WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a 5-3 decision in the case WHOLE WOMAN'S HEALTH v. HELLERSTEDT, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a Fifth Circuit decision and found that Texas' requirement that abortion facilities meet ambulatory surgical standards and their physicians have admitting privileges is an unconstitutional burden on women seeking abortion. Deanna Wallace, Louisiana Right to Life's Legislative Director and an attorney, said the following after hearing the Court's decision was announced: "Today's Supreme Court decision is a disappointment and my sentiments echo those of Justice Thomas and the late Justice Scalia that the court's pro-abortion majority will alter the rules of the process when any effort to limit abortion is at is hand. "The exact legal ramifications of this decision on Louisiana's Act 490 are unclear at this time, as the Court relied heavily on Texas' specific factual findings in the District Court regarding the number of clinics affected by the admitting privileges law. While this ruling doesn't automatically invalidate Louisiana's admitting privilege law, today's decision does not predict a favorable forecast for its future." Benjamin Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life, added: "With this … [Read more...]
Georgia Barnette Conference Center – volunteers building a legacy
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...]
Franklin Avenue Baptist hosting marriage retreat cruise
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...]
Louisiana Baptist leaders hopeful after meeting with Trump
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer NEW YORK CITY – Donald Trump displayed a tremendous amount of humility while coming across as pro-life, pro-Israel and pro-traditional marriage during a meeting today with more than 1,000 social conservatives, one Louisiana Baptist pastor who attended told the Baptist Message. “He was the most humble I have seen him,” said Louisiana Baptist Convention President Gevan Spinney. “He was responding rather than reacting. When [former Gov.] Mike Huckabee led the discussion time with Trump, he seemed really humble just to be there.” Spinney, who is pastor of First Baptist Church in Haughton, said while Trump did reference time spent attending Sunday school as a child he did not come across as overtly religious. “You try to look for things he said to give you hope he’s a believer but he didn’t give us any indication he was,” he said. Spinney said Trump mentioned he potentially could name between three and five Supreme Court appointees as president and that Trump emphasized he leaned pro-life and emphasized religious freedom was a main concern of his. “He said he was tired of Christians being attacked in courts,” Spinney said. “He made a statement that when he became president he was going to … [Read more...]
Best-selling author to headline Louisiana College’s TEACH training and conference
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...]
Evangelism, discipleship remain a mainstay at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Kelley shares in report to SBC messengers
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...]
PHOTO SLIDESHOW: Louisianans at Day 2 of SBC
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...]
Unity drove decision for presidency, Gaines says during SBC Presidential press conference
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ST LOUIS – Speaking to members of the media in his press conference, newly elected Southern Baptist Convention President Steve Gaines shared how God brought about unity before a planned third vote for president Wednesday morning. Just moments before, Gaines and candidate J.D. Greear stood on the same stage to announce news that came as a shock to many in the crowd of more than 7,000 – Greear was stepping aside in the name of unity. The announcement was met with the majority of the crowd standing to applaud the decision. “If the devil was trying to divide us, he failed and he failed miserably,” said Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tenn. “The Lord Jesus Christ gave us unity in a great way.” Gaines and North Carolina pastor J.D. Greear had garnered the most votes in a three-person race with First Baptist New Orleans Pastor David Crosby, but neither won a majority in the first round Tuesday morning, forcing a run-off. In the second round of voting, Gaines received 49.96 percent of the votes compared to Greear’s 47.80 percent, but 108 votes were considered illegal because the wrong ballot was used or an indistinguishable mark was made. Another run-off election was … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Louisiana Baptist reflects on special prayer service during SBC
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...]
PHOTO SLIDESHOW: Louisianans at SBC Annual Meeting
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...]
