This morning at Eastside Baptist we will examine Isaiah 12, a hymn of thanksgiving.
The Lord has fixed in those He has saved a heart of gratitude. Gratitude is the root of…
Gather with me this morning at Eastside Baptist Church, 204 Eastland Drive North, in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Yesterday afternoon one of those who did the work of an evangelist died, and yet he lives.
John Requa, age 87, passed away of natural causes on February 27, 2018.
John was born in Twin Falls to Dillard and Ruth Requa on March 14, 1930. Following graduation from Twin Falls High School, he joined the Air Force and served in the Korean war as a machinist. John is survived by his wife Helen Requa, children Daryl and Gary Jemison of Twin Falls, Kieth and Linda Bloyd of Italy, Pat and Abby Gribble of Florida, Pat and Jane Brosseau of Washington and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
John loved the LORD and served Him faithfully at Eastside Southern Baptist Church in Twin Falls. He cherished his church family.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Eastside Southern Baptist Church in Twin Falls.
In lieu of flowers, make donations to Eastside Southern Baptist Church for New Horizon Home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
John Requa holding up our building permit to begin the work of our new building that now hosts the weekly worship gatherings of Eastside Baptist Church.
John Requa giving sage advice to a young man getting ready to graduate from high School.
John Requa in Dominican Republic to minister to children following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
Yesterday, February 16, 2018, I exercised my privilege as a citizen of the great state of Idaho to appeal the House Education Committee not pass out of committee House Bill 579. The experience is always a breath taking experience. If you’ve never engaged in the process of your government you should find a bill some time and make it a family project to follow it from start to finish. It is best experienced with a field trip to the state house while a bill is being introduced and public hearing is available.
Really, you should try that some time.
Hose bill 579 was sent to “General Orders”. That’s a normal path many bills take that need more work. I was pleased that the bill was not directly sent to the House floor for a vote, even though I’m confident it would have died there. The bill did not die yesterday but it is not out of committee yet either.
I have expressed several concerns with regard to the bill 579. Here is the audio of my testimony before the House Education Committee on February 16, 2018 in Boise Idaho.
The first look at an attempted updated sex education bill introduced in January in the Idaho state legislature was eventually scrapped and re-worked to include stronger language about family. That House Bill 414 is no longer an active bill.
The new sex education bill is H-0579 (posted below) was introduced earlier this week and was just posted for public hearing on Friday, February 16, at 9:00 a.m.
There were a few improvements from the original H0414 but I argue that the new bill H0579 is still an abandonment of long standing Idaho sex education laws in public schools.
My concerns with the new house bill (H0579) are similar to my concerns with the first one submitted in January (H0414).
Compare the introductory paragraph: There are subtle language changes that are quite impactful. To say the state of Idaho “acknowledges the importance of families…” is weaker than saying the state of Idaho “believes that the primary responsibility for family life and sex education, including moral responsibility, rests upon the home and the church…” this new bill subtly says the state is the lead and simply encourages “family communication.” The current law gives family the primary jurisdiction on these matters and that the state gives local school boards direction to establish a sex education curriculum under the leadership of family and church.
Another section with great concern to me: To say “school districts shall involve families and community groups” is different than saying “the program should supplement the work in the home and the church…”
I urge you to read the new House Bill 579, compare it to the current Family Life and Sex Education Bill. If so inclined, contact the house education committee immediately, contact your local representatives, and/or travel to Boise on February 16, at 9:00 a.m, to speak directly to the committee.
I’ll post some recommendations I have learned over the years of speaking in the public arena and why I think it is important for Christians to speak into issues that are being introduced into law before they become law. Even if our speaking does not impact the direction or intentions of the legislators, it is good to be heard and to be respectfully heard.
After you read the new proposed law consider sharing this with those you feel will make contact with the House Education Committee and other legislators to express concern. Please consider sharing this with your church leadership, this bill deliberately has removed all language of “church” from the bill (compare current law with proposed bill.)
Helpful documents about the proposed sex education bill and committee contact information
House Education Committee: https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2018/standingcommittees/HEDU/
Agenda information: http://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2018/standingcommittees/180216_hedu_0900AM-Agenda.pdf
Statement of Purpose: http://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2018/legislation/H0579SOP.pdf
H0579 page: https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2018/legislation/H0579.pdf
(formatting has been adjusted to fit page, no content has been adjusted in any way.)
LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF IDAHO
Sixty-fourth Legislature Second Regular Session – 2018
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE BILL NO. 579
BY EDUCATION COMMITTEE1 AN ACT
2 RELATING TO SEX EDUCATION; REPEALING SECTIONS 33-1608 THROUGH 33-1611,
3 IDAHO CODE, RELATING TO SEX EDUCATION; AND AMENDING CHAPTER 16, TITLE
4 33, IDAHO CODE, BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION 33-1608, IDAHO CODE, TO
5 ESTABLISH PROVISIONS REGARDING SEX EDUCATION.
6 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Idaho:
7 SECTION 1. That Sections 33-1608 through 33-1611, Idaho Code, be, and
8 the same are hereby repealed.
