April 18th, 2023 Dear Friends, In lieu of this week's FamFacts email, I would like to provide a summary of the events that took place at our Legislative Pastors Briefing. Today, LFF, in partnership with the Louisiana Baptists, was delighted to host our annual Legislative Pastors Briefing before a standing-room-only crowd of pastors and ministry leaders at the Capitol Welcome Center. Each year, we aim to bring pastors to our mission field and facilitate contact between Louisiana's finest pastors and legislators. Even before we kicked off the day, a friend of LFF and "the voice of Louisiana," Moon Griffon, agreed to broadcast his statewide radio show live from our location, adding a special touch to today's activities. We launched the briefing with Louisiana's Chief Ambassador, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, who shared the efforts of his office regarding tourism and cleaning up our litter problem. Solicitor General and Attorney General candidate, Liz Murrill, emphasized the importance of protecting children from sexual exploitation and experimental gender procedures. Liz also mentioned the significance of Senate Bill 63, which protects churches from government intrusion, stating, "You can't leave Walmart open and close a church in an emergency and call that just." We then heard from each of the gubernatorial candidates, including Stephen Waguespack, Hunter Lundy, John Schroder, Sharon Hewitt, and Jeff Landry (via video), each sharing their vision for Louisiana and their desire to serve the people with integrity. Attorney General candidate John Stefanski and Lt. Governor candidate Elbert Guillory also greeted those in attendance. Many legislators, including the Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder and the Chairman of the Republican Legislative delegation Blake Miguez, took time from their busy committee schedules to discuss their important bills. It was our privilege to pray for each of these elected officials and the candidates for office. Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper introduced Dustin Bertrand, whose mother chose life for him after her sexual assault many decades ago. Dustin explained why abortion was not the answer for his mom when she was a victim of rape and is not the answer today. Finally, Rep. Rick Edmonds brought down the house as he unpacked his heart to be God's pastor at Louisiana's Legislature. LFF is blessed to have a working relationship with God's people in the House and Senate and throughout the state. It is not simply the responsibility of lawmakers to defend forward a biblical worldview in the halls of government, but it is also yours and mine! LFF serves in the place where decisions are made as an extension of your local church. We are your missionaries, and we thank you for the loaned influence that you bring. Darkness cannot overcome light, but light overcomes darkness every single time it shows up. We need your help in bringing light to our state's Capitol. I would be privileged to host your church for a "Day at the Capitol". Please contact my office to arrange it. This link will bring you to the four action steps I asked of each participant today (Bills to Watch, LFF Leadership Academy, Pastors Day at The Capitol, and 60 Second Brigade). Please help me turn this state and write Louisiana's next chapter for our sons and daughters! It's an honor to serve you and our Lord in this arena. Thank you to those who made this day possible: First New Testament Church, Chi Alpha, Dale, La Baptist, La. Right to Life, Gail Lloyd, and Team LFF. |
