You are all very familiar with “A Preferred Women’s Clinic” just outside of downtown Charlotte. It is in a lot more trouble with the North Carolina Health Department for falsification of charges and altering of its answers.
Just so you will know. ~ Flip
Here is Rusty’s recounting of God’s divine leading to bring the troops to Jackson once again this year. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9. ~ Flip
“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).
“Once more unto the breach” finds its origins from the “Cry God for Harry, England, and Saint George!” speech of Shakespeare’s Henry V, Act III, 1598. One of the most notable renditions of this speech was performed by Laurence Olivier in the classic 1944 film.
The historical breach in question was the gap in the wall of the city of Harfleur, which the English army sieged. Henry was encouraging his troops to attack the city again, even if they have to “close the wall with English dead.”
The modern day breaches are diverse, but one of the most egregious is child sacrifice and the shedding of innocent blood. Most recognize this sin and crime as abortion. Last year Operation Save America embarked on a new national campaign called States of Refuge. The goal of this vision was to secure with God’s aid the first abortion Free State in America.
There are six states with one death camp remaining defiling our land. For the last year or so, we have invested much time, resources, finances and labor to seek God for the breakthrough that will prayerfully create a domino effect that would begin to liberate America from blood guiltiness one state at a time. The states are Arkansas, Mississippi, North and South Dakota, Wyoming, and Missouri. Some of these states with one abortion mill left are hanging by a thread and our liberation draws near. We plan on celebrating the first state set free with a national event in Washington DC. More on that later.
Typically, the Lord’s dealings with OSA is to send us into an area to plow up the hard ground, plant the seeds of God’s Kingdom, expose the unfruitful works of darkness, lead the church to the gates of hell, and watch the Lord perform His Word (Jeremiah 1:12). Sign and wonders have followed the faithful preaching of God’s Word. Many babies have been saved, souls converted, and death camps shut down.
I mentioned to Flip that it now appears that we are entering a different realm in our service to God. It appears the Lord is now going out before us. He is leading us where He Himself is going. Luke 10:1 states, “After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also,and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.”
Timeline
ABC Nightline News did a feature story on the last remaining abortion mill left standing in Mississippi. Brothers Cal Zastrow and Chet Gallagher, both States of Refuge leaders, were featured. The premise of the program was “Whose side is the Lord on?” Historically, this was the same question posed during America’s Civil War. Abraham Lincoln answered, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” That did not seem to help ABC discern whose side was honoring the God of the Bible or whose side was defying Him.
Predictably, ABC slanted the program. Those who murder babies are the caring, loving Christians, while those who seek to protect them are the mean spirited, nasty Christians. Once again, the world hears its own for they are united by a spirit of error (1 John 4:5-7).
A good Scripture I pondered after watching this interview was Titus 1:15, 16, which states, “To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” Both the owner and abortionist claim faith in Christ.
Rochester
While we were in Rochester storming the gates of hell at our national event, Brother Flip approached me. He was not convinced that we should go to North and South Dakota for our regional States of Refuge event. He wanted us to seek the Lord and consider other options. We agreed. We talked, discussed options, prayed and eventually turned our attention toward Jackson, Mississippi. All indicators seemed to be pointing in that direction.
On Wednesday, August 7th around 11 AM, Flip and I decided our next States of Refuge regional event would be in Mississippi. One hour and twenty minutes after that decision, we get this news report from the Clarion Ledger newspaper in Jackson, MS.
“Around 12:20 p.m. on Wednesday an ambulance was called to the state’s only abortion clinic.
‘We understand that a female patient was taken by ambulance to UMC,’ said Dana Chisholm, president of Pro Life Mississippi.
The Clarion-Ledger reached out to Jackson Women’s Health Organization owner Diane Derzis but she declined to comment. (This woman boasted greatly on the ABC Nightline program and now her mouth is stopped)
The clinic is currently in the midst of a lawsuit fighting the Magnolia State’s law that says abortion clinics can employ only physicians with local hospital admitting privileges.
The clinic has tried but failed to comply with the law after all applicable hospitals denied their physicians admitting privileges.
In the meantime, the clinic is fighting the constitutionality of the new law in federal court in hopes to overturn the measure and stay open.
