The following article highlights upcoming, high profile Supreme Court cases on the docket for November and December, 2013.   
Churches need to be in prayer for the justices that they will see the need to defend Christian faith and principles.  These cases are:

  (1)  Oral argument on November 6 – Town of Greece v. Galloway 
Does a town’s policy of having local clergy recite prayers at government meetings violate the First  Amendment’s establishment clause when nearly all the prayers are Christian?
______________________________________________________________________________
 A three-judge panel of the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last year that the  predominance Of Christian prayers “impermissibly affiliated the town with a single creed.” 
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 Marsh v. Chambers  (1983) held that the Nebraska Legislature could fund the opening of its sessions with a chaplain’s prayer, citing the “unique history” of the United States.

  (2)  Oral argument possibly November or December – Cline v. Oklahoma Coalition for Reproductive Justice.  
Can a state limit the administration of abortion-inducing drugs to the protocols specified on their labels, thereby restricting so-called medical abortions?  
The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in December that a state law barring off-label uses of such drugs is unconstitutional.  The U.S. Supreme Court asked the state court to clarify its ruling before proceeding.
Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992) upheld the right to abortion established in Roe v.Wade (1973) by a 5-4 majority, although it approved several new restrictions. 
  
  (3)  Oral argument possibly December – Sebelius v Hobby Lobby Stores  
Can a family-owned corporation whose owners oppose abortion refuse to offer health insurance policies that include coverage of contraceptives, as required by President Obama’s health care law?    
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in June that the company should not have to comply with the requirement.  But a three-judge panel of the 3rd Circuit Court of appeals ruled in July that another company did.
These are among the first cases to reach the Supreme Court since the Affordable Care Act, colloquially dubbed “Obamacare,” was enacted in 2010.   
______________________________________________________________________________
Richard Wolf of USA Today stated,  “ after two blockbuster terms in which it saved President Obama’s health care law and advanced the cause of same-sex marriage, the Supreme Court appears poised to tack to the right in its upcoming term on a range of social issues, from abortion and contraception to race and prayer. The justices, whose term begins soon, could rule against racial minorities in two cases and abortion rights in one or two others.  They also could uphold prayers at government meetings."         

November, 2013
America – In Trouble with God

Recently, I had the honor to represent Moral Action at the Capital Baptist Association monthly meeting at Hillcrest Baptist Church, Yazoo City, MS and Pastor Jeff Dixon.  This association has ten local churches in the Jackson, Yazoo, Bentonia, Pearl and Vicksburg areas.  They are comprised of wonderful pastors and congregations. 
After the Moral Action message and promotion, a layman from Hillcrest Church gave me an intriguing list.  The gentleman, Mr. Gene Creel of Scotland Community in Yazoo County and a faithful dedicated servant, shared with me a common desire to see our nation turn back to Almighty God. He had comprised the following list about America.  I wanted to share it with you in this article.  
America In Trouble:
Because of legislated sins and or ignored sins:
1)  Lightly esteeming marriage vows;
2)  Abortion (disregarding the sacredness of life);
3)  Liquor (intoxication);
4)  Gambling  (legalized robbery);
5)  Promotion of homosexuality and lesbianism;
6)  Pornography (an addiction); 
7)  Too much focus on sporting events;
8)  Desecration of the Lord’s Day;      
9)  Toleration of vulgarity/profanity
10)  Unwed mothers and adulterous relationships
11)  Dysfunctional families, (mothers/and/or fathers absent)
12)  Greed (the love of money)
13)  Illicit drugs (destruction of mind and body);
14)  Disrespect of authority
15)  Promotion of tobacco products that bring harm to family/health
16)  Profane movies/music
Nationally  
17)  Inability to protect our citizens
18)  Inability to protect our borders
19)  Liberal courts and judges
20)  Failure to stand by Israel, God’s people
21)  Criminals released from prisons due to costs
22)  Muslims allowed to espouse Islam
23)  Attempts to remove “God” and Biblical principles from America
24)  Interference in foreign governments
25)  Failure of government to control spending/debt escalation
26)  Entitlements escalation out of control      
CHURCHES
27)  “watering down” of God’s Word
28)  Failure to witness about Jesus Christ as the Saviour
29)  Failure of Christians to tithe in their congregations
30)  Failure of Christians to honor God’s house by irreverent dress codes
       Thanks, Mr. Gene!  
 
