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Guest Column: A tribute to Pastor Tom Hunt

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These coming days, Mansfield will be bidding farewell to one of the most mild-mannered, winsome, and upstanding citizens in the city: the Reverend Thomas Hunt.

Benjamin Mutti
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

In just a short time, Pastor Hunt and his beloved wife will be moving to the Deep South to be more accessible to family and next door to warmer temperatures.

In my pause for reflection, this lead pastor of Providence Baptist who the City of Mansfield will be honoring was truly a “chip of the old block” from his mentor the late Reverend Verdell Larsen.

Pastor Hunt’s habit for “crossing the aisle” was really: right up his alley. Tom always had a heart for reconciliation which would later gain him great favor with those in his community.

At the time when some believed Sunday morning was “Our most segregated hour,” Reverend Hunt became one of the most sought out urban pastors with churches on the south side of town. Many times Pastor Hunt’s congregation held joint services or partnered with other local congregations to bring racial and denominational reconciliation.

When the flood that devastated Mansfield’s north side occurred, it wasn’t just the Black Fork that was knocking on Providence Baptist’s doorstep: it was also many others in the community that Pastor Hunt touched that came to help.

Through all of that (building repairs), Pastor Hunt’s congregation rose to the occasion, and became stronger. In fact, his congregation never borrowed money during that flood fiasco!

And speaking of rainy days, when the rubber met the road, it was Pastor Tom Hunt, a retired GM employee, who helped lead eighty three area pastors for a countywide day of prayer and repentance after General Motors shut its doors.

While some said our community could never survive without General Motors, Tom Hunt proved otherwise.

“Keep fighting, get involved with your community.”

Reverend Thomas Hunt, Providence Baptist

“Keep fighting, get involved with your community,” Pastor Hunt says.

In an unusual way, Pastor Tom’s field of vision went beyond just the four walls of his church.

Serving with the Lexington Sports Boosters, Tom helped get the ball rolling for an all-weather track at Lexington High School. Serving on the boards of: Youth for Christ, Children’s Services, Foundation Academy, North Central State College, North End Community improvement Collaboration and Community Action Program most assuredly made it hard to keep up with him.

(Pictured L to R) Kim Maurer, Thomas Hunt, Nate Meiers, El Akuchie, & Benjamin Mutti 
(Photo courtesy of RCPN)

But when we did catch up with him, many of us found a gentle man that didn’t like the limelight, who desired to serve others, and became a great role model for all of us.

”I’m not retiring, I am only re-tooling,” says Pastor Hunt.

Success Pastor Tom as you change gears, you will be sorely missed; I am glad our paths crossed. Thank you for leading all of us to the Cross.

Benjamin Mutti is Coordinator with Richland Community Prayer Network (RCPN) and a faith-based advocate for the advancement of family values in culture.

Economic leader says local clergy prevented cannabis company from coming to Ontario

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ONTARIO — Over seventy clergymen sent a joint statement to elected officials across Richland County voicing their opposition to the marijuana industry coming to the area. According to one economic development leader, the clergy letter was the ‘nail in the coffin’ for any potential cannabis company coming to the City of Ontario. City Council President Larry Collins, a former pastor, made the tie-breaking vote to prevent the sale and harvest of marijuana from coming to the city.

According to Barrett Thomas, the Richland County Director of Economic Development, the economic project would have been approximately a $13 million investment, and the 45,000 square-foot facility was expected to employ 33 people with a $1.6 million payroll. “One of the things they (marijuana companies) knew they needed to have was community support,” Thomas said “We did not land that deal.”

Reverend El Akuchie and Pastor Randy Raynes were two co-signers of the clergy letter opposing marijuana. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

“The clergy letter was kind of the death note,” Thomas said. “The clergy’s reasons for not supporting the marijuana company’s proposal were that they did not want medical marijuana to come to the area at all.”

Ontario Councilman Mark Weidemyre was the main proponent for the Ontario proposal and claimed the proposed facility would be “more secure than Fort Knox.”

The Richland Community Prayer Network (RCPN) Coordinator Benjamin Mutti said the clergy did not buy into the idea. The clergy, along with the School Superintendent, CACY Director, and a number of citizen letters were sent to Ontario City Council voicing their concerns about the business proposal. “The City Council heard our case and acted accordingly,” says Mutti. “Despite the exaggeration by the proponents pushing the plan, everyone was convinced illegal diversion will take place at a facility like the one presented. This is about family values and preventing additional substance abuse.”

“The clergy letter was kind of the death note. Their (clergy) reasons for not supporting the marijuana company’s proposal were they did not want medical marijuana to come to the area at all.”

Barrett Thomas, Richland County Economic Development Director

Despite a 2015 state referendum defeating the legalizing of marijuana, Governor John Kasich signed House Bill 523 in June 2016, making Ohio the 26th state to legalize marijuana for medicinal use. Legislative authority is given to local government since marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance and considered to have a high potential for abuse. Some say the legislation overruled the will of the people.

“As clergy representing seventy diverse congregations, we oppose the harvesting and sale of marijuana in municipalities and townships within Richland County and urge Councils and Trustee Boards to prohibit this industry in their jurisdictions,” the clergy wrote.

The letter sent by the clergymen opposed the harvesting and sale of medical marijuana in municipalities and townships within Richland County. The clergy listed their opposition to marijuana based on the following determining factors: addictive nature of marijuana, adverse health effects of marijuana, affiliation between crime and marijuana, inevitable illegal diversion of marijuana that will occur, and dangerous message that will be sent to impressionable youth.

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in the Book of Proverbs, “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly.”

See related articles:

70 Richland clergy call for local prohibition of “medical” marijuana
Mansfield City Council goes on record opposing Issue 3 marijuana issue

Rain does not stop 2017 National Day of Prayer

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MANSFIELD — Due to rainy weather, the countywide observance of the National Day of Prayer was held indoors on the Mansfield Square at the All Believers in Christ Church located at 23 North Main Street.

