|
Dear John,
As I celebrated Christmas with my family this week, I thought a lot about one incredible blessing that you and I may often take for granted...the blessing of having a local church where we can live out our faith.
A church is normally within reach for many of us, but there are people in our own country who sacrifice greatly for the opportunity to have a house of worship in their community.
It reminds me of a powerful “1 for All” case here at First Liberty.
There are only 5 DAYS left in this historic “Year of Firsts” for religious freedom.
Will you help us finish 2019 strong by making a generous
year-end gift?
It’s the story of Pastor Paul Malcolmson, a former Northern Ireland police officer who traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to live in a remote, struggling village with a population of about 800.
Pastor Paul’s ministry in Walthill, Nebraska started nearly ten years ago, when he heard a simple phrase that impacted him to his very core:
“No one will serve my people.”
Pat Philips—a member of the Omaha Indian Nation—expressed these words referring to the dire need for a local church. Yet, for a long time no one seemed willing to take on the task.
That is, until Pastor Paul heard the call from across the ocean.
After hearing Pat’s yearning for someone to come and serve, Pastor Paul packed up his entire family of five from Northern Ireland, moved them to this isolated town and founded a church, Light of the World Gospel Ministries.
Please watch the video below to see how Pastor Paul and his church are indeed a shining light:
As you can see, Light of the World is transforming its local community, thanks to supporters like you.
But right now, First Liberty is fighting in court because Walthill village officials REFUSE to grant the necessary permits to the church so that it can renovate its own worship space and also help rebuild other downtown properties.
This is proof of an UNDENIABLE fact: The enemies of religious liberty are going to keep launching barefaced attacks against people of faith. Over the next year we will have to stand up to their hostility and fight some of the most important courtroom battles for our First Freedom.
People of faith who have a heart and a passion to serve, like Pastor Paul and his church, are the reason why First Liberty is First in the Fight.
Because when we win a victory for a small church such as Light of the World, we’re also winning BIG for thousands of other small and vibrant houses of worship nationwide—including YOURS!
With your continued financial support, First Liberty can continue to fight—and win—hundreds of smaller, yet monumentally significant legal matters that impact the lives of millions of Americans.
John, can I count on YOU to go ALL IN to reclaim religious liberty for churches and houses of worship in 2020?
Yes, I will make a gift today.
Gratefully,
Kelly
Kelly Shackelford, Esq.
President, CEO & Chief Counsel
First Liberty Institute
|