9 SECTION 2. That Chapter 16, Title 33, Idaho Code, be, and the same is
10 hereby amended by the addition thereto of a NEW SECTION, to be known and des-11 ignated as Section 33-1608, Idaho Code, and to read as follows:
12 33-1608. SEX EDUCATION. (1) The legislature of the state of Idaho ac-13 knowledges the importance of families in all aspects of their children’s ed-14 ucation and promotes a strong school-home connection to support the imple-15 mentation of sex education curriculum that respects community values and en-16 courages family communication.
17 (2) For purposes of this section, “sex education” means the study of the
18 anatomy and physiology of human reproduction.
19 (3) The decision to include sex education in the school curriculum
20 shall be made at the district level by the board of trustees. If a sex educa-21 tion program is included in the curriculum, the program shall:
22 (a) Be medically accurate according to published authorities on which
23 medical professionals generally rely; and
24 (b) Adhere to the Idaho content standards for health education as es-25 tablished by the state board of education.
26 (4) School districts shall involve families and community groups in the
27 planning, development, evaluation and revision of any instruction in sex ed-28 ucation offered as part of the school curriculum.
29 (5) A child shall be excused from sex education if the child’s parent
30 or legal guardian files an excuse request to the school district board of
31 trustees on a form made available by the board.
TITLE 33
EDUCATION
CHAPTER 16
COURSES OF INSTRUCTION33-1608. FAMILY LIFE AND SEX EDUCATION — LEGISLATIVE POLICY. The legislature of the state of Idaho believes that the primary responsibility for family life and sex education, including moral responsibility, rests upon the home and the church and the schools can only complement and supplement those standards which are established in the family. The decision as to whether or not any program in family life and sex education is to be introduced in the schools is a matter for determination at the local district level by the local school board of duly selected representatives of the people of the community. If such program is adopted, the legislature believes that:
a. Major emphasis in such a program should be to assist the home in giving them the knowledge and appreciation of the important place the family home holds in the social system of our culture, its place in the family and the responsibility which will be there much later when they establish their own families.
b. The program should supplement the work in the home and the church in giving youth the scientific, physiological information for understanding sex and its relation to the miracle of life, including knowledge of the power of the sex drive and the necessity of controlling that drive by self-discipline.
c. The program should focus upon helping youth acquire a background of ideals and standards and attitudes which will be of value to him now and later when he chooses a mate and establishes his own family.
History:
[33-1608, added 1970, ch. 119, sec. 1, p. 282.]
I spent a bit of time yesterday researching Idaho House Bill – 0414 related to sex education.
Here is the background I did with the existing law and the proposed new law.
As of today, February 7, H0414 is not scheduled for public hearing. I have been informed that it may be ready in about 2 weeks. I wrote all members of the House education committee to express my concern in what they are working on. I have yet to hear back from any of them. I did call the secretary of the education committee and learned that it is not currently scheduled.
This is the way representative government works… when bills are introduced, it is important that the legislators hear from the population. It is important to express your support and define your concern of a particular bill.
Because this is not yet scheduled it means that it is early in the process.
Following is a template of the note I sent the education committee. I invite you to consider doing the same. Personalize it and send it.
______________________________
Dear House Education Committee,
My name is (first and last name) of (city name), Idaho. I am (include what you do or something personal of interest). I have been a citizen of Idaho since (year).
It is my pleasure to pray for you while in legislative session and I’m thankful for your good work, long hours, and devotion to making Idaho a great place to live. I count it a blessing of God to live here and thankful for your good work.
I am writing you today with concern in relationship to H0414. (Sex Education)
I strive to be a well informed citizen and want to best understand what is potentially being presented. What is your understanding of why this bill is needed? As I read the current law, I’m pleased that it a good law I’m asking you to consider not moving forward with this proposed change to Idaho code 33-1608 through 33-1611.
I would like to be informed of when this bill is scheduled for public hearing.
Thank you
(name)
When state legislators are in session the people better be paying close attention.
There is a bill right now before Idaho legislators to address the language of the law concerning Family Life and Sex Education. (section 33-1608 Idaho State Legislature). The link I have referenced is the current law, amended last in 1970.
Here is how it currently reads:
TITLE 33
EDUCATION
CHAPTER 16
COURSES OF INSTRUCTION33-1608. FAMILY LIFE AND SEX EDUCATION — LEGISLATIVE POLICY. The legislature of the state of Idaho believes that the primary responsibility for family life and sex education, including moral responsibility, rests upon the home and the church and the schools can only complement and supplement those standards which are established in the family. The decision as to whether or not any program in family life and sex education is to be introduced in the schools is a matter for determination at the local district level by the local school board of duly selected representatives of the people of the community. If such program is adopted, the legislature believes that:
a. Major emphasis in such a program should be to assist the home in giving them the knowledge and appreciation of the important place the family home holds in the social system of our culture, its place in the family and the responsibility which will be there much later when they establish their own families.
b. The program should supplement the work in the home and the church in giving youth the scientific, physiological information for understanding sex and its relation to the miracle of life, including knowledge of the power of the sex drive and the necessity of controlling that drive by self-discipline.
c. The program should focus upon helping youth acquire a background of ideals and standards and attitudes which will be of value to him now and later when he chooses a mate and establishes his own family.
