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Articles by Brian Blackwell
Church insurance informational sessions scheduled
By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – The first eight installments of APOLOGETICS 101 presented archaeological discoveries that supported the trustworthiness of the Bible. NOT JUST RELICS However, it is important to remember that the physical proof for most of … Read More
Louisiana Baptists respond to Florida disaster
By Baptist Message staff MILTON, Fla. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief teams have been activated in response to Hurricane Isaias. Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief Associate Mark Morelock told the Baptist Message that chainsaw, chaplaincy and feeding teams will partner with Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Disaster Relief teams to serve in Milton, Florida. A departure date has not been set, but teams have been asked to prepare now to deploy.
CENLA hymn sing scheduled for Oct. 25
By Baptist Message staff TIOGA, La. (LBM) – Faith Baptist Church will host a hymn sing, Oct. 25, 6 p.m., to bring together central Louisiana churches for a time of joint worship. The hymn sing, under the direction of Kevin Boles, pastor with Lone Star Baptist Church, Hineston, will include Bible reading and prayer. “The hymn sings are a powerful and uplifting experience,” Faith Baptist Pastor Clark Palmer told the Baptist Message.
‘Enter at your own risk’: restrictions for churches in India
Since the implementation of anti-conversion laws in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra States, the risks and requirements of simply attending a church service are rapidly multiplying for believers and seekers in these regions. Please pray for our brothers and sisters as they navigate increasing pressures. Illustrative image: a village in rural India “Only Christians are allowed to enter church for prayers.
LCU serves the community during fall SendLA Day
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Hundreds of Louisiana Christian University students, faculty and staff spent Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 6, giving back to the Central Louisiana community that has blessed the college so much. SendLA is held each semester and begins with a send-off during Chapel service, before groups are split up by organizations for an afternoon of service.
Grant Parish churches ‘reach’ their Jerusalem for Jesus
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer DRY PRONG, La. (LBM) – More than 200 volunteers from 12 churches showed the love of Christ in their Jerusalem through a weekend of acts of service, Sept. 18-19. Held on Sept. 18-19, the Grant Parish Reach Project was an effort that involved volunteers from Big Creek Baptist Association and other denominations who participated in 32 service projects throughout Grant Parish that served as a basis for Gospel seed planting.
Shortest Bible study on record (Cartoon: Joe McKeever)
By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – The first eight installments of APOLOGETICS 101 presented archaeological discoveries that supported the trustworthiness of the Bible. NOT JUST RELICS However, it is important to remember that the physical proof for most of … Read More
Louisiana Christian holds Presidential Gala
By Al Quartemont, LCU News ALEXANDRIA, La. (LCU News) – On a night designed to celebrate its history and legacy, Louisiana Christian University’s first-ever Presidential Gala was a testimony to all that has been good and right with the institution over its first 120 years.
Franklin Avenue prepares for Luter legacy to continue
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer NEW ORLEANS (LBM) – Fred Luter was in his 35th year of pastoring Franklin Avenue Baptist Church when he called his son to talk about the future of both men and the church. “Chip was pastoring in Florida, and he said ‘Dad, you know, you’re 65 next year. You think about retirement?’,” Luter recalled of the March 2021 conversation. “I said, ‘Well, my retirement plan is in Florida.
NSU BCM celebrates 100 years of Gospel reach
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer NATCHITOCHES, La. (LBM) – The Baptist Collegiate Ministry with Northwestern State University kicked off its fall semester with a charge to further the Gospel and a slate of activities planned for its centennial celebration.
Diverted flydubai flight to Israel was not a hijacking incident, Israeli prime minister's office said
Diverted flydubai flight to Israel was not a hijacking incident, Israeli prime minister's office said September 30, 20263:00 AM EDTUpdated 9 mins ago Sept 30 (Reuters) - The diversion to Saudi Arabia of a flydubai flight to Israel on Wednesday is not believed to be a hijacking incident, a spokesperson for the Israeli prime minister's office said. The Reuters Iran Briefing newsletter keeps you informed with the latest developments and analysis of the Iran war. Sign up here.
LCU to serve community during fall SENDLA
By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – SENDLA, Louisiana Christian University’s semi-annual day of serving the community, will happen Tuesday, Oct. 6. It is rooted in Matthew 28, where Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Once each semester, the campus steps outside the classroom and into the community to serve alongside local organizations and ministries.
‘Evangelist to the stars’ to speak to YEC
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – A youth pastor known as the ‘celebrity evangelist’ is on a mission to share the Gospel with some of Hollywood’s most famous men and women, and during the upcoming Youth Evangelism Celebration, Nov. 21-23, LaBorde Earles Coliseum, Alexandria, he wants to recruit Louisiana Baptist youth to join him in making Christ known across the state.
