Several years ago the leadership of First Baptist Church insisited that Martha and I take some time to be away to “renew and refresh.”  We had resisted the idea for a number of years.  For some strange reason, taking a month away did not seem like the thing to do (what was I thinking?).  After the first year, we concluded that this might work.  Since that time, we have said to FBC:  “Please don’t take it away!” 

We now look forward to the time to rest and to plan for the next year. We are always excited about the new school year and the opportunities that we have to teach the Bible and lead the church.  We thank the people of FBC for that opportunity.

While we are away, the church will be in good hands. Our pastors and deacons do a good job of congregational care. They take the opportunity to help the congregation in prayer and counsel.

The Tuesday Men’s Breakfast will meet each week (including Tuesday July 5th) at 6:30 AM. Several of our members who teach at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary will lead the breakfast beginning with Reggie Ogea and followed by Jake Roudkovski, Jerry Barlow, and Preston Nix.

Dr. Barlow will also lead the Wednesday night Bible Study each Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM.

For the weekend services, we have an outstanding line-up. On July 2 & 3, Tony Perkins will preach. He is President of the Washington, D.C. – based Family Research Council.

July 9 & 10—Joe McKeever, former pastor and Director of Missions in New Orleans, will preach. He now has a ministry of writing and speaking.

July 16 & 17—Keith Manuel works in the Evangelism Department of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. He served Calvary Baptist Church of Algiers before moving to the state convention.

July 23 & 24—Dennis Pethers is an evangelist from London, England, who heads up More to Life Ministry.

July 30 & 31—Frank Page, President and CEO of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention, will provide a unique perspective concerning our ministry together.

These men are good preachers. They have a heart for God and a heart for ministry.  The church will be blessed by their presence.  In the coming days I hope to post more about my plans for the month and how I will use the time.