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A critical juncture
How will Christians respond?
PAGES 4, 18, 22, 24, 30, & 31
November 2024
A small-town preacher, a mimeograph machine, and an unwavering conviction that
faithfulness is more important than success. Those humble beginnings testify of God’s hand
in the founding and growth of a movement that continues to resonate nearly 50 years later.
Now, American Family Studios documents the life and legacy of AFA’s founder in
Culture Warrior: Don Wildmon and the Battle for Decency. The feature-length
documentary is scheduled for public release November 11 via online
streaming and DVD preorder.
Scan the QR code or visit
culturewarrior.movie
to watch the official trailer.
“Culture Warrior is more than a reflection on a great
man of God. It is reflecting on our recent history as a
nation. It is a call for Christians to continue to stand for
righteousness as God leads.”
M.D. Perkins, Culture Warrior film director
afa.net/thestand November 2024 THE STAND 3
Advertisements and reviews do not
necessarily imply endorsement by AFA.
CHC#12037
VOLUME 48, NO. 10
The Stand magazine is a publication of
American Family Association. Except for
a combined January/February issue, The
Stand is published monthly.
AFA’s mission is to inform, equip, and
activate individuals and families to
transform American culture and to give
aid to the church, here and abroad, in its
calling to fulfill the Great Commission.
P.O. Drawer 2440
Tupelo, MS 38803
Phone 662.844.5036
Email thestand@afa.net
FOUNDING EDITOR Donald E. Wildmon
AFA PRESIDENT Tim Wildmon
EDITOR EMERITUS Randall Murphree
EDITOR Rebecca Davis
STAFF WRITERS Joy Lucius
Matthew White
Hannah Meador
Jordan Chamblee
GRAPHIC DESIGN Rusty Benson
Bailey Jordan
ADMIN ASSISTANT Carly McGee
PROJECT EDITOR Jennifer Nanney
THE STAND
RADIO HOST Je Chamblee
INTERNS Parker Kate May
Emily Moorman
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Unless noted otherwise, Scripture
quotations are taken from the (NASB®)
New American Standard Bible®,
Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by
The Lockman Foundation. Used by
permission. All rights reserved.
lockman.org
NOVEMBER 2024
COVER FEATURE
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Issues@Hand
Reviews
Biblical Worldview Training
Page 20
COVER FEATURE
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CULTURE
FAITH
ELECTION
COVER FEATURE
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Worlds apart
A comparison of platforms of America’s two
largest political parties reveals a critical juncture.
Gluttony and a call to moderation
What is gluttony, and how can it be avoided this
Thanksgiving and beyond?
Veterans Day: Remember, honor, thank
November 11 reminds Americans to thank
veterans for their service.
Religion and politics
AFA President Tim Wildmon discusses
qualifications for choosing a candidate.
Endorsing evil by staying silent
William Federer explains the danger that
looms when Christians decide not to vote.
Being a good citizen
Jenna Ellis takes an in-depth look at voting
as the Christian’s duty and privilege.
Election anxiety can spoil family peace
Dr. Nurse Mama helps families navigate the
complexity of this year’s election season.
Prepare to vote
Be ready for Election Day with iVoterGuide.
Compassion: It’s a messy business
One pastor’s efforts yield practical insights
on ministry to the homeless.
All in
A small church packs over 100,000 Operation
Christmas Child shoeboxes.
Pray for the persecuted
Christians are encouraged to gather and pray
for persecuted believers November 3.
28
I’ve always heard that there are two subjects you
don’t talk about in mixed company – religion and
politics. I suppose the reason we are told to avoid
religion and politics is because people are fixed in
their opinions; trying to change their views in a social
setting can lead to strong verbal disagreements.
With that being said, I am going to wade into the
area of … politics.
I was asked recently if I would vote for former
President Donald Trump, now that he has wavered
on his position on abortion. In September, Trump
expressed that he would, in fact, vote the correct
way (pro-life) on the Right to Abortion Initiative
(Florida Amendment 4) in November, even though
he personally thinks the ballot initiative is too
restrictive. He said Florida needs to allow “more
time” for women to consider getting an abortion.
In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed the
Heartbeat Protection Act (SB 300), which pro-
hibits abortion after six weeks’ gestation (with
some exceptions). It was signed into law by Gov.
Ron DeSantis (R). Trump was critical of the law
at that time.
However, to be fair to Trump, he was a staunch
pro-life president during his four years in the White
House. He followed through on every campaign
promise he made to the pro-life community, as
best I can recall. He was the first sitting president to
speak at the annual March for Life event. His federal
judicial appointments, including three Supreme
Court justices, were constitutional conservatives.
With that as the backdrop, it is valid to ask
whether I could, in good conscience, still vote for
Trump, given his evolving position on abortion.
The broader question is how we, as voters, decide
who we will vote for in any election – whether it
be for mayor, governor, president, or any position
in between. For me, here are a few of the qualifica-
tions I consider:
▶ Does the person have good character?
▶ Does the person believe in limited government?
▶ Does the person acknowledge God?
▶ Who are the people the candidate associates with?
When it comes to answering these questions
about Trump, he is a mixed bag. His faults are
plain to see, although he doesn’t see them. He is
boorish and over-the-top braggadocious, and he
runs his mouth too much. But he does have some
good qualities too. The man can definitely “take a
licking and keep on ticking,” as they say.
In addition, there are two crucial realities voters
must face:
▶ Who is the candidate running against?
▶ Can the candidate win?
When it comes to politics in our country, it’s the
vote of the public that decides who our leaders are.
Conservative Christians are a significant voting bloc,
but no single voting bloc decides elections. That’s
why I consider just how bad it will be if the worse
candidate wins. So, when someone says to me, “How
can you vote for… (fill in the blank)?” I ask, “Who
is the alternative, and what if my goal is to stop the
terrible ideas of the alternative?”
Some would call that compromising. I would
argue that it may be, and that is sometimes OK in
politics. After all, we are not talking about elect-
ing leaders of a local church where only Christians
vote; we are talking about the votes of the broad,
general public.
When I was a younger man, I tried being a
political purist, and it didn’t work. My guys rarely
won. So, I decided to look at politics through a
broader scope.
If you disagree, we can still be friends, as long
as you understand that I am right, and you are
wrong! Wait … that sounded boorish, didn’t it?
The broader
question is how
we, as voters,
decide who we
will vote for in
any election
– whether it
be for mayor,
governor,
president, or
any position in
between.
Religion and politics
BY TIM WILDMON
AFA PRESIDENT
4 THE STAND November 2024 afa.net/thestand
AFR to host election coverage
Culture Warrior:
Don Wildmon and the
Battle for Decency is
a new feature-length
documentary from
American Family Stu-
dios. It highlights the life and minis-
try of American Family Association’s
“Thank you all for upholding the truth
in our society, defending the lives of the
unborn, being a positive, encouraging
influence in the lives of believers, and
helping listeners stick to the truth of what
the Bible says about how we’re to operate.
Thank you for valiantly and courageously
speaking out on difficult topics, helping
believers to navigate the complexity of
issues and to see through a biblical lens,
and for pointing people to strong biblical
foundational resources.”
American Family Radio (AFR) will
cover the 2024 election returns begin-
ning at 6 p.m. Central on November 5.
Election coverage will be hosted by Fred
Jackson, Ed Vitagliano, Tim Wildmon,
Walker Wildmon, and Wesley Wildmon.
Special guests include Abraham Hamilton
III (6:30 p.m.), Sandy Rios (7:30 p.m.),
Tony Perkins (8:30 p.m.), and Jenna Ellis
(9:30 p.m.).
“It is not an exaggeration to say this
election is one of the most important
elections in recent history,” said Fred
Jackson, director of American Family
Don Wildmon documentary releasing soon
Testimony from an AFR listener
AFA Vice President Walker Wildmon
and a hefty lineup of panelists discuss
election-related content in the newest
episode of afa@HOME, an ongoing
video series addressing the cultural and
spiritual issues facing America today.
New ‘afa@HOME’
episode now available
News. “The two parties now stand for
two very different views for the future
of the nation. The news service has been
very busy in recent months bringing our
listeners and readers the details on those
very different views. Election night will
represent the jury’s decision of what view
will dominate critical political decisions
for years to come.”
Coverage will air on all AFR stations
and will also be available via the AFR
app, AFR social media pages, and at afr.
net. Video coverage can be viewed at
stream.afa.net.
founder. The film is set
to release November 11
via online streaming
and DVD preorder.
For more details, see
Pages 2 and 15.
Get a sneak peek by viewing the
trailer now at culturewarrior.movie.
Wildmon said the goal of this new
episode is “due diligence,” and he hopes
viewers will walk away from it with a
clearer, more concise view of all that is
at stake November 5.
Episode 6 of afa@HOME is now
available at stream.afa.net.
afa.net/thestand November 2024 THE STAND 5
AFA initiatives • Christian activism • News briefs
In April, the Biden administration
announced changes to Title IX, the
1972 civil rights law that banned sex-
ual discrimination against students and
employees at educational institutions
that receive federal funding.
The new rules broadened Title IX’s
language to include protection against
gender-identity and sexual-orientation
discrimination, leaving many apprehen-
sive that the federal government would
force schools to allow males to compete
in women’s sports, among other related
concerns. Numerous states, organizations,
and individuals filed lawsuits challenging
the new rules and seeking injunctions to
halt enforcement.
Several district courts granted the
injunctions, prompting the Biden admin-
istration to file an emergency request to
bypass the rulings and have the Title IX
changes implemented.
On August 16, the U.S. Supreme Court,
in a 5-4 decision, rejected the Biden admin-
istration’s request, allowing the injunctions
to remain in effect for the schools and juris-
dictions covered in the lawsuits.
In an August letter to the House Judi-
ciary Committee, Meta CEO Mark Zucker-
berg said his company was pressured by
the Biden administration to censor content
on Facebook, validating concerns about
government attempts to stifle free speech.
