grace according BAPTIST to the measure TO REPORT A NEWS ITEM of the gift of OR BUY AN AD Christ” CALL 800.376.7728 OR 318.442.7728 – Ephesians 4:7 (KJV) MessageNewsjournal for Baptists Helping Louisiana Baptists impact the world for Christ Volume 132 l Issue No. 17 www.baptistmessage.com August 31, 2017 ‘Weary’ woman finds rest, then baptism at Blood River Baptist By Brian Blackwell Message Staff Writer ALBANY (LBM) – Liz Lowe was at a breaking point while recovering from a seri- ous illness, but the long-time attender at Blood River Baptist Church, finally found peace in the person of Jesus Christ after sitting for 30 years in the pews. Lowe, who had been Brian Blackwell photo enduring years Pastor Norris Landy and the congregation of Point of Life Community Church in Plaucheville is building toward the future thanks of health con- to a $35,000 gift from the Georgia Barnette Offering and the generosity of a number of partnering churches. cerns, finally humbled her heart to Christ in March. But GBO funds help plant first evangelical she resisted being baptized for months, until realizing Pastor David Collins baptizes Stormy her need to Baham inside the Blood River Bap- congregation ever in Plaucheville be obedient if tist Church worship center. Since a she truly had flood sent water into its facilities, By Holly Jo Linzay to be established in the Plaucheville Point of Life received from the community. Georgia Barnette Offering. surrendered her the church has baptized 14 people. Regional Reporter “We didn’t have any money, but Jacob Crawford, the newly life to Him. PLAUCHEVILLE (LBM) – we had faith,” said Norris Landry, commissioned director of missions “After hav- God’s provision through the Geor- the founding pastor. for the Louisiana Baptist Associa- ing such a difficult time in my life, the baptism gia Barnette State Mission Offering He was thankful for the many tion which includes Point of Life was a really nice way to celebrate what God is being felt at every step of way in contributions from sister churches Community Church, said the Geor- was doing for me,” Lowe said. “It was a great building Point of Life Community and individuals, but expressed gia Barnette Offering gift was not feeling to have my church and family members Church, the first evangelical church special appreciation for the $35,000 See PLAUCHEVILLE on 5 See BLOOD RIVER on 8 NOBTS ‘Million Dollar Monday’ to benefit students By Gary D. Meyers Monday.’” NOBTS Communications NOBTS immediately will distribute more than $200,000 – When of the money designated for New Orleans Baptist Theo- student scholarships, and one- logical Seminary President half will be used to endow Chuck Kelley began his day annual scholarships for years Aug. 7 he had little idea of the to come. blessings to come: Two gifts “We rejoice at what God totaling $1 million dollars for has done to lay the needs student scholarships. of seminary students on the “This has been one of hearts of Southern Baptists,” the greatest Mondays in the Kelley said. “Scholarships are history of the institution and becoming ever more impor- Submitted photo quite an exciting way to begin tant for those God has called The gifts to NOBTS will assist African American students studying on the a new academic year,” Kelley main campus or at the North Georgia Hub in metro Atlanta; small church said. “It was a ‘million-dollar See MILLION DOLLAR MONDAY on 9 pastors in Montana; and expository preaching students from Mississippi. 2 LBC News Michael Evans to be nominated for LBC second vice president B B B been mentored by Evans sent his fellow bi-vocational records, last year, Evans’ “The Harvest is important for 22 years. “He loves the and smaller church pastors congregation contributed 16 because it fulfi lls the Great Message Sta Writer church and the mission of with the state percent of undes- Commission and involves FOREST HILL (LBM) the church, and he has a convention. ignated receipts to so many churches both big – Michael Evans will be heart for evangelism and for Elwood Baptist Cooperative Pro- and small working together,” nominated for the offi ce of just encouraging and uplift- Church averages gram supported Evans said. “It was Jesus’ second vice president for the ing others. His example as 75 in worship ministries. command to go and we want Louisiana Baptist Conven- second vice president would service and 50 in The church to be a part of that happen- tion during the 2017 LBC greatly benefi t all Louisiana Sunday school at- also is committed ing in our community and Annual Meeting. Baptists.” tendance, accord- to the Great Com- parish.” Tim Lee, pastor of Evans, who is pastor of ing to Annual mission, baptizing Before coming to El- Smyrna Baptist Church in Elwood Baptist Church in Church Profi le six new believers wood, Evans was a con- DeRidder, plans to nominate Forest Hill, is the only an- statistics. last year, ACP sultant with the Louisiana Evans for the position. nounced candidate for the He said he Pastor Mike Evans records show. Baptist Convention who “Mike is very mission offi ce. also would like Evans said 18 helped raise money to- minded and sees the best in Evans said, if elected, he to help facilitate greater people accepted Christ this ward the completion of the people,” said Lee, who has would be honored to repre- cooperation and stronger year during the church’s Va- Georgia Barnette Confer- fellowship among pastors of cation Bible School in July ence Center at Tall Timbers churches of all sizes. – including fi ve Hispanic Baptist Conference Center in “I would like to see children whose parents work Woodworth. the Barnabas spirit spread at nurseries around Forest He has served as pas- throughout our Convention,” Hill. tor of Occupy Two Baptist he said. “Barnabas’ passion The congregation raised Church in Pitkin and as was to help Paul and others money to purchase a boat assistant pastor of Calvary with that gift of encourage- for a missionary who min- Baptist Church in Forest ment. I would like to see isters to families in a fi sh- Hill. that spirit manifested in the ing village in Greenland, Active in Louisiana Bap- LBC where we share each and, also bought a portable tist life, Evans is a trustee l other’s burdens, resources baptistery for a church plant for Louisiana College and September 21 5:00-8:00 p.m. and expertise.” in Ireland. the Louisiana Baptist Fed- New Zion Baptist Church l 17387 New Zion Church Rd., Covington, LA 70435 l 985.892.4711 According to church The church also has eral Credit Union. signed up for the Harvest, He also served as an Louisiana Baptists’ effort to executive board member for “pray for every home and Beauregard Baptist Associa- share Christ with every per- tion in 2011-12. son.” Evans said he and his He earned a Bachelor members will take part in a of Arts degree from North- crusade in 2018 with other western State University in churches from Big Creek, Natchitoches. Central Louisiana and North Evans and his wife Betty Rapides associations. live in Forest Hill. Protection for Your Church

