By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – The Louisiana State University Baptist Collegiate Ministry has implemented a “Meals to Go” program that provides international students with rice, noodles, cans of vegetables, cans of canned meat, peanut butter, jelly and snacks, to help them during the COVID-19 ordeal. “There are over a million international students attending colleges and universities in the US, including 1,500 at LSU, and many were unable to go home, are stuck in their apartments and are facing financial hardships,” BCM Director Steve Masters told the Baptist Message. “We feel like we should try to help them and are asking other people to join us. We are providing them with food.” The effort began when an international student texted Masters with a plea for help. While the BCM did not have funding to assist individual students, Masters found money to place in an envelope that was picked up eight minutes later outside the BCM building. Masters, his wife, Pam, Associate Director Haley Spell and Baptist Association of Greater Baton Rouge Director of Missions Tommy Middleton then came up with a plan. Since the effort began on April 7, the feedback has been overwhelmingly … [Read more...]

By Norm Miller, LCNews PINEVILLE, La. (LCNews)--Responding to pandemic-induced financial strains, Louisiana College will offer free tuition to eligible, incoming freshmen through its newly established Governor Jimmie Davis Scholarship. Louisiana College’s President Dr. Rick Brewer made the announcement on KALB-TV’s Good Day Cenla morning program, April 13. “We recognize the Coronavirus impact has curtailed and even stopped certain activities in our state,” Brewer said in an interview prior to the show. “But we do not intend to stop offering the quality liberal arts education that has typified the College since 1906.” Travel restrictions and social distancing advisories prompted Louisiana College to shift its curricula to online, remote learning on March 30 – a move facilitated by a $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Brewer told Good Day Cenla host Mark Hamblen the pandemic accentuates the need “to make a college education accessible and affordable” for families especially in these challenging times. Named in honor of two-time governor of Louisiana, the Governor Jimmie Davis Scholarship honors “our emblematic, most famous alum,” Brewer said. Davis completed his undergraduate degree at … [Read more...]

By Will Hall, Message, executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM)—The Baptist Message has suspended print operations until the state lifts the stay-at-home order that is creating an economic strain on individuals and churches. The decision, announced by Executive Editor Will Hall, was supported by the officers of the Baptist Message trustee board. All subscriptions will be honored by extending the dates of each equal to the length of the suspension of the print edition. Online operations will continue, www.BaptistMessage.com, with updates during the day as news happens. Subscribers may contact Hall regarding any questions or to offer comments, by phone, (318) 449-4348, or by email, Will@BaptistMessage.com. … [Read more...]

By LCNews PINEVILLE, La. (LCNews)--These are difficult days for families, businesses, schools, and churches. And Louisiana College has adjusted to meet the challenges. “Louisiana College’s administration, faculty, staff, and students face similar situations as everyone else, and we have employed good sense while praying for God’s wisdom in navigating these waters,” said Louisiana College President Dr. Rick Brewer. “Our people have worked tirelessly to safeguard the health and well-being of our campus family, and my hat is off to all of them,” Brewer said. “Most students have returned home, and only necessary staff remain on campus. Other staff members are teleworking.” In coping with what some are calling the new normal, Brewer summarized in a letter to Louisiana College faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders the measures enacted in response to COVID-19. “Rest assured, Louisiana College remains open. We also remain open-minded in looking for ways to enhance current efforts or add new ones,” Brewer said. Louisiana College postponed its May 9 Commencement to August 8. Other actions include: STUDENT HEALTH On March 30, LC launched Campus.Health, which offers free medical and mental telehealth visits for … [Read more...]