Nate Meiers, senior pastor of Berean Baptist Church; Harrison Gapter, pastor of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church; and Russell Stanford, pastor of All Believers in Christ Church led a press conference on July 23rd, 2015. They announced that 66 area pastors have come together in encouraging Sunday, July 26th, 2015 as a day of public repentance, corporate prayer, and private fasting for Richland County.

“Our general message today is that we would like, as a community, to invite the community to seek God for His blessing on us. We recognize that all of us have strayed from what He calls us to do and calls us to be as a people, and we seek His blessing, knowing that His promises in the scriptures are that if we humble ourselves before Him, He will lift us up.” said Meiers “It is difficult to get out of some of the troubles we’ve gotten ourselves into, and we’re hoping, by His grace, as we come together, as He sees us in unity, that He could help rescue us from some of these problems.”

The group shared a video that shared the dramatic turn around that occurred in one small Canadian town. “There was a great movement of repentance in that community so that even the Royal Canadian Mounted Police helped them as . they disposed of a lot of illicit material. They valued that material at about $100,000.” Meiers said. The town experienced a complete revitalization in its families and its economic industries, especially those related to the fishing industry.

Richland County, Ohio

A Proclamation by the Richland Community Prayer Network

For a day of public repentance, corporate prayer, and private fasting

 

•  Whereas,  America, before and during its inception, had a civic government that demonstrated a firm reliance on Divine Providence, publicly acknowledging Him as the source of all liberties and social happiness, and thereby, with great regularity, issued 1,400 prayer proclamations between 1622 and 1815, and thousands more afterward 1…….
• Whereas, local pastor clergymen have a rich history of relying on the Great Redeemer of mankind2 and calling all area citizens and local congregations under the banner of Jesus Christ to observe days of prayer and repentance for the community3, 4, 5, …….
• Whereas, area church laypersons have a history of opposing immoral behavior,6-16 and local civic government has a record of discouraging immoral behavior, 17-24…….
• Whereas, church sermons printed on the front page used to sell local newspapers in the past, 25 today high profile reports of immorality 26, 27 striking nearly every institution of our community including the Church, now tragically appeal to our society’s public interest…….
• Whereas, with the federal promotion in modern times of obscenity, 28,29 our community nevertheless has been listed as the sex predator capital of the state, 30 and is located just on the outskirts of the heartland of human trafficking, 31 ……
• Whereas, the Bible explicitly states that it is the will of the Heavenly Father that we should abstain from sexual immorality, and that each of us should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust.  Furthermore, the following immoral behaviors are considered sin in The Holy One’s eyes: adultery, 32 bestiality, 33 covetousness, 34 homosexuality, 35 incest, 36 pedophilia, 37 pornography, 38 premarital sex, 39 prostitution, 40 and the like. ……
• Whereas, the collateral damage from the sin of immorality that afflicts our society includes: the increase of communicable disease, 41 the abuse of vulnerable women and children, the elimination of religious freedoms, 42 the increase of statutory confusion leading to costly litigation, 43 and   the like…….
• Whereas, there is proof of evidence of contemporary turnarounds where societies are tangibly redeemed when Biblical principles are practiced in the board rooms, courtrooms, and classrooms of a society, like the Nation of Uganda, 44 and the Canadian Arctic Region of Nunavut45 when both societies repented of the sin of immorality during the late 1990’s…….
• Whereas, let the priests who minister to the LORD weep between the porch and the altar; let them say, “Spare Your people, O LORD, and do not give Your heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their GOD?”  Then the LORD will be zealous for His land and pity His people…….”46

Therefore, the Richland Community Prayer Network, consisting of lead pastors from at least sixty-six diverse congregations in the county in a joint resolution humbly recommend the fourth Sunday in July, on July 26tth of the year 2015, as a convenient day for all citizens of Richland County to set apart for corporate prayer, public repentance, and private fasting to the Almighty GOD…….

Seeking His merciful forgiveness as a people, from our sin of immorality, and His assistance in the great duties of our repentance …….