Sponsored by the Richland Community Prayer Network (RCPN), and emceed by Scott Saunders of WVMC, the assembly included the talented IMAGE high school choir who sang a rendition of “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand.” The choir is from Mansfield Christian and is directed by Ms. Heidi Zentz.

Attending elected officials received an “In God We Trust” framed poster.
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

Corporate prayer from the one hundred thirty in attendance were led by area clergy: Reverend Russell Stanford, Reverend James Spencer, Reverend Nate Meiers, Reverend Dave Guild, and Reverend El Akuchie.

Additional music was provided by Bill Jacquin and Reverend Laudermilk.

The keynote speaker, Reverend Randy Raynes of Mansfield Fellowship Baptist, preached that when bringing repentance and revival, GOD is looking for men who will not bow, bend nor break to the world. Raynes emphasized that the LORD wants prayer intercessors that are compassionate and have conviction.

Pastor Randy Raynes (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

Area pastors from at least 22 congregations and eleven elected officials attended. As a gift from local clergy, each official was given a framed poster with the mottos: “In GOD we trust,” and “With GOD all things are possible.”

The Richland County Commissioner Board and the Mayor of Mansfield also gave proclamations.

Other local observances of the National Day of Prayer occurred throughout Richland County on May 4th, with events in Butler, East Mansfield, Bellville, Lucas, Lexington, and Shelby. For more information, visit: www.nationaldayofprayer.org

The theme Bible verse of this year’s events was from Daniel 9:19 which reads: “O LORD, listen, forgive, and for Your sake, hear and act!.”

Community observes Holocaust Remembrance Day

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MANSFIELD — Tuesday, April 25th, Holocaust Remembrance Day was observed during a community gathering at Sar Shalom Messianic Congregation on 1650 South Main Street.

The Holocaust was a genocide in which some six million European Jews were killed by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany and World War II collaborators. The victims included 1.5 million children, and represented about two-thirds of the nine million Jews who had resided in Europe.

Amie Mutti, standing with her husband, shares testimony about encounter.
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

Rabbi William Halbrook spoke about “Where was GOD when the Holocaust took place?” Halbrook explained that the GOD of Jacob, was in the midst of His people and that He turned the tragedy of the Holocaust into a triumph with the reestablishment of the State of Israel shortly thereafter.

Amie Mutti spoke about a recent local anti-Semitic encounter she had less than twenty-four hours after she and her family attended a Holocaust Survivor presentation at the Richland County Public Library.

“Holocaust Remembrance Day is not about Jewish people forgetting the Holocaust, it’s about non-Jews remembering the Holocaust and agreeing to take a stand that it (Holocaust) will never happen again.”

Amie Mutti

Following Mutti’s testimony, Mansfield City Councilman Cliff Mears shared about his humbling experience visiting Dachau concentration camp in Germany.  Mears also gave a proclamation on behalf of the City of Mansfield honoring the occasion.  The proclamation made special note of the strong ties the State of Ohio and more specifically, Richland County has with Israel.

Mansfield Councilman-at-large Cliff Mears reads proclamation. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

The proclamation pointed out that last December Ohio became the fourteenth state to pass legislation, which prohibits the state from contracting with companies that engage in boycotts of Israel, including firms located outside the state.

This past January 2017, over one hundred leading clergymen from north central Ohio sent a letter of apology to the Prime Minister of Israel for the role the U.S. federal government took in allowing the passage of United Nations Resolution 2334 which opposes Israel’s right to its own sovereign territory.

Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, is observed as Israel’s day of commemoration for the approximately six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, and for the Jewish resistance in that period. In Israel, it is a national memorial day. The first official commemorations took place in 1951.  

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Isaiah Forty-four, “I formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me.

Clergy report resistance to restroom mandate brought shower of blessings

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MANSFIELD — The Bible is coming to life in North Central Ohio as area clergy believe they must obey GOD rather than Caesar.

This past July, leading clergymen from over one hundred congregations in Richland County sent a letter to all nine school districts in the county requesting they defy the Obama restroom mandate. The mandate threatens to withhold funding to school districts that do not allow students access to restrooms, locker rooms and showers of their choice.

Area clergy sending letter to schools included: Reverend El Akuchie, Pastor Jerry Laudermilk, & Pastor Thomas Hunt. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

Garnering national attention from the incident, the clergy now report this act of civil disobedience brought blessings of Biblical proportions to their area the following month.

“The Heavenly Father promised Israel in the Bible that when they obeyed His commands, He would bless them,” says Pastor Randy Raynes. “Deuteronomy 28 lists these blessings: the protection of the fruit of their womb, safe transportation, rain for their crops, blessing on livestock, and on and on. While GOD is not obligated to bless our land, it is out of His mercy He can bless our land. Our area has seen just that; seeing is believing.”

According to a report by the Richland Community Prayer Network, the following month after the clergy sent the letter of civil disobedience to school officials, the county experienced no infant mortalities and no traffic mortalities in the summer vacation month of August, notable for a county where there are approximately almost sixteen hundred miles of roads with two hundred-sixty miles being highway.


“The Heavenly Father promised Israel in the Bible that when they obeyed His commands, He would bless them,” says Pastor Randy Raynes. “Deuteronomy 28 lists these blessings: the protection of the fruit of their womb, safe transportation, rain for their crops, blessing on livestock, and on and on. While GOD is not obligated to bless our land, it is out of His mercy He can bless our land. Our area has seen just that; seeing is believing.”

Pastor Randy Raynes

Not only did Richland County see a good month of public health and safety following their letter, the report found a noticeable change in local commerce. Two out of the three local witchcraft businesses shut their doors in August. The clergy contend that not only is witchcraft associated with idolatry, it can be connected to consumer fraud.

