Home Blog Page 8

Canadian clergy tell Trudeau ‘GOD sets up kings and pulls the mighty down from their thrones’

By
Admin
-
0

OTTAWA — As Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last week he would stand against Russian authoritarianism, clergy resolved to stand against Trudeau’s own dictatorship. Recently Canadian clergy sent an open letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the federal government after the embattled Prime Minister unlawfully and unilaterally activated the emergency ‘War Measures Act’.

Justin Trudeau declared martial law after a Canadian truck convoys came to key cities to protest draconian COVID vaccine passport and masking policies. COVID deaths and hospitalizations are declining world-wide. In response to this unprecedented action, the clergy took action.

Canadian trucker convoy protesting the government’s mandates. (Photo from Gateway Pundit screenshot)

“We are writing to you as representative pastors of Christian congregations from across the nation and as law-abiding citizens who respect the God-defined role of civil government and uphold the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the highest law of our land, which recognizes the supremacy of God over all human legislation,” the thirty clergymen wrote the Canadian leader. 

Trudeau has initiated Canada’s ‘War Measures Act’ but is charging citizens with ‘Mischief.’ Interestingly, the Act was not implemented during the civil unrest of 2020 involving Black Lives Matter where violence and massive property damage occurred.

“For the past two years, we have sought to respectfully and peaceably make known to all levels of government our profound concern about the indefinite suspension of civil liberties, coercive mandates and perpetual state interference in the life, freedom and worship of the church – freedoms guaranteed by both our inherited Common Law tradition and Charter. We have also prayed earnestly for our governing authorities, met with them, written letters and petitions, peacefully gathered for protest with other concerned citizens and in some cases filed lawsuits. We have used every lawful means at our disposal to be heard and taken seriously. Yet at every turn, we have been largely ignored, brushed aside, insulted and even told we in no way represent Canadians,” the letter said.

“We do not hesitate to fulfill our responsibility as servants of the living God by unapologetically reminding you that Jesus Christ is Lord and King and the ruler of the kings of the earth. He sets up kings and pulls down the mighty from their thrones and none can stay his hand.”

Open letter by Canadian clergy to Justin trudeau

The Canadian Prime Minister and his Administration has refused to meet with the opponents of his COVID restrictions. While no acts of violence has been reported by protesters of the truck convoys, Justin Trudeau has ordered the jailing of protesters and the freezing of their banking accounts.

The clergy wrote, “The Ottawa protest has presented your government with a wonderful opportunity to meet with and speak to ordinary Canadians lawfully and peaceably requiring the restoration of their constitutional rights. However, in response to their singing, praying, dancing, candy floss, bouncy castles, speeches about the constitution and outpourings of patriotic love for the country, your government has not only refused to meet with these citizens to hear their concerns, you have insulted, denigrated and lied about them, further dividing a hurting and broken nation.

“As ambassadors of Christ, while we respect your office as a public servant and honor the limited role of civil authority as a ministry of public justice, we do not hesitate to fulfill our responsibility as servants of the living God by unapologetically reminding you that Jesus Christ is Lord and King and the ruler of the kings of the earth. He sets up kings and pulls down the mighty from their thrones and none can stay his hand. In the words of the same scriptures engraved on the Peace Tower in Ottawa and written into our very national Coat of Arms.”

Embattled Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Photo courtesy of Gateway Pundit screenshot)

“Mr. Trudeau, with great respect, you are neither the king nor the ruler of Canada. Both you and your colleagues are public servants sent for a short time to Parliament at our behest as citizens to govern under God in terms of the Canadian Charter and to seek a harmony of public legal interest. You do not grant people rights and responsibilities that are theirs as God’s image-bearers and a free people. Since you do not grant them, you have no authority to remove them. 

“Your government does not grant people the right to their bodily integrity, the right to work or earn a living, the right to decide for their children or to be with their families or dying loved ones, the right to gather to worship and obey God, the right to travel in their own land or enter and leave. Civil government exists to protect these pre-political and fundamental freedoms, not bestow and remove them as if it can function in the place of God. 

“As such, we as Christian pastors condemn in the strongest possible terms your unprecedented invoking of the Emergency Powers Act (1988) with the intent of bringing unaccountable state power to bear on peaceful citizens – “men women and children” – who have been stripped of their fundamental freedoms for two years and who have in many cases lost everything as a result of your government’s mandates. There is no national emergency and to invoke one to crush peaceful political dissent is a totalitarian act of repression displaying weakness not strength. These tyrannical actions are exposing this government and people to the judgment of God, and we are deeply concerned that you do not appreciate the significance of God’s wrath upon a rebellious and lawless nation.

The clergymen concluded, “We implore you to step back from the brink, restore the constitutional freedoms of the people, respect the God-given rights of our citizenry and above all to humble yourself and take a knee before Christ the King lest you perish in the way. We urge you to repent of the sins of pride, rebellion against God, and bearing false witness. You have not displayed a brotherly care and love for these honest hard-working people who have tried to peacefully bring their very serious concerns to your attention.”

See related articles:

Ashland pastor says Canadian tyranny another example of how gov’t will never control Church (VIDEO)
101 Ohio clergy tell Joe Biden: “There is no king but King Jesus”

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Psalms 2, “Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.”

22 Clergy leaders question upstart Gibbons’ conservative credentials for U.S. Senate

By
Admin
-
0

NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — The Ohio Senate primary race has been one of the costliest election races in the nation. With Josh Mandel maintaining his lead over the other candidates, eyes are on Mike Gibbons who appears to have risen to second in election polling.

Being a political outsider and a businessman has given Mike Gibbons appeal to voters disenfranchised with the political elites of Washington D.C. But some local clergy are skeptical of Gibbon’s conservatives values.

In 2020, Ohio clergy sent a correspondence to President Trump thanking him for twenty policy achievements of his Administration.
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

Over twenty local lead clergymen from multiple denominations released a joint statement expressing their concern over the authenticity of U.S. Senate Candidate Mike Gibbons. The clergy believe Gibbons does not have conservative views on cardinal issues like sanctity of life and election integrity.

According to Bucyrus Pastor J.C. Church, “Mike Gibbons appears to be an unproven candidate with a track record of pro-choice statements who echoes the liberal media’s views on the 2020 election. What is more concerning is Gibbons has already put $11 million in an attempt to buy a U.S. Senate seat and is seeing his poll numbers increase. Ohio Republican primary voters should be aware of his record and question whether he truly knows where he stands on issues important to conservatives in the Buckeye State.”

The pastors point out as a first-time candidate in 2017, Mike Gibbons indicated he was pro-choice.

When asked his position on abortion as a Senate candidate in 2017, Gibbons first stated on social issues he is a “pro-people” person who is not dogmatic. Given a chance to clarify his remarks the next day, Gibbons solidified his personal position claiming that he “personally” opposed abortion but he is “not a woman” and would not choose for them.

According to Orville Pastor Jerry O’Brien, “In regards to the sanctity of life issue, Mike Gibbons echoes the same rhetoric used by the Liberal Left and Planned Parenthood. What about the baby? The baby isn’t given a choice when its mother terminates its life. The answers by Gibbons in the recent past are revealing. We need a fighter in Washington D.C., not someone who wants to fit in.”

“Mike Gibbons appears to be an unproven candidate with a track record of pro-choice statements who echoes the liberal media’s views on the 2020 election. What is more concerning is Gibbons has already put $11 million in an attempt to buy a U.S. Senate seat and is seeing his poll numbers increase. Ohio Republican primary voters should be aware of his record and question whether he truly knows where he stands on issues important to conservatives in the Buckeye State.”

Pastor J.C. Church

According to the clergy statement, Gibbons has donated in the past to campaigns of pro-choice Democrats including Jimmy Carter’s son and former Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman.

The clergy also point out Mike Gibbons says he does not like Donald Trump and believes Joe Biden won the 2020 elections. In 2021, Gibbons stated he “has not seen evidence” of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. This year He admitted that he would have voted to certify the 2020 election if he had been in the U.S. Senate at the time.

Driven by his personal fortune, Gibbons is now rising in the polls in the race for the U.S. Senate in Ohio, and pro-Trump conservatives are concerned.

Pastor Church says, “You are only as good as your word. I think if we read between the lines, Mike Gibbons would rather be politically correct in Washington D.C. than defend conservative Ohio family values.”

Presently, Election day is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3rd with early voting beginning Tuesday, April 5th. The deadline to register to vote is Monday, April 4th.

Related articles:

101 Ohio evangelical leaders thank President Trump for policies
Ohio clergy celebrate Appeals Court reversal of Black decision on babies with Down Syndrome (VIDEO)
72 Ohio clergy give ‘vote of no confidence’ to Dominion voting machines

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in 1 John Chapter 3, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth.”

Flashback: Light pillar phenomenon in Mansfield occurs after clergy discuss ‘Light our city’ (SLIDESHOW)

By
Admin
-
0
Scene from Ontario (Photo courtesy of Steve Cook)

MANSFIELD — The faith community in the Buckeye Bible Belt has been a model for other communities around the world. As religious freedoms are being completely cancelled, one lesson North Central Ohio churches are demonstrating during precarious times is: “Do not stop.” Historically the region has been a light for many to see in more ways than one.

In 2014, less than one week following a declaration by Richland County Board of Commissioners to observe “Religious Freedom Day,” reports about a phenomena occurring in Mansfield were broadcasted by regional media outlets. Cleveland media reported that mystifying lights in the skies were seen over Mansfield.

Pastor Jerry Laudermilk pictured on the far left at the Board of Commissioners meeting in 2014. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter)

“I remember that day,” recalls Pastor Jerry Laudermilk. “I remember taking pictures of these light pillars in the sky that morning. There were beams of light which appeared to be coming from the ground and shooting skyward.”

