BATON ROUGE — Just as casinos feature sumptuous buffets to lure patrons, the Louisiana Legislature is offering a veritable smorgasbord of gaming expansion and de-regulation this session. Although "gambling" has always lurked in the shadows of Louisiana's past, because of the propensity for illegal activity and potential for corruption it was frowned upon in public policy. That changed in the 1990s. Now, favorable forces want to "modernize" the industry and may have a friend on the 4th floor of the Capitol. It should come as no surprise that Louisiana Baptists and Louisiana Family Forum (LFF) will oppose expansion as well as de-regulation of Louisiana's gambling statutes. "What some consider 'modernization' of industry regs, should not become a forfeiture of essential fiduciary responsibilities legislators hold as gambling's primary regulator. If 'modernization' involves removing the original safeguards put into place to avoid corruption, prevent proliferation, and protect residents from predatory practices, then it should be opposed," said Gene Mills, President of Louisiana Family Forum. Mills continued, "When faced with the choice between protecting Louisiana families or de-regulating gambling, it is the … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer JONESBORO (LBM) – Paul Wilkerson was enjoying high times from his worldly living until early 2016 when he lost nearly everything he valued. Burdened with heartache, he began seeking hope, which he found in Jesus Christ shortly after. Wilkerson celebrated his transformed heart and life a year later by being baptized by Michael Brakefield, pastor of the Hope Chapel in Jonesboro. Brakefield spent the year teaching Wilkerson, but Wilkerson’s delay in being baptized wasn’t a factor of discipleship, but to wait until the church became an official member of the Louisiana Baptist Convention in early 2017. “I grew up in the presence of the Lord as a kid in church but I had never received it,” Wilkerson said. “I had heard the calling from the time I was little but ran from it. I was trying to fill this big massive void. I was the success story, thinking I was better than I was. “Over a matter of six months I lost everything,” he said. “I was homeless and in a position where I had no other place to turn. I was in the desert. Because I had nowhere else to turn I found the truth.” Wilkerson is one of 13 new believers baptized in 2017 at Hope Chapel. The church has grown rapidly … [Read more...]

By Holly Jo Linzay, Regional Reporter “To obey is better than sacrifice…” 1 Samuel 15:22 PINEVILLE  (LBM) – Christians are called by God to obedient living, but it is not all about rules, duty or behavior management. “Obedience is the right response to the grace of God,” Katie Orr, the keynote speaker from Harrodsburg, Kentucky, explained to the women gathered at the Kaleidoscope conference. Orr, author of “Everyday Obedience” and creator of the FOCUSed 15 Bible study method, detailed how “obedience is a heart issue” that can be fulfilled only through the power of the Holy Spirit. “Our job in obedience as Christ followers is not to focus on the ‘do’s and don’ts,’ but first to remember all that God has done for us and to respond to that grace,” Orr said, teaching from the book of Colossians. About 190 women at the two-day Kaleidoscope conference Feb. 23-24 at the First Baptist Church in Pineville heard Orr share how her understanding of obedient living in Christ was redefined, as she challenged them to become more obedient in their walk with Christ. “Obedience is a call to worship God. Obedience is meant to be Christ-centered,”added Orr. When Christians enter a relationship with Christ, His perfect … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer MONROE (LBM) —Trustees of the Louisiana Baptist Convention board for the Children’s Home and Family Ministries recently celebrated great news about ministry initiatives at home and abroad. Overseas, 100 new believers came to know Christ in Haiti during two mission trips coordinated by CHFM in 2017. At home, construction soon will begin on a second cottage designed to provide transitional living for women and their children as they prepare to live independently. “Our trustees have a great passion for the work,” CHFM president and CEO Perry Hancock told the Baptist Message after the Feb. 23 meeting at the ministry’s Monroe campus. “In our recent meeting, we celebrated the fact that over 3,600 children and others experienced God’s love and care through the ministries of the Children’s Home in 2017.” HAITI PARTNERSHIP Through its Reach Haiti Partnership with the Louisiana Baptist Convention, Haiti Baptist Convention and 30 LBC churches, the Children’s Home has taken mission teams on multiple trips to Haiti since 2012, moving toward fulfillment of the vision to build a children’s village, provide clean drinking water to residents of the community and establish a pastor training … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message PINEVILLE – The lineup of speakers for the first half of Louisiana College’s 2018 spring chapel services has been outstanding to say the least, school officials say, having featured top pastors, leaders and laypersons from around the state. But, the remaining lineup is as good, and may be even better. “We are elated to have so many top-notch leaders, pastors and laypersons who ably encourage and challenge our Louisiana College family,” said the school’s President Rick Brewer, noting the “common denominators among these speakers is a love for God, a love for the Bible, and a love for college students.” Held at the Martin Performing Arts Center, chapel services minister to and encourage freshmen and transfer students each Tuesday and sophomores, juniors and seniors on Thursdays. Students already have heard Jeff Ginn, pastor, Istrouma Baptist Church, Baton Rouge; Michael Wood, pastor, FBC West Monroe; Jerry Pipes, president of Jerry Pipes Productions; former Southern Baptist Convention President Fred Luter, pastor, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans; and, former Louisiana Baptist Convention President Steve Horn, pastor, FBC Lafayette. D.A. Horton, pastor of the Reach Fellowship church … [Read more...]

By Norm Miller, LCNews PINEVILLE (LCNews) – Louisiana College will host a “God in the Workplace” conference March 19-20 led by Richard Blackaby. The March 19 session will be in the Martin Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m., and is free and open to the public. Additional keynoters include Doug Hunter of Doug Hunter, LLC, and two local businessmen: Dallas Hixson of Hixson Automotive Group and Jeff Draughon of Draughon and Bollinger, LLC. Son of Henry Blackaby - author of “Experiencing God” - Richard is noted internationally for his books, blog, and conferences on several facets of the Christian life that include the intersection of a Christian’s faith and occupation. “When Jesus called the 12 disciples, many of them owned and operated businesses as tradesmen and commercial fishermen,” said Rick Brewer, president of Louisiana College. “And Jesus is still calling business people to follow him as disciples regardless of their occupation.” Brewer said the conference will “help everyone from the receptionist to the CEO learn how best to accomplish God’s will at work. No matter how qualified for their jobs, those attending this conference will better understand what the Bible says about integrating their Christian faith and … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer Jackie Tucker was a student when Graham came to Louisiana College for the 1951 revival. Even though she doesn’t remember the particulars of his message, Tucker recalls the campus was abuzz with excitement about the fact the popular evangelist was preaching at the school. “We knew that this was a very, very special man,” Tucker recalled. “I can still picture him coming down that hill, with everyone thrilled he was there. Billy Graham’s main theme then was as it was right up to his death – that he wanted people to know Jesus loved them and wanted them to trust in Him so they could join Him in Heaven one day.” Tucker said she is thankful for the legacy Graham left behind and the lessons of integrity he taught during his ministry. “He’s one person that they haven’t found anything that is scandalous,” Tucker said. “When so many celebrities have fallen because of mistakes, you couldn’t find anything to mar his reputation. He was a real gentleman and we were very proud he took the time to come to LC.” … [Read more...]