Pastor Profile: Rev. Robert Crutchfield

April 18 2012

Reverend Robert A. Crutchfield was ordained by St. Luke’s Evangelical Christian Ministries in 1998. He founded Kingdom Relationship Ministries that same year, endeavoring to help people use their faith to build their relationships. From there he has worked with the first responder community in chaplaincy roles, impacting the lives of those who serve. Currently he is chief chaplain at Christ 4 Responders, a member of the advisory board at Defense of Houston, and founding pastor at Compassion Church of Katy.

Planting and a Prayer

“We’ve been organizing for a year,” says Crutchfield of Compassion Church. “We are all about the priesthood of the believer, starting with premise that all have fallen short and no one is perfect. So our approach is to meet people where they are and apply Biblical principles to get them to where they need to be.” For instance, Crutchfield believes that some of the best alcohol counselors are recovering alcoholics who have actually experienced the journey. His new church is in the planting phase as seed money is raised and a meeting place is located. “We are a new kind of church, specifically ministering to those experiencing crisis. Our mission is to empower our members to minister as living vessels of Christ’s compassion, and starting from nothing we are working to build an active, Christ-loving, life-changing kind of church right here in our own home town.” He invites the community to get involved as the excitement builds.

2011 was also a remarkable year for Crutchfield’s now-famous “The First Responder’s Prayer.” Christian Author Loree Lough used Crutchfield’s prayer in her novel “From Ashes to Honor.” The book follows NYPD officer Austin Finley, who lost both his job and his brother after the terrorist attacks of 9-11. Crutchfield wrote the prayer just prior to being elected as Katy Fire Department Chaplain in 2008, and as the author researched the premise of her book she located the prayer and cited it in her author’s notes as well and referencing it in the body of the novel.

“This little prayer has appeared on several websites, and station walls since I wrote it, and I’m honored that it also appears in Ms. Lough’s book,” says Crutchfield.

A Lifetime of Service

“I never did like being on the sidelines in times of emergency,” says Crutchfield, who also previously served four years as chaplain-general of the Order of St. Isidore of Seville. In addition, he served with Red Cross Disaster Services in the early 80s and later in the Military Police Corps -Texas State Guard, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. “It’s an honor to serve and impact the lives of others,” he says, adding, “We all have opportunities to help one another, some right at the doorstep of church.”

Always an active member of his community he served for several years as vice-president of the Recreation Board for the City of Galena Park, Texas (his hometown). From 1992-1994 he was chairman of the Public Relations Committee of the Harris County (Texas) Republican Party. From 1994-1996 he served as chairman of the Republican Party for the Sixth State Senate District. He has also served on numerous other boards and committees.

A Loving Family at Home and at KCM 

Crutchfield’s wife, Leslie Karen Hunt-Crutchfield, is retired from The Katy Times and the couple have two daughters and five beloved grandchildren. He is also a Katy Christian Magazine columnist. Check out his hospice article in this edition.

Find out more about Compassion Church of Katy at their new website which is still partially under construction — www.compassionchurchkaty.org. You can find them on Facebook and also visit www.christ4responders.org.

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Local Christian Student Highlights

April 18 2012

Hunter Boan
Classification: Pre-Kindergartner
Early Childhood Enrichment Center

Hunter is 5-years-old and has been attending Katy’s Early Childhood Enrichment Center for 3 years. He will be starting Kindergarten in the fall at Franz Elementary. He is a wonderful big brother to his 2 year-old-sister, Harley, and enjoys showing her everything he knows. Hunter is a very active boy and enjoys outside activities at the park. He also plays soccer and baseball. His family are big Texans fans and love the watch football games and eat popcorn. He is also is very much into writing and learning about animals. In fact, one of his best friends is the family pet, Cooper the cat.  

Hunter loves going to church on Sundays and attends Crosspoint on Westgreen. Every week he reminds his mommy about going to church. Hunter loves telling her and Harley that Jesus is everywhere and points to the sky to explain where God lives. During Christmas, his favorite activity is setting up the little barn with Mary, the wise men, the animals and of course, baby Jesus in the manger. 

Hunter is just learning about the Bible and always recites his favorite prayer before dinner: “God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food, Amen.” Through this brotherly example his little sister is catching on and enjoys saying the prayer with him (which makes their mother very proud).

