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How Important Is Your Individual Vote?

The Cost of Freedom

Prayer Alert: Election 2004

Next President Will Appoint Judges

The Real St. Patrick

YOUR VOTE REALLY IS IMPORTANT

If you did not learn anything else from the last Presidential election in the United States, at least you should know that your vote DOES count! The entire election came down to just a few votes in a few counties in one state (Florida).

In 2000, the Presidential election was decided by only 537 votes.
If only one person had voted differently in one out of every ten precincts in Florida, there would have been a different leader of the free world.

However, Christians are completely ambivalent or apathetical when it comes to their vote. There are at least 65 million people in the United States that say they are Born Again Christians on national polls. Of those, only 16 million voted. That means 48 million Christians did NOT VOTE. They just let things happen. Of all the Christians who are eligible to vote, only half are even registered.

God expects us to vote as He leads. Even if we do NOT vote, it still counts. God will hold us accountable before Him for our obedience in voting. When judgment comes, which side will we be on? Will we be on the glory side or the judgment side? It all depends on if we were obedient to what God tells us to do through prayer and His Word.

Have you ever noticed that those who are opposed to the Word of God, families, and godly principles are never divided on any of their candidates? They may be divided about other issues, but they unite when it comes to a candidate that supports homosexual marriages, abortion, etc.

What would happen if we as Christians were united behind a godly candidate? Even though he (or she) may not be our perfect choice, we must support those who stand for godliness and traditional values.

Make sure that you are counted on the glory side. Make sure that you pray and vote in all future elections.

For more information, here are some links to help you know what you should do:

Christians can change America:

http://upray.org/vote/changing_america.php

Christians shaping America and the world:

http://upray.org/vote/shaping_america.php

10 Steps to Change America

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

THE COST OF FREEDOM

The Price of Liberty!

by David Barton

July 2, 1776, Congress voted to approve a complete separation from Great Britain. Two days afterward-July 4th-the early draft of the Declaration of Independence was signed, albeit by only two individuals at that time: John Hancock, president of Congress, and Charles Thompson, secretary of Congress. Four days later, on July 8, members of Congress took that document and read it aloud from the steps of Independence Hall, proclaiming it to the city of Philadelphia, after which the Liberty Bell was rung. The inscription around the top of that bell, Leviticus 25:10, was most appropriate for the occasion:

"Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof."

To see the turmoil in other nations, their struggles and multiple revolutions, and yet to see the stability and blessings that we have here in America, we may ask how has this been achieved? What was the basis of American independence? John Adams said, "The general principles on which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity." Perhaps the clearest identification of the spirit of the American Revolution was given by John Adams in a letter to Abigail the day after Congress approved the Declaration. He wrote her two letters on that day; the first was short and concise, jubilant that the Declaration had been approved. The second was much longer and more pensive, giving serious consideration to what had been done that day. Adams cautiously noted: "This day will be the most memorable epic in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival."

It is amazing that on the very day they approved the Declaration, Adams was already foreseeing that their actions would be celebrated by future generations. Adams contemplated whether it would be proper to hold such celebrations, but then concluded that the day should be commemorated—but in a particular manner and with a specific spirit. As he told Abigail: "It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty."

John Adams believed that the Fourth of July should become a religious holiday-a day when we remembered God's hand in deliverance and a day of religious activities when we committed ourselves to Him in "solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty." Such was the spirit of the American Revolution as seen through the eyes of those who led it.

Have you ever considered what it meant for those 56 men—ministers, businessmen, teachers, university professors, sailors, captains, farmers-to sign the Declaration of Independence? This was a contract that began with the reasons for the separation from Great Britain and closed in the final paragraph stating "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor."

Men of Honor

In 1781, Dr. Benjamin Rush, father of American medicine and a signer, wrote to John Adams, "Do you recollect the pensive and awful silence which pervaded the House when we were called up, one after another, to the table of the President of Congress to subscribe to what was believed by many at that time to be our death warrants? The silence and gloom of the morning was interrupted, I well recollect, only for a moment by Colonel Harrison of Virginia (a big guy) who said to Mr. Gerry (small in stature) at the table: 'I shall have a great advantage over you, Mr. Gerry, when we are all hung for what we are now doing...From the size and weight of my body I shall die in a few minutes, but from the lightness of your body you will dance in the air an hour or two before you are dead.' This speech produced a transient smile, but it was soon succeeded by the solemnity with which the whole business was conducted."

