Louisiana
Louisiana Notables – Baptist Message
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Baptist Message provides churches an opportunity to share with other Louisiana Baptists an upcoming revival, homecoming, new pastor, new staff member, a community outreach, or a concert in Louisiana Notables. To place your event in the paper, send your information (who, what, where, when, time) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. Please submit your information four weeks prior to the event to insure placement in the Message.
ON THE MOVE
Andrew Ogea is the new pastor of First Baptist Church, Baton Rouge. His father, Reggie Ogea, has been Interim pastor at FBCBR since April 2023.
Kevin, wife Melainie, Ulmer is the new Louisiana Baptists evangelism strategist on the Evangelism/Church Growth Team. He begins on July 1.
Chuck Clinton is the new music minister at First Baptist Church, Greenwood.
Russell, wife Hope, James is the new youth minister for Bonita Road Baptist Church, Bastrop.
Kevin, wife Nichole, Seefried is the new student past at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, West Monroe.
Lane Noakes is the new youth minister at First Baptist Church, Dry Prong.
Riley Robertson is the new music minister at Victory Baptist Church, Monroe.
Jeff Hoffman, Pastor of FBC Arcadia, is the next Director of Missions at the Bienville & Webster-Claiborne Baptist Association. He replaces Randy Hales who is retiring.
REVIVAL
Topsy Baptist Church, Lake Charles: Spring Revival 2024, July 7-10, Evangelist: Scott McDowell. Worship: The Mackey Willis Family. Pastor: Lloyd Carroll.
Mitchell Baptist Church, Converse: Harvest Sunday, July 14. Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: None.
Hurricane Creek Baptist Church, Dodson: Spring Revival 2024, July 14-19. Evangelist: Scotty McDowell. Pastor: Travis Hampton.
First Baptist Church, Keithville: Harvest Sunday, July 21, Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: Mike Stowell.
Palestine Baptist Church, Grant: Spring Revival 2024, July 21-24. Evangelist: Scotty McDowell. Worship: The Mackey Willis Family. Pastor: Hardy Estes,
First Baptist Church, Princeton: Harvest Sunday, July 28. Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: Darrell Cooper.
Welcome Home Baptist Church, Hebert: Spring Revival 2024, July 28-31. Evangelist: Scotty McDowell. Pastor: Jim McKeithen.
Bethel Baptist Church, Livingston: Revival, July 29-August 1. Evangelist: Malcolm Ellis. Pastor: James Courtney
LAGNIAPPE
First Baptist Church, Minden: June Jubilee – A collective worship concert, June 29, 6 p.m. Featuring: First Baptist Minden, First Baptist Pineville & LeCompte, First Baptist Church, Arcadia, City on a Hill Pentecostals, Jake Cowley, Point of Grance (June 29th only) and The Cox Family. Admission is free. Pastor: Leland Crawford.
Alto Baptist Church, Alto: GOD & COUNTRY DAY, June 30, 10:30 a.m. Speaker: Dr. Ralph Abraham. Worship: Brothers in Christ. A barbecue lunch will be served following the service. Pastor: Alan Miller.
First Baptist Church, Pineville: June Jubilee – A collective worship concert, June 30, 6 p.m. Featuring: First Baptist Minden, First Baptist Pineville & LeCompte, First Baptist Church, Arcadia, City on a Hill Pentecostals, Jake Cowley, Point of Grance (June 29th only) and The Cox Family: Admission is free. Pastor: Stewart Holloway.
First Baptist Church, Baton Rouge: The music department of First Baptist, Baton Rouge presents Stars, Stripes and Sounds, July 4, 7 p.m. Join us for an evening of celebration as we honor our country’s heritage, faith, and freedom through the power of music. Following the concert, head to the riverfront for spectacular fireworks display that will light up the night sky. Admission is free, and this event promises to be a great experience for the whole family. Come and be a part of this patriotic celebration. Pastor: Andrew Ogea.
Red Oak Baptist Church, Livingston: Chronicles in concert, July 7, 11 a.m. Pastor: Carl Varnado.
Ashland Baptist Church, Ashland: Ivan Parker In Concert, July 7, 6 p.m. A love offering will be taking. Pastor: Danny Slack
Indian Village Baptist Church, Kinder: Southern Plainsmen of Hornbeck in concert, July 7. Pastor: Kevin Willis.
Cedar Crest Baptist Church, Baton Rouge: Greg Sullivan Ministries in concert, July 14, 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Bruce Worrell.
Fordoche Baptist Church, Fordoche: Greg Sullivan Ministries in concert with The Journeys, July 21, 5 p.m. Pastor: Toby Delahoussaye.