Chris Haier
Classification: Sophomore
Faith West Academy

Starting something new is always an adventure and that has really proven true for Chris Haier, 16, of Katy.  He joined the FFA because he has a love for the outdoors, wildlife, hunting, and fishing.  He had never raised cattle, but he thought it would be fun.  So he entered the calf scramble at the Houston, Ft. Worth, and Austin rodeos.  He used some of the skills that he had learned in football (tackling), weight lifting (the strength to wrestle a 240 pound calf to the ground), and agility training (to be able to react quickly to the calf’s moves) to be among the winners at all three rodeos. 

Chris enjoys wake boarding and dirt biking (KTM 250cc), but football remains his favorite sport.  His favorite music is country (Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton).

Chris is a member of Kingsland Baptist Church. He reads the Bible daily and his favorite Bible verses are found in Galatians 3:23-29 and Joshua 1:9 (‘have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”).

After high school Chris would like to go to Texas A&M or Auburn to study to be a civil engineer.

Samuel Mote
Classification: Senior
Faith West Academy

Samuel Mote, Valedictorian of the FWA Class of 2012, has plans to attend Texas A&M to major in electrical engineering.  But his plans don’t stop there.  He said of his ambition; “Honestly, most of my ultimate goals are based in the success of the U.S. Military.  I plan and hope to design weapons, artillery, or mechanics that make the life of a soldier safer.  Safer soldiers come from stronger armies, and stronger armies are the backbone of any powerful nation.”

Some of his recent accomplishments and memberships are: Class of 2012 Valedictorian (4.74 GPA); National Merit Scholarship Finalist; awarded 1st place for Math and 2nd place for Number Sense at the recent TAPPS District competition; a member of Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, ComedySportz team; and technical support for the youth ministries at Second Baptist.

Samuel is a member of Second Baptist Church and his favorite Bible verse is II Samuel 22:2-3, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,   my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me”.

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When it’s Time for Hospice

April 18 2012

As loved ones reach the end of life there comes a time where man’s science can no longer save them. However, they may need more or different care than we can provide on our own. At such a moment we enter the world of hospice.

My first real-world introduction to hospice came when my grandmother passed away several years ago.The comfort and assistance that our whole family received at that time made a big hospice believer out of me.

Hospice treatment involves an entire team of medical, mental health, spiritual, and social work professionals. All hospice team members have received specific training in end of life issues. Of particular interest to Christians is the presence of a chaplain on many hospice teams.

The term “hospice” comes from the Latin word hospitium, meaning “guest house.” St. Christopher’s the first modern hospice was founded outside London by Dr. Cicely Saunders in the 1960’s. The first hospice in the United States was founded in New Haven, Connecticut in 1974. There are now over 4,700 hospice “agencies” across the country. In 2007 they cared for over 1.4 million people and their families.

When is it time for hospice? In most cases hospice agencies will not accept a patient until there is a diagnosis that the patient has less than a year to live. Hospice becomes an option when death is inevitable, but life is not yet over.

One interesting facet about hospice care is that hospice teams care for the families as well as the patient. Many agencies even extend these services beyond the time of the patient’s passing.

Even though hospice has been in this country for over 35 years many people are still unaware of it as an option. Many also fear that the cost of hospice will be out of their reach at a time when a family’s finances are already stretched especially thin. The good news is that hospice care is rarely more and often less expensive than end of life care would otherwise be. This, in part, is because hospice agencies are often non-profit and make use of volunteer professionals. Hospice professionals have expertise in end of life care that can make their services less expensive than you might think.

Another misconception is that because hospice cannot provide a cure, nothing else can be done. This is not the case. Hospice teams are experts at palliative care. Both pain and nutrition, for example, can be managed to make the patient’s last days as comfortable as possible. A big concern is that families will have to change physicians to enter hospice. This also is untrue. Many, if not most, hospice agencies will work with the physician of choice.

Hospice is a method of treatment, not a place. In fact, hospice or palliative care is delivered in a wide variety of settings. Hospice teams work in hospitals, nursing homes and dedicated facilities. Many patients receive care in their own homes where they are surrounded by their families and familiar settings.

Where do we find hospice? Your physician may be a good place to start. If your loved one is hospitalized, they may have a social worker who can refer you to a local agency. As in all times of difficulty, don’t be afraid to ask your pastor. Pastors by nature of their calling keep up with resources in the community. As our society ages, things like hospice are becoming a lot more common.

When someone you love is near death, hospice can ease the transition. More communities are finding themselves home to hospice agencies.

