July 4, 2019 Volume 134  Issue No. 13 TO REPORT A NEWS ITEM OR TO BUY AN AD, CALL 877.234.3832

www.baptistmessage.com HANKINS: Lakeside plants, waters, harvests during VBS By Brian Blackwell Message Staff Writer ‘Farewell and Pastor Lloyd Bye (left) and Associ- PINEVILLE – On the fi nal night of Vacation ate Pastor Ted Bible School at Lakeside Baptist Church, Pinev- Spence (right) thank you’ ille, Pastor Lloyd Bye “watered” what had been baptized John Painter during spiritually planted, baptizing three young boys in MANDEVILLE (LBM) -- Vacation Bible a horse trough, May 31. Greetings, Louisiana Baptists! School at Lakeside “Each year we have made announcements on My o cial retirement date Baptist Church in Family Night about how many accepted Christ, as your Executive Director Pineville. but some parents do not get to witness a baptism has come.  us, I am writ- ing to bid you farewell and Brian Blackwell photo See LAKESIDE, page 8 to thank you for the many, many bless- ings you have be- stowed upon Patty and me these last 14 ½ years. You have been faith- ful friends and fer- David E. Hankins, vent prayer retired LBC partners. Executive Director, You have joined me in a myriad of ministries sponsored by the LBC for the Lord Jesus. You have been kind and forgiving. You have given leadership and follow- ership. What a joy it has been BCHS photo to serve with you! Baptist Community Health Services has provided Gospel-centered health care to several impoverished areas of New Orleans since 2014. We have moved to Man- deville, Louisiana, near our youngest son and his family. We look forward to a less demanding schedule, to time NOLA ministry heals bodies & souls with grandchildren, and to By Brian Blackwell munity Health Services treat not BCHS provides needed services serving in the local church. Message Staff Writer only the body but also the souls of while sharing the love of Christ, I have no career plans (been the more than 10,000 people who according to CEO Shawn Powers. there, done that) but will NEW ORLEANS pass through the medical minis- BCHS operates four medical preach and teach as the Lord (LBM) – Deep in the try’s doors each year. clinics in New Orleans, and is allows. I look forward to heart of New Or- With a mission of “demon- the only known federally quali- continuing participation as a leans’ most impover- strating the love of Christ by fi ed health center connected to a Louisiana Baptist. ished neighborhoods, providing high quality primary Southern Baptist local association See HANKINS, page 7 the missionaries and medical and behavioral healthcare sta of Baptist Com- in underserved communities” See NOLA, page 9 Louisiana College enrollment growth bucks downward trend in higher ed By Norm Miller ward trend in higher edu- ed that overall admissions Louisiana College News cation with this headline: at colleges and universities “College Enrollments Fall are down for the seventh PINEVILLE (LCNews) Again, With Some Notable year in a row, “continu- -- e Wall Street Journal Exceptions.” recently reported a down-  e May 30 article not- See ENROLLMENT, page 9 2 SBC Annual Meeting SBC resolutions include approval of ‘Marxist’ theories as ‘analytical tools’ By Will Hall gender in our culture. who developed this ab- Message Executive Editor is resolution de- stract idea to explain, for scribed “critical race theo- instance, how the “the BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ry” and “intersectionality” intersection of maleness (LBM) – Southern Baptist in neutral terms, suggest- and whiteness” results in messengers attending the ing that in some cases both oppression against women 2019 Annual Meeting in have been misused “by in- of color. Birmingham, Alabama, dividuals with worldviews e resolution strongly approved 13 resolutions, that are contrary to the underscored “Scripture including one that was Christian faith” to come to as the fi rst, last, and suf- substantially altered to wrong conclusions. fi cient authority with endorse two theories as However, the two theo- regard to how the Church “analytical tools” that the retical frameworks actu- seeks to redress social ills” author of the original reso- ally arose from radicals in and promised “Southern lution called “Marxist.” academia. Baptists will carefully ana- Critical race theory is lyze how the information Twelve of the resolu- Baptist Press photo tions passed without much traced to the Harvard Law gleaned from these tools controversy, although School and the founding are employed to address Curtis Woods, chairman of the Southern Baptist Convention Committee some garnered requests to theorist Derrick Bell who social dynamics.” on Resolutions, gave the committee’s report June 12 at the 2019 Annual tweak the language. insists that “the law” per- Yet, even with these Meeting in Birmingham, Alabama. But Resolution 9 was petuates “white suprema- reassurances, the author mit a resolution in the fi rst campuses and the resulting hotly debated because it cy” and “white privilege.” of the original resolution place. indoctrination of students approved using controver- Meanwhile, intersec- said the altered version Stephen Feinstein, about “white privilege.” sial concepts, in addition tionality is tied to the recommended by the SBC pastor of Sovereign Way Moreover, while the to Scripture, for gaining UCLA School of Law and Committee on Resolutions Christian Church in Hes- SBC resolution said critical insights about “social Kimberlé Crenshaw, the did not adequately address peria, Calif., and a chaplain race theory and intersec- dynamics” like race and pioneer of the concept, his concerns about “the in the U.S. Army Reserves, tionality were “subordinate proliferation of toxic, divi- wrote on his blog that to Scripture,” Feinstein’s sive, and satanic rhetoric the impetus for his con- resolution called them designed to divide human- demnation of critical race “unbiblical” and “Marxist” ÒUNL IMITED ity and facilitate constant theory and intersectional- and “inherently opposed to MILEAGE opposition in our society” ity was his discovery of its the Scriptures.” WARRANTY ÒCANÕT BE!!Ó that prompted him to sub- prevalence on Christian Summary of remaining COVERAGE??Ó resolutions: — Resolution 1 urged Insurance for Churches “the Supreme Court of the ItÕ s true! Since 1916 United States to overturn Carpenter Bus, and only Carpenter Bus, now offers Roe v. Wade so that more FREE 7 YEAR / UNLIMITED MILEAGE Warranty states can be empowered coverage on all new buses sold to churches! to protect by law the hu- man dignity of the most That means worry-free operation for your church vulnerable.” year after year! — Resolution 2 con- demned and lamented “all sexually abusive behavior” Why do we do it? Call 318.442.0269 and called for Southern We just love helping Baptists “to create a cul- [email protected] ture” where victims can churches get to www.spenglerstewart.com where theyÕr e share and receive care with going! Lori Ardoin & Paul D. Stewart See RESOLUTIONS, page 12

