By Staff, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – The first chapel of the 2022-2023 school year on Tuesday, Aug. 26, proved to be a busy one as the school welcomed its 2026 freshman class and honored former and present athletes and their accomplishments. Besides university officials recognizing the athletic accomplishments, including three athletes named as ‘Pillars of Football,’ LCU introduced the establishment of three new athletic awards, named after former LCU alumni standouts, announced the promotion of current athletic director/basketball coach Reni Mason to vice-president of intercollegiate athletics, and named current LCU quarterback Sal Palermo III as ‘President for a Day.’ RING CEREMONY LCU President Rick Brewer and new women’s soccer coach Kendall Ayers awarded the Lady Wildcats soccer team with their 2021 Red River Athletic Conference championship rings. The team won the regular season and tournament and qualified for the national tournament, a first in school history. Martina Terra Garcia became the program’s first to receive All-America honors as she was an honorable mention selection. “You all have set a standard for the other programs to live up to for all the positive attention you have brought this … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer KENNER, La. (LBM) – In Kenner, New Hope Community Church are bringing the light of Jesus to a community still recovering from Hurricane Ida and COVD-19. According to Pastor Mark Mitchell, the church has served more than 2,200 people since March 2020. Whether they are feeding the community, mentoring school children or conducting sports camps, the Gospel is being shared and souls are being saved. “We engage the community with the Gospel of Christ,” Mitchell told the Baptist Message. “When He calls us, it’s an opportunity on mission with Him. No matter what opposition we may face, God helps us overcome.” Among its most difficult trials the church faced was in late 2021, when Hurricane Ida damaged their facilities and caused a reduction in its membership from 250 to 125. Still, the church pressed on and continued pouring into its community. Some of their ministry efforts have included holding men’s and women’s Bible studies to help raise godly leaders, hosting “front yard” Bible clubs and “adopting” multiple schools to build relationships with the students, teachers and parents. By early January, the church hopes to complete renovations to its facilities as they … [Read more...]