Non-Aglow Iowa Events

IOWA Family Policy Center ACTION

Thank You Senator Bartz!

Last Friday, an article in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier explained how Senator Merlin Bartz shined the light on Democrat efforts to redefine the legal definition of marriage through the tax code. This is the same Department of Revenue bill that IFPC Action sounded the alarm over back on February 19th.

 Evidently, once there was public awareness of the attempt to sneak through a marriage definition change in Iowa code, Senate Democrats dropped the language so that there would be no opportunity for a floor debate over the definition of marriage. Senator Bartz called them out for both their attempts to sneak through a change, and for dropping the language once they knew that the public was watching.

 CLICK HERE If you would like to send Senator Bartz a quick note of thanks for his diligence.

 This story only serves as a reminder that the battle over marriage is still being waged in the Legislature every day. Lawmakers know that courts don’t make law, and so pro-sodomy Democrats are trying to find a way to sneak marriage definition changes into Iowa Code when no one is looking. IFPC Action continues to work with Iowa Lawmakers to shine light on the process and to make sure any attempts to redefine marriage are brought to your attention.

As this session winds down, you need to stay engaged. Contact your Senator and Representative, and encourage them to read the bills and amendments closely. Encourage them to watch for any attempt to redefine marriage, and to force proponents of homosexuality to debate those changes on the floor.

Find and contact your lawmakers by CLICKING HERE, or visit http://www.legis.state.ia.us/FindLeg/.

Third Annual Homeschool Day at the Capitol

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

If you are a home educator in Iowa, the place to be on March 16, 2010, is at the Iowa Capitol Building. The Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators (NICHE) will host its third annual Homeschool Day at the Capitol beginning at 9:00 a.m. This follows two successful such events in which hundreds of homeschooled children and their parents came from around the state to meet their legislators and showcase homeschooling in the state of Iowa.

There are activities for all ages, and NICHE membership is not required to participate. Freedom requires hard work and perseverance, and we strongly encourage fathers to join their families at the event to help in the fight to preserve and expand homeschool liberties in Iowa. More information on the event, including a short video, is available at the NICHE website: www.homeschooliowa.org/2010capitolday.html

Pastor’s Letter

 Recently, a small faction of “religious leaders” presented Iowa Lawmakers with a letter requesting that they affirm last April’s Iowa Supreme Court Opinion. While the letter only included the names of 167 “leaders,” the news media was more than happy to pretend like they somehow represented a significant component of the larger faith community.

The letter included no reference to the Bible, and the comments from signers that appeared in the news confirmed that they have no Biblical foundation from which to make such a request. Still, they were evidently not discouraged by the complete and utter lack of Biblical support for their actions, and presented the letter anyway.

 Many Pastors were offended by the prospect of people who do not honor or submit to the Scriptures presenting that letter as if it represented any portion of the Christian faith. So, an effort is now underway to offer Bible teaching pastors an opportunity to co-sign a letter in support of real marriage.

The letter is already gaining broad support through the extensive network of pastors who already partner with IFPC, but we realize that not every pastor in Iowa is already on our contact list. So, if you are a pastor who would like to sign the letter, or if you want to encourage your pastor to sign, we have created an on-line form to make it easy for that to happen.

Click Here to add your name to the letter in support of real marriage that will be delivered to Iowa Lawmakers.

Copy and forward this link to your pastor along with a note to encourage them to add their name to the list: http://www.ifpcaction.org/Pastors-Signatures

 Gambling Is Not The Answer

Several efforts to expand gambling in Iowa have risen to the surface this session. While Senator Jack Kibbie’s effort to legalize betting on sporting events, and Representative Doug Struyk’s effort to create on-line access to Iowa casinos both appear to have died, Governor Culver is now proposing 4 new casinos in the state.

 If you did not see our press release from last week, it has been posted on our blog:

Culver’s Green Job Proposal – Recycle Bad Ideas

The ministry of IFPC Action is made possible through the generous contributions of individuals just like you. If you appreciate the work of IFPC Action, please consider making a generous contribution today. Click Here to give.

