By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer COTTON VALLEY, La. (LBM) – The 10 active members of Cornerstone Baptist Church were finalizing plans to close in late 2019, meeting with Webster-Claiborne Baptist Association Director of Missions Randy Hales to share their desire that the property would continue to be used for ministry after they disbanded. For several months the association, which was given ownership of the campus, resisted offers to sell the facility, believing God would provide a church to continue ministry efforts at the former Cornerstone Baptist site. Then in July, Unity Baptist Church in Cotton Valley approached Hales with the idea of using the assets as a community ministry hub. Two months later, the location was brought back to life. Since Unity Baptist launched the ministry center in September, they have hosted a prayer gathering, organized two food distribution events and invited an African-American congregation, formerly affiliated with the Methodist Church, to meet in the facility every Sunday. Gene Gibson, pastor of Unity Baptist, said the community of 1,000 has embraced the effort. “The community absolutely loves this,” he said. “They have stopped by the church office to ask when the next food … [Read more...]

By Staff, Wildcats media PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) -- Louisiana College has been named a Top 30 Christian College by BestValueSchools.org, a research and resource group committed to helping prospective students and families find the best colleges and universities that meet their educational needs and maximize the student experience. Louisiana College President Rick Brewer said he is pleased for the college to be recognized nationally by BestValueSchools.org. “The Best Value School ranking validates the efforts of LC’s world-class faculty, students and staff,” he said. “We are grateful for this ranking as it demonstrates our commitment to Christ-centered academic excellence, our affordability, our diversity, and our unparalleled commitment to teaching." Brewer praised the faculty and staff for this prestigious ranking. “It is a privilege to serve alongside so many wonderful colleagues and to serve the student body of Louisiana College as we achieve our mission together of preparing graduates and delivering a transformational Christian higher education experience,” he said. BestValueSchools.org uses tuition costs, graduation rates, student-to-faculty rations, and other statistics from the U.S. Department of Education as … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer BOSSIER CITY, La. (LBM) – Pastors and congregation members will ask God to intervene for a nation facing uncertain times during the Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association’s sixth annual “Call to Prayer” Jan. 31, 6 p.m., at Airline Baptist Church, Bossier City. “Our churches will come together to ask God to create in me a clean heart, create in us a holy church, create in civil authorities righteousness and integrity, and create healing in those who are broken & hurting,” Director of Missions Lane Moore told the Baptist Message. Additionally, the Call to Prayer will include a special emphasis on health care workers. A nurse and physician from Willis-Knighton Health System in Shreveport/Bossier City will share words of appreciation to the association, and participants will have an opportunity to express their gratitude for the dedication and hard work of health care workers throughout COVID-19. While COVID-19 restrictions will prevent participants from gathering in small groups around the worship center, Moore said the spirit of prayer will be the same as previous Call to Prayer events. “We have so much to pray for in this current time in which we live,” Moore said. “Lord … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer MONROE, La. (LBM) – Matthew Hurst was a long-time skeptic of Christianity with little desire to follow the ways of the Lord when he met his roommate, Jonathan Jenkins, in August. Soon afterward, the two University of Louisiana-Monroe students developed a friendship that God used to soften Hurst’s heart to the Gospel. Through a series of spiritual conversations, Jenkins, a member of the Well Church in Monroe, answered Hurst’s questions about Jesus, causing Hurst to become a fully devoted follower of Christ. Hurst, along with three other new converts, shared about their transformations during a special baptism/one-year anniversary service attended by 51 people at the Well Church Jan. 3. “Seeing Jonathan’s passion, strength and faith in Christ along with answering all the questions reopened my eyes,” Hurst told the Baptist Message. “It lit a fire in me, and I started reading the Bible every morning and became motivated to learn who God truly is. “It was actually a little nerve racking to be baptized because of everybody watching, but easy at the same time because they were all excited for me,” Hurst said. “All glory goes to God in that moment of going in the water and coming … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer SHREVEPORT, La. (LBM) – Churches throughout the state are encouraged to pray for the youth expected to attend the upcoming Student Night set for the evening prior to the upcoming Louisiana Baptist Convention Evangelism Conference’s first session. Student Night, scheduled for 6 p.m., Jan. 24, at Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, will feature an encouraging message by evangelist Luke Hockenjos and music by the Jason Lovins Band. Hockenjos will share about how Jesus set him free from a lifestyle of alcohol and drug abuse and suicidal thoughts. He is a member of First Baptist Church in Haughton and founder of Give ‘em Jesus evangelistic ministry. Brandon Lewis, youth ministry strategist for Louisiana Baptists, said social distancing will be observed to ensure safety of participants. “We are really excited about Student Night at ECON and hope that shifting to Sunday evening will make it easier for area youth groups to attend,” Lewis told the Baptist Message. “It will be a great opportunity for students to invite their friends to an event where the Gospel will be shared clearly.” ECON will take place Jan. 25-26 at Summer Grove Baptist Church and will feature messages by … [Read more...]

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event. ON THE MOVE John McCatherty is the interim pastor at Ferry Lake Baptist Church, Oil City. REVIVAL First Baptist Church, Homer: Revival, January 17-20, 6:30 p.m. Evangelist: Bill Britt. Worship: WeRCalled. Pastor: Brian Thurman. Emmanuel Baptist Church, Shreveport: Harvest Day, January 24. Evangelist: Sam Moore. Pastor: Chad Harbarger. First Baptist Church, Keithville: Harvest Sunday, January 24, 10:15 a.m. Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: Mike Stowell. First Baptist Church, Starks: One Day Revival Event; January 31, 11:15 a.m. Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: Ron Butler. Goodwill Baptist Church, Oak Grove: Revival, February-7-10. Evangelist/Worship: Mackey Willis Family. Pastor: Lucas House. Sweetwater Baptist Church, Quitman: Revival, February 28-March 3. Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: Wilton … [Read more...]