Sharing the Gospel, Americans’ Views on Abortion, & A Ultrasound Machine

Travis and Beth Burkhalter have been working for years to reach the Embera people of Colombia. They’ve devoted time to learn a difficult and unwritten language to share the Gospel with an unreached people group.

“It is a daunting task,” Travis said, “but I am extremely motivated because I know souls hang in the balance.”

In early April 2022, Travis waded into the rushing waters of a jungle river to baptize Sarah, the first known follower of Christ among her tribe. With tribe members watching from the bank of the river and on nearby rocks, Sarah took this bold step of faith.

“In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I baptize you,” Travis said in her language before lowering her into the river, raising her to her feet, and offering a warm hug.

Sarah explained her decision to accept Christ with her community. The Burkhalters and others on the team shared with her for three years. As Travis learned more of her spoken vocabulary, he taught Bible stories in her heart language. The more she learned, the more she understood the truth of what Jesus had done for her. Finally, she expressed her belief in Christ and desire to follow Him.

The Burkhalters are thankful for God’s work as they continue to share with the Embera people.

Not all pro-life Americans are religious, but religious Americans are more likely to be pro-life.

Americans’ views on the morality of abortion remain mixed in the days leading up to a Supreme Court decision that could overturn Roe v. Wade, but a majority favor restrictions that go beyond those currently allowed, according to a new study from the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary conducted by Lifeway Research. In addition, those who self-identify with a religion, engage in religious practices like church attendance and hold evangelical beliefs are more likely to favor restrictions on abortion.

Regardless of their personal opinions on abortion laws, 7 in 10 Americans (69 percent) say it is at least somewhat important to reduce the number of abortions in the U.S. in ways other than through the courts and legal system. Even among pro-abortion rights Americans, 54 percent believe reducing abortions is at least somewhat important.

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Former National Football League player Benjamin Watson and his wife have collaborated for the third time to provide an ultrasound machine for the benefit of women in crisis pregnancies.

Benjamin and Kirsten Watson dedicated for an ultrasound machine they donated to Coweta Pregnancy Services in Newnan, Ga., through the Psalm 139 Project, a ministry of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). The Watsons provided funds for both the machine and the staff training required to operate it.

“After seeing our preborn children through ultrasound technology, we knew we wanted to provide this life-affirming opportunity to other expecting mothers and fathers,” the Watsons said in a written statement provided to Baptist Press.

The Watsons partnered with Psalm 139 in the placement of an ultrasound machine during the 2018 football season at a clinic in New Orleans, where he played for the NFL’s Saints. They also donated a machine through Psalm 139 in 2020 at a pregnancy resource center in Rock Hill, S.C. Watson, who played at the University of Georgia, was a tight end for four NFL different teams from 2004 to 2019.