By Norm Miller, Louisiana College communications Louisiana College’s first annual Values and Ethics Conference drew more than 300 people who heard experts on the design of the universe, current and future implications of biotechnology, and the fundamentals regarding the sanctity and dignity of human life, Oct. 10. “The keynote speakers proved they are top-flight experts, whose credentials are as impressive as their content was stimulating,” said Louisiana College president Rick Brewer. Doug Axe, PhD - chemical engineer-turned-molecular biologist - said school children “start to invoke an ultimate God-like designer to explain the complexity of the world around them, even the children of atheists.” Because humans have the knowledge to make things, then intuitively humans know all that exists is designed from knowledge, Axe said. He believes this intuition should be taken seriously particularly as opposed to the random and accidental nature of Darwinian evolution and related modern theories. “Accidental causes do not invent,” said Axe, who is gaining popularity for his recent book: “Undeniable: How Biology Confirms Our Intuition That Life Is Designed.” “Undeniable” and Axe are touted by scientists … [Read more...]

By Message Staff SABINE PARISH – Longtime evangelist Vernon Stephenson has died from injuries sustained from a weekend car accident. Stephenson (73) and his wife Rebecca (74) were traveling east on Highway 6 just west of Highway 476 around 12:20 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, when the single-vehicle accident occurred. According to a release by the Louisiana State Police, the vehicle exited the right side of the road, hit an embankment and rolled over. The driver and passenger spoke with Troopers on the scene. Both gave a detailed account of the events that transpired before being transported to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport for treatment. Vernon Stephenson died later that afternoon from his injuries. His wife sustained minor injuries, according to the report. Stephenson, a vocational evangelist at First Baptist Church in Zwolle and retired missionary at Toledo Bend Baptist Resort Missions, was awarded the "Lifetime Achievement" award at the 2016 State Evangelism Conference in Lafayette on January 27 by the Louisiana Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists. He served as treasurer of the North Sabine Baptist Association, assisted in the music ministry at First Baptist Zwolle and conducted services at the Many Detention … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff writer PINEVILLE – Described as authentic and stalwarts for the cause of Christ, Samuel and Judith Camp were presented the 2016 Louisiana College Trustees Distinguished Service Awards at the 110th annual LC Founder’s Day ceremonies Oct. 6. LC Board Chairman Randy Harper presented the award to the Camps, calling them a shining example of two people who love the Lord and the college. “Sam epitomizes what we call a man’s man,” said Harper, pastor of Bellaire Baptist Church in Bossier City. “He believes in what he says and he means what he says.” In accepting the award, Camp told students his success is due to a strong faith, rooted in Christ. “Put God first,” Camp said. “Put Him in the driver’s seat of your life.” LC President Rick Brewer publicly thanked the Camps for their passion for LC. “Sam and Judy Camp are stalwarts for the cause of Christ, and they are among some of the most authentic Christians I have ever known,” Brewer told the Baptist Message. “Their public commitment to Christ and the integration of the Christian faith in every facet of their lives stands as an example to our entire Louisiana College family.” A running back and punter at Tulane University from … [Read more...]

By Message Staff PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti – A Louisiana Baptist pastor stranded in Haiti as Hurricane Matthew slammed into the island on Tuesday is grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers he has received over the last two days. Steven Smithson, pastor of First Baptist Church in Winnfield, arrived in Haiti recently to participate in a mission trip with Hope Rising Children’s Home, but his plans were interrupted when the Matthew made landfall. Unable to leave the country because his flight was delayed until a scheduled departure today, Oct. 5, Smithson prepared the best he could – registering with the U.S. Embassy, downloading area maps and stocking up on food so he could ride out the storm in his hotel room. And, in the meantime, he prayed. His wife, Stephanie, also posted on Facebook a request for prayer for his safety, along with the well-being of others directly in the path of the storm. Thousands of people from all over the U.S. and world were quick to respond. Smithson posted on Facebook today, Oct. 5, a message of thanksgiving. “I want to thank everyone for their prayers and thoughts over these past several days,” he said. “They have definitely been felt. I am still scheduled for a flight out … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Evangelist Ken Freeman decided to have a heart to heart talk with the student-filled gymnasium Tuesday evening, Oct. 4 His message was simple and to the point … “for what comes out of the mouth reflects what is in the heart.” “If there is anything that you can guard … guard your heart,” said Freeman, citing Proverbs 4:20-23. “It determines the course of your life. If you died tonight, where would you spend eternity?” Freeman asked the question to more than 400 students and adults during the second evening of the Awaken youth rally. The three-day event, which is being held at Pineville High School's gymnasium, features inspiring messages, uplifting music, student testimonies and a time of prayer. Thirty five students accepted Christ Monday while another 34 came forward Tuesday. Freeman has spoken in 12 Central Louisiana schools since Monday. Each time he comes away energized. He is even more energized by what he is witnessing at the Awaken Youth Rally nightly because of the life-changing decisions students, their parents and others are making. “It gives me an incredible high to know God can take my mess and make it His message,” Freeman told the Baptist … [Read more...]