Light pillars in Ohio are rare and can only be seen in specific weather conditions: frigid cold air, little wind, and moisture in the air. Meteorologists say these pillars are vertical columns of light that form when artificial or natural light bounces off the faces of ice crystals floating relatively close to the ground.

The ironic thing is Laudermilk was one of the faith leaders meeting with the Richland County Board of Commissioners just a week prior. It was the first time the Commissioner Board has recognized religious freedom formally in a proclamation.

“I was discussing with the Commissioner Board the success we were having with a church-led initiative ‘Light our City’ outreach program. The outreach at its peak involved 300 volunteers and 45 local churches cooperating together each year to assist schools, impoverished neighborhoods, city parks and service agencies. It seems when our light shines before men, our good works really can be seen and give glory to our Father in Heaven,” Laudermilk laughs.

“I was discussing with the Commissioner Board the success we were having with a church-led initiative ‘Light our City’ outreach program. The outreach at its peak involved 300 volunteers and 45 local churches cooperating together each year to assist schools, impoverished neighborhoods, city parks and service agencies. It seems when our light shines before men, our good works really can be seen and give glory to our Father in Heaven.”

Pastor Jerry Laudermilk

Pastor Laudermilk was recognized by Mansfield Mayor Timothy Theaker in 2018 for his efforts before Laudermilk announced he would be leaving the area to serve as pastor in Tennessee.

The outgoing clergyman was the chief catalyst behind the “Light our City” outreach program in the Greater Mansfield area. Other communities from South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe replicated the concept of church collaboration to reach the community according to Laudermilk.

“I will miss working with the clergy and miss all of the faithful in Richland County.  There were a lot of good memories here, the clergy really have something special in that community,” Laudermilk says.

“The Church is called by Christ to be salt and light to the world around us. In times of moral decay, the church is be the salt that preserves goodness and exemplifies to others. In these darkened days we live in, our job is to illuminate the way forward as beacons in this darkness. Where the light shines, hope dawns.”

When light shines, it certainly can be a sign and a wonder. A reminder Heaven is in control.

View slideshow of local pictures of the light pillar phenomena that occurred January 21-22, 2014.

  • Scene of Mansfield First Presbyterian (Photo courtesy of Jamie Amsbaugh)
  • Scene from Mansfield road ramp (Photo courtesy of Jamie Amsbaugh)
  • Scene from Mansfield neighborhood (Photo courtesy of Lisa Hernandez)
  • Scene in Ontario (Photo courtesy of Raejean Yarger Johnson & Cory Johnson)
  • Scene from Ontario (Photo courtesy of Steve Cook)
  • Scene from Mansfield neighborhood (Photo courtesy of Lisa Hernandez)

Related articles:

Local religious leaders warn that freedoms are in jeopardy (SLIDESHOW)
Guest Column: Ohio clergymen shepherd community with faith-based evidence

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Psalms 19, “The heavens declare the glory of GOD, the skies provlaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. “

City officials meet with faith community to discuss challenges on the horizon (SLIDESHOW)

By
Admin
-
0

MANSFIELD — At a recent clergy luncheon at the Mayor’s office, city officials did not mince words: they have a lot on their plate. With an Opiate Crisis not going away and the recruitment of new police officers at its lowest level in years, sirens in most communities would be going off. Unlike other communities, one thing the city does have is the support of its faith community.

“I believe we can support our city safety services by being more involved in our community and by reminding them how much we appreciate their service,” says Pastor James Hill of Paradise Church. “I came away from our meeting feeling encouraged that despite the dark times we are living in, my local leaders are looking to the LORD for help. I am proud to call Mansfield my home.”

Pastor Hill was one of the faith leaders from the Brown Bag Clergy Group representing seventeen local churches at the luncheon. Also attending were Mayor Timothy Theaker, Fire Chief Steven Strickling, Assistant Police Chief Jason Bammann, City Councilman Reverend El Akuchie, and Juvenile Court Judge Steve McKinley. Greg Boyce of Modern Woodmen of America provided the meal.

Pastor James Hill
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

During the meeting city officials thanked the faith leaders for their prayers and civic engagement. While the city saw a 2.1% rise in violent crime compared to last year’s COVID year, the State looks at the Mansfield area as a trendsetter with its holistic approach in utilizing a County Opiate Board to combat the Opioid drug problem.

Judge McKinley commented that one recent disturbing trend has been gun possession by juveniles who are quick to pull the trigger. McKinley believes moral relativism in the country and a disregard to the sanctity of life contributes to the problem.

“I agree with what Judge McKinley shared at the meeting,” says Pastor Dave Rentzel of Abundant Life Tabernacle. “There needs to be a voice to this next generation of youth teaching them there is a right and a wrong and that their life has value. We are living in days the Bible talks about when there will be people calling good ‘evil’ and evil ‘good.'” This may require us to start opening our churches so the youth have a place to come where it is safe and they can feel the love of GOD.”

Pastor Dave Rentzel
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

Both pastors believe with moral bankruptcy in society creating social unrest, there is more pressure on local law enforcement than ever before.

“Relational equity between the faith community and local government is important. When the faith community comes alongside our local government, like for a luncheon, trust can be built giving us the access we need to intercede for those making decisions for our community.” 

Rentzel believes one way to improve the morale of the police department is by turning off the news and going to the local police station to understand their challenges.

“I believe they (safety services) will be transparent in what they will tell you. A lot of us forget these men and women that serve our communities have families at home as well. As a faith community we have power in our words and if we are speaking division instead of finding solutions, we are becoming advocates for the enemy. I pray this will be a place where GOD will reign. I declare Mansfield will be Godsfield.”

  • Luncheon sponsor Greg Boyce pictured with Assistant Police Chief Jason Bammann(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Juvenile Court Judge Steve McKinley makes point (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Lunch provided by local Reindeer Grill (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Faith community leaders from Brown Bag clergy group met with city officials (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Faith community leaders from Brown Bag clergy group met with city officials (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

Pastor Hill adds, “I could not be more proud of our Mayor and safety services that they would ask for our help in prayer concerning the challenges they face.”

“I was proud of Judge McKinley speaking on behalf of the youth and his challenge to local churches to instill the importance of life and purpose. With dedicated youth programs and Sunday School, we can instill the values of life. The Bible reminds us GOD is aware of every sparrow that falls to the ground. How much more valuable we are to Him than a sparrow?”

Related articles:

City officials meet with pastors in upper room and discuss declining crime
Mansfield Mayor gives optimistic report at clergy meeting
Mansfield-area ministers get a seat at the table with Mayor Theaker

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Psalm 110, “Your people shall be volunteers in the day of your power; in the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.”

Key stakeholders give convincing case against legalizing marijuana in Ohio (VIDEO)

By
Admin
-
0

COLUMBUS –In 2015, Ohio voters soundly turned down a ballot measure that would have legalized limited use and possession of recreational marijuana in Ohio by a 64-36 margin. However, the issue has not gone away. One coalition is urging lawmakers to consider the errors of other states where recreational marijuana has been an epic fail.

The Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) joined community leaders, medical professionals, parents, and drug addiction specialists at a press conference on Tuesday to discuss the devastating impact legalizing recreational marijuana would have on Ohio. The press conference was in response to the latest effort to pressure state lawmakers and voters to allow the commercialization of marijuana for recreational use. 

Key stakeholders held a press conference Tuesday at the Ohio Statehouse opposing recreational cannabis. (Photo courtesy of CCV)

“We no longer need to wonder what commercializing marijuana would mean for businesses, children, and communities, says Aaron Baer, President of CCV. “Eight years of data from states that have already journeyed down the rabbit-hole of commercialization show increases in addiction, cannabis and opioid use disorders, industrial accidents, hiring shortages, black market activity and crime, youth usage, and automobile accidents.”

According to data collected by the coalition, the non-FDA approved Schedule I narcotic is addictive and may cause mental illnesses, ranging from anxiety and depression to schizophrenia and psychosis, and even suicidal thoughts. These risks are heightened when consumed by youth.

Marijuana use has an association with future substance misuse and addiction. Research has found users of marijuana are more likely to misuse prescription opioids. Though the majority of those using marijuana will not go on to use other drugs, more than 95% of those using heroin and cocaine started with marijuana.

During the press conference, CCV and the coalition against legalized recreational marijuana presented a correspondence to lawmakers and Governor Mike DeWine detailing the harms and lies of the marijuana industry. Composed of religious, medical and drug treatment leaders, the letter was signed by twenty-one leaders.

“We no longer need to wonder what commercializing marijuana would mean for businesses, children, and communities. Eight years of data from states that have already journeyed down the rabbit-hole of commercialization show increases in addiction, cannabis and opioid use disorders, industrial accidents, hiring shortages, black market activity and crime, youth usage, and automobile accidents.”

Among other facts, the letter details how: According to a study reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, employees who tested positive for marijuana had 55% more industrial accidents, 85% more injuries, and 75% greater absenteeism compared to those who tested negative.

In Colorado, more than one in every four road deaths has involved a marijuana- impaired driver.

According to the coalition, Illicit markets have thrived in every “legal” state, such as Oregon, where illegal marijuana makes up more than 70% of the market. In fact, where legalization is present, cannabis in neighborhoods has also been societally transformative in the bad sense.

Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer addresses the societal problems of marijuana. (Photo courtesy of CCV)

There are currently more marijuana dispensaries in the state of Colorado than there are Starbuck’s and McDonald’s combined, and these dispensaries are located mostly in lower-income neighborhoods. Commercialization draws the marijuana industry into the state and dramatically alters the culture of businesses in the community.

