BATON ROUGE – The opening session of the 2017 Pastors’ Conference encouraged ministers and lay people alike to pause and be still before God Sunday, Nov. 12, at Istrouma Baptist Church. North Monroe Baptist Church’s praise team led times of worship with a mix of classic songs such as “I Stand Amazed” with new tunes including “Come Alive.” Meanwhile, Frank Page, CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, and Fred Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, delivered inspiring messages that centered around the conference theme “Pause,” based on Psalm 46:10. Page challenged ministers to stay true to God’s call on their lives, even in the most difficult circumstances. “God wants us to realize He has a work He wants to do in our lives,” Page said. “And He is not done with us, even when we think we are done.” Luter closed out the evening with his high-energy style of delivery while sharing about the will of God. “The safest place in the whole wide world is in the will of God,” Luter said. “But you’ve got to know for sure the Savior, the Spirit and the scriptures. Then you will know the will of God.” The Pastors’ Conference continues Monday, Nov. 13, with the second day kicking … [Read more...]

By Ainsley Holyfield, Office of U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Nov. 8, the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 4239, the SECURE American Energy Act, to provide regulatory certainty and reliability to expand access to oil, gas and wind development in America’s outer continental shelf lands. Included in this legislation was Rep. Mike Johnson’s (LA-04) SEA Act, H.R. 3133, which reduces excessive government regulations developed under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and streamlines the lengthy permit approval processes that have caused setbacks and delays for those working to preserve America's rapidly deteriorating coastline, interrupted U.S. Naval operations and deterred offshore oil and gas exploration in the Gulf. Johnson also successfully amended this legislation to reduce bureaucratic barriers in how the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) regulations are implemented. The amendment clarifies that the Department of Interior has the sole authority for all marine mammals when the incidental take is from activities associated with operation authorized under OCSLA. Both of Johnson’s provisions will help spur economic investment in federal lands, expand domestic energy production, … [Read more...]

First Baptist Church in Monterey recently got in the Christmas spirit by packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, whose National Collection Week is fast approaching. Scheduled Nov. 13-20, National Collection Collection Week is a time when churches and other locations will open their doors for individuals to bring in the packed shoe boxes filled with hygiene items, school supplies and toys. From there, the boxes are shipped to a distribution site for processing before they are delivered to millions of children around the world, many of whom have never received a gift before and have very little to call their own. “A global movement begins this week across the US and seven other sending countries, millions are focused on making a difference in the lives of children facing difficult circumstances,” Operation Christmas Child Senior Domestic Director Randy Riddle said in a news release. “What a joy to be a part of something bigger than ourselves like Operation Christmas Child. Giving such simple gifts like those found in shoeboxes mean the world to children with great need and it’s something we can all do.” More than 100,000 volunteers including families, churches and other groups are joining forces to contribute to … [Read more...]

By Bossier Parish Schools communications BOSSIER CITY - Students attending Bossier Schools will soon have the opportunity to take academic courses never before offered, thanks to a dual enrollment agreement the district has entered into with Louisiana College in Pineville. Bossier Schools Superintendent Scott Smith and Louisiana College President Rick Brewer made the agreement official during a signing ceremony Nov. 8. Beginning in spring 2018, Bossier Parish students will have the chance to take online courses offered by Louisiana College and earn regular college credit prior to graduation from high school. A few of those courses include Art and Music Appreciation, Finite Math, Civilization I and II, Survey of the Old and New Testaments and Economics, among nearly two dozen others. “Our goal is to provide as many opportunities for our students as we can and this partnership with Louisiana College gives Bossier Schools the chance to do that,” said Superintendent Smith. “We are grateful to Dr. Brewer and his administrative team for working with us to make this partnership a reality to benefit the students of Bossier Parish.” Louisiana College also discounted the rate per three-hour course to $100, yet students will … [Read more...]

By Michelle Millhollon, Office of U.S. Sen. John Kennedy WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) has been in talks with and has sent a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT), strongly urging him to maintain the Adoption Tax Credit when the committee moves forward on tax reform legislation. “I believe that an important part of being pro-life is being pro-adoption," Kennedy said. "With so many children in need of loving families, we should do everything in our collective power to make the adoption process more accessible and affordable for families who want to provide a caring home to these children. The adoption tax credit goes a long way towards achieving that goal.” The complete letter is shown below:   November 8, 2017   The Honorable Orrin Hatch Senate Committee on Finance 219 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510-6200   Dear Chairman Hatch, Since 1997, the Adoption Tax Credit has encouraged families to consider adoption by increasing its affordability.  I strongly encourage you to maintain the Adoption Tax Credit when the Senate Committee on Finance moves forward on tax reform legislation. Adoption typically costs a family … [Read more...]