By Message Staff NEW ORLEANS – Urgent prayers have been issued by the family of newborn Lucy Rae Gaudet, who is facing multiple health problems as she continues her courageous fight at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. Gaudet, who is the daughter of Devin and Christian Gaudet, music associate at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, was born prematurely at 30 weeks Jan. 28. She has been diagnosed with serious heart problems, including a complete heart block, and Down’s syndrome. This condition is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome. Davin Gaudet has posted periodic updates on her Facebook page. She posted Feb. 3 doctors placed Lucy on antibiotics after they discovered a possible small infection. Lucy will receive an increased dose of Lasix, the medication that helps her pass fluid. “It is working as they can see in her urine output but they would like to see more,” she wrote. “Doc says they always begin with the smallest dose to see its effects on blood pressure and then move from there. They will be giving her a second round of the meds to … [Read more...]

By Norm Miller, LC News PINEVILLE (LCNews) - Concerned for the educational needs of prison inmates, Louisiana College offered a class last semester at the Pollock Federal Correctional Institution in Pollock. “The Lord spoke to my heart that these men will one day leave prison, and that Louisiana College could provide for them some hope in the form of education,” said Louisiana College President Rick Brewer. “Education is proven to reduce recidivism of former inmates.” Adjunct professor from Louisiana College Stewart Holloway - who also is pastor of the First Baptist Church, Pineville - taught the class that could lead to a certification or undergraduate degree. Holloway shared the experience in a recent Sunday sermon. “Why do I spend time every Monday and Friday at a federal prison teaching Old Testament?” Holloway asked his congregation in a Sunday sermon. “The answer is right here,” he said, holding up a note from one of his imprisoned students. Stewart had asked students what was their “greatest take-away from this class?” Then he read the note, which said: “I have seen what has been missing in my life. I have learned that there is a God. It has made me look at my life with a new outlook on it. I feel … [Read more...]