A federal judge has set an Aug. 15 status conference. U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan allowed the law to take effect last July 1, but he blocked the state from closing the clinic while the clinic tried to get admitting privileges.
Such privileges can be difficult to obtain, because hospitals often won’t give them to out-of-state physicians. The clinic uses out-of-state OB-GYNs, including one from Chicago.
Jordan ruled in April that the state can’t close Jackson Women’s Health Organization while the clinic still has a federal lawsuit pending.
The status conference in August will be done by telephone with U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Ball.”
This tragedy highlights what is at stake as the civil officials in Mississippi play fast and loose with the law. Babies are being murdered and women are being butchered while the legal wrangling continues. Prayerfully, the governor will rise up and enforce the law that was passed by the Mississippi legislature and put an end to that death camp, regardless of the federal lawsuit pending. If there was ever a time to interpose the lower magistrate doctrine, that time is now. If Mississippi stood ready to defend their Second Amendment rights against the federal beast, how much more should they be willing to defend the least amongst them?
Wait, that is not all. The very next day, we received this report:
New Woman, All Women abortion clinic closed
By Amber Roberson
“BIRMINGHAM, AL – The New Woman, All Women clinic in Birmingham has been closed.
According to court documents filed today, Judge Joseph Boohaker found that the facility meets the definition of an abortion or reproductive health center by Alabama law, and therefore is a hospital. It was also found to be operating without a valid license from the Alabama State Board of Health.
A permanent injunction was entered against Dr. Bruce Norman, preventing him from operating the facility as an abortion or reproductive health center.”
Who is Dr. Bruce Norman? He is the abortionist who works for Diane Derzis. She is the owner of the Alabama abortion mill that was mercifully shut down. Ironically, Norman was the abortionist that harmed the woman taken to the hospital at Diane Derzis other abortion mill she owns in Mississippi.
Wow, within 24 hours of deciding on going back to Mississippi all these events transpired. A coincidence? We will leave that to others to judge. In light of all this, however, we recently sent out a press release to announce our return to Jackson.
Press Release
August 8, 2013
For Immediate Release:
Another Woman Injured While Courts Delay Justice
Jackson Mississippi: On Wednesday August 7 another woman was injured and transported from Woman’s Health Center in Jackson Mississippi.
The Mississippi legislature passed new regulations for abortion clinics last year. The requirements are not over strict-only that the doctor committing the abortion, have admitting privileges to a local hospital in case a woman were injured. This is only reasonable care for women. The problem for the clinic is that local hospitals do not give admitting privileges to just anyone. Doctor’s must be licensed and reputable! The clinic failed repeated inspections but the courts blocked enforcement of this reasonable regulation and prevented the Department of Health from closing this clinic.
The legislature wants to protect women. The people of Mississippi want to end the killing of the unborn in their state. The courts are compromising the will of the people and endangering women by continually blocking enforcement of this legislation. It is time this stops! How many women must be injured before this court ceases its meddling?
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them”.Ephesians 5:11
Operation Save America will be returning to Jackson November 2-6 in continuation of the “States of Refuge” Campaign. There are six states that have only one abortion clinic and Mississippi is one. Gentle Christians have had “church” on the sidewalk at this clinic since the States of Refuge campaign started.
God is leading us back to Mississippi, hoping that He will hear our cry, heal our land and remove this curse from our land. Mississippi may be the first abortion-free state, a “State of Refuge” for all children.
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
What: States of Refuge
Where: Jackson, Mississippi
Dates: Saturday, Nov 2- Wednesday, Nov 6
Contacts: Rev Flip Benham-980 722 4920
Rev. Rusty Thomas-254 715 3134
Rev Cal Zastrow-601 454 4819
(To schedule interviews) Dr. Pat McEwen (321) 431 3962
Flip and I will going to Jackson to spy out the land and support our two brothers, Cal Zastrow and Chet Gallagher, who have been brought up on bogus charges for ministering the Gospel at this last remaining death camp in Mississippi. There are local brethren who have also been charged and have court dates as well.
