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Dear John,
As darkness threatens to envelope our world, a new generation of fearless leaders is stepping up -- undaunted, unshaken, and ready to shine the light of biblical truth.
Take, for example, Vanessa Sivadge -- a former FRC intern and registered nurse who used to work at Texas Children's Hospital. Vanessa courageously spoke out against the hospital's secret gender transition program for children and their use of Medicaid funding to pay for it -- both violations of Texas state law.
Despite threats and retaliation, including an intimidating visit from FBI agents and losing her job, Vanessa stood firm for truth. The FBI agents that sought to intimidate her specifically said they went to her home because they knew what she believed, and thought she might know who the whistleblower was that initially broke the story about TCH's illegal practices. But Vanessa didn't allow their intimidation tactics to succeed.
Ephesians 5:11 says "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." Vanessa took this verse to heart when she decided to speak out.
She declared, "God doesn't make mistakes when He made us in our mother's womb," and because of that, her conscience and biblical convictions would not allow her to ignore these horrific procedures. She told me on Washington Watch that she credited her time as an FRC intern for giving her a "spiritual backbone" and equipping her to do what's right.
When the story first broke that Vanessa had been fired, we knew that we had to speak out. The Left cannot be allowed to wantonly affect the livelihoods and careers of Christians like Vanessa who simply stand their ground on what they believe. So, in August of this year, we organized a petition in support of Vanessa, urging TCH to reinstate her as a nurse that garnered more than 23,000 signatures!
With grassroots efforts like these, we're sending a message to the Left: Vanessa, and others like her, are not alone. FRC and an army of spiritual warriors stand with them all.
Vanessa's strength in standing against the unfruitful works of darkness exemplifies the impact FRC is having by training and supporting young leaders to uphold truth, even when it's hard. Courage begets courage, and Vanessa's bravery will inspire others to stand.
Through our internship program, we are equipping the next generation to stand for faith, family, and freedom. So far, FRC has had more than 700 interns walk through our doors and trained up with a biblical worldview to impact our culture for Christ.
When you partner with us before December 31, you can take advantage of our $1.5 Million Challenge Match, ensuring your gift will go twice as far and make an impact for generations to come.
And when you give, we'll send you a free digital resource detailing the real history of the Christian saint who inspired the legend of Santa Claus!
SHINE THE LIGHT WITH FRC
But Vanessa's not the only young leader defending the faith in her generation.
Sophia Lorey, who is also a former FRC intern, was recently kicked out of a public library in California (in a city she described as being "one of the most spiritually dark places" in the state) for voicing her Christian beliefs about sex and gender as it relates to women's sports.
Sophia was simply standing up for biblical truth and basic biology in order to protect opportunities for girls, but was silenced for "misgendering" male athletes who compete in female sports. Protestors claimed that she was perpetuating "hate speech."
Undeterred, she continues to speak up, reminding us that fearing God, rather than fearing man, is the key to true perseverance and victory.
Macy Petty, a former NCAA Division 2 volleyball player and FRC intern, has also been at the forefront of the fight for fairness in women's sports. She boldly spoke out after witnessing trans-identifying male athletes taking spots on female teams. "I did not sign up to be in a co-ed league," Macy stated.
Despite opposition, she has been a relentless voice for maintaining the integrity of women's sports, testifying publicly and advocating for policies that ensure a level playing field for female athletes. She even spoke at our Pray Vote Stand Summit this past fall.
As a result of her efforts, many female athletes have been encouraged to speak out and stand up for fairness in sports.
These young leaders -- Vanessa, Sophia, and Macy -- are just a few of the countless individuals FRC is equipping to make a difference.
When you partner with us, you're raising up a new generation of spiritual leaders to be watchmen on the wall, standing in defense of biblical values and shining the light of truth, even when it comes at a great personal cost. Your gift today is an investment in the spiritual future of our country -- and when you give by December 31, it will have twice the impact thanks to our Year-End Challenge Match!
And remember, when you give, we'll send you a free digital resource detailing the real story of Saint Nicholas!
MAKE 2X THE IMPACT WITH FRC
Psalm 145:4 says "One generation shall commend [God's] works to another, and shall declare [His] mighty acts." That's exactly what FRC is doing when we work to equip young people like Vanessa, Sophia, and Macy.
America's future is going to be determined by the spiritual fortitude of the next generation. That's why you and I must be constantly pouring into the lives of the young people around us; one day, they'll be the ones in charge!
It's easy to look at certain statistics which might cause us to write the next generation off. But that's the exact opposite reaction to the one we ought to have. Stories like these demonstrate that when the next generation is properly equipped to stand for the truth, they can, and will, carry the torch into the future.
This is Great Commission behavior -- we're called to "make disciples," and oftentimes the best way we can make an impact is by reaching the young people in our lives.
Will you partner with us today to reach the next generation?
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