     I Kings  21:17 “and the word of the Lord came to Elijah 
     the Tishbite, saying, Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel”….verse 20, 
     “And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy?  
     And he answered, I have found thee:  because thou hast sold thyself to work 
     evil in the sight of the Lord” verse 21  
     “Behold I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy 
     posterity”….

 So, what is the answer?
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”  Verse 15 “now mine eyes shall be upon, and mine ears attend unto the prayers that is made in this place.”  II Chronicles 7:14-15.  
We need to pray, seek God’s face, repent at the house of God and help turn our great nation, America, back to her foundations, her Christian foundations.   Dr. Billy Graham, in his autobiography, “Just As I AM” addresses such a troubled list. Graham asks the question, “what has the message, that will not change, meant for every generation?”
“The message is, first of all, a message about God.  God created us in His image.  He created us and loves us
so that we may live in harmony and fellowship with Him. We are not here by chance. God put us here for a purpose, and our lives are never fulfilled and complete until His purpose becomes the foundation and center of our lives.
The message is also about the human race, and about each one of us.  The Bible says that we have been separated and alienated from God because we have willfully turned our backs on Him and are determined to run our lives without Him.  This is what the Bible means by sin – choosing our way instead of God’s way, and not giving Him His rightful place in our lives. The evidence of this is all around us, in the moral chaos and heartache of our world. The headlines scream every day that we live in a broken, sin-ravaged world.
But in addition, the message declares that God still loves us.  He yearns to forgive us and bring us back to Himself. He wants to fill our lives with meaning and purpose right now.  Then He wants us to spend all eternity with Him in Heaven, free forever from the pain and sorrow and death of this world.”

“Desiring the Glory of God Through Morality”
Annual Report 2013
Dr. John M. Adams
Executive Director
In Exodus 33;18, the theme text is “Show Me The Glory.”  Moses felt, perhaps, as if he had not yet fully beheld the glory of God. He longed for that great, awe-inspiring blessing of a full beatific vision.  Moses craved for a close communion with his Lord.  Born-again believers know that no one can truly know God and walk with Him without diligently attempting to live a life of good morals. The guilty conscience cannot bear the near presence of the Most High God. Sinners shrink from the keen inspection of the all-seeing eye. 
But, the true follower will want a life of righteousness.  

Moral Action of MS Schedule and Highlights
2006-07     Religious Freedom
2007-08     Gambling
2008-09     Abortion and Pro Life
2009-10     Homosexuality and Gay Rights
2010-11     Muslims and Sharia Law
2011-12     Value Voting
2012-13     Political Involvement
2013-14     Separation of Church and State

 The highlighted theme for our 2013-2014 Associational year will be teachings on “Separation of Church and State.” 
I will be presenting these thoughts during speaking engagements and writings.
The liberal media and educators wish to silence the Christian churches, pastors, and workers with the threat of “separation.”  “Not so” cries out God’s Word and our United States Constitution.
Please pray for Moral Action of Mississippi that we have clarity and protection.  We have an awesome and challenging work before us.

Moral Action Service
During the October 2012-September, 2013 Association year, your Director has traveled to the Mississippi State Capitol for seven visits.  I’ve had the distinct privilege to meet with Governor Phil Bryant and Secretary of State Delbert Hoseman.  I presented to Mr. Hoseman the book  “Personal  Faith and Public Policy” by Tony Perkins.  I have spent time working with Mr. Cadley Burns, Coordinator for Mississippi 1st District U.S. Congressman, Alan Nunnelee.  Our own BMA Deacon and State House of Representative for District 19, Randy Boyd has been so inspirational.  He has worked on the traditional marriage legislation and the amendment  to require proof of citizenship to register to vote in MS.

