By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer WOODWORTH – Jimmy Noblit is a man on a mission, working four days a week alongside other volunteers to complete the Georgia Barnette Conference Center. From the time construction began last July, Noblit has spent most weeks at Tall Timbers helping to build a legacy that will long outlive him for generations to come. “Somebody has to do this,” said Noblit, a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria. “This will affect the lives of many children who come through here. They will be discipled and some will commit to missions. “The next person who makes a decision here may be the next Lottie Moon,” he continued. “It’s all for the Glory of God.” Since July 13, an army of Louisiana Baptist volunteers like Noblitt and others from around the U.S. have helped build the Georgia Barnette Conference Center and Missionary/Volunteer Training Center. Once complete, the center will house information about influential early-day Louisiana Baptists and become a state-of-the art training facility for the future of missions in Louisiana. The 8,400-square-foot center is to have six small group rooms and a large auditorium that can be arranged for up to 580 participants. Also included is a … [Read more...]

By Andy Kanengiser, MC University News Coordinator CLINTON, Mississippi -- Awesome worship services, a deeper understanding of the Bible and a marathon of fun games were all part of the agenda during a recent FUGE camp at Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. Sizzling temperatures on the Clinton campus in mid-June went with the experience for 42 kids and adult chaperones from First Baptist Church Arcadia.  The 157-mile journey from their hometown between Shreveport and Monroe to the Baptist-affiliated university was well worth it, students say. “Not only do you grow closer to our Lord, but you also have the opportunity to encourage others in their faith at different sites around the area,’’ says Madison Hoffman, 18, of Arcadia. “God is evident and moving!’’ “I love being surrounded by new people in my Bible study class,’’ says Sydney Moore, 18, of Arcadia. “Even though we are all different, we can come together with our common love for Jesus! It is such an encouraging time to be surrounded by so many kids my age who are unashamed to admit their faith.’’ An estimated 6,000 children from 15 states utilize the campus in June and July to not only sharpen their sports skills but more importantly step up their Christian … [Read more...]

By Mike Midkiff, ETBU Public Relations MARSHALL, Texas – It had been more than 20 years since Pastor Aaron Dickinson of Swartz First Baptist Church in Monroe had set foot back on the campus of East Texas Baptist University. On June 1, Dickson, who is in his first year as pastor at Swartz, returned to the campus June 1 and brought a group of senior adults from his church to attend ETBU’s annual senior adult conference, Hilltop University, to enjoy three days of fun, fellowship, worship, preaching, and Biblical teaching focused on revival and renewal. Dickson said his group came to this particular conference because he was looking for a spiritual retreat experience for his senior adults that would be fun and inspiring. “I knew about the Senior Adult Conference when I was a student here at ETBU,” said Dickinson. “I looked the conference up online to see if they were still holding it because I wanted to find a regional event our senior adults could attend. We do not have a conference like this one in Louisiana.” Over 270 campers attended representing 56 difference churches -- with 50 from Texas, four from Louisiana, and two from Arkansas. Brook Wood Baptist Church, Shreveport, First Baptist Church, Bossier, and First Baptist … [Read more...]

Andy Kanengiser, Mississippi College News Bureau CLINTON, Miss. -- One hundred kids from Louisiana’s Greenwell Springs Baptist Church were part of the first wave of FUGE campers building their faith at Mississippi College in early June. Participating in lively worship services, playing fun games, and ministering to folks at Jackson area nursing homes were just a few of the life-changing projects visitors from the Bayou State experienced at the 2016 FUGE camp. “The Holy Spirit was present here – you could feel it day and night,” Elisa Bankston said. She was among 20 parent chaperones from the church near Baton Rouge returning to the Baptist-affiliated University. “The staff did a great job. This is a well-run camp.’’ For a few hours, June 8, students and parents from Greenwell Springs Baptist temporarily left the Clinton campus to share the love of Jesus Christ to the elderly at nursing homes and to encourage foster children. They also delivered the Good News to families at apartments in Mississippi’s capital city and did yard work in the hot sun and took on other tasks as a means to earn the opportunity to spread their message. Coming to one of LifeWay’s Fuge camps for the second straight summer at MC will reap long-term … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message Lifted up by the prayers of thousands from across Louisiana, the nation and even the world, Rose Landry Long’s family sought God’s intervention. Doctors at MD Anderson did what had previously been said could not be done -- they removed a large tumor from her brain. When Rose Long, the wife of State Sen. Gerald Long, first learned of the diagnosis, she knew she was facing the battle of her life. The Long family did the only thing they knew to do … they put the situation in God’s Hand and asked for intervention through prayer. The response has been humbling. And now, her family is expressing their heart-felt gratitude for the many who did pray. “To say we have felt the prayers would be a gross understatement,” said Pam Long Jordan, daughter of the Longs, who are members at First Baptist Church in Natchitoches and strong supporters of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Northwestern State University. Doctors discovered a pair of tumors following a PET scan on June 1 but were hesitant to operate. They finally operated on June 16. “Our first neurosurgeon at MD Anderson was not able to perform the surgery in the time we wanted, so the chief of neurosurgery at MD Anderson took Mom’s case and removed … [Read more...]