The letter, addressed to Committee
Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH), asserted the
pressure to censor was related to COVID-
19 and a 2020 New York Post story about
the infamous “Hunter Biden laptop.”
Zuckerberg wrote in the letter that he
believed “the government pressure was
wrong,” and he regretted his company was
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson
(R-LA) posted on X, “We applaud the
Supreme Court keeping the lower courts’
injunctions in place.”
christianpost.com, 8/16/24; thehill.com, 8/17/24;
pillsburylaw.com, 8/21/24; adflegal.org
Meta CEO reveals government
pressure to censor free speech
“not more outspoken about it.” He further
stated Meta was “ready to push back if
something like this happens again.”
As a result of the letter, the House
Judiciary GOP posted on X that the rev-
elations were a “big win for free speech.”
The White House response, issued
through Politico, stated: “We believe
tech companies and other private actors
should take into account the effects their
actions have on the American people,
while making independent choices about
the information they present.”
christianpost.com, 8/28/24
SCOTUS upholds injunctions;
women’s athletics protected
Connecticut high school sprinter
Chelsea Mitchell was deprived of
honors and opportunities after the
Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic
Conference adopted a policy that
allowed males who identify as females
to compete in girls’ athletic events.
Contact elected ocials
▶ The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Salutation: Dear Mr./Madam President
Comment line: 202.456.1111
Switch Board: 202.456.1414
TTY: 202.456.2613
whitehouse.gov/contact
▶ The Vice President
Old Executive Oce Building
Washington, DC 20501
Salutation: Dear Mr./Madam Vice President
All other contact information, same as above.
▶ U.S. House of Representatives
The Honorable (Full Name) __________
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Salutation: Dear Mr./Mrs. (Surname) _______
▶ U.S. Senate
The Honorable (Full Name) __________
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Salutation: Dear Senator (Surname) ________
▶ U.S. Capitol switchboard: 202.224.3121
TTY: 202.225.1904
▶ afaaction.net/contact-ocials
Find links to contact information for federal
and state ocials.
Stay involved, informed
▶ afa.net – Sign up for AFA Alert emails and
stay informed on issues that aect the family.
▶ afn.net – Find up-to-the-minute news at
AFA’s online news service.
▶ afr.net – American Family Radio broadcasts
on about 170 stations in three formats – AFR
talk, AFR inspiration (music and podcasts),
and AFR hybrid.
▶ afa.net/thestand – AFA’s ocial blog
addresses culture, faith, and family issues.
This site also includes online access to The
Stand magazine.
▶ afr.net/podcasts/the-stand-radio – A weekly
radio show featuring topics covered in The
Stand magazine and blog.
▶ onemillionmoms.com – Take action
to protect children from objectionable
elements in entertainment outlets.
▶ afajournal.org – This site archives past
issues of AFA Journal (1993-2021).
▶ afa.net/bydesign – This initiative aims to
restore biblical marriage in the culture.
▶ stream.afa.net – This platform hosts all AFA-
produced video content.
6 THE STAND November 2024 afa.net/thestand
According to USA Today, “Planned
Parenthood … placed reproductive
rights front and center at this year’s
Democratic National Convention
[DNC] in Chicago … [by] offering free
vasectomies, medication abortions, and
emergency contraceptives to attendees
through its mobile health bus.”
These “services” were provided by
the Planned Parenthood Great Rivers
of St. Louis, “directly challenging the
shifting landscape of reproductive rights
in the United States” following the 2022
overturn of Roe v. Wade.
While the DNC did not sponsor the
mobile unit that was set up in Chicago’s
West Loop, several blocks from the con-
vention site, it is no secret that the Demo-
cratic Party is in favor of abortions in the
name of women’s rights. As a result, critics
voiced distrust in a group that claims
religion – which was spoken about often
at the DNC – but ignores the Bible’s views
on the sanctity of human life.
usatoday.com, 8/19/24;
thegatewaypundit.com, 8/19/24;
pbs.org, 8/21/24
The Cultural Research Center (CRC)
of Arizona Christian University, under
the direction of Dr. George Barna, con-
ducted its annual American Worldview
Inventory (AWI) in January 2024. Two
thousand adults were questioned about
their beliefs and behaviors, with an
emphasis on a biblical worldview versus
competing worldviews.
Throughout each year, CRC
releases smaller, in-depth studies of
its annual AWI. Release #4 of 2024
was published in early August, and it
examined the current political influ-
ence of the evangelical voting bloc.
The results suggested that the power
of evangelical voters might be much
weaker than in previous voting cycles.
In 2016 and 2020, 80% of America’s
100 million self-described evangeli-
cal voters supported the Republican
presidential candidate. But in 2024,
that number is predicted to drop to 25
million, with one-third of evangelicals
claiming they might not vote this fall.
Researchers suggested different
reasons for this change in evangeli
-
cal voter strength, including disap-
pointment in the revised Republican
platform’s drift away from biblical val
-
ues. But Barna said the lower results
have more to do with the reluctance
of so-called evangelicals to truly live
out their faith in every arena of life,
including the voting booth.
Barna explained that evangelicals
struggle to connect biblical truth to
the political issues of the day, such as
abortion and transgenderism.
arizonachristian.edu, 8/6/24;
afn.net, 8/23/24
Views of vice presidential
candidate lean far left
Evangelicals
losing
influence in
America
Alexis McGill Johnson,
president and CEO of
Planned Parenthood,
addresses the Democratic
National Convention.
As the November
2024 election nears,
here is a brief overview of Democratic
vice presidential candidate and Minne-
sota Gov. Tim Walz’s idealistic views of
socialism and Chinese communism:
• On a July 29 Zoom call titled “White
Dudes for Harris,” Walz said: “One per-
son’s socialism is another person’s neigh-
borliness.”
• In an MSNBC interview in 2022, he
said: “There’s no guarantee to free speech
on misinformation or hate speech, and
especially around our democracy.”
• A 1991 article from Nebraska’s Alli-
ance Times-Herald quoted Walz, who said
he taught middle school social studies stu-
dents that in China’s Communist form of
government, “Everyone is the same, and
everyone shares. The doctor and the con-
struction worker make the same.”
• According to Walz’s wife Gwen, her
husband “wanted to have a [wedding]
date he’ll always remember,” so the cou-
ple married on the fifth anniversary of
Tiananmen Square [when the Chinese
government massacred several hundred
to several thousand protestors].
“Based on the above evidence, Gov.
Tim Walz may not be as moderate as
some have made him out to be. In fact,
it’s abundantly clear that he has governed
very liberally from a policy standpoint,”
said AFA Vice President Walker Wildmon.
nationalreview.com, 4/27/23, 8/7/24;
dailycaller.com, 8/18/24; freebeacon.com, 8/19/24
Planned Parenthood provides
abortions as DNC convenes nearby
afa.net/thestand November 2024 THE STAND 7
Earlier this year, the U.S. Marshals
Service (USMS) conducted “Operation
We Will Find You 2” to help locate and
recover “critically missing children”
nationwide. The six-week operation
included the assistance of federal, state,
and local agencies as well as the techni-
cal assistance of the National Center for
Missing and Exploited Children. Over-
all, according to a press release, USMS
successfully recovered 200 missing chil-
dren from various situations – 123 of
200 missing children found
them from dangerous situations and
77 of them from safe locations. Of the
children found, the youngest was only
5 months old.
“One of the most sacred missions of
[the] U.S. Marshals Service is locating and
recovering our nation’s critically missing
children,” said USMS Director Ronald L.
Davis. “This is one of our top priorities as
there remain thousands of children still
missing and at risk.”
justice.gov, 7/1/24
New life
in Christ
Salvation is God’s free gift to all
who repent of sin and call on Him.
▶ Perceive your need, and
turn to God in prayer
(Romans 3:23).
▶ Believe in Christ’s power to
save, and repent of your
sins (Mark 1:15).
▶ Receive His salvation,
and begin your new life
(Romans 10:9).
Need more counsel or insight?
▶ Need Him Global
This ministry was founded in
1996 by the Billy Graham Evan-
gelistic Association and other
evangelical ministries to help
persons come to faith in Christ.
needhim.org
888.633.3446
▶ AFA
Contact Pastor Joseph Parker,
AFA director of outreach and
intercession.
jparker@afa.net
662.844.5036 x381
8 THE STAND November 2024 afa.net/thestand
In 2023, when an unnamed Idaho
National Guard officer shared on social
media his Christian conservative opin-
ions regarding gender, homosexuality,
and the sexualization of children, he was
forced to resign his command imme-
diately after a subordinate guardsman
filed a military discrimination complaint.
The enlisted man who complained is a
practicing homosexual and claimed the
officer’s posts showed hatred toward the
LGBTQ community.
The officer initially complied with
the forced resignation but rescinded his
notice two hours later after consulting
with Liberty Counsel, who now repre-
sents him in the case to defend his First
Amendment rights.
“[The officer’s] superiors said, ‘You will
resign, or we will make this ugly,’” Lib-
erty Counsel’s Daniel Schmid explained.
“The [Army] investigator essentially said,
‘We can’t have these types of views going
forward.’”
Liberty Counsel referred the issue to
Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R). As of press
time, a response from the governor’s
office had not been recorded.
“The officer was making statements
on various issues in the culture today,
from a religious perspective, [and] the
First Amendment affords him that right,”
Schmid emphasized.
afn.net, 8/26/24; washingtonstand.com, 8/29/24
National
Guard forces
out Christian
beliefs
afa.net/thestand November 2024 THE STAND 9
Fund an annuity today but defer the payments until a time when
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The payment start date is lexible. In fact, the longer you wait before
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Good things come to those who wait.
10 THE STAND November 2024 afa.net/thestand
A significant shift in religious demographics is reportedly occur-
ring in Iran, with an estimated 1 million Muslims converting to
Christianity. This trend coincides with the closure of 50,000 out of
75,000 mosques across the country due to declining attendance,
according to senior cleric Mohammad Abolghassem Doulabi.