A 2018 Centennial Institute study on the economic and social costs of legalized marijuana in Colorado found that it cost the state $4.50 to counteract the effects of marijuana legalization for each dollar brought in by marijuana tax revenues.
States with mature marijuana markets (CA, CO, NV, OR, and WA) are facing a combined budget deficit of $71 billion. Marijuana revenues are not helping with COVID-19 related economic shortfalls

The letter concluded by saying, “At a time when Ohio families are grappling with unprecedented crime and addiction compounded by the stress of a global pandemic, we consider the commercialization of an
addictive drug with such scientifically proven public health harms to be grossly irresponsible.”

View the Center for Christian Virtue Facebook video of the press conference below.

Related articles:

70 Richland clergy call for local prohibition of “medical” marijuana
Economic leader says local clergy prevented cannabis company from coming to Ontario
Mansfield City Council goes on record opposing Issue 3 marijuana issue

The Bottom Line:

The Bible in Proverbs says, “As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.”

91 Ohio clergy rebuke Governor on Super Bowl week for expansion of sports gambling

By
Admin
-
0

NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — As Ohioans are counting on the Cincinnati Bengals to win Super Bowl LVI, the Ohio Governor and Legislature are counting on Ohioans to lose. Recently Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill into law legalizing sports betting in order to replenish state coffers with additional tax revenue. Ohio clergy at odds with DeWine believe state-sanctioned sports betting in the long run will be a bad bet for Ohio and will set up a banana republic at the expense of gambling addicts.

Clergy representing ninety-one congregations throughout the Buckeye Bible Belt wrote an open letter critical of Governor Mike DeWine (R) after he signed House Bill 29 into law legalizing sports gambling. The leading clergymen said the decision was “irresponsible and showed a glaring lack of leadership.”

Several of the clergy co-signors pictured: Reverend El Akuchie, Rabbi William Hallbrook & Pastor John Bouquet
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

House Bill 29 will allow predatory sports betting on collegiate and professional sports.  It will also legalize sports betting at brick-and-mortar casinos, stadiums, bars, and restaurants and allow betting via internet, mobile devices, and kiosks. The Ohio Casino Control Commission will have regulatory oversight.

The pastors say government will be robbing Peter to pay Paul with enticing state-run gambling interests taking money from families.

The letter stated, “As the state government under your (DeWine’s) leadership continues to employ new methods of consumer fraud to exploit Ohio’s poor, it bears worth repeating that gambling does not create new wealth, gambling only makes wealth change hands.  This past year Ohioans lost over $2.11 billion from casinos, racinos and bingo halls. We are told by the Bible “not to rob the poor because he is poor, nor oppress the afflicted at the gate; for the LORD will plead their cause and plunder the soul of those who plunder them.”

“As the state government under your (DeWine) leadership continues to employ new methods of consumer fraud to exploit Ohio’s poor, it bears worth repeating that gambling does not create new wealth, gambling only makes wealth change hands.  This past year Ohioans lost over $2.11 billion from casinos, racinos and bingo halls. We are told by the Bible “not to rob the poor because he is poor, nor oppress the afflicted at the gate; for the LORD will plead their cause and plunder the soul of those who plunder them.”

Ohio Clergy open letter to Governor Mike Dewine

“With additional government promotion of gambling, Ohioans will be conned into thinking they can win money on games designed to get them fleeced,” says Pastor Russell Stanford, one of the clergy letter co-signors.

According to a 2016-2017 survey, .9% of all adult Ohioans have a compulsive problem- gambling addiction, equating to 76,379 individuals statewide. Former Ohio Buckeye star quarterback Art Schlichter falls into this category, with debts, con schemes, and fake checks connected to his gambling losses. His addiction has kept the divorced Schlichter in and out of prison since 1995. “The Bible clearly says, ‘He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live,” says Stanford.

The clergy also believe state-sanctioned sports gambling will also harm the integrity of sports institutions it wagers on and will exacerbate the problem of cheating thru game-fixing and point-shaving. 

“Whether it is Pete Rose regularly placing wagers on his team as Manager of the Cincinnati Reds, or University of Toledo football and basketball players accepting financial gifts to alter their game performances, with the state government sanctioning sports gambling, more such incidents will undoubtedly occur.  Players will be tempted to cheat and the faith in the integrity of the games will be diminished. Everyone will lose,” the clergy letter said. 

Mansfield Mayor Timothy Theaker with problem gambling awareness proclamation in 2019. Pastor Denny Finnegan is standing to his left and Pastor Floyd Allen to his right. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

The clergy said they do not forget the corruption associated with the Ohio Lottery Commission.  It was in Mansfield, Ohio in 2009 where the Ohio Lottery Director gave 100 promotional instant lottery tickets to an Ohio State trooper two days after he was issued a verbal warning for two traffic violations.

“This was a form of bribery which perverts justice and blinds those who see,” the open letter said. “Regrettably, this immoral behavior will be normalized with House Bill 29 as law and the poor and afflicted will continue to be skillfully deceived by those holding positions of power.”

Pastor John Bouquet commented, “This really is the story of the way of our country: we have national leaders in power demanding bribes. The Bible clearly warns, ‘A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.”

Many believe the Governor has dropped the ball on the issue, with House Bill 29 likely facing litigation. Opponents believe DeWine lacks the constitutionality to expand another gambling venue like House Bill 29 and that he could be moving the goalposts to fund future pet projects in the budget. The clergy feel if state leaders have no problem making money off addiction, what else will they legalize?

Related articles:

82 local pastors oppose state casino gambling issue
City of Mansfield proclaims “Problem Gambling Awareness Month”
Ontario Mayor Proclaims Problem Gambling Awareness Month

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says, “But as for you who forsake the LORD and forget my holy mountain, who spread a table for ‘Fortune’ and fill bowls of mixed wine for ‘Destiny,’ I will destine you for the sword, and all of you will fall in the slaughter; for I called but you did not answer, I spoke but you did not listen. You did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.”

Ashland’s First Lady seeks new house: State House District 67 (VIDEO)

By
Admin
-
0

ASHLAND — The Ashland Mayor’s wife is looking to male herself at home in a bigger home: the Statehouse. Melanie Miller announced today that she will seek the Republican nomination for the newly
created Ohio House of Representatives District 67. Miller has served as the Executive Director of the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center for the past seven years, and prior to that she served as the Director of Youth Programming at the Salvation Army Kroc Center.

Melanie Miller (Submitted photo)

“I am running to represent Ashland and Medina Counties because we need someone in this position who will work hard to make sure that our freedoms are protected, our families and children, both born and unborn, are supported, and our local businesses and communities have the tools they need to be successful.”

“People want a representative with substance—someone who will do more than simply recite an empty political talking point,” said Miller. “I’ve talked with people all across Ashland and Medina County, everyone wants someone who will actually work hard to help solve the issues facing our communities, someone who will do their homework and make sure that the legislation that passes in Columbus will actually help and not hurt our local communities. I believe my track record shows that I will do just that”

“I am running to represent Ashland and Medina Counties because we need someone in this position who will work hard to make sure that our freedoms are protected, our families and children, both born and unborn, are supported, and our local businesses and communities have the tools they need to be successful.”

Melanie Miller, Candidate for Ohio House District 67

Melanie has been a fierce advocate for the unborn and has spent years on the frontline of the fight to end abortion. In 2016, she helped lead the effort in the Statehouse to defund Planned Parenthood, and in 2017, she was part of the coalition that urged Congress to pass a Federal Heartbeat Bill. In 2021, she developed a plan to offer Abortion Pill Reversal services and medication to those in need.

“There are so many positive things happening in our city and county right now, and it is so im-
portant that our next state representative be from Ashland County,” said Miller. “I will champion the conservative values that have built our country, and I will work hard to make sure that Ashland and Medina County get the support that we need from Columbus to continue to grow our communities.”

Melanie Miller recently announced her candidacy for Ohio House District 67.

According to Miller, who serves as an Advisory Board member for Ashland’s Salvation Army Kroc Center and as secretary of the Ashland County Ministerial Association, policies that encourage strong, healthy families will be a top priority.

“If we want to create strong, vibrant communities then we must work hard to reclaim our culture
by strengthening our families,” said Miller. “We must recognize the supreme value of every life, and we must be sure the laws and policies that our government puts into place encourage
personal responsibility, decency, honor and integrity.”

“People are looking for fresh leaders with new energy who are committed to making sure that
our northeast Ohio has a strong voice in the Ohio Statehouse.”

Miller is married to Ashland Mayor Matt Miller, and they reside in Ashland.

View video announcement below.

Related articles:

Ashland Pregnancy Center holds banquet in afterglow of Heartbeat Bill signing (VIDEO)
On Mother’s Day Weekend, Ashland Pregnancy Care Center meets immediate need (VIDEO)

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Proverbs 31, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Guest Column: Democrat U.S. Senator is Communist, is GOP going to do something?

By
Admin
-
1

Guess what? There is no hiding it anymore. This is a communist takeover of the USA. I have been making this case three hours a day on my nationally-syndicated radio show arguing since the day Biden took over as President. Well the proof is in. Nothing proves my case like the story of Democrat United States Senator Richard Blumenthal. You are not gonna believe this one. It is all out in the open now.

A United States Senator thought it was fine and dandy to publicly cavort with the communist enemies of America. Should that surprise you? It doesn’t surprise me. I believe many of our political, military, government and media leaders are bribed and owned lock, stock and barrel by the Chinese Communist Party.

Wayne Allyn Root
(Photo courtesy of Bill Hughes/Las Vegas Review-Journal

Remember the story of General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Trump. He admitted secretly calling Chinese military leaders and letting them know if President Trump decided to attack, he would give them advance warning. Is that not treason? Should this general not have been arrested, put into shackles and leg irons, flown to Guantanamo and put on trial for treason? If convicted, should Milley not be serving life in prison for treason against his country? Instead the GOP said virtually nothing, and remarkably, this traitor is still sitting as America’s highest ranking general. Insanity.

US Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) just did something equally treasonous. Except he did not even try to hide it. Senator Blumenthal openly attended a Communist Party event. And Senator Blumenthal wasn’t merely attending, he was the star of the evening. He was the main speaker on the stage and handed out awards to communists!

Am I missing something? Is communism not the enemy of the United States of America? Isn’t the goal of communism to destroy America. Is communism not dedicated to destroying freedom? Do communists not believe in violence, murder, torture, starvation, imprisonment, censorship, propaganda and brainwashing of their citizens? Clearly communists want to make us all serfs and slaves to a communist dictator who decides who deserves to live and die.

Have we not learned from history? Communists murdered just under 100 million innocent human beings in the twentieth century. How many millions more starved to death? How many hundreds of millions were arrested, tortured, sent to prison camps and had their homes, businesses and assets stolen by communist governments?

“Senator Richard Blumenthal openly attended a Communist Party event. And Senator Blumenthal was not merely attending, he was the star of the evening. He was the main speaker on the stage and handed out awards to communists!”

Wayne Allyn Root, Commentator

Yet we have a Democrat United States Senator who thinks it’s okay to publicly celebrate communism? Is he celebrating mass murder and starvation of the citizens? Does he want to send conservatives to hard-labor camps? Is that what he wants for America? He must. He was there to celebrate how great communism is.

Let me ask you a question. If America was invaded tomorrow by a communist army- like say China- would we not fight to the death to defend our homeland from the communist invaders? Or would we welcome them with open arms? If the answer is, of course, we would kill any communist invaders trying to destroy America, why would we allow US Senators to sit in our Senate, while endorsing this same communist agenda to destroy America from within? Blumenthal is a traitor.

But wait. I have one more crucial question. Did Democrats not claim Trump was a secret KKK white supremacist? Can you imagine if Trump had publicly attended a KKK meeting? What if it was a celebration of the history of the KKK in America? What if Trump had not just attended the KKK meeting, but actually spoke from the stage and then handed out awards to KKK members? That’s exactly what Blumenthal did. He laid down with sworn enemies of America, capitalism and freedom. Openly.

Vice President Kamala Harris in China. (Photo courtesy of Gateway Pundit screenshot)

Why has the GOP leadership in Congress not demanded Blumenthal be stripped of all his committees, resign immediately, start proceedings to expel Senator Blumenthal, and/or demand his indictment for treason?

Because if the shoe was on the other foot, and Trump or any Republican Senator spoke at a KKK event, their career would be over, they would be tarred and feathered by the media, chased from DC on a third rail, branded as traitors and domestic terrorists, and I’m betting, soon after, indicted by the Democrat-owned DOJ for treason.

Does the GOP have a pulse? Or is it a party of go-along-to-get-along cowards? We are all waiting and watching. Because if they do nothing and say nothing about this tragic treasonous story, if we cannot or will not use this story to paint Democrats as the communists they are, then we have no chance to stop this communist takeover of America. Then we have already lost the battle for the soul of America.

Wayne Allyn Root is known as “the Conservative Warrior.” Wayne’s new book, “The Great Patriot Protest & Boycott Book” is a #1 bestseller. . Wayne is host of the nationally- syndicated “Wayne Allyn Root: Raw & Unfiltered” on USA Radio Network, daily from 6 PM to 9 PM EST and the “WAR RAW” podcast. Visit ROOTforAmerica.com, or listen live at http://usaradio.com/wayne-allyn-root/ or “on demand” 24/7 at iHeartRadio.com.

Ashland joins family of religious displays in North Central Ohio (SLIDESHOW)

By
Admin
-
1
Nativity scene at Bicentennial Park in Ashland has been ongoing holiday display tradition since 2022. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

ASHLAND — What would you do with one hundred thousand dollars? One city mayor was beside himself when a local businessman called him one morning to tell him he would be delivering a one hundred-thousand dollar check to city hall. The donor wanted the funds to be used to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to make it a meaningful Christmas for downtown Ashland. And meaningful it was.

Ashland Mayor Matt Miller unveiled the anonymous donors’ names at a December 2nd festival parade which tallied a total of seventy groups parading floats from Ashland University down through Main Street.

This is the first year of a holiday religious display at Ashland Bicentennial Park. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

The owners of Grandpa’s Cheese Barn donated a nativity scene located at Ashland’s Bicentennial Park to add to the Christmas spirit. It is believed to be the Ashland’s first religious display on public property. Other decorations were used throughout the downtown.

The funds given by Dick and Ronda Poorbaugh bought a twelve-foot wreath, an ornament sculpture, fireworks, and a twenty-two piece Nativity scene. Mayor Miller said the funds will also go toward next year’s decorations and festivities for the city. 

“The downtown decorations are amazing. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard people say they are surprised by the size of our Christmas celebration. I believe our downtown Christmas rivals the celebrations found in large metropolitan cities,” Miller said. “The Poorbaugh’s have also set aside monies so that next year we can add several more major features that we couldn’t pull off in time for tonight,”

This holiday religious display has been a longstanding tradition at Loudonville Central Park. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

The Ashland nativity scene joins a number of community holiday displays on public property including in: Bellville, Crestline, Lexington, Loudonville, Mansfield, Mount Gilead, Ontario, Shelby, and Shiloh. The Malabar State Park in Lucas also has a creche. Several live nativity scenes were also held throughout Ashland County and the North Central Ohio region.

On December 23rd, The Village of Savannah held their annual community Christmas program at the Community Baseball Fields. The program, entitled “The Real Meaning of Christmas,” told the Bible’s account of Christmas and was coordinated by several area churches.

The program included a live outdoor nativity scene with a combination of animals, Scripture reading, candlelight and several songs performed by the Crestview High School show choir.

  • Live nativity at Crestline Village Gazebo
  • Crestline nativity scene 122521
    Christmas at Crestline Village Gazebo on Seltzer Street. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Crestline nativity scene 122521
    Christmas at Crestline Village Gazebo on Seltzer Street. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Crestline nativity scene 122521
    Christmas at Crestline Village Gazebo on Seltzer Street. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Crestline nativity scene 122521
    Christmas at Crestline Village Gazebo on Seltzer Street. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

In Crawford County, Crestline residents organized a community event on December 26th to bring a night of hope and healing to area residents this holiday season.

The celebration took place at the Village Gazebo on Seltzer Street, and began with a short prayer vigil and included Christmas caroling and a live nativity scene next to the Gazebo.

Christmas is a longstanding tradition in North Central Ohio bringing the community together to celebrate the heritage of our Judeo-Christian culture. These customs do not appear to be going anywhere soon.

Related articles:

Holy night in Savannah as live nativity draws capacity crowd (SLIDESHOW)
Nativity scenes take center stage across Buckeye Bible Belt (SLIDESHOW)
After council vote on menorah, Ontario seen in a new light (SLIDESHOW)

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Luke Chapter 2, “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the LORD has told us about.”

Vindication of church & state: Ohio clergy hear call to civic duty (SLIDESHOW)

By
Admin
-
0
Reverend El Akuchie won his election as Third Ward Mansfield City Councilman and was sworn in last week. Officiating the ceremony is Elder James DeWeese (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — Is America too young to die? Some people believe this is the most critical time in America’s history. While citizens want to engage the culture, many believe it is a leap of faith to have pastors involved in civic government. There is a growing trend in the Buckeye Bible Belt, not of separation of church and state, but rather the vindication of church and state.

Reverend El Akuchie points out over half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were educated at schools founded to train ministers. While the clergyman has never run for office before, last week he was sworn in as Third Ward Mansfield City Councilman. He believes clergy with a Biblical worldview can be the juggernaut.

Deborah Mount: Rev El swearing in
In his first time running for office, Reverend El Akuchie won his election as Third Ward Mansfield City Councilman and sworn in last week. Officiating the ceremony is Elder James DeWeese. (Photo courtesy of Deborah Mount)

“When pundits say the church should stay out of politics, they turn a blind eye to the reality that there is just as much politics in church as there is in the world.” Akuchie went on to say, “I am of the opinion the Biblical issues of our day have been disguised as political issues. Since GOD created government, we need to tear the mask off and get more missionaries into government. What better candidate than the pastor? If we take courage, our society can still be redeemed.”

Ohio native James Garfield was an ordained preacher during the Second Great Awakening and publicly debated God’s creation against evolutionists. After serving in the pulpit, Garfield became a Congressman and eventually was elected as the twentieth President of the United States. During his time Garfield warned, “Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption.”

One clergyman believes this is a poignant statement accurate for contemporary times.

“For some time now we have elected Congressmen who promise before the election to act according to certain principles and then are motivated by pragmatism to do something else than promised,” says James DeWeese. “The benefit of having a genuine Christian serve in elected office is that they can recognize objective Biblical standards of morality and know that they will ultimately stand before God to answer for their stewardship to those standards.”

Jonn Temple 122121
In his first time running for office, Pastor John Temple was elected this fall to the Loudonville-Perrysville Local School Board. His church hosts a released time Bible program during school hours. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

James DeWeese has served thirteen years as Elder of Providence Church beginning in 2008. All things considered, DeWeese was also elected Common Pleas Court Judge in Richland County between 1991-2018. He is well known for his eleven-year battle with the ACLU over his display of the Ten Commandments in his courtroom.

Because of the benefit DeWeese describes, the region has had bi-vocational clergy: preaching from the pulpit and serving in elected office.

John Temple has been Senior Pastor at Trinity Community Church for twelve years. Although he has never run for office before, Temple was recently elected on the Loudonville/Perrysville School Board in 2021. His church hosts a released-time Bible program during school hours for students. The Bible-based education affiliated with LifeWise Academy started this past Fall and teaches lessons on good character drawn from Scripture.

Toby Thomas is an Associate Pastor at New London Alliance Church. In 2019 he ran for office for the first time and defeated an incumbent to become Mayor of New London. Thomas regularly gives a prayer invocation before council meetings. In 2021, a released-time Bible program was also started at New London schools during school hours.

