By Baptist Message staff BENTON, La. (LBM) – Law enforcement responded, Feb. 19, to an incident involving a powdery substance on an envelope that was sent to Cypress Baptist Church. According to KSLA-12 in Shreveport, law enforcement was on church property and an investigation by the FBI was underway. KTBS-3 in Shreveport reported that the FBI was investigating a powder substance that arrived on an envelope at the church on Monday. The church offices were evacuated and a Louisiana state police HazMat unit then investigated. Johnson's wife, Kelly, is a counselor and has an office at the church. She was not in the area at the time. Griffin Neal, spokesman for House Speaker Johnson, released this statement to the Baptist Message: “Earlier today, Speaker Johnson was made aware of a suspicious package sent to his home church in Louisiana. Speaker Johnson and the Johnson family thank U.S. Capitol Police, the FBI, the Louisiana State Police and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office for taking swift action and handling the situation professionally. As the investigation is ongoing, we will refer all further questions to law enforcement handling this matter.” Cypress Baptist Pastor John Fream said the church was not … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff New Orleans, La. (LBM) -- Rhonda Kelley, wife of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary President-Emeritus Chuck Kelley and a mainstay in women’s ministry across the nation, passed Feb. 17 after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 72. “Yesterday was the worst day of my life, but the best day ever for my beloved. I will take that deal 100 percent of the time,” wrote Dr. Chuck Kelley on X (formerly Twitter). “Five years after her cancer journey began, Rhonda stepped into eternity about the time we usually had morning coffee. I grieve. She celebrates. God is wise and good. “Along with the entire NOBTS and Leavell College family, we mourn the loss of our eighth first lady,” NOBTS President Jamie Dew said in a statement on the seminary’s website. “Dr. Rhonda Kelley served with grace, dignity, and compassion for over 23 years at our wonderful school. Her love for her husband and her Savior were a source of encouragement to us all. This is indeed, a very sad day for all of us, but we rejoice in the full assurance that we have in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, standing confident that we will see her again in glory.” WOMEN’S MINISTRY PIONEER According to a news release from the NOBTS website, … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – Three Louisiana Baptist couples are among the runners-up for the distinction of longest-married couples in the state, released by the Louisiana Family Forum on Valentine's Day: Burl and Mary Clark, members of East Jena Baptist Church; William and Barbara Patterson, members of Summer Grove Baptist Church, Shreveport; and Bill and Hazel Edmonson, members of Calvary Baptist Church, Merryville. Louisiana Family Forum is a faith-based think tank that advocates for pro-family, pro-life, First Amendment and limited government public policies. Based on submissions LFF received, Ira and Margery Milan of New Orleans were named the longest married couple (82 years). The Milans and ten runners-up were honored with a proclamation from Governor Jeff Landry, a Ralph’s Market king cake, and induction into LFF’s 2024 Marriage Hall of Fame: -- Burl and Mary Clark, Jena, 77 years -- Lloyd and Audrey Schroeder, Jefferson, 77 years -- Leland and Gussie Lacaze, Robeline, 77 years -- Marion and Jean Hess, New Orleans, 76 years -- Paul and Yvonne Wilson, Morgan City, 76 years -- Bill and Hazel Edmonson, Merryville, 75 years -- Richard and Geraldine Van Tiem, Shreveport, … [Read more...]

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) = Former professional baseball players David and Jason Benham will be the speakers for the 2024 Dr. Maggie Martin Marketplace Leadership Summit, scheduled for April 25. The Benham Brothers are nationally acclaimed Christian entrepreneurs and best-selling authors who have started dozens of businesses and hosted a reality show on HGTV. According to their website, the show was canceled when activists pressured the network to fire them over their commitment to their Christian faith. Choosing Christ over television fame, they have appeared on news programs on several major networks encouraging others to stand for what they believe, whatever the cost. “The Benham Brothers’ story is one that weaves through the Fair Grounds Field in Shreveport, Louisiana to a thriving real estate empire that includes multiple companies across most of the states in the country,” said LCU Dean of the Young School of Business Kenny Holt. “Their story will inspire all current and prospective entrepreneurs in Central Louisiana and shows how you can be true to your Christian beliefs and still be very successful.” Today, the brothers run an online coaching series called Expert Ownership, where they train … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer BENTON, La. (LBM) – Tim Tebow helped give hundreds of special needs individuals in Louisiana Baptist churches the red carpet treatment Friday, Feb. 9. Dressed in their formal attire, these special guests enjoyed a variety of activities to make them feel like kings and queens in God’s eyes at the tenth annual Night to Shine prom. Four Louisiana Baptist churches were among the 726 churches in 50 states and on six continents that hosted the event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The former Heisman Trophy and NFL quarterback started the event for individuals who have special needs. From the beginning, the evening was magical for the guests, who were transported by limousine, trolley or classic car to a red carpet. Once there, they were greeted by an enthusiastic group of volunteers armed with cameras and cheers from the crowd. Guests received the royal treatment, including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining areas, corsages and boutonnieres, a catered dinner, karaoke, prom favors and a dance floor. All of this led up to the moment when each guest was crowned king or queen of the prom. “726 host churches. 56 countries. All 50 states. 6 continents. ONE … [Read more...]