This year’s Celebrating Life Luncheon was more than just an event; it was a testament to the power of compassion, forgiveness, and the unwavering belief in the potential for redemption.

More than 1,600 guests, the largest crowd at any CFL Luncheon, gathered at the Hilton Anatole Trinity Ballroom on October 28 for a beautiful celebration of LIFE and to hear our featured speaker, Pastor Greg Laurie, and musical performances by Ellie Holcomb.

Thanks to the profound generosity of our incredible donors, the Council for Life Celebrating Life Luncheon raised a record amount allowing us to fully fund our 26 outstanding 2024 Beneficiaries.

What an absolute honor and joy to support the lifesaving work of our Beneficiaries. These heroic agencies protect the most vulnerable— unborn babies. They lovingly serve mothers, fathers and families in our community, giving them the hope and light of Christ.

Watch highlights from the Luncheon: 

 

Watch the full program:

Empowering Hope and Healing — Highlights from Pastor Greg Laurie’s Transformative Message

With deep candor and heartfelt conviction, Pastor Laurie shared powerful stories from his own life and faith journey, inspiring all present with his message of hope, redemption, and the sanctity of life.

Pastor Laurie recounted the profound challenges of his difficult childhood. His mother, who married and divorced seven times, battled alcoholism and had numerous abusive relationships. Despite facing an unplanned pregnancy, his mother chose life for Paster Laurie. Born under difficult circumstances and with no father in the picture, he shouldered responsibilities far beyond his years. “I could have been an abortion statistic,” Laurie said. “I was not planned by my mother; my life was planned by God.”

Despite these hardships, Laurie’s life took a transformative turn when he encountered faith. “I heard the gospel in a way that I could understand, and I gave my life to Jesus Christ, and everything started changing for me,” he recalled.

This conversion, he explained, was the beginning of a life driven by faith, and it cemented his belief that every person has a God-given purpose. “God has a plan for every person. Every child should be given the right to live their life and make their choices.”

He touched on the emotional and psychological impact of abortion, explaining that the consequences often emerge later in life, especially when women reflect on what could have been. He underscored the importance of sonograms, which have proven to be powerful tools in changing the hearts of abortion-minded women and saving lives.

In one particularly moving moment, Pastor Laurie shared the biblical account of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery. “Jesus showed compassion and forgiveness. He saw her for what she could become. We just see what we are. We see a lump of coal; He sees a diamond. We see failure; He sees success,” Laurie said.

For women who may have had an abortion, Pastor Laurie offered comfort and assured that forgiveness is always within reach. “Every aborted baby is in the presence of the Lord. If the woman believes and puts her faith in Christ, she can be reunited with her baby again.” Even in tragedy, he assured, God’s grace shines through.

Pastor Laurie also shared a deeply personal story of reuniting with his adoptive father, Oscar Laurie. During their visit, Laurie shared his testimony and prayed with his father. Pastor Laurie recounted that his father’s heart, both physically and spiritually, was healed. “The Bible promises that God can bring beauty out of ashes,” Laurie said, reinforcing the hope of restoration.

The room fell silent as Pastor Laurie recounted the devastating loss of his son in a car accident sixteen years ago. With raw vulnerability, he shared how his faith sustained him through the pain. “Take the life and resources that God has given to you and use them for his glory,” he urged. “I don’t know what hand you’ve been dealt in life. I don’t know what tragedies have befallen you, but I know that Jesus Christ is ready to step into your life and bring a message out of your mess, and a testimony out of your test and do something wonderful in your life for his glory.”

Pastor Laurie’s words served as a poignant reminder that no matter the trials or sorrows we face, there is always hope and purpose to be found in faith. His words remind us that, regardless of our pasts or the challenges we face, each life has immeasurable value and purpose.

We are grateful for Pastor Laurie’s testimony and his unwavering commitment to sharing this truth.

Special Thank You

Our hearts are filled with gratitude as we recognize the numerous special individuals who made this joyful gathering possible.

Thank you, Board Chair Rebecca Lutz

The Trinity Ballroom was an unexpected and new venue for Council for Life. As our beautiful Board Chair Rebecca Lutz said so well in her opening welcome message, “God knew that 600 more people than we have ever had before would be here, more than our previous ballroom can hold.”

Thank you, Luncheon Co-Chairs Antoinette Davis and Elizabeth Tamlyn and Underwriting Co-Chairs Kimberly Graft and Beth Ann Harper

Beth Ann Harper, Kimberly Graft, Antoinette Davis, and Elizabeth Tamlyn

Celebrating Life Luncheon Co-Chairs Antoinette Davis and Elizabeth Tamlyn worked tirelessly to plan a transforming program, dedicating their time and gifts to execute the countless details of the Luncheon with excellence. Underwriting Co-Chairs Kimberly Graft and Beth Ann Harper faithfully worked alongside Antoinette and Elizabeth with a gracious heart, sharing her talents to raise funds for our Beneficiaries.

Thank you, Honorary Chairs Laura and Scott Luttrell 

We are forever grateful to our Honorary Chairs Laura and Scott Luttrell for their deeply personal and generous philanthropic commitment to the sanctity of human life.

Thank you, Pastor O.S. Hawkins

Chancellor of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, O.S. Hawkins, gave the opening prayer. We are grateful for his beautiful prayer that reflected the gift and celebrating of life.

Thank you, Beneficiaries 

We are forever thankful for our 2024 Luncheon Beneficiaries for protecting the unborn and compassionately serving the urgent, increased Post-Roe needs of mothers, fathers and families facing the complex issues surrounding unplanned pregnancies.  

Thank you, Guests 

Council for Life praises God this Thanksgiving week for providing YOU, our outstanding Luncheon Underwriters, Patrons and Guests, for most generously supporting our mission to educate about the humanity of the preborn and the vast resources available to help mothers bravely choose life and fundraise for local life-affirming agencies. 

Thank you, Pastors and Civic Leaders 

We also thank and recognize the pastors, priests and ministry leaders who joined us at the Luncheon and who bravely speak for the sanctity of life. We further thank and recognize the distinguished government officials in attendance at the Luncheon who have fought boldly and courageously for the unborn.

Please Support Life!  

The needs of our 2024 Beneficiaries are greater and more urgent than ever in a Post-Roe world. Please donate now to support our Beneficiaries and their lifesaving work.