By Norm Miller, LC communications Vincent Smith is a lot of things: husband, father, pastor, church planter, college grad, seminary student, counselor, and confidant. Certain aspects of all those roles equip Smith for his service to Louisiana College; he is dean of students. Smith defines this function as one who is an “integrator of relational activity that flows into student discipline, an administrator who helps connect students to success in the classroom.” This is not bureaucratic psychobabble. It is who Smith is. He relates to and reaches students right where they are. “Sometimes I function as a big brother, and others times I’m a father figure,” Smith said. “Discipline comes easier when I have such a relationship with students that they know I care, even if I have to be the ‘bad guy.’ I do care about our students, but I also have a backbone.” Smith said he is “okay with being the bad guy. I realize that not everyone is going to like me. But I am called to more than just tough love. My role is about honesty.” That includes telling students about behaviors that will harm them. Athletes expect you to talk about sports, and Christian Studies majors expect you to talk about theology, Smith said. “But I’m … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA – Armed with a bag of clothing in one hand and a cup of hot chocolate in another, Kelvin Reynolds mingled among other needy individuals on a chilly Thursday morning in downtown Alexandria. With Christmas just days away, Reynolds, who is homeless, will be spending the holiday season on the streets or in a shelter. Yet, despite his situation, Reynolds said he is thankful. “God is still good,” Reynolds said. “Jesus is the reason for the season. I’m praying one day soon I will not be homeless. Please pray for me.” One Thursday a month, Reynolds and 75 others can be found at the Emmanuel Baptist Church parking lot for a street outreach event called H20 – Helping 2 Overcome Homelessness. Since August 2013, the Volunteers of America Homeless Outreach Program has hosted the event with help from area churches and non-profit organizations. Those who attend the event receive hygiene items, clothing, shoes, haircuts, food and even a Bible. Most of all they receive the love of Jesus. On this Thursday, Dec. 15, 10 organizations came to help out, including Alpine First Baptist Church, Pineville; Journey Church, Pineville; Family of Grace Church, Alexandria; Calvary Baptist … [Read more...]