“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” –2 Timothy 3:12
Dear Friends:
The Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) is at it again in New Mexico!
For those who have never heard of FFRF, they are an atheist organization based in Wisconsin known for sending threatening letters to city councils, public officials, small schools, and others. In those letters, they demand that public religious speech or expression cease, and that public displays with religious components be removed. And lately, FFRF has been using their bully tactics to threaten local communities, schools, and officials in New Mexico.
City of Belen: Last December, FFRF contacted the City demanding the removal of their permanent nativity from the public plaza. (“Belen” is Spanish for “Bethlehem”)
Cibola County Senior Citizen Center: In May, FFRF sent a letter to the Senior Center advising them to discontinue voluntary prayers before meals.
Clovis Municipal School District: In August, FFRF sent a letter to the District demanding the removal a mural depicting a dove and anchor, with the words “Hope anchors the soul, Hebrews 6:19.” Within hours of receiving the letter, the local Superintendent had the mural painted over.
These are just a few examples and, unfortunately, FFRF has experienced some degree of success with their letters because most of their targets lack the resources necessary to defend themselves in potential litigation. However, if you or someone you know receives a letter from FFRF, please remember this – Kansas Family Voice of New Mexico cares about your right to freely exercise your faith, and if FFRF decides to sue, we are allied with legal entities that may be able to help you with your case pro bono!
Further, remember that even if FFRF achieves a small victory, as they did in a small Minnesota town in 2015, God can use it to do something amazing!
Something to think about: After atheists threatened to sue Wadena, Minnesota over a longstanding nativity scene at a public park, the City Council voted to remove it. However, local citizens did not allow that decision to stand in their way. After learning that private citizens could rent the park for the day, every morning, a new person or group rented the bandstand, set up the nativity, and then took it down in the evening. Meanwhile, other citizens and businesses began erecting hundreds of nativities all over town on private property.
The story of Wadena, Minnesota is a great example of how unleashing citizenship can be a powerful witness in any community. Together, with your prayers and support, we can unleash citizenship all over New Mexico!
Something to pray for: Please pray for our year-end fundraising efforts. It takes resources to be effective and we want to begin 2018 with a strong showing of support!
Something to do: Please give today and your donation will be DOUBLED thanks to a $10,000 matching grant provided by some of our generous, local ministry partners!
Thank you!
Vince Torres
President and Executive Director