Christianity booms in Iran despite persecution
Multiple ministries, including The Tide and The Voice of
the Martyrs (VOM), attribute this phenomenon to Iranians
seeking hope amid widespread social and economic chal-
lenges. Todd Nettleton of VOM cites high drug-addiction
rates, rampant corruption, and widespread poverty as factors
driving people to explore alternatives to Islam. (See p. 28.)
However, this “Jesus revolution” has sparked government
pushback, as conversion from Islam to Christianity remains
illegal in Iran and is seen as “an attempt by the West to under-
mine Islam and the Islamic government,” according to Open
Doors, a well-known ministry that supports the persecuted
church. Reports indicate increased raids on Bible studies and
home churches, with leaders facing arrest and imprisonment.
Despite the risks, ministries report continued growth in
Christian conversions, noting that similar movements are
occurring throughout the Muslim world.
Meanwhile, post-pandemic religious revivals are also
emerging in the West, with the U.K. and the U.S. experienc-
ing increased church attendance and spiritual fervor in various
regions.
crosswalk.com, 8/1/24, 8/28/24
In 100 Bible Questions and Answers
for Families, Alex McFarland and Bert
Harper provide fresh research, timely
insight, and more.
Their accessible, concise responses
will equip you to understand what
Scripture says about God and life
through the Bible’s most controversial
passages and topics. You will
strengthen your relationship with
Months following
the tragic loss of their
5-year-old son Cooper,
J.J. and Melanie Jasper
shared their story in a
film titled Flame On.
Their story of personal
tragedy is also told on
the pages of Losing
Cooper: Finding Hope
to Grieve Well.
The book is
based on that
highly acclaimed
documentary, which features appearances by
Dr. James Dobson, Dr. David Jeremiah, and
other respected Christian leaders.
This book digs deep and provides answers
and help for those sinking in despair. It may
require courage to read this book, but in
doing so, you will find hope to grieve well.
Losing Cooper
Resources from AFA authors
Behind Closed Doors
100 Bible Questions and Answers for Familes
Today’s teens are feeling more
isolated, anxious, and depressed
than previous generations and
are struggling with more complex
challenges. Jessica Peck (DNP,
APRN) has spent countless
hours advising and encouraging
parents after talking to their
teens behind closed doors. In the
privacy of her exam room, she
has treated teens with mental
illnesses, responded to suicide
attempts, and treated self-harm
wounds as well as the emotional
trauma of cyberbullying, sexting,
pornography addictions, and numerous other issues.
Through it all, Peck found that teens really want to talk to
their parents but don’t know how.
Peck seeks to move the private conversations that
happen in the clinic to relationship-building conversations
at home. Behind Closed Doors is a guided lifeline to help
parents strengthen their connections with their kids.
Suggested
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Christ as you develop the confidence to
support and defend biblical truth.
Satisfy your curiosity and deepen your
knowledge of Scripture as the authors guide
your journey through God’s Word.
By Jordan Chamblee
The early Christian church set a powerful example of car-
ing for those in need, both within and beyond its immediate
community. This practice was deeply rooted in Scripture and
exemplified Christ’s teachings on compassion and love for all.
Jesus emphasized the importance of helping those in need in
Matthew 25:35-40.
Historical accounts also reveal how early Christians cared
for the needy, often at great personal risk. In his letter to
pagan priest Arsacius, the emperor Julian (331-363 A.D.)
reluctantly acknowledged, “The impious Galileans support
not only their own poor but ours as well.” By “Galileans,” he
was referring to Christians.
This generosity extended beyond the immediate community.
In Acts 11:27-30, Luke wrote about the church in Antioch send-
ing aid to those affected by famine in Judea, demonstrating its
concern for people beyond its local congregation.
Paul also encouraged this practice, as seen in Galatians 6:10:
“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,
and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”
The “least of these” today
Fast-forward to present day, and Christians find themselves
facing significant challenges in caring for those in need, particu-
larly the homeless. According to the U.S. Department of Hous-
ing and Urban Development’s point-in-time data, on a single
night in 2023, approximately 653,100 people were experiencing
homelessness in the United States. This number, roughly 20
out of every 10,000 people, represents the highest count since
reporting began in 2007.
The data reveals disturbing trends in homelessness. Homeless-
ness increased across all household types, with a significant overall
rise from the previous year. Particularly concerning is the sharp
increase in homelessness experienced by families with children.
Urban areas bore the brunt of this crisis, with most homeless
individuals being in cities. However, suburban and rural areas
also saw substantial numbers of people without stable hous-
ing. The data highlights the vulnerability of specific groups,
including families with children, unaccompanied youth, and
those age 55 or older.
As Christians grapple with these sobering statistics, the
words of Jim Yates, pastor of Auburn Baptist Church in Tupelo,
Mississippi, resonate deeply: “Jesus is the answer – one hun-
dred percent – when addressing both physical needs and
spiritual needs.”
The challenges
In an interview with The Stand, Yates shared his experi-
ences ministering to the homeless. Before becoming the pastor
of Auburn Baptist Church, Yates’ primary background was
youth ministry, serving in various churches across Mississippi,
from Kosciusko to Corinth. His
last role in youth ministry was at
First Baptist Church in Starkville
before he was called to Calvary
Baptist Church in Tupelo to serve
as associate pastor. In this role,
Yates focused on his two pas-
sions: discipleship and missions.
It was his passion for mis-
sions that led Yates to become
involved in homeless ministry.
He recalled, “The home-
less ministry really grew out
of my desire to strengthen the
body through discipleship and
to engage in local missions. I
noticed that [a homeless] shel-
ter was just two blocks from
our church, and I often saw
homeless individuals walk-
ing past. It struck me that we
had an opportunity to connect
with these people right in our
neighborhood. It wasn’t that I
specifically set out to minister
Compassi n:
One pastor’s efforts yield valuable and
practical ministry insights on helping the homeless.
it's a messy business
12 THE STAND November 2024 afa.net/thestand
to the homeless; rather, I saw them and
felt compelled to act.”
Yates has faced numerous challenges
in this ministry, and he stressed the
importance of understanding the com-
plexities involved.
“The primary challenge is understand-
ing that there’s no quick fix,” he explained.
“While Jesus is absolutely the answer and
the only hope, the reality is that many
homeless individuals are dealing with
deep-seated issues like addictions and
past traumas. Even after accepting Christ,
they often struggle with these challenges
and may return to familiar, albeit destruc-
tive, environments.”
He cautioned that those entering this
ministry should be prepared for disap-
pointment: “The idealistic view of some-
one trusting Christ, immediately getting
a job, and becoming a productive mem-
ber of society with a house and family is
rarely the reality. This ministry requires
long-term commitment and a willing-
ness to continue walking alongside people
through their struggles.”
Love in action
To maintain empathy and avoid cyni-
cism, Yates advocates for direct involve-
ment and building personal connections.
“One effective approach is to engage in
mission trips or visits to established home-
less ministries,” Yates said. “For instance,
we took teams to Beautiful Feet Church
in Fort Worth, Texas, which is dedicated
to serving the homeless population. These
experiences help people fall in love com-
passionately with the homeless by seeing
effective ministry in action.”
Back home in Tupelo, Yates initiated
a monthly breakfast program where
church members could interact with
homeless individuals.
“When you know someone’s name and
have heard their story, you see them dif-
ferently,” he shared. “Instead of viewing a
homeless person as a nuisance, as most of
the world tends to do, you recognize them
as someone you know, someone you spoke
with at breakfast recently.”
For churches looking to start a home-
less ministry in their community, Yates
advised beginning with manageable steps.
“Always start small and work your way
up,” he recommended. “Taking on too
much too quickly can overwhelm both
the church and the people you’re trying
to serve, especially if your congregation
hasn’t been involved in this type of min-
istry before.”
He suggested partnering with local
organizations to provide basic resources
like food or clothing.
“As you begin in these small ways, God
often expands the ministry from there,”
he said.
Yates also encouraged churchgoers who
may not feel qualified, saying that expertise
is not a prerequisite for starting a ministry.
“My background was in youth ministry,
not homeless outreach,” he admitted. “But
when I saw the need in our community, I
felt God calling us to act. Sometimes, that’s
all it takes to begin making a difference.”
According to The Chalmers Center (chalmers.org), “When we encounter some-
one living in poverty, we need to look at a wide range of root causes to understand
their situation and offer real help” – which is exactly what the center does by guid-
ing believers to rethink poverty and respond in practical, biblical ways.
In a Chalmers Center video titled People and Poverty are Complex, Pastor
Maurice Lattimore offers insights about helping those in need:
Poverty involves factors beyond individual choices, including cultural issues
than can trap people in cycles of hardship.
Our communities aren’t usually designed to build relationships.
Change happens slowly through relationships, not one-time fixes.
To view the video, visit chalmers.org/resources/videos/people-and-pov
erty-are-complex.
afa.net/thestand November 2024 THE STAND 13
Operation Christmas Child’s
National Collection Week
is November 18-25, 2024. A few
ways to get involved include:
▶ Packing a shoebox.
▶ Hosting a packing party.
▶ Praying over collected boxes.
▶ Volunteering at a processing
center.
For more information, visit
samaritanspurse.org/occ.
By Hannah Meador
Since 1993, churches nationwide have
participated annually in packing Opera-
tion Christmas Child (OCC) shoeboxes.
However, one church in Wild Peach,
Texas, takes packing these boxes to the
next level. In the past decade, the mem-
bers of Grace Baptist Church (GBC), a
current congregation of 55, have filled
more than 100,000 shoeboxes.
In a recent interview with The Stand,
GBC Pastor Mark Brumbelow and his
wife Cherry shared how the Lord has
used their church to advance the gospel
via shoeboxes.
“This isn’t about passing out toys,”
explained Mark. “It’s about getting the
gospel message around the world. The
shoebox is a wonderful and effective tool
to equip churches on the other side of the
world to present the gospel to children.”
