July 4th, like many of our other holidays, has lost much of its true meaning in the minds and hearts of many Americans. For many it is now just a day for parades, cookouts, and fireworks. Many of us have forgotten (if we were ever taught in the government schools that we attended) the profound, earth-shaking significance of this date and everything it represents for freedom, for civilization, for the first, and still only genuine, experiment in government founded squarely on the bedrock principles and beliefs of the Christian faith.

Even those of us who have some understanding and appreciation of this, dare we say it, miraculous, even supernatural, event in the history of the world usually fail to appreciate just how astounding, how improbable, how unique, indeed how truly miraculous, this event was, the signing of a Declaration of Independence and the birth of a nation of, by, and for the people. We are prone to just mindlessly repeat the lessons and stories we've heard, "Oh yea, there was a Boston tea party, and Paul Revere's midnight ride, and the Battle of Bunker Hill, and then George Washington defeated the British, and now here we are," as if it was no big deal, nothing very controversial, difficult, or fraught with peril. Nothing could be further from the truth.

What we call now the "American Revolution" was from the beginning, and until the surrendur of General Cornwallis in 1781, a venture of the most incredible daring and bravery and boldness and faith imaginable. The men who signed this Declaration and who authorized it and approved it and then fought for it had incredible faith in God, in His truth, in His Word, in the dignity that He confers on His creatures, in His will for them to have "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," and in their ability, and right, under His guidance, to govern themselves. And they were willing to put on the line their lives, their families, their fortunes, in short, everything that they had, to fight for what they so profoundly believed in. It was probably Patrick Henry who most eloquently and memorably put into words the sentiments that drove these courageous patriots to risk their lives: "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

And they took these risks against incredible odds. The British army at that time was a formidable and brutal foe. King George sent four 30,000 man armies to put down this "rebellion," armies of highly trained and experienced professional soldiers. The American army, at least initially, was almost entirely just local and state militia, amateurs, just farmers, craftsmen, seamen, etc. pressed into emergency service, and in the early battles it showed - these militiamen invariably turned and ran when the battle got heated or even just threatened to go the wrong way. Washington is said to have lamented at one point, "Are these the men with which I am to defend America?!"

The American army suffered defeat after defeat after defeat, rarely winning a battle. It was often poorly equipped, poorly provisioned, hungry, sick, demoralized. It was infested with spies. All around them were colonists still loyal to the crown and quite eager to do or say anything that would assist the British troops and undermine the "rebels." The British had a policy of offering "pardons," and rewards, to any "rebel" who put down his arms and pledged allegiance again to the King and many accepted these "pardons" and rewards. There were many others just sitting on the fence, waiting to see which way the tide of the war turned so they could jump on the winning side. The cause of the American army and the American nation struggling to be born was an uphill battle from the beginning and for virtually the course of the entire war. It was hard, painful, costly, dangerous, scary, and the outcome very much in doubt.

Lovers of liberty and righteousness, lovers of America and all that she has been, is now, and can be in the future, lovers of God, may we humbly and lovingly ask you a question today? We are today engaged in another battle for freedom, for righteousness, for America, and for our God. This battle too may be hard, painful, costly, dangerous, and scary, and the outcome very much in doubt. Are you a soldier in this battle? Are you now, or are you willing to become, a warrior in the "culture war" for the future, for the soul, of America?? Do you have the faith and the courage and the boldness of our Founding Fathers who risked everything they had so that a nation of liberty and righteousness could be born? We need men and women today, right now, with the same faith and courage and determination to fight for this country, for its principles, and traditions, and ideals.

This is what Minutemen United is all about, fighting for our country, and our God. Please join us. Your country, and your God, are calling you to this high, and noble, and urgent purpose.

May God continue to bless America, as America continues to serve and glorify Him.

In His Service,

Minutemen United

Living Waters

by Jim Harrison – MMU staff

"Hey, mister, can I have some of that Jesus water?” “Sure, how many bottles do you need"? “Two would be fine, thanks", and off he went back into the crowd to share his good fortune with his friends. They had all come to parade and celebrate their “alternative lifestyle” at Broad and High streets in downtown Columbus, Ohio and on this hot day the ice cold water was a welcome relief. 

Many along the parade route took the "Jesus water” thankfully as it was being handed out. Many would look curiously at the orange label and then take a long swig. Some stopped between swallows and glanced at the message on the bottles:

"He who drinks this water will thirst again but he who drinks the water I give will never thirst, not ever".   Curious phrase, they may think, and what is this website "www.ultimatequencher.com"  hmmmmmmmmm.....

How do you measure success? That's sometimes a difficult question to answer.  For the Minutemen and women who were engaged in the "Living Water” project it was really quite simple.  By distributing ice cold refreshment on a hot summer day they were able to give all takers the Word of God. 

