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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reverend El Akuchie
Richland Community Prayer Network

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Photo courtesy of See You At The Pole)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sherry Bouquet
Executive Director of FosteRing Family Ministries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reverend Kevin Evans
Ganges Liberty Baptist
Shelby Ministerial Association President

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See related articles:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rachel Citak
Citizens For Community Values
Legislative Liason

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Troopmaster Luke Burton
Trail Life USA Bellville Troop #1

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

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

Movie Review on “Overcomer” (VIDEO)

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From the makers of: War Room (2015), Courageous (2011), Fireproof (2008), Facing the Giants (2006) and Flywheel (2003), comes the Kendrick Brothers’ latest inspirational film entitled: Overcomer.

As Hollywood has boycotted the State of Georgia for passing the Heartbeat Bill, this movie produced in Georgia is worth investing your time and treasure.  I give this movie 5 stars out of 5 stars.

Overcomer is a quality faith-based film based on Chapters 1 and 2 of the Book of Ephesians. The movie is a uniquely impactful looking at the lives of people as they face a point of desperation, and as they encounter Jesus Christ to turn-around their lives. The movie’s message has application for all of us, whether you are a believer or not. 

Greg Jevnikar

The movie has scenes from a variety of locations including high school gymnasiums, cross country running courses, school board meetings, hospital rooms and even a graveside service.

This fast-paced film will keep you in rapt attention and put you on an emotional roller-coaster. Humor mixes with anger, pain with love, and regret with hope.

The movie wraps you around four main characters:

A winning basketball coach who is humbled when facing the loss of nearly all the starters on his powerhouse team after the town’s primary employer closes its doors.

Another is a desperate, troubled parent-less teenager given a second chance in a private school after her previous expulsion. You will learn later that she shares a history with a very sick and dying man.

And in between all of this is the high school principal who knows the coach and the teenager’s situations and tries to make the best of a very difficult situation.

The characters blend together in a rich interaction between the physical and spiritual. This movie will motivate everyone to seek a relationship with Jesus Christ, who offers the means to overcome the direst of situations.

(Check out Focus on the Family’s “Unplugged” for another Christian review)

When I saw the movie on opening weekend, people in the theater roared their approval, spontaneously clapping their hands in appreciation of the film at the end.

Overcomer is showing on Cinemark 14 Mansfield Town Center and Mount Vernon Premiere Theater 7 Go check it out!

View the movie trailer below.

Article updated August 27, 2019

Greg Jevnikar is a healthcare professional and devoted Christ-follower. As a blogger and activist, he defends the sanctity of human life and traditional marriage .and participates in the Ohio Tea Party movement.

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

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MANSFIELD — Earlier this month, religious freedom advocates held an outreach mission onsite during the local PRIDE rally in downtown Mansfield. The group brought two essential things: a visible presence and Biblical truth.

One of the evangelical coordinators, Greg Jevnikar has hope for the future.

“I believe we are reaching the hearts and minds of future generations. A recent survey found that millennials who have been raised in the politically-correct LGBT movement, say they are less enamored with the movement compared to previous years. Today we had a local group of students witnessing to Mansfield PRIDE event attenders.”

Several students minister to attenders at the Mansfield PRIDE event. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

“We attended the PRIDE event to witness and strike up conversations with the event supporters,” says Tara Beechy, coach/host for an area Bible Bee group of students. “We left with a feeling that many of these people are searching for real answers in life.”

According to Jevnikar, multiple scientific studies find there is no gay gene.

“Since homosexual conduct and transgender behavior are conditioned or chosen lifestyles, they should not be categorized with race, color, sex or ethnicity as Civil Rights. A man can put on makeup, wear dresses, or have a sex change operation, but he still has X and Y chromosomes. This is biological fact and GOD designed him that way. No political opinion can change the truth.”

Coach Dave Daubenmire of Pass the Salt Ministries was also onsite and points out that the politically-correct society does not tolerate the Biblical view on sexual morality.

“They have marginalized, censored, penalized, and even jailed Christians who believe in traditional marriage. How can we call this a free country when Big Tech silences anyone who holds a different viewpoint? I personally have been shadow-banned. It seems rather than holding civil discourse on the issue, they bully Christians and call them bigots to silence them. Telling the truth about homosexuality is not hate, it just sounds like hate. A person cannot change truth.”

The Mansfield Gay Pride Association, organized the event which was sponsored by OhioHealth, Planned Parenthood and the pornography chain Lion’s Den. The event included a parade down Park Avenue West and a drag queen story time for children.

Several from Ministries of Hope & Healing minister at Mansfield PRIDE event.
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

Reverend Clyde Kerby of Ministries for Hope and Healing had several of his church members ministering at the event.

“GOD and His Word does not change. There is no question this event goes counter to our local faith community’s standards. Just three years ago we had over one hundred area clergy oppose the federal transgender restroom mandate. Jesus says in the Gospel of John, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

“With drag queens having story time with our children in Mansfield, as a pastor I am compelled to speak out,” says Kerby. “They are coming after our children.”

