SHELBY — Shelby residents are believing that April showers will bring May flowers after their community experienced a damaging tornado last month. According to the keynote speaker of the Shelby National Day of Prayer, Reverend Anthony Cooper of Life Church, he believes good things could be on the horizon for the community.
“Just as Aaron’s rod budded, blossomed, and produced almonds in one night, I believe with the storms our community overcame, our Heavenly Father has a great harvest for Shelby in the upcoming season,” says Reverend Cooper.
Worship team from Life Church provided music for the Shelby National Day of Prayer. Photo by Cris Shannon
Prayers for the city, schools, and nation went up from the outdoor pavilion Thursday evening, nearby the new amphitheater that is under construction.
Mayor Steve Schag, who also serves as Leading Pastor at Calvary Baptist, thanked the Heavenly Father in front of the seventy in attendance, reporting that no life was lost from the tornado, only damage to property.
“Amazing Grace” and “GOD bless America” were sung during the ceremony as the O’Brien Post 326 of the American Legion provided a color guard.
Pastor Cooper’s message came from John 13:34 which says to “Love one another, just as I have loved you.” His message emphasized that love is not about acceptance, love is about being a servant and not about loving the world system.
“Jesus washed His disciple’s feet and told those he ministered to multiple times to sin no more.”
Cooper’s message resonated with Reverend Kevin Evans of Ganges Liberty Baptist and President of the Shelby Ministerial Association, who closed the assembly.
“Reverend Cooper’s message on the true Biblical meaning of love really hit the nail on the head. Our culture has become Biblically-illiterate, that is why the 2019 proclamation for the “Year of the Bible” was made this past January by area clergy. We cannot allow the world to define what the true meaning of love is. GOD is love, and if we are to love others, that means warning them about the dangers of sin.”
“The service really went well, ” said Reverend Evans. “This was one of the largest turnouts in Shelby for the National Day of Prayer in a while. with thirteen churches represented and nine pastors attending.”
Evans pointed out that corporate prayer for the city also occurs every Friday at 8:30 AM at the First Christian Church on 81 East Main Street.
ONTARIO — A Holocaust Remembrance Service was held at Sar Shalom Center on Tuesday, April 30th with citizens and local dignitaries attending.
County Commissioner Marilyn John presented a proclamation from the Board of Commissioners and Mansfield City Councilmen Cliff Mears and David Falquette also participated.
Guest speakerRabbi Michael Humphrey (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Guest speaker, Rabbi Michael Humphrey of Rosh Pinah Congregation in Bath, Ohio reminded those in attendance of the grim realities of anti-Semitism. According to Rabbi Humphrey, anti-Semitism does not stop with the Jewish people, but everyone that supports them.
“Every one of you would have been included in the Holocaust by the very fact that you are sitting in this room,” the Rabbi said.
Rabbi Humphrey also pointed out that the world is comprised of two types of people: the righteous and the unrighteous; with the unrighteous greatly outnumbering the righteous. He believes the increase in anti-Semitic attacks reflect an anti-Semitic sentiment that has always been present. The difference now is that anti-Semitic thoughts are expressed publicly rather than privately.
The words: “never forget,” have become the symbolic words associated with the Holocaust. But has the Holocaust been forgotten?
“Every one of you would have been included in the Holocaust by the very fact that you are sitting in this room,”
Rabbi Michael Humphrey
Schoen Consulting conducted a 2018 survey finding that some are forgetting. Seventy percent of those who responded said that fewer people seemed to care about the Holocaust. Eleven percent of adults, and twenty-two percent of Millennials answered they had never heard or were unsure if they had heard of the Holocaust.
Perhaps more telling is the increase in anti-Semitic attacks. The mass shootings at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh and the recent attack at the Chabad of Poway in San Diego two weeks ago appear to be the culmination of a growing trend of anti-Semitism in recent years.
A recent press release from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), reported 1,879 attacks against Jews and Jewish institutions in the United States in 2018, the third-highest year on record since ADL started tracking in the 1970s. The anti-Semitic incidents of 2018 represented a 99% increase over just 3 years prior. The numbers were just as alarming in 2017, with 1,986 incidents reported.
Rabbi Humphrey reminded those in attendance that God is the defender of Israel.
“That doesn’t mean we stand weak and idly by, when the weak are being harmed; we should become a voice. If we are praying about what is going on, God cannot be silent for His people, He will respond to us. We need to fight in prayer-to ask GOD to return and stop the evil”
Rabbi Humphrey reminded those in attendance that, “Ultimately it is not the response of purveyors of evil that matters, but rather it is the response of the righteous that changes the world.”
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in Jeremiah Thirty-Three, “I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings.”
Ashland NDOP in 2019 (Photo courtesy of Jimmi Delay)
ASHLAND — Over six hundred-thirty packed the Ashland Community Prayer Breakfast at the Ashland University Convocation Center for the National Day of Prayer.
The breakfast began at 6:30 AM with nearly two hundred elected officials present including school administrators and social service representatives. According to Event Chairman Reverend John Bouquet, the breakfast was a success.
“In all our years of doing this breakfast, this was probably the best response we have had. We had twenty-four people make first-time commitments to follow Jesus Christ as their Savior. With 85 sponsors for the breakfast, fifty-four of those churches and para-church ministries, we believe that GOD is up to something big in Ashland.”
Reverend John Bouquet
“In all our years of doing this breakfast, this was probably the best response we have had. We had twenty-four people make first-time commitments to follow Jesus Christ as their Savior. With 85 sponsors for the breakfast, fifty-four of those churches and para-church ministries, we believe that GOD is up to something big in Ashland.”