Grangeville Baptist Church, Pine Grove: Chronicles in concert, July 21, 11 a.m. Pastor: Mike Cotton.
Beech Springs Baptist Church, Quitman: Ben Waites in Concert, July 28, 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Jason Womack.
Rose Park Baptist Church, Shreveport: Mark Trammell Quartet in concert, August 4, 10 a.m. Pastor: B.J. Maddox.
Grace Baptist Church, Goldonna: Southern Plainsmen of Hornbeck in concert, August 4, 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Myron Thompson.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
First Baptist Church, Mansfield: Breaker Rock Beach VBS 2024, June 16-20, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Sign up at myvbs.org/fbcmansfield. Pastor: Chad Hardbarger.
Atlanta and Sardis Baptist Churches, Atlanta: Vacation Bible School, June 17-19, 6-8 p.m. Pastor: Chad James.
Bayou Oaks Baptist Church, Monroe: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17 – 20, 9 a.m. til noon. Pastor: Clyde Sanchez
North Monroe Baptist Church, Bastrop: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17 – 20 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Pastor: Kevin Crim
Ouachita, Baptist Church West Monroe: The Great Jungle Journey VBS, June 17 – 20, 5:30 – 8:15 p.m. Pastor: MikeHolloway
Liberty Christian Church, Colfax: Vacation Bible School, June 17-21, 6-8 p.m. Pastor: None.
Hebron Baptist Church, Dry Prong: Vacation Bible School, June 17-21, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.. Commencement Sunday, June 23 at 11 a.m. Pastor: Travis Sanders.
Fair Park Baptist Church, West Monroe: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17 – 21 8:30 – Noon. Pastor: Waymond Warren.
South Winnfield Baptist Church, Winnfield: Scuba VBS, June 17-21, 5-8:30 p.m. Pastor: Jack Miller.
Bethany Baptist Church, Bethany: Vacation Bible School, June 17 – 21, 5- 8 p.m. Pastor: Marvin Cooper.
First Baptist Church, Natchitoches: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17-21, 9 a.m. – noon. This is for all who have completed pre-k 4 through 6th grade. To sign up for VBS go to https://forms.gle/292fQ6nRSrvSA3488. Pastor: Tommy Rush.
Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville: Breaker Rock Beach, June 17-21, 6-8:30 p.m. Online Preregistration is open through Wednesday, June 12. After June 12th, must register in person on campus. Open Registration for Completed Kindergarten through 6th Grade. Kindergarten Note: Maximum of 45 Kindergarteners. Pastor: Philip Robertson.
Judson Baptist Church, Walker: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17-21. For more information, contact the church. Pastor: David Lane.
Rocky Springs Baptist Church, Lisbon: “Stepping Up” Sports Camp, June 17-21, 5-8 p.m. Pastor: Chris Stephens.
Cook Baptist Church, Ruston: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17-21 from 9 a.m. til noon each day. To sign up or if you have any questions please contact Mrs. Dandy or register at https://cookbaptistchurch.churchcenter.com/…/2290305. Pastor: Joseph Fowler.
Lakeside Baptist Church, Winnfield: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17-21 5:30-7:30 p.m. Pastor: Mitchell Miles.
Springhill Baptist Church, Jonesville: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 17-21 6- 8 p.m. Pastor: Don Cardin.
Liberty Christian Church, Colfax: Vacation Bible School, June 17-21 6:00 – 8:00 Pastor: None.
Hebron Baptist Church, Dry Prong: Vacation Bible School, June 17-21, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Commencement Sunday, June 23 at 11 a.m. Pastor: Travis Sanders.
First Baptist Church, Winnfield: Vacation Bible School, June 30-July 3, 5-&:30 p.m. Pastor: Jerry Pipes.
Southside Baptist Church, Mansfield: Vacation Bible School, June 18-22, 6-8:30 p.m. Pastor: Gary Orr.
First Baptist Church, Tullos: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 23-27, 5:30 -8:30 P.M. Go to www.tullosfbc.com for more information. Pastor: Scott Smith
Indian Village Baptist Church, Kinder: Break Rock Beach VBS, June 23-27, 5-7:30 p.m. To register go www.indianvillagebc.org/2024/vbs-2024.html. Pastor: Kevin Lewis.
Holloway Baptist Church, Deville: The Great Jungle Journey, June 23-27, 5:30-8 p.m. Go online to register. Pastor: Tim Shields.
First Baptist Church, Keithville: Scuba Vacation Bible School 2024, June 23-26, 6-8:30 p.m. Pastor: Mike Stowell.