Reverend Clyde Kerby
Ministries for Hope and Healing

Concern still exists in religious circles as even parents’ rights are being undermined. Last year a Cincinnati judge removed a child from her parents to allow for a non-FDA approved sex change surgery to proceed.

“With drag queens having story time with our children in Mansfield, as a pastor I am compelled to speak out,” says Kerby. “They are coming after our children.”

“The people that came to us to ask questions and take our educational materials were just kids. A lot of them told us they knew what they were doing was not right. During the event, we learned there were at least three people who committed themselves to Christ. If the Body of Christ has a visible presence onsite, we can win our city back.”

Click on the video below to see brief summary of John Hopkins study that found no evidence of gay gene.

See related article:

As Pride Month is celebrated, Hepatitis A epidemic in Ohio grows

Future looks bright for Ohio Living Word outdoor drama (VIDEO)

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CAMBRIDGE — Ohio’s only outdoor passion play drama is putting the finishing touches on the last month of the season with weekend shows taking place thru September 28th.

For forty-five years and counting, Living Word Outdoor Drama, located at 6010 College Hill Road in Guernsey County has been telling the story of Christ in two and a half hour long live performances on Friday and Saturday evenings thru the summer.

The Last Supper scene from Living Word Outdoor Drama.

“We treat our guests like family,” says Executive Director Heath Dawson.

“People’s jaws drop when they see our four-hundred foot set of the Old Jerusalem for the first time. The permanent set allows for a panoramic view and was repainted this year.”

The nationally recognized drama was founded in 1975 by Biblical Dramatist Frank Roughton Harvey and brings to life the passion of Jesus. Harvey studied Biblical archaeology under eminent scholars from the Holy Land.

Dawson comments, “We have seen our biggest growth over the last five years in regards to the amenities we provide. Our outdoor amphitheater was recently upgraded with stadium seating for 450 which also includes reserved handicapped-accessible seating. Last year we added state of the art LED lighting for both the stage and parking areas.”

“We have seen our biggest growth over the last five years in regards to the amenities we provide. Our outdoor amphitheater was recently upgraded with stadium seating for 450 which also includes reserved handicapped-accessible seating. Last year we added state of the art LED lighting for both the stage and parking areas.”

Heath Dawson, Executive Director
Living Word Outdoor Drama

Dawson also adds that a new tomb will be constructed for the 2020 season. As the case with all the shows, the seats will be filled but the tomb will be empty.

The non-profit’s primary focus is to present the life of Christ. In addition, the ministry exposes and educates audiences to the arts; including dramas, concerts, musicals and children’s programs. Thirdly, it provides free training to all its volunteers in the fields of acting, technical aspects, lighting, costuming, food preparation, sales, and animal husbandry.

The amphitheater facilities has a concession stand, handicap-accessible restrooms, and a gift shop. Recently the ministry hosted its fourth annual Crucified music concert.

The cast for the production of Living Word Outdoor Drama.

On August 23rd, all visitors who ride in motorcycle to the drama will receive a special admission price of $10.00.

The amphitheater will also be hosting a “Jerusalem Experience & Family Day” on Saturday, September 7th between 12:00-4:00 PM with ticket prices at $10 for families. Visitors will enjoy a multi-sensory day of costume making, carpentry, games, food, animals and shofar lessons.

The Living Word Outdoor Drama is a proud member of the Institute of Outdoor Dramas, the Ohio Tourism Association, the Guernsey County Chamber of Commerce, and the Cambridge and Guernsey County Visitor’s and Convention Center.

For show updates click on the Living Word Outdoor Drama Facebook page or call 740.439.2761. Click on the video below to get a sneak peak preview.

Morrow County pastor has different angle on prolific walleye surge (VIDEO)

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MOUNT GILEAD –Experts are puzzled and anglers are ecstatic as Lake Erie is teeming with walleye. Last year Lake Erie fisheries reported an astounding two million walleye that were caught; nearly five times the harvest in 2011. One Mount Gilead pastor sees the explosion of walleye as answered prayer and a call to action.

“Anytime wildlife comes back to life like the walleye we see in Lake Erie, it is a blessing from GOD. A lot of factors have to come together for something like this to happen,” says Reverend Steve Brenneman Senior Pastor of Awakening Christian Center. “The Bible makes it very clear that GOD created the fish and that He has called us to rule over the fish of the sea.”

Brenneman formerly served as Morrow County Sheriff for twelve years before becoming pastor of his church located at 6790 County Road 121, outside Mount Gilead, Ohio.

According to the Ohio Department of Wildlife, Lake Erie is home to fifty-percent of the fish in the Great Lakes and sports fishing is an $800 million industry to eight counties along Lake Erie. Interestingly, Ohio’s portion of Lake Erie supports nearly seven thousand jobs annually.