Keynote speaker was Lina Abujamra, a Pediatric ER doctor and founder of Living with Power Ministries. Originally from Lebanon, Lina is now running several projects that give hope and healing to Syrian refugees.
To view Photo Gallery of the Ashland Community Prayer Breakfast, you can go to Frontlines Ohio FaceBook by clicking here. Exclusive photos provided by Photographer Jimmi Delay.
Galion NDOP in 2019 (Photo courtesy of Terry Seymour)
GALION — Those attending the National Day of Prayer celebration at the Gazebo on the public square not only got to pray for their nation, they also heard about supernatural activity occurring in their midst. In keeping with the theme of the local gathering, “In God we boast all day long…” from Psalm 44:8, the program included several testimonies about recent miracles.
According to event organizer Reverend Bill Seymour, “In addition to the prayer time, we wanted to highlight some of the good news events that have happened locally, that usually never get reported. We wanted to broadcast God’s marvelous works.” Seymour serves as Chaplain of Signature Healthcare and also serves on the Galion Area Ministerial Association (GAMA) the sponsor of the event.
Reverend Bill Seymour (Photo by Terry Seymour)
During the meeting, Jon Kleinknecht shared a moving testimony of how God spared his life, delivering him from a depression and suicide. Pastor Joshua Cole from Leesville Tabernacle of Praise also told how GOD has moved miraculously in two recent dramatic healings.
During the Concert of Prayer, six local ministers representing their churches prayed for specific areas of society. In addition, a school principal prayed for Galion Schools, Galion Mayor Tom O’Leary prayed for the city, and County Commissioner Mo Ressallat. prayed for the county.
Joe Maddox from the Bucyrus Jericho House prayed for those struggling with addictions and for drug treatment ministries. Chaplains from the Galion Fire Department, and the American Legion prayed for first responders and the military. The Galion American Legion provided a color guard.
“In addition to the prayer time, we wanted to highlight some of the good news events that have happened locally, that usually never get reported. We wanted to broadcast God’s marvelous works.”
Reverend Bill Seymour
In coming days, GAMA is organizing a “Blessing of the Hands” ceremony in the Avita Galion Hospital chapel, located at 269 Portland Way South during National Nurse’s Week.
Thursday, May 16th, between 6:00 AM-4:00 PM, health care workers can visit the chapel and receive a “hands baptism,” and a personal blessing from a team of ministers who serve as volunteer chaplains at Galion Hospital.
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in Psalm Fourty-Four, “In GOD we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your Name forever.”
Bellville NDOP in 2019 (Photo courtesy of Neal Costick)
BELLVILLE — Fifty strong were in attendance to observe the National Day of Prayer in Bellville on Thursday evening. The assembly took place at the Bellville fire station due to rain in the area.
Reverend Mike Stine (Photo by Neal Costick)
“We would like to thank Mayor Teri Brenkus for allowing us to utilize the facilities at the fire station on such short notice,” said Reverend Mike Stine of the Clear Fork Alliance Church and one of the organizers of the event. “This day is important for our nation and an opportunity for the people of the Clear Fork Valley to seek the assistance of our Good Shepherd.”
Mayor Brenkus was in attendance along with youth from the Trail Life Troop #1, who performed a color guard flag presentation for the crowd.
Reverend Gary Kochheiser of the Ankeytown Grace Brethren welcomed those in attendance and Reverend Ron Walker of the Bellville Presbyterian Church read from the Gospel of John 13:34: “Love one another just as I have loved you.”
Reverend Stine gave a message entitled “Thoughts on Flight 93” and spoke about the courage and heroism of those on the plane for Flight 93 during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack where twenty-one Islamic terrorists hijacked four planes and flew the planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Trail LIfe, Troop #1 (Photo by Neal Costick)
The fourth plane, Flight 93, did not reach its intended destination due to the courage of passengers who stormed the plane’s cockpit to attack their abductors, ultimately leading to the plane crashing and killing all aboard.
Reverend Stine and his wife recently visited the Flight 93 Memorial for Spring break. The Park is located north of Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
“The memorial was very stirring; it really impacted my wife and I. My message to those in attendance was that we are to give each day to our Heavenly Father. We should be courageous in spite of the evil that pervades our culture today. Lastly that we should be ready to pray, to love, and to lay down our lives for others.
“It is interesting that one of the passengers on Flight 93 called a random phone number to plead for help, and that person happened to be a Christian. That Christian prayed the LORD’s Prayer with the passenger and the passenger got enough courage to join his other partners to storm the cockpit, possibly saving the Capitol or White House from certain destruction.”
“We are to give each day to our Heavenly Father. We should be courageous in spite of the evil that pervades our culture today. Lastly that we should be ready to pray, to love, and to lay down our lives for others.”
Reverend Mike Stine, Clear Fork Alliance
After the message, Reverend Micah Pelkey of Storyside Church gave an intercessory prayer on behalf of the nation and Reverend Patrick Bailey of North Bend Church of Brethren gave the benediction.
“It is good to see the churches in the community come together and publicly pray for GOD to grant our nation His mercy,” said Reverend Bailey. “GOD’s people can no longer be on automatic pilot. We have to advantage of special times like these to pray.”
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in Psalms Sixteen, “As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.”
View CBS video of tragic “The events of Flight 93” (4 min. duration)
MANSFIELD — Mansfield voters will be deciding this Tuesday, May 7th, on whether to renew a police and fire safety levy that two leading area pastors strongly support.
