By Staff, Baptist Message ON THE MOVE Duane (wife Lisa) R. Moreno new as Pastor at Magnolia Baptist Church, Saline. LAGNIAPPE Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, DeRidder: That Night in Bethlehem, a drive-through nativity experience, Dec. 19, 20 and 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Come drive through the streets of Bethlehem and observe what life was like when Jesus was born. Maximum height of vehicle entering Bethlehem is 9 feet. Pastor: Danny Wilson. First Baptist Church, Haynesville: Kids Family Christmas Caroling, Dec. 19, 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 24, 6 p.m. Pastor: Shelby Cowling. First Baptist Church, Winnsboro: Noel, Jesus is Born, Dec. 20, 6 p.m.; Jon and Friends Concert, Dec. 22, 7 p.m. Pastor: Craig Beeman. Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville: A Christmas Promise, Dec. 20, 6 p.m.; Dec. 21, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets for this year’s Christmas musical are no available in the welcome center before and after each of the morning services or during the week at the church office (442-0754). There is a maximum of 20 tickets per family. Pastor: Philip Robertson. Elwood Baptist Church, Forest Hill: Back to Bethle’Hymns’ featuring Benji Harlan, composer and LBC Worship Arts Strategist, Dec. 21, 10:30 a.m. Harlan will be … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 12/19/2014 - 11:35 Baptist Churches and leaders are preparing to minister to thousands of workers as Lake Charles undergoes an unprecedented economic impact in the next seven years. By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer The pending construction of a liquefied natural gas facility, a gas to liquid plant as well as other clean energy related projects has Lake Charles and the surrounding area on the verge of an unprecedented economic boom that could pump billons of dollars into the economy and create more than 50,000 jobs over the next seven years While Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana government leaders make preparations to handle this upcoming surge, Southwest Louisiana Baptist churches and leaders are also hard at work as they prepare for the tremendous ministry opportunities that lie ahead. BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD In the coming years, the city of Lake Charles and surrounding area could see as much as an $86 billion impact on the economy, sparking a growth of 5.7 percent, according to George Swift, president and CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance in Lake Charles. Such facilities include liquefied natural gas facilities, gas to liquid plants and other new … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 12/19/2014 - 11:39 LC graduate Lindsay Moore of Ruby, one of two students to finish with a 4.0, celebrates her graduation with fellow student Karemmy Blanco. LC graduated 79 undergraduates Saturday in Guinn Auditorium. By Al Quartemont, Special to the Message PINEVILLE – Louisiana College completed its 2014 Fall semester with 133 students receiving their degrees as part of the school’s 157th Commencement Ceremony Saturday, Dec. 13 at Guinn Auditorium. Crossing the stage were 79 undergraduates and 54 masters students. The graduating class featured 12 honor graduates, students who finished with a minimum 3.5 GPA for their four years. Among that elite group were two who finished with 4.0 GPAs, Visual Art major Lindsay Moore of Ruby and Psychology major Marissa Whiddon of Bossier City. “Louisiana College congratulates you on this significant occasion,” LC Board of Trustees Chairman Tommy French told the graduates. The commencement address was delivered by Stewart Holloway, pastor of First Baptist Church of Pineville, who also serves as an adjunct professor at the Caskey School of Divinity. Holloway joked he could not recall any of the commencement addresses he experienced, but tried to … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – The pool for candidates of Louisiana College’s next president has been narrowed down to a few people but no one has been chosen yet to fill the position. That was some of the news shared during the most recent meeting of the school’s board of trustees. “Every day my prayer is Lord, help us get the right person for LC,” LC Board President Tommy French told trustees during its Dec. 16 meeting held on the campus in Pineville. The school is searching for a new president after the contract of then-President Joe Aguillard was not renewed. His contract as president expired on July 31, 2014, and the board approved an agreement which allowed Aguillard to remain on campus as president emeritus beginning Aug. 1, 2014. Argile Smith then became interim president of the college once Aguillard’s contract expired. Before being named interim president, Smith served as Executive Vice-President for Integration of Faith and Learning at LC. Smith has said on multiple occasions that he has no desire to serve as president of the school beyond the interim status. Among the characteristics the presidential search committee told trustees during the meeting that it has found in all the candidates … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 12/19/2014 - 11:48 Dick Linman By Holly Jo Linzay, Regional Reporter LAKE CHARLES – At nearly 91 years old, Dick Linam did not let his age weigh in as a factor when asked to serve as a deacon for First Baptist Church in Lake Charles. He may not be the oldest person ever ordained as a Baptist deacon in Louisiana, but Linam imagines he is among a select group, and did not want his age to deter him from serving God. A few weeks ago, Linam was one of five new deacons ordained in a special service at First Baptist Church, and it is the first time Linam has ever been a deacon. “It is very humbling to be accepted to this position. This is my first time to serve as a deacon. I hope I’m worthy of their trust,” Linam said. The role of being a deacon is one Linam plans to take seriously, “I plan to dedicate the rest of my life to serving the Lord and helping in any way I can.” Linam joined First Baptist Church of Lake Charles in 2002. He became active in several ministry outreaches of the church right away. Bruce Baker, who serves as the interim pastor and who is also the executive director of the Carey Association, said Linam’s dedication to the Lord is evident. “Dick’s very active and loves … [Read more...]