This summer Ohio Division of Natural Resources held a “Fish Ohio Day!” celebrating charter boat staff and the bounty of Lake Erie walleye. The first walleye of the day was caught by Lt. Governor Jon Husted. (Photo from Jon Husted Twitter account)

The sheriff-turned-pastor has several family members who fish in Lake Erie, and sees a stark contrast from what Lake Erie used to be when several decades prior it was contaminated and eating fish was prohibited.

“There used to be an all-you-can-eat fish fry our local community had a long time ago until it was discontinued when water conditions deteriorated. Today with the resurgence of walleye harvests, the western basin of Lake Erie is reclaiming its title as the ‘Walleye Capital of the World‘ and people come from all over to fish.”

The rebound of the Lake Erie walleye remains an enigma.

What sets the 2019 harvest apart from other years is how widespread the flourishing walleye schools are in Lake Erie. In recent weeks, good walleye fishing was reported off every port along the Ohio shoreline, from Toledo to Conneaut.

“We can’t put our finger on the exact mechanisms,” says fisheries biologist supervisor Eric Weimer at the Division of Wildlife’s Sandusky Fisheries Research Unit in Sandusky.

“We are to be good stewards with the blessings GOD gives us and be engaged in the Great Commission. Scriptures tells us that what happens in the physical realm is what is happening in the spiritual realm. Christ has called us to be “fishers of men.”

Reverend Steve Brenneman
Awakening Christian Center

As one of the pastors who led a clergy press conference declaring 2019 as the “Year of the Bible,” Brenneman warns the church about not living a watered-down version of Christianity.

“We are to be good stewards with the blessings GOD gives us and be engaged in the Great Commission. Scriptures tells us that what happens in the physical realm is what is happening in the spiritual realm. Christ has called us to be “fishers of men.” As abundant walleye harvests are being seen in our lake in the physical, so an abundant harvest of souls should be seen for the fishers of men. The Church needs to be busy telling the world the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven.”

View the WEWS News Channel Five video below discussing the 2019 Lake Erie Walleye.

Over 100 clergy flock together to support Chick fil-A coming to Richland County (VIDEO)

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MANSFIELD — The faith community has declared its solid support for a brick and mortar site for Chick fil-A in Richland County, Ohio. The Richland Community Prayer Network released an announcement with the endorsements of leading clergymen from over one hundred local congregations.

The joint statement comes after one of only six mobile Chick fil-A food trucks in the nation visited several sites inside the county as part of a market study. The company does not have a restaurant within fifty-three miles of Mansfield but has said it now intends to look at available properties in the area.

Youth from Sar Shalom Center showing their support for Chick fil-A. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

“According to the clergy statement, “The exceptional reputation of Chick fil-A as a business and as a community stakeholder is unmatched. The company’s mission statement includes the goal of ‘glorifying GOD’ which provides perspective on the regal treatment  it gives its customers.” 

Chick fil A has a reputation of forming strong ties to its local communities. Reverend Rick Wiseman, one of the signers of the clergy statement has a personal reason for giving his support. (Pictured in top feature image)

“I have a son who pastors a church in Woodstock, Georgia who six years ago lost his hearing in one ear. As it turns out, Chick fil-A paid over forty thousand dollars for my son to get cochlear implant surgery which helped restore my son’s hearing.

“I have the highest respect for this company. Perhaps GOD is moving north central Ohio to spiritual revival with GOD -fearing companies potentially coming to our area.”

“One of the outstanding things they do is close their doors on Sunday to honor GOD. Not many businesses want to lose Sunday revenue, but they have chosen to stray true to their convictions and consequently, have prospered.”

Reverend Hank Webb
Belmont Community Church

The clergy statement went on to say their area has a strong faith tradition and wholeheartedly supports the company even though other places around the country have not.

While named America’s favorite restaurant chain, Chick fil-A has been barred from college campuses, various cities, and openly criticized for it support of faith based ministries and religious convictions.

It is for this reason that one of the signers of the clergy joint statement believes Chick fil-A has such loyal support from its customer base.

“Any business that chooses to honor GOD in the way they have holds great esteem,” says Reverend Hank Webb. “One of the outstanding things they do is close their doors on Sunday to honor GOD. Not many businesses want to lose Sunday revenue, but they have chosen to stray true to their convictions and consequently, have prospered.”

Click on image above to see nine-minute Ohio Drone Perspective video in hyper-speed of Chick fil-A food truck at Appleseed Center in Mansfield. This video was shared by Richland County Loves Chick fil-A Facebook page.

Another signer, Reverend Jim Marshall says, “I believe we need more faith- based businesses to help bring positive change that Richland County is ready for. More people are beginning to look upward to the heavens for answers to bring this change.”

In conclusion, the joint statement said, “We are eagerly ‘setting the table’ in anticipation for the arrival of Chick fil-A,  and firmly believe that our families will taste and see that the LORD is good.”

This could very well be a match made in heaven.

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Galatians Six, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are if the household of the faith.”

View video of news report by WEWS Channel 5 News on this story. Updated with video August 27, 2019.