Reverend Paul Larson (Photo courtesy of First English Lutheran)
“I have encouraged my congregation and all those in my sphere of influence to support our police and fire departments this coming Tuesday,” says Reverend Paul Larson of the First English Lutheran Church.
The four-year safety levy generates about $7 million each year, all of which goes to the city’s police and fire departments.
“We can’t even fathom what it would look like to serve our citizens without this levy,” said Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker.
According to Theaker, the Mansfield Police Department had 37,646 calls for service and arrested 4,978 people in 2018. He added that the police department employs 82 sworn officers and 35 civilians. The department has been budgeted for 83 officers in 2019.
Pastors Chris Thomas and Henry Bradley pose with state motto. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
Reverend DeWayne Smith of the Main Street United Methodist Church credits the police department for its active involvement with neighborhood watch programs and youth programs.
“Over the past decade there has been racial discord and attitudes of hostility in certain parts of our nation towards law enforcement. But in Mansfield, our Police Department has won the respect of its citizens by actively working with schools and with citizens. With collaborations like METRICH and the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, our police wear their professionalism as a badge of honor.”
“These public servants lay their lives on the line every day. Businesses and residents rely on these services and when that 911 call is made, people’s lives are on the line-it can be a matter of seconds.”
Reverend Paul Larson, First English Lutheran
The mayor said the fire department answered 10,800 calls for service in 2018, including 2,926 fire-related calls and 7,874 EMS calls. The fire department employs 90 sworn firefighters and three civilians. The 911 Communications Center is currently budgeted for 17 total, which includes a supervisor and an operations supervisor.
Pastor DeWayne Smith (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“These public servants lay their lives on the line every day. Businesses and residents rely on these services and when that 911 call is made, people’s lives are on the line-it can be a matter of seconds.” says Reverend Larson.
“Since incorporating emergency medical dispatch into the services we provide our citizens, maintaining this staffing level is critical in serving our citizens as the level they expect and deserve,” Safety-Service Director Lori Cope said.
If approved by voters, the tax would continue for four more years, from Jan. 1, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2023. “It will be important for voters to turn out at the election polls to support our safety services,” says Reverend Smith.
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in Psalm One-Hundred-Forty, “Keep me safe, LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet.”
MANSFIELD– Last week, area officials were on hand to celebrate the grand opening of a thriving church in a new location.
Paradise Freewill Baptist, under the leadership of Reverend James Hill, held its first service at its new location at 87 North Illinois Avenue.
According to Mansfield Mayor Timothy Theaker, “this congregation is a loving and compassionate faith family. I am convinced that our area needs to have a thriving faith-based community where people can come and get support and grow together.”
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Reverend Hill recalled how he first met Mayor Theaker .
“I was at a clergy luncheon at his office and I felt my heart becoming knitted to the city when the Mayor spoke. After meeting him, I wanted to find out ways our church could serve the city.”
It was also a proud day for Chaplain Gary Lambert who helped mentor Pastor Hill, as well as his brother Larry and also Hank Webb; all three serve as pastors in the area.
“It is great to see the work that Jay has done in investing in peoples’ lives. Just three years ago this congregation had only four members. Today it has over 120 congregants, and from what I understand, over sixty of those persons are new converts. “
“It is great to see the work that Jay (Pastor Hill) has done in investing in peoples’ lives. Just three years ago this congregation had only four members. Today it has over 120 congregants and from what I understand, over sixty of those persons are new converts. ”
Chaplain Gary Lambert
“It is hard not to be emotional.” says Lambert.
In addition to County Commissioner Marilyn John, Sheriff Steve Sheldon also attended the ceremony.
(Pictured from L to R) Commissioner Marilyn John, Pastor Hill’s wife, Marg Clinton, Carol Molihan. and Mayor Timothy Theaker.
The Sheriff commented, ” I am a strong advocate of law enforcement partnerships with faith communites. We have a faith-based STARFISH drug treatment program that utilizes the ministries that churches can provide. Churches, like Paradise View give a much needed support network on the ground providing a favorable setting for the rehabilitation of those entrapped in substance abuse. In addition, churches help in the reduction of juvenile crime.”
“Our congregation is honored to have our local officials coming in to worship with us and participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony,” said Reverend Hill. “We are truly humbled that GOD has blessed our church with this new facility.
The motion picture Breakthrough is the true story of a mother’s worst nightmare: the very real prospect of losing your own child.
In the movie, an accomplished and somewhat obsessed high school basketball-playing son goes off the slippery slope when away from his mother. He tragically falls through ice while playing with friends on a frozen lake. But that is not the only breakthrough that occurs in the movie.
Greg Jevnikar
In Breakthrough the story also revolves around a woman who lives with the regret of giving up her first-born son to adoption earlier in life. Now she is faced with the painful potential of the loss of her adopted son, who she loves.
Other breakthroughs involve the mother’s relationship with her husband and her pastor.
The movie has some lighter “icebreaker” scenes in addition to the main theme of a mother’s love for her son.
Breakthrough gives an honest and realistic portrayal of modern-day life in America. Imperfect people with relational conflicts between parent and child,, and teenage rebellion involving forgiveness.
As a faith-based movie, this real-life account is a gripping story of a modern-day miracle. Tragedy and inspiration are both on thin ice as this film is rated PG.
Greg Jevnikar
As a faith-based movie, this real-life account is a gripping story of a modern-day miracle. Tragedy and inspiration both are on thin ice as this film is rated PG.
(Check out Focus on the Family’s “Unplugged” for another Christian review)
The movie’s audience at the early Saturday evening showing, which I attended, watched, for the most part, in rapt attention. They seemed to enjoy the movie; I didn’t notice anyone leaving their seats during the movie.
