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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Cotton Bowl: Tulane’s Anderson gives God the victory

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer NEW ORLEANS (LBM) – Typically, Nick Anderson is a vocal presence on gridiron as an all-conference linebacker for the Tulane Green Wave, but he was at a loss for words as he looked across AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, following a comeback win in the 2023 Cot[1]ton Bowl. Anderson registered five tackles as Tulane, the number 16 team in the nation, erased a 15-point deficit in fewer than five minutes to pull off a 46-45 upset of the 10th-ranked University of Southern California. According to the Athletic website, over the past five years, Football Bowl Subdivision teams were just 1-1,692 when trailing by 15 points with five minutes to play. A native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Anderson played four seasons at Tulane. During that time, he amassed 283 tackles, 10.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. “God has always been the head of my life and my journey,” Anderson, who turned to Christ when he was five years old, told the Baptist Message. “My career has been through many trials and tribulations, but He has always shown true to his Word in covering me every step of the way. I’m blessed to be in this position and blessed to have been used as a vessel to help guide this team to a … [Read more...]

Westview sees spiritual revival among students

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer DERIDDER, La. (LBM) – A spiritual awakening is gaining momentum among the students at Westview Baptist Church. Since November 2021, 17 students have decided to follow Christ at the Deridder congregation. Seven of those have been baptized since Sept. 18, 2022, and another seven are awaiting baptism in a church that averages 115 in Sunday worship. Most of the decisions took place at a 2022 summer camp held at the Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center in Woodworth and at the 2021 Youth Evangelism Celebration in Alexandria. “Our church is seeing a revival because of our students,” Pastor Jason Hoychick told the Baptist Message. “They are inviting their friends and some of them, along with their families, are getting saved. It’s creating an excitement in our congregation, who are experiencing first-hand that if you witness to your friends and invite them to come, you can reach many for Christ.” Meanwhile a renewed emphasis on discipleship is helping students grow deeper in their relationships with Jesus. Hoychick said the primary vehicle for discipleship has been a Wednesday night Bible study. However, he added that students have grown through other opportunities such … [Read more...]