Faith
Fred Luter Retires, Legacy of Faith Continues
Faith Facts
- Fred Luter Jr., longtime senior pastor, announces his retirement effective October 2026 after 40 years of service.
- Luter has asked the congregation to vote for his son, Fred “Chip” Luter III, as the next pastor.
- He led Franklin Avenue Baptist Church through major challenges, including Hurricane Katrina and growing from 65 to thousands of members.
Fred Luter Jr., the esteemed leader of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, has announced his retirement, expressing gratitude for God’s steadfast guidance over nearly four decades.
Luter urged the congregation to support his son, continuing a legacy of faith, strong family values, and servant leadership rooted in Biblical principles.
“Who would have thought … that a young street preacher from the Lower Ninth Ward would be elected by the 65 members of the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church back in September of 1986 as pastor and then that young preacher who had never pastored before will lead Franklin Avenue to be the largest church in the city of New Orleans and one of the largest churches in the state of Louisiana,”
Luter recalled.
He reflected on the powerful impact of the church’s ministry, counting thousands led to salvation in Christ and honoring God’s faithfulness through tremendous trials.
Luter, once elected the Southern Baptist Convention’s first and only black president, was commended for rebuilding the church twice against significant odds and for expanding its ministry despite obstacles.
He announced a special meeting to officially vote for Chip Luter as the congregation’s future shepherd, affirming that he has been blessed to serve God’s people all these years.
“Words are not adequate to express how much I love and appreciate each and every last one of you.”
“It has been my honor to serve as your pastor for 39 years.”
“To God be the glory for the things that he has done.”
The story of Pastor Luter embodies the strength of faith and the hope found in Jesus Christ.
It reminds us that with God, our families, and our freedoms can endure and flourish.
Faith Facts
- Rev. Franklin Graham was unable to attend a Christian revival in Nagaland, India, due to a visa timing issue.
- Though his visa was officially approved, it came after he needed to leave to attend the event honoring his father’s legacy.
- Colleagues and local leaders expressed disappointment and concern over the situation’s implications for religious freedom.
Rev. Franklin Graham’s planned participation in a powerful Christian gathering in Nagaland was hindered by timing issues with his visa approval.
This event was meant to honor his late father, Rev. Billy Graham, whose 1972 crusade inspired a generation of believers in the region.
A spokesperson for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association clarified that although the visas were granted by Indian authorities, the approval arrived too late for Graham’s intended journey.
The ministry thanked local pastors, the Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Niephiu Rio, and the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C. for their ongoing support.
Robert Cunville, an associate evangelist and close friend to the Graham family, stepped forward to proclaim the Gospel in Franklin Graham’s stead.
Organizers, including local church fellowships, pressed on with the revival, emphasizing the enduring impact of the Billy Graham ministry on Nagaland’s Christian community.
Some Indian and American leaders voiced strong concerns that the delay in granting Graham’s visa raises questions about faith freedom in the world’s largest democracy.
Rep. Adrian Smith of Nebraska called the incident
“a troubling affront to Indian Christians and the Indian constitution’s protections for freedom of religion.”
For over forty years, Franklin Graham’s leadership with Samaritan’s Purse has resulted in humanitarian aid for India, reflecting the Christian commitment to compassion and service.
Chief Minister Rio reminded attendees of the seeds of faith sown by the original 1972 crusade that continue to flourish today.
“Many in our state still cherish the memory of that crusade. It sowed seeds of faith, awakening, and spiritual renewal that continue to bear fruit even today.”
As believers, we remain steadfast, lifting our voices in prayer for the continued freedom to worship and for the enduring witness of Christ in every nation.
Faith Facts
- Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes III announced his candidacy for Texas District 30 after Rep. Jasmine Crockett declared her Senate run.
- In a recent sermon, Haynes challenged his congregation to confront injustice and pray for courageous leadership.
- Crockett faces public scrutiny over ethics, finances, and workplace environment during her congressional tenure.
Rev. Haynes, leader of a large Dallas church, stepped forward to run for Congress as Rep. Crockett aims for the Senate. His decision follows a passionate sermon encouraging believers to resist injustice and pray for God’s guidance.
He urged Christians to stand against moral and social ills, highlighting the challenges facing communities today. Haynes prayed specifically for protection and wisdom for Crockett, framing political service as a God-given responsibility.
“Is anybody tired yet of the politics of gaslighting, where lies come from the highest office in the land as they erase our history?”
Crockett, praised from the pulpit, also faces notable controversies and concerns regarding her conduct in office. These issues remind Christians of the ongoing need for integrity and accountability in leadership.
Now more than ever, believers are called to engage thoughtfully in civic affairs, upholding the righteous standards established by faith, and praying for honest, God-fearing leaders.
Faith Facts
- A Christian teacher was dismissed for telling a Muslim student that Britain is a Christian country.
- The teacher addressed rule-breaking about feet washing and highlighted Britain’s Christian heritage.
- He was initially banned from working with children, but successfully overturned the ban and is pursuing legal action.
The Free Speech Union is supporting the teacher, emphasizing his right to share truthful facts about Britain’s traditions.
This case highlights concerns over Christian freedoms and the importance of biblical truth in public life.
“This teacher lost his job and almost ended up being barred from the profession for life just because he pointed out to a class of Muslim schoolchildren that the national religion of England is Anglicanism.”
“Things have reached a pretty pass in this country if a teacher can be branded a safeguarding risk because he says something that’s incontestably true. If he’d claimed that Islam is the official religion of England, even though that’s not true, I doubt he would have got into any trouble.”
Standing up for Christian values takes courage—let us continue to pray for those working to preserve faith, truth, and freedom in our nation.
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