By Bradley Welborn PINEVILLE – Concentration and an intense focus are the reason Louisiana College’s softball team leads in multiple defensive categories this season. To maintain that edge, it is not uncommon to see some Lady Wildcats with colorful bows in their hair, headbands, sunglasses or eye black which helps to reduce the glare and enables them to see the ball better. Some even apply a little ‘face paint.’ Perhaps no ‘face paint’ is more noticeable than that of Wildcat second baseman Jessica Johnson, who for the past year has drawn a cross on each of her cheeks before every game. “I started doing it last year, and I just put it on my face because crosses are a good reminder for me,” said Johnson. “Before I go up to bat, I draw a cross on the ground because it reminds me no matter what the outcome is, whether I strike out or get a hit, that doesn't determine my identity in Christ. “And when I’m on defense, after every play or maybe even after every pitch, I draw a cross in the dirt,” Johnson continued. “I do it to help me calm down, relax and get rid of any fears or anxieties I might be feeling. I draw a cross to assure me there’s no fear in God and we’re playing for His Kingdom.” Whether by happenstance or not, she … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Even before she graduates, Louisiana College student Rachel Britt knows her calling in life – to one day open a safe house for human trafficking survivors. This summer, Britt will have the opportunity to put her dream into practice when she serves as an intern at the Hope House in Baton Rouge. While there, she will work with survivors of human trafficking through a variety of programs intended to give them hope found in Christ. “I actually want to open a safe house for minors who have survived human trafficking,” said Britt, a member of First Baptist Church in Zachary. “I’m really excited to have this opportunity.” Britt is among 12 LC students who will serve as summer missionaries in several locations such as Baton Rouge, North Carolina, New Mexico, Kentucky, Tennessee, Africa and South America. They were recognized during a special commissioning service at LC earlier today. The service included music, a commissioning charge, medallion presentations to the student missionaries and a message by Eric Hankins, pastor of First Baptist Church in Oxford, Miss., and son of Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Director David Hankins. Citing Luke 10:1-16, Hankins challenged the … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer WOODWORTH – The recent RA Congress concluded with truly a Holy Spirit moment during the Saturday morning session according to Gibbie McMillan, state director for Royal Ambassadors. After offering an invitation to come forward and accept Christ, McMillan watched as 14 young men made their way to the front of the Tall Timbers Conference Center activities building. Only the Holy Spirit could have orchestrated that moment, McMillan believes. “We had a very great opportunity right there to see those boys come to Christ,” McMillan said. “It’s a moment where we present the Gospel to them and they respond in a way of the Holy Spirit drawing them to a point of decision. “It’s always an exciting time to see the Holy Spirit move in this way,” he said. “Seeing the boys come forward to make a decision is why we do ministry.” McMillan said the decisions resulted from seeds being intentionally planted, cultivated and harvested. “That’s the end result,” McMillan said. “This is an example of why it’s vitally important the Gospel be presented at every opportunity.” Dustin Lee, children’s minister at First Baptist Lafayette, was able to lead one of the boys in his group to Christ at RA Congress. Lee … [Read more...]

IN REMEMBERANCE Jeffrey L. Woodrich, 57, passed away April 4. An accomplished carpenter, painter, and cabinet maker, the lifelong resident of Walker took those skills on the road when the Lord called him into the ministry. He and his wife started Louisiana Volunteer Mission Builders, which later turned into Jeffrey Woodrich Baptist Builders. He worked for the Louisiana Baptist Convention for 17 years as the associate and then Mission Builder Strategist building numerous church buildings across the state. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Erin Dawn Higginbotham Woodrich, his three sons, Toby Keith and wife Amanda and their two boys Jordan and Kyle; Cory James and his wife Sarah and their daughter Elena Belle; and Jeffrey Andrew Woodrich; his mother, Melba Janette Woodrich; his sister, Deborah Ann McMorris and husband Brett along with their two children Austin and Jenna.; his in-laws, Louis Lodney and Mary Higginbotham and sisters-in-law, Patricia and Tereasa Higginbotham. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Ernest “Woody” Woodrich and his grandparents, Ernest and Helen Woodrich and Toby and Ola Haynes. A memorial service took place April 8 at Judson Baptist Church in Walker. ON THE MOVE Steven Hicks is the … [Read more...]

By Jamie Stephens, Regional Reporter WOODWORTH – Speakers encouraged more than 175 ladies representing 70 different churches and 26 associations to pray and listen as they seek to reach the lost in Louisiana and around the world. The women gathered April 1-2 for the 116th annual Women’s Missionary Union meeting, held this year at Tall Timbers Conference Center, to hear a number of messages around the theme of “opened eyes to follow” based on Matthew 20:32-34. THE LORD’S ARMY “You are a mighty army of Southern Baptist women who are steady and intent on serving the Lord through missions,” said Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Director David Hankins in welcoming the attendees to the annual meeting. Referencing 2 Kings 6:13-20, Hankins recalled Elisha’s prayer for the young servant. “We should be driven to our knees in prayer as we reach out to younger generations. We must open our eyes to the cross, to the Promise, to the potential, and to the next generation so that the following generations can have their eyes opened to the Lord,” said Hankins. With Hankins’ remarks fresh on their minds, attendees took part in several breakout sessions about engaging the younger generations and a variety of other topics, including the … [Read more...]

