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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Edwards extends modified Phase 2 for at least three more weeks

By Baptist Message staff BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana will remain in a modified version Phase 2 for at least three more weeks, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said on Tuesday, Feb. 9. The current phase was set to expire Wednesday, Feb. 10, but now will be extended for another 21 days. During his news conference, Edwards said while the state has seen COVID-19 rates dropping which is a positive, the possibility of another surge in cases associated with the new U.K. variant of the virus and the approaching Mardi Gras holiday has caused some concern by state health officials. “There has been some progress over the last month or so,” he said. “And we are very, very thankful for that. The fact of the matter is the baseline numbers remain very high and concerning.” He asked Louisianans to continue wearing masks, observe proper social distancing measures and avoid social gatherings. “I am very hopeful when we next announce the new proclamation that we will be able to ease some restrictions if we continue on the path that we currently are,” he said. “So I encourage people to do your part. Be a good neighbor.” Under the order that is in effect until March 3, attendance at churches will continue to be limited to 75 … [Read more...]

Pineville student wins Louisiana College’s Smith Scholarship

By Staff PINEVILLE, La. – Pineville senior Leanna Lanford won Louisiana College’s prestigious Smith Scholarship competition Jan. 30. The Pineville High senior won over 14 other competitors a scholarship that covers tuition, books and room and board. Lanford noted that she leaned on her faith when she was diagnosed with an autonomic nervous system disorder about a year-and-a-half ago. “Throughout my high school career, I knew that LC was the place I wanted to go because I wanted to grow in that faith,” Lanford said in her acceptance speech. “And I wanted to learn more about my condition, which is why I am studying in pre-med and going to become a pediatric cardiology to help kids just like myself.” Lanford, whose parents are graduates of Louisiana College, plans on studying pre-med as she pursues a calling as a pediatric cardiologist. She will attend LC with her twin brother, Ethan. “We are very thankful for the students who honored us by entering the competition,” LC President Rick Brewer said. “We are especially honored that Leanna has heard and answered God’s calling and wants to begin preparing for her call at Louisiana College.” The Smith Scholarship began in the 1970s after Tom and Beverly Dunham began an … [Read more...]

Ray Swift named director of pastoral leadership for Louisiana Baptists

By John Kyle, Louisiana Baptist communications director ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) -- Ray Swift accepted the invitation of Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn to become the director of pastoral leadership for Louisiana Baptists. Swift, who currently serves as the administrative pastor for the First Baptist Church in Lafayette, will assume his new role on March 1, 2021. “Ray has a broad experience in ministry including serving as a senior pastor and a bi-vocational minister,” said Horn. “I’m certain Ray will be a tremendous asset to Louisiana Baptist pastors.” Swift fills a position vacated by the retirement of the late Bill Robertson in December of 2019. During a specially called meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board Administrative Committee, Horn shared he immediately began the search for Robertson’s successor upon his retirement but when the pandemic hit, he was hesitant to proceed due to travel restrictions and potential budget implications. Horn said although he was not “pressing the gas pedal” in searching for a new director, he also had not been sitting idly by. “As the year progressed and I saw the Lord’s provision through His churches, I felt it was time to move forward in … [Read more...]