Woodlawn Baptist Church, Iowa: Start the Party VBS, June 24-27, 6-8:30 p.m. To register go to https://fb.me/e/xyNIdE4uw. Pastor: Richard Louviere.
First Baptist Church, Dry Prong: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, 5:30-8:15 p.m. To register go to https://www.fbcdryprong.com/vbs. Pastor: Trey Lewis.
Bayou Vista Baptist Church, Morgan City: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, 8 a.m.-Noon. Pastor: Eric Green.
Olivet Baptist Church, Sulphur: Breaker Rock Beach, June 24-28, 9 a.m.-noon. To register go to https://www.olivetbaptistsulphur.com/vbs. Pastor: Kevin Craft.
University Baptist Church, Lake Charles: Seven Days of Creation VBS, June 24-28, 9-11:30 a.m. Pastor: John Astling.
First Baptist Church, Hackberry: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, 5-8 p.m. Pastor: Monty Rowse.
First Baptist Church, Iowa: Proof Pirates Vacation Bible School, June 24-28, 6-7:30 p.m. To register go to https://www.iowafbc.org/vbs, Pastor: Brandon Oliver.
First Baptist Church, Jennings: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, PreK 4 – Kindergarten | 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1st – 6th Grade | 8:30 a.m.– 2 p.m.
To register go to fbcJennings.com/VBS. Pastor:
Sale Street Baptist Church, Sulphur: Mega Sports Camp – Blaze the Trail, June 24-28, 5-8 p.m. To register go to https://www.salestreet.org/megasportscamp. Pastor: Drew Mills.
First Baptist Church, Maplewood: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, 9 a.m.-noon Pastor: Jeremy Blocker.
Mt. Olive & Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church: Breaker Rock Beach, June 24-28, 5-8 p.m. This is for ages K-12th grade. Pastor: Braylon Harris (Mt. Olive) and EJ Kemper (Mt. Pilgrim).
First Baptist Church, Mandeville: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, 9 a.m.- noon. Pastor: Ronny Cooksey.
University Baptist Church, Lake Charles: Seven Days of Creation VBS, June 24-28, 9-11:30 a.m. For kindergarten through the fifth grade: Pastor: John Astling.
First Baptist Church, Hackberry: Breaker Rock Beach, June 24-28, 5-8 p.m. For kindergarten thought sixth grade (completed). Pastor: Monte Rowse
First Baptist Church, Iowa: Proof Pirates, June 24-28, 6-7:30 p.m. For ages kindergarten to 12th grade. Registration: https://www.iowafbc.org/vbs. Pastor: Brandon Oliver.
Faith Baptist Church, Bastrop: The Keepers of the Kingdom VBS, June 23 – 27, 6 – 8:15 p.m. Pastor: Stan Wyant.
Lakeshore Baptist Church, Monroe: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 23 – 27, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Pastor: William Smith.
Bethel Baptist Church, Bastrop: The Great Jungle Journey VBS, June 24 – 28, 9-11:30 a.m. Pastor: Tim Post.
Greater New Antioch Baptist Church, Monroe: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24 – 28, 5-8 p.m. Pastor: John Russell.
Northside Baptist Church, Montgomery: Vacation Bible School, June 24-27, 6 – 8:30 p.m., Pastor Scott Tilton.
First Baptist Church, Jennings: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 24-28, Pre-K-kindergarten (8:30 – 11:30 a.m.); 1st-6th grade (8:30-11:30 a.m.) Registration: fbcJennings.com/VBS. Pastor: Eric Sonnier.
Ridge Avenue Baptist Church, West Monroe: Breaker Rock Beach VBS, June 26 – 28, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Pastor: Jim Wolfe.
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – South Louisiana’s coast has long served as a natural buffer between communities and rising water.
But since the 1930s, Louisiana has lost nearly 2,000 square miles of coastal land.
Dr. Torbjorn Tornqvist, a professor at Tulane University, said Louisiana is one of the most vulnerable coastal areas in the world because of climate change, sea level rise and subsidence.
“Louisiana is arguably one of the most vulnerable… perhaps the most vulnerable coastal zones in the world when it comes to climate change and sea level rise… and there are several reasons for that but one important reason is that we have high subsidence rates, and that means sea level rise here is a lot faster than the average around the world,” Tornqvist said.
Tornqvist is the lead author of a recently published study examining the long-term impacts of sea level rise across south Louisiana.
He said the issue is no longer limited to communities closest to the Gulf Coast.
“People are leaving the coast of Louisiana, but it’s going to accelerate over the course of the century. And those people are going to have to go somewhere, and it’s likely that a significant number are going to look at a place like Baton Rouge to move to,” Tornqvist said.
