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Tax-exempt threats on churches persist despite FFRF’s church parsonage defeat (VIDEO)

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MANSFIELD — From nearly every angle, religious values are under assault. Recently Democratic Presidential Candidate Beto O’Rourke at a town hall threatened to take away the tax-exempt status of churches who do not follow liberal progressive orthodoxy.

Previously, in 2011 the atheist group Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) sued the IRS to eliminate the tax exemption for housing allowances, putting faith-based congregations at risk. Their efforts failed in a court decision this year.

Pastor Ron Puff
(Submitted photo)

Pastor Ron Puff of Pleasant Valley Baptist lives in a parsonage provided by his congregation. “In my opinion, O’Rourke’s comments are connected with this FFRF lawsuit-it really is the same issue. Liberal progressives are shooting arrows in our direction from all sides; they want to dismantle the Constitution and the Freedom of Religion piece by piece to create a domino effect.”

Reverend J.C. Church of Victory in Truth Ministries in Bucyrus agrees with Puff.

“O’Rourke may have said it at the town hall (revoking tax exempt status), but the rest of the Democrat Party was thinking it.

“In regards to the FFRF lawsuit, some small churches do not have enough people to support a full-time clergy salary so the congregation provides a parsonage or a housing allowance as a benefit. There is no question religious institutions positively impact the community. This benefit simply helps congregations to provide for their pastor.”

According to Puff, “If the tax exemption for our parsonage was eliminated, it would harm the congregation; we are a small rural church. Our church relies on giving by our congregants.”

Fortunately on March 15, 2019, a three-judge panel from the Seventh Circuit Federal Court of Appeals unanimously ruled that the parsonage allowance is constitutional, stating it “is simply one of many per se rules” that “allow hundreds of thousands of employees (including ministers) to receive tax-exempt housing every year.” The decision also said it is consistent with the nation’s “lengthy tradition of tax exemptions for religion, particularly for church-owned properties.”

Current tax policy already lightens the tax burden of the taxpayers who receive ordinary lodging and housing allowances like hotel managers, commercial fishermen, military and peace corps.

“If the issue was about constitutionality, then the FFRF would go after tax abatements given to large corporations. What is the difference? The difference is religion. The FFRF fears the potential influence that churches hold. Ultimately I believe the FFRF is demonstrating a form of religious bigotry.”

Reverend Ron Puff
Pleasant Valley Baptist

Puff comments, “If the issue was about constitutionality, then the FFRF would go after tax abatements given to large corporations. What is the difference? The difference is religion. The FFRF fears the potential influence that churches hold. Ultimately I believe the FFRF is demonstrating a form of religious bigotry.”

In June 2019, FFRF decided not to appeal the Seventh Circuit’s decision, definitively securing a victory for the parsonage allowance and houses of worship across the country.

Reverend J. C. Church
(Submitted photo)

Church says the decisive defeat in the Seventh District last Spring is an embarrassment for the Wisconsin-based FFRF.

“With the recent transformation of the federal judiciary, FFRF doesn’t even appear to have a home-field advantage in their own appellate jurisdiction anymore.”

See the video below pertaining to the parsonage allowance case successfully defended in court by Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a non-profit, public-interest legal and educational institute with a mission to protect the free expression of all faiths. 

Related article:

City of Mansfield declares “Religious Freedom Day”

Ohio clergy to NY media outlet: ‘Who made you judge over us?’

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Article updated October 19,2019

MANSFIELD — A New York-based media outlet has compiled a list of the “Fifty Most Miserable Cities” in the nation, drawing the ire of Ohio faith leaders. According to Business Insider, Mansfield, Ohio is ranked as the forty-third most miserable city in the country based on its recent analysis of census data. But North Central Ohio clergy say the invalid rankings are comparing apples to oranges.

Two pastors openly question how a media outlet can make scathing attacks against the city without even setting foot inside it. Ironically, two prominent cities appear to be missing from the list.

Reverend El Akuchie pictured in the center at a 2019 clergy press conference supporting the police. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

“I had never heard of Business Insider until they decided to smear my hometown,” says Reverend El Akuchie of the Richland Community Prayer Network. “It is interesting that Business Insider has two offices in the U.S., its headquarters in New York City, and its other office in San Francisco. Both were left off the Top 50 list. In fact, San Francisco is not included in the list of cities that were judged.”

“Scripture tells us, ‘Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you,” says Akuchie. “‘And why do you look a the speck in your brother’s eye but do not consider the plank in your own eye?”

According to Business Insider, “Mansfield used to have lots of industrial work, with people making things like steel, machinery, and stoves, but that dried up in the 1970s and 1980s. More recently, in 2010, a GM factory closed its doors, leading to more job losses.”

In 2014, the City of Mansfield was released from fiscal emergency. Mayor Timothy Theaker’s office provided Frontlines Ohio a list of new private economic investments and expansions that are ongoing in 2019.

“Our community does not dwell on the past from three decades ago. The case could be made that Business Insider is covering up morally-bankrupt policies of other metropolitan areas by critiquing Mansfield, Ohio which is known for its social-conservatism. This outlet is trying to put Mansfield into a box and their narrative does not work.”

Reverend El Akuchie
Richland Community Prayer Network

Reverend Akuchie comments, “Our community does not dwell on the past from three decades ago. The case could be made that Business Insider is covering up morally-bankrupt policies of other metropolitan areas by critiquing Mansfield, Ohio which is known for its social-conservatism. This outlet is trying to put Mansfield into a box and their narrative does not work.”

Mansfield Fellowship Pastor Randy Raynes believes Mansfield’s ranking is unfair and inaccurate.

“Business Insider says that ‘Mansfield has had a surge in crime, and between 2012-2017 violent crimes rose by 37%.’ To be fair to the truth, Mansfield Police Chief Ken Coontz in 2018 reported to City Council three consecutive years of a decline in violent crimes and also stated ‘Mansfield had unprecedented church involvement for several years.”

Reverend Raynes believes, “Everything positive in a community originates from an adherence to GOD’s Word. Righteousness exalts a nation while sin is a reproach to any people. When the wicked bear rule, it produces misery, but GOD created Christianity to overcome misery.”

Reverend Randy Raynes speaking at clergy “2019 Year of the Bible” press conference (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

Raynes says Mansfield and New York City morals are the polar opposite.

“Anti-GOD policies cannot have moral results. The law enforcement in New York City goes unsupported by city administration, marijuana has been decriminalized by its elected officials, infanticide is celebrated by its Legislature, and businesses supporting family values like Chick fil-A are boycotted by the New York City Mayor.

“In a stark contrast, clergy in Mansfield recently held a press conference honoring law enforcement, faith leaders have gone on record supporting prohibition of marijuana, pastors have defended the life of newborns, and local ministers invited Chick fil-A to come establish business in town.”

Both clergy cite that unemployment in the Mansfield metropolitan area dropped from 14.4% in January 2010 to 4.4% in August 2019. Mansfield is also very affordable, with a cost of living 7.5% lower than the national average. And the real median family income in Mansfield has skyrocketed (+12.31%) outpacing national (+8.17%) and state (+7.84%) growth incomes over the last three years.

The real story does not end there.

Business Insider’s CEO and Editorial Director is Manhattan-native Henry Blodget. Due to his violations of securities laws and civil trial conviction, Blodget has been permanently banned from involvement in the securities industry. Blodget publicly called stocks “junk” while secretly investing in them.