Pastor Signees of Proclamation from (66) local congregations throughout Richland County, Ohio:

Bishop Andy Keim, Amish Perry District 1
Pastor Clarence Sanderfer, New Life Baptist
Bishop Eli Miller, Amish Perry District 2
Pastor Willie Mack, Philippian Community Baptist
Pastor Paul Staton, Bellville Free Will Baptist
Pastor Tom Hunt, Providence Baptist
Pastor Mike Stine, Clear Fork Alliance
Pastor Mike Workman, Caeserea Baptist
Pastor Bill Henderson, First Baptist
Pastor Eric Byrom, Grace Fellowship
Pastor Patrick Bailey, North Bend Brethren
Pastor Sylvester Ginn, Hesed Agape
Pastor Bill Lewis, River of Life
Pastor Glen Phillips, Hillside First Church of GOD
Pastor Dallas Waggle, Lucas Foursquare Gospel
Pastor Bruce Philippi, Journey Life Center
Pastor Harrison Gapter, Mt. Zion Lutheran
Pastor Robert Kurtz, Mansfield Baptist Temple
Pastor Steve Schag, Calvary Baptist
Pastor Clinton Hearns, Mount Hermon Missionary
Pastor Walter Keib, First Baptist
Pastor Larry Rawls, Mount Sinai Baptist
Pastor Jim Marshall, Ganges Community
Pastor Henry Bradley, New Community Temple
Pastor Art Kennard, Maranatha Christian
Pastor Paul Lintern, Oakland Lutheran
Pastor Rick Lewis, Shelby Church of GOD
Pastor Walt Jordan, Oasis of Love
Pastor Doug Tackett, Taylortown Community
Pastor Ron Puff, Pleasant Valley Baptist
Pastor George Lewis, Temple of GOD
Pastor Nate Meiers, Berean Baptist
Pastor Kevin Evans, Liberty Baptist
Pastor James Streib, Fusion Ministries
Pastor Bill Howell, Messiah House of Prayer
Pastor Mike Cloud, Impact Worship Center
Pastor Russell Stanford, All Believers in Christ
Pastor John Wildman, Lexington Nazarene
Pastor Paul Larson, First English Lutheran
Pastor Larry Hulver, New Liberty Baptist
Pastor James Spencer, Peoples’ Baptist
Pastor Merle Stewart, Bethesda Fellowship
Pastor Darrin Thurber, Seventh Day Adventist
Pastor Mike Rogers, Church of GOD
Pastor Paul Lintern, Southside Disciples of Christ
Pastor John Webb, Cornerstone Free Will Baptist
Pastor John Harris, Armorbearers International
Pastor Les Vnasdale, Cornerstone Grace Brethren
Pastor John Freeman, First Church of Open Bible
Pastor Bruce Copley, Faith Chapel
Pastor Mike Williams, Lincoln Heights Baptist
Pastor Ferlie Yates, Hanna Road Church of GOD
Pastor Ron Kosa, Living Word
Pastor Aaron Williams, Maddox Memorial Temple
Pastor Mark Barth, Real Life Community
Pastor Les Farley, My Father’s House
Pastor Joseph Bathe, Abundant Grace Fellowship
Pastor Jeremy Muncy, Westwood Alliance
Pastor Jerry Laudermilk, Abundant Life Tabernacle
Pastor Chris Thomas, Diamond Hills Baptist
Pastor Robert O’Brien, Apostolic Faith Assembly
Pastor Dave Guild, Mansfield Foursquare Gospel
Pastor Ted Howard, Apostolic Holiness
Rabbi William Halbrook, Sar Shalom Messianic
Pastor Gary Lambert, Belmont Avenue Community
Reverend El Akuchie, Richland Community Prayer

