JEFFERSON CITY – Michael L. Parson, 63, took office as Missouri’s 57th governor on June 1, 2018. Born in Wheatland, a small town in Hickory County, he is a longtime Missouri Baptist. He and his wife, Teresa, are members of First Baptist Church, Bolivar. I interviewed him, July 17, in his office at the State Capitol. What was your first year like as governor? “With all the trials that we’ve been through, I’m humbled every day to be the governor. I’m honored to be the governor. I get to … [Read more...]
God, creation and the day men walked on the moon
While enjoying a late-night snack on July 20, 1969, as a 15-year-old I joined 600 million other earthlings in watching the incredible telecast of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walking on the moon. It occurred at a time in history similar to ones in which we live today. The Vietnam War was tearing at our nation, the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy triggered riots as cities burned and the erotic revolution activated much of today’s sexual controversies. But for a brief … [Read more...]
A summer of pro-life lawsuits, MONA and intersectionality
While Gov. Mike Parson and members of the Missouri General Assembly deserve much praise in their steadfast opposition to relicensing the controversial Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis, one name that does not garner near the accolades deserved is that of Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), which issues the licenses for all health care facilities in Missouri. Williams, a man of deep faith, is an Ob-Gyn with more than 30 years of … [Read more...]
Father’s Day: Tracy Hinkle trained, tamed ‘Captain America’
One of my fondest memories as a 10-year-old occurred one summer afternoon in the backyard of the new home my parents, Tracy and Cecelia, had built on my aunt’s farm about 25 miles north of Nashville, Tenn. I do not recall what dad told me to do, but I sassed him. Like a lightning bolt, he came after me with a broom. Never let it be said dad did not adhere to Eph. 6:4! I took flight like a frightened hyena. He would get close enough to take a swing at my fanny, but whiffed every time. After … [Read more...]
Two pastors, lawmakers praise American Renewal Project
JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri is well acquainted with the American Renewal Project, which has visited the state seven times in the last seven years. It has significantly raised the awareness of America’s Christian heritage among the state’s pastors and lay leaders, while encouraging the same to aggressively engage the marketplace of ideas – especially when it comes to public policy and to the extent of even running for office. As the state’s 100th General Assembly ended its work here, May 17 … [Read more...]
Spiritual warfare erupts as pro-life bill passes
Bodies were curled-up on the floor. Not in the condition and location where one would expect to find people in their State Capitol. Yet it was understandable given that it was 4 a.m., following 20 hours in which we had prayed, encouraged one another and urged senators to save the lives of Missouri’s unborn. So it was for everyone in Missouri’s pro-life movement in the pre-dawn hours of May 16. The hallways of the Missouri Senate sporadically erupted with activity, triggered by Republican … [Read more...]
MONA mocks God, threatens our freedom
America is in the midst of a moral revolution. With debate still raging over the deceptively named Missouri Non-discrimination Act (MONA), Missouri’s battle over this dangerous legislation reflects a nation besieged by moral revolution. British theologian Theo Hobson argues that for revolution to occur, three conditions have to be met: (1) What is condemned must be celebrated; (2) What was celebrated must be condemned; (3) Those who will not celebrate must be condemned. A May 2001 Gallup … [Read more...]
America’s ‘City on a Hill’ far from Winthrop’s words
April marks the anniversary of John Winthrop’s sermon delivered to his fellow Puritans aboard the Arabella before landing in the New World in 1630. Its most famous line was the modified words of Jesus designed for the occasion: “We must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all the people are upon us.” The phrase, “A city upon a hill," comes from the parable of salt and light in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. In Matt. 5:14, Jesus tells His listeners, "You are the light … [Read more...]
The curious case of Ron Calzone
I visit the State Capitol when the Missouri General Assembly is in session, but less than 10 percent of my time is involved talking to lawmakers about legislation that will impact Missouri Southern Baptists. Since no Baptist speaks for all Baptists, I generally limit my activity to what I call the “Big Five” issues: the sanctity of life, the family, advocating for victims of sex/human trafficking, promoting adoption/foster care and protecting religious liberty. Why those five? Because they … [Read more...]
Caring for the poor in a fallen world
It has been a few years, but it still gnaws at me to this day. I stopped by the grocery one night on the way home. A lady, with a toddler, was in the checkout lane in front of me. She used food stamps to pay her bill. At that moment I felt the Holy Spirit impressing upon my conscience to step in and pay her bill. I did not do it. I had the opportunity to share God’s love, and I failed. I have asked God to forgive me and to give me other opportunities to help those in need. He has, and the … [Read more...]
Contempt in our discourse demands biblical response
I recently testified at a Missouri House Judiciary Committee hearing on a bill requiring those who file separation of church and state-related lawsuits in Missouri to reveal the identity of the plaintiff. I was there to urge passage of the bill as a matter of religious liberty for all. But State Rep. Mark Ellebracht (D-Liberty), who sits on the committee, had something else in mind when he questioned my testimony. Here is what I said to the committee: “The Freedom from Religion Foundation … [Read more...]
Will Missouri reject New York’s savagery?
New Yorkers are willing to kill babies at birth. Such barbarism became reality when New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, signed a bill Jan. 22 legalizing abortion up to birth. Praise God Virginia lawmakers had enough of a conscience to reject similar savagery Jan. 28. Now it is Missouri’s turn to speak – with a roar. Missouri has a national reputation of being among the strongest pro-life states. Twelve pro-life bills have been introduced in this session in the Senate and another 22 in … [Read more...]
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