Rev. Robert A. Crutchfield is the founding pastor of Compassion Church of Katy and is a Fire and EMS Chaplain. Visit http://faithinspires.wordpress.com to learn more or call 281-660-4294.

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Good “Clean” Fun!

April 18 2012

Looking for pulse-pounding adventure for your family or organization? Challenging fields for tournament level players and recball areas for big group gatherings await at Tank’s Paintball Park. The activities are designed to offer good “clean” fun for those who enjoy paintball at any level. For some, it’s a recreational activity and for others it’s a sport. But everyone can agree that paintball is adrenaline-filled adventure and a departure from the ordinary.

Named after the owner — John “Tank” Tankersley — Tank’s Paintball Park is a favorite destination of youth groups in and around Katy. Why? Because Tankersley supports the Christian community through church specials. “Bring us your church bulletin and your entry is waived for that day,” says Tankersley. You just need to buy paint, so it’s a great deal!” He also offers great pricing for youth groups to try out the game.

Tankersley has been a part of Katy for 15 years. His park is located at Westgreen just past Kingsland and is a premiere paintball facility, because he built it as only a paintball enthusiast could. “I started playing in 1990 regularly with friends and then ventured into the competition side of the game. Before long  I was hooked on the sport,” says Tankersley. “The Houston area at that time only had 2 fields operating as weekend businesses, so the idea to build my own field slowly formed. I partnered with several guys, tested the waters, learned the business ropes, took a break, then opened my own field in Houston and relocated it to Katy and have not looked back.”

Tankersley loves the daily adventures and the many players, parties and friends who visit. “My wife Kellie has been by my side during the growth of TANKS. She handles back office matters for all our companies and operates our new remote control track KATY RC.” says Tankersley. “I have a 12-year-old daughter, Zoey, who helps in the store and with birthday parties on weekends. She’ll be an excellent owner one day.” Lilly is Tankersley’s 5-year-old. “She is awesome for morale and keeps all the staff on their toes. I could not have come this far without the help and support of my family and friends.”

Tankersley has always worked with youth groups and finds it is a great team-building sport that brings out the RAMBO in everyone. “it helps build friendships and develops trust among team mates. Some entered feeling scared of the game, but once they jump in and play they are hooked,” says Tankersley. “I can only say that you will feel the rush of the game and it will leave you with memories for quite awhile.”

The fields and staging areas are designed with safety in mind, while providing the ultimate playing experience. A pro shop, convenience store and snow cone stand are on the premises, as well as indoor restroom facilities for men and women. Tanks Paintball Park was built for parties, from birthdays to corporate events. As Tankersley proudly states, “We’ve worked hard to earn the reputation as the most challenging and comfortable paintball facility in the Houston area.”

Tank’s Paintball Park is located at 899 Westgreen Blvd,, Katy, TX 77450-5871. Call them at 281-492-2301 or visit www.tankspaintball.com.

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Christian Business Profile: Dr. Joey Hall of Katy Family Dentists

April 18 2012

Dr. Joey Hall is an active dentist, dad and deacon in the community. He and his family are members of Kingsland Baptist Church. Being a deacon gives him an opportunity to serve his church family and the people of Katy. “Christ called us to be servants first. What’s important is the impact we can make helping others,” says Hall, who puts this philosophy into practice . . . at his practice — Katy Family Dentists.

As a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and a member of the American Dental Association, he and his team are committed to providing the best in dental care in a relaxed atmosphere. Part of serving a community’s dental needs requires keeping up with the constant progress of technology. The techniques, innovations, safety and successful treatment in all areas of Dentistry is continuously evolving. Therefore, Dr. Hall pursues continuing education through the AGD and other organizations. The AGD is an organization of over 35,000 Dentists. He recently received their Fellowship Award by completing more than 500 hours of education and passing a comprehensive written exam.

Caring for his patent’s oral health is a mission — from cleanings to gum care to invisalign. But Hall has much more invested in his patient’s health: His blog addresses surprising insights linking oral health and overall wellness or disease. His practice embraces cutting edge technology and is completely digital.

Dr. Hall grew up in Sugar Land, attended Texas A&M University, and remained an Aggie even while completing his dental training at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. His own kids are Aggies, as well. Katie is 21 and a senior, son Corey is 18 and a freshman, and daughter Bailey attends Taylor High School. Dentistry runs in the family, and Dr. Hall worked with his father in their Galleria-area family practice for ten years after graduation. Then he opened a second office in the Katy community where he lives with his wife of 25 years, Brenda, and their children. He practices full time in Katy and is also involved in local dental organizations and study clubs.

