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:

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“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.