Praying
GBC’s involvement with OCC began
in 2013 after the Brumbelows served at an
OCC processing center in Dallas, Texas.
Cherry explained that while there, they
realized “the magnitude of the ministry.”
“Most of all, we really learned a lot
about how every shoebox is a gospel
opportunity,” she continued.
Following this experience, in 2014,
Cherry began to pray and ask God to
show her how many shoeboxes the church
should pack for that year. After much
prayer, Cherry told Mark she believed
the Lord was leading them to pack 500
shoeboxes.
As the pastor of less than 30 members
at the time, Mark was initially concerned
that directing more funds to the growing
OCC project would decrease the sup
-
port for other ministries. Nevertheless,
he joined his wife in prayer and received
the same answer.
“God asked us to pack 500 shoeboxes,”
Mark explained. “We packed 532. … God
provided every penny plus more of the
suggested donation [per box for ship-
ping]. … [And that year,] every other
mission cause that our church supported
more than doubled what it had ever been.”
Packing
Over the past 10 years, GBC’s God-led
mission to pack shoeboxes has grown
exponentially. This May, GBC church
members celebrated packing
their 100,000th shoebox since
2014 – and they don’t plan
on slowing down. Their 2024
shoebox goal is 15,000 boxes,
and they were well on their way to meet-
ing that goal at press time. But to fill this
many boxes, GBC must be diligent in its
planning, purchasing, and packing.
At GBC, packing OCC shoeboxes is a
fellowship opportunity. Ten months out
of the year, the church plans and hosts a
monthly packing party. Due to limited
storage space, a team purchases most
of the boxes’ contents the week of that
month’s party, and then church members
gather at the church over the weekend
to pack the boxes. According to Cherry,
those fun-filled packing nights include
activities ranging from movie watching
to shooting fireworks. Volunteers of all
ages enjoy participating.
“[Once,] we had a little boy, 18 months
old, and a lady, 100 years old [partici-
pate],” Cherry shared. “And I thought,
what a beautiful picture … showing that
this really is a ministry that anybody can
be a part of.”
Mark explained that by joining
together in this project, the Brumbelows
and their church family have seen “Scrip-
ture in action.” They have witnessed the
Lord provide and strengthen their fellow-
ship through members’ faithful service
and giving.
“I wish I could just tell every pastor in
the whole world, ‘This will change your
congregation like nothing I have ever seen
in my life!’” Cherry exclaimed.
OCC shoeboxes packed in
Wild Peach, Texas, reach
children around the world
with toys, school supplies,
and personal care items.
with OCC and the gospel
Small Texas church is
ALL IN
14 THE STAND November 2024 afa.net/thestand
afa.net/thestand
Don Wildmon was a man ahead of his time. He had
the unique ability to connect the dots when it came
to seeing where America was heading, and he was
not afraid to take the heat in doing something about
it. Recently on The Stand Radio, I was joined by
M.D. Perkins, director of Culture Warrior, American
Family Studios’ new feature-length documentary about
the life and ministry of Don Wildmon.
Set to release November 11, Culture Warrior traces
the events and cultural climate that made Don Wildmon
a leader in the fight against abortion, pornography, and
the decline of the family. As Perkins reflected on what he
learned from the years of research and interviews that went
into the film, it became clear that Don Wildmon was bothered
not only by the flood of bad language, violence, and sexual
immorality filling our homes, but also by the huge erosion
of Christian influence in society.
As you listen to The Stand Radio each week, I
hope you will be challenged by the overarching
message of Culture Warrior: We may
not all have the national influence of
Don Wildmon, but God has called
each of us to do something – and
to be faithful in what we do.
— J C
(Left) Jeff Chamblee, producer/
host of The Stand Radio, and
M. D. Perkins discuss the life
and legacy of Don Wildmon. Tune in to The Stand Radio
on AFR, Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 8 p.m. Central,
or listen to the podcast anytime at afr.
net. Past episodes featuring a variety
of guests and issues are also available.
Scan the QR code to listen.
An interview with the director of a new documentary on the life and legacy of Don Wildmon
DON WILDMON AND THE BATTLE FOR DECENCY
By Emily Moorman
Merriam-Webster defines gluttony as “excess in eating or
drinking” or “greedy or excessive indulgence.” In Christianity,
gluttony can be described as a destructive sin that believers
often take less seriously than God.
In fact, Philippians 3:18-19 identifies the “enemies of the
cross of Christ” as people whose “god is their appetite” and
who live for worldly pleasures and indulgences. The Bible
repeatedly commands believers to be content with their
“daily bread,” yet many American Christians fail to heed
the biblical warning against overindulgence. Instead, they
view it as a mere suggestion instead of an integral part of
following Christ.
Identifying the problem
“Gluttony is the air we breathe in America. We are glutton-
ous of what we eat, what we drink, and how much we have,
and we are just so used to it that we don’t even realize that it
might be a sin,” Nate Hilgenkamp told The Stand.
Hilgenkamp is on staff at Harris Creek Baptist Church in
McGregor, Texas. He is also a co-host of the podcast Becoming
Something and has been outspoken about the consequences
of gluttony and the importance of a call to moderation.
While gluttony permeates American culture every day, on
no other day is it more apparent than Thanksgiving.
“Thinking about Thanksgiving, that is a day where we laugh
about the fact that we eat so much and then fall asleep on the
couch,” said Hilgenkamp.
Although gluttony may seem like a small problem, especially
around Thanksgiving when it is most celebrated, gluttony is
a symptom of a much deeper spiritual problem. It points to a
lack of faith in the Lord’s design and provision.
“There’s a desire in us to not trust God to give us what we
need, and [then] we want to take more than what we need,”
Hilgenkamp explained. “When we overeat, it’s us saying, ‘I
need more than what God designed my body to really need.’
It is a lack of faith in God.”
For example, when God mercifully delivered the Israelites
from Egypt, they began to grumble in the wilderness about
prospects of dying from hunger.
Though no longer in bondage, they longed for the days
of excess in Egypt when they sat by “the pots of meat” and
“ate bread to the full” (Exodus 16:3).
Despite their complaining, God heard their cries and
responded by providing a daily supernatural supply of bread
called manna.
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and a call to moderatIon
16 THE STAND November 2024 afa.net/thestand
Unlike the excess of Egypt, however,
the Israelites were instructed to gather
only what they needed for that day,
except for the day before the Sabbath,
when they were to gather double.
When they did gather excess, the
bread spoiled, smelled foul, and filled
with worms.
God’s purpose was to prove to His
people that He could be trusted to meet
their daily needs. In the same way, Jesus
instructs His people today to trust Him
with all things, including their appetites
(Matthew 6:25-34).
Taking charge of the body
To overcome the sin of gluttony, Chris-
tians need to be mindful not to respond to
cravings as if they are commands. Giving
in to one’s feelings and desires is often
the easiest and most instantly gratifying
path, but Hilgenkamp urges believers to
submit to the call of their Father and not
to the call of their cravings.
“You can train yourself to say, ‘No, I
don’t need to do whatever my cravings
tell me to do,’” he said.
Whether it be food or anything else
that leads to overconsumption and glut-
tony, believers must actively and inten-
tionally choose to follow the teaching of
the Bible and make their wills subservient
to the will of the Father.
Hilgenkamp explained, “You tell your
body ‘No’ because you don’t listen to your
feelings; you listen to your Creator.”
Following practical steps
It’s one thing to understand that
gluttony is a sin to be avoided; it’s an
entirely different thing to take the nec-
essary steps to pursue righteousness in
response to gluttony.
Fortunately, God promises that there is
no temptation too alluring to overcome,
and Hilgenkamp offers valuable insight
into practicing moderation at Thanksgiv-
ing feasts: “The right thing to do is put
the food on your plate that would sustain
you, and you don’t need to take more than
that. … When your stomach is telling you
you’re full, you’re full, and you don’t need
to eat that second piece of pie.”
Choosing to refrain from overeating
at Thanksgiving may receive some curi-
ous looks from friends and family, but
Hilgenkamp reminds Christians that
receiving stares and inquiries should be
taken as a compliment.
He added, “You may feel like an outlier
on Thanksgiving, but that is a good thing.
We walk a narrow path.”
While Thanksgiving highlights the sin
of gluttony, every day brings an oppor-
tunity to overindulge. Overindulgence
also includes anything a believer uses or
acquires in excess, such as clothes, alco-
hol, money, or screen time.
Gluttony also involves overindulging
for comfort and emotional solace.
“We can use it as a way to deal with
anxiety or stress,” said Hilgenkamp.
“Rather than going to God, we go to food.
We seek out comfort from food rather
than our Creator.”
Practicing fasting
One way to combat gluttony is to
practice fasting from food and other
indulgences.
“Fasting is really important because
it tells your body that it is not in charge
of your life,” Hilgenkamp reasoned. “You
might have cravings for food, but you
don’t need to follow all those cravings.”
Fasting teaches the flesh that the
Spirit is in control, helping the believer
to gain control over the temptation to
be gluttonous.
Heeding caution
However, Hilgenkamp warns Chris-
tians to be aware of potential dangers
associated with restricting food intake.
“Eating disorders are prevalent in the
church, so when we talk about gluttony
or watching our food intake, there can
be an unhealthy side to it,” he cautioned.
The key to making food-related
changes in the face of disorder is to
invite trusted friends and mentors into
the process.
Hilgenkamp explained, “If you know
you are prone to disordered eating, never
make food changes in isolation; always
do this in community.”
This will provide the believer with the
necessary accountability and support to
make food-related changes in a healthy
and God-honoring way.
Going beyond Thanksgiving
There is no question that the tempta-
tion to be gluttonous this Thanksgiving
will be on the table – both literally and
figuratively – but so will the ability to
deny the flesh through the power of the
Holy Spirit. May all believers submit to
the Father’s call for moderation this hol-
iday season and each day thereafter.
