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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Sold-out Abide ’23 women’s conference inspires to live ‘missionally’

  By Marilyn Stewart, NOBTS communications NEW ORLEANS (NOBTS) – The voices of 1200 women from 15 states and 250 churches—a sold-out crowd—filled the chapel at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary as they gathered to praise, learn, and fellowship at the Abide Women’s Conference, Feb. 3-4. Kelly Minter, Lifeway author, Bible teacher, and podcaster, headlined the third annual event that came days before the launch of her latest book, the 90-day devotional “The Blessed Life.” “It has been our prayer that God would ignite a passion in the hearts of all that came for His glory,” said Tara Dew, wife of President Jamie Dew and one of three plenary speakers. “Whether in our homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, or among the nations, God wants to use His children as missionaries so that all may know Him.” “Women Living Missionally” was the conference theme. Co-sponsoring aspects of the event with NOBTS and Leavell College were the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board. The partnering entities provided exhibits, door prizes, swag items and other gifts. Other partners and exhibitors included: Lifeway; WorldCrafts, the compassion ministry of the National WMU; the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) … [Read more...]

Winnfield’s Gates joins SBC WMU in missions discipleship for young men

By Julie Walters, SBC WMU BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (SBC WMU) – Keith Gates, a judge and member of First Baptist Church, Winnfield, has joined the Southern Baptist Woman’s Missionary Union staff as a ministry for consultant for Royal Ambassadors, Challengers and Youth on Mission. “RAs changed my life as a camp staffer in the early 2000s,” Gates said. “Developing a better RA program, at least in my circle of influence, has been a passion of mine since then.” Gates brings ample experience with RA programs in multiple churches and the Louisiana Baptist Convention. He has served as a leader of RA chapters at First Baptist Church, Lafayette, Goldonna Baptist Church and FBC Winnfield. Gates also is on the state RA Council, where he will continue to help plan RA Congress (a weekend missions conference for first to sixth grade boys) and other activities around the state. In addition to running Gates Law Firm in Winnfield as an attorney, he also serves as a judge for the City Court of Winnfield and adjunct professor at Northwestern State University, where he teaches in the pre-law and paralegal studies program. “We are excited for Keith to join our team,” said Joye Smith, affinity networks manager for national WMU. “He brings a … [Read more...]

Noted cardiovascular surgeon to discuss being heart healthy

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Cardiovascular surgeon Gary Jones will discuss his campaign to “Keep Louisiana Walking” during Louisiana Christian University’s Happy Heart Day, Feb. 8. Jones, a native of Franklin and graduate of Tulane University, will share the program that promotes awareness of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of peripheral artery disease including a history of smoking, Type 2 diabetes, advanced age, high blood pressure, a family history of PAD and high cholesterol. “February is Heart Health Month, and walking is an easy way to start and maintain a physically active lifestyle,” said Sonia Tinsley, division chair for Allied Health. “We want to prevent and manage heart disease in central Louisiana. “Dr. Jones has graciously offered to come to campus and discuss what it takes to keep your heart healthy,” she continued. “His initiative of ‘Keep Louisiana Walking’ goes along with our Step Up, CENLA program - which is to get our community physically active and decrease the risk for chronic health conditions.” The event will take place at 4 p.m. in Granberry Conference Center and is free and open to the public. Attendees to the event will be invited to visit and walk the Parrish Fuller … [Read more...]

Behold Israel’s Golay kicks off first C3 of spring

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Mike Golay, director of operations for Behold Israel, will be the keynote speaker for Louisiana Christian University’s first Christ, Church, Culture event of the spring semester, Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. Golay will share where those living in today’s culture are on the prophetic timeline. “LCU’s yearlong study of Revelation during our weekly chapel gathering and through multiple Bible study groups campus wide will be accentuated by Pastor Golay’s presentation,” LCU President Rick Brewer said. “Understanding the role of Israel in terms of End Times discussions is paramount.” In his role with Behold Israel, Golay leads conferences and tours of Israel, where he lived and worked for eight years. According to its website, Behold Israel is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide reliable and accurate reporting on developments in Israel and the region. Golay, who also is a chaplain for the U.S. Air Force, previously served for 17 years as lead pastor of Friendship Church, Shakopee, Minn. … [Read more...]

LCU schedules events to honor Black History Month

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...]

CHURCHES: How to file for ERC tax refund

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...]

Tioga senior awarded Smith Scholarship for fall 2023

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...]

Rennier named LCU vice president of student life

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University President Rick Brewer has announced the promotion of Meredith Rennier to vice president of student life. Brewer said Rennier, who has been serving as executive director of the Center for Calling and Career, will help strengthen the university’s mission, vision and commitment to a student experience known for being relevant, relational and rigorous. “Meredith brings significant experience and effective leadership to this position,” Brewer said. “In this role, Vice President Rennier will provide oversight for all Student Life programming, services and activities while continuing to lead LCU’s Center for Calling and Career.” In her new role, Rennier will oversee all student support services and provide leadership specifically through LCU’s counseling center, recreational events, student activities, residence life and international activities. “I am honored to serve LCU's mission of equipping student lives for learning, leading and serving through the role of Vice President of Student Life,” Rennier said. “What a privilege it is to provide leadership in a team that enriches the lives of our students. At LCU, there is a place for everyone, and … [Read more...]

Jonathan E. Martin MBA program receives $1.25 million gift

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...]