Archives for May 2018

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer BOSSIER/WEBSTER PARISHES – Students received a crash course on the right to freely express their religious beliefs in public schools during the Student Freedom Summit in Bossier and Webster parishes Sunday, April 8. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and Congressman Mike Johnson briefed the students about the legal rights they have to share their faith in public schools. The summit was held at First Baptist Church in Minden and Bossier Parish Community College, located in parishes where atheist groups are targeting the school administrations for allegedly promoting Christianity. Community members, pastors, parents and some school officials joined the students at the summit. Supporters were encouraged the following day to draw a blue line on their hands and post photos on social media using the hashtag #STANDUPBOSSIER and #STANDUPWEBSTER. Johnson, a member of First Baptist Church in Bossier City, challenged students to mirror their actions after Elijah, who stood up for God’s truth. He stressed the importance of engaging in respectful debate that could change minds. “Be like Elijah,” he said. “You stand for your freedom. You stand for the truth. There is a time to draw a … [Read more...]

By Message Staff ALEXANDRIA – Louisiana College celebrated its 163rd commencement May 5 by conferring the most degrees since Rick Brewer became president of the school in 2015. The school presented 155 undergraduate and 46 master’s degrees at the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria. In a special recognition during the ceremony was Clavoisiea Dupree, a member of the basketball team who was on pace to graduate with this classmates. However, on March 31 Dupree passed away. Brewer awarded Dupree with an undergraduate degree posthumously during the ceremony. “We are preparing students not to just get a degree,” Brewer told students. “We are not just preparing you for careers. Our job as faculty and administrators has been to prepare you for life. “Education that instructs the mind without deepening the soul is not true learning,” he continued. “Louisiana College’s goal is to graduate students to make a difference for the common good as a redemptive voice in the world. Our graduates are hopeful realists who recognize the brokenness of the world, but believe God has called them to work for its healing and restoration.” During the keynote address, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy challenged the students to dream and make … [Read more...]