Akuchie says Blodget’s history begs the question. “It seems that Mr. Blodget is still continuing to pull the wool over people’s eyes, but this time in the marketplace of ideas. With Blodget’s past corruption, perhaps he privately believes Mansfield is a treasure,” Akuchie says grinning.

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in John Chapter One, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?’ Nathanael asked. ‘Come and see,’ said Phillip.”

Related article:

Mansfield Mayor gives optimistic report at clergy meeting

Lukewarm Republican mistakenly claims support for bill opposing family values

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COLUMBUS — This week a self-styled “constitutional conservative” has teamed up with a Democrat to sponsor House Bill 369, a state version of the so called “Equality Act.” He claims he has widespread support before officially introducing the bill, but one public policy group says “not so fast.”

Freshman State Rep. Brett Hillyer (R-Urichsville) has joined Michael Skindell (D-Lakewood) to sponsor a companion bill to the “Ohio Fairness Act,” or Senate Bill 11 (SB 11). Together, they sent out a request letter on Tuesday to other State Representative colleagues for recruitment as co-sponsors.

Aaron Baer (Photo courtesy of CCV)

The letter, co-authored by Hillyer, names six organizations that support the House version of the “Fairness Act,” including National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). However, after further review, it appears that Hillyer may have put the cart before the horse.

“Contrary to Representative Hillyer’s assertions, the NFIB confirmed to social conservative groups they are not a proponent of the “Ohio Fairness Act,”– they are neutral,” says Aaron Baer, President of Citizens For Community Values (CCV).

Already proposed in the Senate, the “Ohio Fairness Act” is operating under the guise that it will prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, (SOGI law) and would add mediation as an informal method that the Ohio Civil Rights Commission may use.

“Stopping the Fairness Act is CCV’s top priority – it is the single greatest threat to religious freedom, parental rights, and the safety and privacy of women and children. This bill will even require public schools to teach LGBT curriculum . There is no tweaking this disastrous bill,” says Baer.

“Stopping the Fairness Act is CCV’s top priority – it is the single greatest threat to religious freedom, parental rights, and the safety and privacy of women and children. This bill will even require public schools to teach LGBT curriculum. There is no tweaking this disastrous bill.”

Aaron Baer, President of Citizens for Community Values

While LGBT activists claim that the Ohio Fairness act would be good for the economy, Aaron Baer says there is no evidence to support their claims.

“Seventy-percent of the top economic-friendly states do not have SOGI laws while a whopping fifty-percent of the bottom states do have SOGI laws in place. SOGI laws have a history of forcing businesses to violate their moral and religious convictions. “

But that is not all. Reverend Tim Throckmorton, Midwest Director of Ministry for the Family Research Council says “Not only does the “Fairness Act create a hostile environment towards religious freedom and parents, the arbitrary re-definitions of gender proposed by the Act would jeopardize women’s security in public accommodations like restrooms, and effectively end women’s sports altogether.

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Boots on the ground effort attempts to rescue victims from counterfeit LGBT movement (VIDEO)

Family radio personality coming to Bucyrus to promote book on fatherhood

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BUCYRUS– Bryan Fischer, host of “Focal Point” on American Family Radio will be coming to north central Ohio to discuss his new book: “The Boy to Man Book: Preparing Your Son for Manhood.”

Hundreds of thousands of fathers across America are aware of their responsibility to bring their sons up in the ‘nurture and admonition of the LORD,’ but they are not quite sure how to do it.

This book may be just what fathers are looking for. It is a book designed for fathers to read with their 12-year-old sons to introduce them to the rich wisdom about manhood from the book of Proverbs.

“‘The Boy to Man Book’ is predicated on the idea of the Bar Mitzvah when a boy becomes a ‘son of the law.’ Jewish society in essence says, ‘From this time forward, we are treating you like a man. We expect you to behave like a man who is mature, righteous, and a model for others to follow.’ And I believe the Jewish tradition is definitely onto something.”

Bryan Fischer
Host of AMerican family Radio’s Focal Point

According to Fischer, “‘The Boy to Man Book’ is predicated on the idea of the Bar Mitzvah when a boy becomes a ‘son of the law,’ said Fischer. “Jewish society in essence says, ‘From this time forward, we are treating you like a man. We expect you to behave like a man who is mature, righteous, and a model for others to follow.’ And I believe the Jewish tradition is definitely onto something.”

Through Fischer’s book, fathers can introduce their sons to the truths about God, about friendship, speech, anger, work, money, pornography, dating, and how to recognize the woman they are to marry. 

Fischer adds, “Each chapter closes with a prayer that each father can pray over his son, so that he can pray the eternal wisdom of Solomon into the very life of his son. This may be just the tool dads need to help their young sons grow from boyhood to manhood.” 

First Alliance Church at 1955 Hopley Avenue in Bucyrus, Ohio 44820

This weekend Fischer will be speaking at First Alliance Church at 1955 Hopley Avenue in Bucyrus, Ohio. He will speak on Friday, October 12th at 6:00 PM and on Sunday, October 13th at 9:30 and 10:30 AM.

Pastor William Strader Jr. serves as Senior Pastor at Bucyrus First Alliance.

“We are really excited to have Bryan Fischer come, I have listened to Bryan’s radio show on American Family Radio (AFR) for years,” says Strader. “He is a gifted communicator who is capable of bringing a Biblical viewpoint to any contemporary issue of our time. This weekend his message will be focusing on men passing on good values to their sons.”

In all, AFR has over 180 radio stations across the country and is based in Tupelo, Mississippi. The local station carrying AFR programming is 88.3 WAUI-FM based in Shelby, Ohio. The station is also available online.

According to Pastor Strader, men attending the Friday night banquet must register; however, registration is free. To register, the church can be reached at 419.562.2069. Autographed copies of the book will be available for only $10.

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Public forum discusses the cure for Fatherless society (AUDIO)

Area baptisms in Ohio waterways provide watershed moments (VIDEO)

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RICHLAND COUNTY — The late summer found many local believers testing the waters with their congregations. While a common spiritual ritual for generations, many have found that baptism has not watered down their faith one bit.

“My grandfather was baptized in Brubaker Creek during the 1950s,” says Pastor Hank Webb of Belmont Community Church. “Both my parents were also baptized here in 1992, and I also baptized my son at this same spot.”

Pictured: Pastor Hank Webb on far left with members of Belmont Community Church.
(Photo courtesy of Nita Moore)

Webb’s congregation held a baptism service last month at Brubaker Creek as hymns were sung by observers along the creek side. According to Webb, several churches regularly come to Brubaker Creek for baptisms.

“One time a Pentecostal church was at Brubaker Creek while we were there; another time a Freewill Baptist congregation was holding a baptism service while we were holding ours. We ended up combining our service with theirs,” Webb recalls.

“It really was a special moment to see one hundred people together not knowing which church each believer belonged to, we were just one church under the Banner of Christ.”

Map depicting the waterways of the State of Ohio.

Reverend Webb adds, “I tell my congregation, GOD will have compassion on us and cast all our sins to the depths of the sea. Then I tell them that the Brubaker Creek goes to the Black Fork, the Black Fork to the Mohican River, the Mohican River to the Muskingum, the Muskingum to the Ohio, the Ohio River to the Mississippi River, and then the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. That is how far in a sense that GOD takes away our sin.”

Rabbi William Hallbrook of Sar Shalom Center says that the “mikvah” Hebrew for baptism, has been a Jewish ritual for thousands of years.

