By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Pro-life supporters must be proactive in opposing a possible bill that if passed during the upcoming legislation could legalize abortion in the case of rape or incest in the state, Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper said during the “Keep Louisiana Pro-Life! RV Tour” stop at the Louisiana Baptist state mission center, March 15. “We’re concerned about that type of legislation passing in Louisiana,” he said. “That’s why we have decided to canvass the state, cross the state, to engage with legislators, engage with pro-life citizens to make sure people are educated and talking about these critical issues in our society.” Clapper was among those who spoke during a tour that began Feb. 27 and ends May 10 at Pro-Life Day at the Capitol in Baton Rouge. During each stop, speakers have encouraged the crowd to defend life and provide support to women in need. Participants also have been encouraged to sign a petition that asks Gov. John Bel Edwards and state legislators to oppose any legislation that would legalize abortion. BACKGROUND The tour comes on the heels of a June 24, 2022, ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that overturned Roe v. Wade. … [Read more...]

PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – The Center for Calling & Career at Louisiana Christian University will host a job fair March 16 for students seeking future employment. Scheduled 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. inside Granberry Conference Center, the event will allow students to submit resumes and applications, and visit with representatives of 36 different employers. “Our goal is hosting a Career Fair each semester on campus,” said LCU Vice President for Student Life Meredith Rennier. “The Center for Calling and Career is preparing graduates by creating these networking opportunities for students to meet with employers throughout the state. We work with students throughout the academic year in hosting various workshops that include resume writing, interview skills, dining etiquette and LinkedIn 101 all in preparation for preparing for life after graduation.” LCU President Rick Brewer added: “Local employers continue to demonstrate their trust in the students who complete their college undergraduate education with Louisiana Christian University by joining us for this annual event. Employers realize students who are products of the University’s Mission and Vision are ready to lead, learn and serve in the workplace.” Thirty-two employers … [Read more...]

By Staff NEW ORLEANS (BCM) – Baptist Community Ministries has partnered with three New Orleans organizations to provide a $3 million grant that will be used to advocate for greater access to early childhood education in the city. According to a news release from the organization, the money will be distributed to New Orleans Baptist Association, Agenda for Children and Louisiana Policy Institute over the next three years and will strive to add enough seats in a classroom to accommodate all children ages 0-5 that live in neighborhoods where early childhood education centers are located. More than 68 percent of children in New Orleans’ most vulnerable neighborhoods live in households below the ALICE Threshold, representing the minimum income level necessary for survival. Their families cannot afford housing, health care, food, transportation, and child care. By advocating for quality early childhood education seats, working families will have a stable environment for their children to receive a holistic educational experience while helping parents to be able to work normal hours and miss fewer workdays. “All of our city’s early learners deserve safe, supportive, educational environments, and that need is even more … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message MONTEREY, La. (LBM) – A crowd of 105 members and guests packed the newly remodeled educational building at New Era Baptist Church for a special celebration service Jan. 29. Completed in early January, the project featured renovation of its educational facility and the addition of two classrooms. According to Pastor Dustin Davis, this was the first time in nearly 50 years that the education building had received any updates. Davis said that renovations were needed to accommodate a growth in Sunday school. Since he arrived four-and-a-half years ago, Sunday school attendance has increased from 51 to 64. “We, at New Era, would like to thank everyone for making the building project possible,” Davis told the Baptist Message. “And we praise God for his blessings.” … [Read more...]