By Message Staff PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti – Hours after Hurricane Matthew made landfall in Haiti, the family of a Louisiana Baptist pastor stranded in the country was asking for prayers of safety for him and thousands of others in the path of the storm. Steven Smithson, pastor of First Baptist Church in Winnfield, is in Haiti on a mission trip. His wife, Stephanie, posted on her Facebook page that he experienced strong winds earlier this morning, Oct. 4, but by 8 a.m. CST was seeing only rain. His flight out of the country is delayed indefinitely. She said God is answering prayers for protection and peace. “We are forever grateful,” she said. “Mudslides and third world housing will be the main cause in which lives are lost. Haiti needs our prayers. Steven needs to get home. “But I want to say my fears are being set at ease because of your prayers,” she continued. “Thank you for you all for praying, please continue them.” Hurricane Matthew made landfall near Les Anglais, Haiti, around 6 a.m. CST today. The Category 4 Hurricane was packing winds of 145 mph and is forecasted to dump up to 40 inches of rain in some areas, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is expected to remain a powerful hurricane … [Read more...]

By Norm Miller, Louisiana College communications PINEVILLE – Louisiana College assembled a world-class panel of bio-ethicists for its first annual “Values & Ethics” conference, Oct. 10-11. Slated to meet in LC’s Martin Performing Arts Center, the Oct. 10 session at 6 p.m. is free and open to the public and features nationally acclaimed author/scholars Dr. Ben Mitchell and Dr. Douglas Axe. Local health care specialist Mary Kienzle, MSW, of Christus St. Francis Cabrini Hospital completes the trio that will explore the interesting parallels between society’s view of origins and a rapidly changing culture. Subtitled “Origins,” the conference offers Cenla residents “the rare opportunity to hear from three top-flight experts whose credentials are as impressive as their content is stimulating,” said Louisiana College president, Dr. Rick Brewer. Former director of Social Services for New York State, Kienzle brings more than 30 years of experience in health care. A graduate of New York University and Hunter College, Kienzle is director for Missions Integration Services and Spiritual Care Departments at Christus Cabrini Hospital, which is sponsoring the conference. Author Doug Axe earned a PhD in biochemical … [Read more...]

By Gary D. Myers, NOBTS communications NEW ORLEANS (BP) - Discussing race in America is complex, difficult, risky and necessary. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary joined the conversation with its "Talking about Race" conference Sept. 27. Sponsored by the seminary's Institute for Faith and the Public Square, the event brought together Andrew Young Jr., Noel Castellanos and Raymond Bakke -- three men who have given their lives and careers to some of the most vulnerable people in American society. Young, a civil rights icon, served as a pastor, mayor, congressman and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Castellanos, chief executive officer of the Christian Community Development Association, has ministered to urban Latinos since 1982. Bakke, a pastor and urban ministry professor, is founder and executive director of International Urban Associates, an organization dedicated to taking the Gospel to the urban centers of the world. The men set a hopeful tone from the start sharing stories from their own experiences, encouraging grassroots change, one person at a time. The solution, in their view, comes when people of different backgrounds and ethnicities live out life together. Ultimately, each speaker placed their … [Read more...]

By Staff, LCNews PINEVILLE -- Louisiana College will celebrate its 110th annual Founders Day Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. in the Martin Performing Arts Center. Waylon Bailey -- noted Louisiana pastor of First Baptist Church, Covington -- will deliver the Founders Day message. Samuel L. and Judith Camp of Covington will receive the Trustees’ Distinguished Service Award as presented by Chairman of the Board of Trustees Randy Harper, who is pastor of Bellaire Baptist Church in Bossier City. Kate Rawls will sing “Give Me Jesus” accompanied by Joseph Kingma. Both are assistant professors of music at LC. “This Founders Day celebration will express appreciation for those who assist the College in fulfilling its Mission and Vision of ‘Preparing Graduates. Transforming Lives,’” Louisiana College President Rick Brewer said. “From 1906 and onward, Louisiana College has held a high standard of academic excellence built upon a Christian worldview. “I am certain the Founders Day message from Dr. Bailey will encourage us all as we acknowledge that we stand on the shoulders of those who planted this College 110 years ago,” added Brewer. … [Read more...]

By Tammy Sharp, Regional Reporter ZACHARY – Peace of mind for many here has been swept downstream. Not so for Cross Creek Cowboy Church member Melinda Michiels, who lost almost everything she owned when the Comite River, usually calm and shallow, spilled over its banks in August. “I lost stuff, but I gained a lot. You have things in your heart you don’t even realize until God pulls it out and waves it in your face,” said Michiels. “I know I have Cross Creek, I know I have God, but now I don’t have as much stuff.” ”We were meeting in the Cowboy Church in the arena before we got our building,” remembers Debi Morris about the first time she met Michiels. “She drove up a couple years ago on her tractor and said, ‘If God puts a church in your front yard you might ought to check it out.” “She didn’t know what she believed,” said Morris, whose son Josh preaches at Cross Creek. But over the last two years, through Cross Creek services, Bible study and mentoring, Michiels has come to a firm belief, as evidenced by her reaction to the flood. “It didn’t cross my mind that He would leave me hanging out there,” said Michiels. As the rain pelted down, water rose high and fast August 13. Friend Liz Markey, of Zachary … [Read more...]