Upon leaving the movie, we saw a long line waiting to enter the theater rooms showing the new Avengers movie. I couldn’t help but think that all these folks picked the wrong movie to view that night.
I would recommend Breakthrough for all audiences. Use discretion with small children as the tragic scenes depicted may be too dramatic for small viewers.
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.
LEXINGTON — Are you ready to join us on Saturday, June 22, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm for The Great RACE?
This event will be a time to sit back and enjoy an afternoon of great food, live music, prizes, giveaways, crafts and free activities for all ages from bounce houses to an escape room. If you’re a little more competitive, you can test your skill at racing a tricycle or maybe the wheelchair race is more your style! Feeling creative, bring your own decked out Big Wheel! Either way, stop by and enjoy the day!
Racers will battle against others in their assigned age group. To race, it’s a $5 early bird donation or $7 at the door. Competition starts at 3:30 for kids 4 to 80 years of age!
Thanks to Heartland Church for allowing us to use their facility located at 2505 Lexington Springmill Rd S in Lexington for this event.
To register, please visit mansfieldlinc.org and select “Tricycle Race Registration.”
The Mission of Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) is to mobilize the Church to transform lives and communities In the Name of Christ. We provide churches an open door to serve.
The Mission of Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) is to mobilize the Church to transform lives and communities In the Name of Christ. We provide churches an open door to serve.
Our clearinghouse model allows us to network with churches and agencies, minimizing redundant or overlapping services
We strive to offer a “hand UP”, allowing our neighbors to maintain dignity and empowering them to be able to personally deal with adverse circumstances, rather than being on the receiving end of a “hand OUT”
All proceeds from the event will be used to connect churches with neighbors who are in need and moving from providing resource’s to people, to building resource’s in people.
MANSFIELD — Due to forecasted rain on Thursday, the Richland Community Prayer Network has announced that it has moved the countywide observance of the National Day of Prayer from the Central Park Gazebo to the First English Lutheran Church, located at 53 Park Avenue West on the corner of Mulberry and Park Avenue West in downtown Mansfield.
The assembly is set to begin at its originally scheduled time of 11:30 AM.
The west entrance of the church will be open and parking available on the lot west of the building. Public is welcome.
Mansfield First English Lutheran (en.wikipedia.org)
The assembly is sponsored by 90.7 FM WVMC, 99.3FM “The Light,” Frontlines Ohio, and the Richland Community Prayer Network.
ONTARIO — A recent documentary entitled “The Mountain of Moses” has generated debate about the Book of Exodus and the route Moses and the Israelites took in their exodus from Egypt. During the season of Passover, Rabbi William Hallbrook of Sar Shalom Center gave his thoughts on the subject.
“The film has created discussion about Exodus which is good. Our congregation believes the Book of Exodus is historically accurate. We also believe the Book of Exodus is prophetic, pointing to the last days for natural Jews in the physical and pointing to a spiritual exodus for the Gentiles.”
The disputed route that some archaeologists and theologians believe Moses and Israelites took (Chart from www.bible.ca)
Rabbi Hallbrook’s congregation has been celebrating the Feast of Passover, which commemorates the events described in Exodus, the subject of filmmaker Ryan Mauro’s documentary. “Locally we have a small Jewish community that observes this Feast and a large church community that is recognizing the Feast at different levels of understanding. It may not look the same, whether it is a ministry like Jews for Jesus teaching on the holiday or a pastor struggling thru a Seder meal with his congregation, people are returning back to the Scriptures in Exodus. Passover really is becoming part of the cultural heritage of North Central Ohio.”
Last year Mauro’s film discussed the Nuweiba Beach crossing he believes Moses and the Israelites took to get to the Promised Land. The counter-intelligence analyst traveled to Saudi Arabia three times to gather evidence, often in areas restricted by the Saudi government.
Rabbi Hallbrook was not surprised that some of the locations depicted in the film have been kept hidden and restricted by the Saudi government. He believes there are persons purposely hiding archaeological findings that could validate the Bible.
“We should be careful when we speak to non-believers and show them this film saying “see the Bible is true.” We should first look thru the eyes of the Spirit. To a non-believer, this film is not compelling. To the believer, I think this video will encourage their faith just like a trip to the Holy Land would strengthen a believer’s life.”
Rabbi William Hallbrook, Sar Shalom Center
“We should be careful when we speak to non-believers and show them this film saying “see the Bible is true.” We should first look thru the eyes of the Spirit. To a non-believer, this film is not compelling. To the believer, I think this video will encourage their faith just like a trip to the Holy Land would strengthen a believer’s life.”
While some in academia question the story of Exodus altogether, Mauro believes the peak of Jabal al-Lawz in Saudi Arabia is the historic Mount Sinai where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. The film cites the blackened peak of Jabal al-Lawz as plausible evidence of the Fire of GOD coming down from heaven. It also discusses the existence of an ancient graveyard where three thousand idolaters of the golden calf could supposedly be located. Other evidences provoking viewers of the viability of Mauro’s Red Sea route include a nearby potential split Rock of Horeb that Moses stuck with evidence of eroded rock, and an oasis of twelve wells and seventy palm trees in the middle of desert resembling the wells of Elim.
The Rabbi was asked about his perspective on what modern archaeological discoveries have been the most notable. “My thoughts are that the discoveries reconnecting the ancient City of Jerusalem to the Jewish people are the most consequential. In the ancient underground ruins underneath the Old City, a room has been found where experts believe offerings were made to Melchizedek. Another discovery I feel is significant is the a golden bell and Temple seal believed to be used by the High Priest that was found in 2011 near the Temple Mount.
