Local churches join together for special service

By: HEATHER BOGARD
Lifestyles Editor

On Thursday, August 20, the pastors and congregations of Ninth Baptist Church and First Baptist Church held a joint community candelight challenge. The event stemmed from a recent Sunday school lesson on Zechariah 7:9 “This is what the Lord Almighty said: Administer true justice, show mercy and compassion to one another.” This verse was the theme of the event where the pastors and attendees prayed for justice and ministering to the less fortunate and homeless.
Grace Sibley, who serves as homeless liaison for the Evangeline Parish School Board, helped spearhead the special service. She recalled a recent occasion where churches of all denominations joined forces to greatly help one local family in dire need. She shared how important it is to minister to and help those in need. She added that it was very fitting that Pastors Kevin West and Daniel Holsomback with First Baptist Church could not be in attendance at the event because they were in Alaska on a mission trip ministering to the less fortunate up there as part of the Celebrate Recovery program. She said that anytime she has an issue with a student, she calls on local church leaders to help the families cope through use of the program.
During the event, the choir of Ninth Baptist Church, along with soloist Sherral Tezeno and soloist Michaella Fontenot performed. The Unspoken Worship Praise Team from Ninth Baptist Church also performed a spiritual number to open the event. Young church member Markaysha Johnson performed a dramatic interpretation of the Good Samaritan parable, challenging the congregation to truthfully answer how they would react when faced with certain situations.
Rev. Darwan Lazard, pastor of Ninth Baptist Church, led a circled, candelight prayer to end the service.