“Our tradition believes the “mikvah” does not save anyone, but it does help the person to walk closer to the Messiah. The Scripture talks about baptisms in the plural: leaving elementary teachings of Messiah which includes doctrine of mikvahs (baptisms) and maturing in the faith (Hebrews 6). From the Jewish perspective, it is picture of the person leaving death and coming up out of the water to new life.”

This year’s mikvah was not uncharted waters for Sar Shalom, they have held an annual mikvah at Pleasant Hill Lake since 2009 prior to the high Holy Days.

“I would say that it is a spiritually active season on the Jewish calendar right now,” says the Rabbi. “We are rededicating our lives in preparation for the high Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Succoth.”

Pastor Terry Garrett of Lexington Fusion Church had his congregation’s baptism this summer near Gatton Rocks on the Clear Fork River. The location is just west of Swank’s Claim, site of Ohio’s largest gold prospector’s claim.

Reverend Garrett believes baptism is of Biblical importance and should be pursued by new believers.

“The encounter between Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch is a great representation of how GOD will use a person the minute after they publicly proclaim Jesus in their baptism. GOD is saying to us that ‘I will blow your mind on how I will use you when your publicly confess me.”

Pastor Terry Garrett
Lexington Fusion Church

“The encounter between Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch is a great representation of how GOD will use a person the minute after they publicly proclaim Jesus in their baptism. GOD is saying to us that ‘I will blow your mind on how I will use you when your publicly confess me.”

Click on the video below of Fusion Church’s baptism service in August 2019.

Ohio Heartland Zionism showcased at Statehouse in support of Jerusalem (VIDEO)

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COLUMBUS — The Ohio House may become the first state legislative body in the entire nation to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the Israeli state. If the House resolution is passed, north central Ohio-with its close-knit Israeli friendship, will have played a key role in helping it cross the finish line.

Several proponents of HCR 11 gave testimony at the Statehouse before the House Federalism Committee on the anniversary of the September 11th attacks.

Pictured L to R: Amie Mutti, Benjamin Mutti, & State Representative Candice Keller.
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

“The close friendship Ohio has with Israel, as illustrated by North Central Ohioans is unmistakable and indisputable,” says Benjamin Mutti of the Richland Community Prayer Network.

Mutti mentioned how the area was featured in an Israeli article entitled: “Does Rural Ohio Lead the World in Love for Israel?” He went on to provide a bird’s eye view of the staunch support and rampant activism seen in the 2nd and 70th State Districts.

“In 2017, clergy from one hundred and three congregations sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu apologizing for the Obama Administration’s refusal to veto a United Nations Resolution 2334 calling the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria an “international crime.”

“Months later, grassroot demonstrations in support of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital took place at city squares across the North Central Ohio,” Mutti said. “Nearly nine months before President Trump’s official recognition of Jerusalem, the demonstrators held signs reading “Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel” and “We stand with Israel.”

In addition, leading clergymen from forty-two Richland County congregations persuaded the Richland County Treasurer and Commissioner Board to invest in Israeli bonds.  The investment of $200,000 in Israeli bonds was made as an expression of solidarity with Israel and as a practical way to combat the anti-Semitic Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS) movement.

The bond purchase was in lockstep with the counties of Cuyahoga, Summit, and the Ohio state government, the largest holder of Israeli bonds for a government entity in the world.

Sponsors of HCR 11 include State Representatives Candice Keller (R-Middletown) and Darrell Kick (R- Loudonville). The symbolic measure is also co-sponsored by twelve other representatives including Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario).

“What happened in this testimony today is important for Ohio. People do not understand the blessings we will have as Ohioans if we recognize Jerusalem as the capital. I look forward to seeing this resolution passing and being presented to the Israeli Knesset in the coming months.”

State Representative & Sponsor Candice Keller (R-Middletown)

According to Representative Keller, “What happened in this testimony today is important for Ohio. People do not understand the blessings we will have as Ohioans if we recognize Jerusalem as the capital. I look forward to seeing this resolution passing and being presented to the Israeli Knesset in the coming months.”

Other advocates for the HCR 11 gave testimony supporting the recognition.

Terry Conant representing Christians United for Israel (CUFI) endorsed an Ohio recognition of Jerusalem. “With President Trump’s declaration, finally a shameful double standard is no longer being applied to Jerusalem by its closest ally. We should do the same in Ohio.” CUFI has over 100,000 members throughout the state.

Rabbi Michael Wolf of Beth Messiah Synagogue in Loveland, Ohio also spoke. “With America recognizing Jerusalem as capital, it is only right that Ohio also recognize Jerusalem. I encourage the passage of House Concurrent Resolution as presented today.”  

If the ninety-nine member Ohio Legislature approves the resolution, Ohio will become the first state legislature in the nation to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Statehouse testimony given on Sept. 11, 2019 supporting House Concurrent Resolution 11 “Recognizing Jerusalem as capital of Israel.”
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

In January 2019 the Florida Cabinet recognized Jerusalem as the eternal and undivided capital of Israel. The Cabinet is composed of four elected officials: the Governor, the Attorney General, the Commissioner of Agriculture, and the Chief Financial Officer.

Click on the image below to link to video of Benjamin Mutti’s testimony beginning at 46:52.

See related articles:

Israel Deputy Speaker thanks North Central Ohio for support (SLIDESHOW)(VIDEO)
Former Israeli mayor visits Ontario & shares miraculous account (VIDEO)

As Planned Parenthood loses grip on Ohio, will Mansfield clinic be next to close? (VIDEO)

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MANSFIELD — The nation’s leading abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, appears to be abandoning Ohio after a string of defeats leaving its operations crippled in the Buckeye State. Over the last nine years, the Ohio Legislature has enacted twenty-two pro-life initiatives, half of the state’s abortion facilities have closed, and the number of abortions in the state have fallen by over twenty-five percent.

This past September 20th, two Cincinnati-area Planned Parenthood clinics closed in Springdale and Western Hills. While neither location performed abortions, Cincinnati has only five Planned Parenthood centers remaining.

Reverend Clyde Kerby of Ministries of Hope and Healing has his congregation hold weekly prayer vigils at the Mansfield Planned Parenthood. Kerby weighed in on the developments.

“Last year our congregation joined ongoing efforts to be present onsite. GOD’s desire is for the lives of no babies to be taken. However, if there is no one to stand and speak up for these innocent children, the murdering will continue. The Bible says ‘Our weapons are not carnal but spiritual.’ GOD expects us to get involved.”

Kerby adds, “With the passage of the Heartbeat Law in the Spring and the abortion industry’s setbacks this summer, it won’t be long before the Mansfield Planned Parenthood closes its doors.”

“With the passage of the Heartbeat Law in the Spring and the abortion industry’s setbacks this summer, it won’t be long before the Mansfield Planned Parenthood closes its doors.”

Reverend Clyde Kerby, Hope & Deliverance Ministries

Overall in Ohio, it has been a summer to forget for Planned Parenthood.

On June 7th, Tia Parks walked into the largest abortion mill in the state: the Painesville Reproductive Health at Family Planning Association, to have her twin babies aborted. The following day Parks died of complications from the abortion. Both twins were aborted.

According to a press release by Cleveland Right to Life, Mitchell William Reider is the abortionist believed responsible for the abortion procedure. The autopsy report states that Parks died as a result of bleeding in the abdominal cavity from a ruptured Fallopian tube due to a heterotopic gestation.

In addition, on August 19th, Planned Parenthood announced it was pulling out of the Title X program due to the Trump administration’s prohibition of Title X family-planning funds going to clinics performing or referring abortions.

On September 18th Toledo’s last abortion mill, Capitol Care Network of Toledo, surrendered its ambulatory surgical facility license and will no longer perform surgical abortions.