GBO helps share Christ with Vietnamese
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – Vinh Nguyen believed he had found happiness when he was granted refuge in the United States near the end of the Vietnam War. But six years later, he learned that true happiness required something more — a relationship with Jesus. His life was so transformed by the Truth of the Person of Christ that he formed the congregation of Vietnamese Hope Baptist Church, Baton Rouge.
E4 Conference: Love, live, look for truth
By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – The first eight installments of APOLOGETICS 101 presented archaeological discoveries that supported the trustworthiness of the Bible. NOT JUST RELICS However, it is important to remember that the physical proof for most of … Read More
Eighty-one profess Christ during northeast Louisiana Serve Tour
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONROE, La. (LBM) – A weekend of block parties, door-to-door witnessing, compassion projects and other evangelistic efforts produced a spiritual harvest of at least 81 known decisions for Christ during the Serve Tour in Morehouse, Ouachita and Richland parishes, Aug. 21-22.
Apologetics 101: Part 9 (Old Testament bits and pieces)
By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – The first eight installments of APOLOGETICS 101 presented archaeological discoveries that supported the trustworthiness of the Bible. NOT JUST RELICS However, it is important to remember that the physical proof for most of history has been lost simply due to decay, human destruction or natural catastrophe. Therefore, artifacts and monuments cannot be the only evidence used to verify historical accounts.
Louisiana Notables
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Baptist Message provides churches an opportunity to share with other Louisiana Baptists an upcoming revival, homecoming, new pastor, new staff member, a community outreach, or a concert in Louisiana Notables. To place your event in the paper, send your information (who, what, where, when, time) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. Please submit your information four weeks prior to the event to insure placement in the Message.
Baptist Message partners to publish in print for 2027
By Baptist Message staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – The Baptist Message, Louisiana Baptists’ news service, is working on a memorandum of understanding with The Baptist Paper to jointly provide a monthly print edition for Louisiana Baptist subscribers in 2027. BACKGROUND During a September 2025 meeting, the Baptist Message board of trustees approved a move to a digital-only format, beginning in 2027.
LCU kicks off annual October fitness challenge
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University will kick off its fifth annual fall fitness challenge on Oct. 1, thanks to a $30,000 grant from The Rapides Foundation. “Walking through October” is a local Step Up CENLA program designed to help residents become more physically active. It runs through Oct. 31. The program offers fitness challenges and educational workshops on physical activity. The goal is to make physical activity the norm in Central Louisiana.
Israeli ambassador urges support at Cypress leaders forum
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer BENTON, La. (LBM) – Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel “Michael” Leiter dispelled myths about Israel’s conflict in Gaza while thanking America for its support during a leader forum hosted by Cypress Baptist Church, Benton, Sept. 2. WORD OF SUPPORT CBC Pastor John Fream recounted during opening remarks how his most recent visit to Israel took place in the aftermath of Oct.
Louisiana Christian University to hold Presidential Gala
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University will hold a Presidential Gala, Oct. 1, to celebrate its 120th anniversary and kick off a 5-year capital campaign. “The gala is about bringing people home,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Beth Palmer. “Whether you graduated last spring or 50 years ago, there’s a place for you.” There are more than 5,000 LCU alumni in the Central Louisiana region and more than 15,000 across the state.
Homecoming activities slated for Sept. 28-Oct. 4 at Louisiana Christian
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University 2026 Homecoming festivities will be held Sept. 28-Oct. 4, with a football game against East Texas Baptist University on that Saturday at 4 p.m. A Presidential Gala will be held Thursday, Oct. 1, at 6. p.m., which will recognize the Distinguished Alumni and Hall of Fame inductees for this year. This will be held at the Alexandria Convention Center. On Friday, Oct.
Louisiana Christian to hold fall revival
By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University will hold its annual fall revival, Sept. 22-24, at 11 a.m. in Guinn Auditorium. Jordy McKaskle, executive pastor with North Monroe Baptist Church in Monroe, will be the speaker.
Police in Algeria Arrest 12 Christians during Worship
Beach front in Oran, Algeria. (L’Algérie Pays du Soleil et de Beauté, Creative Commons) (Morning Star News) – Special force police in Algeria raided a worship service at a humanitarian shelter on Sept. 4, arresting all 12 Christians present on suspicion of holding an unauthorized, non-Muslim religious service, sources said. The House of Refuge shelter in L’Ayaida, 36 kilometers (22 miles) east of Oran, serves as a haven and restoration center for vulnerable women and their families.