Property • Vehicle Liability • Workers’ Comp Paul D. Stewart

318.442.0269 spenglerstewart.com 911 4th St., Alexandria [email protected]

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August 31, 2017  www.baptistmessage.com  LOUISIANA BAPTIST MESSAGE Commentary 3 Religious freedom must be a foreign policy priority By John N. Kennedy Some reports estimate up to roughly 215 million people worthwhile non-governmental of “on-going battles” there 60 percent of the city’s 21 of India who live below the organizations out of India. regarding “the right to convert U.S. Senator million citizens live in such poverty line. Compassion International is to .” “I believe that the most es- dire circumstances. Indeed, it was the haunting one of these ousted entities, Since 1950, when it sential element of our defense Unfortunately, such human images of poverty – families forced to leave after nearly 50 became a republic, India has of freedom is our insistence tragedy is not problematic just living on the street, children years of serving India’s poor. enjoyed the status of being the on speaking out for the cause for Mumbai. Instead, roughly abandoned by their widowed News reports indicate world’s largest democracy. So of religious liberty. I would eight percent of India’s mothers and people so starved something on the order of its recent trend of oppressing like to see this country re- people live in slums and about for food that their ribs pro- 11,000 nongovernmental basic rights – and freedom dedicate itself wholeheartedly one-sixth of the 1.31 billion truded - that drew Compas- organizations have been im- of religion is a fundamen- to this cause. … We are our citizens are impoverished, sion International to India in pacted, causing reverberations tal human right -- is deeply brothers’ keepers, all of us.” earning less than $1.90 a day. the late 1960s. This organiza- across India in areas ranging troubling. President Ronald Reagan Religious and humanitar- tion started by helping 400 from children’s vaccinations Consequently, when Indian ian organizations from around children and by 2016 was pro- to environmental causes. Prime Minister Narendra WASHINGTON (LBM) the world have been respond- viding aid to 145,000 young Moreover, carrying the Modi visited the United States -- If you’ve seen the Oscar- ing generously over the years, ones, giving food, clean water Gospel to India has come several weeks ago, I asked winning movie “Slumdog contributing time and money and educational opportunities under attack as well, resulting President Trump to bring up Millionaire,” you’ve had just to help. For example, in the to this country’s most vulner- from that country’s crack- this critical issue. a glimpse of the poverty that United States large numbers able victims of poverty. down on citizens’ freedom of Our country and India exists in India. of Christians take time from Unfortunately for these religious exercise and its lead- have a long-standing relation- Mumbai, the largest city in school or work to travel children, the Indian govern- ers’ obvious hostility to Chris- ship and I, along with several the country, is home to one of to India, not for a five-star ment is using a broad provi- tianity. Indeed, the Southern of my colleagues, encouraged the world’s largest slums, the vacation, but to be the hands sion of law to disallow the Baptist Convention’s Interna- the president to reiterate the Dharavi district, which alone and feet of Jesus. They go on transfer of funds into the tional Mission Board recently importance of religious liberty has a million residents eking missions of compassion and country for groups it opposes, named India among coun- in India, asking him to cham- out an existence in squalid charity, living out the Gospel many on religious grounds, tries of concern with respect overcrowded conditions. as they help minister to the thus coercing numerous to religious liberty because See KENNEDY on 5

Statement of Financial Position - December 31, 2016 ASSETS 2016 Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,222 Accrued receivables 17,814 Prepaid expenses 14,445 Furn., equip., leasehold improvements - net of depreciation 103,532 Other assets 721 Investments in LBF managed accounts 6,607,057 The Louisiana Baptist Foundation Beneficial interest in trusts and endowments 14,385 is pleased to publish its Statement of Beneficial interest in split interest agreements 230,526 Assets held for agencies and trusts 158,336,612 Financial Position for the year 2016. The Foundation presents this statement on-line and annually in the Louisiana TOTAL ASSETS $ 165,335,314 Baptist Message for public review. The financial statement presented LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS was prepared from the books and LIABILITIES Accounts payable $ 4,021 records of the Louisiana Baptist Accrued liabilities 176,667 Foundation. A copy of the audit report Liabilities for split-interest agreements 127,562 for the calendar year that ended Due to agencies and trusts December 31, 2016, issued by Short Term Fund managed accounts 65,382,218 independent certified public accountants Realized/Unrealized gains (losses) not allocated 369,290 can be reviewed upon request and is Other managed accounts 92,585,103 available at the office of the Louisiana Total Liabilities 158,644,861 Baptist Foundation. Please call the Foundation if you NET ASSETS have further questions regarding its Unrestricted financial position. Operating 751,115 Designated for Short Term Fund Losses 250,000 Louisiana Baptist Foundation Designated for donor advised funds 5,571,989 P.O Box 311 Permanently restricted 117,349 Alexandria, LA 71309 Total Net Assets 6,690,453 (318) 445-4495 www.LBFinfo.org TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 165,335,314

“In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Louisiana Baptist Foundation as of December 31, 2016…, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.” from the 2016 Independent Auditor’s Report dated June 16, 2017, prepared by Payne, Moore and Herrington, LLP, Certified Public Accountants; presented to the Louisiana Baptist Foundation Board of Trustees, July 25, 2017.

