Members of Congress Sign Letter Supporting Romeike Family

A recent letter signed by 27 members of Congress and sent to Eric Holder says: “The Romeikes fled to our country, seeking relief from high fines, removal of their children by armed police officers, and threats of prison and termination of their parental rights.  If forced to return to Germany, they will certainly face renewed persecution…As Americans, we have an obligation to stand with those who seek freedom.  The Romeike family should find a welcoming home in the United States.”

It was the Obama administration, led by Eric Holder that said there is no fundamental right to home school for parents. We respectfully disagree and believe that the education of children is one of the most basic parental rights, and religious rights of every American. The alternative, if there is no fundamental right to home school, is that it is the sole responsibility of the government to educate children. This is patently false. We hope more members of Congress will sign this letter and that the Obama administration will rethink their position and affirm the religious rights of every parent to educate their children in a manner consistent with their religious beliefs. Click here for original article.

About Nathan Cherry

Nathan Cherry is the chief editor and blogger for the Engage Family Minute blog, the official blog of the FPCWV. He serves also as the Regional Development Coordinator as a liaison to the pastor's of West Virginia. He is a pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, pro-religious freedom conservative. He is also a husband, father, pastor, author, musician, and follower of Jesus Christ.

Pope Francis Says Pro-Abortion Politicians Cannot Receive Communion

Pope Francis has made a lot of waves since being elected Pope of the Catholic Church. Thankfully, they are good waves as the newest Pope seeks to serve in humility. His latest wave comes as he issues a letter to all Catholic Cardinals and Bishops stating that those people, particularly politicians and world leaders, that are pro-abortion and pro-euthanasia are not eligible for communion. This is sure to upset the likes of Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi who claim to be practicing Catholics while supporting abortion. Part of Pope Francis’ letter states:

“[people] cannot receive Holy Communion and at the same time act with deeds or words against the commandments, particularly when abortion, euthanasia, and other grave crimes against life and family are encouraged. This responsibility weighs particularly over legislators, heads of governments, and health professionals. These are the guidelines we need for this time in history.” We hope the Pope continues to be staunchly pro-life and condemn the violence of abortion and any practice that does not convey the sanctity of human life. Click here for original article.

About Nathan Cherry

Nathan Cherry is the chief editor and blogger for the Engage Family Minute blog, the official blog of the FPCWV. He serves also as the Regional Development Coordinator as a liaison to the pastor's of West Virginia. He is a pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, pro-religious freedom conservative. He is also a husband, father, pastor, author, musician, and follower of Jesus Christ.

Hobby Lobby Founder Writes Letter You MUST Read – And Pass On (Video Included)

David GreenHobby Lobby founder David Green penned an honest letter lamenting the fact that he now has to file a lawsuit in order to protect his religious freedom against the Obama administration. Perhaps the most telling part of his letter is when he explains that though Obama has granted thousands of exemptions from the HHS mandate forcing employers to offer abortifacients in their health insurance, for reasons of convenience and cost, he is not being granted an exemption based on his religious convictions. This is still America, right? The First Amendment is still in place, correct?

Read the letter below, and watch the video at the end of this article. Then pass it on to everyone you know. We must take this opportunity to let our elected officials know that penalizing a company for adhering to their religious beliefs is unacceptable. And, in this particular instance is bad policy as it will hurt the employees and their families. Regardless of what Obama says, he is and has been the most hostile president to religious freedom in U.S. history (along with being the most pro-abortion president). There’s a legacy to be proud of. The letter begins on the next paragraph.

When my family and I started our company 40 years ago, we were working out of a garage on a $600 bank loan, assembling miniature picture frames. Our first retail store wasn’t much bigger than most people’s living rooms, but we had faith that we would succeed if we lived and worked according to God‘s word. From there, Hobby Lobby has become one of the nation’s largest arts and crafts retailers, with more than 500 locations in 41 states. Our children grew up into fine business leaders, and today we run Hobby Lobby together, as a family.

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About Nathan Cherry

Nathan Cherry is the chief editor and blogger for the Engage Family Minute blog, the official blog of the FPCWV. He serves also as the Regional Development Coordinator as a liaison to the pastor's of West Virginia. He is a pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, pro-religious freedom conservative. He is also a husband, father, pastor, author, musician, and follower of Jesus Christ.

This Email & Graphic Images Changed My Pro-Life Position

graphic image

Graphic images of abortion are hard to look at, but can serve a purpose

I wrote an article yesterday based on one in the State Journal that discussed the advertisements of several political candidates that featured photographs of a highly graphic nature showing the results of abortions.  These photos which I have not seen, are so shocking (according to the reports) that the TV stations are likely to post warnings about their graphic nature before each of these ads airs in WV and several other states.  My position 16 hours ago reflected what could be said to be the typical reaction of most – that the ads were inappropriately offensive and would likely upset too many people to justify airing them.