Since Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana has invested billions of dollars in large-scale restoration projects designed to reduce flood risk and strengthen the coast.
Some researchers believe those projects are important but not permanent fixes.
“We have…right now we have a pretty high-quality flood protection system that’s obviously way better than it was during Katrina and we should certainly keep investing in upkeep, but we also have to recognize that’s only going to take us so far,” Tornqvist said.
State officials say those investments remain critical as Louisiana adapts to future flood risks.
Micheal Hare, executive director of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, said the state’s coastal plan is designed to balance restoration work with protection projects, including levees.
“Our 2023 master plan certainly incorporates the best science available to us to then come up with a balanced approach between how do we effectively spend money on restoration as well as money on protection projects like levees,” Hare said.
Hare said those projects will continue to evolve as future risks change. CPRA and the Army Corps of Engineers are re-evaluating portions of the West Bank and Vicinity levee system in New Orleans to meet projected future flood risks within the next half-decade.
“Morganza to the Gulf is a great example, location communities came together, they started funding it…so that protection is critical…It will constantly be maintained and constantly elevated to meet the new levels of threats and risks that are out there,” Hare said.
Coastal officials and researchers agree that what happens along Louisiana’s coast will continue to affect communities far beyond the shoreline for generations.
“And so maybe you don’t live behind the levee, but I promise you want those coastal communities to stay there and to keep working, and to stay productive and engaged…so that we don’t have to have these flood fights further north or lose parts of our economy,” Hare said.
Tornqvist said the decisions made now could shape the future of Louisiana communities.
“What’s really important to recognize is that the next few decades are basically going to decide the long-term future of cities like Baton Rouge,” Tornqvist said.
Louisiana has always lived with water. As the coast changes and sea levels rise, the challenge is how communities across south Louisiana continue adapting for generations to come.
From the Gulf Coast to Baton Rouge, the future of Louisiana’s coastline is a conversation that impacts the entire state.
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Louisiana ranks among the top 10 most affordable states to retire, according to a new study from Retirement Living, a national journal of retirement research.
Researchers analyzed each state’s housing costs, living expenses and tax friendliness to compile the ranking. Louisiana, they say, is the eighth most affordable state for retirees.
In Louisiana, the median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $932, the median home sale price is $255,000, monthly grocery spend per capita is $272, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $4, the average Medicare Advantage monthly premium is $13.35 and the average effective property tax rate is 0.55%.
West Virginia is the most affordable state to retire, followed by Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Louisiana, Indiana and Kansas. Researchers describe the South as “the sweet spot for an affordable retirement.”
The most expensive state to retire, meanwhile, is California, followed by Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Utah, New York and Minnesota.
Read Retirement Living’s full report here.
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – With hurricane season approaching, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is bringing the community together to prepare before a storm forms.
“We can’t stop disasters from happening. We can’t stop hurricanes from happening. But what we can do is equip our communities with the resources that they need to prepare for these storms ahead of time,” said Jayda Morris, CPRA outreach manager.
The agency hosted an event featuring interactive storm simulations and a full model of the Mississippi River.
“If you do it now, like on a sunny day like today, you’re ready to go for the rest of the season,” Jay Grymes said.
El Niño may reduce storms, but Louisiana still at risk
State Climatologist Jay Grymes said an El Niño pattern may reduce the number of storms in the Atlantic but warned against a false sense of security.
“In those 25 years, Louisiana, some part of the state has been impacted by 29 storms. That’s one a year, regardless of El Niño. So that should tell you something,” Grymes said.
He said the bigger concern is storms that can form in the Gulf with little warning.
“If we’re going to get a storm, it very possibly could be one that bubbles up in the Gulf and doesn’t give us five or seven days to track it coming our way. It gives us 40 hours to get ready for a landfall. So it’s imperative that you go ahead and do it now,” Grymes said.
Preparation goes beyond stocking water
Preparing now includes walking through yards, checking trees, and knowing whether everyone in the family can survive two weeks without power.
PhD students with the LSU College of the Coast and Environment gave the community a virtual reality experience that puts users inside a storm.
“If they wear the goggles or play with the Apple Vision Pro, they can understand how high will the flood be, and they can know how dangerous is the hurricane scenario,” said Yixuan Wang.
The VR simulation uses real historical data to show users what compound flooding looks like in New Orleans and surrounding areas. The goal is to make the science real for people who can’t picture what a flood map means.
“It’s just to let you understand the environment. We will add the audios, the different sound of the wind and the storm. And you can see how tense of the rainfall around you,” Wang said.
Organizers said the event is about making sure that when a storm threatens the area, families already know their plan.
Information from the event is available on CPRA’s website. Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.
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