By Baptist Message staff BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – An arson investigation is underway after security camera footage showed suspicious activity at Istrouma Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, early Monday morning, April 18. “We are grateful for God’s protection over our people and facilities and thankful for our first responders,” Pastor Micah Cating wrote in a statement. Firefighters were called to the church at 7:28 a.m. Monday, the Baton Rouge Advocate reported. By that time, the fire had long been out. Arson investigators are searching for the subject. According to WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, the surveillance footage captured an individual wearing a mask and gloves walking up to the building. A few moments later a flash occurred. No damage was reported to the building. Cating said the church continues to work with investigators. Anyone with information on the incident should contact fire investigators at 225.389.2050. … [Read more...]

PINEVILLE, La. (LCUNews) – Students in academics and athletics were recognized at Louisiana Christian University’s 61st annual honors convocation April 14. Additionally, two faculty members were recognized with endowed professorships. English professor Julie Driessen received The McCormick-Huie Professorship in English and Journalism and Nicholas Maricle, assistant professor of Missions and Ministries, received the Lyndon E. Dawson, Sr., Professorship in Religion. Student awards are listed below by department: Art Central Louisiana Ad Club Scholarship Award: Nathaniel Madrid, Alexandria Grady Harper Scholarship Award: Jocelyn Holt, Salinas, California Thilo Steinschulte Scholarship Award: Sarah Brooks, Baytown, Maryland Athletics NAIA Student Athlete Award : Kae’ron Baker, Navasota, Texas & Kayla Dauthier, Jarreau Business ACBSP Student Leadership Award: Agigail Shields, Deville Central Louisiana Chapter of Society of Louisiana CPAs Round Robin Interview Scholarship: Adam Hair, Sulphur Outstanding Graduating Senior in Business: Administration : Adam Hair, Sulphur Outstanding Junior in Business Administration: Ting Jiang, Eunice & Salvador Palermo, Walker Society of LA CPAs … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff GDASNK, Poland (LBM) – In the short time Stan Statham has been in Poland, Louisiana Baptist’s Disaster Relief strategist has been touched by the spirit and resiliency of Ukrainian refugees who have sought refuge in Gdasnk. And in the months ahead, Statham reiterated that efforts by Louisiana Baptists and others would need to be stepped up to help provide for those who fled the ongoing violence in Ukraine. “They are uncertain about their future and wonder will they be able to return home,” Statham told the Baptist Message. “Daily provisions are going to be an ongoing concern. “But I am touched by the kindness and generosity of the refugees,” he continued. “They invite us in and offer us hot tea or whatever they have.” Statham with six other LBDR team members are in Poland for a week ministering to Ukrainian refugees at First Baptist Church, Gdansk. They spent much of their day on April 14 continuing to remodel an apartment that will house 16 Ukrainian refugees while also leading a Bible class for the children of the refugees. He asked Louisiana Baptists to consider praying and giving to ongoing relief efforts. One of the most pressing needs is for two ladies who speak Russian to come … [Read more...]

PINEVILLE, LA (LCUNews) -- Two Louisiana Christian University science majors have earned coveted spots at the University of Southern Mississippi in research experiences for undergraduates (REU) this summer. Sophomore Joshua Poole, a pre-engineering with chemistry major from Lithia, Florida, will be doing his REU in the polymer science and engineering department. Junior Ethan West, a chemistry major from Pine Prairie, will be doing his REU in the Southern Miss chemistry department. Poole’s National Science Foundation funded program focuses on “polymer innovations for a sustainable future.” Poole said he is excited about the opportunity this gives STEM students to experience what an actual job in their major would be like. Plus, it comes with a $6000 stipend. West is participating in a National Science Foundation funded program focusing on “sensing and assembly based on non-covalent interactions,” he said. The central focus of the program is biochemistry, with the assembly of proteins and macromolecules, as well as the synthesis of bioactive molecules. “Ethan West and Josh Poole are both excellent students,” said David Elliott, chair of the Division of Natural Sciences. “Both are dedicated learners and gifted in … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff GDANSK, Poland (LBM) – A Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief team hit the ground running this week as they took over the remodeling of an apartment at First Baptist Church, Gdansk, Poland that will house 16 Ukrainian refugees. The work begun by DR teams from Mississippi and Ohio is expected to be completed by April 18 according to Louisiana Baptists Disaster Relief Strategist Stan Statham. The Louisiana team, whose first day of ministry in the country was April 12, also will assist with shelter management, supply distribution, feeding refugees, and chaplaincy work this week. Louisiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Mississippi will send one team per month for at least six months to serve in Gdansk on a rotating basis. Statham asked for continued prayers during the team’s time in Poland. “There is a great need for housing here,” Statham told the Baptist Message. “The Polish churches are really reaching out to refugees. Please pray for the children whose life is just turned upside down. Last night I spoke at the Ukrainian church prayer meeting. While I could not understand what they were saying, I certainly understood the weeping.” … [Read more...]

By Staff BATON ROUGE, La. – After a two-year hiatus, crowds once again will fill the worship center of Lanier Baptist Church April 14-16, 6:30 p.m. nightly, for its annual Easter drama “His Amazing Love.” More than 100 church members have worked since February to put on the production. The musical drama that includes live animals (goat, sheep and a donkey) is a three-act play with 10 scenes and such songs as “His Amazing Love,” “Come Let Us Worship the King,” “There Is Peace in Christ,” and “My Chains Are Broken.” Josh Ferguson, who plays the lead of Jesus, also co-produced and directed the drama with long-time worship leader Robert Reames. “We have struggled with adversity three times in the last six years. First, it was the flood of 2016 which caused us to cancel and then COVID-19 forced us cancel the last two years,” Ferguson said. “But all things work together for the good of those who love Him as the enthusiasm in our congregation for the 2022 presentation is off the charts. “Our stage production of ‘His Amazing Love’ is our opportunity to present to the public in an easy-to-understand depiction of the kindness and tenderness that Jesus exhibited during His earthly ministry,” he continued. “I've had the … [Read more...]