Related article:

Community embraces idea of Chick fil-A coming to Mansfield (VIDEO)

Local fruits and vegetables available at Trinity Lutheran farmer’s market (VIDEO)

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MANSFIELD — Like two peas in a pod, one market manager and her husband coordinate a farmer’s market at their church to support local farmers and provide healthy food alternatives to the public.

For eight years, Steve and Cindy Shasky have run the Holy Trinity Farmer’s Market at 525 West Cook Road in Mansfield on the southwest corner of Lexington Avenue and Cook Road.

“Our farmer’s market is a great way to share the abundance that GOD has given us,” says Cindy Shasky. “Our market provides interface between the actual growers and customers. Every Tuesday from 3:00-6:00 PM the public has the opportunity to support the local economy and build trust with the producer so they (public) can feel confident about where their food is coming from.”

Holy Trinity Farmers Market located at corner of Lexington Avenue and Cook Road. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

At some farmers markets, producers will buy fruits and vegetables and resell the product at another farmer’s market so the customer does not know where the product comes from.

“I am very picky about who we select as producers and the quality of product they bring. We do garden inspections of our producers to verify. And our market only accepts fruits and vegetables coming from a fifteen mile radius. We really do have a great team of producers,” says Shasky.

Several of the market producers include the Hidden Acres farm on Mansfield-Lucas Road, which exists to serve and honor GOD. The family farm provides pastured-poultry and grass-fed beef.

Share N’ Dipity from Taylor Road provides breads and pastries, and the Odd Sprout Farm in Plymouth, Ohio which produces beets, basil, carrots, red green lettuce, and baby romaine lettuce.

“We support the Shasky’s ministry, it is an outreach of Holy Trinity Lutheran. The farmer’s market provides ample opportunity for relationship-building and gives healthy food alternatives for the public which is a real blessing to the community.”

Reverend Pentti Maki
Holy Trinity LUtheran Church

According to Steve Shasky, “Lori is another one of our vendors that provides different jams and jellies, herbs, squash, cucumbers, beets, and egg plant. Tia also provides fresh sweet deserts.”

Steve adds, “Despite the abundance of rainfall that has hampered gardens and farms in the region, we are seeing yellow squash grow like crazy.”

Weekly Ohio crop updates are made available by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Reverend Penti Maki, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran comments, “We support the Shasky’s ministry, it is an outreach of Holy Trinity Lutheran. The farmer’s market provides ample opportunity for relationship-building and gives healthy food alternatives for the public which is a real blessing to the community.”

Steve and Cindy Shasky in front of Holy Trinity farmer’s market.

Local farmer’s markets cut down on shipping time which translates to less time for vegetables to lose their nutrients.

A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar, which can help keep appetite in check

Farmer’s markets also reduce areas known as “food deserts.” Food deserts are geographic areas where access to affordable, fresh fruits and vegetables are limited or nonexistent because grocery stores are too far away. According to a 2009 report, about 23.5 million Americans live in food deserts.

Related articles:

Strawberry Festival held at Ganges Community Church

The Bottom Line:

The Bible in Isaiah Chapter 58 says, “The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

Oasis of Love Church leads charge against violence by reaching youth

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MANSFIELD — With popular culture promoting violence at an increasing rate, one local congregation is fighting the good fight and helping lead the charge by reaching the next generation.

Oasis of Love, located at 190 Chester Avenue, recently held a block party at the corners of Harker and Bowman Streets to prepare kids for the start of the school year and to provide them a clean slate.

According to Pastor Emeritus Walt Jordan Jr., “This is the fourth year we have had this event. Our goal is to reach these kids at an early age and show them something positive in the community near the end of the summer.”

Photo provided by Oasis of Love Church.

Over twelve hundred book bags were given out to children with free school supplies donated by Staples. The Store also gave away school uniforms at no cost to the children. A bouncy house, a rock climbing wall, and a splash pad provided by the City Fire Department added excitement to the event.

Jordan said the event grew this year drawing an estimated five thousand people along with a number of new community sponsors.

“Slap Daddy’s, BW-3’s, and Jones’ Potato Chips provided free food. We had approximately ten churches, ten non-profits, and five banks who contributed to the success of the event. We even had fifteen barbers and ten hairstylists volunteer their time to provide free services to people.

“Forming positive memories in the children is so important. This year we saw a lot of faces from last year’s event and it has now become a community tradition. Zechariah 8:5 says ‘And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.’ That is our hope one day for Mansfield, and not just four hours.”

“Forming positive memories in the children is so important. This year we saw a lot of faces from last year’s event and it has now become a community tradition. Zechariah 8:5 says ‘And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.’ That is our hope one day for Mansfield, and not just four hours.”

Pastor EMERITUS, walt jordan II
Oasis of Love church

Several speakers discussed the negative impacts of violence including the new Mansfield Police Chief Keith Porch, the new Mansfield Senior Superintendent Stan Jefferson, Councilman Don Bryant, and Commissioner Tony Vero.