August 31, 2017 l www.baptistmessage.com l Louisiana Baptist Message 4 Commentary Does God love you and want to save you? By Mike Holloway of hope to a lost and dying Son, she is right on the mark what someone becomes or presented as the throne of that God’s love is “immeasur- chooses to do with regard to our lives (see 1 Peter 3:15, Guest Columnist world. We need to throw away our Gospel tracts and able” and “inexhaustible” for sin. But, it is a mistake to be- for example). Paul said ALEXANDRIA (LBM)- stop doing outreach altogether us all. lieve God does not love every Christ “dwells” in our “hearts -Where are we going in the because we’d be lying to Theologian and Pastor person enough to forgive him through faith” (Ephesians Southern Baptist Convention some of our neighbors if God R.C. Sproul also contends that or her if he or she is willing to 3:17) and John said we know pertaining to the love of God? really doesn’t love when we read about the love listen to God and repent, even the Spirit of truth because I am hearing and them. of God in Scripture, distinc- in the case of Esau. He “dwells” in us. If not the reading about more I recently read tions have to be made. But his For instance, consider heart, where does He dwell? and more Southern an article by Lisa concept of unique means, in Paul’s declarations to Timothy It seems we are being en- Baptists who say Bevere titled, “God effect, “not all.” and Titus: couraged to discourage overt that God does not Doesn’t Love His Sproul said, “There are -- “For this is good and evangelism efforts across the love the world, with Children Equally,” three types of divine love that acceptable in the sight of God SBC. So, it’s no wonder bap- some using theologi- in which she con- we find in Scripture. First is our Savior, who desires all tisms are down significantly cally hair-splitting tends “God loves us God’s benevolent love, which men to be saved and to come in recent years. statements like “well uniquely rather than speaks of God’s attitude of to the knowledge of the truth” Moreover, if we are be- God doesn’t love equally.” kindness or His benevolent (1 Timothy 2:3-4). ing pushed to believe God everyone the same Mike Holloway She wrote will that falls on everyone. -- “For the grace of God doesn’t love the world, then or with the same kind of love” convincingly that “unique” Second is God’s beneficent that brings salvation has why should we spend millions to argue their point. is better than “equal” in that love, which is not just His appeared to all men” (Titus to send missionaries around I would like to see the “equal” implies God’s love attitude of kindness but His 2:11). the globe? Isn’t this being Bible verse that tells us that. is “measured or measurable,” practical kindness to all Then of course, there are dishonest to ourselves and the More importantly, I really and she emphasized that “His humanity. An example of this the “whosoever will” passag- nations? want to know if the Southern marvelous love is not subject is the act of God in providing es in the Old and New Testa- I recently read “The Baptist Convention is mov- to portion control.” sun and rain for the flourish- ments, including Joel 2:32, Gospel: A Message for Every ing in that direction, one that “You can turn from Him, ing of all cultures (Matthew Acts 2:21, Romans 10:12-13 Person,” by Dr. Adam Har- discourages me from going to run away and make your bed 5:45). Third is God’s compla- and Revelation 22:17. wood, an associate professor my neighbor and telling Him in Hell,” she added, “but your cent love, but do not confuse In light of these and so of theology with the New that God loves him and has a actions will not stop His love the word ‘complacency’ with many other verses, I am Orleans Baptist Theological wonderful plan for his life. for you.” being careless or flippant. puzzled about the trend in Seminary. In the article Dr. If this is the new SBC In view of God’s love as Theologically, this concept recent years of increasing Harwood makes three theo- direction, then we really don’t expressed through the death, means God’s special love numbers of Southern Baptists logical statements: God loves have much of a message burial and resurrection of His toward His people.” who argue God does not love every person; Christ died for We must, according to the lost and who oppose tell- every person; and, God wants Sproul, be careful not to speak ing people to “ask Jesus into to save every person. Then he about God’s special love in their hearts.” gives extensive theological terms of all people. Instead, This flies in the face of support for each point. Sproul argues that God’s spe- such Scriptures as John 1:12, I don’t have time or space cial love, the atoning sacrifice ”But as many as received to restate his theology but it is by His Son, is limited. Him, to them He gave the solid. You can read the entire In fact, Pastor Sproul said right to become children of article on SBCToday.com. “it is blasphemy to say God God, to those who believe in But I mention his work loves the world uncondition- His name.” because I believe Southern ally” -- a statement that really Furthermore, I am con- Baptists need to consider his troubles me. vinced we must receive Jesus three points in the context of Now God may not love somewhere and the heart is theological and evangelistic questions: Do we believe that God loves every person? Did Jesus die for every person?

