Sports film seeks 1 Corinthians 10:31 movement
NASHVILLE (BP) - The struggles of a Christian high school girls' cross country track team are used to discourage self-centeredness in "Remember the Goal," the latest release of brothers Dave and Rich Christiano and Five & Two Pictures. The limited release film highlights 1 Corinthians 10:31, exhorting "whatever you do, do all to the glory of God," and drawing from the personal cross country competition and coaching experiences of Dave Christiano, the movie's writer, director and producer. "That one verse alone takes your eyes off self and puts it on the Lord," Christiano said in a press release. "We hope to start a movement among teens called 10:31. "I look around and most teenagers are driven by the ungodly movies and music of the day," Christiano said. "They are plugged into the liberal voices of the media and listening to that wrong voice. The focus needs to change." Substance abuse, jealousy, envy, feelings of inferiority, and parent-daughter relationships are spotlighted in the feature about a young woman facing persecution in her first coaching job out of college and in her attempts to garner the school a state title. "The coach has great wisdom for her young age and she imparts this to the girls covering many … [Read more...]
Cajundome ‘will be ready’ for YEC
By Message Staff LAFAYETTE – State officials have reassured Louisiana Baptists that the Cajundome will be ready for the 2016 Youth Evangelism Conference scheduled for the Lafayette facility, Nov. 20-21. A June 30 report in The Advocate created confusion among the public by stating the arena “won’t re-open for business until Dec. 1.” But apparently, the information was not correct in context of the YEC. “We have been given assurances the Cajundome will be ready prior to our event,” Louisiana Baptist Convention youth strategist Steve Maltempti said in a statement to the Baptist Message. Maltempi shared information with the Baptist Message which cleared up the misunderstanding caused by The Advocate article. “The reason you see Dec. 1st in media reports is we don’t expect or plan to schedule basketball and, hockey games or any major concerts until Dec. 1st, or about 9 days after your event ends,” wrote one Cajundome official to Maltempi. “We have always expected and needed those 9 days to prepare the hockey rink and basketball court on top of the hockey rink in the new arena configuration for the upcoming season after your event.” This official noted that crews will continue the work, which began May 23, up until Nov. 18 and … [Read more...]
Changing the world for Jesus one house at a time
By Message Staff The Louisiana summer humidity hasn’t stopped hundreds of students from coming to the state to help rebuild homes in the name of Jesus. The youth, who are part of World Changers, have projects across the state in which they repair houses, paint the outside walls of homes, complete landscaping and build wheelchair ramps. By the time they leave, the students have made sure to put hours of sweat equity into the home and shown Jesus’ love to the homeowner. “I have noticed so much selflessness,” said World Changers spokesperson Trace Lee. “The students understand they are here to bless others and serve them the best they can.” Already this month, teams have served in Covington and Ponchatoula with Baton Rouge and New Orleans next on their list. During the first two projects, the teams have shared the gospel 130 times, gave out 21 Bibles and led eight people to Christ. But Louisiana isn’t the only recipient to World Changers as the youth are spread out all across the United States. Middle school, high school and college students are working together on similar construction projects. Established in 1990 by what today is the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board, the program was designed to … [Read more...]
COMMENTARY: The faith of Pat Summitt – ‘I was given certain work to do’ by God
By Michael Foust, Christian Examiner KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Back in 1994 I was a young, wide-eyed reporter for the student newspaper at the University of Tennessee, looking forward to a career in sports journalism. Peyton Manning would arrive that fall – and yes, I did get to cover his very first season – but my first "big-time" interview wasn't the future NFL star. It was Lady Vol coach Pat Summitt. And that was a little intimidating. To read the rest of the story, click here. … [Read more...]
Louisiana College’s pre-registration exceeds expectations
By Norm Miller, Louisiana College communications PINEVILLE, La. (LCNews) - From Texas and across Louisiana, 78 students attended Louisiana College’s “Front of the Line” pre-registration event June 25. “The response is beyond encouraging,” said Dr. Brandon Bannon, vice president for Enrollment Management. “We had nearly twice as many students pre-register today as we did at last year’s event. The caliber and the character of these young people will boost LC in all the right ways.” The number of those pre-registering for the fall 2016 semester caused college officials to add classes. “We have three biology labs and three anatomy labs completely full,” said Dr. Wade Warren, professor of biology. “I can’t remember the last time that happened, if ever.” Warren said, “The word is getting out about the positive things happening at LC, and these students made the right decision to enroll with us.” Madison Schultz, a Nursing major from Houston, Texas, said, “Louisiana College was not my first choice, but I believe God has led me here. It feels like home.” Pineville resident Joshua Spurgeon came to LC “because of the Christian environment and the reputation for excellence Dr. Warren has. I also wanted to be close to home.” Spurgeon … [Read more...]
