Update from the McGlades in Sarasota/Manatee

November 14, 2000

Update from the McGlades in Sarasota/Manatee

Manatee County, Florida - We started October off with fasting and corporate prayer every morning at 6:30 at the Courthouse. We prayed specifically for the county commissioners, judges, mayor, councilmen, school board officials, pastors and other leaders in our community. Each day, we would then take our large scripture signs and PA system and would proclaim God's Word at the busiest intersections - the gates of Manatee County.

Upon discovering that Al Gore was to speak at our local community college, we took our signs to the sidewalks in front of the school and planned on greeting him as he left the campus. The Secret Service told us we couldn't stand on the public sidewalk, then forced us to move to the designated "protest" area. The area was on campus and it was packed with students lined up to see Gore! We set up our signs, fired up the PA and watched the sparks fly! It was awesome! (Prior to this we were not allowed on the school campus!) The gospel of the Kingdom of God was proclaimed!

Next, we went to a community workshop, co-sponsored by the local newspaper and the Sheriff's dept, which was promoted to help protect our children from pedophilia. We handed out petitions encouraging our county commissioners to enforce the laws against pornography in our community. Our message was this: unless the existing laws that are already in place are enforced to protect children, the workshop was nothing more than a PR stunt. We were favorably received!

Next we went to Books-A-Million. On their shelves in the SEXUALITY SECTION are dozens of books actual photos depicting totally nude adults in various positions of sexual intercourse. The books are easily accessible by children of all ages. We called the sheriff and signed an affidavit against the store. The local paper mocked our efforts, believing that children should not be censored from looking at adult sex manuals. After investigation, the sheriffs department, as well, concluded that the porn display was OK for minors. Next week we go the County Commission. This "gate" is going down!

The following week we accompanied Flip, Rusty, Rev. David Lackey and the troops to Willow Creek Church. What an eye opener! Not only did we receive more curses and obscene gestures than we normally get at the mills, one man would have physically pained me had it not been for Rev Lackey's quick thinking. As soon as the screaming man opened his car door to attack me, Rev. Lackey courageously ran from my side and positioned himself about fifteen feet away so he could "be in a better position to pray for the situation." Was it not for David's selfless act (not to mention the police officer who physically restrained my assailant) I probably would have been seriously hurt. Kudos to David!

We are now taking on the "adult" shops in the area with prayer, praise, proclamation and the law - exposing the deeds of darkness and challenging our community to be rid of the perversion. This past election has left our county commission with a majority of God-fearing leaders. We are in a position to truly make an impact on our community. We have numerous ordinances in place to protect our children. Our task is to get the sheriff's office to enforce the good laws already on the books.

Every Friday we gather, 20 - 30 strong, to proclaim God's love and offer hope to those in need at the Sarasota Women's Health Center. This past week we had a stroller parade outside the mill. Twelve young arrows, a quiver full, rolled up and down the sidewalk, a tribute to God's glory!

Tom McGlade