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LOUISIANA ADVERTISING SUBSCRIPTIONS: CHANGE OF ADDRESS Display [boxed] and classifi ed [words only] advertising must be in writing, Individual: $14/year Two weeks before change is desired, send BAPTIST MESSAGE and may be submitted by email, U.S. mail or fax. Group rates available new address (with zip code and street address) To the best of our knowledge, all ads in the Louisiana Baptist Message Call the and mailing label from this copy of the Louisiana Will Hall, Editor Louisiana Baptist Message represent legitimate companies and offerings. However, one should always Baptist Message. Periodicals postage paid in STAFF at 318.449.4343 or 877.234.3832 Alexandria, Louisiana, and additional mailing exercise normal business caution in responding to ads. Fax: 318-445-8328 Philip Timothy Rhonda Havens Brian Blackwell offi ces. For all your advertising needs contact Rhonda Havens at the Message [email protected] Managing Editor Advertising Director Sta Writer PO Box 311 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to at 318.449.4351 or 877.234.3832. Alexandria LA 71309 the Baptist Message,1250 MacArthur Drive, PO JoAnne Timothy www.baptistmessage.com Box 311, Alexandria LA 71309-0311 O ce Manager The Louisiana Board of Trustees: Baptist Message (USPS 042-860) (ISSN 0740-2104) partners with: Steve Arledge, Jack Bell, Jeremy Blocker, Mike Canady, Published biweekly Thursdays by the Louisiana Baptist Message, 1250 MacArthur Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana 71303. Jeff Coleman, David Cranford, Bobby Daniels, Larry Evans, Lonnie Gothrup, Dale Goodman, James Hester, Darris Warren © Copyright 2019 Baptist Message. All rights reserved Volume 134 July 4, 2019 Number 13

July 4, 2019  www.baptistmessage.com  Louisiana Baptist Message SBC Annual Meeting 3 Louisiana Baptists among motion makers at SBC annual meeting By Will Hall “became the fi rst American churches to request fund- Message Executive Editor missionary, leaving in 1782 ing for the investigation of for Jamaica … [30] years sexual abuse. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. before Adoniram Judson left — Sarah Gregory of (LBM) – Louisiana Baptists for Burma.” the First Southern Baptist o ered three motions among — Morris Chapman of Church in Mountain Home, 23 presented by messengers the Triune Baptist Church in Idaho, moved to set aside during the Southern Baptist Arrington, Tenn., moved that a time at the next annual Convention annual meeting, the Executive Committee meeting to honor the Bap- June 11-12, in Birmingham, amend the SBC’s Business tist Faith and Message 2000 Baptist Press photo Alabama, with the Com- and Financial Plan where as well as the Conservative mittee on Order of Business necessary to strengthen the Resurgence and its leaders. Messengers at the 2019 Annual Meeting, June 11, voted overwhelmingly including two among 18 fi scal accountability of the to pass recommendations from the SBC Executive Committee strength- referred to entities or com- SBC’s entities to the Conven- ening the SBC’s stances against sexual abuse and racism at the Birming- Referred to the Ethics ham-Je erson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Alabama. mittees and another as part tion. & Religious Liberty Com- of fi ve ruled out of order. — Dennis Golden of the mission: Referred to the Execu- Grace Baptist Church in — David Haynes of the Ala., moved that the Execu- tacks on the pulpit.” tive Committee: Braden, Tenn., moved to First Baptist Church, Cen- tive Committee and ERLC — Leroy Fountain of the amend the SBC Constitu- ter Point, in Birmingham, implement a process to pro- Referred to the North Franklin Avenue Baptist tion and Bylaws to allow all moved that the Ethics & vide trauma counseling for American Mission Board: Church in New Orleans, La., Southern Baptist senior pas- Religious Liberty Commis- survivors of abuse. — David Hobson of moved that a comprehensive tors to cast their votes elec- sion study the e ects of birth — Dau Ayub of the First the Dogwood Grove Bap- report be given at the 2020 tronically for SBC o cers. control pills, IUDs and other Baptist Church in Houston tist Church in Adger, Ala., annual meeting on the prog- — Brad Cone of the Lamp contraceptive devices to see moved that the Convention moved to study the feasibil- ress of 12 recommendations City Church in Decatur, Ga., if they have any e ect on a increase its e orts to equip ity of initiating a program adopted by the SBC in 2011 moved that the Executive conceived child and report the local church to minister through the North American for expanding ethnic par- Committee consider mod- their fi ndings in 2020. to groups promoting sexual Mission Board to partner ticipation in the Convention. ernizing the nomination — Rebecca Krueger of the immorality of various types  e last published informa- process and technology for Concord Church in Calera, and to be prepared for “at- See MOTIONS, page 8 tion about progress made on the SBC’s boards and com- the 12 recommendations was mittees. included in a 2015 report on — Matt Dunn of the First racial reconciliation. Baptist Church in Bates City, — Pam Richardson of the Mo., moved that the Conven- New Life Baptist Church in tion convene a study com- WE UNDERSTAND YOUR MISSION Baker, La., moved to amend mittee to update the Baptist the BF&M 2000 Article 6 to Faith and Message 2000 to state, “While both men and include a 19th statement women are gifted for service declaring, “God will restore BECAUSE WE SHARE in the church, the o ce and National Israel like Romans function of the pastor is 11 says and bring about a limited to men as qualifi ed reunion with her neighbors by Scripture.” Her motion in the Middle East.” YOUR MISSION adds “and function” to the — Brent Epling of the original statement. First Baptist Church in — Robert Anderson of Charlotte, N.C., moved that the Colonial Baptist Church the Executive Committee in Randallstown, Md., moved consider a day of special Property and casualty coverage for your to add a George Liele Evan- emphasis and prayer for the gelism, Church Planting, and global persecuted church to Missions Day to the SBC be added to the SBC Calen- church from a provider you can trust. Calendar of Activities on the dar of Activities. fi rst Sunday in February. Ac- — Aaron Colyer of the cording to the International First Baptist Church in Mission Board website, Roswell, N.M., moved that “Liele was the fi rst ordained the Executive Committee African American Baptist consider whether it is viable preacher in American” and to develop an avenue for

