By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – While refueling at an Alexandria gasoline station, Aug. 26, Disaster Relief volunteer James Irvine struck up a conversation with a young man who inquired about a job with the organization. Instead of securing employment, Justin left with something far better than a job opportunity … he left with a relationship with Christ. Irvine, who along with LBDR Strategist Stan Statham, prayed with Justin onsite as he gave his life over to the Lord. It served as a reminder that all Christ followers should look for opportunities to share the ‘good news’ found in the Lord. “Anytime you can lead someone to the Lord it’s an awesome experience, Irvine told the Baptist Message. “On that day the timing was right, and he was ready to change his life for the Lord. A lot of people miss those opportunities but when it is there you must step up and allow the person to either accept or reject Christ. I’m so excited Justin was willing to turn to Jesus right then and there.” Statham, who has maintained contact with Justin for discipleship and to help him get connected with a local church, said the incident served as a reminder of the ultimate purpose of disaster … [Read more...]

By Staff, LCUNews PINEVILLE, La. (LCUNews) -- Steve Horn, executive director for Louisiana Baptists, encouraged Louisiana Christian University students during the first chapel of the 2022-23 school year, Aug. 26, to make decisions with their end goals in mind. Speaking from Revelation 1:1-8, Horn said the lessons in Revelation allow believers to go through life’s trials with the end in view. “Hopefully, you came to this university with the end in view. Not just graduation, but education and learning—to make a contribution to this world,” said Horn. “The decisions you make in the weeks, the years to come, are progressing you to the end. Revelation is the kind of book that calls on us to focus on the end.” Four years ago, Louisiana Christian University President Rick Brewer began selecting a single book of the Bible for extensive study for the year. His selection this year was the Book of Revelation. According to Brewer, “Revelation is often misunderstood and therefore neglected, but Dr. Horn made it easier to understand with his message to the students by emphasizing the overarching themes of the Book. “Our chapel experience today was a worshipful time of praise, prayer and proclamation unlike any I have ever … [Read more...]

By Staff, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – The first chapel of the 2022-2023 school year on Tuesday, Aug. 26, proved to be a busy one as the school welcomed its 2026 freshman class and honored former and present athletes and their accomplishments. Besides university officials recognizing the athletic accomplishments, including three athletes named as ‘Pillars of Football,’ LCU introduced the establishment of three new athletic awards, named after former LCU alumni standouts, announced the promotion of current athletic director/basketball coach Reni Mason to vice-president of intercollegiate athletics, and named current LCU quarterback Sal Palermo III as ‘President for a Day.’ RING CEREMONY LCU President Rick Brewer and new women’s soccer coach Kendall Ayers awarded the Lady Wildcats soccer team with their 2021 Red River Athletic Conference championship rings. The team won the regular season and tournament and qualified for the national tournament, a first in school history. Martina Terra Garcia became the program’s first to receive All-America honors as she was an honorable mention selection. “You all have set a standard for the other programs to live up to for all the positive attention you have brought this … [Read more...]