By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA/PINEVILLE – More than 400 middle and high school students stepped out of their comfort zones to share the Gospel during the recent M-FUGE mission camp. Throughout the week of July 9-14, Good News seeds were planted by the students by going door-to-door and holding Bible clubs in area parks. The students from churches in Louisiana and six other states enjoyed a time of worship and Bible study at Louisiana College in Pineville each morning and then dispersed into smaller teams as they worked at their assigned sites. Some students presented the Gospel in the afternoons to community members while others sorted through donated clothing, renovated a church building and packed boxes at the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. “For the second year, Louisiana College was pleased to partner with Lifeway’s M-FUGE serving as a host site for over 400 high school students,” LC President Rick Brewer told the Baptist Message. “These students from SBC churches across Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee and Louisiana had a transformational worship and work experience while in Central Louisiana. It’s our desire to expand this partnership with LifeWay to offer four weeks of M-FUGE … [Read more...]

By Message Staff CENTRAL LOUISIANA – Visiting America always seemed like an out of reach dream for South Korean teenager Phillip Lee. But Lee was finally given that opportunity when his family signed him up to attend Camp USA on July 14-29. “This camp [which takes place around Central Louisiana and Ponchatoula] is allowing me a chance to explore what the United States has to offer and do a lot of things I had only seen in videos,” Lee said. “The Louisiana people have shown us much hospitality and we always will remember our time here with them.” A partnership of REACH Missions and the Korea Baptist Church Development Board, the camp involves more than 25 churches in Cenla Baptist Association (formerly Central and North Rapides associations) and First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula. The children participate in a Vacation Bible School and experience Louisiana culture during their time at Camp USA. The children participate in a Vacation Bible School, swimming, English classes and fishing at area churches and campsites. They also visit various sites unique to Louisiana. During their time in the state, each camper is assigned a host family. This allows the Koreans and Americans to interact with one another in a … [Read more...]

By Message Staff CENTRAL LOUISIANA – If the church is unable to do international missions, bring international missions to the church. And for two weeks annually in mid-to-late July, Camp USA provides churches in Central Louisiana and Ponchatoula the opportunity to experience international missions without ever having to leave the state. Thirty South Korean children have joined with a large group of American children for a week-long Vacation Bible School as part of a partnership of REACH Missions and the Korea Baptist Church Development Board. Alpine First Baptist Church is hosting this year’s VBS July 16-20. Now in its 13th year, Camp USA involves more than 25 churches in the Cenla Baptist Association (formerly the Central and North Rapides associations) and First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula. “Our kids always look forward to it because it’s like having an international mission trip right here at Alpine,” said Lucas LaCour, pastor of Alpine First Baptist. “Our church loves to do outreach and this is a different way to accomplish it. “I love seeing the numerous volunteers and having an opportunity to get to know them throughout the week,” he continued. “It’s neat to see churches unified for a common … [Read more...]