In regard to these court trials, Cal Zastrow wrote, “Johnny Brekeen, Ester Mann, and I are on trial for multiple arrests on Monday, August 19th. Knowing Jackson City Court, the opportunity for the judge to postpone our trials while we sit there and wait, is high. The security guard who pepper-sprayed us goes on trial Oct. 6. Chet gets arraigned for his two charges on Sept. 18th.
Brethren, mark the dates in November. There is still some unfinished Kingdom business in Jackson. We pray you plan on joining with us at this appointed time. Keep in mind, we are still seeking the first abortion free state by the end of this year. God willing, it will come to pass in Jesus’ mighty name!
Enemies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are once again publishing the names, addresses, and pictures of the saints in Denver who are allowing the theology of heaven to become biography at the gates of hell in their city. As if this will intimidate them – not hardly! Below is my response to their email.
Dear Ken and Jo,
This is awesome! Not the fact that you guys are all branded “haters, bigots, homophobes, and fundamentalist Christians,” but that you, “…let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and give praise to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. You are all living parables testifying to the truth of that great Christian maxim first uttered by the saints in Denver, “Truth is hate to those who hate the truth!”
If you put Matthew 5:16 back into its context you will find that the Beatitudes of Jesus precede it. If you put into practice the first seven Beatitudes, you can rest assured that you will be blessed with the eighth. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12.
You are all magnificent in Jesus’ wonderful Name. The world has branded you “haters” but Jesus has a better Word for you, “The world cannot hate you but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil.” John 7:7. It is the Jesus in you that the world hates so vehemently because you are convicting it of “…guilt in regard to sin, righteousness, and judgment…” John 16:8.
O, they are singing praises to Almighty God in heaven because of your witness in Denver and I am singing them now right back to you.
Why?
C.S. Lewis said it this way, “A true friend is one who knows the song in your heart and will sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.” Sometimes we just need to hear these words on this earth – “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
In Christian love,
flip
In the light of recent horrific events at the Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the last free standing abortion mill in the state of Mississippi, Leslie Hanks’ letter written to Governor Phil Bryant on the 40th Memorial of Roe v. Wade on January 23, 2013, seems incredibly prophetic. Leslie was with us at our “States of Refuge” campaign in Jackson, Mississippi, this past January and she pleaded with the Governor of the State of Alabama to close down the abortion mill before more women and babies were torn apart at the hands of out of state abortionists who have no privileges at any Mississippi hospital. It was to no avail.
Yet, she was pleading the case of the preborn babies to win it, Jeremiah 5:28. We will let that letter plead their case one more time.
Pray! We will be returning to Jackson, Mississippi, this November 2-6, 2013, as we continue our “States of Refuge” Gospel offensive. We also have several court cases to be heard in the weeks preceding our event in November (Cal and Jimmie Zastrow, Johnny Brekeen, Esther Mann, Doug Lane, and Chet Gallagher). All have been charged with various misdemeanors while lifting up the Gospel of Christ at this infamous, and soon to be no more, abortion mill. ~ Flip
The dates for our regional (States of Refuge) event in Jackson, MS, beginning Saturday evening November 2, through Wednesday noon, November 6, 2013. Here’s the brochure. ~ Flip
Rusty and the leadership in Rochester give us a great look back upon much of what our Lord accomplished during our national event in Rochester, NY. ~ Flip
By the grace of God, the Thomas Nation has returned home from a tremendous missions trip in Rochester, NY. Saints from all over America converged in Rochester for our annual national event. It turned out so different than what we expected. We thought we were going to get pummeled, both legally and physically. As it turned out, though the Attorney General’s office retained its commitment to enforce the permanent injunction against peaceful, pro-life Christians, God granted us tremendous favor with the local police. They gave us Carte Blanche. We pretty much did whatever and went wherever the Lord led us with practically no interference from the police. in fact, in some cases they assisted us in presenting the Gospel of the Kingdom that exposed the culture of death savaging our nation.
Mike Warren our local leader, along with Jerry Crawford, sent us this communication after the event ended.