Moral Action Success
I have enjoyed the “God and Country Rallies.”  We have held two already in the South Mississippi areas. 
Our next Mississippi Rally will be in the Hattiesburg area, November 14, 2013.  I have held five rallies outside the state and have two others scheduled in the  future.

Moral Action Promotional Video
Our new video which is used as a promotional tool, has made our work more visible.  Some videos are still available if desired.  Feel free to contact me.  Ms. Adams and I have had the opportunity to visit with Mississippi United States Senator Roger Wicker, and Mississippi 3rd District Representative Greg Harper.  Our focus has been saving the two words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag.

 Moral Action Selection
In November, 2013 the Moral Action Ministries and Director has been selected to represent the BMA of MS and America in Washington, D.C.  I will serve as Guest Chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives November 18-21 with House Chaplain Rev. Patrick Conroy. I will lead in prayer before the U.S. House as an honored guest of United States Congressman Alan Nunnelee.  Praise the Lord!!!

Moral Action of MS Support
We wish to thank each church, association, and organizations for your continued financial gifts.  We also need your prayers.  Your faithfulness to stand with this State agency has been the strength upon which we have drawn from this past year.  Surely, we Christians still tremble at the mighty hand of God.  Isaiah stated in Isaiah 13:9, “Behold the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.”  Then in verse 11:  “and I will punish the world for their evil…”

Things to pray for and to act upon:
1.  Pray for this ministry
2.  Promote Moral Action in your church and Association
3.  Support financially
4.  Share your needs, ideas, concerns
5.  Pray for the National Moral Action

 Moral Action Contacts
We welcome your comments and suggestions regarding this ministry.  We are dedicated to spreading the message of morality through God’s word.  
 

Thank you and God bless each of you. 


Dr. John M. Adams


  

Thanks for your prayers as we traveled these many miles to and from Washington, D.C.  We sensed God’s presence in the beauty of this land of ours from Mississippi to the nation’s capitol.  We were afforded the opportunity to travel in the van that was purchased through the “freedom offerings” in 2012. 

On Wednesday night, May 22, we were escorted to the U.S. Capitol for a tour and Christian legacy presentation given by Wallbuilders founder, David Barton.  What an excellent way to start the "Watchmen on the Wall Conference” hosted by Tony Perkins.  The focus of the entire conference was “prayer for our nation and its leaders.”  Needless
to say, the meeting was a gathering of conservative, religious and excited Christian leadership.  Mrs. Adams and I looked out over our Capitol from the tenth floor of our hotel room and prayed for our nation.  We prayed for Christian leaders with Godly principles and influence, a return to Christian foundations and healing of our land.  

The days were filled with meetings at the conference and the Capitol.  We had the opportunity to meet with several
Representatives and Senators.   I basically discussed with each of these several items.  My concern of the growing intolerance of Christianity in our U.S. government and its administration; the need to have Christian expressions in the Congress, Courts, and in the White House;  and the need to preserve the two words “under God’ in the
United States Pledge of Allegiance.  The agenda of the A.C.L.U. is to have these two words removed. 

All of my meetings with these gentlemen were brief but received warmly.  I had the  opportunity to meet with:  U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt – 4th District – Alabama; U.S. Representative Joe Barton- 6th District – Texas;
U.S. Representative James Lankford – 5th District – Oklahoma;   U.S. Representative Jeb Hensarling -5th District – Texas and U.S. Congressman Greg Harper- 3rd District – Mississippi,  who has given Mrs. Adams and me a tour of the Congress Prayer Chapel.   He and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi have been an inspiration.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz – Junior Senator from Texas – urged Christians to voice their support of keeping the words “under God” in the pledge.  His suggestions are “WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMAN/CONGRESSWOMEN/AND ELECTED OFFICIALS.”