See HOLLOWAY on 8

August 31, 2017 l www.baptistmessage.com l Louisiana Baptist Message Louisiana Churches 5 “The asking price for the everyone together,” Landry has conducted a music and property was $26,000, but said, adding that in Novem- arts camp for children as an Plaucheville from page one we didn’t have a penny to ber 2016, the group applied outreach at the community was not just a help to a local ing for volunteers and about our name,” Landry said, “No for Georgia Barnette State center. More than 50 chil- congregation, but also a stra- another $35,000 to finish up problem, God provided.” Mission Offering funds to dren attended this summer, tegic investment in reaching the last bit of work. Several years earlier, start construction on their and three of the children the lost. “God has provided so Longview Baptist Church property. gave their hearts to Jesus. “Often, when you think much already and He will in Deville had sent Josh They received $35,000 Gloster Baptist Church of communities with no provide the volunteers and Sikes, their youth pastor, to from the Georgia Barnette paid for all of the camp’s evangelical witness, you the funds needed to complete Plaucheville in an attempt to Offering and were approved expenses. immediately think of other our church,” said a confident start up a church but it never for a $50,000 bank loan to “There were 37 children areas of our nation or world,” Landry. “So many have done got off the ground. build the main facility. from Plaucheville and from Crawford offered. “Few so much already, I believe Mission Builders and the families and homes people would think of Louisi- God will answer all of our COOPERATIVE MINISTRIES Kingdom Builders teams we’ve been praying for. God ana communities in this case. needs as we make this final helped develop the plans, is using this music and art Yet there are many towns in push.” “They did have a Bible and in mid-June, volunteers camp,” said Landry. South Louisiana that have no study in the senior apart- showed up to help start the “Everything this church Gospel witness. LOOKING BACK ments. But after a year and a work. does is based on faith, “Plaucheville literally is half of trying, they were not Within a few days, the Landry said. “God has been an unreached people group For years, it had been able to develop anything,” Kingdom Builders took the faithful in taking care of us in our backyard,” he added. in Landry’s heart to plant a Landry said. “But they had foundation slab to an en- and our needs.” “It was founded in the 1840s, church, and he said it was raised some money, and let closed structure, and, despite Crawford was equally and as far as are aware there clearly God’s will that led us know they had funds for some minor delays caused confident about God’s favor has never been an evangelical him to Plaucheville. us.” by a tropical storm, put the in this evangelistic mission Protestant church of any type At 67 years old, Landry Longview provided metal roofing up in short and expressed gratitude for in Plaucheville. retired from pastoring Hess- $13,000, which was half the order. the state missions offering “If not for grants that mer Baptist Church, where he amount needed, and East gift that had helped launch Point of Life received through had served since 1996. Jena Baptist Church pro- UNFINISHED BUSINESS Point of Life Community the Georgia Barnette Offer- But his retirement from vided an additional $12,000. Church. ing, it would have been al- ministry was short lived. They were still $1,000 short “There is still a lot of “Thank you Louisiana most impossible to construct The same day he retired, of their goal, so Landry is- work to be done,” Landry Baptists for your faithfulness the first building unit for this he was asked by Life Point sued a challenged. added. in giving to the Georgia Bar- new church plant,” Crawford Church Pastor Jacob Craw- “I challenged our Help is needed to hang nette Offering,” Crawford continued, “which is break- ford to serve as his associate folks; and, we raised over and finish the last of the shared. “Your generosity is ing new ground in the Gospel pastor at the Mansura church. $1,000. God provided, and sheetrock in the worship impacting Louisiana for the harvest.” When Crawford told we bought the property center, and $35,000 still is Gospel.” Landry of his vision to plant a in Plaucheville. We then needed to fund the purchase LOOKING FORWARD church in Plaucheville, it was were alerted about a small of a steeple, and the work on a confirmation to him this is building for sale in Marks- the flooring, gutters, front Norris said the church’s where God wanted him to be. ville. It was a 20 foot by 30 and side porches, paint for new building is about 75 “We started praying about foot building for sale for interior, furnishings and a percent complete and that starting a home Bible study $6,000. First Baptist Church sound system, he said. the end of construction “is in and that God would send a Blanchard agreed to buy it When completed, the 40 sight.” family from Plaucheville to for us,” Landry added. foot by 66 foot structure will But he said there still are us,” Landry recalled. The original church seat about 50 for worship several projects – sheetrock, It was not long until his building consisted of two and include a small kitchen, gutters, concrete, and cover – prayers were answered as rooms for an adult Sunday two bathrooms, three class- yet to be done and he is look- a family from Plaucheville school class and a room for rooms and an office. began attending Life Point the children. God “provided Landry hopes the entire Church in Mansura and the funding” to move the project will be done by Landry began talking to them building to the Plaucheville October. Kennedy about starting a Bible study in property, and by the end of Landry, now 70, and his their home. 2016, the Bible study was wife, Donna, both agree from page 3 They agreed and the study meeting in their own build- it takes time to develop pion the cause for religious and began in January of 2015 on ing. relationships and trust in the humanitarian organizations Tuesday nights. The group grew to about Plaucheville community, and which are providing food and “We met in their home for 15 people for Bible study. they feel they have made healthcare to those in India who a year and a half. Then we Then once a month, the good progress. otherwise would starve and suf- felt it was time to buy land to church group would have “We have a physical fer sickness. build a church,” Landry said. a dinner and an outreach at presence. People know we Equally important, freedom So after two years as associ- the Plaucheville Commu- are here,” he said. For the of conscience, the right to be- ate pastor at Life Point, it was nity Center, where 25 to 30 last three years, the church lieve and practice one’s spiritual time to plant the church. people attended. convictions, is fundamental to Through a friend, Landry individual liberty and autonomy. learned of a 5.45-acre plot of COOPERATIVE MISSIONS We must make religious land in Plaucheville for sale freedom a top foreign policy at 316 Hwy 1181. “God began to bring priority, and I entreat the Trump Administration to join me in calling for religious freedom around the world, and especially at this time, in India. John Neely Kennedy is the junior United States Senator from Louisiana, serving since 2017. He and his wife Becky are founding members of North Cross United Methodist Church, and, they and their son Preston live in Madison- ville, Louisiana. August 31, 2017 l www.baptistmessage.com l Louisiana Baptist Message