No, it wasn't a Bible they were handing out, but a rather unique Biblical track if you will, one whose cold refreshment would be a fond remembrance on such a simmering hot day.  Perhaps many would be curious enough to  research the information on the bottle's label.   As one of the workers who was distributing the Living Water bottles so poignantly stated, "I put the word of God in as many people's hands as I could. I didn't slow down once , that is the least I could do."

With that I'll rest our case.  Thanks to all for your prayers, support, encouragement, and a special thanks to those Minutemen who stayed up late Friday night and  got up very early on a Saturday morning to prepare for our witness. Thanks as well to the other churches that cared enough to witness to those thousands of  lost souls in downtown Columbus this last Saturday in June.

In His Name

………………………………..Come join us Saturday!!!

And you'll have plenty to share with your brothers and sisters on Sunday

Where: Downtown Columbus, Ohio - corner of Broad and High thru Bicentennial Park. 

What: Sharing the love and hope of Jesus Christ with the participants, friends, family, and supporters who will be celebrating and parading the "Gay" lifestyle in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

………………………………….Invest a little time this Saturday and share the love and truth of Christ with the lost. Come for a hour or come early and stay all day - the fields are ripe and the work a plenty.

Minutemen United will be participating in the Living Waters project [see attached or click on picture] and you are more than welcome to join us.  Whether or not you choose to help us distribute ice cold water to the crowd, we hope and pray that you and your church will not let this golden opportunity slip by. There will be thousands of "profoundly lost" souls that need to hear from all of us.

We plan on starting out with prayer in front of the state house at 11:00 am and then disperse to locations where we can start witnessing to the city of Columbus for Christ. The parade {details here} officially starts at 1:00p.m. but the friends, family and supporters always get there much, much earlier.

For those of you who are not physically able to attend we would encourage you to pray for our protection and that our witness be faithful and successful. As always, God is in control but we believe he takes great pleasure in working through those who call on His name.

In His Name

Minutemen United

John Freshwater/Mount Vernon Update

Winning thru intimidation . . .  So much for a quiet summer

Local family now charges civil rights violation  -  Demanding jury trial!

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — First it was local residents demanding answers as to whether a teacher can carry a Bible with him in the classroom and now a federal lawsuit alleges civil rights violations by the Mount Vernon City School District Board of Education, Superintendent Stephen Short, middle school principal William White and science teacher John Freshwater. The complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief and monetary damages, including [read here]

Coming to America . . . . . . . . . . . soon

Canadian Christians at it again = Police threaten to arrest pastor for Anti-Islamic tract

The police detective from the Canadian  Hate Crimes Division entered the office of a Baptist pastor, told the pastor that the content of a tract with  the church imprint on it (although historically true) was enough evidence to charge him with a hate crime  right there and then. The  hate crime???? telling the truth about [read story here]

America . .  what a country!

Man fined for Bible preaching near Liberty Bell - Fined over $400, put on probation . .  and they call California the land of fruits and nuts?

Philadelphia, Pa - A man arrested for preaching on a public sidewalk too close to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia has been declared guilty of violating federal law. Michael A. Marcavage, director of the evangelistic organization Repent America, stood on the sidewalk outside the Liberty Bell Center, on the western edge of Independence Historical Park, and was then confronted  by a National Park Service ranger, who demanded he move to a "free speech zone" where he could continue [Story here]

Of the Bible, President Andrew Jackson stated:

Is a Man's silence golden for women?

Author and radio personality  Marc H. Rudov  takes a curious but somewhat familiar view of 21st century men. Please be advised that for the easily offended some of the language might  be of the “Joe six pack” variety, but suck it up, laddies.  The truth is what it is. [read here]

Where are the Marines when you really need them?

12 year old takes on Public School Administration - 6th-grader stands up for life

A Minnesota 6th-grader is taking his school to court after being ordered repeatedly not to wear pro-life T-shirts to class. Twelve-year-old K.B., whose full name is not being used because of his age, decided that he wanted to share his pro-life beliefs with his classmates during the month of April. So he decided to [read story here]

Speaking of Marines

Combat Soldier on Trial for Evangelism

The organization  Christian Freedom International is taking up a battle in favor of a U.S. Marine who was sent home from an assignment in Iraq because he handed out coins with a Christian message to Muslims in Iraq.  They want assurances that members of the American military will have the freedom to express their faith, and that the U.S. government will back them up. [read here] 

From Russia with Love

Gays are "Deeply Unhappy" - Russian Orthodox Priest Warns of Dangers of Homosexual "LifeStyle"

MOSCOW  After illegal Gay Pride marches went ahead in Moscow earlier this month, homosexual activists are condemning the Russian Orthodox Church for asserting Christian teaching on sexuality and suggesting that homosexual people do not have to live the "gay lifestyle". "I know it from confessions and numerous life stories. It's not by chance that they die earlier and there are more suicides, drug addicts and alcoholics among them,"  [read here]

Speaking of Gay Pride Parades, be sure to click on the Upcoming Events/Opportunities section of our MinutemenUnited web site.  We need your prayers and support and would be honored with your presence at our own local parade on June 28th.