“Jerusalem is the key, this will be where the Messiah will ultimately rule from in His millennial reign,” says the Rabbi. “Without a doubt, archaeological discoveries can strengthen believer’s faith,” says the Rabbi. “To a non-believer, they are faced with a challenge, they must either turn their back to the truth, further hardening their heart, or they must humble themselves and accept the truth. When a person’s heart hardens, even if Moses came in flesh, they still would not believe.”
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in Exodus Nineteen, “And Mount Sinai was altogether on smoke because the LORD descended upon it in fire…”
View documentary video “Finding the Mountain of Moses: The Real Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia” (25 min. duration)
MANSFIELD — A special National Day of Prayer & Thanksgiving commemorating the 170th anniversary of a historic account of answered prayer will be taking place this Thursday, May 2nd between 11:30-100 PM at the Mansfield Central Park Gazebo.
The corporate assembly which is open to the public will include Mansfield Christian’s IMAGE choir, directed by Dan Fleming, proclamations by several elected officials, and keynote speaker Reverend El Akuchie of the Richland Community Prayer Network (RCPN.)
“The kids are excited to be a part of the National Day of Prayer and they made sure to remind me at the beginning of the school year that IMAGE would be participating,” laughs Fleming, who is in his first year as the choir’s director.
The event has been sponsored by 90.7 FM WVMC, 99.3 FM “The Light,” Frontlines Ohio, and RCPN.
In case the assembly “is under the weather” with inclement conditions, an alternate location will be at First English Lutheran at 53 Park Avenue West at the corner of Mulberry Street and Park Avenue West.
As a response, on July 3, 1849, President Zachary Taylor proclaimed a National Day of Fasting during “a season when the providence of God manifested itself in the visitation of a fearful pestilence spreading itself throughout the land,” the proclamation read.
National Day of Prayer by President Zachary Taylor
Proclamations by elected officials will recognize a national prayer movement that occurred in 1849 when the nation was at death’s door.
During the nineteenth century there was a world-wide epidemic of the infectious and fatal disease cholera, which by 1849, killed 8,000 in Cincinnati, spread to the west killing an estimated 12,000 travelers to the California Gold Rush, and in total, it is believed that cholera killed 150,000 Americans, even causing Ohio to postpone its first state fair.
As a response, on July 3, 1849, President Zachary Taylor proclaimed a National Day of Fasting during “a season when the providence of God manifested itself in the visitation of a fearful pestilence spreading itself throughout the land,” the proclamation read.
View he video by Bill Federer on the historic account of answered prayer during the Cholera Epidemic.
The proclamation recommended persons of all religious denominations to “abstain as far as practical from secular occupations and to assemble in their respective places of public worship, to acknowledge the Infinite Goodness which has watched over our existence as a nation, and to implore the Almighty in His own good time to stay the destroying hand which is now lifted up against us.”
In Dayton, Ohio, Mayor John Howard also proclaimed a Day of Fasting in 1849 and ordered all stores to close, resulting in hundreds of citizens kneeling openly in the streets and praying.
Afterward Tim O’Neil of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote in a published account reporting that after President Taylor’s Day of Fasting was observed August 3, 1849, “The number of deaths dropped suddenly in August. 1849.”
The Bottom Line:
The Bible saysinSecond Samuel Twenty-Four, “David built an altar to the LORD there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings.Then the LORD answered prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped.“
SHELBY — A school principal, a youth pastor, and a mayor all say miraculous intervention kept the community from catastrophic destruction during an April 14th Palm Sunday tornado.
Mayor Steve Schag
“I count it a blessing that there were no lives taken by the storm,” says Shelby Mayor Steve Schag. “If the storm had taken a different path just a quarter mile further to the north in the city, the track would have been through a high population density area where a senior citizen community and a neighborhood of homes with no basements were located.”
“I was at church getting ready for our evening service when I heard the tornado sirens go off,” says the Mayor, who also serves as Leading Pastor of Shelby Calvary Baptist Church.
Another local pastor was driving on the road returning from buying supplies for his youth group when he caught wind that the storm was coming.
Pastor Russell Cushman of CORE Community Church heard a tornado warning had been issued and called his Senior Pastor to discuss cancelling their Sunday evening youth meeting. “He told my wife and I to seek shelter. We turned down Technology Drive which was the worst thing we could have done.”
“I have learned that GOD does not take you away from the storms of life, GOD takes you thru the storms of life. He has promised in the Bible that He will never leave us nor forsake us. And after the experience my wife and I had, there is no one that can tell me otherwise.”
Youth Pastor Russell Cushman, CORE COMMUNITY CHURCH
“I have learned that GOD does not take you away from the storms of life, GOD takes you thru the storms of life. He has promised in the Bible that He will never leave us nor forsake us. And after the experience my wife and I had, there is no one that can tell me otherwise.”
According to Cushman, he and his wife saw soil blowing in the air nearby a red fire hydrant when their Mazda CX-5 was taken up into the air. They had heard there was a tornado, but now they were in the tornado.
“The wind was so loud. As we were in the air I could see the ground and that we were not on it. I grabbed my wife and the steering wheel. We flipped in the air at least six times, both air bags ejected. Our windshield was coming off. I knew I had no control of the situation.”
“When our car made impact.” says Cushman, “I thought we were both dead until I heard my wife starting to talk.”
Lisa Myers, Principal of Sacred Heart School is convinced that prayers to the Almighty spared their community on April 14th just like another recent tornado from September 4, 2017 that struck the area on nearby Hook Road.