By Kelly Boggs, Message Editor Two-thirds of Americans do not trust their fellow citizens, according to a recent survey conducted by the Associated Press and GfK Public Affairs and Corporate Communications. GfK, according to its website, is a research company “working to discover new insights into the way people live, think and shop....” A similar survey in 1972 found that half of Americans professed trust in their fellow man. I suppose the AP-GfK survey does raise at least one question: Did those participating in the project trust the person conducting the survey enough to provide trustworthy answers? With such a preponderance of participants exhibiting such low levels of trust, it makes one wonder. Most of us probably can conjure up enough anecdotal evidence to support the results of the AP/GfK survey. The news is constantly reporting on scams and those who do not honor a contract, must less their word. And who among us has not been on the receiving end of someone lying, cheating or stealing from us? Several surveys in recent years have indicated these behaviors are on the rise in our society. While it seems well-documented that greater numbers of our fellow citizens are behaving in ways that violate trust, social … [Read more...]

By David Jeremiah, Pastor at Shadow Mountain Community Church Ever thought about writing your autobiography? Just jot down key dates and events in your life. Beside each date write something. It’ll be a treasure to your grandchildren later. Our words and deeds are actually writing our autobiography every day, creating a legacy for good or ill. Our decisions are blazing a trail for others, setting the course, determining the future of those we love. What kind of legacy are you creating? It’s time to begin “righting” the story of your life. Writing and living your autobiography requires the same handful of crucial elements. KEEP THE END IN VIEW Good writers think through their plots, mapping them out, beginning with the end in view. Are you an immediate-thinker instead of an ultimate-thinker? As long as everything is status quo in the here-and-now, you don’t think much about where you’re headed. Travis, 37, no longer liked his job, his prospects. A friend recommended a counselor who said: “Write the epitaph you would like engraved on your tombstone.” That rattled Travis. How would he want to be remembered? What did he want to accomplish? What would you like your epitaph to read? What do you want to accomplish? What is … [Read more...]

By Chuck Bentley, CEO Crown Financial Ministries On a recent Saturday morning, I was waiting to pick up my son, John, from a musical practice at church, so I decided to walk around the building for some exercise. While walking, I encountered a man knocking on the front door of the building. Allow me to describe him to give you a better context of my experience. “Bill” (a pseudonym to protect his identity) is a healthy, white male about 50 years old. He was visibly angry, agitated and seemed ready to explode. Although I was a little frightened by his demeanor, I told him the staff had the day off and politely asked if I could help him. Bill, who does not have any apparent mental challenges, began ranting about the evil of living in America. He said the country no longer cared for the poor, that everyone was cold and cruel and that even the “church” was not any different. Bill said he was hungry, had walked six miles to get to a location where he normally had good success asking for money but was tired and did not want to walk another step. He put a large dip of snuff in his mouth and began to tell me of his aches, pains, rejection and bitterness towards “Christians” and “Americans” who just don’t care anymore. I calmly told … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 12/19/2014 - 11:55 By Diana Davis, Author and Speaker A tattoo artist, a CEO, and a homeless guy walk into your church’s worship service… But when those strangers walk into church, will they receive a warm welcome? How can a church assure that outsiders are accepted? The answer is spelled with just three letters: Y-O-U. Yes, you – the normal Christian person sitting in the pew on Sunday morning. It’s nice when the greeter at the door says hello, and it’s great if the pastor or church leaders have a moment to speak to guests, but what really makes a difference is when you offer a sincere hand of friendship to a guest. Will you make a New Year’s resolution to welcome every guest who sits near you during worship? Try this strategy: n Make a specific commitment. Look at your church layout and select an area, such as a section of seats, or three pews nearest you. Make a personal commitment to God to welcome anyone who sits in that area. Don’t fret if others greet them; no one complains about being over-welcomed. n Say a silent prayer as you enter church every Sunday. Ask God to direct you to those who need a welcome and to give you boldness to show His love to them. n Just say “hello.” Speak to … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 12/19/2014 - 11:59 Thirty-eight years after a car wreck left him paralyzed, Mike Richardson killed a magnificent Texas whitetail thanks to the Woodland Baptist Church Outdoor Ministry. The ministry helps those with disabilities to be able to enjoy the outdoors and receive a message from the gospel. By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer SPRINGFIELD – When a brain aneurism left Daniel Hoover paralyzed at 30, he felt that meant he never would have the opportunity to kill a buck again. However, this setback turned to hope when Hoover was introduced to a ministry at Woodland Baptist Church that allows individuals with disabilities, Down’s Syndrome and other conditions that make them unable to hunt to fully participate in a hunt. “He got out on a hunt and it was unbelievable the joy we saw on his face,” said Hoover’s father, Glenn, who accompanied him on the first hunt. “It brought more joy to me for him to kill one than all the deer I had killed in my life.” Since that first hunt, Daniel Hoover has killed three deer in all. His father, who is a volunteer with the ministry and a member of Woodland Baptist Church, said his son’s story is not unique. In all, more than 100 hunters have taken … [Read more...]