Ken Kinley has served as Senior Pastor for over thirty years in several local congregations in Bellville, Butler and North Liberty. He was also Mayor of Butler between 2016-2018 and between 2007-2015 on the Clear Fork Valley School Board. During his administration, he was instrumental in the construction of a new school in Butler and gave a proclamation on pornography awareness. Kinley believes a pastor has to be engaged in the community outside the four walls of the church to be an effective shepherd.

“When pundits say the church should stay out of politics, they turn a blind eye to the reality that there is just as much politics in church as there is in the world. I am of the opinion the Biblical issues of our day have been disguised as political issues. Since GOD created government, we need to tear the mask off and get more missionaries into government. What better candidate than the pastor? If we take courage, our society can still be redeemed.”

Reverend El Akuchie, Third Ward Mansfield City councilman

Larry Collins served as a Church of GOD pastor for 43 years before becoming Mayor of Ontario between 2010-2013 and as City Council President between 2014-2017. In his first year as Mayor, the largest employer in the region announced its departure from Ontario. Collins helped steer the city thru its worst economic crisis in its history. During his time as Council President, Collins was the tie-breaking vote to successfully prevent the marijuana industry from coming to Ontario. Collins was aided by seventy local clergy who publicly opposed the sale and harvest of cannabis.

“I encourage any pastor to run for office,” says Collins. “I regret I did not get into politics earlier. I was able to coax one pastor in Akron to run for school board and he won and has been a force for good.”

Steve Schag has served over forty years as Senior Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. In addition, he has served in the office of Mayor of Shelby between 2015-2021, and as Shelby City Councilman between 2007-2014. As Mayor, Schag reversed his predecessor and helped bring back a LORD’s prayer invocation prior to every council meeting. He also has made a public proclamation on pornography awareness and declared a National Day of Prayer, He says that he prays daily so that he might be salt and light as he serves.

Born in Shelby, Ohio, Timothy Ginter is Senior Pastor at Church of the Center in Salem, Ohio and has forty-one years as an ordained pastor. Ginter has served four terms as State Representative for the 5th House District encompassing Columbiana County and is Speaker Pro-Tempore. Last legislative session, Ginter sponsored the Student Religious Liberties Act, which became law and protects freedom of religious expression and the students’ right to pray in public schools. “If you had told me several years ago that I would be serving in government, I would have told you have lost your mind,” says Ginter.

  • Toby Thomas serves as New London Associate Pastor and Mayor of New London (Photo courtesy of Norwalk Reflector)
  • Steve Brennemen (center) served as Morrow County Sheriff 2005-2016 before becoming a Pastor at a Mount Gilead church. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Reverend El Akuchie won his election as Third Ward Mansfield City Councilman and was sworn in last week. Officiating the ceremony is Elder James DeWeese (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • James DeWeese served as both Mansfield Pastor and Common Pleas Court Judge (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Deborah Mount: Rev El swearing in
    Reverend El Akuchie won his election as Third Ward Mansfield City Councilman and was sworn in last week. Officiating the ceremony is Elder James DeWeese (Photo courtesy of Deborah Mount)
  • John Temple serves as Loudonville Pastor and School Board Member (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Deborah Mount: Rev El swearing in
    Pastor John Bouquet and other clergy annoint Reverend El Akuchie in ceremony (Photo courtesy of Deborah Mount)
  • Butler Mayor Pastor Ken Kinley
    Ken Kinley served as both Bellville/Butler Pastor and as Mayor/School Board Member (Photo courtesy of Kinley archives)
  • Rev. El Frontlines Ohio122321
    Pastor John Bouquet and other clergy annoint Reverend El Akuchie in ceremony (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Larry Collins served as both an Ontario Pastor and Mayor/City Council (Photo courtesy of Ontario City)
  • Deborah Mount: Rev El swearing in
    Pastor John Bouquet and other clergy annoint Reverend El Akuchie in ceremony (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Steve Schag serves as both Shelby Pastor and Mayor/ City Council (Photo courtesy of City of Shelby)
  • Rev. El Frontlines Ohio122321
    Family of Reverend El Akuchie perform worship songs at First English Lutheran for swearing in ceremony (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Timothy Ginter serves as both a Salem Pastor and 5th District State Rep. (Photo courtesy of Ohio Legislature)
  • Rev. El Frontlines Ohio122321
    Reverend El Akuchie speaks to public officials, clergy and family at First English Lutheran for swearing in ceremony (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Gary Click serves as both a Fremont Pastor and 88th District State Rep. (Photo courtesy of Ohio Legislature)
  • J. Todd Smith served as both a Farmersville Pastor and 43rd District State Rep. (Photo courtesy of Ohio Legislature)

Gary Click has been Senior Pastor of Fremont Baptist Temple for over fifteen years. In 2020 he was elected as State Representative for the 88th House District encompassing Seneca and Sandusky Counties. In his first time ever holding a public office, Click sponsored a bill this year that would allow hospital patients to see their families, caretakers, and clergy in a pandemic so long as they pass proper screenings.

J. Todd Smith has been Senior Pastor at The Church at Farmersville for twenty-one years and served as State Representative for the 43rd House District encompassing Preble County, as well as portions of Montgomery County. Smith served between 2018-2020. Last year he sponsored H.B. 473 which formally codified the state motto “With GOD all things are possible” to be used alongside the state seal.

The apostasy of a nation does not happen over night. A revival of the people demands risk in the pulpit.

In the eighteenth century a French political scientist once said that he sought for the greatness and genius of America but could not find it. ‘Not until I went into the churches of America,’ Alexis de Tocqueville said, ‘and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power.’ Maybe another Awakening is coming.

Article updated December 31, 2021

See related articles:

Ohio church launching pad for Christians called to public office (SLIDESHOW) (VIDEO)
50 Clergy get behind Rev. El for Mansfield City Council 3rd Ward race (SLIDESHOW)
72 Ohio clergy give ‘vote of no confidence’ to Dominion voting machines

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Isaiah Chapter Six, “Then I heard the voice of the LORD saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I , send me!”

Lexington in trouble after leaving religious display out in the cold (SLIDESHOW)

By
Admin
-
1

LEXINGTON — Last month, Village Council voted for the first time in its history to allow a holiday religious display on public property. While the motion passed in his favor, one resident believes the Village is playing favorites and giving an unfair advantage to secular displays in the public forum. If the Village is indeed guilty of religious discrimination, it may be walking on thin ice.

Benjamin Mutti requested the Village of Lexington allow a privately-sponsored menorah at the Village Square commemorating the Jewish holiday Hanukah. Hanukah honors the historic tradition of the Maccabean revolt that successfully defended religious freedom against government tyranny. Council voted 5-2 in favor (Kim Little and Wynn Kearns dissented) of allowing the display but denied the request to locate the display at the Village Square where a secular holiday display for Christmas is located.

At Lexington Community Park, a menorah was on display commemorating Hanukah. It is the village’s first ever holiday religious display.
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

“The fact of the matter is, the Village will display a secular Christmas display at the Square for over five weeks,” says Mutti. “On the other hand, the Village is dictating a privately-sponsored religious display observing an eight-day holiday be displayed only eight days in a non-prominent place outside the public forum of the Square. It is unlawful to give such preferential treatment to a secular display at the exclusion and to the detriment of the religious display. It gives the appearance of a callous indifference to a purely passive holiday symbol.”

A designated public forum is public property which the government has designated for public assembly and speech. Before the vote, Village Solicitor John Studenmund told Village Council there is legal basis for Mutti’s request, but that the Village can restrict where and how the display is shown.

“There is federal case law allowing a private individual to put a display on government property,” said Studenmund. “It is my recommendation Council consider Mr. Mutti’s request and designate a place where he can place his display. While local government can place some limitations on it, you cannot regulate the content or the individual who requests it (religious display.)”

Following the legal opinion, Council President Bob Jarvis made the motion limiting the duration of the display to only eight days instead of Mutti’s requested twenty-three days. Jarvis also motioned to move the display from Village Square to Lexington Community Park, nearly half a mile away from the Village Square. The motion passed.

“The fact of the matter is, the Village will display a secular Christmas display at the Square for over five weeks. On the other hand, the Village is dictating a privately- sponsored religious display observing an eight-day holiday be displayed only eight days in a non-prominent place outside the public forum of the Square. It is unlawful to give such preferential treatment to a secular display at the exclusion and to the detriment of the religious display. It gives the appearance of a callous indifference to a purely passive holiday symbol.”

Benjamin Mutti, Applicant for religious display

According to Mutti, during a previous village council meeting, he was discouraged by the Mayor, Solicitor, and Council from locating the holiday religious display on public property. Mutti also says despite other local government officials giving proclamations historically observing Religious Freedom Day, Lexington Mayor Brian White has declined to do so.

“Public and private entities in the past have been able to utilize the public forum at the Square,” says Mutti. “For several years, the Village allowed a private display at the Square for a local Octoberfest event. That group was never subjected to a council vote or submittal of an application like my request was. All things considered, it really is not good optics for a community to have all these requirements for a little Jewish menorah and not for the host of German flags that have draped the streetlights of the Square each October. The night Council made the motion to allow my menorah was the same night Village Administration agreed to compose a draft for a display application.”

Mutti contends after he made a written request for the menorah at the Village Square in March of 2021, he was finally instructed to complete an application only five days prior to Hanukah. Mutti stated in the application, “The applicant understands in a court of law he has equal protection as stated under the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Bill of Rights and therefore can have his religious display located near the traditional secular display to exercise his First Amendment freedoms of religion and speech.”