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afa.net/thestand November 2024 THE STAND 17
18 THE STAND November 2024 afa.net/thestand
Seven key issues reveal a great difference in America’s major political parties.
This is a summary compiled by AFA Action from the 2024
party platforms for the two largest U.S. political parties. AFA
Action is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to
advancing biblical family values in society and government by
educating and influencing public policy. AFA Action is also the
governmental affairs affiliate of American Family Association.
SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE
D
emocrats believe that abortion is a woman’s funda-
mental right and will fight to reinstate Roe as supreme
law. In so doing, they believe they will “restore reproductive
freedom” for every woman nationwide by protecting abortion
access through new paths, such as allowing pharmacies to
dispense abortion pills, expanding access to abortion under
Medicaid, and ensuring that abortion bans are overridden
in instances deemed as “emergency care.” The work of the
Center for Reproductive Rights will continue, providing
access to abortion-related legal defense. Democrats will
select leaders at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
who defend abortion.
R
epublicans proudly stand for life and oppose late-term
abortion. The 14th Amendment guarantees that no per-
son can be denied life or liberty without due process; this is
ensured by giving power to the states to pass life-protecting
laws by a vote of the people.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, AND PARENTAL RIGHTS
D
emocrats will pass the Equality Act to guarantee protec-
tions for LGBTQI+ Americans and same-sex marriage,
and they will continue efforts to protect LGBTQI+ adults
in the adoption and foster care systems.
Democrats will ban the use of conversion therapy on
children who identify as LGBTQI+.
Worlds
apart
R
epublicans believe in the sanctity of marriage, the
foundational role of the family, and the restoration of
parental rights.
Republicans trust that parents, not the government, are
the best decision-makers for their children.
EDUCATION AND SCHOOL CHOICE
D
emocrats believe every student deserves a quality educa-
tion, regardless of their parents’ zip code or income, and
they will oppose initiatives that divert taxpayer dollars from
public education, such as private school vouchers, tuition
tax credits, and opportunity scholarships. Democrats will
work to extend the school day and school year nationally
and prioritize STEAM (science, technology, engineering,
the arts, and mathematics) education for underrepresented
communities.
They will also provide subsidized tuition to all minority-
serving institutions for families earning below $125,000
annually.
Title IX will be enforced to guarantee “educational envi
-
ronments free from sex discrimination, including on the
basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.”
Republicans are committed to restoring parental rights
in education and cultivating great K-12 schools that
promote a safe learning environment free from government
overreach. The First Amendment right to pray and read the
Bible in school will be defended.
Rather than left-wing propaganda, fundamental skills
– such as reading, history, science, and math – will be the
core of education. Schools will be defunded if they attempt
to use federal taxpayer dollars to indoctrinate children with
inappropriate ideologies and agendas, such as critical race
theory and radical gender ideologies.
Teacher tenure will end, and merit pay will be adopted.
afa.net/thestand November 2024 THE STAND 19
Republicans support universal school choice in
every state, the expansion of 529 Education Savings
Accounts, and equal support for homeschooling
families. These policies will empower families to
choose the best path of education for their children.
Education will return to the states, and the reign of
the Department of Education will end.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Democrats advocate for the First Amendment right to
free exercise of religion and stand firm on the separa-
tion of church and state.
Democrats prioritize fighting antisemitism and Islamo-
phobia, both nationally and internationally, and are launch-
ing a national strategy to counter Islamophobia and other
forms of bias and discrimination while also condemning
“white nationalist terrorism.”
Republicans unapologetically defend the First Amend-
ment right to religious liberty, protect the freedom for
every person to not only worship according to their religious
beliefs but to act on them in everyday life, and respect every
American citizen’s right to follow their deeply held beliefs.
They support the creation of a new federal task force that
will be deployed to fight anti-Christian bias and protect
religious liberty, investigating all cases of discrimination,
harassment, and persecution against Christians.
IMMIGRATION
D
emocrats will push Congress to pass legislation that will
reform the asylum system, expand legal immigration,
and support pathways to citizenship for long-term undocu-
mented individuals.
Democrats will implement the U.S. Citizenship Act to per-
manently increase family-sponsored and employment-based
immigration, increasing the number of available immigrant
visas by 250,000 over the next five years.
R
epublicans are committed to completing the border
wall and deporting the millions of illegal aliens that the
current administration deliberately encouraged to enter the
country. Actions will be taken to ensure that anyone enter-
ing our country has the legal right to do so. The Democrats’
open-border policies will be reversed, and merit-based
immigration will be prioritized to ensure those entering our
country offer a positive contribution rather than a drain on
public resources.
Republicans will strengthen Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE), cut federal funding for sanctuary cities,
and invoke the Alien Enemies Act “to remove known or
suspected gang members, drug dealers, or cartel members
from the United States.” They will reinstate the travel ban
and use Title 42 to return all trafficked children to their
families in their home countries.
JUDGES
Democrats will continue to appoint justices and judges,
across the federal bench, who are like Justice Ket-
anji Brown Jackson and “look like America.” The goal is
a Supreme Court that “follows the rule of law” and rejects
far-right agendas.
Republicans are committed to upholding the Constitu-
tion of the United States and will appoint judges who
respect the rule of law and defend every American’s right
to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The Supreme
Court will remain at nine justices.
HEALTH CARE
D
emocrats believe that quality, affordable health care
should be available to all Americans and will fight to
protect and expand their Affordable Care Act. Dem-
ocrats support Medicaid expansion and will push
Congress to further expand Medicaid-like coverage
to uninsured, low-income adults. Financial barriers
to Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
will be removed, and it will be easier for parents
to keep their children on Medicaid. Paperwork
resubmission will only be required every three
years (instead of annually) for children under 6 years of age.
Democrats will continue to fight for the health care rights
of LGBTQI+ youth by banning conversion therapy and
protecting “gender-affirming care” (including sex change
surgeries and hormone therapies for children).
R
epublicans believe that quality health care should be
affordable and accessible for all Americans, so they will
increase transparency in health care and promote choice
and competition, expanding access to new affordable health
care options.
Republicans will protect Medicare and low-cost health
care for senior citizens and will restore Trump-era reforms
to expand veterans’ health care choices.
To view each platform in its entirety, visit:
Republican – prod-static.gop.com/media/RNC2024-Platform.pdf
Democratic – democrats.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/FINAL-
MASTER-PLATFORM.pdf
20 THE STAND November 2024 afa.net/thestand
WILL YOU TAKE A STAND?
ACTIVATE.AFA.NET
BIBLICAL
WORLDVIEW
TRAINING
Unit 3: Marriage and Family
God never meant for mankind to be alone. He created people to live in community, and that
starts with marriage and family. Studies show that husbands, wives, and children all thrive best
when part of a family unit. God’s design is sacred and powerful, and that is why Satan seeks to
rip families apart every chance he can get. Learning to defend God’s definition of marriage and
His purpose for family will better equip believers to reach a lost and hurting world.
Activate Unit 3 contains four sessions, each taught by different instructors: Abraham
Hamilton III, Jeff and Debbie Schreve, Meeke Addison, or Bert Harper. These experts address
what the Bible says about marriage, the biblical roles of each spouse, how to parent biblically,
and how to reverse the curse of sin’s impact on families.
• Available online for
individuals ($200); small
groups ($400); church
groups ($750).
• Includes 18 video sessions
led by trusted instructors.
• Includes one-year access
to stream.afa.net.
• Includes printed workbook,
memory verses, and
discussion questions.
afa.net/thestand November 2024 THE STAND 21
Meeke Addison
Bert Harper
Unit 3 Professors:
Abraham Hamilton III
Jeff and
Debbie Schreve
One of AFA’s well-established core values is family. AFA
continually aims to “strengthen biblical marriages and equip
parents to raise godly children.” In modern-day America, that
is no small feat. Today, for many, the stable, traditional, and
biblical family model is seen as an outdated institution.
According to a United States Census Bureau report titled
America’s Families and Living Arrangements: 2022, “About 47%
of households were married couple households in 2022, down
from 71% in 1970.” The Census Bureau also released a Novem-
ber 2023 chart titled "Children’s Living Arrangements," which
shows the alarming number of children under age 18 who
were living in broken homes:
▶ 15,086,000 lived with their mother only.
▶ 3,054,000 lived with their father only.
▶ 2,735,000 lived with no parent.
With statistics like these – along with anti-family messages
infiltrating homes via social media, entertainment, and major
news networks – it is no wonder that many Americans lack bibli-
cal knowledge concerning God’s perfect design for marriage
and family. For that to change, individuals need to recognize
the importance of family by returning to the truth found in
God’s Word.
Marriage
That is why Unit 3 of Activate, AFA’s new biblical worldview
training curriculum, helps believers see through the Enemy’s
facade in an effort to better equip them to be spouses, parents,
and disciples of Christ actively battling against the culture’s lies
about marriage and family.
Jeff and Debbie Schreve, of From His Heart Ministries
(fromhisheart.org), are two of the unit’s instructors.
Throughout their time together in ministry, the Schreves,
who have been married for 38 years, have seen how honor-
ing God as a couple has impacted their marriage.
“Our marriage and family have given us credibility in ministry
and empathy in ministry,” Jeff explained. “We have a marriage
that we can hold up – not as a model of perfection, but as a
model of moving in the right direction as we grow in love for
one another.”
In their session, the Schreves explain how the critical, specific,
God-given roles within a marriage can depict Christ’s love for
the church. They also address other Scripture-backed truths
seldom talked about in today’s culture.
“Marriage is a picture of our walk with Christ,” Jeff shared.
“You can never coast. You must always be pursuing oneness
and closeness with the Lord and with your spouse.”
Family
But often, the family unit extends beyond just the husband
and wife. Therefore, healthy Christian marriages and biblical
parenting go hand in hand.
“Marriage [and] family are the crucible in which we live
out our faith,” Jeff explained. “If it doesn’t work at home, does
it work at all?
