By Holly Linzay, Regional Reporter PINEVILLE – It is often through pain and persecution that the Lord can work in a person or even birth a ministry. “Your pain is for your progress. Your pain is for a purpose.  But take courage and believe God,” Debbie Stuart, the keynote speaker, urged the women gathered at the Kaleidoscope Conference as she told about how her life related to Paul’s shipwreck experience in Acts 27. Stuart, director of ministry initiatives at Hope for the Heart ministries in Dallas, shared how the “shipwrecks” in her own life led her to minister to women in prison. She opened up about how her son, Jarrad, was arrested and has been incarcerated for the last seven years. “When the two police officers took my son and arrested him, I asked God for divine intervention. I asked God why would He not deliver my son, and He said, ‘I just did,’” Stuart said explaining that God’s ways are not “our” ways and the Lord “appoints shipwrecks” for “His own good reasons.” About 260 women at the conference Feb. 7 at First Baptist Church in Pineville were challenged by Stuart to see God work in the midst of the storms in their lives and to anchor themselves in the Word so they do not abandon hope. Kaleidoscope is a … [Read more...]

ON THE MOVE Israel Montejo is the new pastor of Bethel Hispanic Church, Bernice. Alvin Ogea resigns as pastor at Trinity Baptist Church, Eunice. Don , wife Bea, Thornton retired from the pastoral ministry Dec. 31, 2015 at Waverly Baptist Church in Delhi after 50 plus years in the ministry. HOMECOMING/ANNIVERSARY Beulah Baptist Church, Cheneyville: 200th anniversary, March 6, 9:30 a.m. Pastor: Kenneth Hudson. Calvary Baptist Church, Slidell: 55th anniversary, March 13, 11 a.m. There will be a luncheon after the services. Pastor: Aaron McGuffee. Trinity Baptist Church, Oak Grove: 54th anniversary, March 13. This will also begin our Spring Revival, March 13-16, Sunday, 10:15 a.m.; Sunday evening, 6 p.m., and Monday-Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Evangelist: Bill Robertson. Music: Ben Waites will provide music Sunday morning while Richard Ainsworth will direct music Sunday evening through Wednesday. Pastor: Rayburn McLarrin. REVIVAL Crockett Point Baptist Church, Crowville: Revival, Feb. 28-March 2, Sunday 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Monday-Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Jerry Spence. Music: Mackey Willis Family. Pastor: Joe Senn. Westside Baptist Church, New Iberia: Tent Revival, Feb. 28-March 1, 6 p.m. nightly. Guest … [Read more...]

