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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Suspected arson reported at Istrouma Baptist

By Baptist Message staff BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – An arson investigation is underway after security camera footage showed suspicious activity at Istrouma Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, early Monday morning, April 18. “We are grateful for God’s protection over our people and facilities and thankful for our first responders,” Pastor Micah Cating wrote in a statement. Firefighters were called to the church at 7:28 a.m. Monday, the Baton Rouge Advocate reported. By that time, the fire had long been out. Arson investigators are searching for the subject. According to WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, the surveillance footage captured an individual wearing a mask and gloves walking up to the building. A few moments later a flash occurred. No damage was reported to the building. Cating said the church continues to work with investigators. Anyone with information on the incident should contact fire investigators at 225.389.2050. … [Read more...]

NOBTS and LCU announce historical partnership involving M.Div., MBA, and MSW degrees

By Gary D. Myers, NOBTS communications NEW ORLEANS, La. (NOBTS) – Officials from Louisiana Christian University (LCU) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) signed a historical partnership agreement April 13. The partnership re-affirms transfer options for LCU graduates who study in the NOBTS Accelerated Master of Divinity program (M.Div.) established in 2019. The new agreement offers NOBTS students the opportunity to transfer credits toward the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees. The partnership will expand the training options available for God-called men and women in Louisiana and help students save time and money. Rick Brewer, president of LCU, and Jamie Dew, president of NOBTS, signed the agreement on the NOBTS campus in conjunction with the seminary Spring trustee meeting. “We are very excited about the leadership of Dr. Brewer, and we are so grateful to have Louisiana Christian University as a partner,” Dew said. “We are trying to do everything we can to make the pathways to ministry more efficient, for the Kingdom.” Brewer said he wants LCU to stand with partners who proclaim “thus sayeth the Lord” like NOBTS. He sees the expanded partnership as a … [Read more...]

LCU recognizes outstanding students, faculty at Honors Convocation

PINEVILLE, La. (LCUNews) – Students in academics and athletics were recognized at Louisiana Christian University’s 61st annual honors convocation April 14. Additionally, two faculty members were recognized with endowed professorships. English professor Julie Driessen received The McCormick-Huie Professorship in English and Journalism and Nicholas Maricle, assistant professor of Missions and Ministries, received the Lyndon E. Dawson, Sr., Professorship in Religion. Student awards are listed below by department: Art Central Louisiana Ad Club Scholarship Award: Nathaniel Madrid, Alexandria Grady Harper Scholarship Award: Jocelyn Holt, Salinas, California Thilo Steinschulte Scholarship Award: Sarah Brooks, Baytown, Maryland Athletics NAIA Student Athlete Award : Kae’ron Baker, Navasota, Texas & Kayla Dauthier, Jarreau Business ACBSP Student Leadership Award: Agigail Shields, Deville Central Louisiana Chapter of Society of Louisiana CPAs Round Robin Interview Scholarship: Adam Hair, Sulphur Outstanding Graduating Senior in Business: Administration : Adam Hair, Sulphur Outstanding Junior in Business Administration: Ting Jiang, Eunice & Salvador Palermo, Walker Society of LA CPAs … [Read more...]

NOBTS trustees approve $12 million campus renovation plan, rename student center in honor of Fred Luter

By Gary D. Myers, NOBTS communications NEW ORLEANS, La. (NOBTS) – The board of trustees at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College approved a $12 million plan to make critical campus renovations including updates to student housing, the cafeteria and the student center during their spring meeting April 12 and 13. In addition, the board voted to rename the student center in honor of Fred Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans. The renewed cafeteria will be named in memory of Landrum P. Leavell II. Jamie Dew, president of NOBTS and Leavell College, shared the news of the student center naming with Fred Luter and the members of FABC on Easter Sunday. “Proverbs chapter three verse number 27 says this ‘Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do so,” Dew said during the naming announcement. “Pastor Luter you are clearly a man to whom honor is due and it is within our power to do so.” The newly renamed Fred Luter Jr. Student Center interior restoration is nearing completion after more than a year of work. Trustees also approved much-needed exterior upgrades to the student center to beautify the campus entrance and improve the center's … [Read more...]