“I believe that GOD still does miracles and protects us. We had a kindergarten student sleeping in her bed when large tree limbs collapsed thru the roof mysteriously landing on her headboard within inches of her head.”
Myers revealed that the kindergartner’s parents regularly pray with their children every night before they go to bed.
“The student’s father had to knock the door down to get to her; she was still in bed. With the impact of the large branches colliding thru the roof and being stopped by a simple headboard, there is no other plausible explanation but GOD.”
Sacred Heart Principal Lisa Myers
The rebuilding of devastated areas has left a larger imprint on the minds of the three than the ten minutes of destruction.
“Shelby really is a resilient community,” says Cushman. “Especially when crisis hits, the community comes together, this was one of the reasons why we moved here two months ago.”
According to Myers, “There were fifty Mennonites helping residents this week near State Route 61 to clean up downed trees. Their girls raked the yards, the boys stacked the wood, and the men cut the trees limbs. It was really inspiring to see.”
Mayor Schag reported that the community has received assistance from at least fourteen different communities, and that seeing businesses and churches providing food and water to storm victims has been “remarkable.”
“This was the first time I have been in a helicopter and it was to survey the storm damage; I hope it is the last. It really breaks your heart seeing your own city that you serve and pray for in the condition that it is in.” According to the National Weather Service the tornado was half a mile wide and traveled 17 miles with speeds of up to 125 mph. The Palm Sunday tornado touched down outside Bethlehem, Ohio and went as far as Olivesburg, Ohio.
According to the National Weather Service the tornado was half a mile wide and traveled 17 miles with speeds of up to 125 mph. The Palm Sunday tornado touched down outside Bethlehem, Ohio and went as far as Olivesburg, Ohio.
Schag commented on the uncanny path by quoting Deuteronomy 29:29 which says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.”
“My wife and I should not have survived,” says Cushman. “The doctor called it the most dramatic accident he has ever been associated with. He said it was miraculous that there was just a cervical sprain and mild concussion.
“My greatest fear had been heights. It is hard to be afraid of things in life now after the experience my wife and I went thru. It’s like death has lost its sting.”
Everyone wants to talk about love, but few want to ‘love one another.’ If we had to sum up life in two statements they would be: love God with your total being and love your neighbor as you love yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). Jesus summarized His commands with these two statements.
Reverend John Bouquet
It sounds easy, but in reality, we can be very self-centered with our love. The only way to put things into proper perspective is to know the source of love before you start doing the loving. Love cannot be generated in our humanity alone because we are flawed by sin. Our best effort in loving is always mixed with sin and selfishness.
We must have a spiritual transaction in order to discover the Author of love. He will implant Himself in us so we can draw from His love to love people the way He wants us to love.
Jesus is God’s greatest expression of love. The Father sent the Son to fix what is missing in each one of us. When we know Jesus then we can love God fully. When we know God through Jesus, then we can love others.
In John’s gospel Jesus said it this way, “ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” John 13:34-35 (ESV).
This statement is directed toward His followers how they treat each other.
‘Our community has an opportunity to practice this great principle to ‘Love One Another’ at the annual Ashland Community Prayer Breakfast in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer. On Thursday, May 2nd from 6:30 – 7:59 A.M. at the Ashland University Convocation Center we will gather to pray for each other.”
Reverend John Bouquet
Our community has an opportunity to practice this great principle to ‘Love One Another’ at the annual Ashland Community Prayer Breakfast in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer. On Thursday, May 2nd from 6:30 – 7:59 A.M. at the Ashland University Convocation Center we will gather to pray for each other.
More than 80 businesses, churches and para-church ministries have come together to sponsor this event. This is loving one another in prayer. We invite 435 elected officials from our city, county and statewide office holders to assemble. Our purpose is to lift these choice leaders up in prayer for their families, their specific office and to invite the favor of God upon our county. We value our elected officials regardless of their title, we believe they are ordained from on high to their position.
You can join this team of citizens by obtaining a ticket from www.ashlandcma.org or go to Ashland Grace, Trinity Lutheran or the Transformation Network. The Transformation Network will be selling tickets until 4:30 PM on Wednesday, May 1st . Tickets are $15 and you must have one. All seats are reserved, and the elected officials are free, we want to bless you and say thank you. You may call 419-962-4763 for more information.
Jesus called this a ‘new commandment.’ Jesus intended his followers to make this their new way of doing life. Love people for who they are. Love people for who they can become and love them because Jesus said, ‘Love one another.’
Reverend John Bouquet is senior pastor at Bethel Baptist in Savannah, Ohio and local chairman of the National Day of Prayer.
ASHLAND — Last week an exuberant crowd gathered at Ashland University’s Myers Convocation Center for Ashland Pregnancy Care Center’s (APCC) annual fundraising banquet. The event took place just hours after Governor Mike DeWine signed the Heartbeat Bill into law.
According to event organizers, the banquet raised $145,000. Of the 700 in attendance, 65 percent were new attenders to the APCC banquet. Those in attendance included dignitaries: Senate President Larry Obhof, State Auditor Keith Faber, State Representative Darrell Kick.
Pictured above: Senate President Larry Obhof, Melanie Miller, & Rep. Darrell Kick. (Photo by Maurer Photography)
“It is evident that there is a genuine optimism in Ashland with forty churches and counting now partnering with APCC. Our conservative community is generous and compassionate,” says Melanie Miller, Executive Director of APCC.
Coming from Cleveland eleven years ago, Miller is now in her fourth year as Executive Director of APCC. Her husband, Matt Miller is Mayor of Ashland and served as the banquet emcee.
