By Message staff ST. LOUIS (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief Strategist Stan Statham has issued a call for volunteers for a response in areas impacted by recent flooding in Kentucky and Missouri. Statham told the Baptist Message teams from Eastern Louisiana Association and the Lake Charles area will be needed to serve on mud-out and shower units. A team from First Baptist Church, LaPlace, also has been activated to bring generators. The first teams will be sent out around Aug. 8 or 9, and will join dozens of other state Baptist conventions who have sent teams to hard hit areas of eastern Kentucky and St. Louis, Mo. The call for DR team members comes after nearly a foot of rain fell in parts of eastern Kentucky and St. Louis, the Associated Press reported. At least 37 died from flooding in Kentucky and two deaths were reported in St. Louis. “Prayer is important for those impacted and our volunteers who are going,” Statham said. “And if people would like to give, that would be a big help because it helps fund our travel expenses and equipment used.” For more information on responding or giving, call 318.448.3402 or … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff LAS VEGAS (LBM) – Ben Waites, a Christian musical recording artist and 2010 graduate of Louisiana Christian University, is one of four contestants vying for the final spot on America’s Got Talent. During the Aug. 2 episode on NBC, the show’s judges chose 54 acts to advance to the live show on Aug. 9 and opened up voting for the final “Wildcard” spot. After the show on Aug. 2, Waites appealed to his fans to help him advance to the next round. “I need y’all’s help!!!,” Waites wrote on his Facebook page. “America’s Wildcard Save is open!” To vote, go to agt.vote.nbc.com. … [Read more...]

By Staff, Louisiana Baptist Message PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Christian University presently is accepting applications for fall enrollment in its TEACH alternative certificate program that the school hopes will help place more teachers into the school system. Previously, the school just offered summer enrollment for those who had a bachelor’s degree and wished to earn state certification in education. To accommodate the growing needs, LCU decided to expand the program. “We are hopeful this fall group will attract those who missed the summer start,” said Victory Lindo-Lemons, LCU assistant professor of education and TEACH program coordinator. “We basically want to change the narrative to say that it’s not too late to join the TEACH program and earn your master’s degree while pursuing certification.” Students must complete 21 hours to become certified. According to the Rapides Parish School Board website, schools in the parish have more than 98 teaching positions that need to be filled with school starting Aug. 8. RPSB Superintendent Jeff Powell said LCU continues to be a strong partner through its TEACH program. “Each year there is a big need to fill the dozens of vacancies left by those retiring, moving, … [Read more...]