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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

From pulpits to politics: LCU president leads bold season of growth and outreach across Louisiana

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - From the church pulpit to the governor's visit, softball fields to ribbon cuttings, Louisiana Christian University President Mark L. Johnson has spent the spring months fully immersed in advancing the mission of LCU across Louisiana and beyond. Since early spring, Johnson has logged over 10,000 miles, meeting with donors, visiting churches, attending alumni events, and championing the cause of Christian higher education throughout the region. And his official start date of June 1 isn’t even here yet. Johnson was unanimously voted in as LCU’s 10th president in February by the Board of Trustees. "It's been a rich and rewarding season," Johnson said. "The Lord is opening doors for LCU, and we're stepping through them with boldness, vision and gratitude." Celebrating students remained a top priority. Highlights included the LCU Ring Ceremony, spirited support for the university's softball and baseball teams, and special graduation recognitions for student-athletes. Café Du Monde celebrations and engaging theatrical productions added joy and creativity to campus life. Of campus, Johnson preached at churches across Louisiana, spoke at the Director of Missions … [Read more...]

Harmon sibling trio to graduate from LCU in May

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - For the Harmon family from Lafayette, it’s three times the celebration this May 10, when all three siblings will graduate from Louisiana Christian University. Jonn, 22; Jess, 21; and Jade, 22, will all earn their bachelor’s degrees in the commencement ceremonies taking place in Guinn Auditorium on the Pineville campus, May 10. Jonn will earn his Bachelor of Arts in accounting and plans to work on his master’s in accounting. Jade is completing a double major in biology and chemistry, plus a minor in accounting, and will enter optometry school in the fall. Jess will receive his Bachelor of Science in biology with a chemistry minor. He, too, plans to continue his studies, going to physician’s assistant school and specializing in forensics. Jess said he got interested in the field from playing a video game and then getting a job working at the Louisiana Forensics Center. “They handle homicides and suspicious deaths,” he said. “I took notes and cleaned up. Fun times!” The three—who definitely argue like siblings—said going to college together has actually brought them a lot closer together. “We didn’t have a lot of classes together before college,” Jess … [Read more...]

Franklin Parish, CENLA retreats harvest souls

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer POLLOCK, La. (LBM) – Twenty-eight men from Franklin Parish recently committed to step-up and follow Jesus during a men’s retreat at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock. On the final day of the spiritual encounter, March 27-29, the men rejoiced as they were baptized in Big Creek on the camp property. “When people just bear their soul, they get honest, and God takes a hold of them; there’s nothing more exciting than seeing the change,” retreat co-organizer Marc Kelly told the Baptist Message. “And we never get tired of it.” Bubba Smith, another member of the retreat leadership team, added: “The very first time we walked into the camp area, I looked at Big Creek and said ‘It would be cool if God allowed us to baptize men right there in this creek.’ It has become a special place for our retreat guests, and we have seen many baptized there.” BACKGROUND The retreat was one of two Central Louisiana men's retreat ministries hosted in March. The other, held March 20-22 at Clara Springs Baptist Camp in Pelican, resulted in 11 men coming to Christ and later being baptized in their home churches. CENLA women recently completed a retreat, April 2-4, at Clara Springs where 17 women … [Read more...]