On the agriculture front, with the county experiencing moderate drought conditions throughout the summer, three and a half inches of rain came in the hot month of August at just the right time.

While August 2016 was the second-hottest August on record, milk productivity countywide still increased by an astounding forty-three percent from the previous August according to state numbers. In addition, swarms of bees abounded for a bee population still stinging from the colony collapse disorder, with one prominent beekeeper declaring the summer of 2016 as “the best bee season in a decade.”

Area pastors report ecological shower of blessings in 2016 when they call for civil disobedience to Obama restroom mandate (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

One local farmer on Adario Road reported “In seventy-four years of farming, I have never had eighty bushels of soybeans an acre like I did in 2016!” Another area farmer on Rome Greenwich Road proudly boasted of having five cuts of hay in 2016.

“You don’t have to change everything for everything to change,” comments Pastor Eric Byrom, one of the clergy letter co-signers.

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Deuteronomy 28, “If you fully obey the LORD your GOD and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your GOD will set you high above all the nations on earth.  All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.”

See related article:

102 Ohio clergy advise local schools to defy Obama restroom mandate

Clergy tip assists police in closing clandestine brothel

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MANSFIELD — An ordinary middle-of-the-road storefront turned out to be more than meets the eye. Police reported they raided a massage parlor Wednesday afternoon at 1504 W. Fourth Street due to complaints of suspected prostitution and sexually-related activity at the business. It appears not only are the police on the beat, local clergy on duty as well.

The business in question is Tuina Studio, according to a news release from the METRICH Enforcement Unit. A group of area pastors worked with law enforcement officials regarding complaints at the business.

Massage parlor at 1504 West Fourth Street raided by police. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

According to the news release, “The search warrant was the result of a lengthy, ongoing investigation in reference to allegations of suspected prostitution and sexual related activity at the Tuina Studio, which is a massage parlor. A group of area pastors worked with law enforcement regarding the complaints at the business. As of now, the Tunia Studio is closed for business and the business was issued an eviction order by the property manager.

Fourteen pastors sent a letter to Mansfield Police Chief Ken Coontz and METRICH Commander Lieutenant Joe Petrycki stating: “While we are not certain human trafficking or any criminal activity is occurring at this business, we would greatly appreciate if our local law enforcement could investigate this situation.”

The clergy received reports that there were purportedly women living at the massage business and that a number of male customers frequent the business throughout the day and night hours. The clergy letter also stated that Asian women were allegedly involved.

“According to a report we received, there are purportedly women living at this massage business and a number of male customers that frequent this business throughout the day and night hours; allegedly Asian women are involved. In addition, high security measures exist at the location.”

Clergy letter written to Police

The letter stated, “According to a report we received, there are purportedly women living at this massage business and a number of male customers that frequent this business throughout the day and night hours; allegedly Asian women are involved. In addition, high security measures exist at the location.”

According to Lieutenant Petrycki, the business was issued an eviction order by the property manager.

“Detectives reported they seized an assortment of potential evidence. METRICH was assisted by Mansfield police and the local office of the FBI. METRICH and the FBI will follow up to identify any possible connections to human trafficking.”

Lieutenant Petrycki further stated that individuals with any additional information regarding Tuina Studio can call METRICH at 419-755-9728 or the Crime Tip Hotline at 419-52-CRIME (419-522-7463).

Editor’s Note: This Mansfield raid exposed a criminal network with a similar raid two months later on a business by the same name in Lancaster, Ohio.

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Leviticus Nineteen, “Do not profane your daughter by making her a prostitute, let the land fall into prostitution and the land become full of depravity.”

Related article:

66 Clergy call for prayer & fasting regarding immoral culture (VIDEO)

70 Richland clergy call for local prohibition of “medical” marijuana

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ONTARIO — As the push to bring Marijuana dispensaries and cultivation sites comes to Richland County, area clergy went on the record pointing to policymakers that supposed benefits from the industry are really ‘smoke and mirrors.’

Recently a joint statement representing clergy from seventy different congregations inside Richland County was submitted to Ontario City Council. The letter called for the prohibition of Marijuana facilities inside city limits that involve the harvesting and commercial sale of the Schedule I drug.  

The letter cited the addictive nature of the drug, its adverse health effects, its affiliation with crime, the inevitability of the illegal diversion, and recent malpractice cases of Ohio physicians trafficking drugs.

According to Benjamin Mutti, Spokesman for the Richland Community Family Coalition, township trustee boards and municipal councils have the authority under state law (H.B. 523) to prohibit or restrict these facilities.

“Because of the addictive nature, the adverse side effects, and its affiliation  with violent crime,  “medical” Marijuana is not the wonder drug some make it to be… While Colorado has legalized medical and recreation Marijuana, seventy-percent of that state’s communities have outright banned the commercial sale of this harmful drug.”

Benjamin Mutti
Richland Community Family Coalition

“Because of the addictive nature, the adverse side effects, and its affiliation with violent crime,  “medical” Marijuana is not the wonder drug some make it to be.  For this reason, our local government has been given authority to prevent the Marijuana industry from coming through our doors.  While Colorado has legalized medical and recreation Marijuana, seventy-percent of that state’s communities have outright banned the commercial sale of this harmful drug.”  

Clergy believe nothing could be further from the truth when medical experts assert that Marijuana will ease the Opioid addiction epidemic.  The clergy letter stated the claim brings to mind the ‘wonder drugs” of Suboxone and Methadone which were both advertised as the answer to treating painkiller addiction, only to become addicted and abused drugs in their own right. 

The clergy believe Marijuana will be no different. 

The clergy wrote in their letter, “Ironically, while the federal government has eased its penalties for illicit drug offenses, it has on the other hand escalated its restriction of religious freedoms, in many cases outlawing religious acknowledgement and religious expression.”