Mansfield City Councilman Jason Lawrence notes that just one week prior to the block party, law enforcement officials had emphasized at a safety committee meeting the importance of reaching children while they are young.

“This (event) came at the right time. While statistics show that gun violence in the City of Mansfield has dropped each year for four consecutive years, City Council held a special meeting on violence after recent episodes occurred at several bars. Oasis of Love has demonstrated it is part of the solution and plays a vital role in shaping our youth.”

Photo provided by Oasis of Love Church.

Oasis of Love has a prison ministry which brought two ex- convicts who provided free haircuts at the block party. One of the barbers had been in prison for twenty-six years and left the Muslim faith to become a follower of Christ. His message to the youth came with conviction.

Lawrence recalls “We (council members) took a trip to North Carolina to learn more about the High Point Initiative where non-violent drug dealers were given a one-time offer of help in exchange for quitting drug dealing. The law enforcement and community leaders held call in’s and gave at-risk youth another alternative instead of gang life that can be attributed to crime.”

According to Reverend Jordan, “Having a unified front with the law enforcement is important. The Sheriff’s Department and the Army also attended the block party. In the Bible we see, like in Chronicles, the Book of Acts, Haggai, and Nehemiah that anytime people unify and work together there is a response from Heaven.”

In 2011 Oasis of Love hosted the Fugitive Safe Surrender program in partnership with the Attorney General’s office where people who have outstanding warrants for misdemeanors and low-level felonies have the opportunity to resolve these issues in a church.

Lawrence says he believes the block party brings pride to the neighborhood and builds momentum in the community.

Congregation’s efforts to rejuvenate city park has ripple effect on neighborhood

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MANSFIELD- Last year a survey on Mansfield city parks was conducted and the results were loud and clear: people want better maintenance and better safety at city parks. At Liberty Park, one local congregation is making waves by taking ownership and demonstrating that actions can speak louder than words.

Pastor Dean Jackson and his wife Lisa, of McElroy Road Church of Christ believe their church should play an integral part in their neighborhood.

“Our church has a J.O.B. Ministry where our role is to be a light in the community. The acronym of J.O.B. stands for ‘Jesus outside the building.’ Our mission is to have a sphere of influence that is bigger than just the four walls of the church,” says the pastor, whose congregation meets at 297 North McElroy Road.

Members of the McElroy Church of Christ install new park signs for fitness trail.
(Photo from McElroy Church of Christ Facebook page)

Dean recalls when he and his wife first moved back to Mansfield in 2013.

“We came to Liberty Park, and vandalism had ravaged the park. You could find syringes left on the ground. We had heard stories about crime in the park and gunshots in the area. The park had been abandoned and was a dangerous place to be.”

“It’s like the park cried out ‘I need attention,” says Lisa.

The church helped coordinate trash pickups, purchased new picnic tables, installed new walking trail signs, and the youth group repainted garbage cans.

According to Mansfield City Councilman-at-Large Cliff Mears, the City of Mansfield had gone into fiscal emergency in 2008 and the parks department had been eliminated from the budget.

“The city parks had not been maintained by the city for five years and the public perception of the parks were that they were run down and not a safe place to go. Fortunately, in 2013 the PRIDE tax was passed by city voters and the city parks department was started back up. Presently, the thirty city parks are maintained with $825,000 annually coming from this tax.”

This past July 6th, the church coordinated a “Run for Liberty Park Red, White, and Blue 3K Color Run which raised funds to improve the park.

According to Councilman Mears, “The city’s resources are limited. This is great to see faith-based efforts like McElroy Road Church of Christ take ownership of Liberty Park. We need a lot more people like you that adopt a park and help take the lead.”

“The city’s resources are limited. This is great to see faith-based efforts like McElroy Road Church of Christ take ownership of Liberty Park. We need a lot more people like you that adopt a park and help take the lead.”

Cliff Mears
Mansfield City councilman-at-large

“When we go to the park to clean, often times people come up to us and ask us what we are doing and why we are cleaning the park,” says Reverend Jackson. “Many times they ask us if we work for the city. We tell them we have a job to do.”

Mears points out that a recent online survey of city parks provided important feedback, garnering 1,030 comments.

“According to the survey results, the people who responded felt safety and maintenance of parks were the top priorities. The Council has heard the voices of citizens loud and clear.”

Two-thirds of those surveyed said city park facilities make Mansfield a more livable community. The top uses of parks according to the survey were the playground and passive recreational use.

According to Reverend Jackson, other churches are inquiring about the congregation’s efforts to adopt the park. In fact, other groups have gotten involved since the church’s initial involvement.

The church has been able to partner with Richland Moves, Richland Public Health,with City Parks Director Mark Abrams, and other civic organizations.

Lisa, who also manages the Friends of Liberty Park-Mansfield Facebook page adds, “When local businesses and the community see consistency and commitment, they are more apt to invest in park improvements; it really is a ripple effect.