Over the last several years, the non-profit Planned Parenthood has been criticized for providing abortion, for its exorbitant management salaries and its exclusive advocacy of the Democrat Party while receiving $500 million in taxpayer dollars annually. In many cases, that criticism has turned into activism.

In the meantime, the local pro-life movement will continue to double its efforts to see the statewide trend manifest itself in Mansfield.

A National Life Chain prayer demonstration will be taking place on Sunday, October 6th between 2:00-3:00 PM at the corner of Lexington Springmill Road and West Fourth Street in Ontario. Coordinator Greg Jevikar can be reached at 419.468.4679 for more details.

View the following video on Planned Parenthood produced by Alliance Defending Freedom.

See related articles:

Ohio evangelicals praise lawmakers for funding pregnancy centers (VIDEO)
Federal Court of appeals rules Ohio law can end taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood
108 North central Ohio clergy send letter to resist judicial tyranny (SLIDESHOW)(VIDEO)

Area students hold prayer rallies in several school districts (VIDEO)

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Clear Fork students gather for "See you at the Pole" prayer gathering (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

RICHLAND COUNTY — At a time when the nation’s legal system has demonstrated a history of hostility towards students unwilling to compromise their Biblical faith, students throughout the area showed their resolve Wednesday joining in the faith-based “See You at the Pole” (SYATP) prayer movement occurring on school campuses across the nation.

“The First Amendment guarantees students the right to pray individually or in groups on school grounds during any non-instructional time,” said Matt Staver in a press release from the Liberty Counsel.

Lexington Jr. High students gather around flagpole Wednesday morning for prayer.
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

“All students may express their opinions verbally or in writing before or after school, in between classes, during the lunch hour or on the playing field, according to federal guidelines listed on our Liberty Counsel website.” Staver added, “These young people provide an incredible example that all people should follow.”

Several local students from the Lexington Junior High chimed in.

“Prayer is needed in school because during the year students can lose sight of how we are to live,” said eighth-grader Ruby Bodjanac. “SYATP is a chance for all of the student body to come together and pray. When we pray together, it brings a sense of community. It really is a great way to start the day.”

Elyona Weaver, another Lexington eighth grader, asserted “I think prayer is needed in school. ‘See You at the Pole’ involves students in schools praying everywhere across our land. Our GOD hears us all-He doesn’t miss one prayer. In my opinion, public prayer in school helps students have a mindset directed towards GOD where we can acknowledge Him as our Creator.”

“‘See You at the Pole’ involves students in schools praying everywhere across our land. Our GOD hears us all-He doesn’t miss one prayer. In my opinion, public prayer in school can help students have a mindset directed towards GOD where we can acknowledge Him as our Creator.”

Elyona Weaver, Lexington eighth grader

Youth Pastors Matthew Spiegel of Berean Baptist and Josh Richardson of Lexington Church of Christ Youth also participated with several parents. Interestingly, Richardson participated in SYATP as a high school student. Both Spiegel and Richardson agreed it was a great opportunity to support their students.

“I was great to see our students stand up for their faith,” said Spiegel. “This is another opportunity we have to connect with them. We see them Sunday mornings for church and for youth group on Wednesday nights. But we can also meet with our students on campus for Friday night football games and for lunch.”

Clear Fork high schoolers praying during See You At The Pole.
(Photo courtesy of Matt Merendino)

At Clear Fork High School, there were over sixty students, staff and adults who participated in SYATP on Wednesday. They prayed for the school administration, the teaching staff, the student body and the nation.

Clear Fork Alliance Youth Pastor Matt Merendino and administrator of Unite the Valley commented, “It really was a banner day for us. SYATP has been a long standing tradition at Clear Fork High School for twenty-five years. The students are accustomed to exercising their constitutional right to pray.”

Earlier this month, an Alabama school was told by the atheist group Freedom From Religion Foundation they were violating federal law by praying over the loudspeaker before the game. In response, the Opelika School District told school principals they would only have a “moment of silence” before games.

The Opelika students, however, also responded to the complaint. Prior to the September 13th kickoff before the game, an entire group of students in the stands recited the Lord’s Prayer together. The student body made it clear they were not intimidated by the threats.

View the video below of the Opelika student body praying in unison.

See related article:

‘See You At the Pole’ set for Wednesday, September 25th (VIDEO)

101 Clergy salute law enforcement, encouraging area to thank police (SLIDESHOW) (VIDEO)

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MANSFIELD — With tensions around the country regarding law enforcement along the border and in the mainland, over one hundred clergy across Richland County, Ohio honored local police officers Thursday morning for their dedicated service.

The area clergymen held a press conference from Mansfield Mayor Timothy Theaker’s ninth floor conference room reading from a joint statement drafted by the Richland Community Prayer Network (RCPN) and endorsed by the pastors.

Area clergy pictured with local law enforcement from L to R: Rev. Puff, Ontario Officer Scott Dawson, Deputy Lt. James Nicholson, Rev. Akuchie, Mansfield Asst Police Chief Dan Petrycki, Highway Patrol Commander Amy Ivy, Rev. Hill, Sheriff’s Major Joe Masi, Mansfield Chief Keith Porch, and Captain Dan Noblet. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

“As representatives of the local faith community, we would like to express our gratitude for our police officers by promoting “Thank a Police Officer Day” which is this coming Saturday, September 21st,” said Reverend El Akuchie, RCPN Coordinator and Pastor of Godsfield House of Prayer. “This statement is in the spirit of Hebrews 10:24 which states: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

Leading the press conference were Akuchie, Reverend Ron Puff of Pleasant Valley Baptist and Reverend Moe Hill of Grace Evangelical Free Church.

Both of the pastors who read the clergy joint statement have law enforcement backgrounds.  Hill retired from the Highway Patrol three years ago and Puff assists the Mansfield Police Department as auxiliary and helps with the Explorer program.

“The law enforcement plays a valuable role in our society.  Our brave men and women keep vigilant watch at all hours and risk their lives on behalf of the safety of others,” said Reverend Puff. 

“There is no question that as moral decay increases in our society, the workload of our police personnel and the danger associated with their job duties has intensified exponentially.  As representatives of the faith community, we regret in recent times the contempt police officers have received nationwide for doing their jobs.”

Reverend Ron Puff
Pleasant Valley Baptist

“There is no question that as moral decay increases in our society, the workload of our police personnel and the danger associated with their job duties has intensified exponentially.  As representatives of the faith community, we regret in recent times the contempt police officers have received nationwide for doing their jobs.”

Elder Hill read a passage from the Bible saying, “We beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the LORD, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”

The joint statement will be sent to the Police Chiefs of Mansfield, Shelby, Ontario, Lexington, Plymouth, Bellville, Butler, the Sheriff of Richland County, the Commander of the Mansfield Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol, the Attorney General of Ohio, and the Attorney General of the United States. 

Several local restaurants have taken the clergy’s advice to heart.

Mansfield Police Chief Porch with Reverend Moe Hill. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

The Reindeer Grill located at 10 South Park Street in Mansfield, and V & M Restaurant which has two locations at 1120 Lexington Avenue in Mansfield and 104 Main Street in Bellville will be providing free meals to law enforcement in uniform this coming Saturday, September 21st.

“Echoing another pastor’s sentiments, it is good to let the law enforcement know that we support them and are behind them rather than they behind us,” joked Akuchie tongue in cheek.

Law enforcement agencies present at the press conference included the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the Mansfield Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol, the Mansfield Police Department, and the Ontario Police Department.