Dr. Richard Land stated, “we must contact as many of our political leaders as possible to share our concerns. 
Nothing beats face to face conversation and debate.”  Dr. Land is the past president of the Southern Baptist Convention Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Christians cannot and must not give up in our desire to
lead America in paths of right living and moral solutions.  Thomas Jefferson, in 1781, from his notes on the State of Virginia reflected: 
          
     “and can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their 
     only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties 
     are the gift of God?  That they are not to be violated but with his 
     wrath?  Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: 
     that his justice cannot sleep forever.”

So, no matter the nation, no matter the century, this truth never changes:  Righteousness exalteth a
nation, but sin is a reproach to any people….Proverbs 14:34.

Click on the pictures below for more information.

The American Civil Liberties Union (A.C.L.U.) and the Americans United for Separation of Church and State have underlying plans to go after two small words in the Pledge of Allegiance of the American flag.  For some this may seem insignificant, but for Christian believers it is of immense importance.  This is a battle worth fighting.  

The Massachusetts Supreme Court – 

Judicial Court is conducting a hearing of a non-religious families’ objection to their children being required to recite the
pledge daily in the classroom. The case is Doe vs Acton – Boxborough Regional School District. When one recites the Pledge of Allegiance, they are expressing loyalty to the federal flag and the republic of the United States of America.  The Pledge was originally composed by the Baptist Minister, Francis Bellamy, in 1892.  It was formally adopted as our American Pledge in 1942. Wikipedia details Francis Bellamy’s recollection of the creation of the pledge.  Bellamy recalled “at the beginning of the 1890’s patriotism and national feelings was at an all-time
low.  The time was ripe for a reawakening of simple Americanism.  We felt that there should be an American flag in every school house and church.” 

The Pledge was first recited on Columbus Day, October 12, 1892, to coincide with the opening of the World’s
Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois.  In 1952, Susan Anald wrote a letter to President Truman asking for the inclusion of the words, “under God” in the pledge. These two words were incorporated in the Pledge in 1954
by President Eisenhower and a joint resolution of Congress. There have been prominent legal challenges to remove the words “under God” since the 1950’s.  On March 11, 2010, the United States Court of Appeals for the
Ninth Circuit upheld the words  “under God” in the Pledge. 

In a 2-1 decision, the court ruled that the words were of a ceremonial and patriotic nature and did not
constitute an establishment of religion.  Judge Stephen Reinhardt dissented, writing that the state directed, teacher led daily recitation in schools of the amended “under God’ violates the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution.  He emphasized the complete separation of church and state. 

As of today, all states except five (Hawaii, Iowa, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Wyoming) give time for the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited as part of the school day.  The reading of the Court findings  “Good News Club vs Milford Central School (2001) 533US98, 128 (J. Breyer) “What is relevant here is how the Pledge is likely to be perceived by “impressionable” school children.  School children would reasonably perceive the Pledge as expressing
religious beliefs.” The court case continues, “For public school teachers to lead school children in a ritual recital of the Pledge impermissibly communicates as far as the children are concerned, a message of government endorsement of religion.”

The A.C.L.U. and the American United for Separation of Church and State (A.U.) are determined to remove God from the American way of life.  From the Court case #02-1624 in the United States Supreme Court Elk Grove School
District vs Michael NEWDOW, we have this vivid exchange of letters that appear in the Appendix of the Pledge of Allegiance argument between Mitsuo Murashige of Hawaii and United States President George W. Bush.  It truly illustrates the need to keep “under God” in the United States Pledge:

September 2002


The Honorable George W.  Bush
President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, DC  20500

Dear President Bush,

Over 125 delegates and observers from the 37 Honpa Hongwanji Buddhist temples throughout the State of Hawaii assembled in Hilo, Hawaii on September 13-15, for its 41st State Federation of Honpa Hongwanji Lay Associations Convention.  The assembly deliberated on current issues and concerns relevant to the mission of the
organization.  In the plenary session, one of the resolutions discussed was the “Resolution to Support the 9th Circuit Court’s Ruling on the Pledge of Allegiance.”  The resolution was unanimously passed.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2 to 1 that the reference to God, which was added in 1954, amounts to an official endorsement of mono-theism.  In Addition, the court ruled that both the 1954 amendment to the pledge and a California school district’s policy requiring teachers to lead children in the pledge violate the First Amendment prohibition against the establishment of a state religion.