These men took this pledge seriously. Robert Morris of Pennsylvania is an example of the highest level of integrity. He was chosen as the financier of the American Revolution-except that there was no bank willing to help fund the Revolution. It was three years before America got any kind of funding at all. After winning the Battle of Saratoga, foreign nations like France, Holland and others began loaning us money.

So where did we get money for the first three years? Congress, at that time, could not have obtained a loan of $1,000 yet Morris secured loans upon his own credit, for tens of thousands.

It has been justly remarked that: "If it were not demonstrable by official records, posterity would hardly be made to believe that the campaign of 1781, which resulted in the capture of Cornwallis, and virtually closed the Revolutionary War, was sustained wholly on the credit of an individual merchant."

America couldn't repay him because there was no money and yet Morris never complained because he had given his word.

You see the same kind of commitment in the life of John Hart, a strong Christian and speaker of the House of Representatives in New Jersey. There were three important things in his life: his Savior, his family and his farm. The British were seeking him and the rest of the signers of the Declaration to execute as traitors. John Hart fled his home after which his farm was ravaged, his timber destroyed, and his cattle and stock butchered for the use of the British army. He did not dare remain two nights in the same location. After Washington's success at the Battle of Trenton, he finally returned home to find his wife had died and his children scattered. He lost almost everything that was important to him but kept his word.

John Hancock lived in a mansion reflecting his princely fortune—one of the largest in the province of Massachusetts. During the time the American army besieged Boston to rid it of the British, the American officers proposed the entire destruction of the city. "By the execution of such a plan, the whole fortune of Mr. Hancock would have been sacrificed. Yet he readily acceded to the measure, declaring his willingness to surrender his all, whenever the liberties of his country should require it." A man of his word, Hancock demonstrated integrity.

No King but King Jesus

The 16 congressional proclamations for prayer and fasting throughout the Revolution (i.e., the acknowledgment of Jesus Christ, the quoting of Romans 14:17, etc.) were not unusual considering the prominent role that many ministers played in the Revolution.

One such example is John Peter Muhlenburg. In a sermon delivered to his Virginia congregation January 21, 1776, he preached from Ecclesiastes 3 which speaks of a season and a time to every purpose under heaven. Arriving at verse 8, there is "a time of war and a time of peace," Muhlenburg noted that this surely was not the time of peace; this was the time of war. Concluding with a prayer, and while standing in full view of the congregation, he removed his clerical robes to reveal beneath them the uniform of an officer in the Continental army! He marched to the back of the church and ordered the drum to beat for recruits. More than 300 men joined him, becoming the Eighth Virginia Brigade. Muhlenburg finished the Revolution as a major general.

Another minister-leader in the Revolution was the Rev. James Caldwell. His actions during one battle inspired a painting showing him with a stack of hymnbooks in his arms while engaged in the midst of a fierce battle against the British outside a battered Presbyterian church. During the battle, the Americans had developed a serious problem: they had run out of wadding for their guns, which was just as serious as having no ammunition. Caldwell recognized the perfect solution; he ran inside the church and returned with a stack of Watts Hymnals—one of the strongest doctrinal hymnals of the Christian faith (Isaac Watts authored "O God Our Help in Ages Past," "Joy to the World," "Jesus Shall Reign," and several other classic hymns). Distributing the Watts Hymnals among the soldiers served two purposes: first, its pages would provide the needed wadding; second, the use of the hymnal carried a symbolic message. Caldwell took that hymnbook—the source of great doctrine and spiritual truth—raised it up in the air and shouted to the Americans, "Give 'em Watts, boys!"

The spiritual emphasis manifested so often by the Americans during the Revolution caused one Crown-appointed British governor to complain: "If you ask an American who is his master, he'll tell you he has none. And he has no governor but Jesus Christ."

Letters like this, and sermons like those preached by the Rev. Peter Powers, gave rise to the motto of the American Revolution. Most of us are unaware that the American Revolution even had a motto, but most wars do (e.g., World War II—"Remember Pearl Harbor;" the Texas war for independence—"Remember the Alamo;" etc.). The motto of the American Revolution was directed against King George III who regularly violated "the laws of nature and of nature's God."

The motto was very simple and very direct: "No King but King Jesus!"

Preserving American liberty depends first upon our understanding the foundations on which this great country was built and then preserving the principles on which it was founded. Let's not allow the purpose for which we were established be forgotten.

The founding fathers have passed us a torch; let's not allow it to go out.

David Barton, nationally known author and public speaker, is the founder and president of WallBuilders, a pro-family organization which distributes historical, legal and statistical information. WallBuilders seeks to energize grass-roots society to rebuild America's constitutional, moral and religious foundations. David is a frequent consultant to state and federal legislators, and is involved in several cases at the U.S. Supreme Court.