Supreme Court reverses 5th Circuit ruling on Texas abortion law
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a 5-3 decision in the case WHOLE WOMAN'S HEALTH v. HELLERSTEDT, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a Fifth Circuit decision and found that Texas' requirement that abortion facilities meet ambulatory surgical standards and their physicians have admitting privileges is an unconstitutional burden on women seeking abortion. Deanna Wallace, Louisiana Right to Life's Legislative Director and an attorney, said the following after hearing the Court's decision was announced: "Today's Supreme Court decision is a disappointment and my sentiments echo those of Justice Thomas and the late Justice Scalia that the court's pro-abortion majority will alter the rules of the process when any effort to limit abortion is at is hand. "The exact legal ramifications of this decision on Louisiana's Act 490 are unclear at this time, as the Court relied heavily on Texas' specific factual findings in the District Court regarding the number of clinics affected by the admitting privileges law. While this ruling doesn't automatically invalidate Louisiana's admitting privilege law, today's decision does not predict a favorable forecast for its future." Benjamin Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life, added: "With this … [Read more...]
Georgia Barnette Conference Center – volunteers building a legacy
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer WOODWORTH – Jimmy Noblit is a man on a mission, working four days a week alongside other volunteers to complete the Georgia Barnette Conference Center. From the time construction began last July, Noblit has spent most weeks at Tall Timbers helping to build a legacy that will long outlive him for generations to come. “Somebody has to do this,” said Noblit, a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria. “This will affect the lives of many children who come through here. They will be discipled and some will commit to missions. “The next person who makes a decision here may be the next Lottie Moon,” he continued. “It’s all for the Glory of God.” Since July 13, an army of Louisiana Baptist volunteers like Noblitt and others from around the U.S. have helped build the Georgia Barnette Conference Center and Missionary/Volunteer Training Center. Once complete, the center will house information about influential early-day Louisiana Baptists and become a state-of-the art training facility for the future of missions in Louisiana. The 8,400-square-foot center is to have six small group rooms and a large auditorium that can be arranged for up to 580 participants. Also included is a … [Read more...]
Franklin Avenue Baptist hosting marriage retreat cruise
The first-ever marriage retreat cruise hosted by Franklin Avenue Baptist Church is fast approaching. Scheduled for Aug. 25-29, the One Love Cruise will feature dynamic marriage enrichment sessions, men's and women's breakout discussions, fun and fellowship. Registration closes 30 days before departure. For the past 26 years, the church has hosted marriage retreats. They have grown from 50 couples when they first started to more than 400 during it most recent one. Already, 300 of the 450 available cabins the church has reserved have been booked. The Carnival cruise will leave from New Orleans for Cozumel. Gary Mack Sr., pastor of Family Life at Franklin Avenue Baptist, said the theme is One Love: one man, one woman, for one lifetime. “The retreat is a great opportunity for a husband and wife to spend time learning what it takes to have a marriage that last a lifetime,” he said. “Our prayer is that couples will experience renewal, relaxation, and romance.” For further information visit fabcmarriageretreat.com, or Pastor Mack at 504.488.8488, extension 122, or at gmack@franklinabc.com. … [Read more...]
Louisiana Baptist leaders hopeful after meeting with Trump
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer NEW YORK CITY – Donald Trump displayed a tremendous amount of humility while coming across as pro-life, pro-Israel and pro-traditional marriage during a meeting today with more than 1,000 social conservatives, one Louisiana Baptist pastor who attended told the Baptist Message. “He was the most humble I have seen him,” said Louisiana Baptist Convention President Gevan Spinney. “He was responding rather than reacting. When [former Gov.] Mike Huckabee led the discussion time with Trump, he seemed really humble just to be there.” Spinney, who is pastor of First Baptist Church in Haughton, said while Trump did reference time spent attending Sunday school as a child he did not come across as overtly religious. “You try to look for things he said to give you hope he’s a believer but he didn’t give us any indication he was,” he said. Spinney said Trump mentioned he potentially could name between three and five Supreme Court appointees as president and that Trump emphasized he leaned pro-life and emphasized religious freedom was a main concern of his. “He said he was tired of Christians being attacked in courts,” Spinney said. “He made a statement that when he became president he was going to … [Read more...]