A copy of the resolution is enclosed, along with additional historical facts in support of the resolution. We hope you
have the courage, as our founding fathers did, keeping in mind the articles of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, to support the correct decision of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, to educate others, and to remind the members of the Congress who may have forgotten and  may not be cognizant of the history of the Pledge of Allegiance and its amendments up to 1954.  Some members of the Congress may need to be reminded that
their most important job is to protect and preserve the articles of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the foundation of the United States of America.

Sincerely,
In gassho,
Mitsuo Murashige, President
Hilo, Hawaii



THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 13, 2002

Mitsuo Murashige and Associates
Hawaii State Federation of Honpa Hongawanji Lay Associates
Hilo, Hawaii


Dear Mitsuo Murashige and Associates:

Thank you for your letter regarding the Pledge of Allegiance.  I appreciate hearing your views and  concerns. As citizens recite the Pledge of Allegiance, we help define our Nation.  In one sentence, we affirm our form of government, our belief in human dignity, our unity as a people, our reliance on God.  During these challenging times, we are determined to stand for these words.

For more than two centuries, our flag has stood for a unified country.  When we pledge allegiance to our flag,
Americans feel a renewed respect and love for all it represents.  We are thankful for our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  We are also grateful for our freedoms, which were protected by our Founding Fathers and defended by subsequent generations of brave Americans.

When we pledge allegiance to One Nation under God, our citizens participate in an important American tradition of humbly seeking the wisdom and blessing of Divine Providence.  Our Declaration of Independence proclaims that our
Creator endowed us with inalienable rights, and our currency says, “In God We Trust.”  May we always live by that same trust, and may the Almighty continue to watch over the United States of America.

Thank you again for writing, and best wishes.

Sincerely,


George W. Bush

Morally, We “Must” Not Compromise

Compromise might be appropriate in Washington, D.C. politics, but not in Christian morality.  Paul said in Philippians 4:12, “I am instructed…”  God never changes, so His word implies, “I’m not going to change when the road gets rough, and I’m not going to change when it is a smooth road.  Good or bad, I’m in it until the end!” We MUST stand our ground in our twenty-first (21st) century.  Christian morality is still as pertinent today as it was in Bible times.  America MUST turn back to God.  Change MUST come from the inside out.

Getting A New Vision

The 61st National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 2, 2013.  This is a day that we call on all people in the United States to pray for our nation and its leaders.  The NDP’s Motto is:   “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,” Psalms 33:12.  Go to the website at:  www.nationaldayofprayer.org and order literature now for your congregations.  Get involved.

Pray for Ms. Adams and I as we participate in the Watchmen On The Wall Conference, in Washington, D.C. in May, 2013.  We request special prayer as we take the “Prayer Walk in the Halls of Congress.” 

Get a vision with us!  Consider contributing to this agency during our July “Freedom Offering.”  Since July 4, 2013, will occur on a Thursday, consider your donations on Sunday, June 30 or Sunday, July 7, 2013.  Large or small donations will be appreciated.  

Sounding A New Voice 

We were privileged to participate in several “God and Country” rallies around our BMA states.  In 2012-13, I spoke in Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Michigan and Texas.  Feel free to contact me and, if possible, schedule a one night associational or church rally for your area. 662-231-3863.  

Showing A New Video

Appreciation is expressed to Lifeword Directors, Dr. Steve Crawley, Bro. Donny Parrish and the Production Crew for a job well done in the production of a five minute promotional video for this agency.  Thanks to Pastors Vernon Lee of First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, TX and Collin Jones of Fairview Baptist Church, Blytheville, AR.  The video was mailed to all churches in March, 2013.  We ask for this video to be presented to your congregation, WMA and Brotherhoods.