History:
[33-1608, added 1970, ch. 119, sec. 1, p. 282.]
Notice a few things with me…
Our duty now is to consider what is being presented to legislators today. We need to ask good questions about why they are suggesting changes and why have they deliberately chosen the wording of such and what are they saying about home and church today in relationship to what was previously thought about them both.
This demands our attention.
Here is the new wording of the proposal…
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE BILL NO. 414
BY EDUCATION COMMITTEE
AN ACT RELATING TO SEX EDUCATION; REPEALING SECTIONS 33-1608 THROUGH 33-1611,
IDAHO CODE, RELATING TO SEX EDUCATION; AND AMENDING CHAPTER 16, TITLE 33,IDAHO CODE, BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION 33-1608,
IDAHO CODE, TO ESTABLISH PROVISIONS REGARDING SEX EDUCATION.
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Idaho:
SECTION 1. That Sections 33-1608 through 33-1611, Idaho Code, be, and
the same are hereby repealed.
SECTION 2. That Chapter 16, Title 33, Idaho Code, be, and the same is
hereby amended by the addition thereto of a NEW SECTION, to be known and
designated as Section 33-1608, Idaho Code, and to read as follows:
33-1608. SEX EDUCATION.(1) For purposes of this section, “sex education” means the study of:
(a) The anatomy and physiology of human reproduction; and
(b) The development of healthy relationships.
(2) The decision to include sex education in the school curriculum
shall be made at the district level by the board of trustees. If a sex education
program is included in the curriculum, the program shall:
(a) Be medically accurate according to published authorities on which
medical professionals generally rely, which authorities shall be designatedin rule by the state board of education; and
(b) Adhere to the Idaho content standards for health education as
established by the state board of education.
(3) School districts shall involve families and community groups in the
planning, development, evaluation and revision of any instruction in sex
education offered as part of the school curriculum.
(4) A child may be excused from sex education if the child’s parent
or legal guardian files an excuse request to the school district board of
trustees on a form made available by the board. Alternative educational programs shall be provided for excused children
Acknowledgement: I am not a lawyer. I make no pretenses on this matter. I’m writing with an attempt to be a well informed and responsible follower of Christ. This is my one and only agenda. Nothing hidden in my observation of this change in Idaho law.
Here are the following initial observations of the change in Idaho law Section 33-1611
I will be writing my legislators today to inform them of how I read this and express desire that they not alter the good law we already have. I urge you to do the same. Even if you don’t agree with me in how I read the proposal.
What do you think about this?
Last night, February 4, 2018, was the second of 12 Burning in the Soul preaching events at Eastside Baptist Church.
Pastor of the Magic Valley Bible Church in Twin Falls, Greg “Bear” Morton preached on the Intercessory Work of Jesus. The exposition was faithful and helpful.
Share this with others to encourage the faithful.
Funeral service for Doug Pullin will be on Saturday, February 3, at 2:00 p.m. (the service will be streamed live HERE)
His obituary was published today in the Times News HERE.
I’ve known Doug for longer than I’ve been the pastor of Eastside Baptist Church. I fist met Doug and Angie and their sons while I pastored in Fairfield, Idaho. Doug has been a faithful participating member of Southern Baptist work in the Magic valley for several decades. He was known for being a hard worker, a faithful friend, devoted to his family, and steadfast with established churches, supporter of mission churches and the advancement of the Gospel.
Doug was not a cliche. He really was a quiet man and was listened to when he did speak. From my vantage point, Doug understood the value of a good name. I think he thought deeply before speaking and sharing his opinion on a matter. He let others speak their mind. His silence was not disagreement and His silence was not approval. He was simply just a quiet man.
The news of his passing has come hard on all of us. While driving to the work site to meet up with Angie last Thursday, I recalled, like most of us, the last time I saw Doug was on the Lord’s Day, with his family.
Just like he lived his life, “he died with his work boots on.”
Join me on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Eastside Baptist Church at 2pm and be captured by Doug’s savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
I took this picture one day after church.
_________________________________________
Eastside Baptist Family:
It will be important that you come early on Saturday and that you allow closest parking for the many in our community who will arrive for the funeral. Be sure to fill up the overflow parking first allowing the family and community to have the main parking lot. Parking at Web Nursery and parking on the north of the church on Hillcrest are available. Details for a meal for the family will come before the day is up and ways you can help.
This coming Lord’s Day (February 4, 2018), Lord willing, we will have our second of twelve special preaching events. Gather with me on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. to hear a word from God delivered through this local pastor. Be encouraged that there are many faithful preachers. Be challenged in your relationship to Christ. Be corrected by the power of the Holy Spirit as we sit together under faithful preaching.
Burning in the Soul
February 4, 2018 – 6:30 p.m.
204 Eastland Drive North, Twin Falls, Idaho
(There will be refreshments following the preaching time.)
Bear will be addressing the intercessory work of Jesus from John 17.
Be sure to invite someone to come with you.