Area clergy pictured who submitted a policy letter to Ontario City Council opposing marijuana. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

According to Reverend El Akuchie, one of the co-signers of the clergy letter, he believes the illicit drug industry is using “medical” Marijuana as a steppingstone to recreational marijuana.  

“Ohioans voted overwhelmingly by a 2 to 1 margin to prevent marijuana from being legalized in 2015.  Why would we want to promote a drug and add to the substance abuse addiction crisis? Scripture says ‘All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient, all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” 

He went on to say, “The pastors have spoken: our families need hope, not another drug.”  

See related article:

Mansfield City Council goes on record opposing Issue 3 marijuana issue

The Bottom Line:

1 Peter 1 says, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”

103 Ohio clergy send apology letter to Israeli Prime Minister

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MANSFIELD – Clergy from North Central Ohio sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologizing for the Obama administration’s refusal to veto a United Nations’ resolution concerning Israel’s claims to the West Bank lands.

On Dec. 23rd, the United States allowed the United Nations Security Council to vote in favor of United Nations Resolution 2334. The resolutions states Israel’s claims to West Bank territory including East Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the Golan Heights, have no legal validity. The Security Council vote was 14-0 with the U.S. abstaining.

The clergy correspondence was presented in the Israeli Knesset to Parliament member Yehuda Glick by Ohio resident John Fehl. (Photo courtesy of John Fehl)

“This clergy correspondence was written to draw a line in the sand,” says Benjamin Mutti, Coordinator of the Richland Community Prayer Network. “While this anti-Semitic dictate opposes Israel’s right to the Promised Land, the North Central Ohio faith community stands apologetically with Israel. We will not give up any ground on this issue.”

“We want to formally apologize to you, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the citizens of Israel for the shameful actions of the Obama Administration and his State Department that have jeopardized the security of Israel and betrayed its trust,” the letter stated.

Mutti said one hundred and three area clergy were cosigners of the letter.

“Area pastors believe this letter can help facilitate the reconciliation process between not only the nations of Israel and America, but also between the God of Israel and America.”

Benjamin Mutti
Richland community prayer network

Area pastors believe this letter can “help facilitate the reconciliation process between not only the nations of Israel and America, but also between the God of Israel and America.” They hope the Trump Administration will take a stronger stand supporting Israel, Mutti said.

The clergy correspondence was sent by certified mail and also hand-delivered to MK Yehuda Glick by Ohio residents John and Barb Fehl at the Israeli Knesset.

Pictured: Benjamin & Amie Mutti with John & Barb Fehl. (Photo courtesy of Sheri Trusty)

According to Fehl, who lives in Huron County, a friend had sent him the letter and his wife “miraculously” found the letter on their coffee table just one day before his departure to Israel.

“My wife and I discovered at that moment why we were going to Israel; GOD had given us a mission. I had never spoken to Mr. Mutti before but I contacted him the day before our flight and he was ecstatic that we would deliver the letter in person,” recalls Fehl.

From there the Fehl’s met Knesset Member Glick, a staunch Zionist activist and elected official, and gave the letter to an emotional Glick in front of the tour group.

The letter closed by saying, “For Zion’s sake, we will not remain silent, for Jerusalem’s sake we will not remain quiet. May the prime minister always know that his country will always have friends in North Central Ohio.”

Article updated March 13, 2017

Health officials briefed by 27 clergy on link between church attendance & improved health

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MANSFIELD — Last week to commemorate the 2016 National Family Health History Day, twenty-seven area pastors from Richland County, Ohio sent a correspondence to health care stakeholders in North Central Ohio regarding a case study involving disease prevention.  The twenty-year study, conducted by Harvard University, concluded that an effective way to prevent disease is by attending religious service.

Mansfield skyline of churches at dawn. (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

The pastor correspondence stated, “As pastors of twenty-seven local congregations, we agree there is something that can be said about the connection between spirituality and health.  Without a doubt spiritual issues like anger, unforgiveness, and anxiety to name a few, can manifest into medical realities like suicide, depression, ulcers, and hypertension. Interestingly, the Bible documents at least thirty-one individual healing accounts performed by Christ.” 

The clergy letter referenced a study of 75,000 nurses found that those who attended religious services once per week or more had decreased risk of both cardiovascular mortality (27%) and cancer mortality (21%).

According to the senior author of the study, Mr. Tyler VanderWeele, professor of epidemiology at Harvard,  “Part of the benefit seems to be that attending religious services increases social support, discourages smoking, decreases depression, and helps people develop a more optimistic or hopeful outlook on life.”

One of the signers of the clergy letter, Reverend Chris Thomas of Diamond Hills Baptist, commented “With the study coming from a secular source, it certainly adds credibility to the study’s findings.”

“Without a doubt spiritual issues like anger, unforgiveness, and anxiety to name a few, can manifest into medical realities like suicide, depression, ulcers, and hypertension. Interestingly, the Bible documents at least thirty-one individual healing accounts performed by Christ.”

Clergy correspondence to health officials

The letter below was sent to: President Jerome Morasko, Avita Health; President Jean Halpin, Ohio Health; Executive Director Pam Crank, Richland Pregnancy Services; Health Commissioner Martin Tremmel, Richland Public Health; Health Commissioner Dr. Ajay Chawla, Shelby Health Department; and CEO Jared Pollick, Third Street Clinic.

Richland County Health Commissioner Martin Tremmel thanked the clergy for reaching out to him regarding disease prevention.

“It is both interesting and helpful to know this study and its findings were supported through the National Institute for Health. I applaud your collective efforts to assist us with improving the public’s health by protecting our citizens by promoting healthy lifestyles,” Tremmel said.