“Melanie is a woman of faith and I attribute this year’s large following as a marker to her sincere faith,” says Reverend Andrew Foster of Come Alive Community Church and co-leader of the men’s ministry at APCC. “Since Melanie has taken the reigns of leadership, the numbers of financial supporters, volunteers and prayer partners have surpassed expectations. More people are aware that there is a pregnancy center here in Ashland.”
‘I believe GOD is stirring people’s hearts more then ever as lies are being exposed with recent pro-life movies like ‘Unplanned.’ The Bible says the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; but Jesus says I have come that they may have life, and life abundant.”
Melanie Miller, Executive Director of Ashland Pregnancy Care Center
According to Miller, “We have seen a growth in post-abortion ministry. Recently we saw two women who suffered from post-abortion depression get set free and are now leading Bible studies for women’s support groups.”
The banquet featured Matt Hammitt, the former lead singer of “Sanctus Real,” who sang his hit song “Lead Me.” The song talks about the journey he took with his wife in making marriage and family a priority over his singing career.
Interestingly, while the chances a mother keeps her baby when viewing her baby’s ultrasound is well documented, when the father sees the ultrasound, there is a 90 percent chance the baby is saved.
Singer Matt Hammitt (Maurer Photography)
“The ministry of quipping fathers to promote marriage is so important,” says Miller. “Our men’s ministry started in 2018 and when a team of male pastors became available to serve at APCC, we have seen a marked growth in fathers benefiting from our services. Whole families are even attending area churches as a result.”
The ministry at Ashland Pregnancy Care Center is multi-faceted. APCC provides quarterly opportunities for client families to recharge with other new and expecting parents. These events center around meals and fellowship. Located at 119 Sloan Avenue in Ashland, APCC provides ultrasounds performed by licensed medical staff, pregnancy testing, gives professional referrals and has a 24/7 Hotline: (800) 712-4357
A “Learn and Earn” program is available for client families from pregnancy through the baby’s birthday. These families can earn “baby bucks” by checking out library books, watching a DVD, or enrolling in a 12-week parenting class. “Baby bucks” buy items for client babies in the pregnancy center’s off-site boutique at Emmanual Methodist Church. Customized individual care plans designed by APCC include, Bible studies, financial planning, life coaching, and many other needs.
‘I believe GOD is stirring people’s hearts more then ever as lies are being exposed with recent pro-life movies like ‘Unplanned,’ says Miller. “The Bible says the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; but Jesus says I have come that they may have life, and life abundant.”
Reverend Travis Mckenzie, of Compassion Church and co-leader of the men’s ministry at APCC sums it all up. “With the national furor over legalized infanticide in New York and Virginia, something special is happening in Ashland, Ohio and people are coming together. Melanie’s (Miller) positive leadership and energy is contagious and the timing of the banquet with the Heartbeat Bill signing was just ‘icing on the cake.”
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says inPsalm Thirty-Three, “The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.”
View official video of song “Lead Me” by Sanctus Real (4 min. duration)
SHELBY — On Good Friday, two street ministers could be seen bearing the cross along the road in downtown Shelby. The rainy morning brought back memories of an incident that would have a ripple effect for years to come. The day before Resurrection Day in 1998, Bill Leding saw a front page newspaper article reporting about a crosswalk held by Shelby churches with congregants carrying a cross from church to church as a silent witness on Good Friday.
Instantly Leding felt a small voice tell him “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
(From L to R) Tim Schill with cross, and Bill Leding.
Since then, Leding who serves as the Chaplain of the Richland County Honor Guard, and others have carried a cross to commemorate the crucifixion of Christ during Holy Week and on Good Friday for twenty years, walking in Mansfield, Ontario, Shelby, and cities across the country, even in the Ukraine.
According to Tim Schill, a fellow minister who works with “Pure Desire” a ministry discipling men in sexual purity, “We just want to represent Christ and what he has done for mankind. Many times people give prayer requests and tell us that carrying the cross downtown generates conversation about spiritual things.”
Recently in the news, a 2018 peer-reviewed journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences published findings that Italian researchers say is tangible evidence of execution by crucifixion. The published analysis on a 2007 discovery of a 2,000 year-old skeleton in northern Italy was discovered in a Roman burial site during excavation.
The analysis makes it the second documented archaeological case of execution on on cross. the first being a 1968 Jerusalem excavation in the Giv’at HaMivtar neighborhood from the Second Temple Jewish era (200 BC to 70 AD).
“When we walk with the cross in communities, we have faced resistance. Really the biggest opposition I personally have when I walk with the cross is myself. I feel so unworthy to carry it (the cross). Every person has a skeleton in their closet. But Christ died on a cross for all of our sins; He overcame death and his tomb is empty.”
Bill Leding
When Leding walks in communities with the cross. there has been bones of contention. “When we walk with the cross in communities, we have faced resistance. Really the biggest opposition I personally have when I walk with the cross is myself. I feel so unworthy to carry it (the cross). Every person has a skeleton in their closet. But Christ died on a cross for all of our sins; He overcame death and his tomb is empty.”
Leding recalls when he was walking with cross thru the Ohio State University Campus in Columbus. “The students would just scatter and run, they didn’t want anything to do with me. Another time when I was walking in the urban flats of Cincinnati, I was mistakenly accused of being a part of a KKK effort.”
Several years ago, Leding attended a “Mayday for Marriage” rally event in Washington D.C. When he arrived in the nation’s capital, he was told by Capital Police in the Mall that he could not carry the cross since it was larger than what people were allowed to carry.
