By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Former childhood television star Kirk Cameron encouraged more than 1,100 guests gathered at the CENLA Pregnancy Center’s Gift of Life Banquet to continue the fight in the pro-life movement that is gaining more and more momentum across the nation. The annual event was held at the Randolph River Front Center. “When I think of all that is going on at the CENLA Pregnancy Center, I see this whole strategy being carried out in a beautiful little microcosm right here in Alexandria and in your satellite locations,” Cameron said during the Sept. 13 event. “It’s driven by faith. The Gospel is shared. More importantly, people are coming into a relationship with God. “They are educating and talking to these young ladies about how they are made in the image of God, and these young women are learning about God’s value for families and children,” he continued. “They have an educational component for their clients and the community that is helping to liberate little babies, allowing them to live and giving all of us an opportunity to join in on what God is doing at the CENLA Pregnancy Center. “And the center, also, is involved in making people understand that … [Read more...]

By Message staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist state missions and ministry directors and entity heads rolled out the welcome mat for more than 19 new pastors and eight spouses, Sept. 12. Held at the Baptist Building in Alexandria, the event featured remarks by Louisiana Baptists 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 2020. “The strength of our cooperation rides on the back of the strength of our relationships,” Horn told the Baptist Message. “Central to that cooperation is the strength of our relationships with pastors. And, how can we have strength in those relationships with those with whom we haven’t even met? “So, our ongoing vision is to start that relationship as early as possible when a new pastor arrives for his first pastorate in Louisiana,” he continued. “The intention of this event was to open the physical front door of our convention so pastors could hear the presentations from state missions’ directors and entity leaders and also tour our facilities,” Louisiana Baptists Pastoral Ministry Team … [Read more...]