8 Louisiana News “The Lord spoke to me while of the breakdown of the family. allowing us to be a small part.” I was on my knees, praying,” “Satan is trying to destroy Since revival services have Blood River from page one Collins recalled. “He said ‘you homes,” Collins said. “We are concluded and the “Fresh are on the altar of God and get trying to do our part to reverse Encounter” study is nearing its there to see this God-moving But the congregation was ready for the harvest.” that here.” end, the church soon will turn its experience.” able to worship in the Family Soon after, Collins took a Church member Russell attention to discipleship and new Pastor David Collins cel- Life Center that was minimally trip to the LifeWay Christian Osborne said God has restored outreach efforts, Collins said. ebrated Lowe’s salvation and impacted, and, in the months Resources on the New Orleans his joy since the August 2016 He said the congregation her obedience through bap- ahead donations poured in as Baptist Theological Seminary flood. A facilitator of the “Fresh already offers ministry through tism, and he said her story is well as disaster relief teams and campus and spent six hours in Encounter” study on Wednes- a food and clothes pantry, and representative of how God has other rebuild volunteers from the store praying for God to days, he has seen first-hand a that they host a monthly com- moved through the congrega- Louisiana, Kentucky, Michigan reveal to Him what steps he restoration of families. munity family fellowship offers tion since August 2016, when its and Mississippi. should take next. “The revival merely helped people in the area an afternoon educational building, worship By mid-February, both the He said in the end he felt to stir up God’s people and get of games and food. All of which center and parsonage all took in parsonage and worship center God’s leading to take his con- them excited about reaching helps to draw people to worship between 4 inches and 2 feet of were move-in ready, and in July, gregation through “The Fresh the world with the Gospel,” services or Bible study. water when the area flooded. the education building reopened. Encounter: Experiencing God’s Osborne said. “The greatest Now they plan to do even Since the flood, the con- “It felt like a fresh encounter Power for Spiritual Awakening.” blessing during the revival was more planned ministry. gregation has witnessed 14 with the Lord to move back in,” Developed by Blackaby seeing two precious souls get “Instead of having a Sunday baptisms and added 32 new Collins. “He saw us through and Ministries, the Bible study born again. That’s worth more night service, we want to be of members. provided for us. guides believers through the than all the money in the world. service to the community on “Through this situation, God “That was definitely a big biblical pattern of experiencing “I’ve had my joy restored Sundays,” Collins said, adding has increased our faith and the milestone for Blood River,” he God’s presence which leads to after going through a period of that they will go into the com- blessings have been overwhelm- continued. “To see everyone revival in the church a spiritual discouragement before I started munity to perform compassion ing,” Collins said. “All along the get back together was big time awakening in the world. attending at Blood River,” he ministries and share the Gospel way through the rebuilding God for me as their pastor because I The church has been going continued. “It felt as though no in place of corporate worship on has provided the money and know how it feels to be dis- through the study since June, doors would ever open but now Sunday evenings. volunteers to help us finish the placed in their own homes be- with Collins preaching a Sunday God has put me in a place where “We will continue to listen work here on our facilities. It’s cause I was one of them, living message related to the material there are more doors open than to the voice of God,” Col- been humbling to see God move in a camper outside my parson- and members participating in what I can go through. lins explained. “He’s already through the community and age for seven months until the Wednesday night small groups “What’s more exciting shown us that if He calls us start a revival right here at our parsonage was renovated.” to discuss the lessons. than anything is that God isn’t to do something, He will see church that I believe will spread Wednesday night attendance finished and is still moving,” it through. We’ve been a very out into Albany and surrounding PATH TO REVIVAL has grown from five at the first Osborne continued. “My wife blessed congregation in which areas.” meeting in early June to 22 in and I are more excited than ever many have shown Christ’s love In the midst of the renova- late July. Meanwhile, Sunday and we look forward to what to us and we want to show it to ROAD TO RECOVERY tion, Collins received a divine morning attendance reached 151, God is doing at Blood River and them, like He’s done for us since revelation that would set the the highest since Collins became are eternally grateful that God is the storm.” Without flood insurance, path for the revival the congre- pastor to the congregation. Blood River Baptist faced a gation is experiencing now. The study led to one of the seemingly desperate situation One May morning, Collins most powerful weeks in the after the August natural disaster. was in the worship center when life of the church, Collins said, The cost to rebuild was estimat- he said he felt a nudging of the explaining that during the July ed at more than $200,000. Holy Spirit. 30-Aug. 2 revival, three people came forward and were baptized. “The Lord impressed upon me the need to start living out 701 Jackson St. l Alexandria, LA 71301 l 318.442.3363 Holloway from page 4 2701 Military Hwy l Pineville, LA 71360 l 318.640.1678 the theme verse of the study, 2 11886 Hwy. 84 West l Jena, LA 71342 l 318.992.4158 Does God want to save gospel just like the lodge Chronicles 7:14,” Collins said. 445 W Bontemps St. l Marksville, LA 71351 l 318.253.5979 every person? groups down the road. “People need to humble them- www.hixsonbrothers.com If we can agree the answer selves to God. Revival begins to all three is “yes,” there’s Mike Holloway is pastor with changed hearts.” still hope for the SBC. of Ouachita Baptist Church Moreover, he said, revival is If on the other hand, there in West Monroe. He serves on needed now especially because are widespread differences of the Southern Baptist Conven- opinion, or an overwhelming tion Executive Committee and chorus of “no” – indicating as chair of Louisiana Baptists’ uncertainty about whom God Moral and Social Concerns loves, or even if God wants to Committee, and, is a past save the lost – then we might president of the Louisiana be better served to spend our Baptist Convention (2007- ministry dollars on a social 2009).

