By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer NATCHITOCHES – When his son Cort was born, Josh Currie wondered what baptizing him would be like should that blessing come to pass. Nine years later, a variety of emotions overcame the pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Natchitoches as Cort publicly declared his faith and was baptized by him. “I was joyful and a little relieved,” Currie said. “When he was relieved of the burden of sin and he had experienced salvation -- to now make that decision public through baptism, I felt like at that moment it doesn’t matter what else happens in his life. “I was baptized by my grandfather and I can remember when he brought me back up in the air he was so happy,” he continued. “I remember his excitement more than anything else from that day.” His son concurred. “I felt joy from head to toe when I was baptized,” Cort Currie said. “I had never felt anything like it before.” LEGACY OF FAITH The older Currie pointed to the crucial role Christian parents serve in a child’s spiritual development. But he also lauded various faith-based activities such as Sunday school, Christian camps and Vacation Bible School for contributing to the solid biblical foundation children need in making … [Read more...]

ALEXANDRIA -- Registration is now open for both the 2016 Ministers’ Wives’ Luncheon and childcare during the Pastors Conference. Scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at Kingsville Baptist Church in Ball during the Monday, Nov. 14, session of the Pastors Conference, the Ministers’ Wives’ luncheon will feature Meredith Floyd, wife of Nick Floyd, teaching pastor of Cross Church in Fayetteville, Ark. The first 100 ladies to register will receive a free gift. Tickets are $15 and can be reserved by visiting louisianabaptists.org/mwl by Nov. 1. Those seeking childcare during the Pastors Conference at Kingsville Baptist Nov. 13-14 should contact Jason McGuffie, vice-president of the conference, at fbcpastor.jason@yahoo.com by Nov. 6. … [Read more...]

DEVILLE – For more than 10 years, Philip Robertson, pastor of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Deville, had a vision for starting a second campus. During that time, he watched, prayed and waited for God’s timing, when in March 2015, Horseshoe Drive Baptist Church in Alexandria asked the 750-active-member-strong Philadelphia congregation for help in staying viable. Robertson knew that coming alongside this smaller congregation, which had dwindled to about 35 active members, was “God’s will for Philadelphia Baptist Church.” His faithfulness to the multi-site vision God had given him resulted in a re-launch celebration Sept. 18 with 338 in attendance on the Horseshoe Drive campus, now Philadelphia Baptist Church, Horseshoe Drive. A combined 1,022 worshipped on the two campuses that Sunday, and Philadelphia Baptist Church became one congregation in two locations. “It’s very humbling and an honor they would see us as someone they could reach out to,” said Philip Robertson, entering his 21st year as pastor at Philadelphia Baptist. “I have had multi-site ministry on my heart for more than a decade.... It became apparent very early on that God was in this conversation. There began to be affirmation upon affirmation that this … [Read more...]

  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...]