“It is important to have a thriving marriage as we parent
and minister. … Your kids know what’s real and what’s fake.
The greatest gift you can give your kids is a strong, stable,
loving marriage.
“The Activate project is a great way to grow spiritually as a
couple and as a family,” Jeff added. “The Christian life is a journey,
not a destination. As we learn from others and learn with our
families, we strengthen our faith and our witness in this world.”
Staff writer Hannah Meador takes an
in-depth look at Unit 3.
By Matthew White
When in history did the idea arise that Christians should
withdraw from the political process and be disengaged from
cultural battles?
In his recent book, Silence Equals Consent – The Sin of Omis-
sion: Speak Now or Forever Lose Your Freedom, William Federer
explores that question and seeks to bring clarity on what role,
if any, Christians play in shaping society around them.
Federer, a bestselling author, historian, and nationally known
speaker, told The Stand about his new book and his observations
and concerns regarding the present state of culture.
Silent Christians
Federer explained that he wrote the book, in part, because
he realized so many professing Christians are actually being
silent by not voting.
He mentioned one statistic that indicated some 80 million
Americans identify as Christian. But only half of that number
are registered to vote, and of those registered, only half actually
do vote. This translates to a mere quarter of professing believers
going to the polls on Election Day.
Federer also cited a George Barna poll revealing that out
Why are Christians not speaking up?
Endorsing
EVIL
by staying silent
“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless.
Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”
DIETRICH BONHOEFFER
of those who claim to be Christians, only 30 million qualify
as evangelicals with a biblical worldview, and a third of those
do not vote.
In short, whether tracking all professing believers or those
who have a worldview consistent with a true believer, the statis-
tics indicate a trend of millions within the so-called evangelical
voting bloc that simply do not vote.
“I thought, ‘Where did this idea of not voting come from?’”
Federer asked.
He believes the idea can be traced back to Pietism, a Chris-
tian movement that arose in Germany in the 17th century on
the heels of the Protestant Reformation.
“Pietists emphasize an experience with Jesus,” Federer said.
“After that experience, according to Pietists, one will no longer
be involved with worldly things, including government.
“Pietism eventually morphed into the German concept of the
two kingdoms,” stated Federer, “the kingdom of the government
and the kingdom of the church, and the two were not to touch.”
By the 18th century, such thought had made its way to
America but stood in stark contrast with the beliefs of the
Christians who had settled there many years before.
“For the entire 1600s in America, everyone was involved
22 THE STAND November 2024 afa.net/thestand
in both the church and the city govern-
ment,” Federer said “because the Christian
churches were the ones founding the cities.
“So, while the Puritans believed you
could be involved in both the church
and government, the Pietists said, ‘No,
if you’re really a Christian, you’re going
to withdraw from worldly things, includ-
ing the government,’” Federer explained.
The danger of silence
There is an obvious problem, however,
when those who are called to be salt and
light withdraw from public discourse.
“If those who are spiritual with-
draw from government, who’s left to be
involved but those who are less spiritual?”
Federer questioned. “And because they’re
less spiritual, they’re going to yield to
their ambitions and become power hun-
gry and become tyrants.”
Federer pointed to Nazi Germany as
an example of what can happen when the
church believes it should have no voice
in the government.
“Four centuries of that teaching in
Germany allowed Hitler to put Jews on
the train cars. And those Jews cried out
for help as they passed by the churches
on their way to be killed,” he said. “And
the churches’ response was, ‘Well that’s
the government killing the Jews, and we’re
the church and can’t get involved in gov-
ernment. So, let’s just sing praise songs
to Jesus louder.’”
Federer’s goal is not to bash Pietism. In
fact, he gave credit to Pietists for much of
the good they brought about by spread-
ing the gospel and sparking revivals. He
believes, as the Pietists, that a personal
experience with Jesus is imperative.
“But why can’t there be both?” Federer
asked. “Why can’t we have a covenant
form of government where we the people
rule ourselves and have a personal experi-
ence with Jesus?”
The sinfulness of silence
Federer contends that silence is not
only dangerous, but it can be sinful.
“For those who think they are being
spiritual by not being involved in politics,
I have a question,” Federer stated. “What
do you do with Numbers 30, the ‘silence
equals consent’ chapter of the Bible?”
Federer explained that the book of
Numbers, Chapter 30, details examples
in which a person’s silence gives approval
to the vows of another.
Federer said one of the examples in
Numbers 30 is the origin of the familiar
phrase heard at many wedding ceremonies:
“Speak now, or forever hold your peace.”
“The pastor is essentially telling the
church that if they are silent, they are
giving their consent to the marriage,”
he explained. “And if a church member’s
silence gives consent to wedding vows,
it gives consent to other things as well.”
Federer also offered the example from
Numbers 20 of Moses and Aaron not
being allowed to enter the Promised
Land because of rebellion. Moses struck
the rock for water rather than speaking
to it as God had commanded.
“When Moses lifted up the rod the first
time and hit the rock, it probably took
Aaron by surprise, but when he lifted
up the rod the second time, Aaron knew
what was coming, and he did not protest,”
Federer said. “He was silent, and in that
instant, Aaron was guilty. Moses’ [sin]
was a sin of commission; Aaron’s was a
sin of omission.”
Similar sins of omission are happen-
ing with increasing frequency in this
nation today.
Federer listed abortion, child muti
-
lation (under the guise of transgender
care), and child sex trafficking as just a
few examples.
“Where’s the church in all this?”
Federer asked. Then highlighting the
deafening silence of the church, he
answered sarcastically, “Oh, we don’t want
to get involved in politics.”
Choosing sides
Evil is always a force to be reckoned
with, but in a godly society, it is often kept
at bay and relegated to operating in the
dark.
However, in the past decade or so,
evil seems to have emerged from the
shadows and has manifested itself in
undeniable ways.
To illustrate how overt the evil has
become, Federer pointed to satanic
clubs at elementary schools, satanic
“trans-clothes” designers for Target,
a satanic-themed cartoon by Disney,
satanic-themed Grammys, satanic stat-
ues at state capitols, and the blasphemous
opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
“I think God is letting the evil be
exposed because He is pushing the world
to a decision-making moment,” Federer
said. “And I think God is saying, ‘I’m pull-
ing back the curtain to make this really
easy. God or the devil – you choose.’”
To be clear, silence is not neutral.
Silence equals consent. As German theo-
logian Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Silence
in the face of evil is itself evil.”
Federer concluded, “I think God is
looking to see who will stand back, do
nothing, and by their silence give their tacit
approval to the evil – or who will stand up
and say, ‘I just can’t be silent anymore.’”
Why are Christians not speaking up?
by staying silent
Federer’s book, Silence Equals
Consent, along with his many
other books, writings, videos,
and resources, can be found at
americanminute.com.
For more information on what
role Christians should play in
society, watch The Biblical
Case for Cultural Engagement
with Abraham Hamilton III at
stream.afa.net, or find it on
DVD at resources.afa.net.
afa.net/thestand November 2024 THE STAND 23
By Jenna Ellis, AFR host
Ahead of every important election cycle, the following ques-
tions are raised: “Is it critical that I vote? And must Christians
be involved in elections?”
The Bible teaches that God ordained three spheres of gov-
ernment: church government, family government, and civil
government. God delegated specific, limited authority and
powers to each institution for it to operate effectively, accord-
ing to His design.
The church is obligated to evangelize, disciple and disci-
pline Christians, and exercise ecclesiastical authority over
God’s people. The family is obligated to be faithful in mar-
riage and to disciple and discipline children; the husband/
father is to exercise authority over the family unit. Likewise,
the civil government is obligated to protect and preserve
the rights and powers of the church and family institu-
tions, promote the common good and punish evildoers,
and exercise the limited powers of civil government over
the whole of society.
An obligation and a duty
We, as Christians, readily recognize the obligation and duty
to be members and good stewards of our families and our
churches. We are required to be actively engaged in church
– whether we are pastors or parishioners. We are required to
be faithful members of our families – whether we are parents
or children.
But do we understand our biblical obligation and duty to
be good citizens in our civil society?
We are to be good citizens regardless of what form or
system of government our nation provides – not just when
a particular form of government or certain leaders suit us.
In Matthew 22:21, Jesus commanded, “Render to Caesar the
things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”
He was speaking of the duty of God’s people to be good citi-
zens in civil government and good citizens of God’s kingdom.
Similarly, 1 Peter 2:11-17 exhorts us to live godly lives and
honor our civil government, even in a pagan society. We are to
live morally upright lives among the ungodly and submit our-
selves to civil authorities, since God intends for those authorities
to be a means by which evil is punished and good is rewarded.
(See also Romans 13.)
But what if the civil government is not doing good or is
acting illegitimately, against God’s commands?
A privilege
In America’s constitutional republic, we have the privilege of
determining who exercises the powers of government over us.
In some instances, as through propositions, amendments, and
initiatives, we also decide what our laws and policies dictate.
Our leaders are not entitled to power through birthright or
conquest, but they must earn the opportunity to be in public
office through citizens’ support.
That is why it is so important for Christians in America to
vote and participate in our form of government so that our
influence will result in the best possible civil government that
will promote good, punish evil, and act according to truth,
rather than paganism.
We help our government promote common good by vot-
ing based on our values. We must remember that we are not
voting for the personal likability (or dislike) of a particular
candidate. As Christians, we are voting because we have the
responsibility in America to select our leaders. We should
select the best possible option available, in accordance with
the Bible’s commands.
Think about it: How much easier is it for the Christian to
The Christian’s duty and privilege in American society
Being a
GOOD
citizen
24 THE STAND November 2024 afa.net/thestand
honor government when government is
honoring God?
By voting, we can also influence judi-
cial retentions, ballot measures, constitu-
tional amendments, school boards, and
a host of other offices and issues. Why
would we not exercise our godly influ-
ence in these important areas?