August 31, 2017 l www.baptistmessage.com l Louisiana Baptist Message Louisiana News 9 Montana pastors studying at one of the most significant the undergraduate or graduate graduates in the history of Million Dollar Monday from page one level. NOBTS,” Kelley said. “He Already, two students from was quite well-known as a to the church and the mission Montana have been identified Southern Baptist leader, but field.” and will receive the scholar- the hallmark of his ministry The gifts will assist African ship for 2017-2018. was always outstanding bibli- American students studying Kelley said the anony- cal exposition. We want to on the main campus or at the mous donor who established raise up a whole generation of North Georgia Hub in metro the Montana initiative was preachers in the tradition of Atlanta; small church pastors inspired by the Caskey Center Dr. Adrian Rogers.” in Montana; and expository scholarship program which The newly-established preaching students from Mis- offers full-tuition gifts for Adrian Rogers Center will sissippi. smaller church pastors and be formally dedicated during One anonymous donor bi-vocational ministers in chapel services Sept. 12. The sent a check for $200,000 to Louisiana, Mississippi and center exists to train the next be used immediately as a part Alabama. The same donor generation of biblical exposi- of the Fred Luter Jr. African previously funded full-tuition tors and to provide resources American scholarship pro- scholarships for small church and continuing education gram – a scholarship the donor Submitted photo pastors in Wyoming. opportunities to enhance the established in 2011. One hun- Kelley hopes that initia- pulpit ministry to local church dred and fifty thousand dollars NOBTS President Chuck Kelley said initiatives like the Caskey scholarship, the Montana and Wyoming scholarships and the million dollars just re- tives like the Caskey scholar- pastors. For more on the will provide scholarships in ceived now provides full-tuition scholarships to pastors in five states. ships and the Montana and Adrian Rogers Center, visit New Orleans; $50,000 will Wyoming scholarships will www.nobts.edu/rogerscenter. fund scholarships at the North leans and $77,975 through the growing diversity within the inspire additional gifts to aid “We at NOBTS love the Georgia Hub. North Georgia Hub. During Southern Baptist Convention.” students. Word of God. We love having “Southern Baptists need the past 12 semesters, an aver- The largest of the “million- “This gives us five states the privilege of equipping and to become more and more ra- age of 102 scholarships per dollar Monday” gifts – a with full-tuition scholarships resourcing those who have cially and ethnically diverse if semester have been awarded check for $550,000 – provides for pastors serving small been called to teach the Word we are to reach our nation and on the main campus. The full-tuition awards to small churches,” Kelley said. “Five of God to our churches and our world,” Kelley said. “An scholarship program launched church pastors in Montana and states down; 45 to go.” consider this an investment of anonymous donor has been at the North Georgia Hub dur- establishes an endowment to One of the “million-dollar the highest order,” said Adam greatly blessed and inspired ing the 2015 fall semester and perpetuate the initiative. Monday” donors also pro- Hughes, director of the Adrian by the ministry of pastor Fred provides nearly 20 scholar- Fifty thousand dollars will vided $250,000 in grants for Rogers Center and dean of Luter and wants more God- ships per semester. be used to fund the initiative Mississippi students to study the chapel. “This scholar- called like “We have watched these for the first two years while expository preaching through ship fund, and future ones we Dr. Luter to be able to receive scholarships literally change the endowment corpus builds. the Adrian Rogers Center are trusting God to provide, quality theological education.” the composition of our student After the first two years, inter- for Expository Preaching at will help students prepare to To date the seminary has body,” Kelley said. “Our goal est drawn from the $500,000 NOBTS. The new preaching preach the Bible with accura- awarded $878,616 through is to continue to enhance the endowment will be used to scholarships will launch dur- cy, conviction, and excellence the Fred Luter Jr. Scholarship diversity in our seminary fund the scholarships. The ing the 2018 fall semester. for a lifetime of ministry in Fund – $800,641 in New Or- family and to encourage a scholarship is available to “Dr. Adrian Rogers is the local church.”

August 31, 2017 l www.baptistmessage.com l Louisiana Baptist Message 10 Classifieds Message

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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH in Crowville, LA is seeking a full-time pastor. Resumes and CDs or DVDs, if available, should be mailed to: First Baptist Church Crowville, Attn: Pas- tor Search Committee, P O Box 38, Crowville, LA 71230. Resumes only may be emailed to: Pastor Search Committee, fbccrowville3@bell- south.net.

