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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

STUDY: Louisiana College ranked among the best in the state, nation

By Will Hall, Message Executive Eidtor PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) — A Louisiana College bachelor’s degree is one of the best investments of tuition paid in the state, according to research conducted by Georgetown University. Comparing earnings at the 10-year point to the debt held for the degree earned, this collegiate ministry of Louisiana Baptists ranked second in the state among the 22 four-year colleges and universities that offer more than an associate’s degree or certificates. Among the eight private nonprofit schools against which it competes, Louisiana College ranked first on this metric. Meanwhile, the Town Talk, a public newspaper in Alexandria, citing christianuniversitiesonline.org, reported that Louisiana College “is the fourth most affordable Christian college in the South, North and Midwest.” In comments about the Georgetown University study rankings, Louisiana College President Rick Brewer told the Town Talk he is committed to doing even more to make Louisiana College “affordable and accessible, especially for those who value a liberal arts education built upon a biblical worldview.” “The more affordable and accessible our undergraduate programs are,” he continued, “the more likely the opportunities our … [Read more...]

Louisiana Notables

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 Eric, wife Cindy and family, Sonnier is the new pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Jennings. Kevin, wife Penny, Paul is the new associate pastor at His Church, Pineville. REVIVAL First Baptist Church, Keithville: Harvest Sunday, February 2, Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: Mike Stowell. New Bethlehem Baptist Church, Denham Springs: Revival, February 16-19, Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: Randall Gill. LAGNIAPPE Esler Baptist Church in Pineville, is a mission-driven church seeking a youth minister who is passionate, driven, hard-working and is willing to share the Gospel and win souls. If interested, email a résumé at ptimot4@gmail.com or contact Pastor Joshua Timothy at 318.308.2748. Man Up! Conference 2020, January 31, 6 p.m. at the Ruston Civic Center. Guest Speaker: Bernie Carbo, … [Read more...]

Iraqi Christians suffer

By Joni B. Hanigan, Special to the Message *Name changed for security purposes. BAGHDAD, Iraq (LBM) --*Pastor Amed knew when the sharp cracking sounds of bullets striking cement and metal turned into even louder explosions, tensions simmering in Baghdad for over a month had reached the boiling point. Black smoke rising from the Green Zone and shouting and cheering in the streets meant either the Iran-backed militias were pushing against the continued American presence in Iraq -- or Iraqi Security Forces were again attacking protestors critical of Iran’s influence in Iraq’s government. Later, he learned the explosions were part of Iran’s response to the killing of Qasem Soleimani, a major general who commanded the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps division that has targeted U.S. troops and U.S. allies. Communicating through a social media link, Amed said the situation is very tense and he and his family must remain inside their home at all times. “We don’t know what will happen,” he said. “We thank our God for everything,” he said. “We believe our God will protect us.” In Iraq, where an estimated 200,000 Christians remain as compared to the 1.3 million who resided there in 2003, there is a lot … [Read more...]

Christianity’s explosive growth Iran’s biggest fear

By Joni B. Hanigan, Special to the Message *Name changed for security purposes. TEHRAN, Iran (LBM)—A mix of protestors in Iran’s streets the last few weeks, some demonstrating against America and others condemning Iran’s leaders, has obscured what could be an even greater newsworthy event in recent history than political unrest or military action – the explosive growth of Christianity in the country during the past several years. A YOUTH MOVEMENT The Christian population in Iran is “flourishing” according to *Pastor Sam who has traveled in the country extensively and now works with Iranian immigrants to America. He did not offer a numerical description of the spiritual movement, but various nongovernmental organizations and ministry groups have pegged the size of Christianity as between 500,000 and 1 million adherents, with one estimate as high as 3 million converts, and another as low as 300,000. These competing figures compare to the presence of a mere 500 Christians in the country in 1979 when religious hardliners overthrew the 2,500-year-old monarchy form of government in order to establish an Islamic republic in its place. According to ministry experts, the growth of Christianity among Iranians appears to … [Read more...]

Olive tree parenting

By Lane Corley Olive trees produce one of the most desired and sought after fruits around the world. The trees can live for thousands of years. The olive and the olive tree is spoke of in the Bible on numerous occasions. Including a few references to family life, like in Psalms 128:3 – “Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table.” What can olive trees teach us about raising children? Four lessons from the Olive tree: Olive trees are symbols of peace, happiness and health. In Genesis 8:11, we see that after the flood, all was pronounced well when the dove brought an olive branch back to Noah. This was a welcomed and joyous sight. The birth and growth of our children bring similar joy to our hearts. New life, new milestones make us grateful for God’s gift to us. Olive trees may not bear fruit for 12-15 years and may not be fully mature for 20-50 years. Just like children, olive trees take some time to develop and mature. For the parent, this is a reminder to be patient. Don’t expect perfection and fruitfulness from a developing tree. They will make mistakes. They will mess up. God’s promise is that He can use even their mess ups and ours for their good in the end. … [Read more...]

Special screening of “I Still Believe” set at FBC Lafayette Jan. 27

By Message Staff LAFAYETTE, La. (LBM) – A special screening of the highly anticipated movie “I Still Believe” will be shown following the Monday, January 27 session of the Louisiana Baptist Evangelism Conference at First Baptist Church in Lafayette. The free screening will take place in the Fellowship Hall, Louisiana Baptists Communication Director John Kyle told the Baptist Message. Refreshments will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the First Baptist Christian School. According to the movie website, the film chronicles the true story of Christian contemporary artist Jeremy Camp and his journey of love and loss. Camp’s first wife, Melissa, died Feb. 1, 2001, from ovarian cancer. The two had been married less than four months. “I Still Believe” was written and produced by Andrew and Jon Erwin, who also created such films as “I Can Only Imagine” and “Woodlawn.” Seventeen magazine recently voted the film as the most romantic movie of 2020. … [Read more...]