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July 4, 2019  www.baptistmessage.com  Louisiana Baptist Message 4 Louisiana News Port Barre expanding Kingdom boundaries By Brian Blackwell Texas are working with Baptist Message. “We have Message Staff Writer Louisiana Baptists to heard about groups coming frame, install sheetrock, to build other churches, but PORT BARRE (LBM) – wire and plumbing inside there is nothing like a fi rst- Nearly 150 volunteers from the 20,000-square-foot hand experience.  ey don’t Texas have spent a portion facility. Once completed, make it about just building of their summer helping the the structure will house a building but make it about First Baptist Church in Port a worship center (with Kingdom work.  ey have Barre to expand its Gospel future seating for up to inspired us to do the same reach into the community 600), youth room, re- one day and go out in the through the construction of ception area, nursery state to be a blessing to these a worship center that will and co ee bar as well as other churches that are accommodate a growing restrooms and an educa- building.” Brian Blackwell photo membership. tion space with nine class- When Richard came to Scott Sanders, from Crossroads Baptist Church in the Woodlands, Texas, Under the direction rooms. First Baptist Port Barre in visited with Benji Richard, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Port Barre. of Mike Shumock, who Groundbreaking was held 2009, Sunday morning wor- Sanders was among a team of volunteers from multiple churches in Texas serves as missions builder in early January and the new ship attendance averaged who helped build a new worship center for First Baptist Port Barre. strategist for Louisiana facility is expected to open eight people. He instilled and juvenile centers, dur- ship allows you to do more Baptists and is the coordi- by Christmas. in his congregation a sense ing Vacation Bible School through others than you can nator for Baptist Builders, “It’s been an amazing of purpose and passion each summer and as part of do yourself.” a construction missions experience for us,” Pas- for reaching the commu- Celebration Recovery meet- Shumock said the Port group, three teams from tor Benji Richard told the nity, and the result has been ings for those who wish to Barre project is the fourth growth through evange- overcome addictions. one undertaken by Baptist lism. According to church “It’s a God thing,” Rich- Builder volunteers this year: records, average Sunday ard said. “It’s not anything -- In May, Mississippi morning attendance grew to we have or haven’t done. It’s Baptists helped rebuild a 200 this year, and they have amazing to see God work. 5,000-square-foot educa- baptized 185 new converts He said, ‘If I be lifted up I tion building for Suburban since Richard became pastor. draw men unto myself.’ He Baptist Church in New Richard said his congre- gets all the credit here. It’s Orleans, which lost several gation has fully embraced a been an encouragement to of its buildings after an EF-3 Gospel mission. our people and me to see so tornado touched down in Church members share many of them come to faith the area Feb. 7, 2017. the Gospel inside jails in Christ. -- In early June, a team He said his congrega- from Franklin Creek Bap- tion is faithful to disciple tist Association in Alabama new believers and to plug with assistance from a them into what God is doing Wisconsin Baptist volunteer through the church in the helped the Korean Baptist community. Church in Leesville build a “We are very intentional 3,000-square-foot multipur- about God using them and pose facility. backing out of the way,” -- In late June, members he explained. “Disciple- of El Renuevo Hispanic Baptist Church in Lafayette completed installation of sheetrock inside Moreau- ville Community Church’s 2,880-square-foot worship center and food pantry. Other projects planned for 2019 include construc- tion of a 1,200-square-foot addition to the worship cen- ter for Greys Creek Baptist See PORT BARRE, page 7 LOUISIANA CHURCH INSURANCE

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www.louisianachurchinsurance.com l 800.256.0700 July 4, 2019  www.baptistmessage.com  Louisiana Baptist Message Louisiana News 5 Former addicts celebrate Christ at First Rayville By Brian Blackwell come and find hope and the congregation to be a Message Staff Writer encouragement in Jesus part of so many healed Christ. We are grateful the bodies and souls, hundreds RAYVILLE – Every Lord chooses to use us this so far. Thursday evening at the way.” “People I have dealt First Baptist Church in Celebrate Recovery was with while working in the Rayville, up to 150 people launched in 1991 at Sad- sheriff’s department have with hurts, habits and dleBack Church in Lake come here and turned hang-ups are celebrating Forest, California, and that their lives around,” he victory found in Christ. first meeting drew 43 peo- said. “It’s a great ministry Through the church’s ple. Since then, more than program that God uses Christ-centered Celebrate 27,000 people have partici- to change lives through Recovery ministry, mod- pated in that one ministry. the power of Jesus Christ. eled after Alcoholics But more than 5 million This program has a higher Anonymous, individuals have participated world- power of Jesus Christ and are breaking the chains Brian Blackwell photo wide, and today, nearly that’s who changes the 35,000 churches host a lives, and we do what we of bondage to alcoholism, Eddie Wren, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Rayville, encouraged Cel- compulsive overeating, ebrate Recovery participants during their weekly meeting. The program, Celebrate Recovery group, can to see that God’s work drug use and other addic- modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, helps individuals break the chains according to the Celebrate is done here.” tions and dysfunctional of bondage to alcoholism, compulsive overeating, drug use and other ad- Recovery website. Joseph Michael was behaviors. Additionally, dictions and dysfunctional behaviors. First Rayville started its among those lost when he Celebrate Recovery min- entered Celebrate Recov- many are repenting for has thrived because of the three months and some istry in September 2011 ery in 2016. At the time, salvation and making com- church’s love and com- even several years. The with 15 participants, and Michael was addicted to mitments to live for Jesus. mitment,” he said. “Our service concludes with an has seen attendance reach alcohol and estranged from After enjoying a meal, members serve every evangelistic message and as high as 180 guests, most his family. Nearly three participants gather inside Thursday night 52 weeks invitation. without a home church. years later, Christ has the First Rayville youth a year, including holidays. After the hour-long Claude Mercer, one of transformed his life. room for worship, music Our people love those who worship service, partici- the coordinators of Cel- “These people loved me and a time of celebrating attend CR from the com- pants gather into gender- ebrate Recovery at First and were encouraging me milestones on the journey munity, in-house addiction specific smaller groups to Rayville, has been amazed to recovery and healing. facilities or sober living address dependency issues. at how God has allowed See RAYVILLE, page 7 Once a month, individuals Eddie Wren, pastor of houses and are excited are given the opportunity First Rayville, said the pro- when they come back for to come forward to com- gram strives to show the Sunday worship and Sun- memorate a certain num- love of Christ to those who day school. This is a place ber of days they have been are struggling with life’s where those who are strug- clean from their addic- many issues. gling with drugs, alcohol, tion – some 30 days, some “Celebrate Recovery or any type hang-up can