Greetings Iowa!

There is so much going on in Iowa! Much sowing and watering are is being made ready for harvest! I'm going to use this space to list just a couple of items from around the state. Please feel free to pray however the Lord leads you. Every one praying for what is in their own sphere of influence, will get all the needs coverd in prayer.

Quad City Prayer Center 3rd Annual Prayer Confernce - March 5 & 6 - http://www.qcprayercenter.org/ for registration and further details.

 Support the Iowa Family PAC

The Iowa Family PAC finds and supports Christian candidates who are “God-first” candidates. We would like to invite you to become involved with the Iowa Family PAC. Next Wednesday, former Governor and Pastor Mike Huckabee will be our keynote speaker at a fundraiser to help prepare for the 2010 election cycle.

Plan now to attend: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 2-4 pm at the Airport Holiday Inn in Des Moines.

For more information, call (515) 263-3495 or toll free 1-877-866-4372.

Christian Statesmen In Action

The following is a transcript of comments made by Representative Dwayne Alons of Hull, who has consistently long been a voice of clarity and leadership in the Iowa House. In his statement, Rep. Alons clearly reminds the Members of the House that courts don’t make law, that they were elected to represent the people, that their inaction enables judicial tyranny, and that at this point the “Peoples’ House” is being used as a political “firewall” between we the people and our right to vote.

Comments made by Rep. Alons on the floor of the Iowa House:

Mister Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House,

Iowans are still living under a real dilemma. Last week there was an opportunity regarding HJR 6 to place it on the pathway for a vote of the people in the future. However, a majority of Representatives of the people, knowing that our Constitution states that "all political power is inherent in the people" chose to ignore that fact and keep Iowa on the course that a decision of our Supreme Court is a law and no one can act to change that opinion.

I personally disagree with that notion and believe the inaction in this body sets Iowa on course for the Judicial branch to become the strongest branch over the executive and legislative branches - where any decision/opinion by the Courts will not be challenged and the separation of powers will be decimated on many more of the peoples' rights.

I believe the Supreme Court has given an opinion on the issue of same-gender marriage and as they do with many other decisions of sending a decision back to a lower court for reconsideration, should have remanded the decision to the legislature to change the law or direct the start of the constitutional process to begin for the people to speak. Right now we have an opinion from the Court and a definition of marriage for one man and one woman in our Code. However, some same gender marriages are being conducted in Iowa - all on a decision by 7 appointed people.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to step back and really see the forest for the trees. We as representatives are here to speak for the people. The people should have a vote on changing the law because their representatives approved the definition of marriage as a union of 1 man and 1 woman. That can still happen through a full debate by this body on changing current law to reflect the court's decision or if that's too much of a challenge here - approve the first step for the people to vote on the real definition of marriage in the future.

Mr. Speaker, this body needs to stop being a firewall between the court and the people but consider becoming a conduit for the people's rights and liberties to prevail.

Mr. Speaker, tear down the wall that you and Senator Gronstal have erected.

In addition to the comments of Rep. Alons, IFPC Action’s Board Chairman carried the truth into the public arena last week when he appeared on Iowa Press. Danny again articulated the position of IFPC Action and the Iowa Family PAC, and explained why we are determined to operate according to conviction and principle rather than the rules of some political game.

Danny’s appearance on Iowa Press is well worth watching, and can be viewed here: http://www.iptv.org/iowapress/episode.cfm/372

Haiti Report from Roberta Preston~

Dear Friends;

In Haiti there is great need and desperation. The nations are responding – bringing food, water, shelter – and HOPE! Aglow and CRI have partnered along with IHOP, to bring all these things to Haiti. As we helped to rescue, rebuild, feed, and help them medically – we also brought to the country the love of God in the name of Jesus: the Savior of the world!

As you will see – spiritual and emotional desperation has brought them to the place where they can truly see that they had put their past hope in other gods and things. But now, they know they need the Love of the Heavenly Father and are crying out for MERCY and Forgiveness.