By Norm Miller, Louisiana College Communications PINEVILLE -- Former SBC president Fred Luter preached at Louisiana College's Feb. 18 chapel services as part of the college's observance of Black History month. Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, spoke from Matthew 26 on "What to do when you don't know what to do." “While in the Garden of Gethsemane on the eve of his crucifixion, Jesus felt sorrow and solitude, but expressed submission and showed strength before his unjust arrest,” Luter said. “What one should do when one does not know what to do "is to learn a lesson from Jesus; go to God in prayer. Several local African American pastors and church members greeted him after the chapel sermon, many taking selfies with the noted pastor. LC students, faculty and staff also met Luter. "Dr. Luter is one among the many who have preached in our chapel services, and yet whose walk with God comes through not so much as a sermon, but as an encouraging testimony to what God has done and will do for all who will follow the Lord," said LC president Rick Brewer. "Louisiana College is serious about the chapel service as it draws the entire LC family together around the word of God fitly preached." … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message BOSSIER CITY – State representative Mike Johnson (R-Bossier City) officially announced Feb. 9 his candidacy for the 4th Congressional District seat. Johnson will join fellow Republicans Dr. Trey Baucum, a Shreveport cardiologist, and Elbert L. Guillory, a former member of the Louisiana State Senate representing District 24, who announced their intentions earlier this month. Other Republicans who have expressed interest include: state Rep. Jim Morris, R-Oil City; Shreveport attorney Rick John; "Rocky" Rockett, president of the Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation, and Shreveport Councilman Oliver Jenkins. Rep. Patrick Jefferson of Arcadia has been the lone Democrat who said he is evaluating the race. Incumbent 4th District U.S. Rep. John Fleming (R-Minden) is giving up the seat to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by David Vitter in 2017. “Washington, D.C. has grown completely out of control, and our country has lost its moral compass. I’m running for Congress to defend our freedoms, restore our conservative principles, and get American back on the right course,” said the 44-year-old Johnson. He was elected to the Louisiana Legislature in 2015 when 26th Judicial … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message METAIRIE  -- Liberty Institute has filed an appeal on behalf of Vintage Church, a Louisiana Baptist congregation involved in a dispute regarding noise levels during its Sunday morning services. According to a press release by the non-profit law firm which focuses on religious liberty issues, the Liberty Institute along with volunteer attorney Roy Bowes filed the appeal today with the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Vintage Church, located in Metairie, has met in a tent since August while its sanctuary is undergoing construction. The church filed a lawsuit against Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand and his officers, saying they used intimidation tactics in an attempt to shut down its weekly worship services because of noise complaints by a single individual. The suit also described the noise level ordinances as flawed. Pastor Rob Wilton said the church was trying to be a good neighbor by hiring technicians to ensure sound levels would not exceed 60 decibels, the limit being imposed on the church which equates to the noise of a running dishwasher, and my moving to acoustical guitars with no amplifications. A judge on Dec. 22 declined to issue an injunction against the Jefferson … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message ON THE MOVE Austin Hand is the new pastor at New Ebenezer Baptist Church, Castor. Jason Lupo resigned at Mt. Paran Baptist Church, Shongaloo to become pastor at Parkview Baptist Church in Tallulah. Michael (wife Laurie) Stringer is the new pastor at Life Journey Baptist Church, Bossier City. Larry Badon is the new pastor of Carroll Baptist Church, Walker. Sam (wife Lisa) Paris is the new equipping pastor at First Baptist Church, Blanchard. Joe Jones is the new minister of music at First Baptist Church, Zwolle. Tim Norris has resigned as pastor of First Baptist Church, Livingston. David Mercer is the new associate pastor at Trinity Baptist Church, Natchitoches. Jerry Pate is the new youth minister at First Baptist Church, Ringgold. Merlin McCon has retired as pastor of Northside Baptist Church, Denham Springs. Byron Longino announced his resignation as pastor of Pilgrim Home Baptist Church, Benton. Russell Zwerner is the new pastor of Victory Baptist Church, Walker. Steve Ramsey is the new pastor at First Baptist Church Carlyss, Sulphur. Bill McCullin resigning as pastor Feb. 17 from First Baptist Church, Vidalia. David Collins is the new pastor at Blood … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message PINEVILLE – Bossier City senior Makayla Anderson won Louisiana College’s prestigious Smith Scholarship Competition Jan. 30. The Parkway High senior excelled in the competition, winning over 13 other invitees a scholarship that covers every expense at LC, including tuition, fees, books, residence and meals. All others received LC’s next highest scholarship offer for entering the competition. Anderson, who plans on studying biology, said she was shocked when she heard her name called by LC President Rick Brewer. “Honestly it’s so unreal to even be considered,” said Anderson, who plans on becoming an oncologist. “So to be actually presented with the award is such an honor and an accomplishment I’ll cherish forever. It’s such a blessing and shock is mainly my emotion right now.” The competition has been dominated by home-schoolers who have won five out of the last eight years. “Whether from public, private or homeschool, the Smith Scholarship award draws the best and brightest students from our region to Louisiana College,” Brewer said. “Every applicant was worthy considering the criteria to win, and we are grateful for their interest in Louisiana College.” During the actual competition, … [Read more...]

By Charles Hott Charles Hott shares practical truths concerning homosexuality. 1, When a gay man hears that the gay lifestyle is not happy, he is convinced the speaker is clueless. It is Satan’s most convincing racket. You can never convince them they are not happy. 2, Sexual attractions are formed by a very complex process that starts about the time the mind starts recording memories and culminates at puberty. That’s why almost everyone thinks they were born with whatever sexual attractions they have. Satan starts working to pervert the process early on by taking advantage of unmet needs in a child’s life. You must be attentive to your children’s unmet needs. There is nothing to be gained in a debate on whether or not homosexuals are born that way. Acting on same sex attraction is a sin whatever the case. 3, A healthy fear of God and teaching that the Bible is the absolute truth is even more important than meeting the needs. This is the most important responsibility that a parent has. 4, We did all that, but we still have a son or daughter that has chosen to live the lifestyle. What now? Listen – to have influence you must listen. They must feel like they can talk to you about anything. That starts as a … [Read more...]