View slideshow below of clergy press conference at Mansfield Mayor’s Conference Room.

  • Representatives of the Ontario P.D., Richland County Sheriff’s Dept., Ohio Highway Patrol & Mansfield P.D. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Clergy pictured with Mayor Timothy Theaker, & Director Lori Cope (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Pastor spokesmen Moe Hill, Ron Puff, & El Akuchie (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Mansfield Police Chief Keith Porch with Elder Moe Hill (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Press conference held at Mayor’s Conference Room(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • astor spokesmen Moe Hill, Ron Puff, & El Akuchie (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Press conference held at Mayor’s Conference Room(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Press conference held at Mayor’s Conference Room(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

Click on link below to view the clergy press conference in its entirety.

Related articles:

Mansfield Baptist Temple holds service honoring law enforcement (Photo Gallery)
Area clergy vocal of their support for Mansfield police & fire safety services levy
Clergy tip assists police in closing clandestine brothel

The Bottom Line:

Psalms 144 says, “Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle. He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge.”

Guest Column: What triggers gun violence, lack of gun control or lack of morality? (VIDEO)

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Increasingly, few if any genuinely safe places exist as a refuge from armed, angry, addicted young men pumped up on violent video games and suffering from the absence of a moral core. Schools, churches, shopping centers, businesses, and almost every place people gather have become targets for deranged individuals who are set on perpetrating evil and in possession of lethal weapons. At what point will we have the courage to acknowledge that our nation has a problem?

Tony Perkins (Photo courtesy of Family Research Council)

As a former police officer, this perspective on gun violence is not an academic approach. I’ve encountered armed suspects and dealt with gun-related violence. I’ve lost friends, gunned down in the line of duty. I have a full appreciation of the stress that families of law enforcement officers endure each day as their father, mother, son, or daughter head out to protect their neighbors and communities.

As president of the Family Research Council, I also saw gun violence from another perspective – as a target of hate. Our organization in Washington D.C. was attacked by a now convicted, domestic terrorist. Inspired by a leftist organization, Floyd Lee Corkins came into our offices with 100 rounds of ammunition and began firing, critically wounding one of our team members.

Yet the growing frequency and scale of such armed atrocities are symptomatic of a much deeper crisis, fomenting for decades. It is dishonest and self-serving of politicians who claim that this crisis is the result of statements made by President Donald Trump about securing our southern border. How would they explain the mass shootings that took place in Orlando, Sandy Hook, San Bernardino or Aurora during the Obama administration?

While policies may have an impact on this issue, unfortunately the debate never gets beyond the stalemate over “gun control.” Though an ardent supporter of the Second Amendment, I am willing to talk about laws regarding the ownership and use of guns by those who should not have them. But the missing component to this discussion playing on an endless political loop is the impact of the moral vacuum created by eliminating values, faith and civility from the public square.

Restricting the implements of violence while ignoring the causes is futile. Our nation’s capital, with some of the most restrictive gun-ownership laws in the country, clearly illustrates this point. Washington has a gun murder rate of 18 per 100,000, and the city’s gun-control laws did not protect our organization. Nationwide, as many as 80 percent of gun-related crime involves illegal guns.

And do laws blocking gun ownership stop murder? The United Kingdom, which already has strict laws on the ownership of guns, began restricting the sale and possession of knives over three inches long after a rash of episodes of knife violence last year. The focus on tools still misses the greater problem.

A deadly game with life-and-death stakes plays out in all cultures when violent people choose to act against their fellow citizens. Rock, paper, scissors, machete, rope, knife, gun – the instruments chosen are secondary to the reasons people strike out.

As Jesus observed in Matthew 15:19, from the human heart comes murder. To talk about the “why” and not just the “how,” requires we go beyond external, environmental factors to focus on the internal aspect of morality.  And we can’t have an honest discussion about morality without including religion.

Our nation’s founders understood the importance of faith and morality working hand in hand in our republic to restrain the worst of our human nature. George Washington in his farewell address at the end of his second term as president included several pieces of advice for preserving America’s prosperity, security and happiness.

He observed: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”

Washington was not alone in this conviction. John Adams, the second president of the United States, recognized the limitations of our laws. In speaking to the Massachusetts militia, Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

Some will be quick to say that nearly 250 years later, America has moved beyond the faith that inspired nation builders. That is a tragedy. Today our culture increasingly marginalizes public faith and religion, pushing it from the public square. But in the process, we’ve lost public morality, common decency and virtue, which are essential to freedom.

“To achieve security for our families and communities while preserving the freedom that has made America great, we have only one option: Restore morality by renewing our commitment to the free exercise of religion. In other words, we should protect, not prevent, religious freedom.”

Tony Perkins
Family Research Council

To achieve security for our families and communities while preserving the freedom that has made America great, we have only one option: Restore morality by renewing our commitment to the free exercise of religion. In other words, we should protect, not prevent, religious freedom.

Our baser nature clearly is not changed by passing more laws. The promises of security through more government restrictions will only serve to erode our freedoms while providing little protection. Rather, the solution to the gun violence plaguing our nation will be found in a willingness to recognize, as did the Founders, that as a people we are dependent upon and accountable to an omniscient God.  It is only from such an understanding that morality and public virtue become commonplace, which is essential for freedom.

As Americans, we must carefully consider the path we take in addressing this present and growing crisis. New gun laws never achieve what a commitment to the Golden Rule can accomplish. America will be safer if all of us do unto others as we want them to do unto us.

View the video below for Tony Perkins take on gun violence.

Tony Perkins is President of Family Research Council. This article appeared on FoxNews.com on August 25, 2019.

Pastor ‘going against the grain’ with one foot in Bucyrus, other in D.C. (PHOTO GALLERY) (VIDEO)

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BUCYRUS — At a time when the nation appears to have lost its moral compass, one rural congregation surrounded by cornfields is impacting the pulpits of the entire nation. Its pastor is encouraging other faith leaders to go against the grain using Biblical truth to confront a culture that has gone haywire.

Last month Reverend J.C. Church of Victory in Truth Ministries (VITM), held a “Stand Your Ground Conference” with over 280 pastors from fourteen different states attending. Other high-profile speakers at the conference included: Bishop Harry Jackson, Pastor Rod Parsley, and Pastor Lyndon Allen of Christians United for Israel.

Victory in Truth Ministries (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Click on image above to access more pictures from Frontlines Ohio Facebook of the 2019 Stand Your Ground Conference.

According to one of the conference attenders, Pastor Randy Raynes of Mansfield Fellowship Baptist, “I met a number pastors from different ministries. It was good to have that personal touch and be reminded that we are not alone in the fight for the soul of this nation. My wife and I took advantage of the free motel room accommodations. They (VITM) did everything to make us feel comfortable.”

Clergy throughout the nation attended with one attending pastor given a free trip to Israel, and several others receiving certificates for a three-night stay at the Eagles Landing. Pastor Brian Hall of Ontario Abundant Tabernacle was a first-time attender to this year’s conference.

“This was my first time at a Stand Your Ground Conference. I made several new pastor friends. I had just been studying from the Book of Nehemiah when Pastor J.C. spoke about pastors being watchmen on the walls of our culture.”

Pastor J.C. Church on radio show “Washington Watch” hosted by Tony Perkins. (Photo courtesy of VITM)

In addition to the Stand Your Ground Conference, VITM also allows Pastor Church to mentor pastors nationwide. This second ministry, 3 Cord Alliance, helps equip churches and ministries to engage the culture and empower leadership for the purpose of community transformation.