Pastor Thomas hopes the letter will lead to increased collaboration between local churches and the health community. “While we believe healing is for today, we also believe that disease prevention is for today,” the twenty-seven pastors wrote. “Please prayerfully consider this case study and how this information may be applied.”

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Exodus Chapter Twenty-Three, “You shall serve the LORD your GOD, and He will bless your bread and your water, and He will take sickness away from among you.”

See related article:

At request of 72 clergy, Health Chief says ties with syringe exchange will end

102 Ohio clergy advise local schools to defy Obama restroom mandate

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MANSFIELD — Under a less than modest mandate, female students may soon see adolescent boys staring at them in their restroom mirrors at school.

To combat political correctness gone amuck, the local faith community is telling school officials to stall. Clergy representing over one hundred diverse congregations recently sent a letter to all school superintendents inside Richland County calling on the districts to disobey a federal government mandate requiring schools to allow students into restrooms of the opposite gender.

In 2016 Rev. El leads group of 102 clergy advocating for biological gender in school restrooms (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

“I wanted to be included in this clergy correspondence because from my point of view, the Bible tells us the LORD made man in his image, says Pastor Thomas Hunt. “GOD made both male and female, Trying to be politically correct blurs the lines.”

The correspondence stated “There is no authority except from GOD, and since governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever government becomes destructive of these ends; it is the right of the people to alter it.”

The letter was in response to a U.S. Department of Education memorandum sent to school districts and universities across the nation informing them that they may be subject to lawsuit and the withdrawal of federal funding in the event their institution does not include gender identity alongside biological sex. This is a new interpretation of Title IX of the Education Amendments passed by Congress in 1972.  

“After forty-four years this law has been in effect, the federal government now claims that the original framers of the law intended to allow transgender persons to choose whichever restroom they prefer at any given time,” the clergy said.


“It bears worth mentioning that no persons are presently being denied access to a restroom since there is already equal access  provided to all on the basis of biological sex.”

Area Clergy letter to Richland County school officials

The clergy point out the federal guidance does not apply to just bathrooms, but also to locker rooms, showers, dormitory housing, and overnight hotels for field trips.  They also said no persons are presently being denied access to a restroom since there is already equal access  provided to all on the basis of biological sex.

The pastors asserted the “Department of Education lacks authority to unilaterally redefine sex. They also said the radical mandate jeopardizes the privacy and safety of vulnerable and women and children, defies objectivity and logic, exploits low income and disabled students by aborting funds for school meals, eliminates funding for students with disabilities, and triggers intolerance with people of religious conviction and/or differing opinion.

In response to the area clergy, State Rep. Mark Romanchuk commented, “It’s a shame the federal government has to threaten states to comply by taking away funding-that’s a problem,” Romanchuk went on to say he thinks the transgender bathroom policy is “bad.”

The clergy remain resolute in their position. “When it comes to following man’s law or GOD’s law, I’m going to follow GOD’s,” Reverend Hunt said.

The Bottom Line:

Jesus in Matthew Chapter Nineteen says, “Have not you read that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’

24 Richland County clergy endorse Ted Cruz for 2016 presidential primary

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MANSFIELD – Twenty-four pastors in Richland County endorsed Texas Senator Ted Cruz as their choice as president, days before Ohio’s primary election.

Amie Mutti, Richland County chairperson for the Cruz Grassroots Effort, said the endorsement was part of a larger campaign in which clergymen from across the county wrote a letter citing Cruz’ accomplishments in protecting religious freedoms.

U.S. Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz at a rally in Columbus, Ohio (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

“Ted Cruz’s record as an outsider to Washington politics and his conviction of limited government found in the U.S. Constitution resonates with both families and the faith community,” Mutti said. “Judging by the debates and media reports on the candidates’ records, ethics and morality will play a big part in choosing the winner of Ohio’s primary.”

Items noted in the clergy letter highlighted Cruz’s legal experience winning several cases at the Supreme Court and federal court levels, including his defense of the Ten Commandments and a moment of silence for Texas students.


“Judging by the debates and media reports on the candidates’ records, ethics and morality will play a big part in choosing the winner of Ohio’s primary.”

Amie Mutti, chairperson for the
Cruz Grassroots Effort

The clergy letter also mentioned that Ted Cruz galvanized national support for Houston pastors who had been subpoenaed by the City of Houston and forced to turn in their sermons for their opposition to legislation opposing gender identity restrooms.

“People are disenchanted over the crude behavior by some of the candidates in the presidential race and rightfully so,” the Rev. James Spencer said.  “A number of pastors in Richland County believe that because Sen. Ted Cruz has a proven track record of protecting faith, family, and freedom, he is the best candidate for the job.”

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Exodus 18, “Look for able men from all the people, men who fear GOD, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.”

Regional coverage of 2016 National Day of Prayer in Richland County

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RICHLAND COUNTY, OHIO — This past month community-wide events for the National Day of Prayer occurred across the county on the first Thursday in May.  The theme Bible verse this year was from Isaiah 58:1 “Shout it aloud, do not hold back, raise your voice like a shofar.”  A synopsis of each of these events follows…..

BELLVILLE– Held in downtown Bellville at the Gazebo, the chilly evening gathering included a special flag ceremony by Trail Life Scouts, the new family-friendly alternative to the Boy Scouts.  Reverend Bill Henderson emceed the local observance in The Valley, and Reverend Doug Pretorius spoke on the last prayer of Jesus from John Chapter 17.  A beautiful violin soloist captivated the crowd before the intercessors went into small groups to pray for the nation.  The Bellville Mayor of Darrell Banks attended, along with five area pastors.

