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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Johnston launches ministries to offer prayer, hope

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer COVINGTON, La. (LBM) – Jay Johnston, a long-time Louisiana Baptist minister and founder of Jay Johnston Ministry, has launched two webinars designed to encourage others to pray more fervently and to be reminded that Christ is the hope to endure. Launched in early February, both webinars are free and offered on his website, jayjohnston.org. “How to Pray” airs at 8 p.m. Sundays, and “The Hope Call” occurs at noon every Tuesday. “We all face life-dominating issues, and through Christ we can experience hope and victory no matter the problems we face today,” Johnston told the Baptist Message. ““My hope is to share resources and direct people to local churches and get them connected. If God will use this as a force to encourage people, then I am all about it. It’s for His glory. I want to be available to Him as an instrument and be faithful.” Johnston said God created a burden in his heart to start the webinars after frequent visits with others in Louisiana and phone calls with others in surrounding states. Most people he engaged with indicated they were discouraged and needed direction. “Just recognizing a sense of hopelessness among people and being a spiritual leader in … [Read more...]

A love beyond compare on Valentine’s Day 2021

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer WEST MONROE, La. (LBM) – Feb. 14 was more than a holiday for Dustin Lee and his six-year-old daughter, Micah, and greater than the small expressions of love exchanged through cards and small gifts among their family. Instead, it was a day that marked the love of the Father for His child. A month after confessing her sins and asking Christ into her life, the youngster proclaimed that commitment publicly as her father baptized her to affirm her adoption as a child of God. “Micah had questions for a while and on the first Sunday night in January she told my wife, Alisha, and me she was ready,” Lee, minister to children at First West, told the Baptist Message, “Right there in our home, we got the privilege of sitting with her as she said she was a sinner and asked God in her heart. As dads our highest calling and privilege is to pray for our children and walk alongside them in their faith journey. This extends to the time from before they accept him to when they grow more to become a disciple of Him.” Micah was joined by three other children for baptism during “Wear Red Sunday” at First West. During the service, children wore red shirts to proclaim their love for … [Read more...]

Robertson leads new CBN chapter in Louisiana

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor DEVILLE, La. (LBM) — The Conservative Baptist Network announced Feb. 18 the launch of its Louisiana state chapter, with more states soon to launch as it expands as a localized, grassroots effort, according to organizational sources. In a statement released to the Baptist Message, the CBN shared that Philip Robertson, Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee member (2018-present) and two-time past president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention (2004-2005), will serve as the lead state coordinator. Robertson is senior pastor of Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville, with a campus in Alexandria, and served as a member of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board (1997-2003), including two years as LBCEB president (2001-2002). He also was a trustee of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (2003-2006). Robertson currently serves in various capacities for his local association and state convention. “I joined the Conservative Baptist Network for two reasons,” Robertson said. “One, because I believe there are important issues affecting our churches and the SBC that need to be addressed, and two, because CBN is a ‘pro’ Southern Baptist Convention movement. I … [Read more...]

Fires damage Atlanta Baptist Church, Dry Creek Baptist Camp

By Staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) -- The worship center at Atlanta Baptist Church and the White House Lodge of Dry Creek Baptist Camp were destroyed after fires engulfed the two facilities Wednesday afternoon. The fire at Atlanta Baptist Church started around 2:20 p.m., Pastor Chad James said. Members of the Winn Parish Fire Department responded and helped contain the fire from spreading to other buildings housing Sunday school classrooms, offices, the fellowship hall and family life center/gymnasium. The church, which has insurance and averages 100 in Sunday morning worship attendance, plans to rebuild the worship center. This Sunday the congregation plans to meet for worship in the gymnasium.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Please pray specifically for guidance as we begin the process of rebuilding,” James said. “Thanks to everyone for all the support and care expressed to us. We are in good spirits, are excited about the work the Lord has in store and are determined that our mission for the cause of Christ will not be interrupted nor deterred.” Meanwhile, Dry Creek Baptist Camp Director Todd Burnaman told the Baptist Message the White House Lodge caught fire at 2:30 p.m. and was totally … [Read more...]

LC students get hands-on business experiences with LBF internships

By Elizabeth Christian, LC News PINEVILLE, LA. (LBM) -- One need only do a quick Google search to see how important completing an internship is to today’s college student. A growing number of employers seek graduates who have had a real-world experience prior to hiring them. Louisiana College has been partnering with local organizations to ensure its students are equipped for today’s modern work force. Isaiah Romero and Adam Hair, both LC business majors, did internships this fall at the Louisiana Baptist Foundation, which placed them in a host of different business and marketing settings. “LC’s Experiential Learning Initiative provides our students with additional learning opportunities beyond the classroom,” said President Rick Brewer. “The opportunity for our students to select two initiatives from four offerings—research, study abroad, internships and service Learning —reinforces the Louisiana College’s Mission and Vision while providing our students a competitive edge for the marketplace and post-graduate education.” Brewer believes so much in the value of internships that he has included it in the Vision 2025 Plan—along with research, service learning and study abroad. Students will be required to complete at … [Read more...]

Louisiana College renovates residence halls, upgrades landscaping

By Staff PINEVILLE, La. – Louisiana College has completed a project that includes extensive renovations to its residence halls and beautification of the campus. The renovations, which were started shortly after LC President Rick Brewer arrived at the school in 2015, were funded mostly by generous donations from alumni and other friends of the college: The Cottingham Hall roof was repaired and dormitory rooms and parlor received new flooring and a fresh coat of paint. New furniture and televisions were added to the common area and the kitchen in this space was updated with a new countertop, sink, tile backsplash and appliances. Tudor Hall bathrooms, lobby and common spaces were remodeled, and a movie viewing room was added. English Village apartments received new siding. New furniture and wall hangings were added throughout the building; and, new tables and chairs were added that provide charging stations so students can restore battery power to their computers and phones while studying or watching TV. “Curb appeal remains in the top five compelling reasons for a student selecting a specific college to attend,” Brewer said. “This fact is not lost on Louisiana College as we have made the addition and care of … [Read more...]