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Dear John,
Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus warned us in Mark 13 that as we move closer to the end of the age, there would be wars, rumors of wars, conflicts, natural disasters, and religious persecution of believers.
Jesus' warning reads like today's headlines. But what you won't find in the newspaper or on cable news is what Jesus instructed us to do during these challenging times. First, He told us not to be anxious or be fatalistic because "the end is not yet" (Matthew 24:6).
Why?
There is still much to do! The gospel must go to all the nations.
Yes, we will encounter difficulty, but we are not to be anxious (Phil. 4:6), we are not to be afraid (2 Tim. 1:7), instead we are to be ready, be engaged, be in it for the long haul -- endure to the end.
And that is precisely what our team at Family Research Council is doing.
We've been working around the clock with the administration and conservative leaders in Congress to ensure anti-family, anti-life provisions are not slipped into the emergency funding bills or other measures that Congress passes related to the coronavirus crisis, at a time when most of America is focused elsewhere.
For example, when President Trump declared a National Emergency, we worked with allies on Capitol Hill and in the White House to stop Nancy Pelosi from trying to funnel millions of dollars in emergency funding to Planned Parenthood.
We are also working with the administration to ensure the impact upon the local church is considered in any emergency order, plan, or legislation. I know firsthand the importance of the local church in helping lead a community through any natural disaster or crisis. Thankfully, President Trump and his team have been very sensitive and responsive to the impact upon the local church.
Most importantly, understanding our need for God's hand of provision and protection, a few of us encouraged the president to call America to pray. And he did: issuing a proclamation declaring March 15, 2020, as a National Day of Prayer, stating in part:
"In our times of greatest need, Americans have always turned to prayer to help guide us through trials and periods of uncertainty... I ask you to join me in a day of prayer for all people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and to pray for God's healing hand to be placed on the people of our Nation... As one Nation under God, we are greater than the hardships we face, and through prayer and acts of compassion and love, we will rise to this challenge and emerge stronger and more united than ever before."
Throughout the unfolding of this crisis, we've brought facts to the national discussion on our daily Washington Watch radio program by having the decision-makers and experts talk directly to the people unfiltered by an increasingly slanted media.
With your support, we will continue to provide a balanced and biblical perspective of what is unfolding in our nation and how we must respond. Now more than ever, your voice must be heard through the work of FRC and Washington Watch.
I am very aware of the feeling of uncertainty that is being created by the events around us. However, as followers of Jesus, we know from the Bible that we were going to have to walk through these seasons -- as uncomfortable as it might be. But we cannot lose sight of our mission.
This is a time of tremendous opportunity for the church. As neighbors, co-workers, friends, and even children who may not be walking with the Lord are trying to cope with the present uncertainty, this may be the moment that we can point them to the Truth... if we follow the instructions of Scripture and do not give in to the anxieties and fears of the moment.
FRC is working closely with our nation's leaders, and I am very confident in their response. I also understand that some things are beyond our ability, and that is why, ultimately, our confidence is in the Lord Jesus Christ, who told us that He is with us to the very end (Matt. 28:20).
But our trust in God does not release us from our responsibility to lead.
My experience has been that in times of crisis, bad things happen legislatively because people are distracted. We will not be distracted.
We will remain on our post here in Washington, D.C., standing for truth, defending your faith, family, and freedom so that you can stay focused on caring for your family during this turbulent time.
But I need you to stand with us financially more than ever before. Your situation may require your gift to be smaller than usual. I completely understand. No contribution is insignificant or too small. If all our supporters and partners will stand with us now, it will go a long way in ensuring all of our freedoms tomorrow.
Thank you for standing with FRC and helping us lead in this time of challenge for our nation. We are praying for you and your family. Please pray for us and please pray for President Trump.
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2020 Family Research Council.