“We saw an increase in sponsors in this year’s 3K race. Businesses like Baker’s Collision, Fun Center Pools, Hilltop Quick Lube, Eagle Mark 4, Barrister Title Group, Allen’s Barbershop and Pamer Chiropractor all have been instrumental with the improvement efforts at Liberty Park. It has been a community effort.”

Church members enjoy time together after park work day
(Photo from McElroy Church of Christ Facebook page)

Most recently a family movie night was scheduled on July 25th. Other programs include a July “Christmas at the Park” and “Opera in the Park.” Pastor Jackson also says that his church has softball practice at the park.

“The more presence we have at Liberty Park, the more the darkness cannot be around.”

“Our main purpose is we want to glorify GOD and evangelize people to the LORD. We also want people to know that there are good things going on at Liberty Park,” says Lisa.

According to Mears, “If that agenda is followed thru, you won’t have to deal with vandalism-people will be changed.”

Growing number of Ohio students competing in National Bible Bee (VIDEO)

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ASHLAND — A local group of students participating in the National Bible Bee is reporting a dramatic increase in interest in Bible memorization, a shift being detected across the nation: a generation returning to the Bible.

According to Hopewell Bible Bee Host Tara Beechy, “This year our local Hopewell Bible Bee went from forty-five students last year to eighty-two this year. In addition, I was in touch with national offices in San Antonio recently and they reported that one hundred students were registering a day during the registration period; record-breaking numbers since the National Bible Bee first started in 2009.”

The local group had to change meeting locations to West Hill Baptist Church in Wooster to accommodate the influx of new students.

Pictured in front a page of a Torah Scroll: Hopewell Bible Bee Host Tara Beechy, 2018 Junior Finalist Hannah Wright, and her Mother Jill Wright.

“2018 was an exciting year of competition for our local Bible Bee,” says Beechy. “After an amazing and fruitful summer study in the book of James, we were blessed to have 13 national qualifiers.”

Hannah Wright of Atwood, Ohio finished fourth in the nation as a Junior Division Finalist in the 2018 nationals. Even more, Titus Alexander of Medina, Ohio finished third in the nation. Titus was the first student in the competition’s history to get a perfect score on the Summer Study qualifying test.

“In the Junior Division, students memorize eight hundred-thirty Bible Scriptures and the Senior Division students memorize at least one thousand verses,” says Beechy.

“In the Junior Division, students memorize eight hundred-thirty Bible Scriptures and the Senior Division students memorize at least one thousand verses.”

Tara Beechy
Hopewell Bible Bee Host

During the Summer Study, young people learn how to unlock the Scriptures and memorize God’s Word. Whether they are studying on their own or taking part within a church or other hosted group, the participants use the eight-week Summer Study Discovery Journal, Memory Passage Cards and other resources to learn how to study the Scriptures for themselves in as little as twenty minutes a day with the option of a deeper study.

The top 120 students in Primary Division (ages 7-10), Junior Division (ages 11-14), and Senior Division (ages 15-18) go to the National Bible Bee Competition, which hosts 360 of the top contestants from around the nation who compete for over $100,000 in prize money

The National Bible Bee Competition 2019, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. will be held at Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, KY on November 18–21, 2019.

The ministry’s mission is to engage young people in the memorization and study of God’s Word and provide opportunities to proclaim it through local, national and broadcast competitions.

The Hopewell Bible Bee has had a number of activities throughout the summer. This past Wednesday, Beechy took her Hopewell Bible Bee to Sar Shalom Center recently to learn the Hebraic roots of Scripture.

“We could have sat there for twelve hours listening to the Rabbi expound on the Scriptures. The congregation was very hospitable to our group.”

The local chapter of the National Bible Bee recently visited Sar Shalom Center in Ontario to learn from Rabbi William Hallbrook about the Hebraic roots of Scripture. Click on the image above to watch one contestant recite the Bible at the National Bee.

Students pictured in feature image include local finalists to the 2019 National Bible Bee. Front row: Rosie Alexander, Hannah Wright, Sarah Johnson, Grace Johnson. Back row: Alec Wennerstrown, Caleb Wright, Owen Beechy, Landon Beechy, and Lincoln Naylor.

View the promotional video for the 2018 National Bible Bee below.

Ohio evangelicals praise lawmakers for funding pregnancy centers (VIDEO)

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COLUMBUS — Last week Ohio lawmakers passed a two-year state budget defunding twenty-six Planned Parenthood locations throughout the state and redirecting those taxpayer dollars to support crisis pregnancy centers. This profound change regarding state spending by the Governor and Legislature has some key evangelical leaders singing their praise.

According to Reverend Gary Click, Pastor of Fremont Baptist Temple and Chairman of the Governor’s Evangelical Advisory Council, “A culture of life has revived in Columbus under the administration of Governor Mike DeWine and Jon Husted. I am proud that our Governor does more than give lip service to these issues.”

