By LCU News, Baptist Message staff PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University will hold its first SENDLA event, March 24. The event, which is a phonetic play on the familiar CENLA for Central Louisiana, is rooted in the call of Matthew 28, where Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” The program will take place each semester as the campus community steps out together in service. In partnership with local nonprofits, students and faculty will spread throughout the parish to minister in practical and relational ways, showing the Gospel in action. Participating organizations include First Baptist Church, Pineville; Philadelphia Baptist Church, Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria; Family of Grace Church, Alexandria; the Hope House, Alexandria; Fostering Community, Alexandria; the Food Bank of Central Louisiana; First Baptist Church, Ball; Main Street Mission, Pineville; Rapides Parish Library System; CENLA Pregnancy Center, Alexandria; Pineville Park Baptist Church, Pineville; and Faith Baptist Church, Tioga. In addition, LCU President Mark Johnson will lead a group of students to visit with residents in the neighboring community. The Louisiana Baptist Convention and Send Network … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University alumnus and Sports Hall of Famer Mattie Stine stepped into the role of head softball coach this season, and she said that some of the most important and lasting wins have happened off the field. “Stepping into the head coach role at LCU has been both humbling and incredibly meaningful,” Stine said. “God often places us in new positions to grow us beyond what feels comfortable, and this season has stretched me in all the right ways.” She said that coming back to a place that shaped her as a student-athlete makes this opportunity deeply personal, and she is grateful. “While the title has changed, my heart has not,” Stine said. “My goal has always remained the same: to love these young women well and to keep Christ as the foundation of everything we do. "Wins and losses will come and go, but we are building a culture rooted in faith, love for each other and servant leadership," she continued. "I want our players to know they are valued for who they are, not just what they produce on the field. I want our players to love each other well and to go out and love others well.” Before taking on the role of head coach, Stine was … [Read more...]