For example, in this November’s
election, 10 states have ballot measures
that would cement a “right” to late-term
abortion in the state’s constitution. Pro-
tecting the unborn’s right to life and
refusing taxpayer-funded abortions are
absolutely issues in which we Christians
must engage and do everything in our
power to oppose, in order to bring about
a righteous outcome.
It is the duty of the Christian to be
a good citizen of our civil society and a
good steward of our government, espe-
cially in a system like America’s where
we have the blessings of liberty to engage
through our voice and our vote.
A matter of conscience
So, what about abstaining from voting
as a matter of conscience?
It is important to extend grace to each
other when discussing this topic because
it is a matter of wisdom rather than a
specific biblical command or prohibi-
tion. God does not command us to take
specific actions as a citizen in a constitu-
tional republic. Rather, He provides us
with principles we are to follow.
Some Christians, based on their own
consciences before the Lord, and perhaps
on their own experiences, may arrive at
different conclusions as to what is the best
way to discharge their duty of stewardship
in citizenship. That is OK, if each alterna-
tive is still within the principles of God.
Scriptural references to conscience advise
that for actions that are not specifically
proscribed or prohibited by God, these
are a matter of wisdom.
Just because a decision is a matter
of wisdom does not always mean every
possible decision can be justified within
the principles God provides. For exam-
ple, when choosing whom to marry, a
believer may have several options for a
spouse. But one of those options should
not be an unbeliever, because God pro-
hibits the Christian from choosing
to be yoked to an unbelieving spouse
(2 Corinthians 6:14-15).
So, you must first determine whether
the decision is a matter of command/
prohibition or wisdom. If it is a matter of
wisdom, you must resolve which options
would be permissible before the Lord.
Then, within those objective, biblically
permitted options, you must determine
which is right as a matter of your own
conscience before the Lord.
Faithful Christians throughout Ameri-
GOOD
citizen
We are to be good
citizens regardless of
what form or system of
government our nation
provides – not just when
a particular form of
government or certain
leaders suit us.
ca’s history have pondered how to steward
their citizenship. Some chose to vote for
the best possible option to advance good,
while others, as a matter of conscience,
could not do the same.
If there are specific elections or
questions on the ballot from which a
Christian personally believes he must
abstain as a matter of conscience, then
he should consider each part of the ballot
individually – not abstain from the whole
just because of one part.
A daily responsibility
We, as Christians, should not think
of exercising our vote and involvement
only in the presidential race or only on
one issue or only on Election Day. Every
day, we have work to do for the Lord for
righteousness’ sake, not just on Election
Day. Even if we elect righteous candidates
to office, we have a responsibility to pray
for them and hold them accountable to
fulfill their governmental duties.
We can be involved in our state and
federal legislatures by suggesting, sup-
porting, or opposing legislation; testify-
ing; communicating the biblical position
to our representatives; and encouraging
our communities and churches to do the
same. We need to view civic engagement
as a regular part of our Christian life.
We need to encourage our churches and
pastors to engage and speak, from the
pulpit, about moral issues as well as the
necessity of praying for and holding our
leaders accountable.
As America heads into our Novem-
ber election and beyond, pray for our
country, its leaders, and our citizens.
afa.net/thestand November 2024 THE STAND 25
By Joy Lucius
First called Armistice Day, November
11, 1919, reminded a grateful nation that
World War I had officially ended one year
earlier, at the 11th hour on the 11th day
of the 11th month of 1918.
By 1938, this annual day of com-
memoration had grown from a national
observance to a federal holiday. Then,
in 1954, following World War II and the
Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisen-
hower officially rededicated November
11 as Veterans Day, honoring veterans
from all branches of the United States
Armed Forces, which now include the Air
Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps,
National Guard, Navy, and Space Force.
A heartfelt thanks
American Family Association (AFA)
employs several veterans, including Bo
Hefner, AFA’s director of campus opera-
tions. Hefner, an Air Force veteran him-
self, credits two veterans for changing the
trajectory of his life from possible high
school dropout to dedicated husband,
father, and youth minister.
“Before my senior year,” Hefner shared,
“I began dating Heather [now my wife]
and met her grandfather, retired Lt. Col.
Bill Finch.”
Affectionately called “Gramps,” Finch
quickly captivated Hefner’s attention with
stories of his military experiences from
20-plus years in the Air Force.
Hefner was also impacted by retired
Senior Master Sgt. Jim Bob McCarty,
who started the Air Force Junior ROTC
(JROTC) program at Hefner’s high
school. Instead of foregoing graduation
for work, Hefner was encouraged by
McCarty to return to school, where he
excelled, earning top JROTC rankings
and enlisting in the Air Force.
Hefner explained how these men sup-
ported and mentored him from that time
forward: “So much of who I am today is
due to God’s providential timing in plac-
ing these two veterans in my life.”
A challenge to accept
In response to their impact, Hefner
challenges others to mindfully recognize
and honor local veterans. However, he
did not emphasize just how imperative
that challenge really is.
According to the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs website, there are
currently 18.6 million living veterans,
accounting for 6% of America’s popula-
tion. But, sadly, that number is slated to
drop more than a third by 2048.
With that sobering thought in mind,
The Stand decided to recognize and prop-
erly thank each of the veterans working
here at AFA:
• Britt Baskett (Army Reserve)
• Ken Green (Army)
• Bo Hefner (Air Force)
• Fred Jackson (Canadian Air Force)
• Randy Lucius (Air Force)
• Thomas May (Army)
• Kevin Parker (embedded with
Army)
• Bobby Roza (Air Force)
• Geoff Wagner (National Guard)
• Matthew White (National Guard)
AFA is thankful for these men, who
voluntarily served on behalf of families
and communities as well as an entire
nation.
These are but 10 of the millions of ser-
vicemen and service women who can
be found in workplaces throughout this
country. Each day, these veterans are still
contributing to America, right in front of
an often-forgetful nation.
Perhaps it is high time to heed Hefner’s
challenge to diligently look for and honor
local veterans, not only this Veterans Day
but every day.
As Hefner so aptly reminded, “Amer-
ica’s freedoms are due, in large part, to
America’s veterans.”
AFA Veterans – Back row, left to right: Britt
Baskett , Fred Jackson, Bobby Roza, and
Matthew White
Front row, left to right: Thomas May, Geoff
Wagner, Randy Lucius, and Bo Hefner
Not pictured: Ken Green and Kevin Parker
26 THE STAND November 2024 afa.net/thestand
Veterans Day
REMEMBER • HONOR • THANK
afa.net/thestand November 2024 THE STAND 27
xplore the birthplace of
the American Revolution.
From Plymouth Rock to the
Freedom Trail to the Old
North Church, and many more places,
trace God’s fingerprints in the region that
starred in America’s Colonial history.
Led by AFA President Tim Wildmon
and his wife Alison, the pilgrimage will
pique your appreciation and gratitude for
our nation’s uniqueness and the history of
the remarkable men and women God used
to found it.
Along with historian Stephen
McDowell, the Wildmons have been
leading tours for over two decades to
Israel, Washington, D.C., and Colonial
Williamsburg. They know how to get the
wildmongroup.com
most out of each day. Now the Wildmons,
along with their sons, Wesley and Walker,
are adding Boston to their tour offerings.
• October 12-17, 2025
• Focus on the region’s rich
Christian heritage
• Five nights at the Hyatt Place
Boston/Seaport District
• All entrance fees included
• All meals included (except lunches
and two dinners on your own)
• Comfortable motor coach
• Fun and fellowship with Christians
from across the country
For more details, including an itinerary
and costs, visit:
Discover America’s providential founding.
NEW SPIRITUAL HERITAGE TOUR FOR 2025
By Parker Kate May
The 2024 International Day of Prayer (IDOP) is Sunday,
November 3, and Christians across the country are encouraged
to gather and pray for persecuted believers.
For years, The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM,
persecution.
com), a ministry that serves persecuted Christians around the
globe, has worked to promote awareness of Christians who risk
their lives to minister in areas of the world where they could be
killed for spreading the gospel. IDOP is one way VOM fosters
such awareness.
“The idea of calling people to pray for persecuted Christians
isn’t really an idea cooked up by VOM or by any one ministry.
That idea comes from persecuted Christians themselves,” said
Todd Nettleton, VOM vice president of message. “When we go
and meet with them and serve them, the first thing that they
ask us to do is … to pray.”
The aim of IDOP is to get Christians at home to recognize
this need and pray for these individuals who risk their lives
daily to serve the Lord.
Nettleton added, “We hope that people will answer that
call in their own personal prayers, in their family prayer time,
in their small groups or Sunday School classes, and as entire
congregations gather together.”
The focus
This year, VOM is highlighting pastors serving in the “red
zones” of Colombia. Red zones are places where Marxist guer-
rillas or other paramilitary forces have gained control over an
area and are actively stopping the spread of Christianity, making
it dangerous to evangelize.
“Pastors serving in these red zones know that their lives are
at risk,” Nettleton explained. “And yet they know that God has
called them [there], and they trust in His care to continue the
work until He calls them to heaven.”
While the focus of the 2024 IDOP is on Colombian pastors,
the purpose of the day remains the same from year to year,
which is to pray for persecuted Christians – no matter where
they are serving.
“Knowing the challenges they face and seeing their incred-
ible courage in the midst of it will inspire us to pray not only for
persecuted pastors in Colombia, but also for Christians facing
persecution in Iran, North Korea, northern Mozambique, and
so many other nations around the world,” Nettleton said.
The film
Although Christians are called to pray, not everyone knows
where to start. That is why VOM has various resources to help
people not only be informed but involved.
Nettleton said, “Probably the most significant new resource is
this year’s film [that was] created especially for the 2024 IDOP.”
The short film titled The Martinez Family: Colombia focuses
on Pastor David Martinez and his wife Gloria and the hardships
they face as they evangelize in the red zones.
“This film depicts actual events – the real threats and challenges
that pastors in Colombia face,” Nettleton explained. “It was filmed
on location in Colombia with input from Colombian Christians.”
