MONROE -- A construction company has started to move dirt today in preparation of pouring a foundation for the new $1.2 million University of Louisiana at Monroe BCM. An official groundbreaking is scheduled but no date has been released yet. The cost of project is $1.2 million but includes volunteer labor. The new BCM will be located at 1005 University Avenue and is scheduled for completion July 1, 2017. The new 10,000-square-foot BCM will feature expansive worship, office and meeting room space, lobby and student apartments. "We have already raised about 80-85 percent of the $1.2 million," said Chad McClurg, BCM campus director. "We were at a point that it would have cost just as much to renovate our old building what with the problems to our roof, heating and cooling system than to go ahead and build a new building. "This building will be functionable for at least the next 50 years and will allow us to impact students for a long, long time," McClurg continued. "We will be across the street from two dorms and two blocks away for a new international center. So, we are strategically placed to reach the campus. We are excited to get started. "As the university is growing, the sky is the limit for what we can accomplish because … [Read more...]

By Marilyn Stewart, NOBTS Communications NEW ORLEANS -- The suicide death of a beloved colleague after a sexual addiction came to light drove the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary community to their knees in prayer last August. They rose determined to help others caught in pornography and sexual addiction. "Recalibrate," a campus-wide conference with Greg Miller of Faithful & True, a ministry to those impacted by sexual addictions, came together as a response to the death of John Gibson, longtime professor at NOBTS' Leavell College on the opening day of classes on Aug. 24, 2015. Thomas Strong, Leavell College dean, encouraged the seminary community to attend the April 28 conference in an NOBTS weekly publication. "We have come to the realization through a most tragic event here on our campus that secret sin has a devastating impact," Strong wrote. "We want to start a conversation on breaking the power of secret sin" -- a conversation "seasoned with redemption and hope." Miller, speaking to a full audience in Leavell Chapel, said 50 percent of Christian men and 20 percent of Christian women self-report they are "addicted to porn." Self-reported statistics, he added, typically skew low. By age 18, "virtually all" … [Read more...]

By Staff, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Communications NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary experienced a small fire just before noon April 27, impacting the John T. Christian Library. The fire was quickly extinguished and no one was injured during the event. The fire started in the motor of an exterior air condition chiller unit and never spread to the structure of the library building. Thanks to quick responses from the New Orleans Fire Department and the NOBTS facilities department, the fire was quickly contained and extinguished. Preliminary assessments indicate that the damage was confined to the chiller unit motor. Due to the nature of the fire, the air conditioning unit pushed smoke into the library and library occupants were evacuated without injury. After extinguishing the fire, the NOFD deployed fans in the building to help dissipate the smoke. The NOFD completed its work and left campus at approximately 1:45 p.m. At that time the NOBTS facilities department began its full assessment of the damage. The library stayed closed the rest of the day and reopened the next morning at 7:30 a.m. … [Read more...]

LAFAYETTE – The Bayou Church is giving away $170,000 to benefit nonprofits in Acadiana, others parts of Louisiana and Haiti. On May 1, members of the south Louisiana congregation collected the money as part of the Big Give, a campaign to go above and beyond the congregation’s tithes. Mike Walker, pastor of The Bayou Church, said with the downturn in the oil business in the region, now more than ever a need exists to assist people in the community. “Our mission as a church is to transform lives in Acadiana through Christ-centered relationships, and we can do that by practicing courageous generosity in order to support the needs of others,” Walker said. “We desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who are under resourced.” The Bayou Church plans to give away the money today and Wednesday to Bridge Ministries of Acadiana, Hearts of Hope in Lafayette, Love INC (In the Name of Christ) affiliate in Lafayette, Reciprocal Ministries International that will benefit the church’s sister church in Petit Toru, Haiti, and a natural disaster relief fund for Louisiana. Joel Lee, executive director of the Bridge Ministries of Acadiana, said the money given to her organization will make an investment into the lives of future … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Standing before the May graduating class at Louisiana College, evangelist Jay Strack said there is a reason he believes America still has a chance to be great again. “Don’t be one of those who are very fearful about the future,” he told the students during his address at Louisiana College's 160th Commencement on May 7. “Don’t be one of those that believe America has lost its mojo and will never be great again. I believe with all my heart the Lord still has a plan for this nation and the reason is these students and these professors. You keep us optimistic about the future.” Throughout his speech to the 101 graduates, Strack challenged them numerous times to remain passionate about Christ and follow their God-given dreams. Receiving the award of summa cum laude - the highest awarded by the school - were Zachary Fleming, Jessica Johnson, Katelyn Persick, Mollie Stuart, Eli Sanders, Hannah Shields and Rebekah Weatherford. Prior to Strack’s message, three graduating seniors shared just how their passion for Jesus was strengthened during their time at LC. Also recognized during the ceremony was 22-year-old David Marler, who was on pace to graduate with this classmates. However, … [Read more...]