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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Sheriffs to public: Daryl Stagg is ‘off the street’

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor COLFAX, La. (LBM) – During a live streamed press conference, June 12, Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain urged anyone who has any knowledge of crimes by, or has been victimized by Daryl Stagg, a former Louisiana Baptist associational mission strategist, to report it. “We are concerned that there are other children that have been hurt,” McCain shared. “So, our message this morning is: ‘You’re safe. Mr. Stagg is in jail.’” The contact website is www.GrantSO.org, and the phone number is (318) 627-2010. McCain indicated that the investigation was sweeping and involved Rapides, Grant and Union Parishes in Louisiana, and Kenosha County in Wisconsin. “If you’ve been hurt by Daryl Stagg, if you get in touch with us, we will do the rest,” he promised. McCain said his office was contacted about three weeks ago by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office about “some young children that had been raped.” The investigation grew to involve the four sheriffs’ offices that are now engaged in the matter and led to Stagg’s arrest in Grant Parish on the morning of June 8. CHARGES McCain restated the charges that have been filed in Grant Parish against Stagg: three counts of first-degree rape, three … [Read more...]

LCU students to participate in Adopt-a-Street clean-up

By Elizabeth Clark, LCUNews PINEVILLE, La. LCUNews -- Louisiana Christian University Greek student organizations Kappa Omicron and Lambda Chi Beta will be participating in city clean-up efforts in Alexandria on April 14. The university has adopted an area of Versailles Boulevard through its partnership with the City of Alexandria's Adopt-A-Street program. "LCU is committed to teaching servant leadership to our students through service-learning projects within the Central Louisiana community,” said Meredith Rennier, vice president for Student Life. “We are excited to partner with the City of Alexandria's Adopt-A-Street program in bettering our city." Terrell Phillips, coordinator of student activities said the Adopt-a-Street program encourages local organizations to take on the responsibility of picking up litter on a specific section of roadway.  Volunteer organizations are recognized by having their name on two roadside signs provided by the City of Alexandria. The first clean-up will be April 14 from 1-3 p.m. … [Read more...]

Letlow’s Parents Bill of Rights Passes the House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On a 213-208 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights Act by Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05). “As a mom of two and a former educator, I believe for children to succeed, they need families and schools to work together as partners throughout the learning process,” Letlow said. “After spending nearly a year and a half working to pass this bill, I’m grateful that we’re finally able to advance this critical legislation.” The Parents Bill of Rights is built on five, common-sense principles. Parents have the right to know what their children are being taught. Parents have the right to be heard. Parents have the right to see the school budget and spending. Parents have the right to protect their child’s privacy. Parents have the right to keep their children safe. The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate where it will await further action. Here is a transcript of her remarks. Mister Speaker, I rise today to join my voice with millions of American parents as the House considers H.R. 5 – the Parents Bill of Rights Act. H.R. 5 is about one simple and fundamental principle – parents should always have a seat at the table when it comes to their … [Read more...]

LCU responds to arrest of UTPB (and former LCU) soccer coach

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Former Louisiana Christian University soccer coach Carla Tejas has been accused by players at her new school, University of Texas Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas, of harsh treatment and inappropriate behavior. Tejas was arrested for DWI, Sept. 11, and subsequently placed on paid administrative leave by UTPB, Oct. 2. Meanwhile, an anonymous email, supposedly from players, detailed allegations of intimidation, playing only her favorites on the team and that she kissed a male soccer player, according to YourBasin.com (KMID news in Odessa, Texas). The email also alleged Tejas was placed on administrative leave while coaching at LCU for “accusations she made inappropriate passes to some of the girls.” During a phone call with the Baptist Message, Oct. 12, LCU President Rick Brewer rejected that allegation, stating that there were no legal, moral or ethical issues raised by players or other students, and not by faculty or staff during her LCU tenure. Brewer stated that LCU received an anonymous email in Sept. 2021 “claiming Coach Tejas had left Belhaven University under suspicion.” BU is a private Christian school in Jackson, Mississippi, where Tejas … [Read more...]

LBDR teams prepping for Hurricane Ian response

By Baptist Message staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist disaster relief units are marshaling their forces in response to calls for help after powerful Hurricane Ian came roaring ashore Florida Sept. 28. Feeding, shower, chainsaw, mud out, chaplaincy and assessment teams from throughout the state (with assistance from Texas Baptist Men and the Ohio Baptist Convention) will minister for at least four to six weeks in an undetermined site in Fort Myers, which is just east of where the center made landfall Wednesday near Cayo Costa, a protected barrier island. Feeding teams arrive this weekend while the rest is the teams will depart next week. Ian, a Category 4 storm with winds of 155 mph, left more than 2.5 million homes and businesses without electricity in Southwest Florida Thursday morning, according to PowerOutage.us. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says Floridians can anticipate more outages in central and northeastern Florida as the storm continues to make its way north. The National Hurricane Center noted the storm was still expected to produce strong winds, heavy rains and storm surge across parts of Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. Ian is moving toward the northeast near 8 mph, with an increase in … [Read more...]

Lifemark, the movie, being released Sept. 9

While he’s always wrestled with the idea he was adopted at birth, David knows he is loved and cherished by his parents and grandparents. As he turns 18, he’s excited and a bit nervous about what the future holds. But when Melissa, his birth mother, unexpectedly reaches out to him, David’s world is turned upside down. Should he respond to her? What about his birth father? What are they like? And why did they choose not to raise him? Facing the reality of his adoption, David must choose to either meet with his birthmother or go on with his life as he’s always known it. With the loving encouragement and support of his parents, and his best friend going along to capture on camera everything as it happens, David chooses to embark on a journey of discovery … and ultimately, forgiveness. From executive producers Kirk Cameron and the Kendrick Brothers—creators of War Room and Courageous—comes LIFEMARK, based on an incredible true story celebrating adoption, family, reconciliation, and love. Follow this link (LIFEMARK | The Grand Theatre) to find out what theater it is showing in your town.   … [Read more...]

National Delta Mu Delta scholarship awarded to LCU’s Shields

By Staff, Louisiana Christian University News PINEVILLE, Louisiana (LCUNews) -- Abigail Shields, a senior business management and marketing major from Deville, has earned a $500 scholarship award from international business honor society Delta Mu Delta. DMD awarded 66 scholarships nationwide this year to undergraduate and graduate students based on academics, leadership qualities, character, and service to the institution and community. “She is an intelligent young lady,” said Kenny Holt, dean of Young School of Business. “Because of her work ethic and servant’s heart, she naturally gravitates toward leadership positions in the School of Business.  The faculty awarded her the highest leadership award for the Young School of Business this past spring.  She accomplishes what she sets out to do with excellence.” Shields has a GPA of 3.92 and serves as the president of the LCU Chapter of Delta Mu Delta, Wildcats for Life and the Business Student Association. She is also the parliamentarian of the Student Government Association. After graduation from LCU, Shields said she plans to earn her Master of Business Administration before heading to law school and eventually entering the political arena. “I want to make a … [Read more...]