Illinois Baptist
#fillthetank September 8 Why J.D. Greear favors same-day baptism Table Talk P. 10
It’s time to pray for state missions
State of Illinois
Pritzker signs gay history bill
Parents weigh options ahead of 2020 school year
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK
Broken hearts
How can churches respond after mass shootings? P. 8
ASSOCIATIONS
Miss ion I & W llinois eek Offe o f Pray ring Sep e t. 815 r
Leaning into future Leaders meet, plan next steps P. 4
NATE ADAMS
Exemplary lives This couple inspires me— and our work P. 2
THE COUNSELOR
Preventing panic Can prayer help?
PLUS: Why Illinois matters P. 7
Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Peoria, Illinois Permit No. 325
P. 11
MISSION
Beardstown revival P. 5
Springfield | Beginning next year, students at public schools in Illinois will study the role of LGBT people in U.S. and state history, after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a controversial measure into law Aug. 9. The new policy, which goes into effect July 1, 2020, affects students of all ages, although the state’s School Code stipulates that the curriculum be taught before the end of 8th grade. House Bill 246 passed through the Illinois Senate last spring and was quietly approved May 23 by the House amid a flurry of other legislation, including legalization of recreational marijuana and the repeal of several restrictions on abortion. Pritzker’s signature on the curriculum bill dismayed many Christians and conservatives, with talk online quickly turning to education alternatives. “Reason 157 to home or private school,” one poster wrote on IBSA’s Facebook page. Others expressed resolve to keep their kids in the public school system to shine the light of the gospel there. “We are very aware that times are changing and more liberal views are entering the classroom,” said Caitlin Konieczka, a Springfield mother of three girls. P. 3
News journal of the Illinois Baptist State Association
AUGUST 19, 2019 Vol. 113 No. 12
Online all the time IllinoisBaptist.org
IB