The first-ever marriage retreat cruise hosted by Franklin Avenue Baptist Church is fast approaching. Scheduled for Aug. 25-29, the One Love Cruise will feature dynamic marriage enrichment sessions, men's and women's breakout discussions, fun and fellowship. Registration closes 30 days before departure. For the past 26 years, the church has hosted marriage retreats. They have grown from 50 couples when they first started to more than 400 during it most recent one. Already, 300 of the 450 available cabins the church has reserved have been booked. The Carnival cruise will leave from New Orleans for Cozumel. Gary Mack Sr., pastor of Family Life at Franklin Avenue Baptist, said the theme is One Love: one man, one woman, for one lifetime. “The retreat is a great opportunity for a husband and wife to spend time learning what it takes to have a marriage that last a lifetime,” he said. “Our prayer is that couples will experience renewal, relaxation, and romance.” For further information visit fabcmarriageretreat.com, or Pastor Mack at 504.488.8488, extension 122, or at gmack@franklinabc.com. … [Read more...]

By Norm Miller, Louisiana College communications PINEVILLE - Louisiana College’s annual TEACH training and conference will feature a return visit to LC by Linda Karges-Bone, June 29. An author of 34 books on parenting and education, Karges-Bone’s most recent book “Rich Brain, Poor Brain: Bridging Social and Synaptic Gaps in Schools” is a bestseller that has captured the attention of educators nationwide. She will offer a two-part presentation in LC's Bolton Chapel, June 29, from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., and then 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. “Having known Dr. Bone for almost three decades as a colleague at Charleston Southern University, I can assure those attending our TEACH program that they will receive more than instruction. Dr. Bone’s approach and content will enlighten the intellect and instill inspiration,” said Rick Brewer, president of Louisiana College. Nancy O. Taylor, headmistress of The Regis School in Houston, Texas, said: "It is a rare opportunity to host a person who can ‘think on her feet’ and field every question sent her way. The range of [Dr. Bone’s] research, contacts, and knowledge is impressive. She impeccably models how to teach as she nurtures and inspires confidence in her audiences." Jamie Norwood, an elementary … [Read more...]

Fatherhood calls for many challenges and hardships, which every dad bears with pride and happiness. Your dad has been your first friend who has always been with you, no matter what. He is the one person who has bestowed you with unconditional love and care, without asking for anything in return. When it comes to the relationship you share with your father, there are absolutely no strings attached. He may not show, but he is always there for you, with his unwavering support and assistance. How often do you take out time to whisper a silent prayer to God for the health and happiness of this special person in your life? Most of you would prefer not to answer the above question. This Father's Day, take it as an opportunity to seek blessings for your father, with a special prayer of gratitude. In the following lines, we have listed a few prayers which would rightly convey all what you wish for your dad. Special Prayer for Dad Heavenly Father in your wisdom and love you made all things. I ask, God, bless all the fathers in the world. Strengthen them by your love. Guide them to be good role models and loving to all their children. Help them to be a father like You are. Give them grace and patience to handle situations in a loving … [Read more...]

By Benjamin Clapper, Louisiana Right to Life BATON ROUGE -- The number of abortions in Louisiana decreased by 10 percent from 2014 to 2015, according to preliminary figures provided to Louisiana Right to Life recently by the Louisiana Department of Health. There were 9,311 abortions performed in Louisiana in 2015, down from 10,211 abortions reported in 2014. The number of abortions performed in the state had increased steadily since 2008, when population numbers began returning to pre-Katrina levels. The 2015 figure is the lowest total number of abortions in the state since 2012, when 9,225 abortions were reported. Even with numbers going down, on average, 26 abortions per day were performed in Louisiana in 2015, and Louisiana Right to Life will continue working hard to reduce these numbers until every baby is saved. "While 9,311 abortions is 9,311 too many, we are pleased to see a 10 percent decrease in abortions in 2015," said Benjamin Clapper, executive director of Louisiana Right to Life. "More than two babies per day were saved in 2015 versus 2014! We congratulate the many pregnancy resource centers around the state that help mothers both before and after birth to choose life for their precious babies." Caddo Parish had … [Read more...]

By Message Staff ST LOUIS – Personal evangelism and discipleship remain a vital part of a student’s experience at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, President Chuck Kelley told messengers on Wednesday morning. “We know if you will not become a witness now, you will not likely become one later on,” Kelley said. “We simply have to get the gospel out from behind our pulpits, into the streets and neighborhoods of our cities and communities. That’s where the prospects are. That’s what we teach you to do.” Speaking during the seminary’s report at the Southern Baptist Convention, Kelley said each student is required during their first year, along with 10-12 other students, to meet in a small group with a professor once a week, to practice walking with God together. Additionally, students are required to spend at least one semester witnessing door-to-door in New Orleans. Kelley expressed appreciation for donors who provided scholarships for African-American students and small church pastors in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Those students receiving the scholarships for small church pastors are required to have a gospel conversation at least once a week with someone who is lost. During the past two years, the 250 students … [Read more...]