That was before a related but separate exchange of emails with a friend who actively and faithfully works very hard for the pro-life cause.  It culminated with my receiving the following message this morning that has shaken my core and caused a severe shift in my view of this issue.   With her permission, I am providing virtually the entire message here for all to see because I believe those who shared my “safe and comfy” position of yesterday might also see the honest and direct approach may just be the thing that turns the tide with more and more people’s view of abortion and its horrors.

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About Tom Stark

Tom Stark began writing for the Engage Family Minute blog in February 2012. As a small business owner Tom is passionate about the intersection of faith and politics in the life of Christians and the community around him. Having been touched by both the abortion issue and the issue of homosexuality in his own family, Tom is passionate about defending the lives of the unborn and upholding Biblical Truth. Tom also writes for www.westvirginiaconservative.com

Univ. of Tenn. Ignores Letter from Freedom from Religion Foundation

The Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) is notorious for trying to intimidate people into silence with their baseless and hollow letters. Anytime someone complains about something religious at a public place the FFRF is all too happy to send a letter demanding that whatever took place ceases immediately. Such was the case when an alumnus (note, just one) complained about the pre-game prayers at Tennessee football games over the public address system. The FFRF sent their standard “cease and desist” letter to intimidate and silence the prayers. But, as a recent article explains, the Univ. of Tenn. wasn’t about to give in: “In a Sept. 13 letter to UT Chancellor Jimmy Cheek, FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said the organization had received a complaint from a UT alumnus about the public invocations at Neyland Stadium prior to Tennessee football games. She urged UT to ‘take action to stop any further involvement, endorsement, encouraging or scheduling of prayers at university functions and sporting events.’ Cheek, in a Sept. 17 response, said he had discussed the matter with the school’s legal counsel, who informed him that the university’s prayers do not violate the U.S. Constitution. He told FFRF that the practice would continue.” We applaud UT for standing for religious freedom and refusing to cave to the FFRF and their empty threats. Click here for original article.

About Nathan Cherry

Nathan Cherry is the chief editor and blogger for the Engage Family Minute blog, the official blog of the FPCWV. He serves also as the Regional Development Coordinator as a liaison to the pastor's of West Virginia. He is a pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, pro-religious freedom conservative. He is also a husband, father, pastor, author, musician, and follower of Jesus Christ.

Engaging Weekend: Obama and Romney on the Issues, Father “proud” of Son after finding Porn on Computer, California says no helping kids.

Engaging Weekend is a collection of articles you might have missed over the weekend. But we thought they were worth your time and wanted to make sure you saw them.

THIS IS WHERE OBAMA & ROMNEY STAND ON ABORTION AND BIRTH CONTROL (AND WHY IT MATTERS)

This election may not be a single issue election, but the issue of life is one of the most critical issues during any election. Abortion is being pushed on our kids by groups like Planned Parenthood, and some lawmakers believe every American should subsidize abortion with their money. This article shares the position of Romney and Obama on the issue of life and birth control and tells people why it really does matter. The reality is that we have a chance to see Roe V. Wade overturned in our lifetime, a goal of millions of pro-life advocates. But it will only happen if people are prepared to vote for candidates that support life and will advance a pro-life agenda. As the most pro-abortion president in history, Obama has been hostile to life, and continues to push abortion. Click here for original article.

ALLEGED LETTER FROM FATHER TO TEEN SON AFTER DISCOVERING PORN ON HIS COMPUTER: ‘I COULDN’T BE MORE PROUD OF YOU’

Pornography is a multi-billion dollar industry that shatters lives. It has been responsible for the rise in violence against women, domestic abuse, and human trafficking. Adults should be ashamed for looking at porn, and parents should certainly guard their kids against it and teach them to avoid it. At least, that’s probably what any normal parent would do. But one dad decided to embrace his sons’ porn habit and write him a letter telling him how “normal” it was and how “proud” he is of him. An article explains: “Rather than punish the young man, the father detailed — in a letter — some of the steps his son can take to ensure he surfs porn in a safe manner on the web (i.e. without infecting the computer with viruses). And he concluded by assuring his son he was not angry and even ‘proud’ of him.” Clearly this is a father that does not have his sons’ best interest at heart, otherwise he would help his son overcome any porn habits and teach him to avoid it altogether. Click here for original article.

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About Nathan Cherry

Nathan Cherry is the chief editor and blogger for the Engage Family Minute blog, the official blog of the FPCWV. He serves also as the Regional Development Coordinator as a liaison to the pastor's of West Virginia. He is a pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, pro-religious freedom conservative. He is also a husband, father, pastor, author, musician, and follower of Jesus Christ.

Must Read: Pastor Youcef Shares Letter of Gratitude for Prayers and Release from Prison

by Nathan A. Cherry, 09/20/2012

As many of you know Pastor Youcef was imprisoned for his faith is Jesus, charged with apostasy, and sentenced to death. Thanks to international outcry and political pressure he has been cleared of the charges and released. Though he and his family still face danger from militant Muslims that would seek to silence his message he is grateful and shares a letter of thanks to all those that prayed. CBN.com shares the letter: “I glorify and give grace to the Lord with all my heart. I am grateful for all the blessings that He gave me during my whole life. I am especially grateful for His goodness and divine protection that characterised the time of my detention. I also want to express my gratitude towards those who, all around the world, have worked for my cause, or should I say the cause that I defend. I want to express my gratitude to all of those who have supported me, openly or in complete secrecy. You are all very dear to my heart. May the Lord bless you and give you His perfect and sovereign Grace.” Click here to read the rest of the letter and continue to pray for Pastor Youcef and his family. Though Muslims claim that Islam is a religion of peace, they continue to show the world that violence reigns.