July 4, 2019 l www.baptistmessage.com l Louisiana Baptist Message 6 SBC News SBC NEWS: Charges, Challenges, Changes By Will Hall preach to adult men.” Call- ism. It was about arro- is where you go back to the nominated a Colorado Message Executive Editor ing it a “sinful practice,” he gance. About protecting original controversy in evan- pastor as the next presi- added that “to do so is to systems. It involved cover- gelicalism and in Southern dent and CEO of LifeWay BETH MOORE: SBC bring the church body into ing abuses and misuses of Baptist life ... biblical au- Christian Resources. disobedience against God.” power. …” thority. Did the Holy Spirit Mandrell is an outsider is misogynistic Moore tweeted May 11 But she also argued that inspire Paul to say that or to business and publish- that she was “compelled the prohibitions against not? If the Holy Spirit did ing, but the search team LifeWay’s top seller to my bones by the Holy women preachers in 1 inspire Paul to say that, then praised him for his vision of books and Bible stud- Spirit … to draw attention Timothy and 1 Corinthi- it’s the Word of God.” and leadership, according ies sparked a social media to the sexism and misogy- ans should be grappled to a LifeWay press release, battle when she announced ny that is rampant in seg- with “alongside other especially for growing she would be preaching ments of the SBC, cloaked words Paul wrote” that NAMB: Fewer church Storyline Fellowship in on Mother’s Day at a large by piety and bearing the were “equally inspired.” plants, baptisms Arvada, Colorado, from church. stench of hypocrisy. ...” Moreover, she insisted that a North American Mis- A number of Southern and appeared to peg her these examples needed The Southern Baptist sion Board church plant Baptist Convention theolo- distress to several high- to be balanced against Convention’s 2019 Book launched with 250 people gians weighed in and Beth profile SBC pastors who “the attitudes & practices of Reports cited a number in 2015 to a congregation Moore fired back, unleash- supported then-candidate of Christ Jesus … toward of successes for the North averaging 1,600 in weekly ing her discontent even Trump. women,” noting that “He American Mission Board, attendance last year. with evangelicals’ support “I had the eye opening had women followers! noting the printing of He previously served of Donald J. Trump during experience of my life in Evangelists!” nearly 2 million “3 Circle as pastor of Englewood the 2016 presidential elec- 2016. A fog cleared for me Meanwhile, Al Mohler, Life Conversation Guides,” Baptist Church in Jackson, tion. that was the most disturb- president of the South- 130,000 downloads of a Tennessee, when the con- One of the first critics ing, terrifying thing I’d ern Baptist Theological related phone app, and, gregation grew from 1,800 to comment was Owen ever seen. All these years Seminary in Louisville, distribution of 10,000 to 2,600 in weekly atten- Strachan, associate profes- I’d given the benefit of the Kentucky, who once advo- evangelism kits. dance during a seven-year sor of Christian theology at doubt that these men were cated for the ordination of However, church plants period, 2006-2013. Prior to Midwestern Baptist Theo- the way they were because women, said in a podcast, hit a new low, dropping being installed to that posi- logical Seminary in Kansas they were trying to be obe- May 10, that the issue is from 1,003 in 2011 (Kevin tion, he was the college City, Missouri. dient to Scripture … Then about biblical authority. Ezell’s first full year as pastor for the congregation Strachan blogged, I realized it was not over Citing Paul’s prohibition NAMB president) to 624 and simultaneously served May 7, that it was against Scripture at all. It was over against a woman having au- last year, about half of as director of discipleship God’s Word and design sin. It was over power. It thority over a man (1 Timo- the stated goal of planting ministries at Union Uni- for “a woman to teach and was over misogyny. Sex- thy 2:12), Mohler said, “This 1,200 churches each year. versity (an SBC school), Church planting is also in Jackson. NAMB’s primary vehicle His work experience for evangelism, and the re- includes serving on staff sults as measured by bap- with Ouachita Baptist tisms have been likewise University in Arkadelphia, negative, dropping from Arkansas K-Life Ministries 333,000 in 2011 to 246,000 of Orlando, Florida, and in 2018. Sterling Christian School Last October, Johnny in Sterling, Illinois. Hunt, former pastor of In January, LifeWay the First Baptist Church indicated it would be clos- in Woodstock, Georgia, ing “some” of its bookstores and a past SBC president, due to declining sales. At was named NAMB’s new the same time, Baptist senior vice president of Press published an analysis evangelism and leadership, of LifeWay’s audits which specifically to revive soul- showed “total operating winning among Southern expenses exceeded sales” Baptists. However, the eight years in a row, grow- budget for evangelization ing in deficit each year from was cut from $14.7 million $2.3 million to $35.5 million. spent in 2018 to $7 million Then on March 20 Life- planned for 2019. Way announced it would Church planting ap- shutter all 170 of its brick pears to benefit from the and mortar shops. more than $7 million cut Just weeks prior, on to evangelization, increas- March 4, LifeWay retro- ing to $75.4 million in actively shared that CEO 2019, up from $68.3 million Thom Rainer had ex- for 2018 and nearly $53.4 pressed “a desire to move million more than the $22 forward with his retire- million spent in 2010-2011. ment effective Feb. 28,” after he had announced plans in August 2018 to LIFEWAY’S NEW CEO: remain one more year Colorado pastor, or until a “new CEO is named.” industry outsider Rainer’s departure resulted in the 10 month A LifeWay trustee search that ended with the search committee has naming of Mandrell. July 4, 2019 l www.baptistmessage.com l Louisiana Baptist Message Louisiana News 7

