By Rusty Potter One of the greatest gifts we can give another person costs nothing. It has a priceless value. That gift is encouragement. Sometimes we think encouragement is only for people who are facing illness or financial hardship or…
Author: Free Press
Funeral services set for Patricia Cole
Patricia Ann Cole passed away on July 12, 2026, at the age of 74. To celebrate her seventy-four years of life, family and friends will gather for a time of reflection and remembrance, beginning with a public visitation on Friday…
Pastors are not exempt from taxes
Many pastors erroneously believe that because churches are tax-exempt, pastors are too. They are wrong, pastors must pay taxes too. Some innocently believe that they are 1099 employees and should not receive a W-2 like other church staff; they are…
Building ministry infrastructure to sustain marriages and families: Part Two
By Lisa Wilmore The Essential Question: Why Does Every Church Need a Marriage and Family Ministry? Blessings, Dear Friends, To begin with, in Part One, I discussed why every church needs a Marriage and Family Ministry and highlighted research…
NELA Black voters weighing U.S. Senate options
As November approaches, Black voters across Northeast Louisiana face a critical decision for the U.S. Senate—one that presents two distinct, compelling options and requires a careful calculation of community interest, political leverage, and long-term representation. Option 1: Supporting Principle and…
Our City, Our Community
By Marie Brown Ouachita Parish is currently flooded with yard signs all over the place. The most amazing sights are the number of billboards from various political candidates running for offices. This is a new norm because in the past…
The Choir Stand Pulpit
By Robert Wright — Minister of Music, New Light Baptist Church Hammond or Piano? How the Musician Decides I play both. Some Sundays the organ carries the whole service and the piano barely speaks; other Sundays I sit at the…