Brothers,
Thanks again for pouring into Rochester and our ministry. Many have told us it was an awesome event and we are trusting that the precious seed of the gospel that was spread throughout the city will spring up with much fruit. The Crawfords, the Warrens, and the Powleys got together Sunday night to pray and evaluate our time and hear of each teams’ effectiveness on the streets. Rusty, I took the liberty of posting your report on the RR web site. It gives a great run down of the event. I hope you all are recovering from all the exertion.
We are looking to the Lord for the wisdom and strength to take the next steps and have some follow up meetings and invites going out for the saints to join us on the streets. From what we can determine the Rochester area Planned Parenthood and clinics altered their schedules greatly and might have never opened while OSA was in town. I know Wortman’s was closed most of the week at least from Thursday through the following Wednesday.
An appreciation letter from my brother-in-law Gary is attached. We had a follow up meeting with Shawanda, the girl with no legs who was wonderfully saved at the Federal Building, and a few others and watched Maafa 21 just last night. Leo, the young man who was saved, could not make it. But he should come for the second half showing on the 19th. Shawanda starts classes and moves on campus at RIT soon. Jean and I are trying to plug them into local churches near their homes and will be visiting them. Leo lives just two blocks from a sponsoring church that made us some lunches.
We have scheduled our first volunteer meeting for August 17th and will be calling on pastors (29 church contacts were established during this event) these next few weeks. I am ordering more Maafa 21’s for the large number of black churches our people visited. This was a great answer to prayer as we have desired to make some connection with the black community over the years.
In Him,
Mike
Local Pastor’s Letter
MorningStar
Christian Fellowship Church
‘Doing life Together’
36 Heritage Woods Ct. Rochester, NY 14615 (585) 748-6089
Gary W. Pfeiffer, pastor
Sixteen gentle warriors from Connecticut made it to Rochester, New York, to lend their brothers and sisters a hand in bringing the Gospel of Christ to the streets of this once great city. Rochester has been the home of several great Gospel revivals in years past and we pray that our visit there will be an encouragement to allow Almighty God to do it again. We have heard from our leadership team in Rochester that the abortion mills were, as far as they could detect, shut down for our entire seven day visit. Here’s the CT Newsletter! ~ Flip
Cal Zastrow and Chet Gallagher storming the gates of hell in Jesus wonderful Name. Note: ABC actually shows the pictures of aborted babies. Though completely biased ABC cannot cover-up the horrible truth of child killing. ~ Flip
Dear Champion of the Lord and the Preborn,
ABC Nightline News did a feature story on the last remaining abortion mill left standing in MS. Brothers Cal Zastrow and Chet Gallagher, both States of Refuge leaders, were featured. As you watch this interview keep in mind the premise is those who murder babies are the caring, loving Christians, while those who seek to protect them are the mean spirited, nasty Christians. The world hears its own for they are united by a spirit of error (1 John 4:5-7).
A good Scripture to ponder after watching this interview would be Titus 1:15, 16, which states, “To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” Both the owner and abortionist claim faith in Christ. Blasphemy in the highest order. Here is the link of the interview.
The OSA States of Refuge campaign has been considering a regional event in North and South Dakota this fall. Rev. Flip Benham talked with me about seeking the Lord about considering another venue to advance the States of Refuge vision and mission. Perhaps, MS signals there is some unfinished business that the church of the living God needs to address. Brethren, pray for us. We need the mind of Christ, the wisdom of God, and most of all the anointing of God’s Spirit to destroy the yoke of child sacrifice and the shedding of innocent blood.
Adam Tennant, husband of Paige and father of Olivia, Wesley, and Hudson, is a wonderful and powerful man of God who does not flinch in the face of adversity. Particularly when it comes to himself and his walk with King Jesus. Here is his ten minute exhortation to all of us to examine our own walk with Christ. He said more in ten minutes than I could say in 12 hours and ten minutes.
This will encourage you. Enjoy!
Rusty allowed us to be blessed with the wonderful gift God has placed in his wife Kendra. She is a great writer. Here is her final report of the incredible workings of God in Rochester, New York.
