By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Summertime usually means less activity on a university campus but not Louisiana College, not this summer. The Pineville college is humming with activity as the school is undergoing $17 million worth of construction. Eighteen of the 23 buildings on campus are receiving new roofs, after hail from a storm last year caused extensive damage. Other work includes a number of interior upgrades between now and late 2017. LC President Rick Brewer calls the improvements on campus a miracle. “Transformation is a central theme for Louisiana College both in the classroom and in our campus facilities,” Brewer said. “The blessing we’ve received from the GuideOne insurance claim will impact the entire campus with 18 roof replacements, several interior repairs and the refurbishment of Guinn Auditorium. Indeed, this work accelerates the significant deferred maintenance facing the college.” LC contacted GuideOne insurance company for an inspection, which revealed the refurbishment would be rather costly but agreed to cover all the repairs. The first wave of construction began in late May, when Campers on Mission refurbished a fountain near Alexandria Hall administration building, formed … [Read more...]

By Message Staff LAFAYETTE – State officials have reassured Louisiana Baptists that the Cajundome will be ready for the 2016 Youth Evangelism Conference scheduled for the Lafayette facility, Nov. 20-21. A June 30 report in The Advocate created confusion among the public by stating the arena “won’t re-open for business until Dec. 1.” But apparently, the information was not correct in context of the YEC. “We have been given assurances the Cajundome will be ready prior to our event,” Louisiana Baptist Convention youth strategist Steve Maltempti said in a statement to the Baptist Message. Maltempi shared information with the Baptist Message which cleared up the misunderstanding caused by The Advocate article. “The reason you see Dec. 1st  in media reports is we don’t expect or plan to schedule basketball and, hockey games or any major concerts until Dec. 1st, or about 9 days after your event ends,” wrote one Cajundome official to Maltempi. “We have always expected and needed those 9 days to prepare the hockey rink and basketball court on top of the hockey rink in the new arena configuration for the upcoming season after your event.” This official noted that crews will continue the work, which began May 23, up until Nov. 18 and … [Read more...]

By Message Staff The Louisiana summer humidity hasn’t stopped hundreds of students from coming to the state to help rebuild homes in the name of Jesus. The youth, who are part of World Changers, have projects across the state in which they repair houses, paint the outside walls of homes, complete landscaping and build wheelchair ramps. By the time they leave, the students have made sure to put hours of sweat equity into the home and shown Jesus’ love to the homeowner. “I have noticed so much selflessness,” said World Changers spokesperson Trace Lee. “The students understand they are here to bless others and serve them the best they can.” Already this month, teams have served in Covington and Ponchatoula with Baton Rouge and New Orleans next on their list. During the first two projects, the teams have shared the gospel 130 times, gave out 21 Bibles and led eight people to Christ. But Louisiana isn’t the only recipient to World Changers as the youth are spread out all across the United States. Middle school, high school and college students are working together on similar construction projects. Established in 1990 by what today is the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board, the program was designed to … [Read more...]

By Norm Miller, Louisiana College communications PINEVILLE, La. (LCNews) - From Texas and across Louisiana, 78 students attended Louisiana College’s “Front of the Line” pre-registration event June 25. “The response is beyond encouraging,” said Dr. Brandon Bannon, vice president for Enrollment Management. “We had nearly twice as many students pre-register today as we did at last year’s event. The caliber and the character of these young people will boost LC in all the right ways.” The number of those pre-registering for the fall 2016 semester caused college officials to add classes. “We have three biology labs and three anatomy labs completely full,” said Dr. Wade Warren, professor of biology. “I can’t remember the last time that happened, if ever.” Warren said, “The word is getting out about the positive things happening at LC, and these students made the right decision to enroll with us.” Madison Schultz, a Nursing major from Houston, Texas, said, “Louisiana College was not my first choice, but I believe God has led me here. It feels like home.” Pineville resident Joshua Spurgeon came to LC “because of the Christian environment and the reputation for excellence Dr. Warren has. I also wanted to be close to home.” Spurgeon … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer WOODWORTH – Jimmy Noblit is a man on a mission, working four days a week alongside other volunteers to complete the Georgia Barnette Conference Center. From the time construction began last July, Noblit has spent most weeks at Tall Timbers helping to build a legacy that will long outlive him for generations to come. “Somebody has to do this,” said Noblit, a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria. “This will affect the lives of many children who come through here. They will be discipled and some will commit to missions. “The next person who makes a decision here may be the next Lottie Moon,” he continued. “It’s all for the Glory of God.” Since July 13, an army of Louisiana Baptist volunteers like Noblitt and others from around the U.S. have helped build the Georgia Barnette Conference Center and Missionary/Volunteer Training Center. Once complete, the center will house information about influential early-day Louisiana Baptists and become a state-of-the art training facility for the future of missions in Louisiana. The 8,400-square-foot center is to have six small group rooms and a large auditorium that can be arranged for up to 580 participants. Also included is a … [Read more...]

The first-ever marriage retreat cruise hosted by Franklin Avenue Baptist Church is fast approaching. Scheduled for Aug. 25-29, the One Love Cruise will feature dynamic marriage enrichment sessions, men's and women's breakout discussions, fun and fellowship. Registration closes 30 days before departure. For the past 26 years, the church has hosted marriage retreats. They have grown from 50 couples when they first started to more than 400 during it most recent one. Already, 300 of the 450 available cabins the church has reserved have been booked. The Carnival cruise will leave from New Orleans for Cozumel. Gary Mack Sr., pastor of Family Life at Franklin Avenue Baptist, said the theme is One Love: one man, one woman, for one lifetime. “The retreat is a great opportunity for a husband and wife to spend time learning what it takes to have a marriage that last a lifetime,” he said. “Our prayer is that couples will experience renewal, relaxation, and romance.” For further information visit fabcmarriageretreat.com, or Pastor Mack at 504.488.8488, extension 122, or at gmack@franklinabc.com. … [Read more...]