IMMEDIATE OPENING: Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center in Wood- worth, LA has an opening for a full- time Maintenance Technician. Ap- ply at Tall Timbers Administration Building. Call 318.445.6797 for addi- tional information.

PILGRIM TOURS VACATION: Ireland, England, Scotland from a Christian Perspective. 8-16 days, many other SEEKING A First Baptist Church Arcadia is seeking a permanent destinations. www.pilgrimtours.com. 800.322.0788. BI-VOCATIONAL PASTOR First Baptist Church of Delcambre, LA 2004 CHEV AERO ELITE BUS. Excel- MINISTER OF MUSIC is seeking a bi-vocational pastor. lent 33 passenger bus. 4500 Dura- Send résumé to First Baptist Church, Arcadia, max Diesel Allison auto tran, DVD/ Please send résumés to: TV. 30,533 miles. Front & rear AC. Attention: Search Committee $27,500. Call or text 985.705.6918. First Baptist Church 2249 Hazel St. l Arcadia, LA 71001 P.O. Box 295 or email: [email protected] Call Advertising Director Rhonda Delcambre, LA 70528 Havens at 318.449.4351 to place your ads. Baptist Message Classified ad forM PRINT YOUR AD HERE

Business/ChurCh List DAtes tO run: FEED / SEED / FERTILIZER ADDress Classified ad rate: FARM /LAWN & GARDEN Cost is $6 per line (5 words per line); 25 word minimum. SUPPLIES City PhOne Advertisement must be accompanied with payment in advance PETRUS MAiL AD/CheCK tO: Baptist Message l P.O. Box 311 l Alexandria, La. 71309 and there are no discounts for classified line ads. FEED & SEED STORES To place a classified ad , complete this form and fax to 318.445.8328 Hwy 1 North, Alexandria or mail to Baptist Message Advertising, 1250 MacArthur Drive, P.O. Box 311, Alexandria, LA 71309 For questions, please call Rhonda at 318.449.4351 or email [email protected]