What Young Adults Are Looking for Spiritually at Church
One in three young adults say they’re attending church more often than a year ago—and it’s not happening evenly across every group. Prayer tops the list of reasons young adults give for showing up, ahead of every other spiritual reason surveyed. Black and Hispanic young adults (41% and 36%) are among the most likely to say their attendance has grown.
NOBTS Archaeology Institute participates in WWII excavation project in Italy
By Timothy Cockes, NOBTS News VETRALLA, Italy (NOBTS News) – This summer, a group of students, graduates and staff from New Orleans Seminary’s Michael and Sara Moskau Institute of Archaeology participated in an excavation in Italy with the focus of searching for the remains of fallen World War II soldiers. The excavation was a partnership between multiple institutions and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
Getting to Ground Zero: Memories from a BP photo team
By Laura Elarnson, Baptist Press Originally published on BaptistPress.com. Editor’s note: A collection of photos taken by BP photographers Jim Veneman and Morris Abernathy in the days after 9/11 follows this story. NASHVILLE (BP) – Career photographer and longtime Baptist Press photo editor Jim Veneman was on the communications team at Union University in the fall of 2001. When the planes hit the Twin Towers the morning of Sept.
Father in Uganda Beaten by Muslim Sons for Accepting Christ
Kibirige Abumusa after sons beat him on Aug. 9, 2026 for accepting Christ in Uganda. (Morning Star News) NAIROBI, Kenya (Morning Star News) – A 52-year-old Christian in eastern Uganda was recovering from injuries after his Muslim sons attacked him for leaving Islam, sources said. In Nakalama village, Iganga Town Council, Kibirige Abumusa returned home on Aug. 9 after an extended stay in Jinja City, where he had put his faith in Christ on June 1.
A dog’s owner prayer
By John Kyle, special to the Baptist Message NASHVILLE, Tenn. (LBM) — Rhinestones, big hair, a disarming smile, and an unmistakable voice helped make Dolly Parton - noticeable. Born in the hills of east Tennessee, Dolly Parton was one of 12 children. She grew up poor but refused to let her family’s lack of … Read More
FIRST PERSON: Noticeably Kind
By John Kyle, special to the Baptist Message NASHVILLE, Tenn. (LBM) — Rhinestones, big hair, a disarming smile, and an unmistakable voice helped make Dolly Parton – noticeable. Born in the hills of east Tennessee, Dolly Parton was one of 12 children. She grew up poor but refused to let her family’s lack of resources keep her from dreaming big. As accolades pour in from around the world, those whose paths crossed Dolly’s routinely remember her kindness.
LBDR team activated for Ohio flood response
By Baptist Message staff REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (LBM) – A Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief team has been activated for a response to an area impacted by recent flooding in Ohio. Team Leader Dave Dumas told the Baptist Message that the team from First Baptist Church, Covington, and Bedico Baptist Church, Ponchatoula, arrived Aug. 31 in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. They are expected to remain in the area through Sept. 7.
LCU’s historic NAIA win over D1 team a ‘proud dad moment’ for football’s McLaughlin
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer PINEVILLE, La. (LCU) – Louisiana Christian University’s football team had just become the first NAIA program to beat a NCAA Division I program that awards scholarships when Head Coach Ben McLaughlin assembled his players for what he called a “proud dad moment.” Looking at them from inside Turpin Stadium, Aug.
Next Sunday (Cartoon: Fletch)
The backpacks are full, the lunches are packed, and moms and dads everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief that life is returning to back-to-school normal. But the beginning of classes isn’t just about getting kids ready for a new year, it’s about making sure parents are equally prepared to take on the challenges … Read More
Louisiana Christian University Athletics
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Louisiana Baptists’ Stevens to headline LCU’s first art show of semester
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University will hold the opening reception for the first art show of the 2026-27 academic year on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Weathersby Fine Arts Building Gallery. Oftentimes, those who love art and those who love athletics have different interests, but sports lovers, this show is for you. Local painter Gavin Stevens’ entire exhibition centers around baseball.
Lineup announced for popular 2026 YEC
By Baptist Message staff LBM) – Organizers have announced the lineup for the Nov. 22-23 Youth Evangelism Celebration in the Laborde Earles Coliseum, Alexandria.
Dolly Parton’s music, memorable moments and faith
Dolly Parton, the country music icon who sang and spoke frequently of her Christian faith, died at age 80 on Tuesday (Aug. 25), her family announced. “Sadness lies with us, not with Dolly,” said Bryan Seaver, Parton’s nephew and head of security, in a video released by the family.
