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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

FIRST PERSON: My Asbury Journey

By Don Pucik, Special to the Baptist Message ASBURY, Ky. (LBM) -- It began with a phone call from a friend on Thursday afternoon. He had heard that a spiritual awakening was underway at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. In February 1970, Asbury was the epicenter of a campus revival that impacted hundreds of college and seminary campuses across North America. After reaching out to other friends and searching online, I began piecing together a few facts. On Wednesday, Feb. 8, following a routine 10 a.m. chapel service in Hughes Auditorium, a small group of students remained behind to worship and pray. As students made their way to the altar rail across the front of the stage, the Holy Spirit ignited a deeper, heart-level work. Word spread swiftly as students began to message one another “you need to get back to Hughes!” As I write this account 180 hours later, the worship of our Father continues without pause. Two other campus chapels and a local church building have been opened to accommodate the crowds that now exceed three thousand students, faculty, and guests Slipping into Hughes on Saturday evening, I was one of those “guests.” I became a part of the Asbury awakening for the next two days and … [Read more...]

Fire destroys New Friendship facilities

By Baptist Message POLLOCK, La. (LBM) – A fire destroyed the worship center, education building and fellowship hall at New Friendship Baptist Church Thursday. According to church member Wayne Baum, a church lady was inside the fellowship hall when she smelled smoke a little after 9 a.m. Fire crews from Jena, Grant Parish, Deville and Ruby-Kolin responded. The cause of the fire was still under investigation. The parsonage, which is across the road from the other buildings that burned, was not harmed. Baum asked for prayers as they move forward. “Pray for our congregation,” Baum said. “We are devastated but are thankful no one was injured.” … [Read more...]

Convergence media students, professor earn awards at SEJC

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University convergence media students recently were honored during the 2023 Southeast Journalism Conference for their work in writing, broadcast reporting, public relations and editorial cartoons. Additionally, LCU Professor Elizabeth Clarke, chair of the Division of Media, Communication and Theatre, was recognized with the Byron St. Dizier/David Sloan Award for the SEJC Outstanding Educator of the Year Award for 2023. Eleven students attended SEJC at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Feb. 9-11, and participated in on-site competitions against students from other universities across the Southeast. The SEJC includes 38 colleges and universities in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. The following LCU students received awards: Nathan Roper, Micah Meche, Phoebe Lim and Emily Slay: public relations campaign, 2nd place Noel Schonhoff: television anchoring, 2nd place Kai Stone: television news reporting, 3rd place Camille Soileau: news/feature photography, 2nd place In addition, Best of the South awards were given to the best student submissions representing published and broadcast works of journalism for … [Read more...]

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...]