By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer TOCCOA, Ga. (LBM) - The 2020 GO TELL Camp almost did not happen for two Louisiana Baptist churches, but divine intervention provided a way for the students to experience a mighty movement of God. Like many others around the country, churches who planned on participating in the annual camp organized by GO TELL Ministries faced novel coronavirus pandemic-related challenges. While some opted not to attend, Spring Creek Baptist Church in Kentwood and First Baptist Church in Houma were among seven churches who attended the camp June 25-29 at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center in Toccoa, Ga. Spring Creek brought 42 students and 16 adults and First Houma brought 14 students and four adults. By the end of the week, Spring Creek Baptist reported four professions of faith, 19 restorations of fellowship with the Lord and one commitment to Christian vocational ministry. First Houma’s students indicated a number of decisions for personal spiritual renewal. “We are very grateful to GO TELL founder Rick Gage and his camp staff. They could have pulled the plug but they made the decision to make it happen,” Spring Creek student minister Eric Latham told the Baptist Message. “That’s … [Read more...]

By LCNews staff PINEVILLE, La. (LCNews) – Louisiana College has become the sole owner of the Louisiana Athletic Club’s two locations in Pineville and Alexandria. According to a memo from CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital CEO Chris Karam, the organization made the decision this month to withdraw its ownership of the athletic clubs due to the financial challenges caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic. They also re-evaluated their focus on what the organization could best provide the community. “Customer service has been central to the mission of the LAC, and that will remain of utmost importance,” said Louisiana College President Rick Brewer. “LC and CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini have similar missions, which makes for a great partnership. We look forward to the opportunity to provide health and fitness services to our community.” With the change in ownership comes a new manager, Ronnie Schwartz. Schwartz, who has been a personal trainer in the area for 24 years, has served on the staff at LAC since May 2005, including the last 13 years as fitness manager. A member of Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, Schwartz serves as worship assistant and has worked with the youth for many years. “We have added … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – The Champions Camp for individuals with special needs has been cancelled because of novel coronavirus pandemic concerns. Originally scheduled for June 11-13, the start of the camp was pushed to Sept. 18-20. Concerns over health issues of the campers forced the camp’s cancellation. “This is such a special camp that fills a great need that we did everything we could to try and make it happen in 2020,” David Anderson, children’s ministry strategist for Louisiana Baptists, told the Baptist Message. “Instead of just cancelling it this summer we chose to postpone it, hoping that things would look much better in September. “At this point, however, we are not where we feel comfortable moving forward with the plans for Champion’s Camp,” he continued. “So many of our campers deal with so many various and unique health issues that we do not feel that we can take that risk of exposure at this time. We want to be clear though in that Champion’s Camp will be back in 2021 stronger than ever.” Anderson said next year’s camp is scheduled for June 10-12.   … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – Gov. John Bel Edwards announced at a Tuesday afternoon press conference that Louisiana will remain in Phase Two of reopening the state for at least two more weeks, Citing a continued increase in novel coronavirus related cases and hospitalizations, Edwards said the decision was necessary to keep the state in Phase Two until at least Aug. 7. Phase Two was set to expire Friday, July 23. Edwards said as the number rose to No. 2 per capita in COVID cases in the state behind only New York. Louisiana's hospitalizations also continue to rise, as has the percentage of coronavirus tests coming back positive. All restrictions issued under the current phase will remain in place. This includes: --a 50 percent capacity restriction for businesses and churches --a statewide mask mandate for anyone eight years or older or with a major health condition --limitations of bars to curbside food service only --and a reduction of indoor social gatherings to 50 people. Louisiana Baptists’ Executive Director Steve Horn told the Baptist Message he was not surprised by Edwards’ decision to keep the state in Phase Two. “Gov. Edwards has indicated from the beginning that he … [Read more...]