First Liberty



Pastor Chris Avell of Dad's Place-a church in Bryan,
Ohio-is facing criminal charges.

Why? Because Pastor Chris opened his church 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week to serve his community, especially the homeless. During the cold
winter months, about a dozen people have been staying in the church
nightly on an emergency basis as they have nowhere else to go.

The city sent a letter ordering the church to stop allowing overnight
guests or face criminal prosecution. This past Sunday-on New
Year's Eve-police showed up at the church. They handed the
Pastor a packet of multiple charges and violations.

First Liberty is representing Pastor Chris, as he's facing 18
criminal charges for violating the city's zoning laws. And that
list of criminal violations grows every day.

Attorney Jeremy Dys and Pastor Chris appeared on Fox News last night
discussing the situation:

WATCH NOW »
[link removed]

"I was spiritually homeless and God provided a home for me.
He's put a burden on my heart for the homeless," Pastor
Chris told Fox News. "Many of these people have been rejected by
their families and cast aside by their communities. So, if the church
isn't willing to lay down it's life for them, then who
will? This is what we're called to do."

"The city would rather kick these folks to the curb in the cold
outdoor months of December and early January than allow the church to
remain open 24/7 to those who need it the most," Dys said.
"It's unconscionable. We're going to hold them
accountable."

What the city is doing to Pastor Chris isn't just wrong.
It's illegal and unconstitutional. Houses of worship and pastors
in America should NOT be criminalized for ministering to the most
vulnerable.

Pastor Chris needs your support. He has an arraignment hearing
scheduled for January 11th. First Liberty will be there by his side in
court to defend him and get these charges dismissed.

Can we count on you? Please give to First Liberty today. Your support
makes a HUGE difference when we defend everyday Americans like Pastor
Chris.

GIVE
[link removed]

Join Us on Facebook
[link removed]

Join Us on Instagram
[link removed]

Follow Us on Twitter
[link removed]

Watch Us on YouTube
[link removed]

Join Us on LinkedIn
[link removed]

Follow Us on SoundCloud
[link removed]

Sent by First Liberty Institute
[email protected]

2001 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 1600 * Plano, TX 75075 *
972-941-4444

View Online
[link removed]

Donate
[link removed]

Unsubscribe
[link removed]

Privacy Policy
[link removed]

Powered By Blackbaud
[link removed]

? 2024
First Liberty Institute