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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Life March participants brave chilly temperatures to send message: ‘love them both’

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – More than 100 CENLA Life March participants braved the chilly temperatures to proclaim their love for life as they continue to fight for the rights of the unborn. David Jeffreys, vice president of denominational and church relations with Louisiana Christian University, welcomed the crowd at the starting point of the march, Jan. 31. He thanked them for their commitment to the pro-life movement. “We have made many strides in the right to life movement through the last few years, but we have a long way to go,” said Jeffreys, who recently was elected the next president and CEO of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries. “And you being here shows commitment to that. We, as Louisiana Baptists, partner with our other brothers and sisters in Christ, to say that we love the unborn. We love the mothers and the fathers, and we are here to do and to help to everything we can to make sure those babies are taken care of and see life.” In his prayer before marchers began their 1.4-mile journey from LCU to the banks of the Red River, Jeffreys asked for God’s continued hand on the fight for life. “Lord, we just continue to pray for the state … [Read more...]

Sold-out Abide women’s conference focuses on worship

By Timothy Cockes, NOBTS communications NEW ORLEANS (NOBTS) - A sold-out crowd of more than 1,200 women gathered for the fifth annual Abide Women’s Conference at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Jan. 30-31 to explore the theme “Women of Worship.”  The conference, started by Tara Dew and the NOBTS Prepare Her team in 2021, has sold out each of its five years. This year’s event, which sold out in less than one month, drew women of all ages from 18 states and more than 150 churches. Tara Dew, wife of NOBTS President Jamie Dew, adjunct professor of ministry to women and director of New Orleans Seminary’s Thrive program, said the Abide conference is one of her favorite events of the year. "What a blessing it is to host this conference each year, allowing women to gather, learn rich theological truths, worship and fellowship with one another,” Dew said.   “The Abide Conference is truly one of my favorite weekends on campus each year, as God’s Spirit and favor is always so present with us.”  NOBTS President Jamie Dew addressed the sold-out crowd of ladies during the conference and challenged them to genuinely engage during this special event.  “I’m delighted to have you here with us,” Dew said.  “Sometimes … [Read more...]

LCU alum recognized as school administrators of the year

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Three alumni of Louisiana Christian University recently were recognized by the Rapides Parish School Board as administrators of the year for outstanding work at their schools and for the district. Ben Arrington, principal with Tioga High School, Jennifer Tyler, assistant principal of Alma Redwine Elementary School, and Sheri Dardar, assistant principal with Tioga Junior High School, were the LCU alumni receiving the honor. “LCU is proud of these award-winning administrators who are dedicated educators in Rapides Parish.  Our education undergraduate and graduate programs continue to produce students of exceptional quality,” said Vice-President of Academic Affairs Henry Robertson. BEN ARRINGTON Arrington earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education from LCU in 1999 and has worked for Rapides Parish Schools for 27 years. He has been principal at Tioga High School for three years, following seven years as an assistant principal at the school. Arrington said he was humbled and honored by his recognition and feels fortunate to have been taught by some great faculty members at LCU. “I was fortunate to learn from outstanding professors such as Dr. Simpson, Dr. … [Read more...]

DR efforts continue week after winter storm

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONROE, La. (LBM) - A week after Winter Storm Fern knocked out power to thousands and scattered debris across properties in north Louisiana, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams have been busy helping those impacted. Since Jan. 27, a feeding team from Rolling Hills Ministries in Ruston has prepared 2,200 meals, collectively, in West Monroe, Monroe and Rayville. Additionally, since Jan. 29, teams from Lake Charles, CENLA, Covington and Denham Springs (working out of McClendon Baptist Church, West Monroe) have assessed 79 homes and completed 32 of the 127 chainsaw jobs that have been requested by individuals. Louisiana teams at First Baptist Church, Schwartz, have shared the Gospel 13 times, prayed with 26 individuals, distributed six Bibles and recorded 45 showers taken on-site. Meanwhile, Arkansas Baptist DR chainsaw and feeding, Missouri laundry and Texas shower teams are working out of First Baptist Church, Delhi, while Arkansas chainsaw and shower teams are stationed at Providence Church (non-denominational), Lake Providence. Louisiana Baptist DR Associate/Volunteer Mobilizer Mark Morelock asked for continued prayers as teams continue to pick up the pieces and … [Read more...]