Next week, we will be in Baton Rouge. Governor Jeff Landry has issued a call for a 17-day special session on crime and public safety. On Monday, February 19 at 1:00 p.m., we will convene to discuss 24 items and end no later than 6:00 p.m. on March 6.
Why do we need your prayers? Because we are concerned with several of the items, yet we believe those items will pass and become law.
One of our concerns is Item 11- to lower the age of a person deemed to be a “child” for purposes of dispositions and sentencing for the commission of delinquent acts. What does this mean? It means that the “Raise the Age” would be reversed and more 17-year-old offenders will be treated as adults.
No matter what the outcome is going to be, we know that God is in control and that prayer changes things. Nevertheless, we must work together to prevent our teens and young adults from making bad choices in life and committing violent and nonviolent crimes. With God’s help, we can do this!
So, what is the deal? We need “The Village” the parents, community leaders, and most importantly God’s people to help us address the problems in our neighborhoods. Every time you get an opportunity, talk to children about the consequences of making bad choices. Pray that God will give parents the wisdom to “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6. Volunteer to assist with mentoring programs in our local churches. Stay inform about the new laws that will impact our community. Go to the Louisiana State Legislature Webpage. Click on Broadcast Archives and watch the meetings live or recorded.
After the special session, we will have several community meetings to discuss the new laws and how they will impact our parish. If you have any questions, please contact our offices.