Designated area for holiday religious display given by Lexington Village Administrator to applicant. (Photo courtesy of Lexington Village)

While Mutti believes the conduct by local government is inconsistent with the U.S. Constitution, He takes heart in the Bible verse ‘Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’

Over five hundred residents attended the “Light up Lexington” Christmas tree lighting on November 29th at the Village Square. Santa, Frosty, reindeer, toy soldiers, and candy canes were included in the Village-sponsored secular holiday display erected on public property. The menorah was no where to be seen.

The designated area for the menorah sat half a mile away in the flood plain, eighty-feet from the road, adjacent to several baseball diamonds, and nearby a storm sewer ditch. Adjacent properties around the area of the designated location include an outdoor seasonal swim pool not in use and an abandoned industrial brownfield site diagonal to the park.

Mutti has not ruled out seeking a legal remedy. “I believe the Village Administration deliberately and purposefully demonstrated prejudice against my request for a holiday religious display and breached its legal duty of due process and equal protection. I believe they erred by telling me my display had to be stranded out here in right field.”

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Proverbs 1, “Wisdom shouts in the streets, She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: ‘How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simple-minded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will fools hate knowledge?”

View slideshow of 2021 Light Up Lexington event at Village Square and holiday display.

  • Publicly sponsored secular display of reindeer at Lexington Village Square. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Crowd in attendance on November 29th at “Light up Lexington” at Village Square. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Privately sponsored religious display the night of Light up Lexington” event. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Publicly sponsored secular display of “Frosty the Snowman” at Village Square. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Publicly sponsored secular display of Christmas tree at Village Square (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Publicly sponsored secular display of toy soldiers at Village Square. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Privately sponsored religious display at Lexington Community Park. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Flooding at Lexington Community Park on December 11, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Publicly sponsored secular display of Christmas tree at Village Square (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Crowd in attendance on November 29th at “Light up Lexington” at Village Square. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Lexington Municipal Hall (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Privately sponsored religious display at Lexington Community Park. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

Related articles:

After council vote on menorah, Ontario seen in a new light (SLIDESHOW)
Nativity scenes take center stage across Buckeye Bible Belt (SLIDESHOW)
Atheist group fails in bid to bully Ohio town over nativity scene

‘We Glorify GOD for answered prayer!’ Ohio missionaries held hostage all escape from Haiti (VIDEO)

By
Admin
-
0

BERLIN — The hills of Amish Country are alive in Holmes County glorifying GOD. “We thank Almighty God, who so wonderfully answered our prayers!” a prepared statement said. “As it is written in the Bible, ‘You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” 

The final twelve missionaries who remained captive in Haiti executed a daring escape plan to free themselves from their captors after they were “nudged” by God, officials from Christian Aid Ministries reported. On two occasions, the group received divine signs to stay put, but after receiving a sign to flee, they snuck out under the cover of nightfall following a sign on December 15th.

Group picture of kidnapped missionaries to Haiti that miraculously escaped. (Photo courtesy of Christian Aid Ministries)

The missionaries are associated with the Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries (CAM), which describes itself as a “channel for Amish, Mennonite, and other conservative Anabaptist groups and individuals to minister to physical and spiritual needs around the world.” Five had been freed in earlier releases.

The nightmare began when seventeen missionaries were kidnapped on October 16th outside Port-au-Prince while on their way home from visiting an orphanage. The group included five children ages 3, 6,14, and15, with the youngest being just eight months old.  

The notorious Haitian gang 400 Mowozo claimed responsibility for the missionaries’ abduction and demanded $17 million in ransom for their safe release or they threatened they would execute them.

The captors moved the twelve adults and five children multiple times and kept them mostly in small, barricaded rooms. The gang provided baby food for the young children, basic hygiene necessities, and sparse meals.

“We do not know all of the challenges you face. We do believe that violence and oppression of others can never be justified. You caused our hostages and their families a lot of suffering. However, Jesus taught us by word and by his own example that the power of forgiving love is stronger than the hate of violent force. Therefore, we extend forgiveness to you.”

Ohio-based missionary group Statement to their captors

As the hostages became aware of what was happening at the time of capture, the group began singing the chorus, “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them,” based on Psalm 34:7. This song became a favorite of theirs, and they sang it many times throughout their days of captivity.

Abductions aren’t new to Haiti, but have surged in recent months. Criminal gangs kidnapped at least 119 people in the first half of October alone, according to the Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights, a nongovernmental organization based in Port-au-Prince.

David Troyer, General Director of Christian Aid Ministries, said his office held conference calls with the families involved twice each weekday during the two months the missionaries were in captivity. Troyer said the group will pause its missions to Haiti but not abandon ministry in the country.

General Ministry Director David Troyer speaking at press conference. (Photo courtesy of Christian Aid Ministries)

The hostages were able to spend their captivity together as a group. They spent many hours of each day praying, singing, and encouraging each other. Unfortunately, they did not have a Bible, but they recited Bible verses by memory among themselves. They prayed for their captors and told them about God’s love and their need to repent.

On the night of December 15th, the twelve remaining captives found a way to open the door and snuck toward a mountain range, escaping the guards’ notice. The group carried the children through brambles, forest, and gang territory roughly twelve miles before day broke. A Haitian found them and helped them call the police. Later that day, the missionaries were on a Coast Guard flight to Florida to reunite with the five hostages previously released. 

Troyer gave a special message for the kidnappers, offering forgiveness from the ministry and salvation through Jesus Christ. “We do not know all of the challenges you face. We do believe that violence and oppression of others can never be justified. You caused our hostages and their families a lot of suffering. However, Jesus taught us by word and by His own example that the power of forgiving love is stronger than the hate of violent force. Therefore, we extend forgiveness to you,” Troyer said in a statement.  

“The hostages told you plainly how you can also be forgiven by God, if you repent. Our desire is that you and all who hear or read this statement may come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Savior, the Son of God, and the Prince of Peace,” the statement concluded. 

View this week’s press conference on the video by WKYC Channel 3 News below.

See related article:

Haitian gang demands $17 million ransom for Ohio-based missionaries (VIDEO)

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Acts Chapter 12, “Then the angel said to Peter, ‘Put on your clothes and sandals.’ And Peter did so. ‘Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,’ the angel told him. Peter followed the angel out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening…“

Good Samaritan stops thief who stole elderly woman’s purse (VIDEO)

By
Admin
-
0

BUTLER COUNTY — After being in the right place at the right time, one Good Samaritan in Ohio was awarded for a “citizen’s arrest” for helping an elderly woman. Deshawn Pressley tackled and stopped a purse thief December 5th after the man stole the purse from an eighty-seven year old woman as she waited in the Kroger checkout line.

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones presented Deshawn Pressley with the Citizen’s Award last week alongside Pat Goins, the woman whom Pressley helped.

Pat Goins pictured with Deshawn Pressley at award ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Butler County Facebook)

“I’m glad that he received this honor because he is my hero,” Pat Goins told FOX19 Cincinnati.

Pressley was with his one-year-old daughter in the checkout line when he met Goins. “I heard her screaming and yelling … it was the yell that I need help,” Pressley told reporters. “And I just turned around and did what I needed to do as a citizen.”

Pressley chased down the man identified as Derek Vauhn, 58, who was arrested and charged with robbery and theft.

Pressley credited his own grandma who raised him after his mom died. He shared that his grandma instilled the values of helping those who cannot help themselves. “My grandma did very good by me,” he said. “It was good that she taught me what she taught me, and I’m thankful for her.”

Pressley credited his own grandma who raised him after mom died. He shared that his grandma instilled the values of helping those who cannot help themselves.

Goins said she has a “dinner date” with Pressley to thank him for his heroic action.

The County Sheriff’s Department in southwestern Ohio is know for equipping its citizenry.

Butler County has a Citizens on Patrol (COP), which is an active volunteer group that was established by the Sheriff’s Office over ten years ago. The members originally attended the Sheriff’s Citizen Academy classes and then were recruited for the Citizens on Patrol. Members were chosen after interviews with department staff and then attended an eight week course specially designed for patrol members.

The patrol members drive a marked cruiser and cover all of Butler County. They check on the homes of those who have requested vacation checks in all thirteen townships. COP also checks Metro Parks and other small parks or school lots within the county.

View the video below from Butler County Sheriff’s Department Facebook.

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Second Timothy, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”

Guest Column: If the Vaccine is So Great, Why are So Many People Dropping Dead?

By
Admin
-
0

The COVID vaccines are clearly causing a global health disaster. There are so many warnings from all around the world. But the U.S. media remains silent. They’re as quiet as a church mouse. Why?

Japan’s Health Ministry just announced that the “the Moderna and Pfizer COVID vaccines could cause heart-related side effects in younger males.” Health experts in Japan have witnessed skyrocketing rates of myocarditis and pericarditis in young men and teenagers. And they’ve seen the same nonstop heart issues with middle aged Japanese and seniors.

Wayne Allyn Root
(Photo courtesy of Bill Hughes/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

All over America, and all over the world, cardiac arrest, heart inflammation, and heart attack deaths are exploding. Young athletes are dropping right on the field; star soccer players in Europe are dropping dead in the middle of games; referees, coaches and even fans in the stands are having cardiac emergencies. It’s something no one has ever seen before. It’s an epidemic.

What do all these victims have in common? They’ve all been vaccinated.

In America the media is filled with reports of hospital emergency wards and ICU’s overwhelmed with seriously ill patients. From coast to coast, there are so many sick people lined up, there aren’t enough beds or nurses. Sick patients are lying on gurneys along the hallways. Doctors and medical experts call it a “mystery” why so many Americans are sick. They can’t understand what’s happening.

But I can solve the mystery. These are COVID vaccine injuries overwhelming ER’s and ICU’s. The very illnesses that are most prevalent in this mysterious health emergency- heart attack deaths, cardiac arrest, strokes, blood clots, multi-organ failure- are all the same COVID vaccine side effects listed in the VAERS report (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System). What a coincidence.

