By Norm Miller, Message correspondent PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) - In 1993, Samaritan’s Purse launched Operation Christmas Child, and since 1993, Mary Deen has filled shoeboxes with gifts and grooming items to be sent to children around the world. “I can’t look at any box without thinking of the children,” she said. “I packed boxes with my own children to teach them to give, because some children never receive a gift of any kind. Now, some of my grandchildren are packing boxes. We can’t take the boxes to the children in faraway places, other people do that for us. I like to call it ‘missionary in a box.’” For the last five years, Deen has been the regional media spokesperson for OCC.  She attends Journey Church in Pineville, where she is the shoebox project leader. In 2009, OCC began including a 12-week discipleship course option called “The Greatest Journey.” Trained event leaders share the Gospel when children receive a gift box. Children who choose to follow Jesus are offered the opportunity to complete the study. The course equips them to become faithful followers of Christ and teaches them how to share their faith. More than 26.5 million children have enrolled in this course. Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes have … [Read more...]

By Wildcats Media PINEVILLE, La. (Wildcats Media) – LC Opera will open its 2021-22 season Nov. 4 with the comedy “Die Fledermaus.” The opera runs nightly at 7 p.m., Nov. 4-6 and Nov. 11-13. Set in 1899 at a New Year’s Eve ball in Vienna, Italy, “Die Fledermaus” begins with a celebration that ends “in a twisted turn of events.” The opera is co-directed by LC Professor of Music Kate Rawls and Artistic Director of Theatre Louisiana College Tabitha Huffman. LC Director of Bands Josh Davis will conduct a 14-piece orchestra. Tickets are $5 for LC students, faculty, and staff; $12 for senior citizens and non-LC students; and $15 for others. A rate of $10 is available for groups of 10 or more. For additional information on ticket purchases, call 318.613.4064 or visit the LC Opera website. … [Read more...]