About Nathan Cherry

Nathan Cherry is the chief editor and blogger for the Engage Family Minute blog, the official blog of the FPCWV. He serves also as the Regional Development Coordinator as a liaison to the pastor's of West Virginia. He is a pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, pro-religious freedom conservative. He is also a husband, father, pastor, author, musician, and follower of Jesus Christ.

Will WVU Kick Chick-Fil-A Off Campus?

by Nathan A. Cherry, 08/07/2012

WVUFollowing a week of overwhelming support for Chick-Fil-A by hundreds of thousands Americans supporting free speech and religious freedom, countered by a weak showing of opponents just two days later, it seems there is more to come. At the center of this new development are five universities, including West Virginia University.

WVU has recently said it is considering giving in to demands from the pro-homosexual group Fairness West Virginia and removing Chick-Fil-A from its campus in light of recent statements made by president and COO Dan Cathy.

In response to this news Family Policy Council of West Virginia president and general council Jeremy Dys sent a letter to WVU president Clements opposing any sort of action against Chick-Fil-A. Dys said:

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About Nathan Cherry

Nathan Cherry is the chief editor and blogger for the Engage Family Minute blog, the official blog of the FPCWV. He serves also as the Regional Development Coordinator as a liaison to the pastor's of West Virginia. He is a pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, pro-religious freedom conservative. He is also a husband, father, pastor, author, musician, and follower of Jesus Christ.

Matt Barber: An Open Letter to Homosexuals

by Matt Barber, writing at WND.com, 06/22/2012
Click here to read original post.

Matt BarberI write this not to professional homosexuals. That is to say, not to members of the well-funded, politically powerful homosexual activist lobby. They will mock and reject my words outright. They will twist and misrepresent what I say to further their own socio-political agenda. That’s fine. It’s to be expected. It merits little more than a yawn and an eye roll.

Instead, I write this to my fellow travelers in life – average, ordinary people, male and female, young and old – who happen to call themselves “gay.” I write this out of obedience to God.

It is my hope and prayer that you will consider what I have to say and take it at face value. My intentions are pure and my motives upright. If I can plant the seed of truth in just one person, and that seed begins to sprout, then I consider this letter a success.

I pray that you are that person.

What I write may offend you. It may even infuriate you. But I hope it makes you think. Know this: Your friends have lied to you. Christians do not hate you. We love you intensely. We love you because of who you are, not because of what you do or because of who you think you are.

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About Nathan Cherry

Nathan Cherry is the chief editor and blogger for the Engage Family Minute blog, the official blog of the FPCWV. He serves also as the Regional Development Coordinator as a liaison to the pastor's of West Virginia. He is a pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, pro-religious freedom conservative. He is also a husband, father, pastor, author, musician, and follower of Jesus Christ.

Is This Letter from President Obama for Real?

by Nathan A. Cherry, 12/29/2011

Obama and logoMartinsburg, WV – As the New Year dawns one thing we can be sure of is that the 2012 presidential race will take center stage for most of the year. Campaign trails are mapped out and funds are beginning to flow in increasingly interesting ways. One issue that will be hotly debated and contentious among candidates and votes alike is that of same-sex “marriage.”

In 2008 presidential candidate Obama said time and again that he was opposed to same-sex “marriage.” He also said he views were evolving and that time would determine how he felt. I, for one, have no problem discerning where the president stands on the issue. Maybe he has not come out and said he supports same-sex “marriage” but his actions conclude the matter. President Obama has been the most pro-abortion, and pro-homosexual president in America’s history. His administration decided not to defend America’s federal DOMA law while repealing the military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy.

These actions, among others, have proven to us all that President Obama is solidly in the corner of the homosexual community and will be an ardent supporter of their liberal agenda. And now he is, evidently, sending congratulation letters to same-sex couples in the event of their unions.

According to TheBlaze.com regarding the suspected note from the President:

“A recently-married gay couple has come forward saying that they received a random card from the president. The note, which offers them well-wishes as they start their life together, may be further evidence that Obama is preparing to turn a corner on his views on gay matrimonies… The letter, which was dated Dec. 8, 2011, offers congratulations ‘on this special occasion.’ It goes on to say that both Michelle and the president ‘hope it is blessed with love, laughter, and happiness.’”

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About Nathan Cherry

Nathan Cherry is the chief editor and blogger for the Engage Family Minute blog, the official blog of the FPCWV. He serves also as the Regional Development Coordinator as a liaison to the pastor's of West Virginia. He is a pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, pro-religious freedom conservative. He is also a husband, father, pastor, author, musician, and follower of Jesus Christ.