First Liberty




Pastor Jose Castro leads Gethsemani Baptist Church in San Luis,
Arizona.

The church has operated a food ministry for 25 years, distributing
hundreds of thousands of pounds of food in its community. Every
Sunday, they feed and minister to about 300 families and donate what
remains to nearby churches.

Throughout the years, city council members have participated and
helped pass out food in many of the church's food drives.

But now, city officials are trying to stop the church's ministry
to feed the hungry.

After a new administration took over in San Luis, the city sent a
letter last fall ordering the church to stop using semi-trucks for
food delivery at its property.

Pastor Jose, attempting to resolve the order, arranged for the church
to use smaller trucks so the food ministry could continue.

The City denied the request, and has been hostile toward the Pastor
and Gethsemani Baptist Church ever since.

Because of the city's hostility, Pastor Jose had to
significantly cut back on food distribution. He's tried to
continue feeding the hungry as best he can under these limitations.

Just a few weeks ago, while Pastor Jose was passing out food to group
of about 10 people, a city code enforcer showed up unannounced and
issued him four citations. Less than a week later, when a third party
parked in front of the church for only five minutes, the code enforcer
returned and issued four more citations.

Pastor Jose won't just have to pay fines in municipal court, but
also each future violation may result in criminal charges.

That's why First Liberty is stepping in to fight for Pastor Jose
and Gethsemani Baptist Church.

In response to the city's growing hostility toward the church,
First Liberty filed a federal lawsuit. We're asking the court to
stop the city from enforcing its order and allow the church to
continue its ministry.

Gethsemani's food ministry is a labor of love. Churches
shouldn't be threatened or fined for feeding the hungry and
caring for the most vulnerable. Government should support-not
punish-houses of worship that do essential work for their
communities.

You can help us win his case. It would mean so much to the Pastor, the
congregants and the more than 300+ families impacted by his ministry.

Pastor Jose and Gethsemani Baptist need your support. Please give to
First Liberty today.



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