Separate but equal?

Minority given loud voice at School Board meeting

Christian leaders are speaking out against a Clovis, N.M., high school yearbook that includes photos of and interviews with same-sex couples. The Clovis yearbook features photos of and interviews with two lesbian couples in a two-page presentation, along with nine heterosexual couples. School administrators say the yearbook does not violate school district policies and adheres to anti-discrimination policies.[read here]

Multiculture this!

From the schools to the streets/ Across the Pond - Police tell pastors they can't spread Christian message in Muslim area

Two American-born pastors handing out gospel leaflets in a predominantly Muslim area of Birmingham, England were threatened with arrest and warned of being beaten for committing what an officer called a "hate crime." Arthur Cunningham, 48, and Joseph Abraham, 65, were handing out the leaflets and . …. [read story here] 

Speaking of hate

Lawmakers urged to defend Boy Scouts

A Pennsylvania pro-family organization is calling on the state's Congressional delegation in Washington, DC, to defend the Boy Scouts in Philadelphia who are under assault by radical homosexual activists.  Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania, is outraged that the city of Philadelphia is going to charge the Cradle of Liberty Boy Scout Council organization $200,000 a year to rent the downtown headquarters building that the Scouts built and have maintained since 1929. [read story here]

Northern Exposure

Canadian Human Rights Commission investigating priest for. . quoting Bible! - Targeted under human rights law of which no defendant ever cleared

A priest is being investigated as a potential criminal under a federal "hate crimes" law for quoting from the Bible, and he's being targeted using a Canadian provision under which no defendant ever has been acquitted, according to a new report. Father Alphonse de Valk, a pro-life activist known across Canada, wrote defending  the [Catholic] Church's teaching on marriage during Canada's same-sex 'marriage' debate, quoting extensively from the Bible, and [read story here]

ACLU - Fair and Balanced or AWOL??

ACLU harasses judge over Commandments comparison – Judge:  “I’m not going to step back from the truth.”

MANSFIELD — Ohio - Richland County Common Pleas Judge James DeWeese brands a motion filed Thursday by the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio an “attempt to silence speech.” The ACLU is asking the U.S. District Court of Northern Ohio to hold DeWeese in contempt of court in a new flap over displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom. [read here]

Biblical Proportions

ACLU threatening to sue Findlay schools over Bible issue  - Citizens: "Political Correctness gone too far? ACLU should mind own business!"

Findley, Ohio - The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio is threatening to sue Findlay schools over a controversy of Biblical proportions. The district's superintendent says the Bible distribution has been going on for at least 15 years. But the ACLU says they don't care how long it's been going on, they want it to stop [read here] 

ACLU - Missing in Action

Public school students at Friendswood Junior High in the Houston area have been roped into Islamic training by representatives from the Council on American-Islamic Relations during class time, prompting religious leaders to protest Principal Robin Lowe's actions. "The failure of the principal of Friendswood Junior High to respect simple procedures requiring parental notification for such a potentially controversial subject, to not only approve but participate personally in a religious indoctrination session led by representatives of a group with well-known links to terrorist organizations and her cavalier response when confronted, raises serious questions about her fitness to serve in that role," the pastors' organization said.[read full story here]

Still no ACLU in sight

A Michigan high school wrestling coach is outraged after being dismissed from his post of 35 years for allegedly allowing his former assistant — a local clergyman — to try converting Muslim students to Christianity. The coach, Jerry Marszalek, allowed the Rev. Trey Hancock to discuss religion with members of the team at the Dearborn public high school, which has a predominantly Muslim student body, the Detroit News reported Wednesday.[read story here]

Food for thought:

Minutemen United - Sharing the love and truth of Christ regardless of the consequences

Superintendent of Mount Vernon Schools refuses to clarify Bible issue

Mt. Vernon , Ohio - May 28, 2008 - When the issue of teacher John Freshwater's Bible first arose in the Mount Vernon School District, Superintendent Steve Short was quoted as saying that he "had an obligation to protect against the establishment of religion in the schools." However, one week later, Mr. Short was quoted saying, "This is not about his (John Freshwater's) personal Bible."

Although several weeks have passed and numerous accusations have been hurled in Mr. Freshwater’s direction in that time, the issue of the Bible has seemingly gone off the radar screen. That is, until earlier this morning, when local residents, with local news media in tow, delivered a written request asking for official clarification on the issue.

The letter residents hand delivered to the Superintendent’s office said in part that “we the undersigned believe that it is important to clarify the position of the Mount Vernon Schools regarding the Bible issue and whether it is permissible for a public school teacher to have his/her own personal Bible on display on his/her desk."

Although a couple of residents were actually able to meet with Mr. Short late this morning, the Superintendent would not respond formally or informally to this question. Jeff Cline and Max Irwin Sr. thanked Mr. Short for taking the time to meet with them but did advise him that, unless they received a definite answer tomorrow, they would be taking appropriate action. No word on what this “appropriate action” might be.

There otta be a law