By Message Staff NEW ORLEANS – Urgent prayers have been issued by the family of newborn Lucy Rae Gaudet, who is facing multiple health problems as she continues her courageous fight at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. Gaudet, who is the daughter of Devin and Christian Gaudet, music associate at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, was born prematurely at 30 weeks Jan. 28. She has been diagnosed with serious heart problems, including a complete heart block, and Down’s syndrome. This condition is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome. Davin Gaudet has posted periodic updates on her Facebook page. She posted Feb. 3 doctors placed Lucy on antibiotics after they discovered a possible small infection. Lucy will receive an increased dose of Lasix, the medication that helps her pass fluid. “It is working as they can see in her urine output but they would like to see more,” she wrote. “Doc says they always begin with the smallest dose to see its effects on blood pressure and then move from there. They will be giving her a second round of the meds to … [Read more...]

By Norm Miller, LC News PINEVILLE (LCNews) - Concerned for the educational needs of prison inmates, Louisiana College offered a class last semester at the Pollock Federal Correctional Institution in Pollock. “The Lord spoke to my heart that these men will one day leave prison, and that Louisiana College could provide for them some hope in the form of education,” said Louisiana College President Rick Brewer. “Education is proven to reduce recidivism of former inmates.” Adjunct professor from Louisiana College Stewart Holloway - who also is pastor of the First Baptist Church, Pineville - taught the class that could lead to a certification or undergraduate degree. Holloway shared the experience in a recent Sunday sermon. “Why do I spend time every Monday and Friday at a federal prison teaching Old Testament?” Holloway asked his congregation in a Sunday sermon. “The answer is right here,” he said, holding up a note from one of his imprisoned students. Stewart had asked students what was their “greatest take-away from this class?” Then he read the note, which said: “I have seen what has been missing in my life. I have learned that there is a God. It has made me look at my life with a new outlook on it. I feel … [Read more...]

By Norm Miller, LCNews PINEVILLE (LCNews) -- Louisiana College held its annual Smith Scholarship competition Saturday, January 26, with 23 entrants. Oak Hill High School senior Samantha Aaron took top prize: a scholarship to LC that includes tuition, books, room, and board. "I was just praying to God, asking him to give me clarity," Aaron said. "And if this was what he wanted from me that he would give me that clarity. Then they said my name, and I just couldn't believe that I was so blessed with this opportunity." Aaron is a dual enrollment student at LC and said she was “excited to continue my studies, here.” She will pursue a Missions and Ministries degree but hasn’t chosen a specific occupation yet. “I will do whatever God would like me to do,” she said. “I’ve already taken some Missions and Ministry courses here through dual enrollment and I can’t get enough.” A member of Homewood Baptist Church in Alexandria, Aaron said when she first became a Christian she “felt the call to talk to people about God. That call is for every Christian, but mine was a deeper call than just the average.” “We are very thankful for the students who honored us by entering the competition,” said Louisiana College President Dr. Rick … [Read more...]

By Norm Miller, LCNews PINEVILLE (LCNews) -- The chancellor of Dallas Baptist University Gary Cook addressed Louisiana College trustees at their January 22 meeting as part of the college’s ongoing trustee development. Cook reflected on the state of DBU when was elected president in 1988, saying the school faced significant debt, had no building projects in 18 years, had difficulty making payroll, and faced more than 30 recommendations from its accrediting body. “Two faculty members hired a detective to check me out,” he said. And a science professor met with Cook to check out his aura, which was the “acceptable” blue hue. A survivor of leukemia, Cook said his first five years at DBU were far more difficult than enduring cancer treatments. “Things were not just perfect, there. And what happened there has happened elsewhere,” he said, alluding to several issues Louisiana College has overcome since Rick Brewer was unanimously elected president in 2015. “I am so glad it goes well, here,” he added. “I hear nothing but good things about Louisiana College.” Cook cited the book “The Dying of the Light,” which chronicles the many Christian colleges and universities that abandoned the Christian faith upon which they were … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer BUNKIE – The First Baptist Church in Bunkie started 2019 by celebrating a new birth in Christ, baptizing its 50th convert in five years. “Baptisms bring new life in the person and in the church,” Pastor Mark Robinson said. “When you see someone baptized it gives someone hope that God is working in people around you, and it sets the precedent of obedience to God – those who come behind you see the steps that have to be taken to make public their faith. I don’t see any reason we wouldn’t baptize 10-15 a year. Our members always have been mission-minded but now there is a vision spreading of being ‘on mission.’” The January 13 baptism is representative of a rebirth First Baptist Bunkie has experienced since 2013. Five years ago, worship service attendance averaged 60 and Sunday school drew around 40, according to Annual Church Profile statistics. Through January, attendance for worship services has increased to 100 and Sunday school has averaged nearly 80. MILESTONE OF FAITH Robinson said the church was at a crossroads when he arrived in 2013, and faced the possibility of closing its doors. After Robinson met with the members, the congregation decided to renew itself with a … [Read more...]