Maps depicting data from 2015 comparing the number of pregnancy centers and Planned Parenthood locations.
(Map by Alliance Defending Freedom & Charlotte Lozier Institute)

A provision in the approved budget gives $7.5 million to crisis pregnancy centers which steer women away from the option of abortion. Just last year, Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the nation, received $600,000 in state taxpayer dollars.

The redirection of public monies was enabled by a sweeping court decision declaring the state has the right to decide the parameters for who gets public funding.

Reverend Jerry O’Brien a member of the Governor’s Evangelical Advisory Council and former board member of the Wayne County Pregnancy Center believes the taxpayer dollars are being appropriated well.

“There are a large number of these crisis pregnancy resource centers across the state that provide a number of valuable services like free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, prenatal vitamins, maternity, baby clothes, and counseling. It really is a great thing that the General Assembly acknowledges the work of these valuable family centers,” says the Pastor O’Brien of Faith Harvest Fellowship in Wooster.

There is little dispute that Ohio is taking the lead when it comes to the sanctity of life. Ohio is unlike most states that prohibit abortion, offering no exceptions in circumstances of rape or incest.

“Every Sunday morning at church I see one of my members who was conceived in rape. As a beautiful mother and now grandmother, how can I say she has less dignity due to the circumstances of her conception? Our legislators are bold to declare that we do not have the right to determine the value of one life over another. The Ohio General Assembly is wise to recognize that people should not play GOD.”

REverend Gary Click
Chairman of Governor’s Evangelical Advisory Council

“Every Sunday morning at church I see one of my members who was conceived in rape,” says Pastor Click. “As a beautiful mother and now grandmother, how can I say she has less dignity due to the circumstances of her conception? Our legislators are bold to declare that we do not have the right to determine the value of one life over another. The Ohio General Assembly is wise to recognize that people should not play GOD.”

On April 9th, the advisory council awarded Governor DeWine the Champion of Life award just two days prior to the signing of the Heartbeat Bill into law.

“I want to thank House Speaker Larry Householder and Senate President Larry Obhof for leading the way on passing a budget and the Heartbeat Bill with such strong pro-family and pro-life provisions. Ohio has been blessed by their strong leadership,” comments Reverend O’Brien.

The embattled abortion industry has had several abortion centers in Ohio guilty of serious infractions including: expired drugs, improper storage of aborted baby body parts, and incomplete medical records. One Cleveland abortion center has had at least ten botched abortions involving medical emergencies since 2011. 

Click on the five-minute video below produced by Prager University on what Live Action Founder Lila Rose says you need to know about Planned Parenthood.

See related articles:

Federal Court of appeals rules Ohio law can end taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood
Ashland Pregnancy Center holds banquet in afterglow of Heartbeat Bill signing (VIDEO)

Miraculous deathbed conversion gives former transgender message of deliverance (VIDEO)

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MOUNT VERNON — After living as a transgender prostitute, David Arthur in 2009 was told that he had contracted HIV-AIDS and had only three months to live; medication was no longer a viable option. David laid in his hospital bed afraid to die when he experienced a life-altering epiphany.

“I was in a hospital bed under Hospice care when I read a verse in the Bible which says: “And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error,” (Romans 1:27).

David Arthur has a YouTube channel
David Arthur aka Alphabet Man

“Those words of that Bible passage and the memory of a correctional officer who preached to me in prison compelled me to start praying and confessing my sins to the Heavenly Father,” says Arthur speaking at Trinity at the Eastern Gate in Pickerington, Ohio.

Now, ten years later, Arthur encourages people to leave the LGBT lifestyle thru his ministry I Belong Amen Ministries.

“Recently I witnessed to two transsexual prostitutes who were molested as children, which is how the LGBT movement recruits its numbers. In our conversation they told me they knew that GOD did not create them to be this way (transsexual) and they hugged me when I told them the truth about the movement. We have to stop loving people to death and start loving people to life.”

“Recently I witnessed to two transsexual prostitutes who were molested as children, which is how the LGBT movement recruits its numbers. In our conversation they told me they knew that GOD did not create them to be this way (transsexual) and they hugged me when I told them the truth about the movement. We have to stop loving people to death and start loving people to life.”

David Arthur
I Belong Amen Ministries

Growing up without a father, David grew up naturally seeking that closeness from a man that he was lacking.

“I was molested by several adult men throughout my childhood before kindergarten. I associated negative sexual attention with the intimacy I desired. By age nine I was cutting school early to go to bus stops and public restrooms to have encounters with dirty old men since I desired closeness. At that time, that was the only intimacy I knew.”

David admits that the more feminine he acted, the more attention he received.

“I began to start dressing as a girl despite the objections of my mother. At age fourteen, I left the house and went to the streets of Philadelphia. I was embraced by the LGBT movement and they took me under their wings since I was young and tender. Eventually I started injecting female hormones. While kids my age were thinking about their first school dance, my goal was to become the best prostitute I could be.”

After abusing drugs and getting arrested several times, David went to prison and met a corrections officer who told him he was a man and not a transgender. The guard also began planting seeds in David’s life by telling him the story of Saul who later became Paul. The guard even told David one day he would set many captives free.

