By Message Staff POLLOCK – First Baptist Church in Pollock has established a memorial fund for a fireman who died following injuries sustained in a car accident Tuesday, Aug. 21. According to a press release from Louisiana State Police, John Whitaker, 33, died in Oberlin in a traffic accident. Brian Gunter, pastor of First Baptist Pollock, said Whitaker accepted Christ and was baptized at his church. While he recently moved to work for the Jennings Fire Department, Whitaker commuted back to Pollock some Sundays to attend church and spend time with his wife, Brittany, and their two daughters. Whitaker also attended Grace Community Baptist Church in Iota when his schedule would not allow him to travel back to Pollock. “John was a very dedicated and faithful husband and father,” Gunter told the Baptist Message. “We are all heartbroken by this tragedy and we are determined to help take care of John’s family since he no longer can.” To donate to the fund, go to any Colfax Bank branch and make checks payable to “The John Whitaker Memorial Fund.” All donations will be used to help with expenses for his daughters. … [Read more...]

By Message Staff PINEVILLE – A mini concert by Matt Papa helped Louisiana College reopened the doors to its newly renovated Guinn Auditorium Thursday, Aug. 23, during the school’s first chapel service of the fall semester. LC President Rick Brewer told the students, faculty and staff gathered inside the 1,661-seat auditorium how thankful he was to be back in the facility which last hosted an event in June 2016. The building, used for chapel services, commencement exercises and other large gatherings, has new lights, sound system, HVAC, roof, ceiling, walls, floor and seats. “It’s awesome to be back in here again,” Brewer said of the $6.5 million renovation. “To God be the glory.” https://youtu.be/3-9FrQPkALg The building is one of 18 school buildings that have received interior and exterior improvements after GuideOne Insurance approved a claim for $18 million of projects that stem from an April 2015 hail storm. The school contacted GuideOne to request an inspection, which revealed the refurbishment would be rather costly but the insurer agreed to cover all the repairs. “GuideOne has been incredibly gracious throughout this process,” Brewer said. “We are deeply grateful for every consideration.” The Matt Papa … [Read more...]

By Message Staff LORANGER – Camp Living Waters has lost its maintenance building, office equipment and kitchen air conditioning system in the last five months, but Camp Director Scott Mercer is maintaining a grateful attitude for the way he has seen God provide through the difficult circumstances. “It’s very humbling for how people have given and pulled together to support us,” Mercer said. “The size of the gift isn’t important as much as their obedience in following God’s direction to help us. We have full confidence in the midst of the storm God has a plan. All of us here at the camp are excited for what He has for us in the future.” A fire destroyed the maintenance building at Camp Living Waters April 23. Lost in the blaze were a tractor, two zero turn lawn mowers and golf cart. Two months later, a lightning strike heavily damaged the landline phones and computers in an office, and an air conditioning system in the kitchen. Christians rallied to support the camp, which is owned by Northshore, Eastern Louisiana, Two Rivers, Washington and New Orleans Baptist associations. Mercer said churches donated funds for a new lawnmower and raised money from their Vacation Bible School to buy new equipment. Another … [Read more...]

By Norm Miller, LC News PINEVILLE, (LCNews) - Louisiana College tapped a law enforcement veteran who served the Alexandria Police Department for 33 years. Captain Clifford Gatlin began as Director of Safety and Security on the Pineville campus, August 13. He was associated with the Alexandria Regional Police Academy for 15 years, ultimately as commander of the training division. "The safety and security of our campus population is a top priority," said LC President Rick Brewer. "A cursory look at Captain Clifford's seven-page resume reveals an extensive and expansive range of training, certifications, and other credentials that eminently qualify him for this role." Gatlin earned a BS in Criminal Justice from Upper Iowa University and is certified in the following: FBI Law Enforcement Instructor Development POST Firearms Certification FEMA contingency plans Civil Rights On-line Investigations Search and Seizure Domestic Violence Safe Haven Training Child Abuse Workshop Suicide Prevention Leadership and Supervision Brewer said that Gatlin embodies "all the qualities and qualifications we sought to serve as our Director of Safety and Security. His ultimate qualification, like all … [Read more...]

By Marilyn Stewart, NOBTS public relations NEW ORLEANS (BP) - The Dakota Badlands, a barren stretch of land once described as "a place with a long list of secrets," doesn't typically receive top billing as a vacation destination. But for Chuck Kelley, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and his wife Rhonda, a trek across North and South Dakota is one they wished they had taken sooner. Taking their cue from the NOBTS centennial challenge to go on a mission trip this year, the Kelleys decided on a mission trip/vacation this summer, encouraging church planters with a listening ear alongside Chuck Kelley's goal to visit all 50 U.S. states. The trip allowed him to visit states 49 and 50. Dubbing it the "Great Dakota Adventure," the Kelleys set out to find and encourage church planters and their wives serving in out-of-the-way places. Over a meal at each stop, the Kelleys heard stories of blessing and God's faithfulness and of trial and difficulty as church planters told of what God is doing in the Dakotas. The Kelleys came away inspired. "These are heroes of the faith," Chuck Kelley said of the new friends they made. "They are giants." People are scarce in the Dakotas, a region equal in size to … [Read more...]