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...]

ST LOUIS - The final day featured the usual business sessions inside the main hall but also afforded the opportunity for Louisiana Baptists to enjoy multiple chances for fellowship. … [Read more...]

ST LOUIS - A packed room full of Southern Baptists cried out to God for spiritual awakening Tuesday night. Throughout the evening at this National Call To Prayer, pastors from around the U.S. and even Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma prayed for a variety of issues. Among the Louisiana Baptists attending was Janie Wise, a member of FBC Pineville and women's missions and ministry strategist for Louisiana Baptists. "What verberated in my mind all night long was those final words - pray, pray, pray," Wise said. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dUSpLgb1KQ&feature=youtu.be … [Read more...]

Louisiana Baptists turned out in full force for the first day of the Southern Baptist Convention. More than 200 messengers registered for the meeting, which included voting on various offices, motions and resolutions, inspiring messages, a special prayer service and a number of fellowships. Look for more photos later of the second day of the SBC Annual Meeting. … [Read more...]