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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

NOBTS celebrates more than 250 fall graduates

By Timothy Cockes, NOBTS public relations NEW ORLEANS (NOBTS) - New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College celebrated more than 250 graduates during its fall commencement ceremonies, Dec. 12.  Jamie Dew, president of NOBTS and Leavell College, began the ceremonies by reminding graduates of the unique nature of the seminary’s work as evidenced by the service itself.  “Today we open the Scriptures, and that in itself is different from most graduation ceremonies around the country,” Dew said.   “This is a worship service in which we will also confer degrees because this institution is very different from all other kinds of institutions in higher education. We don’t exist to do education for its own sake. By our very nature, we have a very niche focus; we train men and women for Gospel ministry. Everything that we do is about that.”  Dew congratulated the 271 graduates receiving degrees and certifications.   “Graduates, we are incredibly proud of you,” Dew said. “You’ve studied hard, worked diligently and given yourself to your assignments.   “You did all of this work ultimately because the Lord called you. He called you not just to get a degree. A degree is a means to an end, and that end is to serve Jesus … [Read more...]

YEC 2025: 571 students say ‘Yes’ to Jesus

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Organizers and participants of the 2025 Youth Evangelism Celebration praised God for the 571 students who made decisions for Christ, Nov. 23-24, in the Laborde Earles Coliseum in Alexandria. They also were grateful to Him for the more than 5,300 teens and adult sponsors who attended YEC (the largest annual gathering of Louisiana Baptists). “I’m always amazed at how many people come together to make this annual event happen,” Louisiana Baptist Youth Ministry Strategist Lee Myers told the Baptist Message after the conclusion of YEC. “It truly is a cooperative effort, from LBC staff, production teams and an army of volunteers, who all play a part. But the biggest impact comes from our youth leaders and local churches who make sure this weekend becomes a reality. Louisiana is blessed with incredible adults who love students, support student ministry and help create moments where teenagers can encounter Christ.” BE CHANGED Anthony Vargas, student pastor at Together We Church, a Southern Baptist congregation in Yukon, Oklahoma, told students to admit their need for change and to cry out to Jesus for mercy. Referencing Luke 18, Vargas said Jesus … [Read more...]

Ashland Baptist Church deacon, treasurer arrested in connection with missing funds

By Baptist Message staff ASHLAND, La. (LBM) - A deacon and treasurer from Ashland Baptist Church have been arrested for alleged theft of more than $156,000 from the church. According to a news release from the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, an investigation began in February when members of the church contacted the sheriff’s office asking for an investigation into discrepancies and alleged missing funds. Deputies then completed an initial offense report and turned the case over to the Criminal Investigations Bureau of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office for further investigation. Detectives worked over the next few months with church and bank officials, conducted interviews, executed search warrants and reviewed financial records and audits. They identified that deacon Troy R. Wamsley, and his wife, church treasurer Mandy L. Wamsley, both of Chestnut, allegedly wrote and cashed more than 100 unauthorized checks made payable to cash. They also discovered the couple allegedly admitted to taking the funds during a meeting with church officials and requested an opportunity to repay the money. After getting enough evidence and probable cause, detectives obtained arrest warrants signed by a 10th Judicial District … [Read more...]