Reverend El Akuchie prays during 2016 Mansfield National Day of Prayer
(Submitted photo)

LUCAS–A National Day of Prayer observance was held at the newly opened Lucas Community Center in Cub Country on Thursday night.  Prayers were made by several leaders including Reverend David Aune and Reverend David Root. A team of skillful musicians led by Reverend Dallas Waggle played several praise songs between prayers. A proclamation from the Village Mayor’s office was read commemorating the National Day of Prayer.  The event helped christen the new community center which is also home base to a prayer house ministry and Lucas Area Food Pantry, both ministries of the Lucas Area Ministerial Association.

MADISON— The East Mansfield Ministerial Association coordinated a community prayer vigil at noon on the National Day of Prayer.  The meeting was  held at the Big Lots parking lot on busy Ashland Road.   Township folks gathered along with several officials to petition the Lord of Hosts for his guidance for the nation.

MANSFIELD — On Thursday at noon at the Mansfield Central Park Gazebo, citizens gathered for prayers for the nation.  With WVMC radio personality Scott Saunders as the emcee, Mayor Timothy Theaker and  Commissioner Gary Utt read a proclamation commemorating the area tradition.   Fifteen elected officials in all attended including two county commissioners, mayors of Mansfield, Ontario, Bellville, two council members, a township trustee, finance director, recorder, sheriff and four judges.  Participants included the IMAGE Mansfield Christian youth choir, a community band, and six pastors who prayed for the nation, safety forces, schools and local leaders.    Reverend Thomas Hunt, the keynote speaker, spoke about how the Heavenly Father actively blesses us in our lives when we invite Him. The assembly at the county seat was well attended and coordinated by the Richland Community Prayer Network. 

SHELBY –A host of people gathered together at the Black fork Commons in downtown Shelby to recognize the National Day of Prayer.  The assembly was coordinated by the Shelby Ministerial Association with Reverend George Johnson as the emcee.  Five pastors led prayer with participants praying for families, schools, city leaders and the nation.   Reverend Steve Schag, Mayor of Shelby, attended along with a total of twelve pastors; the youth choir from Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Parish also sang a memorable song.   Participants were of one spirit when they ended with the LORD’s Prayer and sang in unison “GOD bless America.”

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Isaiah Fifty-Eight, ““Shout it aloud, do not hold back, raise your voice like a shofar.”

36 area clergy tell local business psychic reading is ‘consumer fraud’

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Editor’s note: This article is part of our “Time Capsule Series” that includes a cache of past stories that previously were not told.

LEXINGTON –Area clergy are warning a business about its nefarious activities and hoping the local fruit farm bears good fruit and not bad fruit. Three days before a psychic reading event is to occur at the Blueberry Patch, lead clergymen from thirty-six local congregations are alerting the business that a questionable program on Friday evening is immoral and may be associated with consumer fraud.

According to a clergy letter sent to the owners of the Blueberry Patch, the event at the 1285 Hanley Road West business has its detractors.

“Recently it has come to our attention that your business has been advertising on your signs and your coming events calendar inviting the public to an event on January 8, 2016 which includes a psychic reader,” the clergy wrote. “A handout disseminated to customers and displayed on your Blueberry Patch website reads that psychic Jen Lopez will conduct readings using astrology and numerology, that she will be accurate, and that fifteen minute readings will cost fifteen dollars.”

“As a business owner, you are free to run the Blueberry Patch however you would like. All things considered, your practices may not gain the approval of many of your customers and loyal patrons,” the clergymen said.

The Blueberry Patch is a fruit farm with a nursery and a greenhouse, offers twenty-seven different varieties of berries; and is also the largest blueberry farm in the state. It also plays a prominent role in the annual Blueberry Festival in the Village of Lexington. Faith leaders believe this upcoming psychic event should be cancelled due to is association with deviant behavior that is not in harmony with the identity of the community.

“As chaplains of this community, we strongly believe the upcoming psychic event is associated with deviant behavior, is not in harmony with the identity of our community, and will tarnish the reputation of the Blueberry Patch and therefore advise that the event be cancelled.”

Clergy letter signed by 36 Lead clergy

The clergy say the business should consider the Bible-based heritage of its clientele. They cite a 2006 study on churches in Richland County finding that nearly 47,000 people in Richland County belonged to a Bible-based congregation. The Richland Community Prayer Network, which conducted this study, states there are at least two hundred-thirty Bible believing congregations in Richland County, not counting home churches.

The letter also said that clergy in the past have publicly addressed the issue of divination and the dangers it poses, mentioning the public outcry over a fortune teller Lisa Williams that came to the Renaissance Theater in 2008. Theater CEO Terri Bergman was fired nine months later reportedly for dwindling ticket sales at the theater. Bad business is not all the clergy spoke of.

“As (36) thirty-six spiritual leaders of this area, we are convinced hosting a psychic reading will jeopardize the good standing of your business, endanger the financial well-being of the fruit farm and imperil the individuals attending your psychic event. Psychic reading is fraudulent and can involve financial scams of unsuspecting persons.”

In 2014, a Los Angeles private investigator in court was able to help psychic fraud victims recover over two million dollars. The victims were told they had to pay cash in order to ‘remove a curse placed on them.’ The psychic was sentenced to between five and fifteen years in jail and ordered to pay restitution. The same year in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, an arrest warrant was issued for a psychic who convinced a lady she needed to withdraw all her money from the bank to be blessed. The psychic ended up with twenty thousand dollars.

At debate is whether consumer fraud found in the Ohio Revised Code Section 1345.02 pertains to psychic reading. The clergy believe event attendees could hold the Blueberry Patch liable if they have to pay to ward off similar hexes.

The clergy concluded by saying, “Members of our local congregations are very familiar with the teaching in the Bible about good fruit and bad fruit. Jesus told his followers that a bad tree cannot bear good fruit and a good tree cannot bear bad fruit (Matthew 7:18). Our hope is that your fruit farm bears good fruit and fruit that remains. With that being said, it is our moral responsibility to warn you so that you take steps to have as bountiful of a harvest as you had in 2015.”

