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...]