August 31, 2017 l www.baptistmessage.com l Louisiana Baptist Message Louisiana Notables 11 LOUISIANA NOTABLES Renewal weekend set for ON THE MOVE gelist: Richard Kaufman. Special Music: Donna Leadership Director (Friday – Sunday). Special Weaver. Pastor: James Hester. Music: LeFevre Quartet. Pastor: Wayne Hunt. n Steven (wife Pammie) McAbee is the new n Summerville Baptist Church, Summerville: pastor of Open Door Fellowship in Coushatta. Revival, September 7-9, Evangelist: Scotty Mc- LAGNIAPPE African American pastors n Avery Dixon is the new pastor at Trinity Bap- Dowell, chalk artist. tist Church, Hammond. n Temple Baptist Church, Jena: LaSalle Baptist n Milldale Baptist Church, Zachary: Labor Day By Staff Mexico, Montreal, Panama, n Bobby LeCompte is the new discipleship min- Association Evangelistic Event, September 9, Bible Conference, September 1-4, Begins 6:30 Peru, Romania, South Baptist Message ister at Bedico Baptist Church, Ponchatoula. 6:30-8 p.m. Evangelist: Casey Johnson. Worship: Fridays and ends noon Monday. Evangelist: Bob Africa, Spain, Tanzania and n Casey Stark is the new pastor at First Baptist Broken Vessels (Tory Dardar). This event is de- Pitman, Malcolm Ellis, Jimmy Robertson, WOODWORTH – South- Venezuela. He is a published Church, Slidell. signed to reach all ages and is in conjunction with Paul Tsika, Roc Collins. Music: Fred Guilbert. author of several books, and ern Baptists of Texas Con- n Zach Husser is the new minister of music/dis- the Louisiana Baptist Convention’s Harvest initia- Pastor: Jason Robertson. he has preached, lectured vention African American cipleship at Westside Baptist Church, Ponchatoula. tive, which is designed to reach every household n Social Springs Baptist Church, Ringgold: Fellowship President Tony and conducted seminars in a n Blake Becnel is the new minister to young by 2018. The theme is John 4:35. Pastor: Johnnie “Whosoever Will” Men’s Conference, Sep- Mathews will headline a number of cities across the Louisiana Baptist confer- United States. adults at Westside Baptist Church, Ponchatoula. Phillips, Evangelistic Coordinator. tember 2, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Cost: No charge ence next month for African The idea for the confer- n Ray Werline is the new pastor at Woodhaven n First Baptist Church, Ferriday: Delta Baptist As- -- open to all adult men. Pastor: James Hester. American pastors and their ence and retreat was birthed Baptist Church, Tickfaw. sociational Evangelism Rally, September 10, 6 n Trinity Baptist Church, Pineville: The South- wives wanting to be inten- in a conversation between p.m. Guest Speaker: Wayne Jenkins. Special Mu- ern Plainsmen in concert, September 3, 6 tional in Acts 1:8 missions. Wayne Sheppard, coordina- HOMECOMING sic: Glen Roberts. Pastor: William Joshua Morea. p.m. We will have a love offering for the Plains- Scheduled Sept. 8-9 at tor of Partnership Missions, n Philadelphia Baptist Church at Horseshoe men. Pastor: Darryl Hoychick. the Tall Timbers Conference for Louisiana Baptists, and n First Baptist Church, Doyline: 93rd Homecom- Drive, Alexandria: Celebration of Hope Revival, n First Baptist Church, DeRidder: An Evening Center in Woodworth, the Fred Luter, pastor of Frank- ing, September 10, 10 a.m., special music; 11 September 10-13, Sunday, 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m.; with Phillips, Craig & Dean, September 7, conference also will feature lin Avenue Baptist Church a.m., Worship service; dinner on the grounds will Monday-Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Evangelist: David 6:30 p.m. Cost: $20 general admission. For more worship by Thomas Eugene and a former president of the be held following the service. Guest Speaker: Ray Hankins. Pastor: Clay Fuqua. information, call 337.463.9047 or go online Keys III, worship minister SBC. Hearron. Special Music: Bruce Lee. Pastor: Paul n Richey Baptist Church, Deville: Revival, www.fbcderidder.org. Pastor: Josh Eubanks. at Calvary Baptist Church in “We are excited to pro- Pierson. September 10-13, Sunday 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; n Ebenezer Baptist Church, Jonesboro: North Shreveport. The conference vide this weekend of en- n Welcome Home Baptist Church, Hebert: Home- Monday-Wednesday 7 p.m. Evangelist: Scotty Central Baptist Association presents its an- will include a wives event couragement, training, and coming, September 10, 10:30 a.m. Speaker: Tony McDowell, chalk artist. Pastor: Grady Dodge. nual Men and Boys Rally 2017, September 7, on Saturday morning led by inspiration for all Louisiana Robinson. Special Music: Kinetek. Pastor: Jim n Emmanuel Baptist Church, Shreveport: Fall Re- 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Wilton Wall. Special Music: Carolyn Fountain, spouse Baptist African American McKeithen. vival, September 10-13, 10:45 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Donald Rudd. A full meal will be provided free of Leroy Fountain, church pastors and wives,” Shep- Monday-Wednesday, 6 p.m. Evangelist: Steve of charge. For more information and/or to sign health strategist for the New pard offered, “and to give REVIVAL Hale. Pastor: Chad Hardbarger. up, please call Wayne Morrow at 318.259.2162 Orleans Baptist Association. them a brief retreat.” n Welcome Home Baptist Church, Hebert: Re- or 318.628.0505. Pastor: Wayne Morrow. During the 25 years he Registration is free n Calvary Baptist Church, Forest Hill: Revival, vival, September 11-13, 6:30 p.m. nightly. Guest n Washington Baptist Church, Washington: Joe before Sept. 1, as a joint has served as pastor of North September 3-6, Sunday, 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Speaker: Tony Robinson. Special Music: Rick Aulds guest speaker, September 10, 11 a.m. Garland Baptist Fellow- gift of the Louisiana Baptist Monday-Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Evangelist: and Jenny Duckett. Pastor: Jim McKeithen. Pastor: Louis Charrier. ship, Matthews has led the Partnership Missions and the Wayne Jones from Freedom Mission, Lo- n n First Baptist Church, Pineville: First@First congregation to help plant Louisiana Baptist Missions Tillou Baptist Church, Bastrop: Revival, Sep- eight churches and spon- and Ministry team. The gansport LA. Special Music: Josh & Vallery tember 13-16. Evangelist: Rubin Weaver, Friday Business Leader Luncheon, September 11, sor church mission trips conference will begin at 5 Dixon. Pastor: Wayne Dunn. and Saturday. Pastor: Taylor Freeland. noon. Speaker: Jessica Thacker, communica- to Brazil, Dominican Re- p.m. Sept. 8, and conclude at n Carolina Baptist Church, Saline: Revival, Sep- n Coteau Baptist Church, Houma: Renew & Re- tion professor at Louisiana State Univer- public, Ecuador, El Paso, noon the following day. tember 3-6, Evangelist: Scotty McDowell, chalk fresh Revival, September 14-17, Thursday- Sat- sity at Alexandria. Cost: $10 and you may pay Guatemala, India, Japan, To register, visit louisi- artist. Pastor: Ken Roberts. urday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. Speakers: Fred Lut- at the door. Please RSVP to Melinda Langford Kenya, Laredo, Madagascar, anabaptists.org/castthenet. n Social Springs Baptist Church, Ringgold: Fall er, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, ([email protected]. Pastor: Stewart Revival, September 3-10, 6 p.m. nightly. Evan- (Thursday) and Bill Robertson, LBC Pastoral Holloway. Scripture Crypto

The Scripture Crypto is a Bible verse in which one letter has been substituted for another, thus encoding the verse. To find out what the verse is, you must determine what each letter is a substitute for. An “a,” for example, may stand for a “t” in this week’s issue of the ScriptureCrypto. Next week, “a” could stand for a “d.” Each week, each letter is different. Solve by trial and error. The answer will be given next week. Note: All numerals, such as those in the scripture reference after the verse, are spelled out.

rddm yd odfeunrpnu, ysxy gn rdun qdy ysdun

ysbqwu gsbts gn sxpn gedfwsy, ify ysxy gn

entnbpn x afrr engxej.

untdqj zdsq nbwsy

Clues: Answer to August 17 Scripture Crypto: D = O; R = L Jonah four: seven

August 31, 2017 l www.baptistmessage.com l Louisiana Baptist Message 12 Louisiana News

August 31, 2017 l www.baptistmessage.com l Louisiana Baptist Message