Katy Family Dentists is located a t21703 Kingsland Blvd., Suite 104, Katy, TX 77450. Phone Dr. Hall at 281-398-3432 and visit his website at www.katyfamilydentists.com/281-398-3432.

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A Special Mom Becomes An Author

April 18 2012

We thought it would be especially appropriate to feature T. Denise Clary for our Mother’s Day issue. This wife, mother, attorney, Realtor and author has a goal built on faith: To write and promote Christian children’s literature.

Clary is a California native who has traveled the world and grew up in the Middle East as a little girl (ages three to eight). After practicing law for ten years, she earned her real estate license and eventually became an author. She is a Fort Bend County resident and wife and proud mother of three children, ages 2, 11, and 14.

A childhood talent 

Even as a child, Clary had a passion for writing short stories and poems and has many fond memories of creating and drawing. Hers was the only bedroom with a walk-in closet, and it felt magical to create in that space. She entered her first school writing competition at age nine and was challenged to write and illustrate her very own book. “I was so heart broken when I didn’t win, and ironically, I remember the storyline of the winning book, but can’t remember the storyline of the book I wrote. No wonder I didn’t win!” quips Clary. She certainly didn’t let it stop her.

She has written six Christian children’s books, four of which are in publication as an eBook in the Kindle store including: Vinny Vain Liked to Complain, Mr. Pitt & Lickety’s Split, My Forgivefullness, and Nitti Gritti Smitty. Each focuses on ethics, character and Christian values, encouraging young readers to do the right thing.

Inspiration  

Clary was raised in a Christian household and hales from from a long line of spiritually strong Christian women. “I have many fond memories of my grandma Daisy reading and teaching us grandkids Bible passages, while storytelling of her own life experiences,” says Clary. She also remembers living in Saudi Arabia and attending “town meetings” because it was against the law to attend “church” in that country. It had to be kept secret.

Clary grew up attending several different church denominations. “What I learned is that different Christian denominations may look and dress differently, have varying church policies, and even worship and praise differently,” says Clary. “But they all have one common thread . . . that is, proclaiming Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior and that the Bible IS the Word of God. This proclamation is what I follow to guide my life today and raise my children.” Clary and her family attend Grace Fellowship Church of Katy.

The summer of 2007 changed everything for soon-to-be-author Clary. “I was one month out of closing my law practice. For nine years I was in the legal world, but now I found myself at home. The first month as a quasi stay-at-home mom I found myself cooking, cleaning, picking up kids from carpool . . . and quite BORED to death. I had been so busy for nearly nine years, and now I just found myself at home on the verge of an anxiety attack. I didn’t know what to do with myself.” She remembers sitting at my computer one night and staring at it blankly. She checked her email for the 100th time that day and noticed a new email from a friend regarding book publishing.

Asking the Lord

“I remember saying out loud, “Huh, wouldn’t it be interesting to write a children’s book . . . a Christian children’s book!” says Clary. “Although I hadn’t written stories since I was a child (in my ‘magically creative’ closet), the desire to write children’s stories never went away. I really desired to write something on a more positive level for my children. I remember asking and praying to the Lord that if He would just give me some words . . . stories . . . I would write them down and go from there.” Thus were born books that uplift, guide and bless the children who read them.

God is so faithful to answer our pleas, and Clary’s head was FILLED with many words and story ideas after that initial sleepless night. Her books came to life. “Out of the six books I’d written, four were published as eBooks and placed for sale on Amazon. I’m happy to report that the four books have been doing fairly well in their short publishing life. At one point, one of my books rose as high in rank to the #4 slot in the ‘Inspirational” category on Amazon!!”  Heaven is For Real (hardcover & eBook), published by Thomas Nelson and, The Beginner’s Bible published by Harper Collins, took the #1 to #3 slots respectively. Interestingly, a book by Max Lucado was ranked in the #5 slot. “To say that one of my titles was right behind those popular books, and close in rank to one of Lucado’s books, is truly a gift from God! I can only hope and pray that the momentum continues,” exclaims the author.

We wish this multi-talented mom a very happy Mother’s Day and also thank her for her work on behalf of Christian children’s literature.

Learn more about Clary and her wonderful children’s books at tdeniseclarybooks.blogspot.com or  find her out on Facebook at facebook.com/TDClaryBooks. You can also follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/TDeniseClary. 