Thru 3 Cord Alliance, Pastor Church serves as the National Director of Ministry Engagement for the Washington D.C. based Family Research Council, networking churches to answer the call on moral issues thru the Watchman on the Wall initiative.

“Ohio has the best pastor network in the nation,” says Pastor Church. “We are seeing the Church moving from influence to power. Our state’s governor, Mike DeWine has a Governor’s Evangelical Advisory Council. According to historian David Barton, it is the only one of its kind in the nation.”

“We need to think generationally. The No. 1 thing anybody can give their children and grandchildren is the Supreme Christ. But the second greatest thing we can give them is the Supreme Court. By doing so we can build a firewall for our children and grandchildren to give them more time to rebuild our culture and nation.”

Pastor J.C. Church
Victory in Truth Ministries

In regards to the plight of the nation, Church says “We need to think generationally. The No. 1 thing anybody can give their children and grandchildren is the Supreme Christ. But the second greatest thing we can give them is the Supreme Court. By doing so we can build a firewall for our children and grandchildren to give them time to rebuild the culture and nation.”

On September 21st 2016, then-Presidential Candidate Donald Trump announced at an Ohio church he had compiled a list of twenty candidates he would appoint as judicial nominees. The President’s announcement was given to seven hundred faith leaders at Pastor Darrell Scott‘s New Spirit Revival Center in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

While President Trump has transformed the federal judiciary during his presidency, his influence has impacted other parts of the government as well. During his administration, President Trump has implemented a first of its kind policy requiring a chaplain for every federal department under his authority.  

According to Pastor Church, “From a religious freedom perspective, we have to look at what condition this nation would have been in if Trump was not elected to office. Our culture would be that much more worse off. We are really seeing the wheat being separated from the chaff. On behalf of my grandchildren, I cannot retreat.”

View the video below on Christian Television Network’s “Contending for the Faith” show interviewing Congresswoman Michele Bachmann & Pastor JC Church.

See related articles:

Ohio evangelicals praise lawmakers for funding pregnancy centers (VIDEO)
General Boykin makes explosive visit to Ohio as his detractors implode (VIDEO)

Article updated to include video produced two months after publication.

Mansfield Baptist Temple holds service honoring law enforcement (Photo Gallery)

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MANSFIELD — An impressive showing of law enforcement and first responders attended a local church’s service on Sunday honoring unsung heroes.

Reverend Robert Kurtz of Mansfield Baptist Temple had his congregation recognize the dedicated service of first responders, law enforcement, and elected officials in a “Local Heroes Celebration Service.” The church has held the celebration service for several years.

“I want to thank Pastor Kurtz and his congregation for letting me participate in the service today,” said Mansfield Mayor Timothy Theaker. “Our safety forces do so much for our community and it is wonderful to see them appreciated and recognized for their work. It is well deserved.”

Click on image above to connect to photo album from Front Lines Ohio Facebook page.

Theaker was one of several elected officials on hand to give awards to those in the safety forces.

Letters of commendation were given by Senate President Larry Obhof and State Representative Mark Romanchuk to Sheriff Steve Sheldon, Police Captain Douglas Noblet Jr., Madison Township Fire Chief Ron Luttrell, and Ohio Highway Patrol Mansfield Post Lieutenant Amy Ivy.

During his sermon, Reverend Kurtz mentioned that he has rode along with local law enforcement to get a better perspective of the experiences a police officer routinely faces.

“I have not been in your shoes. I only have a little bit of an understanding of how you (first responders) have to assist people in your jobs. In some cases you have to resuscitate people and in other situations you see violence. However, there is one person I do know who has seen it all and has been with you in every situation and that is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living GOD. He is your rescue.”

“I have not been in your shoes. I only have a little bit of an understanding of how you (first responders) have to assist people in your jobs. In some cases you have to resuscitate people and in other situations you see violence. However, there is one person I do know who has seen it all and has been with you in every situation and that is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living GOD. He is your rescue.”

Reverend Robert Kurtz
Mansfield Baptist Temple

Kurtz went on to share how last year he went skydiving with his son.

“Dropping at 120 miles per hour out of a plane, I had forgotten to pull my rip chord at the assigned altitude to trigger my parachute. I later found out that one of my guides intervened and pulled the cord for me and my parachute ejected. It goes to show we all need rescued in life and Christ is that rescue.”

Earlier in the service, one State Highway Patrol officer shared a testimony about the inmate escape from last year and how GOD intervened in the event. He regularly attends Mansfield Baptist Temple.

State Highway Patrol officer shares testimony. (Photo courtesy of Front Lines Ohio)

Solo renditions of “Rescue” and “Wanted“ were sung by church members Grace Custer and Pastor Eric Humble.

Other elected officials attending the service included County Commissioners: Marilyn John, Tony Vero, and Darrell Banks, and County Common Pleas Judges Brent Robinson and Phil Naumoff.

Juvenile Court Judge Steve McKinley who gave the closing dedication prayer commented, “It was really a special time today to be with those who are dedicated to the work of rescuing, protecting, and governing. I am thankful for Pastor Kurtz and his congregation for providing a tangible way by which to recognize these heroes. We truly have a lot to be thankful for in this community.”

Landmark “Hell is Real” billboard becomes moniker for professional sports rivalry (VIDEO)

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"Hell is real" billboard becomes landmark that makes mark in professional soccer league (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

MANSFIELD — Located halfway between Columbus and Cincinnati on Interstate 71, the eye-catching “HELL IS REAL” sign in Mt. Sterling, Ohio has recently cruised onto the national sports scene. The sign has become a driving force in the passionate intra-state soccer rivalry dubbed the “Hell is Real Derby” between the professional soccer teams Columbus Crew and Cincinnati Orange and Blue.

Called by players as the only two games in the season that matter, the Cincinnati Team President jokes that ‘the loser feels like they have gone to hell.” For what it’s worth, sports fans are told that when the two teams come together, there will be “fire and brimstone.”

“I think the rivalry will become more heated at time goes on.” says Steve Armstrong, Head Coach of the Mansfield Christian Flames’ boys varsity soccer team.

Mansfield Christian is one of north central Ohio’s most storied programs: winning the Division III State Championship in 2014 and winning a berth to the State Final Four in 2013 and 2015. In fact, alumni from the soccer team have gone on to play at the collegiate and professional levels.

Mansfield Christian Flames Boys’ Varsity Coach Steve Armstrong
(Photo courtesy of FrontLines Ohio)

“The “Hell is Real” sign certainly opens up opportunities for motorists to contemplate spiritual matters,” says Armstrong. “The sign does not clash with the surrounding areas, our area has a ton of churches and some really great pastors.”

The sign along Interstate 71 is accompanied by several other large billboards that include the Ten Commandments and another that asks motorists: “If you died today, where would you spend eternity?”

“People have to realize the sign’s message is not just smoke and mirrors. Each person makes the choice whether they want to go to hell,” says Reverend El Akuchie, Coordinator of the Richland Community Prayer Network. “God’s goal is for all to spend eternal life in Heaven; there is no luxury of sudden death overtime. The Scriptures tell us that GOD has provided a highway of holiness for us and we have to pick that right path.”

Akuchie has played and coached soccer, in Nigeria and the U.S. and is a World Cup Soccer enthusiast. He takes great pride in his state.

“Ohio is not fly-over territory-the East and West Coasts do not represent our values. Our area is part of the Buckeye Bible Belt and we set the stage for the rest of the country. We have a lot to say. I think it is great that the soccer rivalry is named after a principle found in the Bible.”