References

1. Bestiality considered sin (Leviticus 18:23) (Leviticus 20:15-16)
2. Adultery considered sin (Exodus 20:14) (Leviticus 18:20) (Deuteronomy 5:18) (Deuteronomy 22:22)
3. “It’s time to end slavery in Ohio,” Toledo Blade editorial printed in Mansfield News Journal, February 13, 2010, A8. Per capita, Toledo, Ohio leads the nation in the number of arrests, investigations, and rescues of children held as virtual slaves and forced to work in the sex trade.
4. “Home to sex offenders” by Eric Shilling, Mansfield News Journal, February 14, 2010, Richland County tops Ohio in serious sexual criminals. Richland County, Ohio listed as the “Sex predator capital of the state.”
5.  Hatch Article in the Stanford Law & Policy Review: Fighting the Pornification of America by Enforcing Obscenity Laws, June 5, 2012. Accessed on June 30, 2015 at: http://www.hatch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/releases?ID=e228e97a- 9f9e-4428-8a9e-6d4f03bdc8d0.  The 1986 Attorney General’s Commission on Obscenity  and Pornography  noted that, “with few exceptions federal obscenity laws that are on the books go unenforced.”
6. “White House lit in rainbow colors after Supreme Court ruling,” Associated Press, June 26, Accessed on June 30, 2015 at: http://www.onenewsnow.com/ap/politics/white-house-lit-in-rainbow-colors-after-supreme-court-ruling
7. “Residents petition council to ban pornography sales” by David Pierini, Mansfield News Journal, April 18, Mansfield Mayor Edward Meehan proclaims week of April 8th, 1990 as Pornography Awareness Week,
8. “Steps taken to shut down George’s Bar,” by Mark Caudill, Mansfield News Journal, December 2, 2007, Strip club closes in Shelby area as a result of citizens and churches testifying before Township Trustee Board.
9. “Critics block health talk on transsexuality,” by Regina McEnery, Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 12, 2007, Family group and churches help block a presentation promoting transsexuality lifestyle at the Mansfield OSU branch campus.
10. “Protesters were ready this time around,” by Jamie Kinton, Mansfield News Journal, April 18, 2007, Girls Gone Wild Corporation comes to Ontario West Fourth Street bar to film sex acts by local women and are met by citizen opposition.
11. “Coalition opposed to adult entertainment attracting followers,” by Mark Caudill, Mansfield News journal, July 9, 2006, Family group protests strip club on Ashland Road and provides intelligence to law enforcement.
12. “Topless revue has prayer group and City Council concerned,” by Linda Martz, Mansfield News Journal, December 21, Business on South Main Street holds topless event and is met with resistance.
13. “Protest effort grows,” by Lou Whitmire, Mansfield News Journal, March 18, 1998, Citizens picket Ontario bookstore for sale of child pornography.
14. “Public: Stop nude bar,” by Ron Nissiimov, Mansfield News Journal, April 18, 1995, Several hundred people packed City Council chambers to encourage passage of tough regulations on sex businesses including proposed juice bar on Park Avenue East.
15. “Council yells ‘charge!’ in porn war,” by Kimberly Lancaster, Mansfield News Journal, October 7, 1993, A1 Legislation enacted to direct Law Director and police department to aggressively investigate and litigate sale of hardcore porn
16. “Video store pickets,” photo caption by Jeff Sprang, Mansfield News Journal, April, 22, 1990, A14. Citizen group pickets movie rental store in Appleseed Mall for selling pornographic films.
17. “The crackdown on pornography,” editorial, Mansfield News Journal, February 10, 1987, A4. Petitions signed by more than 2,000 Richland County citizens prod law enforcement to take action to enforce current laws on books
18. “Anti-pornography picketer gives his view,” by George Constable, Mansfield News Journal, December 31, Citizens protest X-rated porno film being shown at Ohio Theater (now Renaissance Theater); theater closes shortly thereafter
19. “Richland County Pastors plan day of prayer for GM by Jamie Kinton, Mansfield News Journal, June 12, 2009, A2. Eighty-three area pastors call for day of prayer and repentance in aftermath of the General Motors plant closure.
20. “Prayers promote unity: event breaks down religious barriers,” by Lisa Culp, Mansfield News Journal, May 5, 1995, A1. Archival search of Mansfield Public Library newspaper microfilm seems to indicate that local observance of the National Day of Prayer at Central Park in downtown Mansfield began in May of 1993.
21.  “An Appeal to Heaven- YouTube,” by David Barton and Wallbuilders, December 30, 2014. David Barton owns more than 100,000 original documents that predate 1812.
22. “National Day of Prayer seeks Divine intervention,” by Benjamin Mutti, Mansfield News Journal, April 3, 2009, p. C1. In a phone survey conducted by prayer network the week of April 20th, 2009, 47 of 63 pastors interviewed on prayer believed that there is a relationship between the social conditions of a community and its corporate prayer life.
23. “Ministers calling for racial calm” Mansfield News Journal, May 2, 1992 ministerial association call on Mansfield and surrounding areas in the aftermath of violence connected to the verdict from the Rodney King trial to pray and believe GOD for calm, greater understanding and justice in Official statement based from 2 Chronicles 7:14.
