Family Council Saddened at the Passing of Billy Graham

Current Events,

Little Rock, Ark. – On Wednesday, the Reverend Billy Graham passed away. Family Council President Jerry Cox released a statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened at the passing of Reverend Billy Graham. He was one of the most respected Christian leaders in the world. I had the opportunity to attend one of his revival meetings at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock in the late 1980’s. No one knows how many lives he touched.”

Cox said part of what set Billy Graham apart was his care for elected officials. “I’ve always admired the way Billy Graham could minister to everyday people and presidents alike. He believed our elected leaders needed God’s wisdom and our prayers. That’s something I really appreciate.”

Cox said Billy Graham was like no one else. “Maybe once in a lifetime a person steps onto the stage, and they make such an impact that no one can take their place. Billy Graham was such a person—a man without peer who simply loved God and followed Him as best he could.”

Family Council is a conservative education and research organization based in Little Rock.

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Pictures From Reception For Arkansas’ Longest Married Couple

Marriage,

This week, Family Council held a dessert reception at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock to honor the husband and wife who have been married the longest in Arkansas — and nine other couples who have been married almost as long:

1. I.B. and Ima Jewel Williams of Biscoe – 80 years, married September 4, 1937.

2. Marlin and Elsie Scott of Batesville – 79 years, married June 25, 1938.

3. Betty and Cletus Hall of Berryville – 78 years, married July 22, 1939.

4. Cleovis and Arwilda Whiteside of White Hall – 78 years, married July 24, 1939.

5. Cecil and Lois Robertson of Heber Springs – 78 years, married September 8, 1939.

6. Gussie and James Stephenson of North Little Rock – 78 years, married December 25, 1939.

7. Thell and Margie Ellison of Natural Dam – 76 years, married June 24, 1941.

8. Grady and Wilma Adcock of Hot Springs – 75 years, married July 3, 1942.

9. JC and Avanelle Merritt of Greenbrier – 75 years, married July 9, 1942.

10. ND and Anna Mae Edwards of Alma – 75 years, married October 24, 1942.

Our thanks to Governor Asa Hutchinson, First Lady Susan Hutchinson, the staff at the Governor’s Mansion, and everyone else who helped make this wonderful event possible.

You can see more photos from the reception here.

Posted by Family Council on Wednesday, February 21, 2018

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New “Gerber Baby” Has Downs Syndrome

Abortion, , ,

A few years ago baby food company Gerber began an annual campaign to find real-life “Gerber babies.”

Gerber selects a different baby each year who will act as the company’s “spokesbaby.”

This year’s Gerber baby is a one-year-old boy named Lucas. Lucas is unique in that he is the first Gerber baby to have Downs Syndrome.

Writing at Breakpoint.org, John Stonestreet says,

In most Western countries, including Iceland, France, and even the U.S., the vast majority of precious children with Down syndrome are targeted for extinction through selective abortion. Even more, this is considered a good thing by many in the press, and even more in the academy. Princeton bioethicist Peter Singer has infamously argued that parents be allowed to kill children with disabilities like Down syndrome even after they’re born.

Gerber’s choice sends a crucial message, that children with disabilities are just as valuable as any other child, and they often bring love into their homes, communities, and churches that’s second-to-none. So may Lucas be an ambassador, not just for Gerber, but for the joy that comes from welcoming all lives.

Unfortunately, as Stonestreet notes, unborn babies with Downs Syndrome and other genetic anomalies are targeted all-too-often for abortion.

However, there is good news. Last month Arkansas Senator Trent Garner (R — El Dorado) tweeted that he is drafting a bill to prohibit abortion in cases of Down Syndrome. Sen. Garner said he hopes the final version of the bill will include additional protections for unborn children with other genetic defects as well.

As John Stonestreet points out, human life is sacred, and every child has intrinsic worth and dignity. You can read his entire commentary here.

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