JEFFERSON CITY – As a young, pregnant mother, Gail McWilliams was faced with a decision that would impact her and her baby for the rest of their lives. A rare medical condition forced her to decide between keeping her baby or losing her eyesight. She chose life for her baby and has been blind ever since. McWilliams, a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, will bring her inspiring story of love, courage and self-sacrifice to Missouri as the Missouri Baptist Convention’s … [Read more...]
BREAKING: Supreme Court refuses to block Texas pro-life law by 5-4 decision
BY BEN JOHNSON WASHINGTON, D.C., November 19, 2013 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The U.S. Supreme Court has voted by a 5-4 majority to allow a key provision of a Texas pro-life law to take effect. The majority ruled that a coalition of abortion providers had failed to prove that a Texas law requiring abortionists to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of their office places an "undue burden" on women seeking an abortion. Justice Antonin Scalia wrote a separate opinion, … [Read more...]
GuideStone, two others file litigation challenging contraceptive mandate
Article courtesy of GuideStone DALLAS — GuideStone Financial Resources, along with Oklahoma-based Reaching Souls International and Truett-McConnell College in Georgia, filed suit Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, objecting to the Obama Administration’s contraceptive mandate. This action is in response to the Administration’s regulations that require certain religious employers to provide health benefit plans for their employees that include coverage … [Read more...]
Messengers pass resolutions on DOMA court ruling, Boy Scouts policy change overwhelmingly expressed dismay
KANSAS CITY – Reaffirming traditional marriage and lamenting changes in Boy Scout membership requirements were hot topics in resolutions passed by messengers at the 2013 Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) annual meeting Oct. 30. Resolution 2, on the U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Striking Down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), blasted the June ruling that federally recognized same-sex “marriage.” “… Redefining the concept and legality of marriage to mean anything other than the union between … [Read more...]
Research looks at bad choices, second chances
NASHVILLE (BP) – Regret weighs down many Americans. According to a new study from LifeWay Research, almost half feel the weight of a bad choice from their past, even though a vast majority believe God gives second chances. When asked to respond to the statement, “I am dealing with the consequences of a bad decision,” 47 percent of respondents agree. While self-defined Protestant or non-denominational Christians are less likely to agree (42 percent), a majority (51 percent) of those … [Read more...]
Jackson County Question 1 Defeated; Victory for Taxpayers and the Sanctity of Life
KANSAS CITY -- Jackson County residents rejected Tuesday, by an 84 percent to 16 percent margin, an $800 million “life sciences research” tax which would have opened the door to taxpayer-funded anti-life research which destroys human embryos. With 289 precincts reporting in Jackson County and Kansas City, there were 64, against the tax and 12,066 votes for it. “We are thankful that the voters in Jackson County rejected this awful tax increase that would have been an extra burden on … [Read more...]
Naghmeh Abedini shares at Annual Meeting
Nagmeh Abedini shares how God has taken the persecution of her husband and turned it into an amazing opportunity to share the gospel in prison and with world leaders. Nagmeh Abedini from MBC on Vimeo. … [Read more...]
Jackson County invaded by cloners
BY STAFF BLUE SPRINGS – If the cloning industry has its way, its research will be funded on the backs of Jackson County taxpayers. On Nov. 5, Jackson County voters will be asked to vote on a sales tax increase. The Jackson County sales tax initiative, titled “Question No. 1” on the ballot, will establish a medical research and development institute. This institute would fund medical research and development at the discretion of the county legislature in whatever locale they so … [Read more...]
Twice Adopted tells of God’s Love at Branson, on tour
ST. LOUIS – Adopting 10 children into a family might seem daunting, but it works for Randy and Linda Koenig who live in a St. Louis suburb. Their children, adopted between 1990 and 2002, now range in age from 16 to 23. They sing as “Twice Adopted” at the historic Owens Theatre, Branson’s first theatre, which the Koenigs manage. The name indicates inclusion in a physical family as well as a spiritual family, as all the children have surrendered their lives to Jesus. After 11 childless … [Read more...]
Too many Missourians are experiencing hunger
Southern Baptists love to eat. I have always argued that cooking extraordinaire Paula Deen has nothing on Southern Baptist ladies. If you know me you know I am a living testimony to that delicious fact. No one can find more tasty fried chicken, more mouth-watering hash brown casserole or more lip-smacking pecan pie than at a Southern Baptist picnic where the ladies of the church have brought their cooking talents to bear on us all. But not everyone is so blessed. I’m reminded of a story my … [Read more...]
Planned Parenthood investigation launched
WASHINGTON (BP) – A congressional watchdog agency has agreed to investigate how Planned Parenthood and other abortion rights organizations spend federal funds, drawing praise from pro-life advocates inside and outside the legislative branch. “The abortion industry is big business of the most sordid sort. They certainly don’t need a taxpayer bailout,” said Russell D. Moore, president, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. Members of Congress announced Aug. 5 the Government … [Read more...]
Mandate personal for Missouri couple
(WNS) – A Missouri couple filed suit against the ObamaCare contraceptive mandate on Aug. 14, claiming the requirement to pay for contraceptives and abortifacient drugs through their health insurance plan violates their religious beliefs. While the Obama administration already faces dozens of legal challenges to the mandate from religious organizations, schools, and businesses, this case focuses on the effect the new healthcare law has on individuals. State Rep. Paul Wieland, R-Imperial, … [Read more...]