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...]

By Jerry Love, Director of Planned Giving By now most people have heard about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed by congress in the latter days of 2017.  However, there may still be some misinformation, or a lack of information, causing some confusion. The Louisiana Baptist Foundation assists individuals with donations in support of Louisiana Baptist ministries, and we attempt to stay abreast of changes in the US tax code, particularly as it relates to charitable giving. Here are some highlights that might help you in planning your gifts: Business Tax Reform – Without going into the depths of corporate tax changes, the reduction of the corporate tax rate from 35% down to 21% already is adding to personal pocketbooks. Since January, several companies, including Walmart, announced an increase in base wages and other salaries. Other companies such as Apple and AT&T announced one-time bonuses for employees as a share of company tax savings. Additionally, a number of businesses announced they would be expanding their workforces with several reporting they would be returning overseas operations to U.S. soil.  All these situations can be an encouragement to workers and allow them to give to ministry for the first time or … [Read more...]

By Jerry Love, Director of Planned Giving Logged into my childhood memories is a place that still brings a smile and a warm feeling – Saint Rest Baptist Church on the White Lightning Road. It is a quaint red-brick, two-story church about halfway between Vienna and Homer on LA Hwy 146. The building itself is interesting with the sanctuary sitting atop a partial-basement bottom floor that housed classrooms and a fellowship hall. The pews were made from 1-by-4 lumber cut at my granddad’s sawmill. Before cushions were added, a wrong move meant a pinched bottom from those pew slats. The church also came complete with a “ghost” in the cemetery and a “boogie-man” in the dungeon (closet) under the stairs. But what I remember most about those days were the people. Every Sunday and Wednesday, they faithfully gathered to worship and pray. Another thing I remember was that almost everyone was related to someone else in the church which made for one big family of believers. Here are a few who come to mind: – Aunt Alvice with a beautiful smooth-as-silk, lilting voice – I didn’t know then that she had a Southern drawl, it was just the way she talked – could tell a Bible story to a room of squirmy kids like no one … [Read more...]

By Holly Jo Linzay, Regional Reporter DENHAM SPRINGS – Johnny Morgan’s life has really gone to the dogs, and he could not be happier. “I’m getting to use a passion of mine for God. It’s a blessing to use my Labrador retrievers to teach about obedience and present the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a unique way,” Morgan, the founder of the ministry, Obedience 2 Death, said. The non-profit organization, based in Denham Springs, uses dogs as visual illustrations and blends humor with timeless biblical truths to show the power of obedience in the life of the believer. Morgan named his ministry based upon Philippians 2:8 “Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” “We have to die to ourselves,” Morgan said. A life-long avid hunter, Morgan was raised around hunting dogs. While growing up he trained and hunted with rabbit dogs, coon hounds and squirrel dogs; and, he is amazed at the quirks and turns in his life that opened the door to a ministry for him where dogs help lead folks to the Lord. “God can use anything we have if we make ourselves available. It’s very humbling to me that God is using a country boy and his dogs for His glory,” Morgan said. Obedience 2 Death ministry was … [Read more...]