By Baptist Message staff SAINT FRANCISVILLE, La. (LBM) – The Judson Baptist Retreat Center, a camp owned by churches of the Baptist Association of Greater Baton Rouge, has announced it will suspend operations from May to December. According to BAGBR Director of Missions Tommy Middleton, coronavirus pandemic-related financial challenges played a key role in the decision. While the camp will not be available for all camps, retreats and other activities for the foreseeable future after April 30, events already scheduled before that date will take place. Camp Director Justin Busby will remain on staff and a task force will be formed to study Judson Baptist Retreat Center’s future. Middleton said the task force will report its findings during the BAGBR Annual Meeting in October. “Hopefully, they will be able to bring forward an approach and direction for the Center that will result in a new direction, reimagined, and reinvigorated for 2023 and beyond,” Middleton wrote on the camp's website. “Your prayers and input for the task force will be needed and appreciated. Within the next few weeks when the task force has been fully formed, we will be releasing the names of this team.  “Finally, we, as the churches of the Baptist … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff SHREVEPORT, La. (LBM) – More than 250 members of the Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association’s churches came together to cry out to God to bring revival during the fellowship’s 7th annual “Call to Prayer.” Hosted by Woodridge Baptist Church, Shreveport, the Jan. 30 gathering brought together Christians of various ages and ethnicities to pray for law enforcement, the persecuted church, missionaries serving around the world, pastors and other church leaders. As in previous gatherings, this event was marked by prayer in multiple formats: from the worship center stage; in small groups around the room; and by individuals who pleaded with God for revival in their community, state and nation. Thirty pastors either shared a message or prayed for a variety of needs. The event also included a special designed time of prayer for area schools, teachers and students. The “Dads On Duty” from Southwood High School in Shreveport were present for a time of corporate prayer. These men recently were featured in national news reports for their efforts to have a strong male presence through daily visits to the school as a means to curb violence. REVIVE US Lane Moore, NLBA director of missions, reminded the crowd of the … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Clark, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Alliance Defending Freedom Regional Director Shannon Kendrick addressed many cultural hot topics facing Christians during Louisiana Christian University’s first Christ Church Culture event of the spring semester, Feb. 6. Kendrick, who has served in senior executive roles in the federal government, regional economic development and congressional affairs before coming to the ADF, told the audience it’s never been more important to understand the cultural shifts that are occurring and to fight for freedom to practice and preach the Gospel. “Now, more than ever, we must know the times we are living in,” she said, “and listen to God to be relevant and effective.” Threats to religious liberty are happening nationwide, she emphasized. “Times are really different now, and church leaders are finding themselves in positions they never thought they’d be in,” she said. Kendrick addressed some of the most recent challenges to Christian faith and practice that the ADF has been involved in, including Colorado baker Jack Phillips, Houston Pastor Steve Riggle, Gaston College v. DeWeese Boyd, and Seattle Union Gospel Mission v. Woods. “We’re up against an ideological … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Clarke, LC News PINEVILLE, La. (LC News) – A play featuring the first all-black cast in school history will kick off Louisiana Christian University’s Black History Month festivities. “Fences” is Theatre of Louisiana Christian’s first play of the spring season and features Alexandria senior theatre major Terrell Phillips in the lead role. “It’s a blessing to be put in these positions and to represent the African American community, to open doors for black students to get more involved in things around campus,” said Phillips, also former Student Government Association president. “Fences” will run Feb 10-12 at 7 p.m. in the Martin Performing Arts Center on campus. Tickets are $5 for LCU students, faculty and staff, $12 for senior citizens and non-LCU students, $15 for the general public and $10 each for groups of 10 or more, and may be purchased online at https://www.purplepass.com/#230245/Theatre_Louisiana_Christian-FENCES_by_August_Wilson-Martin_Performing_Arts_Center-February-03-2022.html For additional information, call 318.613.4064. Other events this month include the third annual Gospel choir concert and a panel discussion on Martin Luther King Jr. Both the concert and panel discussion are free … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE (LCU News ) – Morgan Tradewell, a senior at Buckeye High School in Deville, was awarded the Louisiana Christian University’s Smith Scholarship for 2022. The annual competition, held Jan. 29 on campus, drew 11 contestants from Louisiana and Texas. Competitors must have at least a 28 ACT score and are further evaluated based on their leadership qualities and Christian character. The winner receives a four-year full tuition, room and board scholarship. “The Smith Scholarship program represents the Best of the Best at Louisiana Christian University,” LCU President Rick Brewer said. “This year’s competition was extremely competitive including exemplary students from several states. Congratulations to Morgan Tradewell for being selected as this year’s winner. “At LCU we celebrate the maturity of intellect and the maturity of Christian character,” he continued. “Indeed, the Smith Scholarship recipient is emblematic of this desired outcome.” Tradewell, a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville, plans to study biology and added that throughout school she learned of the challenges to equip mentally and physically disabled children with resources needed to succeed because each … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) - Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry encouraged more than 1,500 Louisiana Life March Central participants to continue to fight for the rights of the unborn, just months before the likely Supreme Court decision in a case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, that could overturn Roe v. Wade, whose 1973 decision legalized abortion.  “As we patiently wait for that decision, I will tell you that if we continue to stand with life, we will absolutely persevere,” Landry said on Saturday, Feb. 5. “We will win. We will conquer this evil. And we will see a day under which abortion is ruled illegal in this state.” Landry commended those who have championed life, including the marchers, state legislators and Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill (who has defended the state's pro-life laws). The current 6-3 Republican-appointed majority on the Supreme Court has led many legal observers to speculate that abortion could be outlawed. “Almost 50 years ago this crowd was much smaller,” he said. “And there was a group of men and women who recognized the travesty of the Supreme Court decision in Roe, and they moved head-first into the oncoming fire to continue to move a message in … [Read more...]

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By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) — A diverse lineup of ECON 2022 speakers, ranging from an atheist-turned-best selling author to state leaders to national personalities, exhorted Louisiana Baptists gathered in the First Baptist Church, Covington, January 24-25, to join the fight to share the Gospel. KEITH MANUEL Louisiana Baptist Evangelism and Church Growth Team Director Keith Manuel encouraged the crowd to share the Gospel with their families, co-workers and community. “Let’s go do it because people need Jesus,” Manuel said. “Do it because we can and we get to and because we really got to because we’ve got a Lord that loved us.” “Let’s pray that God will help us to see those varied people in our neighborhood,” he continued. “Let’s tell them about Jesus.” STEVE BECKHAM Steve Beckham opened ECON by proclaiming Christ followers not only need to confess their sins but also find restoration of joy. Drawing his message from Psalm 51:1-12, Beckham, pastor of First Community Antioch Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, said David was confronted by Nathan the prophet about his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and his subsequent murder of her husband. Much like David, Louisiana … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer SULPHUR, La. (LBM) – For several months, Addisyn Brattain had been a faithful attender of Maplewood First Baptist Church when her student minister, Nathan Yates, challenged the youth group to truly follow Christ. Brattain knew about Jesus, but it was not until that summertime Wednesday evening that she finally understood what it meant to be committed to Him. During a worship service, Sept. 26, she shared her decision before friends and family through baptism. “It was like a breath of fresh air being born again,” Brattain told the Baptist Message. She also said she was excited “to be surrounded by family and friends” to celebrate her baptism. “I can’t wait to see what plans God has for me in the future,” Brattain added. YOUTH MOVEMENT Brattain was one of 62 students who made decisions to follow Christ in 2021. Twenty-five of those were baptized last year, 22 are awaiting baptism and the remaining 15 are being discipled about baptism. Most of the decisions took place during summer camp and a “Disciple Now” weekend, but the student ministry also reaped spiritual fruit at a Wednesday night event in October that featured former American Ninja Warrior contestant … [Read more...]