May 13, 2011

Dear Pastor,

Much of our attention recently has been drawn to the weather with storms, flooding, and tornadoes. The damage and deaths remind us of our need to depend on and trust in God. I have not heard of any of our churches being damaged or their members being directly impacted, but I have personally seen how close one tornado came to a church in Waverly. Still, there is the need for us to help as we are able to show the love of Christ.

This week the health care saga continued as Solicitor General E. Duncan Getchell Jr. represented Virginia before the three-judge panel of the 4^th Circuit Court of Appeals. A decision is expected by May 20. Whichever side loses is sure to appeal to the US Supreme Court.

This fall will see more new faces running for office as more incumbents announce they will not be running for re-election. If the latest redistricting is approved, some delegates will have changes to their districts. State senators will also be standing for election this fall. Before voting for a delegate or senator, determine if he or she:

• Is against abortion
• Is against using your tax money to support Planned Parenthood
• Is against same-sex marriage and only for “one man and one woman” marriage
• Is against protecting homosexuals as a “special class of individuals”
• Is against raising taxes
• Is against gambling or expanding gambling (lottery, horse racing, etc)
• Is against homosexual couples adopting as couples
• Is against hate crimes laws

Liberal media, like television and newspapers, will use polls and other data to try to convince you that society has changed its opinion on some of these matters. But God has not and will not change His mind. When voters’ guides and report cards become available, I will forward them to each church.

In Giles County, Virginia, the Ten Commandments have hung on school walls for years next to copies of the U.S. Constitution. But one anonymous complaint in December resulted in an order to remove them. Day by day I am saddened by statements and decisions made by our President. Please pray diligently and often for our President. Pray that God might be honored and His ways followed by our country. Proverbs 14:34 reminds us, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”

In His Service,

Eddy Aliff

Rev. Eddy Aliff

Executive Director