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...]

PINEVILLE (LCNEWS) -- Louisiana College will file an objection to US Magistrate Mark Hornsby's precedent-setting July 12 denial to dismiss a lawsuit that alleges racial discrimination. In February, job applicant Joshua Bonadona filed the lawsuit, alleging he was not selected for a football coaching position based on his Jewish heritage. LC attorneys said the ruling "did not involve any findings of fact or weigh the complaint's merits; it assumed the allegations to be true for purposes of the motion. The allegations are unwarranted and vehemently denied." "The magistrate's ruling reflects a technical legal question that has no bearing whatsoever with the veracity of the allegations in the suit," said Louisiana College President Dr. Rick Brewer. The Associated Press reports that Bonadona’s attorney said he hasn’t found another case in which a court has ruled that Jews are racially protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. "I’m not a lawyer and have no opinion on pure legal issues," Brewer said. "However, I understand from our attorneys that the magistrate, in deeming an allegation of Jewish ancestry to constitute a race as opposed to a religion for purposes of Title VII, may have committed an … [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...]

By Message Staff CENTRAL LOUISIANA – Thirty South Korean children are experiencing a taste of American culture and the Gospel this July during the 13th annual Camp USA. 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. During their first week that began July 14 and ends July 21, the children are participating in Vacation Bible School at Alpine First Baptist Church while also enjoying activities at other area churches and campsites. After their time in Central Louisiana, the campers will spend the remainder of their time in southeast Louisiana in the Ponchatoula area July 22-29. They will end their trip with a two-day excursion to Toronto, Canada, before leaving for home Aug. 1. “It’s one of the largest cooperative efforts that we have as an association,” said camp coordinator Susan Duke. “This is one of the tools we use to share God’s Word. The students come here and do Bible study, games and English classes. But in everything they do we are sharing God’s word and God’s love with them.” https://youtu.be/L3REIySatxE … [Read more...]

BASILE – More than a year after their home in Mamou flooded, the parsonage at First Baptist Church, Basile in which Pastor Mike Fontenot and his wife Jessica were staying, has been destroyed by a fire. Fontenot said the blaze happened between 2 and 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, but no one was inside. The couple, who live in the parsonage only on the weekends, reside at their house in Mamou during the rest of the week. And just like when their Mamou home flooded, they have experienced an outpouring of support from the community and the state. The couple is grateful for the concern shown by others since the fire likely was started by a lightning strike. “Jessica and I are well, praise God," Mike Fontenot told the Baptist Message. "The house is a total loss but that can be replaced. We did not have insurance on our personal belongings because we did not know we needed it due to our first time in a parsonage. So we are trusting God to help replace these things when we rebuild.” Jessica Fontenot, who is human resources specialist for Louisiana Baptists, took to Facebook and expressed gratitude for the encouraging words offered. “I wanted to take this opportunity before I go to bed tonight to thank each and every one who … [Read more...]

By Message Staff WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump’s nomination of Brett Kavanaugh as the next associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court has drawn praise from Louisiana’s delegation to Congress and pro-life and religious liberty advocates. Trump announced Monday evening, July 9, Judge Kavanaugh of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit was his choice to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, who is retiring at the end of July. Kennedy has long been viewed as the swing vote on the Supreme Court. Kavanaugh, 53, was selected by Trump among 25 nominees. According to his website, Kavanaugh has served as a judge on the D.C. Circuit since 2006. He also worked in the White House counsel’s office under President George W. Bush and was a clerk to Justice Kennedy. Away from his judicial role, Kavanaugh has been active in the community, where he has served as a lector and coached girls basketballl at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. “What matters is not a judge’s political views, but whether they can set aside those views to do what the law and the Constitution require,” Trump said in his announcement. “I am pleased to say that I have found, without doubt, such a person.” Sen. Bill Cassidy … [Read more...]

By Jerry Love, Director of Planned Giving Appreciated Assets – Even with the volatility in early Feb, markets are still at all-time highs.  Give stocks or mutual funds that have increased in value to benefit your church or ministry. Retirement Assets –  Redirect retirement assets as part of your estate plans.  These plans are taxable when distributed to individuals, but tax-free to charitable organizations.  Consider leaving your church or another ministry as the beneficiary of your retirement plan, and other assets to your heirs. IRA Rollover – Those who are 70 and one-half in age or older may distribute IRA assets directly to a church or ministry. There are other stipulations, so contact the Louisiana Baptist Foundation for more information. Donor Advised Fund – Use this type of account to ‘bundle’ 2 years of deductions, if finances allow, into one to take advantage of itemizing deductions. Take the standard deduction following year, using the DAF to make distributions to ministry. Again, contact the Foundation for more details. The Louisiana Baptist Foundation is an entity of the Louisiana Baptist Convention and supported by the Cooperative Program. The Foundation assists people who want to give assets to their … [Read more...]