For more information go to www.wallbuilders.com, call 1-817-441-6044 or write to WallBuilders, P. O. Box 397, Aledo, TX 76008-0397.

PRAYER ALERT ELECTION 2004

Many Christians all across denominational boundries in the United States (and around the world) have committed to pray for the United States of America, the President (George W. Bush), The Presidential Counselors and Cabinet, and the Presidential Election of 2004.

Beginning September 22-23, 2004 on the Biblical Holiday of The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur in Hebrew) until Election Day Tuesday, November 2, 2004, is exactly 40 DAYS. Many have committed to pray or even fast and pray during these 40 days.

Please join us and many other American Christians and Christians around the world in 40 Days of Prayer.

Ask God How to Pray (Daniel 9:3)
United States of America (Protection against terrorism and judgment)
President George W. Bush (Protection, Wisdom, and Understanding)
Presidential Counselors and Cabinet (God's Wisdom, Understanding, Clarity, Knowledge of God's Way -- Especially Concerning Israel)
Presidential Election of 2004 (That Godly Leaders will be elected, that Christians Pray and Vote, and that No Interference or Attacks)
Unitied States Military (Salvation, Protection, Psalm 91, Wisdom to make Right Decisions in Afgahnistan and Iraq)

Please click REGISTER your commitement to pray at CBN.com.

THE NEXT PRESIDENT WILL APPOINT JUDGES

WHAT KIND OF JUDGES DEPENDS ON WHAT KIND OF MAN HOLDS THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

ISAIAH 1: 26 "And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city."

It was ungodly judges who took prayer out of public schools. It was ungodly judges who made abortion legal in the U.S. It was ungodly judges who said we cannot teach the Bible in public schools. It was ungodly judges who said we cannot have public displays of the 10 Commandments and Nativity Scenes. It was ungodly judges who wanted to take the words"under God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance. It was ungodly judges who said, "The Constitution of the United States is NOT what it says, it is what WE say it says."

Where did all these ungodly judges come from? Some were elected by ungodly or uninformed citizens. Others were appointed by ungodly elected officials who were elected by ungodly or uninformed citizens. In a Republic (representative form of government) it all goes back to "We The People."

We have a responsibility as Christians (Ambassadors for Christ) to pray and vote as God leads us. What will you say when the Lord asks you, "What did you do to keep the freest Republic in all of human history?"

Benjamin Franklin was asked after the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, "What kind of government have you given us?" He replied, "A Republic, Madam, if you can keep it."

Freedom requires vigilance. Christians need to wake up and take our rightful place in the government of the United States, which was handed to us on a foundation of Christian Heritage. We need to PRAY AND VOTE. Jesus said we are the SALT and LIGHT. Voting puts the salt on the issues and shines the light of the Word of God in dark places.

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." (Proverbs 29:4)

God judges a nation by the quality and decisions of her judges. His judgment will begin with His people. All governments, no matter what kind have judges. Our government was founded by godly men on Scriptural principles. It is the freest nation in all human history. It is the longest standing democracy with the same government with the same Constitution in history.

Her true mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world. Freedom is not free. Freedom will not endure as long as Christians are apathetical about their participation in government.

Do not stand by and let (bad) things happen. Pray, vote, and contact your representatives on decisions that affect the lives of your family, your children, and your grandchildren.

THE REAL SAINT PATRICK

Who Was The Real St. Patrick?
St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity's most widely known figures. But for all his celebrity, his life remains somewhat of a mystery. Many of the stories traditionally associated with St. Patrick, including the famous account of his banishing all the snakes from Ireland, are false, and the products of hundreds of years of exaggerated storytelling.

Taken Prisoner By Irish Raiders
It is known that St. Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents near the end of the fourth century. He is believed to have died on March 17, around 460 A.D. Although his father was a Christian deacon, it has been suggested that he probably took on the role because of tax incentives and there is no evidence that Patrick came from a particularly religious family. At the age of sixteen, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family's estate. They transported him to Ireland where he spent six years in captivity. (There is some dispute over where this captivity took place. Although many believe he was taken to live in Mount Slemish in County Antrim, it is more likely that he was held in County Mayo near Killala.) During this time, he worked as a shepherd, outdoors and away from people. Lonely and afraid, he turned to his religion for solace, becoming a devout Christian. (It is also believed that Patrick first began to dream of converting the Irish people to Christianity during his captivity.)