Westside Baptist Church celebrates baptisms of Anglo, Hispanic students
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer NATCHITOCHES, La. (LBM) – Westside Baptist Church has embraced a cross-cultural approach to the Gospel and has reaped a spiritual harvest this year as a result. Since January, 22 individuals have expressed their faith in Christ to and been baptized by the Natchitoches congregation. Ten of those – half were Hispanic – were baptized in a joint service, Aug. 2, of its Anglo and Hispanic congregations.
Silence is golden (Cartoon: Preacher’s Kids)
By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM)—For critics of the Bible, the account of Jonah’s evangelistic mission to Nineveh is just a “whale of a story.” But they and many Christians miss the point of Jonah’s message. The issue is not “how” God delivered Jonah to Nineveh. Instead, … Read More
Special needs Champions Camp slated, Sept. 11-13
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer WOODWORTH, La. (LBM) – Individuals with special needs will experience a full slate of activities during the upcoming Champions Camp, Sept. 11-13, hosted by Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center, Woodworth. The camp will match participants with buddies who will accompany them throughout the weekend.
LCU holds AI conversation with faculty on student needs
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – How best to prepare students for the future with the use of artificial intelligence was the topic of the second Guinn Conversations discussion at Louisiana Christian University, Aug. 20. For this conversation, LCU President Mark Johnson brought together faculty members from different disciplines to discuss aspects of AI and how best to train students in this new technological tool.
Georgia Barnette gives hope to LCIW inmates
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ST. GABRIEL, La. (LBM) – This fall, Louisiana Baptists will have multiple opportunities to provide inmates of the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women with hygiene boxes that meet physical needs but often lead to spiritual decisions. Churches are invited to participate in a gift box packing day, Sept. 25, 10 a.m. -1 p.m., in the Granberry Conference Center on the campus of Louisiana Christian University, Pineville.
LCU art professor a winner in state parks calendar competition
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Hannah Fulton, assistant professor of art at Louisiana Christian University, has had a photograph chosen to be part of the 2027 Promotional Calendar for the Louisiana Office of State Parks. Lt. Gov.
Louisiana Baptists challenged to regroup
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer RUSTON, La. (LBM) – Nearly 700 small group leaders and pastors, collectively, were encouraged to strengthen their discipleship efforts during recent multiple ReGroup events. ReGroup South, hosted Aug. 1 by First Baptist Church, Lafayette, drew 415 attendees. Meanwhile, ReGroup North, hosted Aug. 8 by Temple Baptist Church, Ruston, had 272 participants. Reggie Bridges, pastor with Temple Baptist, Ruston, was the keynote speaker for both events.
Former Louisiana pastor promoted to rear admiral as Navy chaplain
By Timothy Cockes, NOBTS news editor NEW ORLEANS (LBM) — U.S. Navy Chaplain Robert Christian, an alumnus of both New Orleans (M.Div., 1989) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminaries (D.Min., 1996), was recently promoted to rear admiral (lower half), a one-star flag rank. His promotion was confirmed by President Donald J. Trump on May 18 and by the U.S. Senate on July 16, and his official celebration was held on July 17 at the Naval Support Activity, Hampton Roads, Virginia.
APOLOGETICS 101 (Part 8): The epic of Jonah is not a ‘fish tale’
By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM)—For critics of the Bible, the account of Jonah’s evangelistic mission to Nineveh is just a “whale of a story.” But they and many Christians miss the point of Jonah’s message. The issue is not “how” God delivered Jonah to Nineveh. Instead, the takeaway for readers should be “the impact” of God’s message on this great city of the powerful Assyrian empire.
More than 600 saved in ‘Heart of the Amazon’
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MANAUS, Brazil (LBM) – During a mission trip to a city located in the center of the Amazon rainforest, Louisiana Baptists experienced a Gospel harvest of 647 Brazilians. “The theme for this year was ‘Hope for Manaus,’” David Denton, senior pastor with Highland Baptist Church, New Iberia, told the Baptist Message. “We partnered with local churches to help them fulfill the Great Commission in their vicinity.
GBO: Vital resources for urgent Gospel needs
By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – More than 2.4 million Louisianians do not know Christ, but thanks to Louisiana Baptists’ generous gifts to the Georgia Barnette Louisiana Missions Offering, life-changing ministry is possible around the state through church plants, compassion ministries, disaster relief efforts, church construction scholarships and media outreach.
Louisiana Notables
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Baptist Message provides churches an opportunity to share with other Louisiana Baptists an upcoming revival, homecoming, new pastor, new staff member, a community outreach, or a concert in Louisiana Notables. To place your event in the paper, send your information (who, what, where, when, time) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. Please submit your information four weeks prior to the event to insure placement in the Message.
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