Rayville from page 5 to do the right thing,” Mi- way.” and God is healing them, chael said. “I hadn’t talked Stewart Bedillion ac- despite the choices they to my Dad in a long time companies patients from previously made.” when I first came to Cel- the Palmetto Addiction ebrate Recovery and now Recovery Center in Ray- we are best friends. This ville, where he serves as a has given me something to spiritual counselor. look forward to in life.” He has seen their spiri- Jacqueline Mason tual hunger and watched became a small group them search for a better leader after struggling with way. alcohol addiction for many “They are so broken years; and, she is thankful because of the addiction Brian Blackwell photo how Celebrate Recovery that is weighing down on In early June, a volunteer from a Texas team prepared to use a drill as part allows her to use her past them,” said Bedillion, also of construction on a new 20,000-square-foot facility at the First Baptist to relate to women in need. senior pastor at Riverside Church in Port Barre. “This is the perfect Baptist Church in Bastrop. outlet for me to give back,” “The messages here speak Mason said. “I enjoy talk- directly to where they are from page ing to the girls and show- living. This ministry is Port Barre 4 ing them there is a better helping to give them hope Church in Denham Springs, a new mission, it will create which was heavily damaged curiosity and draw people to in the flood of 2016, and Christ. Family Health Insurance building a new 8,000-square- And that’s what we are at Group Rates trying to do with the Baptist foot multi-purpose facility GROUP, INDIVIDUAL, MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS, DENTAL at First Baptist Church in Builders.” Napoleonville, Shumock To learn more about Call or email for a free quote!! said. The start dates of both volunteering with the projects are contingent on Baptist Builders call Melvin Thomas securing an adequate num- 225.975.0848 or visit face- 318.795.4924 ber of volunteers. book.com/groups/LAMis- “The excitement of build- sionBuilders/. [email protected] ing in the community and 411 Ashley Ridge Blvd., Shreveport, LA 71106 the church generates people to want to come, to be able to hear, and to be able to respond to the Gospel,” Shu- mock said. “They know that church is doing something. Anytime you build and have Hankins from page one I believe God has great things in store for LBC. Your new executive di- rector Dr. Steve Horn is already at the helm. He brings to the office great giftedness, fruitful experi- ence, a wonderful spirit, and a love for Jesus and the church. I have every confidence you will thrive under his leadership, and I will be cheering him on. As the prophet Samuel said goodbye to the people, he declared, “As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you.” (I Sam. 12:23). I make the same pledge to you.

Fraternally,

David E. Hankins Executive Director Louisiana Baptist Convention 2005-2019

July 4, 2019 l www.baptistmessage.com l Louisiana Baptist Message 8 Louisiana News

dren’s church. it organization in Tioga. the Rapides Parish Coli- Lakeside from page one Operation Christmas They sort through items seum in Alexandria. Child is another. at a distribution center, “Through the years the because they are not active side.” Throughout the year, work in the ministry’s Word of God has been pro- in church,” Bye told the He added that it was members collect items store and hand out bags claimed here at Lakeside Baptist Message. “This time “special” because both -- hygiene products, small filled with toiletries to Baptist,” Bye said. “Within parents got to see the har- churches are part of his toys and school supplies neighborhood residents, the inner city domain that vest we reaped from the spiritual life. -- that are packed in shoe- 175 every three months. is highly transient this is seeds that were planted, The Family Night boxes and shipped overseas Other ministry efforts still needed today. Re- and it made it special for worship service capped a to give to children. The include financially sup- membering the ABCs for the boys that their parents fruitful week for Lakeside church’s VBS offering of porting Main Street Mis- children of all ages in this were witnesses.” Baptist. Eleven children $300 was used to purchase sion in Pineville and many community, we will plant, Daniel Edwards actually out of 46 who attended supplies for this year’s members participated water and reap in the on- was “harvested” during had repented for salvation Operation Christmas Child as volunteers with the going harvest. To God be a recent VBS by a sister by the end of VBS. Collection. Hope4U2018 Crusade at the glory!” Louisiana Baptist congre- In 2018, the church gation. VBS AND MORE packed 250 shoeboxes for “I accepted Christ at the annual gift drive by from page 3 Faith Baptist Church in VBS is one of several Samaritan’s Purse, a Chris- Motions Tioga,” Edwards said. evangelistic outreaches for tian international relief with associations comprised authority over an entity’s “But my Granny asked if the congregation, which organization. of smaller churches and board: I wanted to get baptized averages 30 in Sunday Members also volunteer bivocational pastors to place — Caleb Lewis of the here since I have spent so morning worship service with Helping Hands Min- a second staff member as an Gentilly Baptist Church in many summers at Lake- and another 25 in chil- istry, a Christian non-prof- associate pastor at no cost to New Orleans, La., moved the church or association un- that the Council of Semi- til they can partially fund it. nary Presidents make the most recent BF&M the only Referred to LifeWay doctrinal statement faculty Christian Resources: is required to sign. Southern — Laura Smith of the and Southeastern Seminar- South Side Baptist Church in ies include in their doctrinal South Bend, Ind., moved that guides an Abstract of Prin- LifeWay Christian Resources ciples, regarded as emphasiz- include a Gospel presen- ing the systematic theology tation in each lesson for of Calvinism children through the sixth — Derin Stidd of the grade. Harmony Baptist Church in Frankfort, Ind., moved that Referred to Southwest- the ERLC do a study on how ern Baptist Theological churches, associations and Seminary: state conventions can work — A motion by Benjamin with entities within their Cole of the Emmanuel Bap- state to promote the im- tist Church in Enid, Okla., mediate abolition of human that the Convention request abortion. the trustees of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Ruled out of order for to authorize the seminary resembling a resolution; president and legal counsel exceeding the deadline for to pursue the lawful recovery submitting a resolution: of school property that may — Morgan Bush of the have been removed from the Morningside Baptist Church president’s home. in Huntsville, Ala., moved that each church be urged to Referred to all entities: consider the impact of por- — Phillip Bethancourt, nography and take “vigorous executive vice president action to meet and defeat the of the Ethics & Religious effect of pornography.” Liberty Commission and a messenger of the Redemp- Ruled out of order, cit- tion City Church in Franklin, ing legal or polity con- Tenn., moved that each SBC straints: entity provide an update — Wade Burleson of the related to their efforts to Emmanuel Baptist Church in address abuse, covering what Enid, Okla., moved to amend the respective entity is do- the report of the Internation- ing to foster effective abuse al Mission Board to include awareness, prevention and the full text of the May 29, care, what steps have been 2019, Sexual Abuse Examina- taken since 2018, and how tion update. their entity is partnering — Adam Blosser of the with the efforts of the Sexual Goshen Baptist Church in Abuse Advisory Group. Spotsylvania, Va., moved to amend SBC Bylaw 18 adding, Ruled out of order by “The Recording Secretary the Committee on Order shall be a non-voting mem- of Business for requesting ber of the Executive Com- the Convention to exercise mittee.” July 4, 2019 l www.baptistmessage.com l Louisiana Baptist Message Louisiana News 9

