By David Roach, Baptist Press TEHRAN, Iran (BP) - American pastor Saeed Abedini has been "viciously" beaten in the Iranian prison where he is being held for his Christian faith, the American Center for Law and Justice reported June 10, prompting renewed calls for Abedini's release as a condition of any nuclear deal between the U.S. and Iran. "It is crucial to speak out for Saeed as we approach the June 30th deadline between the United States and Iran," Abedini's wife Naghmeh said in a June 10 Facebook post. She added June 30 "is also Saeed and I's 11th year anniversary." Naghmeh Abedini is scheduled to address the Pastors' Wives Conference in Columbus, Ohio, June 15 preceding the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting June 16-17. She will also briefly address the SBC Pastors' Conference June 15, delivering an update on her husband. Pastors' Conference attendees will then pray for her and Saeed. Fellow prisoners attacked Saeed Abedini June 3 as he attempted to leave his cell, punching him in the face and demolishing a table he used while studying and reading, the ACLJ reported. Prison guards stopped the attack and a prison doctor determined Abedini did not have any broken bones. Naghmeh Abedini explained in a … [Read more...]
Texas abortion law gets 2nd federal court win
By Sharayah Colter/Southern Baptist Texas NEW ORLEANS (BP) - Contested portions of a 2013 Texas pro-life law, which continually have been challenged in court by abortion advocates, were upheld June 9 by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. The decision to uphold the law as it was passed likely will mean that 49 licensed abortion clinics in Texas will be reduced to eight, as Texas House Bill No. 2 (HB 2) requires abortion facilities to comply with ambulatory surgical center standards. The nonprofit Texas Values pro-family organization called the standards “steps to protect women who go into abortion facilities from being less likely to jeopardize their own lives” in June 9 news release. Texas Values, led by attorney Jonathan Saenz, played an instrumental role in HB 2’s passage in 2013 and has since worked to defend the measure in court and in the public square. “Today we are thankful that the Fifth Circuit upheld a law that protects both women and children,” Saenz said. “The court’s decision ensures that abortion clinics must uphold basic health standards -- standards that are required of other surgical centers in the state.” An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is expected by HB2 opponents, with Center … [Read more...]
Kendrick brothers’ latest film an option for messengers, others after SBC Pastors Conference
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Messengers and others looking for a way to spend their time after the Monday evening session of the Southern Baptist Pastors Conference can watching the next film from the Kendrick brothers. War Room, the fifth film from Alex and Stephen Kendrick, will be screened at 9 pm in the Battelle Ballroom. An exclusive Q&A with the Kendricks will follow. Scheduled for an Aug. 28 release by Sony Picture Entertainment’s TriStar Pictures, War Room is a drama “with humor and heart that explores the power that prayer can have on marriages, parenting, careers, friendships, and every other area of our lives,” according to a press release. The main characters, Tony and Elizabeth Jordan, seem to have it all – great jobs, a beautiful daughter and a dream house. However, their marriage is failing. Elizabeth meets a client of hers, who challenges her to establish a war room and battle plan for prayer for the family. Meanwhile, Tony struggles surface and he must decide whether he will make amends for his family. The Kendrick brothers previously made Courageous, Fireproof, Facing the Giants and Flywheel. … [Read more...]
Carver: ‘withhold judgment’ on Marine’s conviction
By David Roach, Baptist Press JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (BP) -- Although evangelical commentators have protested the court-martial conviction of a Marine who defied an order to remove a Bible verse from her workstation, the North American Mission Board's executive director of chaplaincy says believers should reserve judgment because there likely is "much more to this particular story than Scriptures that were just in a public place." Douglas Carver When news breaks of an apparent religious liberty violation like this case, "everyone is alarmed," Douglas Carver, the former U.S. Army chief of chaplains, told Baptist Press. But usually "as you begin to dig," there's "more to the issue." Carver added, "From my perspective of 38 years in the military, I have found no more fair legal process than military justice. It's thorough. It's fair. It's merciful." The Marine at the center of the case, Lance Corporal Monifa Sterling, has appealed her conviction to the highest military court, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. Sterling was convicted of violating a lawful order after refusing to obey a staff sergeant's 2013 order to remove three copies of Isaiah 54:17 -- "No weapon formed against me shall prosper" -- from her … [Read more...]
MVP Curry credits God, family for success
By Daniel Woodman, Baptist Press NASHVILLE (BP) -- At four minutes left in the first half, the camera catches a blur moving in the corner of the screen. Enter Stephen Curry, who receives a pass from his teammate and drains a 3-point shot over a lunging defender on the biggest stage of the NBA, game one of the Finals. After his shot, the camera also picks up Curry making a quick fist pump to his chest and then pointing a finger toward the rafters of Oakland's Oracle Arena. It's Curry's way of thanking God for his success and eventual victory that night over the Cleveland Cavaliers. While Curry put on a dazzling display in the spotlight, the young star had an even more impressive regular season campaign. The number of 3-pointers made by Curry this season (286), was good enough to break the previous record of 272, which Curry notched just two years ago. Combined with a 67-win season by his Golden State Warriors and the number one seed in the Western Conference Playoffs, Curry's ability as a dynamic shooter garnered him the NBA's Most Valuable Player award. Lebron James and James Harden were just a couple of the superstars Curry edged out for his first MVP award in his six-year career. Unlike many superstars, Curry … [Read more...]
