By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer HAUGHTON – Will Taylor stepped into the baptismal waters, joining his wife, Lori, and their teenage daughters for a moment in time his family will never forget. As Pastor Gevan Spinney baptized each member of the family, the Taylors beamed with excitement over the journey that brought them to this point in life. ALL IN THE FAMILY The family had resided in Haughton for four months when the historic floodwaters in March 2016 nearly overtook their neighborhood. But tragedy became jubilation as they continued to see how the church ministered to families in the community. One by one, they grew closer to Christ as they became more involved in the life of First Baptist Church in Haughton. First, Lori and Will Taylor joined a small group, leading to growth in what had been a stagnant spiritual life after both had made commitments to Christ. He at 17 and she at nine. Then Will and Lori repented to restore their fellowship with Jesus, and their resulting zeal for the Lord manifested in big changes in how they lived. Their teenage daughters witnessed the authenticity of the transformation, and subsequently accepted Christ at the 2017 Louisiana Baptist Convention Evangelism … [Read more...]

By Norm Miller, LC News PINEVILLE -- Louisiana College has announced a new C.S. Lewis Scholarship and established a cohort as part of a newly launched Honors Program. Enrolling freshmen who scored a 28 or higher on the ACT are eligible for the annual scholarship of $8,500. “These academic innovations are Louisiana College’s rewards to high school students who excelled academically, and who aspire to continue the level of Christian impact upon his culture C.S. Lewis had,” said LC President Rick Brewer.  “Lewis -- whose intellectual acumen and Christian influence -- exemplifies one who integrated his faith and learning, thus reflecting our goal of preparing graduates and transforming lives.” Additional advantages of being a C.S. Lewis Scholar include: - attending classes focused on C.S. Lewis and his writings; - representing LC as an ambassador at Christian worldview conferences; - mentoring other students academically; - interning at local industries and businesses that relate to your major; - upon approval, pursuing additional courses beyond the 18-hour maximum; and - at student’s expense, studying at Oxford University, where C.S. Lewis taught. Leading the cohort of C.S. Lewis scholars will be Russell … [Read more...]