he became the first full-time care needs of patients living conducting a three-day in- from page one CEO of the only health- in what the federal govern- tensive onsite inspection and NOLA care center in the Lower ment defines are “medically audit of BCHS’ compliance underserved communities.” with 91 federal elements of churches, he said. The Christ-exalting healthcare Ninth Ward, Powers said. In 2016, Powers also led among 18 major categories -- New Orleans Baptist Asso- mission,” Powers told the He added that Fred Luter, BCHS to provide 100 percent which included inspection of ciation, with the help of the Baptist Message. “We pray senior pastor of Franklin Av- free healthcare for Southern the multi-site health center’s Baptist Community Min- our many trusted partners enue Baptist Church in New Baptist pastors, church staff clinical quality (practices, istries (a foundation set up and donors see this accom- Orleans and a past president and their respective fami- policies and patient out- with proceeds from the 1995 plishment as BCHS’ ongoing of the Southern Baptist Con- lies. Powers said he wanted comes) and review of admin- sale of the Southern Baptist dedication to the steward- vention, helped select the to offer this option because istrative-financial leadership, Hospital in New Orleans) ship of medical mission that Lower Ninth Ward where of the desire of BCHS to and board governance. and Southern Baptists’ has been entrusted to us.” BCHS was launched. That strengthen the ministry of “In my own local SBC North American Mission decision was made in large the local church and be- church, First Baptist New Board, launched the medical GOSPEL-CENTERED CARE part because residents of the lieving, “healthy pastors Orleans, our pastor chal- ministry in 2014. Lower Ninth Ward were lead healthy churches and lenged us to ‘dare to love this “We are thankful for the Powers initially helped struggling with access to pri- healthy churches help build city’ and to be ‘mighty in many partners, including to advise NOBA during its mary healthcare even before healthy communities.” word and deed to share and BCM, NAMB and NOBA, preparation to launch BCHS, Hurricane Katrina impacted The ministry accepts show the love of Jesus with who invested in the vision and two years after the med- the area in August 2005. commercial insurance; our neighbors,’” said Han- of what is today a thriving ical ministry was founded Powers said Southern Baptists, pastors and lay however, the majority of the nah Pounds, chief medical members, compose 100 health center’s patients are officer for BCHS. “The vision percent of the organization’s covered by Medicaid and for what BCHS has become Enrollment from page one board of directors. More- Medicare. Patients without was birthed in the local over, BCHS senior staff and insurance also are served church, supported by Baptist ing a trend that is putting and rigorous. This is Louisi- doctors are commissioned and fees are deeply discount- Community Ministries, the pressure on many smaller ana College in a nutshell,” he missionaries of NOBA. ed using a sliding payment North American Mission schools even as some big- added. Since the health cen- scale, usually $25 to $60, Board and made possible ger schools thrive. Nation- “Our leadership team ter’s formation, the staff based on income level and through the dedication of wide enrollment declined brainstormed to help build has shared the Gospel and family size. Regardless, no the New Orleans Baptist by 1.7 percent, or by nearly upon a vision that has prayed with patients more one in need of care is turned Association. If any of those 300,000.” garnered 11 percent growth than 20,000 times. In part- away due to financial rea- cooperative links had been “The enrollment decline since 2015 and will keep nership with local LBC sons, Powers explained. removed, we would not be has fostered mergers and us growing well into the churches, BCHS strives to The U.S. Health Re- celebrating this milestone closures, reductions in fac- future,” Brewer said. “We use its medical platform to sources and Services Admin- today and tens of thousands ulty and academic programs, developed a strategic plan meet the medical, behav- istration recently awarded of people would have missed and slashed budgets among and have faithfully followed ioral health and spiritual BCHS a perfect score after our Gospel witness. America’s higher education it.” institutions and is sending Implementing that strat- seismic shockwaves across egy has produced memo- the scholastic landscape,” randa of understanding with said Rick Brewer, president Louisiana Tech University, of Louisiana College in Pin- New Orleans Baptist Theo- eville. logical Seminary, and the TheWSJ article stated Louisiana Community and that enrollment for four- Technical College System, year, for-profit colleges the latter of which provides decreased 19.7 percent from a seamless path of matricula- spring 2018 to spring 2019, tion into Louisiana College Brewer said. for graduates from two-year “That percentage pales schools. compared to an increase of Louisiana College also 3.2 percent among private has inked dual enrollment institutions,” he observed. partnerships with public and “Louisiana College, however, private high schools. has fared exceedingly bet- “Innovative scholarships; ter than that with a spring additional academic pro- 2019 enrollment 7.2 percent grams, both undergraduate higher than last spring.” and graduate; a Summer Louisiana College is a “re- Bridge program of remedia- markable exception because tion to give students a hand- of our historic and ongoing up; and a faculty second to exceptionalism,” Brewer none, particularly with their explained. compassion for students, are “Add to that our differ- some reasons for Louisiana entiating value proposition, College’s sustained growth,” which is the integration Brewer said. of faith and learning, and Noting a record retention the reasons for our growth rate of 94 percent from Fall indicate that parents and 2018 to Spring 2019, Brewer students are averse to the said, “Once students choose worldview propagated at Louisiana College, they other schools. Rather, they choose to stay.” seek a bona fide liberal arts Repairs and rehabilita- education that underscores tion of facilities as the result traditional family values and of an $18 million negotiated develops spiritual under- insurance settlement from standing through curricula that are relevant, relational, See ENROLLMENT, page 12 July 4, 2019 l www.baptistmessage.com l Louisiana Baptist Message 10 Classifieds Message