“Ohio is not fly-over territory-the East and West Coasts do not represent our values. Our area is part of the Buckeye Bible Belt and we set the stage for the rest of the country. We have a lot to say. I think it is great that the soccer rivalry is named after a principle found in the Bible.”

Reverend El Akuchie
Richland Community Prayer Network

The “Hell is Real” sign has been on the Bob and Nancy Hall farm since 2004. Kentucky developer Jimmy Harston asked them to host one of his 20 billboards in five states that he has erected across the Midwest and Deep South. Each billboard costs about eight thousand dollars.

Harston said that GOD cured him of cancer the same time the LORD called him to approach landowners about building billboards along highways.

“It would be great to have billboards with spiritual messages in Richland County,” says Akuchie. “I guess you could say the “Hell is Real” sign has become a sign of our times.”

View the following video posted in August 2019 by Major League Soccer.

‘See You At the Pole’ set for Wednesday, September 25th (VIDEO)

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NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — 2 Chronicles 7:14 is the theme for See You at the Pole (SYATP) 2019, which is all about students praying at their schools. The event is planned for Wednesday, September 25, at schools around the world.

The event is more than just one day of prayer. With diverse schedules at participating schools, students are being challenged to find new and unique ways, places, and times to pray throughout the Global Week of Student Prayer on September 22-28th.

(Photo courtesy of See You At The Pole)

On Wednesday, September 25th at 7:00 a.m. students are encouraged to gather at a school flagpole to pray at See You at the Pole. This means that, all around the world in every time zone, for 24 hours, students will be praying for their school, friends, families, churches, and communities.

This is the 29th anniversary for See You at the Pole, a student-initiated and student-led event that started in Burleson, Texas, in 1990. SYATP brings students together to intercede for their leaders, schools, and families, asking God to bring moral and spiritual awakening to their campuses and countries.

Everything students need to do a successful SYATP is available free at www.syatp.com. For the Facebook page, go to “myseeyouatthepole”. Promotional resources can be ordered online or by calling (817) HIS-PLAN (817-447-7526) between 10:00-6:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Brochures, a promotional DVD, and posters are some of the materials available for 2019.

The San Diego-based National Network of Youth Ministries coordinates SYATP promotion. Doug Clark, national field director of the Network, noted: “See You at the Pole is a ‘moment.’ We hope adults and students will consider turning that moment into a movement by praying every day.”

Churches can show support for schools by sponsoring a “Pray for Schools Sunday” emphasis in their worship services September 14-15th. Participants can recognize and pray for Christian students, educators and schools in their congregations. For resources, please go to PrayForSchools.com.

SYATP is partnering with Claim Your Campus to encourage students to daily prayer at their schools. Resources and training for both ministries are available on a shared mobile app, “Campus Prayer.” CYC currently supports students praying daily on 1,000 US schools.

Who will inform your principal or administration about SYATP? Who will be leading the social media promo? Do you have an alternative meeting place in case of bad weather? Students can download a checklist to help coordinate their own SYATP event.

View the video below to learn more about See You At The Pole 2019.

Fostering Family Ministries launches campaign addressing need for foster care (VIDEO)

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ASHLAND — There is a national crisis with over 400,000 abused and neglected children in need of a loving home. One ministry is providing an effective template with the message: “It takes the church to foster a child.”

This past week, Sherry Bouquet of Fostering Family Ministries (FFM) held a press conference at Corner Park recognizing the impact of its twelve- church partnership collaborating with county government over the past three years.

“Psalm 68:6 promises that ‘God sets the lonely in families,” says Bouquet. “Based on this promise, the development of local church foster care ministries and recruitment messaging have raised awareness contributing to the doubling of the number of foster families in Ashland County between 2016-2019.”

Fostering Family Ministries Executive Director Sherry Bouquet
(Photo courtesy of Jimmi Delay)

Bouquet told community leaders and volunteers at the press conference that long-term effects of children growing up without a caring and stable family is staggering.

In some states over half the population in prison comes from foster care. Sixty percent of those trapped in sex trafficking are from foster care. Up to one-third of youth become homeless after aging out of the foster-care system. And more than ninety-seven percent of foster youth will not earn a college degree.

“For perspective, in the wake of the Opioid Crisis, today we have 181 children in agency custody; at the end of 2016, we had only 73,” Ashland County Job & Family Services Director Peter Stefaniuk told those in attendance. “We are losing the ability to keep our children in our community.”

But thru the efforts of Fostering Family Ministries (FFM), local churches are meeting the challenge.

“In the past three years we have grown to ten partnering churches who have volunteers and/or a foster family as well as foster care ministry in formation at their church,” Bouquet reported.

“In addition, there have been fourteen care teams serving foster and kinship families with nearly one-hundred volunteers trained. With the financial support of local churches and charitable foundations, this work could not happen.”

Press conference at Ashland Corner Park on Thursday, August 29th.
(Photo courtesy of Jimmi Delay)

Stefaniuk commented, “I want to thank FFM for the incredible job they have done in raising awareness of the need for local foster homes in Ashland County. We have almost tripled the number of foster homes since 2016. We have added thirteen foster homes and now have a total of twenty-two.”

The strategy of FFM is to inspire and equip churches to raise up at least one foster family with a team of support friends until there are more than enough families to meet the need.

The idea has caught on and Richland County Job & Family Services has asked FFM to build the same network with foster care ministry inside local churches in the Mansfield area.

“For ten weeks, from September 8th to November 17th we are calling our community to step up and be the neighbor, help foster a child, and find a way to get involved. One foster family cannot meet the needs of all the children, but one foster family can change the world for one child.”

Sherry Bouquet
Executive Director of FosteRing Family Ministries

“For ten weeks, from September 8th to November 17th we are calling our community to step up and be the neighbor, help foster a child, find a way to get involved. One foster family cannot meet the needs of all the children, but one foster family can change the world for one child. Become a foster parent, a care team member, take a yard sign, pick up a prayer guide, and utilize our digital media kit for your local church to share the need and ways to be involved.”

The campaign will close on “Stand Sunday,” on November 17th at 4:30 pm with a community rally at Jack’s Place, located at Trinity Lutheran. For more information, Fostering Family Ministries can be reached at 419.496.2507.

Attending the press conference were Ashland County Commissioners: Denny Bittle and Emmit Justice, Ashland Mayor Matt Miller, representatives from the Sheriff’s Department, City Police, and Ashland County CASA, foster volunteers, and fifteen area pastors.

View the video link below about the importance of foster care.

Richland County clergy commend police in recent commercial sex raid (VIDEO)

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MANSFIELD — Several weeks ago, local, state, and federal law enforcement pulled back the curtain on a maze of alleged human trafficking centers across seven counties throughout northern Ohio including in Mansfield. According to one local pastor, he is thankful for the recent dragnet and believes the activities of these illicit businesses fronting as massage parlors will not be tolerated.

1523 Lexington Avenue, Unit A, in Mansfield has been a part of a long-term commercial sex investigation and one of the sixteen locations where search warrants were executed by agents with the Ohio Investigative Unit and the United States Secret Service of the Northern District of Ohio Task Force.

This discreet massage parlor was shut down recently and was hidden beside a fast food restaurant and insurance office in the Appleseed Ace Hardware Complex at 1523 Lexington Avenue in Mansfield. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

One pastor who has been engaged in fighting pornography and sex trafficking is grateful for the operation.