Enjoy! ~ Flip
Rochester, New York—The conclusion of Operation Save America’s annual outreach is always bittersweet. We experienced the powerful presence of the Lord on the streets and during the evening rallies; yet now we must return home. We met new friends and experienced deep companionship with old ones; yet it’s time to say goodbye. As a body of believers we ministered to the lost and hurting and rescued those unjustly sentenced to death; yet many will return to their community to do so alone…
Alone? Perhaps. But “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). The same God that visited Rochester wants to visit your city. May this report encourage you, as you return to your local ministry.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
During one of OSA’s evening rallies, Rev. Rusty preached on the “Cups of the Lord.” He mentioned the cup of blessing, the cup of sorrow, and the dreadful cup of God’s wrath. OSA saints drank deeply of the cup of blessing during the outreach. This cup of blessing, the gospel of Christ, poured out onto the streets of Rochester, with salvations and rescues throughout the weeklong event. In addition, just as the Scottish poem and song Auld Lang Syne implored, OSA drank “a cup o’ kindness yet.” The fellowship between saints and the favor from local churches was truly “a cup o’ kindness yet.” We believe the seeds which were planted will grow up into a mighty Tree of Life for the city of Rochester, with leaves for the healing of nations (Ezekiel 47:12; Revelations 22:2).
In the multitude of counselors there is wisdom and victory (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22). Rochester revealed to the national leadership of Operation Save America a more effective (as Pastor Dunfee preached on Monday evening) approach to mobilizing the local churches. OSA has traditionally used a prophetic approach in challenging the churches to take a courageous stand for Christ and His little ones. The biblical model was Jeremiah, the Weeping Prophet (Jeremiah 7:1-11). Although a proper response in certain circumstances, it is not a fitting response in all situations, especially if the churches are seeking fealty to Christ. Instead of a prophetic admonishment, OSA gave a “Macedonian call: Come help us.”
On July 28th, OSA saints attended Sunday morning services at various local churches. After each service, Christians from Connecticut, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Texas and other states made a personal appeal to mercy. They met privately with pastors and church leaders and presented a loving invitation to share the Gospel of Life on the streets of their city. One saint explained the divine encounter she had with a kindly pastor’s wife. At one church, a woman enquired about Wendee Brisart’s prolife tracts. They had a wonderful conversation before Wendee even realized that she was speaking to the pastor’s wife. The church wanted to get more involved in the battle, so both women saw this chance meeting as a divine appointment. Many pastors were encouraged to join the battle for life. We also had a local pastor, Pastor Kirk, join us on the streets of Rochester. He even carried a Malachi sign through an abortionist’s neighborhood. Praise God!
The ministry continued in the afternoon. Ilka Molnar from Connecticut shared a testimony that happened at the local Panera Bread. As she sat outside at the bakery-café, she observed a car pull into the parking lot, music blaring. The driver was a handsome African American man in his twenties. Ilka approached the driver and offered him a tract. As he sat in the car, he turned down the volume and allowed her to speak. She thanked him for turning down the volume and handed him a gospel tract. He said, “I’m okay.” To which Ilka replied, “I know you’re okay; you’re healthy but what about your spiritual health? Do you know Jesus?”
At that moment, a tall, muscular man approached. He stood near Ilka and reached his hand into his shirt, as though he carried a gun. The other man quickly placed his hand on top of whatever was beneath the muscular man’s shirt. The first man kept his friend from pulling out something and said, “She’s just telling me about Jesus.” After the danger passed, they spoke. Ilka learned the two were homosexuals. The first man, Kevin, and the second man, Peter, listened as Ilka shared the gospel. She began by telling them how God created Adam and Eve, not two men; how man was to leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife, not another man; how God created all men with a purpose. She challenged the men to be the men God has called them to be. After talking for some time, Ilka invited the men to pray with her. They replied they were not ready yet, but did request she pray for them. With Kevin and Peter, Ilka prayed God would reveal Himself to them. At the end of the prayer, Peter, the one who appeared to reach for a gun, reached for an embrace. He seemed especially moved by the encounter. Kevin thanked Ilka for sharing and shook her hand. Ilka asks that we would remember these men in our prayers.