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Business/ChurCh List DAtes tO run: ADDress Classified ad rate: Cost is $6 per line (5 words per line); 25 word minimum. City PhOne Advertisement must be accompanied with payment in advance MAiL AD/CheCK tO: Baptist Message l P.O. Box 311 l Alexandria, La. 71309 and there are no discounts for classified line ads.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Evangelist: 2TALK42 Ministries. Pastor: pre-K-6th grade are welcome to join us. n Beauregard Memorial Baptist Church, town: 3 Day Walk of Faith, July 21-23, 7 Homecoming, a new pastor, a community Jimmy Clark. We begin each evening with dinner for Longville: Ben Waites in concert, July p.m. Worship: Living in Faith Everyday. outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message n First Baptist Church, Princeton: Har- kids at 5 p.m. in the REC. We move from 14, 9 a.m. Pastor: Jimmy Clark. Pastor: Carl Giffith. would love to share your church news with vest Sunday, July 21. Evangelist: Bill there to all of the fun VBS programming n First Baptist Church, Pine Prairie: n Bethel Baptist Church, Jennings: VBS the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, Britt. Pastor: Darrell Cooper. at 5:30 p.m. and end our trek at 8:30 p.m. Faith, Family and Friends Festival, - Roar: Life is Wild, God is Good, July just send in your information (who, what, Pastor: Jeremy Shepherd. July 14, 4-8 p.m. Cost: $6. There will be 22-26, 8 a.m.-noon. where and when) to philip@baptistmes- LAGNIAPPE n First Baptist Church, Slidell: VBS – In burgers, chips, drinks, popcorn, pop- n First Baptist Church, Carlyss: VBS- sage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your the Wild: Amazing Encounters with sicles, cotton candy, balloon animals, Giddy Up Junction (Taking God’s Love event in the paper, please submit your in- n Gulf Coast Baptist Church, Golden Jesus,, July 7-11, 5:30-8:30 p.m. nightly. face painting, carnival games, fun jump, to New Frontiers), July 22-26, 6 p.m.-8 formation three weeks prior to the event. Meadow: The church is in need of a new This is for three years old thru sixth grade. water slides, and a dunking booth. Door p.m. This is for children age 3 -11 (going or used (in good working order) re- Register at fbcslidell.org. Pastor: Casey prizes will also be given away. Buy tickets to 6th grade). Come join us for a fun week ON THE MOVE frigerator and also a separate freezer to Stark. at the church office or call 337.224.9394 of western-themed Bible Adventures. help store more cold and frozen food for n Coteau Baptist Church, Houma: Hopes or 318.838.4353. All proceeds will be Pastor: Frank Walker. n Stephen (wife Crystal) Craver is the church’s newest ministry “Feeding La- Journey in concert, July 7, 9 a.m. The given to Pastor Daniel Holsomback n Caney Lake Baptist Church, Chatham: the new director to the Shreveport Metro fourche” food bank. Call 985.258.0988 or church is located at 2066 Coteau Road, who is battling cancer. Pastor: Daniel “Annual Hee Haw Show,” July 26- Baptist Collegiate Ministry. email [email protected]. Pastor: Shane Houma, La 70364. For more information, Holsomback. 27, Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 5 n Aaron Brewer is the new associate Terrebonne. call 985.226.7119 or go to www.hopes- n Parkview Baptist Church, Monroe: pm. Tickets are $7 each. For tickets call: director for the Baptist Collegiate Ministry n East Ridge Baptist Church, Lake journeyonline.com. Pastor: Wayne Hunt. Vacation Baptist School kick-off Tammy Gunter 318.805.6124; Anita Wag- in New Orleans. Charles, is seeking a bi-vocational as- n First Baptist Church, Winnfield:Adult party July 14, 5 p.m.; VBS – In the Wild: goner 318.278.3773; or Donna Ferguson sociate pastor with a concentration on & Youth VBS - In the Wild: Amazing Amazing Encounters with Jesus, July 318.348.5577. Pastor: Lance Otwell. REVIVAL reaching the area. Contact Alan Weisham- Encounters with Jesus, July 7, 14, 21, 15-18, 8:30 a.m. - noon; family night pro- pel at [email protected]. 28, 6 p.m. Session 1, July 7, Encounter in gram and supper, July 18, 6 p.m. n Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Mount Her- n Houston River Baptist Church, Sul- the Temple; Session 2, July 14, Encoun- n Foster Road Baptist Church, Baton mon: Family Crusade, July 7-10. Evan- phur: Fourth of July Family Fun Day, ters on the Water; Session 3, Encoun- Rouge: VBS – Roar: Life is Wild. God gelist: 2TALK42 Ministries. Pastor: Scott July 4, 6-9 p.m. Come join us for hot ter at the Tomb, July 21; Session 4, is good, July 14-18, 5:15-8:15 p.m. This Spinks. dogs, games, music, and fireworks to cel- Encounter on the Road, July 28. Ses- is for grades kindergarten thru the fifth n Philadelphia Baptist Church, Dev- ebrate Independence Day. Pastor: Lonnie sions will be taught by members of four grade. Pastor: Mike Morris. ille: Revive Monday, July 8, 15, 22, 29. Gothrup. different Sunday School classes. Members n First Baptist Church, Cameron: VBS July 8: Evangelist: Bob Pittman. Wor- n First Baptist Church, Hornbeck: VBS of The Empty Nest, 39 and Holding, Gail’s - In the Wild: Amazing Encounters ship: Jason Crabb. July 15, Evangelist: – In the Wild: Amazing Encounters Gals, and The Bridge class will all have a with Jesus, July 15, 5:30-8:30 p.m. For Jerry Chaddick. Worship: PBC Worship with Jesus, July 7-11, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; week to take us on amazing encounters In children Ages 3 - just finished 6th grade. Team. July 22: Evangelist: Mike Stone. Parent’s Night, July 12, 6 p.m. Pastor: the Wild. Pastor: Steve Smithson. Pastor: Charles Hugonin. Worship: PBC Worship Team. July 29: Jack Bell. n New Zion Baptist Church, Covington: n East Ridge Baptist Church, Lake Tarande Greene in concert. Pastor: n Houston River Baptist Church, Sulphur: VBS – In the Wild: Amazing Encoun- Charles: VBS - In the Wild: Amazing Philip Robertson. Blake and Jenna Bolerjack in concert, ters with Jesus, July 8-12. To sign up Encounters with Jesus, July 15-19, n Standard Baptist Church, Olla: Re- July 7, 10:15 a.m. Award winning Chris- online go to www.newzion.net. Pastor: 5:30 p.m. You are invited to In the Wild, as vival, July 14-17, Sunday, 10:30 a.m. and tian music duo, Blake & Jenna Bolerjack, Clark Stewart. we zoom in and focus on Jesus and God’s 6:30 p.m., Monday-Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. will be special music guests for the morn- n First Baptist Church, Jonesboro: Wom- creations. Pastor: Alan Weishampel Evangelist: Malcom Ellis. Pastor: Shad ing services at Houston River. Pastor: Lon- en’s Conference: Complete in Christ, n Ridge Avenue Baptist Church, West Tibbs. nie Gothrup. July 12-13. Speaker: Michelle Nezat. Monroe: VBS – In the Wild: Amazing n Searcy Baptist Church, Trout: Harvest n New Hope Baptist Church, DeQuincy: Pastor: Brian McAllister. Encounters with Jesus, July 15-19, Sunday, July 14. Evangelist: Scotty Blake and Jenna Bolerjack in con- n Ouachita Baptist Church, West Monroe: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Supper will be served at McDowell, Chalk Artist. Pastor: Steve cert, July 7, 6 p.m. Pastor: Roland Hebert. VBS – In the Wild: Amazing Encoun- 5:30 p.m. followed by VBS afterwards. Jones. n Pineville Park Baptist Church, Pineville: ters with Jesus,, July 8–12, 6-8:30 p.m. Pastor: Jim Wolfe. n Beauregard Memorial Baptist Church, VBS-Roar! Life is Wild, God is Good, Pastor: Mike Holloway. n Georgetown Baptist Church, George- Longville: Family Crusade, July 11-14. July 7-11, 5 p.m. All children entering Scripture Crypto