But it’s not just in the USA. It’s happening everywhere. In the UK, the Evening Standard newspaper reports up to 300,000 British citizens are facing sudden heart related illness and cardiac arrest. UK medical experts are blaming PPSD- “post-pandemic stress disorder.” 300,000 Brits aren’t dying and crippled from the vaccine. Of course not. They’re all nuts. It’s all in their heads.

These brainwashed Kool aid drinkers can’t see what’s right in front of their faces. Or perhaps doctors, scientists and researchers are too afraid of losing their medical licenses, or losing multi-million-dollar government grants, to speak up.

In the case of the media, it’s all about greed. Big Pharma buys a large proportion of the ads on every TV news network in America. Offend Big Pharma with stories of vaccine deaths and injuries and the media could lose billions of dollars in revenues. Half the newsroom could be fired. Not to mention stock prices would collapse in these media companies. There goes the retirement accounts of Lester Holt, Don Lemon, Sean Hannity and Rachel Maddow. So the truth is hard to come by.

What’s the truth? All anyone with a shred of credibility, morality and decency has to look at is a few key factors.

“The FDA just announced they need seventy-five years to fully release the Pfizer COVID vaccine data. If I told you to ‘Trust me, I am selling the world’s best health tonic, but I cannot disclose any of the test results or ingredients for sevnty-five years, until everyone asking is dead.’ Would you trust me? Would you buy what I was selling? Would you inject it into your body?”

Wayne Root

First, the FDA has just announced they need seventy-five years to fully release the Pfizer COVID vaccine data. If I told you to “Trust me, I’m selling the world’s best health tonic, but I can’t disclose any of the test results or ingredients for seventy-five years, until everyone asking is dead.” Would you trust me? Would you buy what I was selling? Would you inject it into your body?

Second, a federal judge demanded some of that data be released immediately by Pfizer. Just in the first few pages, detailing results from just the first few weeks of vaccines, Pfizer admits in their own data, their vaccine killed 1,223 Americans and produced 42,086 adverse effects. Among the most prominent adverse effects were heart attacks and heart problems.

Third, the VAERS system is reporting 19,886 deaths from the vaccine, and just under one million adverse effects- including tens of thousands of hospitalizations, crippling injuries and permanent disabilities. That’s just in America. The EU numbers are even higher.

VAERS is the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, which reports cases on a voluntary basis. (Photo courtesy of Gateway Pundit)

Now let me let you in on a terrible secret. My insider healthcare sources are reporting so many victims are filing reports with VAERS, the system is hopelessly overwhelmed and backed up. There may be 20,000 or 40,000 or 60,000 more deaths waiting to be processed into the VAERS system. They tell me the numbers are staggering.

Now you know why hospital ERs and ICUs are overwhelmed with people seriously ill.

So, my question is, shouldn’t someone be investigating this escalating health disaster? Shouldn’t someone in the media be reporting on this unimaginable tragedy? Should politicians be protecting us? One thing I know- something very bad and very evil is happening.

Wayne Allyn Root is known as “the Conservative Warrior.” Wayne’s new book, “The Great Patriot Protest & Boycott Book” is a #1 bestseller. . Wayne is host of the nationally- syndicated “Wayne Allyn Root: Raw & Unfiltered” on USA Radio Network, daily from 6 PM to 9 PM EST and the “WAR RAW” podcast. Visit ROOTforAmerica.com, or listen live at http://usaradio.com/wayne-allyn-root/ or “on demand” 24/7 at iHeartRadio.com.

Area chaplain requests prayer after Kentucky tornadoes (SLIDESHOW)

By
Admin
-
0
Picture of what is believed to be tornado that travelled 220 miles near Bremen, Tornado is seen in night between lightning strikes. KY (Photo courtesy of Twitter/@mitchell_knight

MAYFIELD,KY — Thru thick and thru thin, there have always been close knit ties between Ohioans and Kentuckians.

In a rare December tornado outbreak, at least eighty-eight persons are feared dead in what Kentucky officials are calling the most devastating storm in the Commonwealth’s history.

The cross at Mayfield First Baptist survives December 11th tornado (Photo courtesy of Twitter/Wes Fowler)

According to National Weather Service reports, the EF-3 rated tornado that struck Mayfield, Kentucky had winds ranging between158-206 miles per hour. The storm traveled two hundred-twenty miles thru the states of Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky, and was three quarters of a mile wide. Rescue efforts from last weekend’s storms have turned to recovery efforts.

This past year, a Mansfield clergyman moved to western Kentucky to come back to his former stomping grounds. Little did he know that he would see such devastation in his new home first hand.

Gary Lambert serves as a Hospice chaplain in Cadiz, Kentucky. Previously Gary served as Senior Pastor of Belmont Community Church in Mansfield and as Chaplain with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Throughout his career in Mansfield, Lambert was known for leading prayer efforts in the community in times of distress. He now finds himself leading prayer efforts in a new community under a different set of challenges.

Moving to Cadiz, Kentucky. Lambert lives fifty miles away from Mayfield, Kentucky. According to Lambert, the tornado that struck Mayfield at around 10:30 PM went through his area five miles north of his home.

Click on image above to see aerial view of damage to Mayfield, Kentucky.

Lambert knows of an entire family that perished during the storm.

“This area is in real need of prayer, we are hurting down here,” says Chaplain Gary Lambert. “While we are seeing a large majority of helpers coming from Kentucky and Ohio, there is a real spiritual need. I am asking for those in North Central Ohio to make a concerted effort to please pray for us and see what they can do to help us in Kentucky.”

Lambert has toured different communities that have been hit by the storms, going to Mayfield, Dawson Springs, Eddy Creek, and Princeton, Kentucky. After losing everything from the storm, people have been traumatized by what they have gone thru. Peace of mind has become a thing of the past.

“I went to Mayfield to help a family collect their personal items,” says Lambert. “This tornado outbreak was such a devastating thing. I get jittery when I drive into the areas affected by the storm. Seeing it with my own eyes, you cannot comprehend the amount of devastation to the area. What you see on television does not do justice.”

“This area (Western Kentucky) is in real need of prayer, we are really hurting down here. While we are seeing a large majority of helpers coming from Kentucky and Ohio, there is a real spiritual need. I am asking for those in North Central Ohio to make a concerted effort to please pray for us….”

Chaplain Gary Lambert

Thanks to the “Quad State Tornado Found Items” Facebook page, one Kentucky lady discovered her wedding photos had been found in three different locations, with one photo found in Breckinridge County, some 140 miles away.

Recovery efforts are underway and disaster relief ministries are helping citizens dig out of their debris.

Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse has deployed several disaster response units to Mayfield and surrounding areas. For more information on how you can assist recovery efforts in Mayfield, Kentucky, contact Belmont Community Church at 419.560.8615. Prayer is needed.

  • Chaplain Gary Lambert leading 2020 community prayer mtg at AK Steel (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Outskirts of Mayfield, KY after E-3 tornado struck on December 11th, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Gary Lambert)
  • Picture of what is believed to be tornado that travelled 220 miles near Bremen, Tornado is seen in night between lightning strikes. KY (Photo courtesy of Twitter/@mitchell_knight
  • Eddy Creek, KY after tornado struck area (Photo courtesy of Gary Lambert)
  • Princeton, KY after tornado struck area on December 11th, 2021 (Photo courtesy of Gary Lambert)
  • Chaplain Gary Lambert pictured far right at 2019 National Day of Prayer (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Princeton, KY after tornado struck area. (Photo courtesy of Gary Lambert)
  • Emergency workers search thru Mayfield Candle Factory after December 11, 2021.(Photo courtesy of John Amis/AFP via Getty Images)
  • The cross at Mayfield First Baptist survives December 11th tornado (Photo courtesy of Twitter/Wes Fowler)

See related articles:

Faith unites community after Palm Sunday tornado (VIDEO)
Massive prayer vigil demonstrates city has nerves of steel (SLIDESHOW)(VIDEO)

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in the Book of Revelation, “GOD will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Ohio Legislature passes bill that could shut down two Ohio abortion centers

By
Admin
-
0

COLUMBUS –The fact that abortion survivors exist is becoming much more widely known. As of 2020, at least two hundred infants in five states are known to have been born alive following an abortion attempt. While only nine states require any sort of reporting of these cases, concrete statistics are difficult to find.

But with anecdotal evidence such as the trial of infamous abortionists Kermit Gosnell, or the undercover video expose of Planned Parenthood, these incidents suggest the actual number of abortion survivors in the United States is likely much higher.

Nilani Jawahar (Photo courtesy of CCV)

In response to this ongoing atrocity, the Ohio House along party lines voted 59-33 to pass the “Born Alive Infant Protection Act,” or Senate Bill 157. SB 157 was sponsored by Senators Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) and Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City).

“Thankfully the Ohio Legislature sent a strong message that every child’s life is valuable, no matter their size, ability, or location,” said Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) Legislative Liaison Nilani Jawahar.

Along with ensuring infants who survive botched abortions will receive appropriate life-saving medical care, SB 157 protects taxpayer dollars from funding the killing of unborn children by preventing doctors who work for state-funded hospitals and medical schools from contracting with abortion clinics.

This provision could potentially shut down two abortion clinics—Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio and Women’s Med Center in Dayton—who rely on state-funded doctors for their services.

“Center for Christian Virtue and all pro-life Ohioans are grateful for Senator Terry Johnson, Senator Steve Huffman, and House Speaker Bob Cupp for continuing to advance the pro-life cause to protect all lives.”

Nilani Jawahar, Center for Christian Virtue

“Planned Parenthood and the rest of the abortion industry proved yet again that they never truly cared about women’s health, only their profits when they fought against this life-saving law,” commented Jawahar.

“Center for Christian Virtue and all pro-life Ohioans are grateful for Senator Terry Johnson, Senator Steve Huffman, and Speaker of the House Bob Cupp for continuing to advance the pro-life cause to protect all lives.”