The Evening Rally
During the evening rally, the saints were blessed to hear an ongoing message by Rev. Flip Benham, Operation Save America’s National Director. During the musters in the mornings and the rallies in the evening, Rev. Flip preached consecutive sermons from the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. He even incorporated Haggai and Zechariah, reminding OSA members that God used these prophets to challenge the Israelites to lay the foundation of truth, regardless of the personal cost. He reminded the saints that the altar and temple must be restored (reestablishing truth) before the walls and gates can be rebuilt (protecting our culture).
The main message was delivered by Coach Dave Daubenmire. As usual, Coach gave a rousing sermon that had saints ready to charge a football field or a cultural battlefield. It was entitled, “You Will Serve the God You See.” Coach described how Christ, the church, and culture has been feminized in the modern era. He explained how the American Church has deemphasized aspects of God’s nature and character, creating a false idol. This idol of Christ is emasculated, weakened, and impotent. His wrath and judgment is ignored. Since “We serve the God we see,” if we see a feminized misrepresentation of Christ, biblical manhood dies. Men are disengaged from the battle and the church cannot impact the world.
Monday, July 29, 2013
The following day, the saints went back to the area hospitals and the clinics. In addition, Tom Raddell set up his 200’ wide “Genocide Awareness Outreach” at the Federal Building, at the corners of Church and State streets. As Tom explains, “The large 8’ by 5’ panels pictorially depict historic acts of genocide and then visually link these atrocities to our current abortion holocaust.” OSA members passed out a great quantity of literature, as the anointed street preachers spoke the Word of God over the loudspeaker. Many who heard the Word surrendered their lives to the Lord and later attended the evening rally.
In the afternoon, a large group met at Cobbs Hill Park. From there we marched through another abortionist’s neighborhood. OSA members handed out flyers and carried aborted baby signs. Outside of the abortionist’s home, Rev. Flip preached while Rev. Rusty prayed for her darkened, deceived soul. One neighbor, a middle-aged woman, thanked the saints for coming out with the signs. She explained she was on the fence about abortion. After seeing the picture of Malachi, she came down firmly on the side of life.
From there, the saints continued the march through the streets of the abortionist’s neighborhood. The march culminated in an affluent and “artsy” village. The main street was lined with outdoor coffee shops and quaint gift shops. With signs in hand, OSA members slowly walked the length of the street. Realism in the arts is an attempt to represent subject matters truthfully. A realist work of art is one that may emphasize the grotesque or sordid. Despite being an art community, the well heeled residents, the hippie throwbacks, and the business minded merchants did not enjoy OSA’s realism—graphic visual displays of aborted babies. Apparently this was too much “realism” for an art community, for many artists, residents, and shoppers fled at the photographs.
Undeterred, Rev. Rusty preached over a handheld sound system as OSA members gave out flyers and engaged shoppers in conversations. Those sipping coffees at cafés with outside seating heard an earful. Rev. Rusty urged, “I’m aware many of you are eating lunch and these pictures are difficult to look at. But God has a charge against our nation.” He proceeded to compare abortion to the sin of slavery. “630,000 men died during the civil war because our nation refused God’s command to let our black brothers and sisters go free.” He explained the Civil War was the judgment of God for denying liberty to others. With abortion we are denying life to others. Rusty’s question to those present was, “How much wrath has our nation stored up by denying life to our sons and daughters?” He ended his preaching by challenging, “Do we want a future and a hope for ourselves and our children? Then we must stop killing our children, shedding innocent blood, and parading our sin like Sodom.”
As many escaped the realism by ducking into shops or hurrying down the street, one elderly gentleman observed the scene. Looking on with approval, he described how he was an animal rights activist. Although not specifically approving of the gospel message, he nonetheless approved of the demonstration, “At least someone is doing something. No one protests anymore.”
