ERLC trustees OK senior staff additions, award recipients, NAMB Prayer Calendar, 11 Observations on Ministry Mentoring

The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission has reached a significant milestone. The Psalm 139 Project reached its goal of 50 ultrasound machine placements in pregnancy resource centers by what would have been January’s 50^th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion. It has placed 15 machines since September and is in the process of placing four more, including one in Illinois, which has become a destination state for women seeking abortions.

In addition, The ERLC’s end-of-year giving campaign set a goal of $100,000 for Psalm 139 placements, especially in abortion destination states, and raised more than $168,000.

Folks in New Orleans are known for loving seafood, Cajun cooking and the smooth sound of jazz. But there’s a great need for the Gospel in New Orleans.

Did you know there’s only one Great Commission Baptist church for every 7,200 residents of the Big Easy? And just more than one million people call New Orleans home.

Would you join Ryan Rice in praying for New Orleans?

“Pray there would be peace in the city of New Orleans and for the well-being of those affected by violence. Pray residents who are dealing with insurance issues from past hurricane damage would have resolution. Pray church planters serving in tough areas will have strength and joy as they serve. Pray church planting families will thrive in their marriages and the raising of their children in the city of New Orleans. Lastly, pray for church multiplication.”

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Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs

Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.

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In the Baptist Press Toolbox, Florida Pastor Dean Inserra offers some tips for those who want to mentor young pastors. While these certainly count for those folks, they’re good traits for anyone looking to invest in the generation to come.

1. They don’t take themselves too seriously and have thick skin.
   They are able to laugh at themselves. They also have a deep sense of confidence in their identity in Christ, which allows them to weather criticism and maintain a thick skin. Conversely, those who are hyper-critical often exhibit thin skin and may be more prone to taking themselves too seriously.
2. They have relationships with people who aren’t Christians.
   When we spend time with people who don’t share our faith, it changes our perspective on many things. We are forced to see the world through their eyes, and this can be incredibly enlightening. For example, we may be more open to hearing their opinions on social issues that we would otherwise dismiss. We are more sensitive to their needs and concerns and are often more open to seeing how the gospel applies to their lives.
3. The primary sermons they are hearing are from their own church.
   When individuals primarily listen to sermons from their own church, they become more deeply rooted in the community and teaching of their church. This helps to foster a greater sense of unity and shared understanding within the congregation. Additionally, it allows for a consistent message to be taught and reinforces the specific vision and values of the church.