By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff writer PINEVILLE – Described as authentic and stalwarts for the cause of Christ, Samuel and Judith Camp were presented the 2016 Louisiana College Trustees Distinguished Service Awards at the 110th annual LC Founder’s Day ceremonies Oct. 6. LC Board Chairman Randy Harper presented the award to the Camps, calling them a shining example of two people who love the Lord and the college. “Sam epitomizes what we call a man’s man,” said Harper, pastor of Bellaire Baptist Church in Bossier City. “He believes in what he says and he means what he says.” In accepting the award, Camp told students his success is due to a strong faith, rooted in Christ. “Put God first,” Camp said. “Put Him in the driver’s seat of your life.” LC President Rick Brewer publicly thanked the Camps for their passion for LC. “Sam and Judy Camp are stalwarts for the cause of Christ, and they are among some of the most authentic Christians I have ever known,” Brewer told the Baptist Message. “Their public commitment to Christ and the integration of the Christian faith in every facet of their lives stands as an example to our entire Louisiana College family.” A running back and punter at Tulane University from … [Read more...]

By Message Staff PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti – A Louisiana Baptist pastor stranded in Haiti as Hurricane Matthew slammed into the island on Tuesday is grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers he has received over the last two days. Steven Smithson, pastor of First Baptist Church in Winnfield, arrived in Haiti recently to participate in a mission trip with Hope Rising Children’s Home, but his plans were interrupted when the Matthew made landfall. Unable to leave the country because his flight was delayed until a scheduled departure today, Oct. 5, Smithson prepared the best he could – registering with the U.S. Embassy, downloading area maps and stocking up on food so he could ride out the storm in his hotel room. And, in the meantime, he prayed. His wife, Stephanie, also posted on Facebook a request for prayer for his safety, along with the well-being of others directly in the path of the storm. Thousands of people from all over the U.S. and world were quick to respond. Smithson posted on Facebook today, Oct. 5, a message of thanksgiving. “I want to thank everyone for their prayers and thoughts over these past several days,” he said. “They have definitely been felt. I am still scheduled for a flight out … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Evangelist Ken Freeman decided to have a heart to heart talk with the student-filled gymnasium Tuesday evening, Oct. 4 His message was simple and to the point … “for what comes out of the mouth reflects what is in the heart.” “If there is anything that you can guard … guard your heart,” said Freeman, citing Proverbs 4:20-23. “It determines the course of your life. If you died tonight, where would you spend eternity?” Freeman asked the question to more than 400 students and adults during the second evening of the Awaken youth rally. The three-day event, which is being held at Pineville High School's gymnasium, features inspiring messages, uplifting music, student testimonies and a time of prayer. Thirty five students accepted Christ Monday while another 34 came forward Tuesday. Freeman has spoken in 12 Central Louisiana schools since Monday. Each time he comes away energized. He is even more energized by what he is witnessing at the Awaken Youth Rally nightly because of the life-changing decisions students, their parents and others are making. “It gives me an incredible high to know God can take my mess and make it His message,” Freeman told the Baptist … [Read more...]

By Message Staff PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti – Hours after Hurricane Matthew made landfall in Haiti, the family of a Louisiana Baptist pastor stranded in the country was asking for prayers of safety for him and thousands of others in the path of the storm. Steven Smithson, pastor of First Baptist Church in Winnfield, is in Haiti on a mission trip. His wife, Stephanie, posted on her Facebook page that he experienced strong winds earlier this morning, Oct. 4, but by 8 a.m. CST was seeing only rain. His flight out of the country is delayed indefinitely. She said God is answering prayers for protection and peace. “We are forever grateful,” she said. “Mudslides and third world housing will be the main cause in which lives are lost. Haiti needs our prayers. Steven needs to get home. “But I want to say my fears are being set at ease because of your prayers,” she continued. “Thank you for you all for praying, please continue them.” Hurricane Matthew made landfall near Les Anglais, Haiti, around 6 a.m. CST today. The Category 4 Hurricane was packing winds of 145 mph and is forecasted to dump up to 40 inches of rain in some areas, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is expected to remain a powerful hurricane … [Read more...]