Pictured: David Arthur handing out his testimonial book entitled “Refined” at a Mansfield Pride Event in 2018. (Photo by Greg Jevnikar)

By 2008 David began having back issues and became hunched over needing the assistance of a walker. He was told he had full-fledged osteoporosis with brittle bones due to female hormones he took.

A year later David had full blown AIDS.

“My immunity system was decimated with T-cells going from ten-thousand to zero. I had Infections in my blood, my brain, and boils on my skin were covering my entire body.”

After David’s encounter with truth, his body went thru an extreme makeover; doctors testing David had no scientific explanation for the miraculous turnaround of his immunity system. They had never seen a viral load as high as David’s and then suddenly go undetectable. In fact David’s bone density today is actually better now than what a man of his age should be.

David feels GOD has saved him and given him an assignment to reach others who are missing that love of a father.

“Society mistakenly denotes intimacy as being sexual. True intimacy is sharing a close bond with someone like David shared with Jonathan in the Bible. Since my experience with GOD, I now know I am going to Heaven. I will take anything this world has to throw at me because I am no longer who I once was. The reason I am not who I was is because I was able to learn that intimacy is GOD-given and His plan is best.”

View David Arthur’s riveting testimony in this thirty-six minute video below.

See related article:

Public forum discusses the cure for Fatherless society (AUDIO)

Mansfield Mayor presents Global Forgiveness Day proclamation to area clergy (VIDEO)

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MANSFIELD — Last week Mansfield Mayor Timothy Theaker presented a proclamation to two area clergy commemorating Global Forgiveness Day. Pointing out that unforgiveness may lead to anti-social behavior, the proclamation illustrated that it is not always easy to forgive and forget.

The proclamation cited examples of depression, lawsuits, divorce, and homicide, as examples of anti-social behavior that may result when forgiveness is not chosen.

Pictured: Elder Moe Hill and Reverend Dink Porter outside Mansfield City Hall holding Global Forgiveness Day proclamation.

According to Elder Moe Hill of Grace Evangelical Free Church at 536 Kentucky Avenue, “Unresolved conflict can have an adverse effect on you. On the other hand, forgiveness has emotional, physical and spiritual benefits. As Matthew 5:9 says, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

Senior Pastor Dink Porter of Mansfield Open Bible Church had a first-hand experience of dealing with the issue of forgiveness in 2015 when serving as youth pastor at his church located at 1150 Rayfield Drive.

“We had a hundred kids who were a needy group. I was on vacation when something happened during our youth group meeting.

“Several of our youth were sent home during the meeting for unruly behavior and they decided to come back to the church, except they came back when everyone had gone home for the night.”

According to Reverend Porter, two of the students brought three of their cousins ranging from ages ten to seventeen, and inflicted their anger on the church.

“An estimated $50,000 dollars of damage was done to our church property. Forty bottles of acrylic paint were taken and painted on the walls of our Sunday school rooms and carpets. Fire extinguishers were discharged in the church lobby and sanctuary. Windows were broken, televisions were destroyed and furniture was slashed . More than twenty Bibles were ripped apart. Hot wax from lit candles were dripped onto the carpet and vending machines were pried open. It was not a pretty sight,” says Reverend Porter smiling.

The five juveniles eventually were caught and the church leadership encouraged the youth to apologize to the congregation.

“The congregation had to deal with forgiveness, some people who had been in church their whole lives were really upset that the building was ransacked. It was good that the five youth confessed and apologized to the congregation. Our entire church gave them a standing ovation and welcomed them back into the church.”

Reverend Dink Porter
Mansfield Open Bible Church

“The congregation had to deal with forgiveness, some people who had been in church their whole lives were really upset that the building was ransacked. It was good that the five youth confessed and apologized to the congregation. Our entire church gave them a standing ovation and welcomed them back into the church.”

“I was really blessed to hear Dink share this story,” shares Elder Hill. “We are to forgive others the same way Christ has forgiven us.”

“In fact, one of the students thought he would never be allowed back to the church but we welcomed him back. I still keep in touch with him to this day,” adds Porter.

Pictured: Elder Moe Hill, Mayor Tim Theaker, and Reverend Dink Porter.

“When we extend forgiveness toward others,we are demonstrating the love of God, putting Christ on display for the whole world to see. When a person forgives another person, it really is setting themselves free.”

Mayor Theaker’s proclamation also cited a 2003 study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine which found forgiveness to be associated with stress relief: a lower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and better sleep, which resulted in strengthening spirituality, and improved conflict management.

Over one hundred area clergy made international news in 2017 when they apologized to the Israeli Prime Minister for an anti-Semitic position the U.S. federal government took regarding its sovereignty.

View the video below on forgiveness produced by Prager University.

See related article:

Richland County recognizes Global Forgiveness Day with pastor brothers
103 Ohio clergy send apology letter to Israeli Prime Minister

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