Click to Login or Sign Up

Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

At Survivor Camp, 17 find sufficiency in Christ

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer EUNICE, La. (LBM) – Survivor Camp taught survival skills to 93 boys and 80 fathers, and more importantly, connected through the Gospel with 14 boys and three dads in the group who found Christ. Held Sept. 5-6 at Acadian Baptist Center, the 17th annual camp focused on survival skills, spiritual growth, and deepened relationships. Activities include water purification, go-kart racing, medical training and rifle shooting. “We’re teaching boys how to be men,” Camp Director Steven Ancelet told the Baptist Message. “The weekend is based around physical and spiritual survival that’s filled with many life and Gospel lessons.” Survivor Camp also included a time for the dads to have a “man talk.” “As a man, you need to be a leader in your marriage, in your home, in your workplace and in your community,” continued Ancelet, a member with First Baptist Church, Lafayette. “You can’t be passive and must be willing to accept change. We walked the men through that and were pleased at the change we saw in them in just a short time.” The weekend also featured a tribute to Hartie Spence Jr., long-time director of Survivor Camp who lost his life in a glider crash near Salt Lake City Utah, … [Read more...]

UPDATE: La. Baptist women offer 1,000 giftboxes, God’s love to female prisoners

By Louisiana Baptist Women’s Missions and Ministry Team PINEVILLE, La. (LBC) – On Aug. 29, the Louisiana Baptist women’s missions and ministry team led women from across the state to pack hygiene giftboxes for those at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women. With representatives from 16 Louisiana Baptist associations, the day became a powerful demonstration of cooperation and compassion. ­ The effort, hosted on the campus of Louisiana Christian University, brought together not only women from every corner of Louisiana but also men – including three associational mission strategists - who joined in the packing. Among the churches who participated were First Baptist Church, Gonzales, which brought donated supplies from several churches in the Baton Rouge area, and Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans. By the close of the packing day, 912 giftboxes had been completed - just shy of the 1,000-box goal. ­ Thankfully, the story does not end there. In the two weeks following the packing day, churches from around the state continued to bring in additional hygiene kits to the WMM office, pushing the effort over the top. The 1,000-box goal was the largest in the history of this ministry, doubling what was … [Read more...]

Geaux25: Calling out ‘the called’ for Kingdom impact

By Mark Robinson, LBC BCM Director WOODWORTH, La. (LBC BCM) – On Oct. 3–4, college students from across Louisiana and beyond will converge at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center for Geaux25, an overnight missions conference designed to awaken hearts and mobilize lives for the Gospel. Hosted by Louisiana Baptist Collegiate Ministries, this event is more than a gathering – it is a moment of decision, a place of calling and a catalyst for movement. In a world that often encourages young adults to chase comfort, status, or self-fulfillment, Geaux25 offers a countercultural invitation: to surrender fully to Christ and follow Him wherever He leads – whether that’s across the street, across campus, or across the globe. MISSION FIELD IS EVERYWHERE Today’s college students are globally aware, socially engaged and spiritually curious. Many are asking deep questions about purpose and impact. Geaux25 meets them at that crossroads, offering biblical teaching, practical training and Spirit-led community to help them connect their faith to their future. But the heartbeat of this conference goes beyond inspiration. It’s about calling out “the called” – recognizing that God is still raising up men and women for Gospel ministry … [Read more...]

LCU to kick off Walktober on Oct. 1

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University will celebrate 'Walktober' on Oct. 1 at the Parrish Fuller Fitness Trail. ‘Walktober’ is a physical activity challenge from Oct. 1-31 where participants track and record their steps or minutes of physical activity every day. The top three participants will be recognized in each age group, the student-athlete category, and the group/team division. Additionally, weekly drawings for gift cards will be held for individuals who submit their steps from the previous week. “One of our favorite fitness challenges to offer the community each fall is 'Walktober.' This will be our 4th year to offer the virtual challenge,” said Sonia Tinsley, chair of Health and Exercise Science. “The weather is beginning to cool off, so this is a great time of the year to get more active. Getting more activity benefits us in all areas of life – physically, socially, mentally and the list goes on!” The kickoff event will take place Oct. 1 from 4-6 p.m. and includes a community walk and, at 5:30 p.m., a yoga session for beginners. Those present who sign up for 'Walktober' will receive a complimentary T-shirt. Click here to sign up for Walktober. … [Read more...]

Theatre Louisiana Christian presents ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’

By Kayla Condrey, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Theatre Louisiana Christian will open its 2025-2026 season Sept. 25 with the comedy “The Play That Goes Wrong.” According to the cast members, the show's plot centers on the Cornley Drama Society who will attempt to put on “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” a whodunnit filled with twists and turns nobody could ever expect. However, audience members aren’t the only ones taken by surprise. The actors themselves are subjected to several obstacles and technical mishaps for which nobody could have possibly accounted. “It’s almost absurd just how much goes wrong so quickly,” said junior communication, media and theater major Kayla Condrey, who plays the role of Annie Twilloil. “It’s a lot to balance, but it’s very exciting to start the season with such a bang. Literally." “The Play That Goes Wrong” will take place Sept. 25-27 and Oct. 2-4 at 7 p.m., with matinee performances Sept. 27 and Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. in the Martin Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $5 for LCU students, faculty and staff; $15 for senior citizens and non-LCU students; and $20 for general admission. Groups of 12 or more can attend for $10 per person. Visit … [Read more...]

Point of Life celebrates debt retirement

Norris Landry, pastor with Point of Life Community Church, and Stewart Holloway, pastor with First Baptist Church, Pineville, that has helped sponsor the church, recently celebrated the retirement of $50,000 in debt on the congregation’s worship center. Sixty members and guests rejoiced during a special note burning service, Sept. 7, as they celebrated the milestone during observance of the church’s 10th anniversary … [Read more...]