By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer SHREVEPORT – Just two years ago, little Hayden Heaberlin was facing the fight of his life, one that no four year old should have to face – a battle with cancer. But those days of darkness were pierced by the light of God’s mercy and provision. There was the time when 50 people from his church surrounded his home in a prayer circle while his family was with him in Memphis, Tenn., where he was receiving treatments; and, there were countless times when his family relayed to him text messages, phone calls and letters of encouragement. But not even the news that his cancer was in remission caused him to celebrate like he did Oct. 23 when he was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church in Shreveport. The worship center was packed with happy family, friends and church members, and Hayden was all smiles as Pastor John Lary baptized him. “You are a new person,” Hayden said about his conversion. “You don’t look different on the outside but on the inside.” Hayden said his battle with cancer “was tough, but I got through it because God helped me. “He can do anything,” Hayden added. “God healed me.” His mom April describes the day Hayden gave his heart and life to Christ as the day … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer LAFAYETTE – At an early age, Ed Newton was faced with a challenge few eight-year-old boys deal with – serving as interpreter for both of his deaf parents. In the midst of that adversity, God drew Newton to a personal relationship with Christ and grew him to become the spiritual leader of one of the largest congregations in the U.S. Now, the 40-year-old pastor of the 27,000-member Community Bible Church in San Antonio, Texas, uses those experiences of his early life to help youth who are dealing with difficult circumstances. “I made a commitment to [Louisiana Baptist Youth Strategist] Steve Maltempi several years ago to always pour into the lives of teenagers,” Newton said. “Developing the next generation as strong spiritual leaders is crucial. I am very excited about what God will do at YEC.” Called to the ministry as a high school senior, Newton is no stranger to student evangelism. He has served as a youth pastor, faculty member at Student Leadership University in Orlando, Fla., and executive director of the LIFT TOUR, an extension of Student Leadership University in partnership with LifeWay Students. Newton will share his story with more thousands of students expected … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer RUSTON – The Harvest evangelistic initiative, a two-year statewide soul-winning campaign, will kick off officially at the 2017 Louisiana Baptist Evangelism Conference with an outreach effort targeting teens and college students. The Evangelism Conference also will feature inspiring messages by speakers from Louisiana and beyond, Jan. 23-24, at Temple Baptist Church. Still, the sessions will focus primarily on the Harvest initiative, which aims to enlist at least 700 Louisiana Baptist churches to “pray for every home and share Christ with every person” in Louisiana. SOUL-WINNING FOCUS Scheduled during the first session of the Evangelism Conference, the kickoff will feature a Gospel presentation by Ed Newton, pastor of Community Bible Church in San Antonio, Texas. Prior to his message, students will gather inside the church family life center for a pizza party and entertainment. Organizers are encouraging churches around the state to host simultaneous similar events – including the showing of the live Internet broadcast of Newton’s message -- to broaden the geographic reach of this initial event. The remaining sessions of the Evangelism Conference will be broadcast over the … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Louisiana College president Rick Brewer credits God and GuideOne insurance for the $12 million of ongoing campus improvement projects that stem from an April 2015 hail storm. Since late May, 17 of 18 school buildings have received new roofs, and some facilities have received interior upgrades. Brewer calls all of the improvements a miracle. “How all of this has unfolded is nothing short of God’s work,” Brewer said. “What began as the inspection of one hail-damaged roof led to the discovery of additional damage caused by an April storm, a year ago. We could not be more grateful for the consideration and cooperation of GuideOne insurance.” Louisiana College contacted GuideOne insurance to request an inspection, which revealed the refurbishment would be rather costly but the insurer agreed to cover all the repairs. Additionally, Campers on Mission, a national Christian fellowship, offered to do some repairs and updates in other areas of the campus. They launched the first wave of construction, refurbishing a fountain near Alexandria Hall, the main administration building, and formed concrete steps close to a dormitory. They also painted numerous curbs, … [Read more...]