By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer EUNICE – Standing before a room full of 400 students inside the Acadian Baptist Center gymnasium, Brad Lewter issued a challenge during the final moments of Camp Fuego to shine a light in their hometown and school. “Things that make you more like Jesus, give yourself over to those things,” said Lewter, camp pastor for the week. “What will flow out of that is a love for your neighbor, for your classmates. Find that person who doesn’t have a lot of friends and be that light.” Lewter’s message during Middle School Week at Acadian Baptist Center came on the heels of a six-week run there for Camp Fuego. Camp director Jeff Luce estimates about 2,500 middle and high school students attended one of five camps and another 200 came to the children’s camp. Since the camp, now in its 20th year, moved to Acadian Baptist Center in 2011, it has grown by leaps and bounds from its first year, when 250 students attended. This year, 80 campers made a first-time decision to follow Christ, 70 rededicated their life to Christ and 62 surrendered to Christian ministry. Luce said the investment by the massive volunteer staff helps build an atmosphere where campers are willing to open up to them … [Read more...]

EUNICE – Since becoming a camp in 1975, Acadian Baptist Center has experienced significant changes, both physically and spiritually. During its first year of operation, 3,000 people attended its events and three full-time people were on staff. This year, Camp Director James Newsom estimates attendance to be around 13,000 and its staff made up of six full-time, 25 part-time and many volunteers. Gone are the days when camping was limited to mainly staying in tents or bunk houses. Amenities at its camp now include a motel and cabins. The spiritual impact, Newsom said, has been even more significant. A total of 7,114 have accepted Christ as their personal Savior, 5,886 have recommitted their lives to Him and 581 have surrendered to full-time ministry. "It’s amazing what’s God’s done," he said. "It’s been a God thing.”   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p88DXm70jx0 … [Read more...]

By Message Staff BOSSIER CITY – Award-winning Christian music artist Big Daddy Weave is coming to First Baptist Church Bossier City Aug. 17 for its “Set Free Tour.” Scheduled for 7 p.m., the concert will feature the band that has recorded such No. 1 singles at “My Story” and “Redeemed.” The highly-decorated band which was formed in 2002 has received Dove Awards, K-LOVE Fan Awards, Billboard Music Awards and ASCAP Awards. “First Bossier is really excited to host Big Daddy Weave in concert in August,” said Pastor Brad Jurkovich. “We love seeing so many from around the Ark-La-Tex attend these concerts we host and we pray thousands will be encouraged with the hope of Jesus.” Tickets for the concert range from $15 for groups of four or more to $50 for a VIP pass that includes a post-show meet and greet with the band. Also featured during the tour are Micah Tyler and We Are Messengers. For more information, go to https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1493560. … [Read more...]