By Elizabeth Christian, LC News PINEVILLE, La. (LC News) - Louisiana Christian University’s celebration of Black History Month will continue with the third annual Gospel choir concert Feb. 17. Scheduled for 6:30 p.m. inside Guinn Auditorium, the concert will feature both traditional and contemporary Gospel music sung by the school's choir, students, alumni and community members including the worship team from Zion Hill Church Family, Pineville. “It’s a different style of music that many students are not used to hearing,” said concert director Terrell Phillips. “It taps into a culture that I am used to and a lot of African Americans are used to but a lot of people haven’t heard before.” Next week, two more events will be held to celebrate Black History Month: a showing of the 2014 film “Selma,” which depicts the voting rights marches in Alabama from Selma to Montgomery led by Martin Luther King Jr. It will be shown in the Granberry Conference Center on Feb. 23 at 7.30 p.m. On Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m.  a panel discussion will take place at Guinn Auditorium on King and the realization of his dream. “Diversity is something I want us to celebrate every day at Louisiana Christian University," LCU President Rick Brewer … [Read more...]

By Staff GONZALES, La. – The Louisiana Family Forum has named Gail and Patsy Richardson as the winner of its contest for the state’s longest married couple. Gail, a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Gonzales, and Patsy, who attends St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Gonzales, married on Sept. 1, 1940. Gail Richardson said the key to marriage is a faith centered on God and trusting in Him. “He handles all of the little and big things in our lives,” he told the Baptist Message. “For those who want to have a long, happy marriage, treat your spouse well and have lots of one on one time. Love one another and help each other in whatever way you can. And, forgive and forget.” The longest-known married couples are honored yearly for their commitment to building a culture of strong marriages in Louisiana and for being examples of lasting love. "We want to remind the next generation that marriage is good for both men and women. Married couples are healthier, wealthier, love more often and more deeply… and are less trim!” commented LFF President Gene Mills stated in a LFF press release. "We are honored to shine a light on these examples of lasting love." The Richardsons are among 15 couples who have been inducted into … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff SAINT FRANCISVILLE, La. (LBM) – The Judson Baptist Retreat Center, a camp owned by churches of the Baptist Association of Greater Baton Rouge, has announced it will suspend operations from May to December. According to BAGBR Director of Missions Tommy Middleton, coronavirus pandemic-related financial challenges played a key role in the decision. While the camp will not be available for all camps, retreats and other activities for the foreseeable future after April 30, events already scheduled before that date will take place. Camp Director Justin Busby will remain on staff and a task force will be formed to study Judson Baptist Retreat Center’s future. Middleton said the task force will report its findings during the BAGBR Annual Meeting in October. “Hopefully, they will be able to bring forward an approach and direction for the Center that will result in a new direction, reimagined, and reinvigorated for 2023 and beyond,” Middleton wrote on the camp's website. “Your prayers and input for the task force will be needed and appreciated. Within the next few weeks when the task force has been fully formed, we will be releasing the names of this team.  “Finally, we, as the churches of the Baptist … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff SHREVEPORT, La. (LBM) – More than 250 members of the Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association’s churches came together to cry out to God to bring revival during the fellowship’s 7th annual “Call to Prayer.” Hosted by Woodridge Baptist Church, Shreveport, the Jan. 30 gathering brought together Christians of various ages and ethnicities to pray for law enforcement, the persecuted church, missionaries serving around the world, pastors and other church leaders. As in previous gatherings, this event was marked by prayer in multiple formats: from the worship center stage; in small groups around the room; and by individuals who pleaded with God for revival in their community, state and nation. Thirty pastors either shared a message or prayed for a variety of needs. The event also included a special designed time of prayer for area schools, teachers and students. The “Dads On Duty” from Southwood High School in Shreveport were present for a time of corporate prayer. These men recently were featured in national news reports for their efforts to have a strong male presence through daily visits to the school as a means to curb violence. REVIVE US Lane Moore, NLBA director of missions, reminded the crowd of the … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Clark, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Alliance Defending Freedom Regional Director Shannon Kendrick addressed many cultural hot topics facing Christians during Louisiana Christian University’s first Christ Church Culture event of the spring semester, Feb. 6. Kendrick, who has served in senior executive roles in the federal government, regional economic development and congressional affairs before coming to the ADF, told the audience it’s never been more important to understand the cultural shifts that are occurring and to fight for freedom to practice and preach the Gospel. “Now, more than ever, we must know the times we are living in,” she said, “and listen to God to be relevant and effective.” Threats to religious liberty are happening nationwide, she emphasized. “Times are really different now, and church leaders are finding themselves in positions they never thought they’d be in,” she said. Kendrick addressed some of the most recent challenges to Christian faith and practice that the ADF has been involved in, including Colorado baker Jack Phillips, Houston Pastor Steve Riggle, Gaston College v. DeWeese Boyd, and Seattle Union Gospel Mission v. Woods. “We’re up against an ideological … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Clarke, LC News PINEVILLE, La. (LC News) – A play featuring the first all-black cast in school history will kick off Louisiana Christian University’s Black History Month festivities. “Fences” is Theatre of Louisiana Christian’s first play of the spring season and features Alexandria senior theatre major Terrell Phillips in the lead role. “It’s a blessing to be put in these positions and to represent the African American community, to open doors for black students to get more involved in things around campus,” said Phillips, also former Student Government Association president. “Fences” will run Feb 10-12 at 7 p.m. in the Martin Performing Arts Center on campus. Tickets are $5 for LCU students, faculty and staff, $12 for senior citizens and non-LCU students, $15 for the general public and $10 each for groups of 10 or more, and may be purchased online at https://www.purplepass.com/#230245/Theatre_Louisiana_Christian-FENCES_by_August_Wilson-Martin_Performing_Arts_Center-February-03-2022.html For additional information, call 318.613.4064. Other events this month include the third annual Gospel choir concert and a panel discussion on Martin Luther King Jr. Both the concert and panel discussion are free … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE (LCU News ) – Morgan Tradewell, a senior at Buckeye High School in Deville, was awarded the Louisiana Christian University’s Smith Scholarship for 2022. The annual competition, held Jan. 29 on campus, drew 11 contestants from Louisiana and Texas. Competitors must have at least a 28 ACT score and are further evaluated based on their leadership qualities and Christian character. The winner receives a four-year full tuition, room and board scholarship. “The Smith Scholarship program represents the Best of the Best at Louisiana Christian University,” LCU President Rick Brewer said. “This year’s competition was extremely competitive including exemplary students from several states. Congratulations to Morgan Tradewell for being selected as this year’s winner. “At LCU we celebrate the maturity of intellect and the maturity of Christian character,” he continued. “Indeed, the Smith Scholarship recipient is emblematic of this desired outcome.” Tradewell, a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville, plans to study biology and added that throughout school she learned of the challenges to equip mentally and physically disabled children with resources needed to succeed because each … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) - Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry encouraged more than 1,500 Louisiana Life March Central participants to continue to fight for the rights of the unborn, just months before the likely Supreme Court decision in a case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, that could overturn Roe v. Wade, whose 1973 decision legalized abortion.  “As we patiently wait for that decision, I will tell you that if we continue to stand with life, we will absolutely persevere,” Landry said on Saturday, Feb. 5. “We will win. We will conquer this evil. And we will see a day under which abortion is ruled illegal in this state.” Landry commended those who have championed life, including the marchers, state legislators and Louisiana Solicitor General Liz Murrill (who has defended the state's pro-life laws). The current 6-3 Republican-appointed majority on the Supreme Court has led many legal observers to speculate that abortion could be outlawed. “Almost 50 years ago this crowd was much smaller,” he said. “And there was a group of men and women who recognized the travesty of the Supreme Court decision in Roe, and they moved head-first into the oncoming fire to continue to move a message in … [Read more...]

… [Read more...]