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Letter from the Publisher

April 12 2012

Spring is in the air! We’ve just experienced the blessings of Easter. Ahead lies that all-so-very special occasion — Mother’s Day — which is fast approaching May 13th. It seems like only yesterday that my four children had their loving mother in their lives. Unexpectedly, the Lord took Nicole in a car accident, leaving me with an 8, 10, 12 and 14-year-old. It is faith, trust and hope in the afterlife that has guided my family through the tragedy. My children are such blessings and Nicole’s legacy lives on through our two sons and two daughters. We at Katy Christian Magazine honor all mothers, grandmothers and mothers-in-laws in this issue, as life isn’t quite the same without these revered maternal figures.

We pay tribute to our veterans, as well. Memorial Day will be held May 28th this year.

It’s definitely a time of contemplation . . . and celebration. You’ll find our April/May 2012 issue full of beneficial articles and news. We honor two wonderful mothers, T. Denise Clary, a Christian children’s book author, and Kerryl Ann Frank, a music artist. We also tell you about Jason Rorie and his efforts on behalf of the returning military — Tech for Vets, a 501c3, refurbishes computers for veterans.

With spring comes thoughts of our kiddos, who are getting closer to the end of another school year. With them in mind we feature Tank’s Paintball — a venue for good “clean” fun this spring and summer. And because many children will have free time on their hands over summer break, we also interview an Internet safety expert, Charles Mazzini, who addresses cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking, online dangers and the importance of parental oversight against online cyber-paths.

We feature wonderful Christian students, a Christian business, a pastor who is “planting,” and lots of colorful commentary on everything from health to politics. This issue also features a robust voter’s guide, so sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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Toyota and Lexus Dealerships Driving YMCA Tournament!

February 13 2012

Bill Myers, Chair for the Fort Bend County Y’s Golf Committee, announced in January that Fort Bend Toyota and Sterling McCall Lexus have signed on as the Signature Sponsors for the 2012 Y Spring Golf Classic. This year’s tournament will be held at Pecan Grove Country Club on Monday, March 26 with a shot-gun start at 11:30 a.m.  Mike Shaw, Fort Bend Toyota General Manager and Co-Event Sponsor, states, “We are so proud to be a partner with the YMCA on this tournament because we know the positive impact that the YMCA is having on our community.”

All proceeds will go to the 2012 Partners Campaign fund of the YMCAs of Fort Bend County, which includes the Fort Bend Family YMCA in Missouri City, the T.W. Davis YMCA in Richmond and the Katy YMCA.  Combined, the three YMCA Partners program funds will scholarship or subsidize over 3300 youth, families and individuals in character building YMCA programs, outreach, activities and memberships.

The Y Spring Golf Classic includes a best ball scramble format and on-course competitions such as closest to the pin, longest drive, and a putting contest. The tournament also includes a chance to win a $500 cash prize at a designated hole through the annual “Hit the Green Contest”. The event will include a fantastic lunch donated by Macaroni Grill and a delicious BBQ dinner donated by Swinging Door BBQ. In addition, golfers will enjoy complimentary on-course beverages and snacks during the course play.  Each golfer will receive great goodie bags that include a shirt, balls, snacks and green fees for four future rounds of golf at designated area Arnold Palmer Courses.

During the dinner and awards ceremony, golfers can participate in both a silent and live auction to benefit the Fort Bend Area YMCAs Partners Campaigns. The live auction will be led by County Treasurer Jeff Council.

Sponsorships are available. Joey Dupuis, Sterling McCall Lexus General Manager and Co-Event Sponsor, stated, “We would like to call upon the generosity of our fellow Fort Bend County businesses to join us in supporting the YMCA’s community efforts through this year’s tournament.” Visit www.ymcahouston.org. For more information about the 2012 YMCA Golf Classic, call Brian Haines at (281)392-5055.

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Reggie Kerr: The Hands and Feet of Jesus

February 13 2012

Reggie Kerr is a remarkable woman of faith. She loves the song “Amazing Grace” because it reflects her own life story. “I was once very lost, and through God’s amazing grace He redeemed a “wretch like me” — compelling me to share my testimony and encourage others to trust God, find their faith and hold on,” says Kerr.