Respect for our 2013 Moralist Award Recipients

Your Moral Action Director and our nine (9) trustees voted unanimously to present to the late Dr. Roy McLaughlin
and his wife, Neva, our 2013 “Moralist Award.”  Ms. Adams and I traveled to Swartz Creek, MI and presented this award to Ms. Neva McLaughlin and posthumously to Dr. Roy McLaughlin.  Their contributions to this ministry
are innumerable.  Thanks to Pastor Chris Yeager and the Cornerstone Baptist Church for their graciousness.

Moral Action Suggestions:

We welcome your comments and suggestions.  You may contact us at:
Telephone:   (1) 662-231-3863
Email:     fbcdjmaj@yahoo.com
Website:    www.macbma.net
Mailing address:   P.O. Box 305, Mantachie, MS  38855

Hebrews 3:7-13 enlightens the Christian on the “evil heart of unbelief.”   The American news media typically depicts the Christian and Christianity as “having no rights in the political process.”   The so called progressive news media, its announcers and analysts, appear to possibly have a “heart of unbelief.”

These analysts are compensated to write, talk and politicize American politics and as one writer states “it is ad nauseum.”   “The media has been complaining once again about religious folks, for injecting religion into political races,” states Dr. Alan Sears of Alliance Defending Freedom.  We could gather from this statement that the liberal and bias media have an elitist philosophy to talk down Christians in America.

The Media Desires to Frighten Christians
In the 2012 Presidential election, the mass-media accused Christians of everything from racism, disrespect for the laws of the land, hate for the U.S. Constitution, and ignorance.  Christians are depicted as being locked in the “stone age.”  The media conjures up frightful visions of Christians as Bible thumpers and mindless “Jesus followers.”  We know this to be false and not the true picture of Christianity.  Christians are from every walk of life, every state of the union, on the factory floor, behind the college podium, in the armed services, farming the fields, delivering the mail, in the halls of Congress, and, yes, even in the public media.  God stated in Hebrews 3:  “exhort one another daily….for we are made partakers of Christ…”  Hebrews 4…”he (the Christian) also hath ceased from his own works (occupation) as God did from His.”   So, therefore, Christians, DO NOT EVER BE FRIGHTENED BY THE ELITIST.  We belong to the Savior, Jesus Christ!  

The Media Desires to Intimidate Christians
Christian men and women involving themselves in the political realm appears to “unnerve” the news media. They do not understand Christianity, so therefore, they resort to negative and bias information, most of which are lies and falsifications. Christians, DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED.  We have the right to actively participate in politics.  We can and should take a major role in promoting and helping to elect Godly leaders in our government.  We have a place in the process.  We simply must be Christ-like. As Christians, we must engage in Christ-like attitudes and actions.  Never use unsavory secular means in order to succeed in politics.  “Character assassination” is unacceptable.

The Media Desires to Dismiss Us
The media attempts to dismiss Christians because of their ignorance of our dedication to our Savior, mankind and to biblical principles.  We, however, give them a strong impression by our conduct.  We must be kind; vocal but not obnoxious.  They can observe our daily lives, our relationships, our convictions for morality.  Stand tall for Morals.  Joshua declares, “ only be thou strong and very courageous…”  DO NOT LET THEM DISMISS US!

The Media Wishes For You Not to Participate
Here is a great and spiritual battle plan:  Put on the whole armor of God, pray as II Chronicles 7:14 declares and let the Holy Spirit lead you in moral and political decisions.  Christians should offer themselves as candidates for elected public offices, local, state, and national.  Christian voters should cast votes for born-again, moral candidates.  We should pray for Christian men and women in the public arena that they will have a Godly influence.

Christians can be a powerful force for the good of America.  Get involved!  PARTICIPATE!

Reading Recommendations:
1) Romans 13:1-14
2) Personal Faith, Public Policy
Harry Jackson, Tony Perkins
Front Line Publishers  $21.00
3) Saving Freedom
U.S. Senator Jim DeMint
Fidelis Books    $26.00

Moral Action Video
Great news!  Be on the lookout for the new Moral Action five minute promotional video.  We are making plans to have it distributed per US mail to our 1300 BMA churches on March 1, 2013. We would like to encourage you to share this video with your congregations, auxiliaries and organizations.  It is a great introduction to the Moral Action Ministry.