We must never compromise in our sharing the Love of Christ. For even nations will see as time goes on - we need God and His plan for all His children. “What the world needs now is love sweet love” – and GOD IS LOVE! His heart is for all nations, tribes and tongues to know His heart FOR them. In Him is everything anyone will ever need!

I had the incredible honor to deploy with CRI – Crisis Response International - the Spirit filled - God loving – name of Jesus lifting - worshipping organization of “Mercy Missionaries” that God has released into this earth, for such a time as this. We took the Word, the Love of God, and His Spirit in us - into the battle zone of Haiti.

 With God’s help, as CRI Responders we helped to establish a safe and secure rendezvous point for doctors, nurses, clergy, interpreters, all types of medical people, and those with compassion for the Haitians. They needed organization, administration, muscle, messengers, communications, IDs, showers, food, rest, encouragement, counseling . . . and worship to release the stresses of the days to come. We were the hands and feet to help set these things in place. CRI truly brought the Love and Faithfulness of the Holy Spirit into the camp. Set up there in Cusquaya Christian School – in downtown Port au Prince, God is working the miracle of the nations working together in harmony - and love is evident to all. And God is blessing CRI tremendously for their efforts there . . .

I believe, because His name is lifted up in Haiti – He is now able - and faithful, to draw all mankind to himself . . . and so you will see your prayers and donations in action.

Here is the CRI update #10: Please read and praise God for His love and faithfulness to all peoples, tribes and nations!

“Greetings!

The President of Haiti canceled "carnival" the other day and called for three days of fasting, prayer and mourning. The streets quickly filled with people dressed in white on their way to church services and gatherings all over the nation where they worshiped and prayed for God to have mercy on their nation. As we drove from the capital city to a coastal town, we witnessed tens of thousands of Haitians singing praises to Jesus and crying out to God for mercy. We held a worship service at an orphanage in Leogane where many came forward and were touched by the presence of God.

I believe we are witnessing a once and a lifetime opportunity to reach the harvest in crisis as this nation turns back to Him . . .”

Remember the words of Asher Intrater when he shared it was time that Aglow take the earth for God – and gave us a challenge to go into the world and make a difference! Little did I know how much I would be doing in the following months . . .

Please know for a truth – your prayers are not in vain, and continue your prayers for Haiti and for the nations responding to their needs. . . You ARE making history!

Times are truly revealing that efforts are stepping up against the Children of God and the body of Christ - but we will not be moved!

“To the front lines! . . .”

Your fellow worker and ‘Responder” in Christ

  Roberta L Preston

N/C EPC & CRI Responder

 Aglow International

Greetings All~

I’m sorry you couldn’t make it to Linda’s conference on Saturday. So much on our schedules and so much weather! That last part about the weather became a bit ironic after Linda began to speak.

There are four main words that popped out to me. I’ll list them here and tell you what context that I received them in. Do remember that this will be my translation; yours could and might be different. That’s ok. You hear God however you hear him ok? Here goes.

· Deluge – Linda talked about being “deluged” in the Spirit and having to pull off the road to talk to him. In the natural we’ve had so much rain, a “deluge” if you will. Biblically, that would be a symbol for the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 15:46 says in the natural first, then in the Spirit. If we are having so much of a “Deluge” in the natural, I can hardly wait to see what God has in store for us in the spirit! (Think drought followed by flood and tornadoes and ice and snow!)

· Holy – We have to be. Even if some others “In ministry” aren’t. We are called to a higher standard in every thing that we do.

· Applause – From heaven. Thunderous applause. For us, from Him. To Him, from us. Applause at a ball game, why not for the King of Glory. (Thunderstorm)

· Ruhah – Breath of God. When you open up the Bible, breath Him in, and anxiety, stress and fear out. Holy Spirit. Wind of God. Breath of Life.

· Confirmation received!

You just can’t read all that and not think of weather and of what is on the way as these symptoms escalate. As in transition, the baby crowns and is birthed shortly after. Our transition is ending and we are being birthed into a new day. How glorious is that?

Deborah Iliff

Aglow International

Iowa State Prayer Coordinator