Guided By Visions
After more than six years as a prisoner, Patrick escaped. According to his writing, a voice—which he believed to be God's—spoke to him in a dream, telling him it was time to leave Ireland. To do so, Patrick walked nearly 200 miles from County Mayo, where it is believed he was held, to the Irish coast. After escaping to Britain, Patrick reported that he experienced a second revelation—an angel in a dream tells him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Soon after, Patrick began religious training, a course of study that lasted more than fifteen years. After his ordination as a priest, he was sent to Ireland with a dual mission—to minister to Christians already living in Ireland and to begin to convert the Irish. (Interestingly, this mission contradicts the widely held notion that Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland.)

Bonfires and Crosses
Familiar with the Irish language and culture, Patrick chose to incorporate traditional ritual into his lessons of Christianity instead of attempting to eradicate native Irish beliefs. Saint Patrick used a three-leafed clover in his sermons to represent the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He used this analogy during his explanation of how the three parts exist as the same entity. His followers later began wearing three leaf clovers in remembrance of his sermons. He used bonfires to celebrate Easter since the Irish were used to honoring their gods with fire. He also superimposed a sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the Christian cross to create what is now called a Celtic cross, so that veneration of the symbol would seem more natural to the Irish. (Although there were a small number of Christians on the island when Patrick arrived, most Irish practiced a nature-based pagan religion. The Irish culture centered around a rich tradition of oral legend and myth. When this is considered, it is no surprise that the story of Patrick's life became exaggerated over the centuries—spinning exciting tales to remember history has always been a part of the Irish way of life. )

Some may argue that this method confused the truth of the Gospel. However, if someone truly seeks the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart and cries out to Him. He will reveal Himself to that person. (1 Corinthians 2:9-11)

In conclusion, whether or not you are Irish (or Celtic), St. Patrick's Day is a wonderful opportunity to remember all the sacrifices of Christians before us who laid down their lives for the sake of the Gospel. Perhaps, it would not be so much for us to take the Gospel to our neighbors with a batch of St. Patrick's Day cookies?

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS?

This CHRISTMAS season stores and local governments all seem to be tripping over themselves to be "politically correct" and not offend people. They are carefully calling it, "The Holidays" and "The Holiday Tree." Really, their attempt to not offend the very small minority of people is only offending the majority of Americans who all happen to be Christians. And, the people they are trying NOT to offend don't really care anyway.

Our question to these people is simple, "What Holidays?" "You mean CHRISTmas?" America is a Christian nation (still). This CHRISTmas let's make it a point to let everyone know how offended we feel about their continued secularization and commercialization of our most Christian of holidays. Remember, JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON. Christians are the most powerful political and economic force in America! Merry CHRISTmas everyone!

FRN: 20th and 40th Anniversaries

THE KENDALL'S FRN MINISTRY 20th Anniversary

AND

FRED AND ANNA'S 40th Wedding Anniversary

This year is the 20^th Anniversary of the FRN Ministry. And, JUNE was the month of Fred and Anna’s 40^th Wedding Anniversary. In honor of both milestones, we had a special celebration on Sunday, June 26, 2005.

It was a very special time with friends, family, CTs, and Family Circle Members (FRN Partners). There were tender times of sharing and honoring Fred and Anna from people who have known them for years and those who just met them or were recently helped by them. Many people said that their lives were radically changed for the better. Some said that they would not be alive today if it were not for Fred and Anna and the FRN ministry.

What started out as a romantic marriage 40 years ago became a nightmare of strife and conflict even before the honeymoon was over. For seven long years, they endured one of the worst marriages anyone could have. Then, after Fred became re-acquainted with the Lord Jesus Christ, he realized that his marriage and family were worth saving. If you have not heard the personal testimony of Fred and Anna Kendall or listened to the EAGLE Family tape series, we highly recommend you purchase them through the FRN Online Store.
It was our wish to surprise them with money for their get-away vacation and second honeymoon to HAWAII. Thanks to your generous love gifts, wonderful cards and emails, and anniversary presents, we were able to show them with love and give them enough spending money so they can really enjoy their vacation.
If you missed out, you may still send cards, gifts, emails, and contributions. We have set up a special contribution box below if you would like a tax deduction. However, those donations will be for FRN 20 Years of Ministry and not specified for any specific fund. You may also wish to join the FRN Family Circle.
HERE IS THE LINK TO VIEW THE PICTURES FROM THE Anniversary Celebration. You will need to sign in so that we can see who has viewed the photo album online. This Kodak Gallery was uploaded by Saoirse.
Thank you so much for helping to make the celebration such a wonderful event.

SAFETY SCRIPTURES

PSALM 91

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

ISAIAH 54:14-17

In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.

Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.

Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.