By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University will celebrate Black History Month with a celebration of worldwide cultures, Gospel concert, and rhythm and blues nights, and a basketball tournament. “Diversity is something we embrace at Louisiana Christian University, said LCU President Rick Brewer. “We have a diverse student body and a diverse faculty and staff. We look forward to taking time this month to focus on the important contributions of African Americans to our state, nation and world.” Culture from ‘Around the World’ will kick off Black History Month, Feb. 22, 7 p.m. in the Martin Performing Arts Center. “We invite all international students to come in their native dress,” said Joshua Joy Dara, associate vice president for engagement and enrichment. “This is an opportunity to showcase and learn about the food and culture of other countries, and we will showcase the talents and gifts of these students.” LCU’s Gospel Choir will be joined by the choirs of Nazarene Baptist Church in Alexandria and Zion Hill Church in Pineville. This event will include a video presentation of black legends, Dara said. Other Black History Month events include: The fourth annual … [Read more...]

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor WASHINGTON (LBM) – The Employee Retention Credit is a tax refund that is available to churches who kept employees on the payroll during the pandemic of 2020-21. Initially, eligible employers had to choose between the Paycheck Protection Program or the Employee Retention Credit. Then in 2021 Congress allowed eligible employers to apply for both. So, the two programs can be used together to maximize benefits, but they cannot be used to compensate churches twice for the same wages in any quarter of either 2020 or 2021. Importantly, the PPP was a loan that converted to a grant if certain conditions were met. However, the ERC is a refundable payroll tax credit. The Louisiana Baptist Message has compiled the following information from multiple sources, and it is provided on a general information basis only. Churches should consult with their respective accountants for specific financial advice. ELIGIBILITY The timeframe includes March 13, 2020, through December 31, 2021, if a state mandate was in effect. The following Louisiana proclamations were issued by Governor John Bel Edwards: -- On March 13, 2020, all public gatherings of 250 or more persons were … [Read more...]

By Lexi Rachal, Wildcats Media PINEVILLE, La. (Wildcats Media) – Kylee Vanhoof, a senior at Tioga High School in Ball, was awarded the Smith Scholarship for 2023. Vanhoof, who will receive a four-year scholarship that covers tuition and room and board at Louisiana Christian University, won the Jan. 28 competition against 12 other students. All contestants were evaluated by LCU faculty members based on their leadership qualities and Christian character in their written responses and the on-sight interview portion of the competition. The Smith Scholarship began in the 1970s after Tom and Beverly Dunham began an endowment donation to honor Beverly’s mother, Elizabeth Smith. “One of the highlights each year at LCU is the Smith Scholarship competition,” said LCU President Rick Brewer. “These high achieving students are impressive and full of promise for the future. Kylee Vanhoof proved to be the best of the best this year. I am confident Kylee and the other Smith Scholarship contestants will make a significant difference in and out of the classroom over the coming years at Louisiana Christian University.” Vanhoof, a member of First Baptist Church, Pineville, said she was honored to win the Smith Scholarship. “I feel … [Read more...]

By Staff PINEVILLE, La. – Ellis and Heather Fowler have given a $1.25 million gift to the newly created Jonathan E. Martin Master of Business Administration program. According to a news release from Louisiana Christian University, the donation will establish the Mary Martin Fowler Endowed Chair. The Fowlers gave the money to honor Ellis’ mother, Mary Martin Fowler, and to support the MBA program named in honor of his late uncle. In addition to the endowed professorship, the funds will create the Fowler Family Scholarship Fund, to provide financial awards to outstanding students to earn their MBA at LCU. Scholarship funds will be available in July. “The Fowlers are strong supporters of higher education and have taken a keen interest in what we are doing at LCU and the Young School of Business,” LCU President Rick Brewer said in a news release. “We continue to be amazed at what the Lord is doing through the extended Martin family, and are grateful to the Fowlers for their contributions to our Martin MBA program.” Launched this school year, the MBA is the newest graduate degree offered in the Young School of Business at LCU and received full approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff NEW ORLEANS, La. (LBM) – Baptist Community Ministries will break ground, Jan. 31, on a new uptown building – the renovated facility will house BCM’s day-to-day operations. Scheduled for 10 a.m., the ceremony will feature BCM staff and board members and elected officials who will celebrate the renovation of the two-story, 12,000-sq.-ft. building that formerly housed Whitney Bank’s branch at 1320 St. Charles Ave. The project is expected to be complete in 6-8 months and is spearheaded by Ryan Gootee General Contractors and Eskew Dumez Ripple, according to a news release from BCM. Those attending are asked to wear appropriate attire that includes closed-toe shoes. Hard hat tours will be available at the ceremony. BCM was formed from the proceeds of the 1995 sale of Southern Baptist Hospital in New Orleans; and through the years the ministry has furthered the Gospel through partnerships formed with 150 churches and 95 non-profit organizations in the city — investing in health, education, and public safety. BCM officially marked its 25th anniversary in 2020 but muted its celebration activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about Baptist Community Ministries, visit … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Erin Jones, a long-time missions volunteer and former children’s and preschool minister, has assumed the role of Louisiana Baptist children and youth mission education strategist. “We are thrilled to have Erin join the missions and ministry team,” Louisiana Baptist Women’s Missions and Ministry Strategist Christine Gill told the Baptist Message. “She has such a rich background in missions discipleship, and I know she is going to champion missions education for people of all ages in our Louisiana Baptist churches.” Jones, who has served as a volunteer at Children’s Mission Camp (formally known as Girls in Action Camp and Royal Ambassadors Camp) over the past 15 years, hopes to bring that same passion for missions to her new role. Jones, whose first day on the job was Jan. 3, said she and her husband, Derek, are excited to be a part of serving with Louisiana Baptists who strive for one common goal in Louisiana and beyond. “GAs and Mission Friends had such an impact on my life and made me who I am today,” she said. “I was called to ministry at a mission’s event and the Lord reaffirmed that calling while serving at camp. I can’t wait to share my … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – The next generation of young professionals will be challenged to embrace Christ-centered relationships during the upcoming Collegiate Evangelism Conference, “Together,” set for Feb. 10-11 at Louisiana Christian University’s Guinn Auditorium in Pineville. “If you ask a student what they want to talk about, chances are it will be relationships,” Chad McClurg, University of Louisiana-Monroe Baptist Collegiate Ministry director and conference organizer, told the Baptist Message. “Relationships are a highly discussed thing in Scripture, and we want our students to have the correct perspective as they live out their daily lives. We hope to answer those questions they may have about different types of relationships during the weekend. “Our main sessions will focus on our identity in Christ as the primary relationship, as well as dating and marriage from a godly perspective,” he continued. “The breakout sessions will dive deeper into relationships in other areas of life that a college student faces now and in the future.” CEC will feature three speakers: Sean Walker, pastor, the Bayou Church, Lafayette; Kathy Nelson, laywoman, Calvary Baptist Church, … [Read more...]