In addition to the film, VOM also offers downloadable guided
prayer slides, a church bulletin insert, a sermon-builder tool
for pastors and teachers, and a discussion guide about how to
present experiences of Christian persecution to children in an
age-appropriate way.
These resources are free and available for download at vom.
org/idop, where the film can be viewed.
Nettleton concluded, “Our call this IDOP is an echo of the
call of our persecuted brothers and sisters: ‘Pray for us!’”
PERSECUTED
Colombian pastors and their families who live in red zones face
opposition from guerilla groups. For International Day of Prayer
this year, The Voice of the Martyrs encourages believers to pray
for these families.
PRAYFOR
THE
The redesigned Voice of the Martyrs app
for smartphones and tablets is an in-
depth resource that encourages users to
pray daily for persecuted Christians. The
VOM app provides a new prayer request
every day of the year as well as free
access to multiple resources, including
e-books, audiobooks, short videos, and
feature films. Available in most app stores.
Todd Nettleton hosts The Voice of the
Martyrs radio show, Sundays at 10 a.m.
Central on American Family Radio.
28 THE STAND November 2024 afa.net/thestand
REVIEWS
Family entertainment • Documentaries • Resources for families • Books
The (Young) Men We Need
The (Young) Men We Need offers a
refreshing take on modern masculinity,
addressing the confusion many young
men face in today’s world. Christian radio
host and podcaster Brant Hansen cuts
Could a man be a preacher promoting peace while simultaneously plotting the
assassination of one of the most evil men to have ever lived? Such was the dilemma
in which German Lutheran Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer found himself.
Produced by Angel Studios, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. provides a glimpse
into Bonhoeffer’s formative years, his disgust with the German church for bowing to
Adolf Hitler as he ascended to power, and his efforts to resist the Nazi regime and
convince others to follow suit.
Set to release in theaters November 22, the powerful film serves as both a warning
about the dangers of complicity and silence by the church amid evil, and as an inspira-
tion of the change that can be affected by
the courage of only a few bold believers.
Rated PG-13, viewers should be cau-
tioned that there are brief scenes of mild
violence, a few profanities, and scenes
containing alcohol and tobacco use.
Angel Studios, 132 minutes
angel.com/movies/bonhoeffer
Matthew White
Joni Eareckson
Tada
In this install-
ment of the Do
Great Things For
God series, author
Kristyn Getty
examines the life
and legacy of Joni Eareckson Tada. This
kid-friendly, illustrated book titled Joni
Eareckson Tada: The Girl Who Learned to
Follow God in a Wheelchair tells how Tada
became a quadriplegic after a swimming
accident in her teen years. Yet her love for
Jesus was revived amid her life-changing
struggles, and Tada went on to start a
ministry and host camps for individuals
with disabilities, as well as to speak all
over the world.
Perfect for young readers ages 4 and
up, the book also includes a suggested
prayer, questions to consider, and down-
loadable worksheets.
The Good Book Company, 32 pages
christianbook.com
Hannah Meador
Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.
emphasizing the
roles of protector
and defender of
the vulnerable.
Hansen’s approach
speaks to men with
various interests
and from differ-
ent backgrounds,
encouraging them
to use their unique resources for the
greater good.
The book’s wit and honesty make it
an engaging read for its target audience
of males 14 and up. By tackling the fun-
damental question of purpose, Hansen
provides valuable guidance for those
navigating the path to manhood. The
included discussion questions add an
interactive element, making it ideal for
individual reflection or group study.
Baker Books, 192 pages
Online booksellers
Jordan Chamblee
through conflicting societal messages to
present a clear, compelling vision of what
it means to be a man at his best.
With a blend of depth and humor, the
book challenges young men to channel
their ambitions toward meaningful goals,
afa.net/thestand November 2024 THE STAND 29
Jessica L. Peck DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC,
CNE, CNL, FAANP, FAAN
It seems that ever since the infamous
summer debate between then-incum-
bent candidate President Joe Biden and
his opponent, former President Donald
Trump, America has been consumed by
conflict surrounding presidential politics.
This election feels consequential … cat-
aclysmic even. Media outlets feature pun-
dits issuing apocalyptic warnings should
the other party be elected. Social media
doomscrolling sparks our outrage over
bold-faced untruths, political censorship,
and abuses of power, among many other
touted “existential threats to democracy.”
The truth is that this election is inter-
fering with our family health. As parents
and grandparents finding ourselves swept
into a current of fear, we feel desperate to
impart truth to our children and to pro-
tect their Christian worldview at all costs.
Younger generations are increasingly
pessimistic about the future of our coun-
try, and many avoid politics altogether.
While we stay glued to our screens, moni-
toring presidential politics and consid-
ering ourselves aware and engaged, our
children view us as angry and afraid.
Leading with lectures and posturing with
political diatribes are burning bridges in
our families, not building them.
Don’t let election anxiety
spoil family peace
Pray for our
country as much
as you worry
about it.
I remember riding in the car while hav-
ing a heated politcal discussion with my
husband. We were downright (and right-
fully) angry about the issue but completely
aligned in our views and shared passion. I
heard silence in the back seat (always an
ominous sign with four young children),
and as I looked back, I saw them quietly
crying. With trembling voices, they asked,
“Why are you and Daddy fighting?” My
perception of the conversation was vastly
different from theirs.
Our children are watching and learning
from our responses. They are listening to
our words, watching our emotions, and
making note of our posture and gestures.
Children, no matter what age, look to
their parents for guidance, security, and
cues in shaping their own responses. We
have the privilege of guiding them and
strengthening their faith amid tumultuous
politics. Instead of giving them a visual of
our worried faces magnetized to a screen,
let’s show them our trusting faces turned
toward heaven in prayer, our searching
faces turned to the pages of God’s Word,
and our listening faces tuned in to their
concerns about a frightening world.
Here are three things you can do to
help your family:
▶ First, remember God is in control. He
is not pacing the floor of heaven, wring-
ing His hands. He is all-powerful, all-
present, and all-knowing. Assure your
family of your faith as you look to God
for hope and peace.
▶ Second, pray for our country as much
as you worry about it. Model for your chil-
dren how to trust God in times of trouble
and how to turn your cares into prayers.
Praying decreases anger and aggression,
counteracts the flight-or-fright stage, and
reduces feelings of fear and anxiety.
▶ Third, prepare for your Thanksgiv-
ing celebration by taking time every day
until then to practice gratitude. Philippi-
ans 4:6-7 tells us instead of being anxious,
“in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known to God.” This command
comes with a promise that “the peace of
God … will guard your hearts and your
minds in Christ Jesus.”
Gratitude is the remedy for election
interference in your family health. I am
thankful that although we don’t know
what the future holds, we know we serve
a God Who holds the future. And no
matter what happens, we can trust Him
to be faithful to keep His promises.
Dr. Jessica Peck, also known as Dr. Nurse
Mama, is a pediatric nurse practitioner,
author, and speaker. In addition to her
monthly column in The Stand, Peck hosts
The Dr. Nurse Mama Show, weekdays at
2 p.m. Central on American Family Radio.
30 THE STAND November 2024 afa.net/thestand
PREPARE TO
NOVEMBER
ELECTION
DAY 2024
TH
5
By Debbie Wuthnow
iVoterGuide president
With Election Day 2024 just around the corner,
the airwaves and internet are inundating voters
with information and opinions about candidates.
Between constant political ads and mailboxes full
of flyers, how are people supposed to know which
candidate best represents the values important to
them and their families?
One great place to start is by looking at the
political party that each candidate represents.
Each political party has a platform that makes it
clear what positions they support.
Evidence shows that legislators vote with their
party platform most of the time. So, it is important
to compare party platforms to determine which
party more closely aligns with biblical values.
(See p.18-19.)
But what about those candidates who run with-
out a party or are in nonpartisan races? Many local
races for city council, mayor, and school board do
not have candidates who only affiliate as either a
Republican or Democrat. So, the responsibility is
on the voter to do the research.
One great place to start is iVoterGuide.com,
where users can enter their address to see what
races have already been researched. iVoterGuide
covers federal races in all 50 states, statewide races
in 36 states, state legislative races in 32 states, and
select local races. Evaluations of the candidates will
help voters know where each candidate stands on
the political spectrum.
Exodus 18:21 says,“You shall select out of all
the peopleable menwho fear God, men of truth,
those whohate dishonest gain; and you shall
placetheseover themasleaders of thousands, of
hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.”
Ask God to reveal to you the candidates who
are trustworthy, honest, and God-fearing, and then
make sure to go vote for them.
Tell your family and friends to do the same!
PREPARE TO
NOVEMBER
ELECTION
DAY 2024
TH
5
Get a sample ballot from your county elections website to know
who will be on your ballot.
Do an online search of candidates’ names. Read through their
websites and social media accounts. Examine their actions, not just
what they say they will do. Did they attend a Pride parade? Or the
March for Life? If they are currently serving in public office, what
issues have they voted to support or oppose, such as expanding the
size of government, defunding the police, or allowing boys into girls’
bathrooms and locker rooms?
Follow the money! What candidates do with their pocketbooks
reveals the policies and issues they support. Search for a candidate’s
name through the Federal Election Commission (fec.gov) or on
your secretary of state’s website to see the individuals or organiza-
tions a candidate has supported.
Check endorsements. These might be on a candidate’s website or
social media. Look up the endorsing group to discover its mission
statement and beliefs.
Ask questions. Keep an eye out for times that your candidates will
be speaking locally, attend such events, and ask questions about the
issues important to you. You can also contact candidates through
their campaign websites or social media pages. Use questions found
at ivoterguide.com/insights/250 as examples of what to ask.
Be prepared! Many states do not allow cell phones to be taken into
the polling places. So, do your research, and print and mark your
sample ballot ahead of time.
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For races not covered by iVoterGuide
afa.net/thestand November 2024 THE STAND 31
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