Evening Rally
During the Monday night evening rally, Pastor Bill Dunfee from New Beginnings Church of God in Ohio taught on effectiveness. Pastor Dunfee’s text was from 2 Kings 6:1-7, Elisha and the lost axe head. His question to all was, “Have you lost your prophetic edge?” He challenged the saints to examine their effectiveness in their family, their church, and ministry. It was an important time of reflection.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
On Tuesday OSA set up in the same venues, with one significant addition. Chet Gallagher, retired Las Vegas police officer and OSA point man, organized a youth outreach at a local high school. The “God is Going Back to School” outreach was remarkable in that it was the young people of OSA that led the charge. Some OSA young people handed out gospel tracts and prolife literature to the students. Others held graphic signs or engaged their peers in conversation. Others had opportunities to share the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Of particular note, one of the police officers stationed at the school was a brother in the Lord. The officer was grateful OSA was at the school reaching out to the students. As the young people ministered the gospel, the Lord used the officer to “protect and serve” in a very substantial way. A student observed the Malachi sign. Disgusted, he began to walk angrily away. The officer commanded, “Stop and listen.” Because the words were spoken with authority, the young man immediately stopped. Since the officer protected the young man’s soul and served the Lord Jesus, Rev. Rusty was able to share the love of Christ and the prolife message with the student.
Evening Rally
Cal Zastrow, a national OSA leader and co-founder of Personhood, USA, delivered the sermon Tuesday night. Cal preached on returning to your first love and first works, from Revelations 2:1-6:
I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Cal’s stirring message consisted of four questions: What is our first love? How do we maintain our first love? How do we lose our first love? How do we recover our first love? His sermon was a perfect conclusion to a week of ministry.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Hugs and laughter filled the lobby of Quality Inn, as OSA members packed their vehicles for the long trip home or waited for transportation to the nearby airport. For some, Wednesday morning was a time of warm goodbyes. For others though, it was a time of exciting adventure and exploration.
For the saints that elected to stay another day, Wednesday meant a day trip to Niagara Falls. OSA members from Florida, Louisiana, Virginia, and Texas met at America’s oldest state park for a time of fellowship and relaxation. Located between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Ontario, the falls are a breathtaking witness to the majesty of God.
Allyse Villavaso, the Campana family, the Arant family, the Turner family, and the Thomas family traveled to Niagara Falls to enjoy North America’s largest waterfall. The saints mingled a bit then parted company to search out individual adventures. Some picnicked on a grassy area before the Pedestrian Bridge and the rapids. Others toured the Observation Tower, a 230’ overlook that provides the only American location to take pictures of both the American and Horseshoe falls. Others explored the visitor center.
The Campana and Thomas families decided on a wetter, more exhilarating adventure. The two families, consisting of four parents and fourteen children, strolled to Prospect Point to board the Maid of the Mist. The Maid of the Mist takes passengers thrillingly close to the cascading waters of the American and Horseshoe falls. So close, in fact, each person is handed a disposable blue rain poncho.
As the families stood in line for tickets, they realized that they were only two people short of a group rate. Frank and Rusty approached two tourists from Lithuania and convinced them to join their group. From there, the two families, with their new Lithuanian friends in tow, entered the Observation Tower and descended to its base via a high-speed elevator. Once on the boat, the children scuttled from railing to railing, looking for the best vantage point. Frank advised the children where to stand, while Rusty kept six year old Jubilee, the youngest of the Thomas family, near to him. Jubilee looked very much like a blue smurf, with her blue hooded poncho covering every inch of her tiny body.
The children were not disappointed. The boat ride began gently, sailing past the American Falls. Spray covered the children, as they marveled at the wonder of the rainbows seen in the mist. From there, the Maid of the Mist glided to the Horseshoe Falls. The power of the Horseshoe Falls overwhelmed the boat. The children were in awe. The deafening roar of the falls silenced them. Four million cubic feet of water every minute cascading down from hundreds of feet above drenched them. The same God that visited Rochester was the same God who made the Niagara Falls. This lesson wasn’t lost on the children. Between the memorable street preaching, salvations, worship, evening sermons, the outreach at the high school and the visit to Niagara Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the children left the annual Operation Save American event invigorated, excited, and in awe of God. They can’t wait for next year!
With the Operation Save America outreach behind us, it’s time to reflect on the work of the Lord. The Holy Spirit touched lives, saved souls, and delivered babies. More pastors agreed to be involved. More Christians agreed to be involved. Local leaders, Jerry Crawford and Mike Warren, increased their contact lists. God planted a powerful kingdom seed in the city of Rochester. It was not the work of men, but of God. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). May He see fit to do it again, until the scourge of legalized abortion is put to death in our land.