By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Former “America’s Next Top Model” contestant Leah Darrow encouraged more than 900 guests gathered at the CENLA Pregnancy Center’s Gift of Life banquet to be the ones who answer the call to help provide hope for women with unplanned pregnancies. The fifth annual event, Sept. 12, was held at the Randolph Riverfront Center. “You are the other person on that end of the call for people in their hardest moments,” she said. “These young ladies who are calling these pregnancy centers are sometimes out there and they don’t know where to go and they don’t have anyone else to call but you. And CENLA Pregnancy Center picks up and answers those calls and they help redirect these women and show a place of redemption.” Darrow was the keynote speaker for the single largest fundraiser for the pregnancy center. The event also featured remarks by other pro-life advocates, an update on the impact of the center, music and food. CHANGED LIFE In her message, Darrow shared she was caught up in a lifestyle of worldly success that led to suicidal thoughts, depression and low self-confidence. But soon after appearing on “America’s Next Top Model” in 2004, she found … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist state missions and ministry directors and entity heads rolled out the welcome mat for more than 15 new pastors and seven spouses, Sept. 11. Held at the Baptist Building in Alexandria, the event featured remarks by Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn, introductions by state ministries and entities, a tour of the building and lunch for those in attendance. The event was open to any pastor or staff member who had transitioned to the role of pastor since October 2022. “The strength of our cooperation is built on the strength of our relationships,” Horn told the Baptist Message. “This event has quickly become a favorite of ours as we seek to establish personal relationships with new pastors in our state.” Louisiana Baptist Pastoral Ministry Team Director Ray Swift said the event reflected God’s grace and the unified work of Louisiana Baptists maximizing the Gospel’s impact across the state. “This provides a way to say to every new pastor ‘we love you and we are here for you,’” Swift said. “It makes a way to see, hear and receive information and resources every Louisiana Baptist pastor needs for their personal lives … [Read more...]