“I’d like to thank the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Mansfield Police Department for their dedicated service. We thank GOD for these folks and pray for them and their families daily,” says Reverend Kevin Evans, President of the Shelby Ministerial Association and Pastor of Ganges Liberty Baptist.

Greg Croft, Agent-in -Charge with the Ohio Investigative Unit told Frontlines Ohio that the investigation is still ongoing. “The Mansfield parlor was searched due to their connection with the main targets and sex acts were taking place inside the location.”

According to Ohio law, “No person shall knowingly recruit, lure, entice, isolate, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, or maintain another person knowing that the person will be subjected to involuntary servitude or be compelled to engage in sexual activity.”

According to The Polaris Project, Ohio had the fifth-most reported cases of human trafficking in 2018.

Evans adds “While other places across our nation may turn a blind eye from the terrible scourge of human trafficking and prostitution, as a community of folks in North Central Ohio with high moral values, these behaviors remain unacceptable.”

“While other places across our nation may turn a blind eye from the terrible scourge of human trafficking and prostitution, as a community of folks in North Central Ohio with high moral values, these behaviors remain unacceptable.”

Reverend Kevin Evans
Ganges Liberty Baptist
Shelby Ministerial Association President

In 2017, agents received complaints about possible illegal activity taking place in Asian massage parlors. The two-year investigation revealed a group of individuals involved in an illegal commercial sex enterprise.

So far, a total of seven persons have been charged with promoting prostitution. More indictments are to follow targeting customers of the illicit massage businesses.

Pastor Evans says that education about human trafficking tailored for parents, teachers, churches, and community leaders is critical to strengthening community resistance to human trafficking.

“Psalms 82:4 tells us to ‘Rescue the weak and the needy and to deliver them from the hand of the wicked.’ Human trafficking is slavery and it dehumanizes people.”

Governor DeWine’s Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force offers a 50-minute online training. This training features information about the signs and indicators of human trafficking and and instructs how a person can make a difference in their neighborhood.

To get help, report a tip about a potential case of human trafficking, find service referrals for victims of trafficking, or request training, call 1-888-373-7888. 

View the video news report below on the recent Ohio sting operation.

Featured Image: Pictured are Mayor Reverend Steve Schag, Reverend Kevin Evans, Reverend El Akuchie, and Reverend Walter Keib for Pornography Awareness Week presentation.(Picture courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

See related articles:

Clergy tip assists police in closing clandestine brothel
City of Shelby proclaims porn awareness week

Ohio Attorney General Yost lauded by CCV for taking stand for women (VIDEO)

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COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has joined forces with other states by defending the safety and privacy of women and girls.

Last week, Yost signed onto a brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the Harris Funeral Home v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission case arguing in favor of the original intent of Title VII in federal law.

This 1964 Title VII law prohibits discrimination on the basis of biological sex, not gender identity or sexual orientation. The protections address conduct in the workplace, seeking to ensure appropriate workplace treatment to all employees free from discrimination.

Unfortunately, social progressive activists are trying to redefine the word sex in law to include transgenderism. This will have repercussions on hiring practices and restroom policy.

By signing onto the brief, Attorney General Yost is sending a clear message that Ohio will not be bullied into a political agenda that puts the safety of women at risk.

“The plain language of Title VII prohibits employers from discriminating because of sex, not sexual orientation or gender identity,” Attorney General Yost said.

“We are so grateful for the leadership of Attorney General Yost. He is taking a stand for the law as it is written, instead of redefining sex to suit political agendas. Title VII was designed to protect women and girls, not place their safety at risk. He is taking a stand for the law’s original intent, instead of redefining sex to suit political agendas.”

Rachel Citak
Citizens For Community Values
Legislative Liason

Rachel Citak, the Legislative Liaison for Citizens for Community Values (CCV) states, “We are so grateful for the leadership of Attorney General Yost. He is taking a stand for the law as it is written, instead of redefining sex to suit political agendas. Title VII was designed to protect women and girls, not place their safety at risk. He is taking a stand for the law’s original intent, instead of redefining sex to suit political agendas.”

Ohio has now joined fourteen other states along with the Trump administration in the  major Supreme Court case that will determine if federal law protections do not include sexual orientation and gender identity. 

The Trump Justice Department is siding with the Christian-owned funeral home against the fired transgender employee.

Previously the President gave a directive to halt recruitment of transgender individuals by the U.S. military due to the association of the psychological disorder with erratic behavior, the requirement of costly medical treatment, and the prevention of deployment for extended periods of time.”

View the video link by Alliance Defending Freedom below on the Harris Funeral Home v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission case.

As state pioneer, Bellville Trail Life USA a good alternative to Boy Scouts (VIDEO)

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BELLVILLE — Trail Life USA has become a formidable movement across the nation as a church-based, Christ-centered, and boy-focused alternative to the Boys Scouts of America (BSA). With a total of forty-five troops across Ohio, the Bellville Troop holds a moral compass and has become a trail blazer as the first chartered troop in the state.

“Luke Burton had a vision for the Bellville Trail Life in 2013 and was involved with the founding of the organization in Nashville, Tennessee,” says Reverend Mike Stine of Clear Fork Alliance.

Pictured: Trail LIfe Troop #1 at a field trip (Photo submitted by Luke Burton)

“We have had boys from half a dozen congregations in the area join the troop.” says Stine. “This is really a wonderful opportunity for young boys to learn to be men. What is also great about the Troop is they have had several community service projects and were a part of our National Day of Prayer this year.”

As chaplain of Troop#1, Stine leads a devotional at the end of every meeting, which occurs every second and fourth Monday of the month during the school year. His congregation also serves as the local Trail Life USA charter sponsor.

Trail Life is comprised of boys from kindergarten to twelfth grade that are classified in elementary, middle, high school levels.

According to Troopmaster Luke Burton, “Students have uniforms, and some of the skills they learn include fire safety, hiking, backpacking, navigation, water safety, and First-Aid. During these lessons, they have the opportunity to gain award badges which can take between 4-10 hours of work.

“The students can do spiritual things and father-son activities to get badges. We make our camp father and son oriented,” says Burton, who has five boys of his own in the program.

Trail Life USA Troop #1 at field trip in Mammoth Cave.
(Photo submitted by Luke Burton)

The Trail Life USA motto is Colossians 1:10 which says: “That you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”

The high school boys from Troop #1 have taken several week-long summer trips to Niagara Falls, Mammoth Cave, and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

While the Local Troop #1 has been successful in reaching boys, the group is not out of the woods.

“The first year our Local Troop #1 started with ten students and have gotten up to as many as forty students,” says Burton.

“Overall there has been a scouting decline for the last thirty years. Some of that may be attributed to the moral direction of the BSA which conflicts with our values.

“At Trail Life USA we recognize that GOD calls us to lives of holiness and purity of heart, mind, word and deed. As men, we are to reserve sexual activity for the sanctity of marriage, which is a lifelong commitment before God between one man and one woman.”

“At Trail Life USA we recognize that GOD calls us to lives of holiness and purity of heart, mind, word and deed. As men, we are to reserve sexual activity for the sanctity of marriage, which is a lifelong commitment before God between one man and one woman.”

Troopmaster Luke Burton
Trail Life USA Bellville Troop #1

Trail Life USA partners with churches and parents across America as the premier national character development organization for young men; producing the next generation of godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens. In over 750 churches in nearly 50 states, fathers and sons are connecting, relationship are deepening, and legacies are beginning as a new generation of godly leaders rises up. 

For more information, contact Clear Fork Alliance at 419.886.4333. View the promotional video below.

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