Copies of the letter were also given to the Washington Township Board of Trustees, Mayor of the Village of Lexington, and the President of the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Leviticus Chapter Nineteen, “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers, do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them. I am the LORD your GOD.”

Related articles:

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Guest Column: Unmasking Halloween tradition

Mansfield City Council goes on record opposing Issue 3 marijuana issue

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MANSFIELD — On October 19th, Mansfield City Council voted to pass a non-binding resolution proposed by the Richland Community Prayer Network (RCPN) to officially oppose State Issue #3, thereby opposing the effort for the upcoming Fall election to legalize the use of marijuana in Ohio .  

The resolution easily passed 6-2 with Councilmen Don Bryant and Butch Jefferson opposing.

Mansfield City Hall (Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

The resolution stated that the legalization of marijuana will circumvent efforts by local law enforcement, prevention agencies like Capable Action Capable Youth (CACY), and other faith-based drug treatment ministries provided by local congregations.

Also cited was a 2011 study finding that “crash risk appears to increase progressively with dose and frequency of marijuana use,” and that the study found that “drivers who test positive for marijuana or self-report using marijuana are more than twice as likely as other drivers to be involved in motor vehicle crashes.”

“I would like to thank City Council and the Administration for your tireless efforts in helping curtail the drug addiction tragedy that is striking our land,” Benjamin Mutti of RCPN said to City Council On Monday night. Mutti was also accompanied by Reverend El Akuchie.


“Legalizing this illicit drug (marijuana) in Ohio would be a triple threat to the health, safety, and morality of our great state.  We don’t need anymore ‘second hand smoke’ to cloud our children s’ future.

Reverend El Akuchie, Richland Community Prayer Network

Akuchie commented, “Marijuana is even more poisonous than when it was first outlawed nearly one hundred years ago.  Legalizing this illicit drug in Ohio would be a triple threat to the health, safety, and morality of our great state.  We don’t need anymore ‘second hand smoke’ to cloud our children s’ future.  Three is a crowd.  Vote no on Issue 3.”

RCPN believes that the united voices of the City Council of the county seat,  along with the local law enforcement,in the region demonstrate a formidable opposition to Issue 3. 

Most recently RCPN coordinated a countywide prayer movement of pastors representing sixty-six local congregations this past summer, and also spearheaded an effort to persuade the County Commissioners to support the defunding of Planned Parenthood with forty-three area clergy.  

Editor’s note: Issue 3 was defeated by Ohio voters in the 2015 elections.

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in First Peter Chapter Five, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Commissioner Board turns down clergy resolution to defund Planned Parenthood (VIDEO)

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MANSFIELD — Despite recent revelations on Planned Parenthood selling baby parts on the black market, the Richland County Board of Commissioners declined to hold a hearing to consider supporting a non-binding resolution proposed by leading clergy from forty-three area congregations.

Earlier this summer, allegations surfaced regarding Planned Parenthood‘s operation after the release of a series of undercover videos produced by the Center for Medical Progress.

Reverend El Akuchie
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)

“Evidence about Planned Parenthood depicted in these videos is profoundly evil and nefarious,” says Reverend El Akuchie of the Richland Community Prayer Network (RCPN).

The Commissioner Board, consisting of Gary Utt, Timothy Wert, and Marilyn John, stated that the issue does not pertain to their direct management and therefore will not schedule a hearing with the pastors. Ironically, the Board of Commissioners passed a non-binding resolution at the request of the Ohio Secretary of State pertaining to election practices. 

Richland County citizens fund Planned Parenthood thru federal and state taxes despite the organization being independently wealthy with nearly one billion dollars of net assets, Recently the Federal Government awarded Planned Parenthood with one million dollars in grants despite ongoing criminal Congressional investigations.

“As citizens of this county, we should not be funding Planned Parenthood which pours its lobbying interests into one political party,” says Reverend Akuchie. “Abortion happens to be one of the leading causes of death for African Americans since 1973, and selling human body parts which these videos reveal is a violation of federal law.”

County Commissioner Marilyn John said she would write a letter to legislators supporting the defunding of Planned Parenthood .


“Make no mistake, protecting and preserving life is everyone’s business and the local Body of Christ has volunteered to not remain silent in protecting the next generation…even when it is not politically expedient.”

Reverend El Akuchie
Richland Community Prayer Network

In response to the Board of Commissioner’s dismissal of the issue, Akuchie responded: “We believe that the old axiom rings true today that “evil prevails when good people remain silent.” It is our conviction that society is looking for strong leadership and that saving and preserving life should be the business of every human being. Make no mistake, protecting and preserving life is everyone’s business and the local Body of Christ has volunteered to not remain silent in protecting the next generation…even when it is not politically expedient.”

The proposed non-binding resolution was three-fold: advising the U.S. Congress to add an amendment in the 2015 Budget Bill to end forced taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood, advising the Ohio State Legislature to present legislation to be signed by the Governor to discontinue forced taxpayer funding to the Planned Parenthood organization, and lastly, supporting criminal investigation and prosecution of those individuals who have broken existing laws.

RCPN’s draft resolution also stated that ending forced taxpayer funding on Planned Parenthood would not cause low-income women to go without health care since there are 13,540 health clinics across the country, versus 665 Planned Parenthood locations. The clergy suggested that if federal funding from Planned Parenthood is eliminated, than that money could go towards health care providers that already better serve women .

Just one month earlier, over one hundred pro life advocates held a prayer vigil at the local Park Avenue Planned Parenthood as part of a large movement where gatherings were taking place in more than three hundred cities supporting the defunding of Planned Parenthood.