As a child her life was more than difficult. Her mother died from a brain tumor when Kerr was just five. Raised by a father who suffered the affects of alcoholism, drug use and poor decision-making, she was often left completely unsupervised to fend for herself. By age nine she was dabbling in drugs and at 12 was dropped off at her grandmother’s home, never to see her father again. At 15 she decided to live on her own, staying in school but not long enough to graduate. The world beckoned and she found work in the world of bars and clubs.

“I lost many years between my teens and into my late 30s, living fast, running hard and trying to keep ahead of life and survive. I remember feeling like I had no one to fall back on and used bars and alcohol as my comfort. As you will see in my testimony, it was not an easy start, but it’s how you finish that really matters!” says Kerr. “Without God’s divine intervention I would not be here today, and He has delivered me into grace from a hopeless state of mind and body.”

Kerr moved in with a loving aunt and uncle in Austin. She went back to AA, joined a local church, and began to turn her life around. At 33 she acquired her real estate license and began working in property management. “I had little money, an old car, and no credit—but I had a dream to return home to Houston.” After a fews years she did just that and worked hard in the real estate market. She began attending church regularly and saw what a relationship with Jesus Christ meant. “I was still periodically falling in and out of the AA program, and that wreaked havoc with my life. But I held on to my faith that I could overcome the alcohol addiction through strength from Jesus. Then in 2005 I went to the grand opening of the new Lakewood Church and my life changed—that night I found a church home.”

Kerr has been sober for many years and supports her local AA community, but she gives the ultimate praise for her recovery to Jesus Christ, the true healer. In 2008 she felt God’s call to pursue a more intense study of the Word and a calling into ministry. She left real estate to do just that. “It was a leap of faith for me, but I believe God is guiding me every step of the way on this path,” says Kerr.  In 2011 she founded Serenity International Ministries and Serenity TV, feeling God was calling her to “step out of the boat in faith.”

Her life today is all about being the hands and feet of Jesus. As a minister, chaplain, crisis responder and talk show host she is dedicated to serving others through Serenity International Ministries. SIM serves people both locally and internationally with prayer, outreach, or other forms of spiritual support. STV was established to bring the testimonies of believers and overcomers to a world wide audience.

“Serenity International Ministries encourages Christians to influence every aspect of the world around us through sharing our testimonies and by being examples of Christ through our lifestyles,” says Kerr. We want to bring understanding of who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He can do in our lives. We know that as believers we are “Ambassadors for Christ” and are called to demonstrate the love of Jesus in all that we do,” says Kerr.

Find out more about Reggie Kerr and Serenity International Ministries at: www.SerenityIM.org, www.SerenityTV.cc, www.facebook.com/SERENITYIM, www.twitter.com/SerenityTV, or serenityim.blogspot.com.

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Politics and Religion: Texas Primary Prep

February 13 2012

Presumably soon, if activist judges will humble themselves and get it right (or just get out of the way), Texas will hold its Primary election. It’s the Legislature’s responsibility to set new Congressional District lines, and they have done so fairly accurately to reflect the will of the people. But these judges are committed to their own liberal agenda and have no qualms about twisting, contorting, and forcing their own agenda on the people of the state. Even the Supreme Court of the United States, hardly a bastion of conservative constitutional principles, found the judges out of order and overruled them. That speaks volumes for those who have ears to hear, eyes to see, and a heart to understand truth and integrity.

As for the Primary itself, the main focus is the Presidential election. President Barack Obama is running unopposed on the democratic ticket, so that seems to be a settled issue. On the republican side, Governor Rick Perry’s withdrawal and the unlikelihood of a Rick Santorum victory (but don’t count him out entirely), and the complete un-qualification of Ron Paul (who is “left” of Barack Obama in his foreign policy positions), leaves Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney, who are currently trying to destroy one another.

First, let me dispense with Ron Paul. While he has many good ideas about our national debt, the Federal Reserve, etc., his foreign policy positions are unacceptable. He has repeatedly blamed America for 911. He thinks the Muslim Middle East is just doing what comes natural in response to our presence in that region, though it is with their invitation and cries for help; remember Kuwait? Somalia? I’ll go ahead and say it: Though he claims to be a Christian (and I don’t set myself up to judge his heart), his actions – not just political posturing but a formal, legislative action – show a strong streak of anti-Semitism.

I discovered Paul’s real attitude toward Israel as I headed from one meeting to another on Capitol Hill the afternoon of February 17, 2011. On the cab’s radio was an hourly newscast that shared a newsflash seemingly very few, if any, caught: Congressman Ron Paul introduced legislation that day to withdraw all foreign aid from Israel. In speaking with another Congressman (a mutual friend of mine and Ron Paul’s), he tried to say that Ron Paul was standing on constitutional principle and that there is no such authorization for foreign aid.