24. “Mayor Scott’s proclamation warns of dangers of pornography,” staff, Mansfield News Journal, October 29,
25. “Prostitution goes underground: Police waging battle to keep downtown respectable,” by Linda Martz, Mansfield News Journal, December 7, 1997,
26. “Former Big Boy won’t go topless,” by Linda Martz, Mansfield News Journal, March 1, 2003, Mansfield Mayor Reid persuades local businessman not to open a topless bar off Ohio 13 exit of Interstate 71.
27. Pornography Awareness Week proclaimed by Mansfield Mayor Lydia Reid on the week of October 31, From official records of the Mayor’s office.
28. “Adultmart opponents mobilize,” by Erik Shilling, Mansfield News Journal, January 29, 2010, Following this article, thirteen of the eighteen townships and all ten municipalities within Richland County adopt tough restrictive ordinances regulating sex businesses.
29. “Sheriff: Prostitute ring busted,” by Mark Caudill and Kaitlin Durbin, Mansfield News Journal, July 27, 2013, Officials allege drug addicts forced into sex for hire.
30. “Prostitution sweep targets 30 people,” by Lou Whitmire, Mansfield News Journal, May 23, 2015,
31. “Murderer sparked notorious surveillance: Attitude changes toward sexual behavior” by Mark Caudill, Mansfield News Journal, August 26, 2012, Local media commemorates 50th anniversary of infamous investigation of acts of sodomy occurring in the men’s public restroom of Mansfield Central Park; the restrooms would later be closed. Story reports that contemporary attitudes on sexuality have now changed and sodomy is now more acceptable.
32. “Bill will make bestiality illegal in Ohio,” by Josh Jarman, The Columbus Dispatch, July 3, 2011. Accessed on June 22, 2015 at http://m.whio.com/news/news/local/bill-will-make-beastiality-illegal-ohio/nC3hJ/ . Shelby, Ohio man arrested for sex abuse of dogs; further investigation revealed man was part of an online community of people who use the internet to connect with others who share videos of “romance” with their companion animals. Presently it is still legal in Ohio to commit bestiality.
33. Sermons preached by local pastors appear on front page, top fold of newspapers of the Mansfield Herald, April 14, 1858, and April 28, These references are not exhaustive, only cited as examples.
34. Covetousness considered sin (Exodus 20:17) (Deuteronomy 5:21)
35. Homosexuality considered sin (Leviticus 18:22) (Leviticus 20:13) (Romans 1:26-27), (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
36. Incest is considered sin (Leviticus 18 6-18) (Leviticus 20:17, 19-21)
37. Pedophilia is considered sin (Matthew 18:6-7)
38. Pornography is considered sin (Job 31:1) (Psalm 101:3) (Matthew 5:28) 39
39. Premarital sex is considered sin (Deuteronomy 22:23-29)
40. Prostitution is considered sin (Deuteronomy 23:17-18)
41. “Reported STDs in the United States: 2013 National Data for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis, CDC Fact Sheet, www.std-trends-508.pdf, accessed on June 21, 2015.
42. Houston subpoenas pastors’ sermons in gay rights ordinance case,” by Sara Pulliam Bailey, Washington Post. Accessed on June 29, 2015 at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/houston-subpoenas-pastors- sermons-in-gay-rights-ordinance-case/2014/10/15/9b848ff0-549d-11e4-b86d-184ac281388d_story.html. The Mayor of Houston subpoenas five area pastors ordering the submission of all sermons related to a controversial restroom law, the Petition opposing the law, Mayor Annise Parker, homosexuality, and gender identity.
43. “Understanding and responding to the Transgender Movement,” by Dale O’Leary and Peter Sprigg, Family Research Council, p. 30-31, www.frc.org accessed on June 20, 2015.
44. “Uganda’s Miracle,” by Kyalo Nguku, Charisma Magazine. Accessed on June 29, 2015 at: http://www.charismamag.com/site-archives/146-covers/cover-story/1965-ugandas-miracle . In early 1991, officials summoned area pastors and announced that the government was turning over the AIDS disaster to the church. World Health Organization indicated that 30 percent of the population would be dead by 2000 and another 30 percent infected. Instead, with the implementation of Biblical principles, the nation once known as the “Nursery of AIDS,” saw HIV rates plummet to below six percent.Ecological turnaround and a voice in the political realm also occurred for the first time.46 Taken from Joel 2:17-18.
45. Both stories above featured in the award-winning documentary film “Transformations 2: The Glory Spreads,’ produced by The Sentinel Group, 2002. www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BMQm_XY6FQ
46. “Artic Revival,” by Debra Fieguth, Faith Today, January-February 2002, pp. 18-22 Canadian Arctic region of Nunavut overcame sex abuse, teenage pregnancies and suicide rates that were off the charts. When residents began disposing of pornography, drugs and illicit materials with the help of Royal Canadian Police, new found hunger for Bible conferences and baptisms ensued. In one town. One powerful supernatural visitation believed to be from GOD was recorded.

Special note: All Biblical texts are derived from “The American Patriot’s Bible: The Word of GOD and the Shaping of America,” Thomas Nelson Inc. Copyright 2009, edited by Dr. Richard G. Lee, New King James Version.