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Hosea Four, “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge: because they have rejected knowledge…”

View the video produced by the Center for Medical Progress below. (Editor’s note: images on video may be disturbing)

Local religious leaders warn that freedoms are in jeopardy (SLIDESHOW)

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MANSFIELD — Last week local clergy met with the Richland County Board of Commissioners to discuss the importance of religious freedom. Faith leaders made the point if they are not free to practice their religion, the community will suffer. The presentation was to commemorate January 16th, 2014 as Religious Freedom Day.

The Board of Commissioners met with Reverend Jerry Laudermilk of Ontario Abundant Life Tabernacle, Reverend Eric Byrom of Mansfield Grace Fellowship, Reverend Andy Jones of Mansfield First English Lutheran, Reverend Bill Henderson of Bellville First Baptist, Reverend David Asp of the Shelby Ministerial Association, and Benjamin Mutti of the Richland Community Prayer Network to discuss the first freedom listed in the Bill of Rights.

Pastor Eric Byrom discusses church missions with Richland County Board of Commissioners. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter)

According to the clergy, it is alarming that the federal government is prohibiting the free exercise of religion, most notably religions that espouse to the belief in the Bible.

The ministers cited a survey by the Liberty Institute and the Family Research Council entitled “Undeniable,” which lists 1,200 court cases where religious freedoms are being dismantled in America.

“In fact, this trend is being seen throughout the globe,” said Pastor Byrom, referring to a map displayed tracking religious persecution worldwide.

The group pointed out that persecution is taking place despite the valuable service that congregations provide to the local community.


“They (local missionaries) actually pose as goodwill ambassadors, giving our county a good reputation.”

Timothy Wert, county commissioner

Mutti discussed with the Commissioner Board a pilot study by a Pennsylvania researcher demonstrating that monetary values of the benefits/services that religious congregations provide can be calculated.

“While quantifying the financial value of a congregation is helpful for policy makers, the benefits of local congregation practicing its Biblical religion on the grand scale are much more comprehensive.”

The Commissioners pointed out that the churches in downtown Mansfield are anchors in their neighborhoods, keeping their properties well-maintained and providing charity to the residents.

  • Benjamin Mutti discusses religious persecution. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter)
  • Display of local sacred assembly.. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter)
  • Display of local clergy initiative. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter)
  • Display of local clergy initiative. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter)
  • Board of Commissioners proclaim Religious Freedom Day. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter)
  • Pastor Bill Henderson discusses church outreach. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter)
  • Board of Commissioners proclaim Religious Freedom Day. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter)
  • Board of Commissioners proclaim Religious Freedom Day. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter)
  • Board of Commissioners proclaim Religious Freedom Day. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter)
  • Commissioner Ed Olson reviews church pilot study. (Photo courtesy of Bud Motter)

Commissioner Timothy Wert noted that many missionaries from the local churches have helped with relief efforts like in the cases of Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti earthquake disaster.

“They actually pose as goodwill ambassadors, giving our county a good reputation.”

Recently a bill reinforcing religious freedom was introduced in the Ohio Legislature.

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in James Chapter 1, “Pure religion and undefiled before GOD and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

Guest Column: 2012 Religious Freedom is under attack

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Religious Freedom Day is a time for reflection on the first freedom guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. Each January 16th is an important time for policy-makers to recommit to protecting the ability of citizens to maintain their religious identity and to freely express their religious convictions.

Reverend El Akuchie 

As Jesus said, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and render unto GOD what is GOD’s (Matthew 22:21).

All citizens have the GOD-given right to express their personal faith in the manner they choose. The Founding Fathers believed that a government not willing to respect citizens’ religious freedoms would be unlikely to respect other freedoms. The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights is the freedom OF religion and not freedom FROM religion.

This freedom is what makes our country exceptional. According to report by Open Doors Ministry, at least 176,000 Christians in the world were martyred for their faith in 2009.

Observing Religious Freedom Day can draw our attention to the valuable contributions that religious groups make to society. For example, churches are essential in cultivating the virtuous habits necessary for self-government, tackle social problems, and care for the needy.

Consequently, the religious adherents are not the only individuals adversely affected when religious freedoms are undermined, those who are served by these ministries lose out too.

Consider these recent incidents attacking religious freedoms:

In April 2009, a Homeland Security report linked evangelical Christians with domestic terrorists. It further warned law enforcement to watch out for individuals with “radical” ideologies based on Christian views , such as opposing illegal immigration, abortion, and federal taxes. An official with the Missouri Highway Patrol criticized the report, assuring that such reports no longer will be issued.

All citizens have the GOD-given right to express their personal faith in the manner they choose. The Founding Fathers believed that a government not willing to respect citizens’ religious freedoms would be unlikely to respect other freedoms.

Reverend El Akuchie

In May 2009, the U.S. military incinerated hundreds of Bibles that were bound for Afghanistan. Rather than returning the Bibles to their original donors, the Bibles were destroyed since Afghanistan condemns the practice of Christianity and Judaism.

In May 2010, law enforcement prohibited an Arizona teacher, her students, and several adults from quietly praying outside the U.S. Supreme Court building. The group was taking an educational tour of the Supreme Court complex, standing to the side at the bottom of the steps, and quietly bowing their heads in prayer. Law enforcement stated that “parades and processions on the Supreme Court grounds were strictly prohibited.”

In September 2011, the Walter Reed Military Hospital implemented a new policy prohibiting religious material and artifacts, specifically Bibles, from being brought in to hospitalized soldiers. This directive even pertained to military chaplains. Ironically, the facility is named after Walter Reed who was the son of a Methodist minister and a devout Christian himself.

While this directive was eventually rescinded due to public outcry, our leaders are making a grave mistake if they try to remove the inalienable right of religion in this country.

Reverend El Akuchie is pastor at Godsfield House of Prayer and Executive Director of the Richland Community Prayer Network.

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