Now, I don’t have a major problem with the principle – I rather agree. However, this is an illogical (to be kind) application of a right principle to a wrong situation, just as it was with the South when leading up to the Civil War. States’ Right were argued– for slavery! A right principle used for an utterly wrong justification is deception, abuse and a contortion in God’s sight.

I agree with “States’ Rights” and disagree with the alternative concept that the federal government should run everything everywhere. But a right principle should never be used to justify the violation of human rights (be it slavery or abortion). In the same way, I agree there should be much less foreign aid, if any, given to any nation, especially in this time of soaring debt, especially regarding giving aid to our enemies.

But to start with Israel? Both spiritually and geopolitically, how blind, immoral, and dangerous is that? As a nation, we already dishonor God with our cultural decline (abortion, pornography, business fraud, etc.). Do we really want to behave this way toward Israel, the apple of God’s eye, all within 70 to 80 years of the Holocaust and the “re-birth” of Israel as a nation? This tiny country is surrounded by enemies on every side, some of whom are openly committed to their destruction. There are many examples of “stupid,” especially in politics, but this one ranks right at the top.

It pains me to see so many Christians on the Ron Paul bandwagon when his foreign policy positions are so anti-American, anti-Israel, and frankly, un-Godly. If you are one of them, please get off.

As for Newt, he’s very smart, often undisciplined, and all-too proud and arrogant. He loves new ideas and seemingly has one all the time (even if they’re contradictory). He’s a history professor by profession, and “gets it” more than most, especially from the perspective of accuracy. He has problematic issues – morally, and flirting with goofy ideas ranging from “man-made global warming” to a “lunar colony by the end of the decade.” But he could – and given the chance, will – clean Obama’s clock in a debate. He has some fire in his belly. I’ve heard him speak in Washington, and he “gets” our problems as a nation: That we’ve forgotten God, lost our respect for God, and are tearing apart our Godly foundations as a nation. And when the foundation is destroyed, what happens to what was built upon it?  As Psalm 11:3 asks, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” While I respect Ann Coulter, E. Emmitt Terrell, Tom DeLay and others for their insightful perspectives, perhaps they are a little “over-the-top” in their intra-party criticisms of Gingrich as not being a true conservative (like Romney is?).

As for Romney, he also has some strong positives. I heard him speak in Boston at a FRC function leading up to the last Presidential race, and he clearly “gets it” on gay marriage. He argued very persuasively that gay marriage was detrimental to children, which it clearly is! While I have serious, substantial, and irreconcilable differences with the extra-Biblical, erroneous doctrines of the Mormon Church, I have found that Mormons have high moral standards. Romney is clearly successful in business, and that is something we could use, as well.

I do not believe that Christians should treat a political race like a Pastor’s Search Committee. Nor can I agree with or excuse this argument: “I’m tired of voting for the lesser of two evils, so I won’t vote at all.” It is a pathetic, ignorant, and lazy excuse for not participating in the great honor and privilege – and responsible stewardship – given us by God to choose our leaders! Such an attitude and behavior dishonors God, our Christian founders, and our children, who will suffer the consequences of such a refusal to be salt and light in every arena!

Let me be very clear: Unless Jesus runs for office, there is NO perfect candidate. The reality is that every candidate is at best the lesser of two evils because they are human. It is self-righteous and spineless to “pull a Pilate” and wash our hands of the process. Through prayerful consideration and righteous purpose, vote for the person you believe best represents the Lord, His righteous ways, and His Biblical, moral, and constitutional order in our society. It is your privilege, honor, and an important opportunity. Don’t squander it in this Primary when have early influence on who will run for many offices in the general election. May God bless America!

Mark Williamson is the Founder and President of Foundation Restoration Ministries and its prayer arm, Federal Intercessors. He leads educational and intercessory ministries dedicated to the restoration of Biblical truth, righteousness and justice in the nation and culture, reaching even the highest offices of the Federal government. The views expressed in this column are his personal opinions and observations. Learn more, join the prayer cause, and support the ministry at www.federalintercessors.net. You may contact him directly at 713-722-4301 or mark.williamson@federalintercessors.net. View the C-Span video he references at www.c-spanvideo.org/program/HouseSession4011.

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