SB 157 now heads to Governor DeWine for final approval before becoming law.

Family Research Council’s Born-Alive Protections Map tracks Born-Alive laws that require medical care be provided to infants born alive during attempted abortion. Green signifies strong protections. Click on image to learn about abortion laws in states.

In 2002, Congress passed the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, which clarified that infants who survive abortion are persons under the law but did not include any legal enforcement. In the ensuing years states have passed varying levels of born-alive protections to make up for the lack of federal enforceability.

Presently the Ohio Revised Code requires practitioners exercise the same skill, care, and diligence for infants who survive abortion that would be rendered to any child born at the same gestational age. It also requires presence of a second physician and life saving equipment and has criminal penalties for not complying with born-alive statutes.

Ohio does not presently have reporting requirements which is what the Born Alive Infant Protection Act, SB 157 will require.  

The Bottom Line:

“The Bible says in Jeremiah 1, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you. I have appointed you a prophet to the nation.”

After council vote on menorah, Ontario seen in a new light (SLIDESHOW)

By
Admin
-
0
Ontario has first-ever religious display at Marshall Park in 2021(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

ONTARIO — Last week, a religious display was the talk of the town in Ontario as City Council gave the green light for a religious symbol to be placed on public property. By a 5-1 vote, City Council decided to permit a privately-sponsored menorah commemorating Hanukah to be placed at Marshall Park for two weeks.

After a request for the holiday display was made during Council’s last meeting, several of the council members commented they learned a lot in their research about the menorah. The Jewish lampstand represents religious freedom in the face of government tyranny.

Last week Ontario City Council voted in favor of allowing a religious display on public property. (Photo courtesy of Ontario City website)

“Mr. (Benjamin) Mutti educated me at last Council meeting on what the menorah stands for,” commented Council Member Sherry Branham. “I honor everyone’s religion and I am proud of what the menorah stands for. I think it is the right thing to do by supporting Mr. Mutti as he educates his children. I do not feel he has jeopardized anybody in Richland County, especially those in the City of Ontario.”

According to Benjamin Mutti, a number of surrounding communities already have holiday religious displays on public property to commemorate Christmas, including a nativity scene at the Columbus Statehouse in 2019. By a 7-2 margin, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the right to display the Mount Soledad Peace Cross on public grounds in 2019 as a World War One memorial. The menorah is the first known religious display allowed on city property in Ontario’s history.

Ontario City Council deliberated over the constitutionality of holiday religious displays on municipal property and how to regulate displays perceived to be offensive speech.

“At some point we have to be bold. We have to trust our community and be willing to fight. As public servants we have to recognize and be in tune with the pulse of our community. I believe this is a faith-based community. I believe that not just Ontario but all of Richland County is faith-based… I am not interested in the beliefs of Los Angeles or Columbus for that matter.”

Ontario City Council President Eddie Gallo

Ontario Councilman Dave Rehfeldt asked, “Which side do we want to be sued by? By the group that has a legitimate right to display? Or by the group we agree we would not want? I have no problem fighting for this (menorah) display. I think we all agree with what this group wants to do. I am tired of being afraid of things that could happen.”

Rehfeldt made the motion to grant permission for display on Marshall Park property recognizing Hanukkah for two weeks between November 28th thru December 12th. The motion passed with Councilman Josh Bradley as the only dissenting vote.

The following week, citizens braved wind chills in the twenties Sunday afternoon to hold a dedication of the nine-branched menorah at Marshall Park. The park will also be hosting a Christmas Tree Lighting on December 2nd with performances by several high school music groups at the same location as the menorah.

Click on image below to view slideshow of dedication ceremony of Ontario’s first menorah on public property.

  • Citizens gather during brisk weather for menorah dedication ceremony at Marshall Park. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Karen Ashby reads poem on Hanukah. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Poem written by Karen Ashby and read during Ontario dedication ceremony.
  • City of Ontario approves first religious display. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Citizens gather during brisk weather for menorah dedication ceremony at Marshall Park. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Benjamin Mutti spoke at dedication ceremony of Ontario’s first religious display. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • City of Ontario approves first religious display. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • The nine branch menorah commemorates the holiday Hanukah or Feast of Dedication. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • The nine branch menorah commemorates the holiday Hanukah or Feast of Dedication. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Karen Ashby reads poem on Hanukah. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
  • Tom Culp gives closing prayer at dedication ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

One of the speakers at the dedication ceremony commented that it was refreshing to see elected officials from both sides of the political aisle embrace the community’s religious traditions.

“I had council members from different sides of the political spectrum talk to me about their support of the menorah and religious freedom,” says Benjamin Mutti. “There is a real respect for faith traditions in Ontario and it appears to have a unifying force. People remember the famous “Silent Night Christmas Truce” where opposing armies during World War One ceased fighting to celebrate the Christmas holiday together. In the same way, it is encouraging to see elected officials come together in our day and respect the local faith traditions of their constituents. In this day and age, it truly is a battle to keep our local identity.”

Ontario City Council President Eddie Gallo commented, “At some point we have to be bold. We have to trust our community and be willing to fight. As public servants we have to recognize and be in tune with the pulse of our community. I believe this is a faith-based community. I believe that not just Ontario but all of Richland County is faith-based. I want to operate in their best interests with the understanding of who my neighbors are, what they believe, and what they put us in these positions with those beliefs for. I am not interested in the beliefs of Los Angeles or Columbus for that matter.”

A dedication ceremony was held Sunday for the first menorah on public property in Ontario’s history. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

Related Articles:

In this season of Hannukuh, are there any Maccabees?
Congregation supports schools and police for Hannukah
Mansfield has first public menorah lighting

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in John 10, “Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade…”

Guest Column: Thanking the Pilgrims for defeating Socialism

By
Admin
-
0

This year marks the four hundredth anniversary of the first Thanksgiving celebrated by the Pilgrims and their Wampanoag allies in 1621. Tragically, nearly half of the Pilgrims had died by famine and disease during their first year. However, they had been met by native Americans such as Samoset and Squanto who miraculously spoke English and taught the Pilgrims how to survive in the New World.

That fall the Pilgrims, despite all the hardships, found much to praise God for and they were joined by Chief Massasoit and his ninety braves came who feasted and celebrated for three days with the fifty or so surviving Pilgrims.

Tim Barton
Timothy Barton (Photo courtesy of Wallbuilders)

It is often forgotten, however, that after the first Thanksgiving, everything was not smooth sailing for the Pilgrims. Indeed, shortly thereafter they endured a time of crop failure and extreme difficulties including starvation and general lack. But why did this happen? Well, at that time the Pilgrims operated under what is called the “common storehouse” system. In its essence it was basically socialism. People were assigned jobs and the fruits of their labor would be redistributed throughout the community not based on how much work someone had done but how much they supposedly needed.

The only problem with this mode of economics is that it fails every time. Even the Pilgrims, who were a small group with relatively homogeneous beliefs, were unable to successfully operate under a socialistic system without starvation and death being only moments away. Governor William Bradford explained that under the common storehouse the people began to “allege weakness and inability” because no matter how much or how little work someone did they still were given the same amount of food. Unsurprisingly this, “was found to breed much confusion and discontent.” 

“General Bradford explained that under the common storehouse, the people began to ‘allege weakness and inability’ because no matter how much or how little work someone did, they were still given the same amount of food. Unsurprisingly, this ‘was found to breed much confusion and discontent.”

Tim Barton, President of Wallbuilders

The Pilgrims, however, were not the type of people to keep doing what does not work. And so, “they began to think how they might raise as much corn as they could, and obtain a better crop than they had done, that they might not still thus languish in misery.” And, “after much debate of things” the Pilgrims under the direction of William Bradford, decided that each family ought to “trust to themselves” and keep what they produced instead of putting it into a common storehouse. In essence, the Pilgrims decided to abandon the socialism which had led them to starvation and instead adopt the tenants of individual responsibility and the free market.

And what was the result? According to Bradford, this change of course, “had very good success; for it made all hands very industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been.” Eventually the Pilgrims became a fiscally successful colony, paid off their enormous debt, and founded some of the earliest trading posts with the surrounding Indian tribes including the Aptucxet, Metteneque, and Cushnoc locations. In short, it represented one of the most significant economic revolutions which determined the early characteristics of the American nation. 

The First Thanksgiving (Photo courtesy of Wallbuilders)

The Pilgrims, of course, did not simply invent these ideas out of thin air but they instead grew out of the intimate familiarity the Pilgrims had with the Bible.

The Scriptures provide clear principles for establishing a successful economic system which the Pilgrims looked to. For example, Proverbs 12:11 says, “He that tills his land shall be satisfied with bread.” So the Pilgrims purchased land from the Indians and designated lots for every family to individually grow food for themselves. After all, 1 Timothy 5:8 declares, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

We often think that the battle against Socialism is a new fight sprouting out of the writings of Karl Marx which are so blindly and foolishly followed today by those deceived by leftist irrationality. However, America’s fight against the evil of socialism goes back even to our very founding during the colonial period.

Thankfully, our forefathers decided to reject the tenets of socialism and instead build their new colony upon the ideology of freedom, liberty, hard work, and individual responsibility.

So, this Thanksgiving, let’s thank the Pilgrims for defeating socialism and let us look to their example today in our ongoing struggle for freedom.

Timothy Barton is the President of WallBuilders, a national pro-family organization that presents America’s
forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on our religious, moral, and constitutional heritage. 

1...789...27Page 8 of 27

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

FrontlinesOhio is dedicated to sharing the news that main stream media ignores. Our focus is on the biggest movers and shakers in the world...the faith community. Please help us in our mission of giving believers a voice by liking and sharing this content.

FOLLOW US

Skip to toolbar