“The officer told me that I would go to jail if I continued. So I decided to call my home church Berean Baptist and ask for prayer. After the phone call, I asked the officer if I could speak to his Supervisor. When I shared photos of my past crosswalks I have done, the Supervisor had police dogs sniff the cross and then told me I was free to walk with the cross.”
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in Romans One, ‘The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but those being saved it is the power of GOD.’
View video on “The Crucifixion: A Medical Perspective” (6 min. duration)
MANSFIELD — Mansfield Fellowship Baptist has given bible tracts to every house within a two mile radius of the church and is now looking to expand their neighborhood even further.
“Last weekend we had our annual kickoff for the Miracle Mile Project,” says Reverend Randy Raynes. “We had fifteen people hand out Scriptures to three hundred residences. Every Saturday, we hope to provide the Gospel of John and the Book of Romans to houses within three-mile radius of our church.”
Reverend Randy Raynes points to mission areas on the church’s Miracle Mile map.
“The idea of the project came from one single verse: Acts 1:8 which says: ‘But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.“
“That one Bible verse has inspired us to reach a total of 11,000 homes and counting in Mansfield.”
Now several other area churches have decided to start their Miracle Mile campaigns in their respective neighborhoods. In addition to the Scriptures, the packet also includes an invitation to the church and a Gospel presentation.
“In the past we were knocking on doors, but with 3/4 of our time waiting for someone to answer the door, we decided now to put the packet in the door. We still talk to people on the sidewalks and strike conversations with them,” says the Pastor.
“The project is designed to plant seed. GOD told the Prophet Ezekiel to preach righteousness even though the people would not listen to him. We are doing our job whether they receive our message or not. It really is about being faithful.”
Reverend Randy Raynes, Mansfield Fellowship Baptist
“The project is designed to plant seed. GOD told the Prophet Ezekiel to preach righteousness even though the people would not listen to him. We are doing our job whether the residents receive our message or not. It really is about being faithful.”
According to Reverend Raynes, the church has had people call and thank them for the packets.
“We had one lady that had decided she was going to commit suicide. She told us that she was walking her dog for the last time and purchased a gun. But when she came across two of our church-goers on the sidewalk and began talking with them, she changed her mind and decided to come to our church. Before she met our people, things had been so bad, even her husband did not expect her to live much longer.”
The Bible gives life and abundant life, one person at a time. Pastor Raynes maintains, “Our mission field starts outside our front door.”
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says inRevelation Three, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
CRESTLINE — Local beekeepers are reporting that bee hives are in healthy condition at the onset of spring blooming season despite record cold in late January.
According to Crestline beekeeper Dave Duncan, owner of BeeOlogy, “Last fall there were good golden rod food sources and the bees were well nourished and in good condition going into winter. I had 30 hives in the fall and still have 25 after the winter. Dandelions still have yet to blossom however.”
Duncan says he has heard other beekeepers are also having great success this spring.
Hager Hicks, a twenty-year beekeeper from Plymouth and former President of the Richland County Beekeepers Association says that all fourteen of his bee hives survived the winter.
“The key for bees right now is getting a good early nectar source like dandelions, cherry blossoms, skunk cabbage, and maple trees. “Presently I am still feeding them right now, ” says Hicks.
The winter was no friend to beekeepers in 2017-18.
The general consensus according to the Department of Agriculture was that wild bees from feral hives did not survive the 2017-18 winter. As a result, the following Spring of 2018 did not start well since many died due to a dry period the previous fall. Bees ate what leftover golden rod honey was remaining. and then a mite build up occurred.
Hager, who treats his bees for mites, commented “It was a long cold winter in 2017-18. I had 17 hives but had to combine several hives to ensure hives remained healthy. He estimates that he had seven swarms last year and thought last year was better than most.
Swarming for Duncan last spring was non-existent. Duncan assists other beekeepers with the swarming process but received no phone call requests between April-June 2018.
“Typically on a bad year I get on the average of between ten and twenty swarms,” says Duncan.
The presence of bee swarms can indicate that bees are leaving a healthy colony to start a new colony. If all goes well, that swarm will become a new colony. if it can make it through the winter.
According to Douglas Kahn of the National Weather Service/ Cleveland office, while record low temperatures were set on January 30, 2019 (-10 degrees F), and January 31, 2019 (-7 degrees F), the winter overall was warmer than normal with a few exceptions of short-lived cold shots.
March, 2019 ranked as the seventeenth coldest March for monthly low temperatures in Mansfield, with a low of 3 degrees F on March 5, 2019. Record keeping goes back to 1916.
Duncan manages several observation hives which serves as a useful educational tool to attract interest in beekeeping. His Malabar Farm observation hive died over the winter, but his two other observation hives at Apple Hill and Put-In-Bay survived.
“We are always trying to attract new beekeepers for the future. Bees help pollinate at least thirty-percent of the world’s crops and ninety-percent of wild plants. Without bees to spread seeds, many plants—including food crops—would die off.”
Dave Duncan, Owner of Beeology
“We are always trying to attract new beekeepers for the future. Bees help pollinate at least thirty-percent of the world’s crops and ninety-percent of wild plants. Without bees to spread seeds, many plants—including food crops—would die off.”
Twelve new beekeepers this spring are taking a local three-part training class. In all, there are fifty beekeepers with membership in the Richland County Beekeeper Association. The association hopes to provide a beekeeper mentoring program.
OSU Bee Lab webinar with Dr. Reed Johnson, OSU Department of Entomology. “Where Are Honey Bees Foraging in Ohio?” May 16, 2018
Hicks first got in to beekeeping because of his uncle.
“I have known Dave Duncan for fifteen years. I usually go to him or to Sonny Barker when I need some advice.”
