The Northwest Louisiana Pro-Life Prayer Breakfast was held Aug. 22, at First United Methodist Church in Shreveport. More than 200 people attended this year’s event, and tables were filled with local pastors and citizens who gathered for the sake of life.
Dr. Gevan Spinney of First Baptist Haughton got the event under way by offering the blessing before the meal. Dr. Pat Day, Senior Pastor of FUMC Shreveport, gave a warm welcome to the crowd and set the tone of the event by highlighting the importance of standing with Louisiana Right to Life as advocates for the unborn, especially in today’s culture with recent dramatic shifts in pro-abortion laws.
Congressman Mike Johnson offered insights into what is happening in Congress regarding pro-life legislation and how favorable changes could be coming on the Supreme Court in the near future.
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, the keynote speaker, shared the work his office has done to protect the sanctity of life in Louisiana and highlighted a case they’re expecting to take before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2020. Louisiana’s Solicitor General Liz Murrill will argue the case that centers on admitting privileges of abortionists, which relates to 2014’s HB 388, authored by Rep. Katrina Jackson (D-Monroe). Landry emphasized the importance of this case and said it could have major legal significance in the fight for life. Once the writ is received by his office, he said he hopes to plan a rally on the steps of the Supreme Court in Washington D.C. to stand for life!
Following Landry’s talk, Sarah Duron, Associate Pastor at Shreveport Community Church, offered a prayer for women who’ve experienced abortion. Her heartfelt words offered hope and healing to the multitude of women who live with the physical and emotional after effects of abortion. Pastor John Fream of Cypress Baptist Church then led the audience in a prayer to restore our nation’s culture of life. He petitioned God for revival among our nation that will reinstate the ideal that every life is precious and valuable. In that same attitude, Doyle Adams, Senior Pastor of Elizabeth Baptist Church, prayed for boldness and courage to stand for life. He recognized that today’s society quieted the voices of pro-life advocates, and he prayed for empowerment to boldly stand on behalf of the unborn.
Amanda Nottingham, North Louisiana Director for Louisiana Right to Life, then offered guests an opportunity to engage in local pro-life ministries. She highlighted Heart of Hope, CARE Pregnancy Center, Mary’s House, and Embrace Grace – all of which are located in the Shreveport-Bossier area and work each day to end abortion and protect the unborn. Amanda also shared opportunities to work with Louisiana Right to Life, such as the Louisiana State Fair outreach booth Oct. 24 through Nov. 10 and the Life March Northwest, which will be held Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020. Preparations are already under way for this event, and more details will be provided in the future.
As the program drew to a close, James McMenis, Senior Pastor at Word of God Ministries, prayed for national repentance. Our country has moved away from the importance of valuing and protected life, and Pastor McMenis prayed for a reversal in this shift and that our nation would repent and return to our foundations that recognize the intrinsic value of every life.
Finally, Katie Walker, an author, producer, actress, and activist, closed the event with a fiery benediction. Ms. Walker’s powerful words called everyone to stand and fight on behalf of the unborn. She ignited the room and provided a call to action that left the audience energized and motivated for the cause.