Editor’s Note: This article will be updated as more information becomes available. Compiled by B&R staff NASHVILLE — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced during a press conference Jan. 23 plans for a new fetal heartbeat bill. The announcement apparently means that Senate Bill 1236, which would have protected life from conception, will not be considered by the Senate this year. The new approach announced by Lee will include abortion restrictions

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FRANKLIN —  Jean Canida, a member of First Baptist Church, Mount Juliet, has been named the recipient of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board’s first “Light Award.” Mark LeMay, facilities/risk management manager for the TBMB, said the Light Award is based on Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your

Ministry in Fayetteville has changed lives of many since opening its doors only one year ago By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FAYETTEVILLE  — In one year, the Crossroads Pregnancy Clinic has made a huge impact in Fayetteville and surrounding towns in Lincoln County. Crossroads opened its doors to ministry on Jan. 15 of last year and served more than 150 women and men from various walks of

Editor’s note: This bill was signed into law by Gov. Lee on Friday, Jan. 24. The law takes effect immediately. By Lonnie Wilkey [email protected] NASHVILLE — Tennessee state senators approved legislation on Jan. 14 that would prohibit the state from forcing Christian adoption agencies or other religious-based adoption agencies to place children in homes that would “violate the agency’s written religious or moral convictions or policies.” Senate Bill 1304 passed

BP EDITOR’S NOTE: Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is Jan. 19 in the Southern Baptist Convention. By Tobin Perry Baptist Press CHATTANOOGA — Much of Shaq Hardy’s childhood is a blur. For the first 10 years of his life, he moved from foster home to foster home, never able to put down roots. Hardy longed for a sense of home, a place where he belonged. But what Hardy does remember

By William H. Perkins Jr. Editor, The Baptist Record JACKSON, Miss. — Shawn Parker, pastor of First Baptist Church, Columbus, was unanimously called on Dec. 19 by the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board (MBCB) to succeed longtime Executive Director-Treasurer Jim Futral, who will formally retire at the end of February after more than 21 years of service. “We believe he is the Lord’s man. We believe he is a relational leader