By Message Staff The number of U.S. babies born in 2017, about 3.85 million, was the lowest total since 1987, according to the latest CDC figures. Worse yet, the fertility rate, based on the average number of babies born to each woman of child-bearing age, fell dramatically to just above 1.76, well below the 2.1 level that is needed to keep a population stable, meaning no growth or decline. Already, among whites in the United States, deaths began exceeding births in 2016. That looms large in terms of the population drop that is sure to follow because non-Hispanic whites compose 61 percent of the population. For comparison, Japan’s population is in a downward spiral, peaking at more than 128 million in 2010, a mere 25 years after dropping to a fertility rate of 1.76. Various demographers conclude that based on current fertility trends, Japan will decline by more than 19 million in population by 2050, a drop of almost 15 percent. Meanwhile, China, boasting the largest population of 1.4 billion, is trending down in fertility as well – 1.75 but possibly as low as 1.6 – and has lost more than 20 million workers from the labor force the last six years as more Chinese workers age and retire without anyone younger to … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer RAYVILLE – Deep in the Delta farmland, Deanna Corbett battles hunger. Most days she works alongside volunteers to plant vegetables in a community garden or stuff backpacks with food for the impoverished in Richland Parish. Her end goal is to plant seeds that reap a harvest for Christ. According to statistical data, Richland Parish is one of the poorest parishes in the state. U.S. Census information shows that 27.8 percent of Richland Parish residents live below the poverty level, ranking it ninth out of 64 parishes in Louisiana. COOPERATIVE COMPASSION Through her work, Corbett, endorsed by the North American Mission Board as a Mission Service Corps missionary and funded in part by Louisiana Baptists as an association compassion ministry, is doing her part to meet a physical need and give parish residents hope in Jesus. “The projects give us a strong presence – the people know why we are there and what we are doing,” Corbett said. “The plight of the impoverished is massive.” Corbett founded Shade Tree Missions shortly after she surrendered to full-time missions in May 2015. With assistance from a volunteer base of nearly 25, Corbett conducts a backyard Bible club in a … [Read more...]

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event. ON THE MOVE Larry Baldridge, pastor of Bayou Life Baptist Church, Cottonport, is the new worship pastor at First Baptist Church, Abbeville. HOMECOMING Westside Emmanuel Baptist Church, Bogalusa: 70th Homecoming, February 9, 10:30 a.m. Dinner on the grounds will follow the morning worship service. Speaker: Marcus Rosa. There will also be testimonies by charter members and former staff. Music: Waylon Mills and the Westside worship band. Special Music: Reunion choir and orchestra. The day will include celebration of baptisms. Pastor: Marcus Rosa. REVIVAL First Baptist Church, Haynesville: Revival, January 27-30, Sunday, 10:45 a.m. & 7 p.m; Monday-Wednesday, 7 p.m. Meals each night will be in the Family Life Center at 6 p.m. Evangelist: The Lisembys. Bring your friends, family and the lost for a week of … [Read more...]

By Message Staff PINEVILLE – Full-time law enforcement and first responders, who enroll in Louisiana College’s criminal justice program, will receive a 20 percent discount on their tuition the school announced a Tuesday, Jan. 15 press conference. “I personally have a desire to help more men and women who are serving us – both protecting and preserving our communities and doing a wonderful job – to enable them  to receive a degree in criminal justice from Louisiana College,” LC President Rick Brewer said during the press conference. “We hope it will encourage men and women to come and get this great education that’s Christ-centered and focused toward making a difference in our community and beyond.” The 127-academic credit hour criminal justice program equips students with the analytical and critical thinking skills in the areas of crime prevention, justice and public safety. Students can take classes on campus, on-line or a combination of the two. LC Professor of Criminal Justice Joshua Joy Dara called the partnership between LC and the criminal justice field a perfect union. “Our US Constitution, our Bill of Rights and our court system are all linked into the Word of God,” said Dara, who also serves as pastor of … [Read more...]

By Message Staff PINEVILLE (LBM) -- Louisiana College has entered into an agreement to accept coursework completed by students at the Louisiana Community and Technical College System who transfer to the Louisiana Baptist school. LC President Rick Brewer and LCTC System President Monty Sullivan signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday, January 9, to create a partnership that grants qualified transfer students opportunities that include possible junior status at LC, scholarships and priority status for on-campus housing. Incoming students must meet certain criteria, including an associate degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Students who have not completed an associate degree can still transfer with a minimum of 24 credit hours with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Brewer said the agreement is effective immediately. “As Central Louisiana Technical College and the other branches of the Community and Technical College System are going to grow, those students will have the opportunity to matriculate directly into Louisiana College,” Brewer said. “It’s going to give students more opportunity to get a Christ-centered education, whether they are working adults, whether they are … [Read more...]