Louisiana College receives update from SACSCOC
By Norm Miller, Special to the Message PINEVILLE --Louisiana College president, Dr. Rick Brewer, received notice today that the college’s probationary status has been extended to allow the college to provide more information regarding Comprehensive Standard 3.2.4, External Influence. “Our accreditation remains intact,” Brewer said, “and our academic reputation speaks for itself. We remain encouraged because of the recent upsurge of interest in and support for the college. Our stakeholders continue to entrust their students into our care as evidenced by our enrollment numbers that are on track,” Brewer added. An official of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) notified Brewer of its governing board decision via telephone, saying that a detailed letter about the matter is forthcoming. During the coming weeks, officials from both SACSCOC and LC will confer prior to the college filing an official response later this year. “We are crafting several academic and revenue development initiatives that we anticipate launching this year. We believe these efforts underscore our commitment to preparing graduates and transforming lives in a culture that is relational, rigorous and … [Read more...]
State disaster relief teams watch, wait, prepare to respond to flooding
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief officials are making preparations now to respond to those directly impacted by the floodwaters of the Red River – and every Louisiana Baptist has a chance to participate. According to Louisiana Baptist state Disaster Relief Director Gibbie McMillan, four areas in north and central Louisiana likely will serve as staging areas when disaster relief teams are activated. Teams will use locations in Shreveport, Coushatta, Natchitoches and Alexandria as ministry hubs to sleep and eat at themselves. It is not certain that feeding for the public will be needed until the assessments are completed. Though trained disaster relief team members will be working, Louisiana Baptists who have not completed official training may also serve, McMillan said. Donations to the response along with prayers also are needed. Those interested in volunteering should call the disaster relief office at 318.448.3402. Donations can be made by going to louisianabaptists.org/disasterrelief or by mailing checks to Louisiana Baptist Convention, Attn: Disaster Relief, PO Box 311, Alexandria, LA 71309. In addition to teams from throughout Louisiana, others from out of state are also … [Read more...]
Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief Teams respond to Texas floods, Oklahoma tornadoes
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief teams are responding to an area in Oklahoma devastated by a tornado in Oklahoma and a suburb of Houston, Texas, that saw historic rainfall in late May. Two mudout teams are in Missouri City, Texas, a town located about 18 miles southwest of Houston. East Fork Baptist Church in Kentwood and Coteau Baptist Church in Houma arrived in the area on Tuesday and will remain there until today. Nearly 1,800 homes were underwater in the community, according to Gibbie McMillan, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief state director. McMillan said the response there could take up to a year. Meanwhile, two chainsaw teams are ministering in Poteau, Okla., where a tornado destroyed six homes and damaged another 50 structures, according to LeFlore County’s emergency management. The teams from Sabine Baptist Association left on Thursday and will return the following week. McMillan said Louisiana Baptists wanting to help can do so in three ways – pray, give and go. “In a magnitude of this disaster and with this many people affected, you do what you have to do,” McMillan said. “We will stay until the job is finished.” Scottie Stice, director of Disaster Relief Ministries for … [Read more...]
Louisiana Notables
ON THE MOVE • Michael Devillier resigned as pastor at Downsville Baptist Church • Josh Cagle new as pastor at Red River Baptist Church, Benton. • Harold Ashcraft new as music minister at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Shreveport. • Ed Baswell resigned as pastor at Clarion Baptist Church, Elm Grove. • Elijah Teh-Teh resigned as pastor at New Zion Baptist Church, Bossier City. • R. C. (wife Lilly) Flournoy new as associate pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Shreveport. • Daniel Faulkner new as minister of students at Brookwood Baptist Church, Shreveport. HOMECOMING • Holloway Baptist Church, Deville: Homecoming Celebration, June 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. with dinner on the grounds to follow. Speaker: Frank Shields (former pastor). Music: Melody Slocum. Pastor: Jack West. • First Baptist Church, Vidalia: Celebration Sunday, June 7, 10:30 p.m. Speaker: Dan Glenn. There will be a potluck meal after the service. Pastor: Bill McCullin. • Salem Baptist Church, Plain Dealing: Homecoming Celebration, June 12, Speaker: Don McCormick. Dinner on the grounds following services. The Palmer Family in concert at 1:30 p.m. Pastor: Eddy Taylor. LAGNIAPPE • Susan Sanson, 67, a member of Metairie Baptist Church and an International Mission Board … [Read more...]
LBCH trustees updated on foster care ministry, construction projects
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer MONROE – Just four years ago, two children were in the care of foster care families associated with the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. While the Children’s Home is grateful for the impact those families made on the lives of the children in their care, Children’s Home staff wanted to do more – much more – to expand their reach of foster care homes for Christ. The goal, according to President and CEO Perry Hancock, was to one day greatly increase that number to surpass that of the children in residence at its main campus in Monroe. Today, after much prayer and increased efforts to bring awareness to that ministry, more than 100 children are receiving care from foster families associated with the Children’s Home. Hancock calls that nothing short of a miracle. “We are so excited about the response from our churches and families,” Hancock told trustees during their recent meeting. “Many are now answering the call to foster and adoption ministry.” At the heart of its increase in foster care awareness is Connect 1:27, a network that assists churches with the development of foster and adoption ministries and works with Christian families interested in serving as foster and adoptive … [Read more...]