By Marilyn Stewart, Regional Reporter NEW ORLEANS – The phone call Alexis Leslie received from Calvary Baptist School in New Orleans last year began with words every parent loves to hear. “I have awesome news,” Leslie said the principal told her. But when Leslie heard her 11-year-old son Liam had made a commitment to follow Christ, she was not sure she understood. “I’ll be honest with you, I don’t know a whole lot about the Baptist religion. I’m Catholic,” Leslie said. “I really wasn’t quite sure what ‘saved’ meant.” The unusual phone call was followed by an unusual baptism when Liam Leslie, a fifth-grader, was baptized Oct. 28 in front of the entire student body, K-8th grade. The school is a ministry of Calvary Baptist Church in New Orleans, and when a Sunday morning baptism could not be worked out, the church approved the baptism during school hours, a first for the school. “We couldn’t seem to find a perfect fit for a Sunday baptism date with the family,” said Laekan Carter, the school’s children’s coordinator and a chapel teacher. “Liam asked me weekly, for months, when he could be baptized.” Liam’s commitment to Christ had come months earlier after Carter had shared during a school chapel program what it meant “to have … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA  – The vision to build an orphanage and church planting center in Haiti is closer to becoming reality, after a deal was finalized to purchase land for the proposed campus. “I am exhilarated that we have reached this stage,” said Wayne Sheppard, executive assistant to the executive director, and partnership missions strategist for Louisiana Baptists. “This process has been long, but it is all according to His timing. The Lord has directed each step, and we have watched Him grant a secure footing with amazing opportunity. Louisiana Baptists are focused on raising up Daniels and Esthers in Haiti and on planting churches to help win thousands to Jesus Christ.” Sheppard traveled to the country in early March to sign papers for the 3.1 acres of land. The next step is building a deep-water well and a wall that will surround the property – projects Sheppard expects to be completed sometime in the spring. “The well will not only provide water for the children at the facility but also will allow others from the community to get water too,” Sheppard said. “In Haiti, having good, healthy drinking water is a premium. Providing pure healthy water will allow the opportunity for many to … [Read more...]

By Norm Miller, LC communications PINEVILLE - Louisiana College announces Dr. Jay Strack as keynote speaker for its 160th Commencement service. The May 7 ticketed event will be held in Guinn Auditorium. An effective communicator, author and minister, Strack has spoken across the US and in 30 countries to an estimated cumulative 15 million people in churches, and stadiums, such as the Georgia Dome, Astrodome, Super Dome, Reunion Arena, and the Olympic Village Stadium in Moscow, Russia. Strack's motivational oratory has gained corporate attention and includes the following speaking engagements: NASA, Walmart, Chick-fil-A, Johnson & Johnson, General Motors, Pfizer Pharmaceutical, Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios, RDV Sports and more. NFL, NBA, & MLB teams and events, including featured speaker for two NBA All Star Games. The Air Force Academy faculty and students. "Jay is the most dynamic communicator I have ever met," said Dr. Rick Brewer, president of Louisiana College. "I am thrilled that our graduates and their families will be exposed to Jay's insights, and his encouragement as well a challenge to pursue new levels of Christian leadership for the sake of the future and for God's kingdom." Brewer and Strack … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message MANY – Their names are synonymous with bass fishing. Randy Howell, Brent Chapman, Alton Jones and Cliff Crochet are among the sport’s elite and they will be at Siloam Baptist Church in Many May 7 at 6:30 p.m. for a ‘Meet the Elite’ event. Not only will these professional bass anglers, along with several others, speak about their craft but they will also share about their faith. “‘Meet the Elite’ is a great event,” said Mary Gore of Toledo Bend Ministry Resort. “It is an opportunity to reach men and boys who will go fishing but may not go to church. Besides these anglers sharing fishing tips, telling some great stories, the good news of the Gospel of Christ is shared with those in attendance. “This is the third time we have had the BASS Elite series tournament here and the two previous times saw a number of men and boys make professions of faith and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior," said Gore. While Jones, a Texas legend with a Classic title in 2008, Chapman, who is currently leading the standings for Toyota Angler of the Year, and Crochet, a Louisiana native from Pierre Part, are all confirmed for the event, Gore said reigning Bass Master Classic Champion Edwin Evers and possibly 2014 Classic … [Read more...]

ZWOLLE – What’s more enjoyable than spending a spring day fishing with a child on one of the finest fishing lakes in the country --Toledo Bend? Absolutely nothing, especially when it’s the 11th annual Toledo Bend Children’s Fishing Derby hosted by Toledo Bend Baptist Resort Ministry. Kids, ages 3-15, and parents are urged to come out join the fun April 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at San Miguel Park beach area. It will be a day of fishing, sun and family-fun. And, best of all, it’s free. A complimentary lunch will be served. For information on this fun-filled day, call Mary L. Gore at 318.452.9731 or the resort ministry at 318.645.6601. … [Read more...]