The Scripture Crypto is a Bible verse in which one letter has been substituted for another, thus encoding the verse. To find out what the verse is, you must determine what each letter is a substitute for. An “a,” for example, may stand for a “t” in this week’s issue of the ScriptureCrypto. Next week, “a” could stand for a “d.” Each week, each letter is different. Solve by trial and error. The answer will be given next week. Note: All numerals, such as those in the scripture reference after the verse, are spelled out.

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ugae kokckj:kbwpnkkj LOUISIANA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY Clues: Answer to June 20 Scripture Crypto: 6301 Westport Ave. | Shreveport, LA 71129 X = D; G = A Micah five: seven 318.686.2360 | www.lbu.edu

July 4, 2019 l www.baptistmessage.com l Louisiana Baptist Message 3.75 x 5 Baptist Message ad.indd 1 3/6/15 11:15 AM 12 SBC Annual Meeting

personal identity that is the growing influence of “the President and Con- Resolutions from page 2 contrary to God’s good and Calvinism in the SBC. gress not to expand the holy purposes in creation — Resolution 7 cited Selective Service to include specific statements offer- manded “the North Kore- and redemption.” Amos 5 as an example of women.” ing encouragement to the an regime and the Com- — Resolution 6 ad- confronting “social injus- — Resolution 11 con- abused, urging repentance munist Party of China to dressed a “divisive spirit tices” in making an appeal demned by name Professor by perpetrators and asking cease persecution of their which hinders our coop- to Southern Baptists to He Jiankui who has edited for policy changes from citizens” while directing erative work” without become “involved with the the genetic material (germ- lawmakers. “the United States govern- specifying the “secondary struggles of our neighbors” line) of three children in — Resolution 3 was an ment to elevate religious doctrinal points of dis- and to advocate for “peo- his laboratory in Shenzhen, admixture of confirma- liberty as a top priority of agreement” or identifying ple who are oppressed,” in China; and, the statement tion of the doctrine of American foreign policy in instances of “imposing the hope that “through our called on the U.S. Congress local church autonomy its engagement with North methodological unifor- love for others, they too and international policy- with condemnation of a Korea and China.” mity” and “promoting a may receive the [G]ospel making bodies “to make supposed misuse of this — Resolution 5 de- cultural or political agen- and share in the joy of human germline manipu- “cherished doctrine … as a nounced sexual identity da” which the statement salvation.” lation unfundable and il- means of hiding the sins of politics along with the broadly brushed as ac- — Resolution 8 ac- legal.” ministers and others in the labels of “Gay Christian cusations. In the past, the cused Southern Baptists — Resolution 12 de- church who abuse, sexu- and “sexual minority” and phrase “secondary points of being “historically scribed the annual meeting ally or otherwise, ‘the little called upon “all Christians of disagreement” has been monolithic with respect to as “a sacred gathering” in ones’ of our Lord Jesus who struggle against same- used to dismiss concerns domestic ministry,” cit- asking Southern Baptists Christ.” sex attraction to forsake expressed by traditional ing specifically a “lack of to “continually evaluate — Resolution 4 de- any self-conception or Southern Baptists about cultural awareness” with their political cooperation regard to “the history and in light of Scripture’s wit- the contributions of Chris- ness”; and, offered compet- tians from various ethnic ing warnings about “the and cultural backgrounds” danger of political engage- and urged “our seminaries, ment overwhelming the entities, and churches to priority of our mission” equip ministers and min- and “the opposite danger istry leaders … with these of disengaging from public proficiencies.” issues and disregarding our — Resolution 10 hon- obligation as citizens to ored women “who wish encourage good, restrain to engage in military evil.” service as volunteers” but — Resolution 13 ex- also opposed “efforts to pressed appreciation for force women into military those who made the an- service by government nual meeting in Birming- coercion,” strongly urging ham possible. Enrollment from page 9 hail and water damage, dence hall refurbishment as well as the launch of a project has contributed multi-phase $5 million resi- to retention through just enhancing the attractive- ness of the campus, Brewer offered. He also said Louisiana College has “invested sig- nificantly” in landscaping because it ranks third on the list of criteria among prospective students. “Our college has won several garden club awards, as well as the local chamber of commerce ‘Bizzy Award’ for curb appeal.” These factors help put Louisiana College on track to “bring in classes of new freshmen of more than 300 for the second time in the past three years, an accom- plishment occurring only twice previously in our 113- year history.” “The results of hard work and God’s blessings reflect that our vision of ‘Preparing Graduates and Transforming Lives’ is not a mere marketing slogan,” Brewer said. “It is a reality that drives and sustains us.” July 4, 2019 l www.baptistmessage.com l Louisiana Baptist Message