National Day of Prayer
The National Day of prayer is fast approaching.  The date is May 2, 2013.  It is time for your church to select a leader/director to lead out in the prayer efforts.  We desperately need intercessory prayer for our nation and its leaders. Suggested places of prayers are church auditoriums, flag poles, local courthouses, or town/City Hall.  It is vital that our BMA Baptist family actively participate in this yearly national event.  Need more info,  go to www.NDP.org or use a computer search engine for National Day of Prayer.   You may also telephone:  719-559-9560 for information.

Moral Action Booth
I would like to encourage all pastors, messengers and church laity to visit the Moral Action Booth at the National Associational Meeting, April 22-24, 2013 in Norman, OK.  There will be plenty of materials for you.  Included will be pens, note pads, videos, and promotional literature.  Please stop by and visit.  Remember, we represent each of you in this ministry.

Moral Action Freedom Offering
Please make plans to pray and give financial gifts to this department for the July 4th Freedom Celebration.  Since July 4, 2013 will be on a Thursday this year, we are suggesting that you consider giving your offerings on June 30 or July 7.  We need your gift, whether large or small.

Moral Action on the Web
Visit our site at www.macbma.net.  You will find much information related to this ministry.  Some of the topics included are our purpose,  current trustees, and morality action alerts.  You may visit the Moral Action archives for past and present articles of interest.  There are available links to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Supreme Court.  You will find access to Focus on the Family, American Family Association and the Family Research Council.  Contacts are also listed for myself and this ministry whether by email, telephone or written communication. We would be honored to hear from each of you.

“God and Country Rallies”
I had the honor recently to participate in “God and Country” rallies in Laurel, MS and Waxahachie, TX.  Feel free to contact me if you are interested in scheduling an area wide or association wide event.  These are one-night patriotic events.  Plans are being made at this time for 2013 rallies in Florida, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

Moral Action Van
You did it!  During the 2011-2012 year, God used many of our BMA Churches, Associations, Auxiliaries, Brotherhoods and individuals to help purchase a new 2013 fifteen passenger Ford van for this ministry.  Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Max and Debbie Story of Magnolia, AR. in this purchase.  We are humbled by your graciousness.  You may view the van at the BMA National meeting in Norman, OK.  Praise be to our God!
 

Born again Baptists believe that our nation, state, Christian faith, Godly morals, church and our families are worth defending.  We association of Churches tremble at the hand of God and know of His commandments.  Isaiah 13:9, “Behold the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.”  Verse 11, “and I will punish the world for their evil….”

We know these prophetic words to be true and that they will be fulfilled.  We know that our Moral Action Ministries and the great association of churches must stand for and sound out the truth.  The battle is ours and we take up this challenge until the end.

So, are our state and nation worth the effort?  Are our children and grandchildren worth it?  We are battling the detrimental elements in our society.  Yes, and a thousand times, YES!  The moral values of our state and nation are worth every conscious effort that we put forth.  For decades, the Moral Action of MS has continued in the great fight for morality and the cause of Christ.  This is our true mission and I am honored to report this news to you.
Your Director and wife, staff, and Moral Action Trustees thank each church and her congregations for your continued prayers, wishes, cards, communications and financial gifts.  You keep this ministry going from day to day.  We stand with our Associational churches in recognizing “HIS SUPREMACY.”

As your Director, I continue to make our BMA voice known in Jackson at the Mississippi State Capitol.  Five times this year I have been your spiritual lobbyist before our State Senators and State Representatives.  I have led in prayer before the State House of Representatives and met with our Governor Phil Bryant twice.  It has been an honor to meet with Secretary of State Delbert Hoseman.

Our topics of discussion have been varied at times but include the following:
1)  The need for voter ID in Mississippi
2)  The need to close any operating abortion clinic in MS
3)  Our opposition to the recognition and legalization of gay and lesbian marriages in MS
4)  Opposition to the establishment/operation of gambling casinos in our states
5)  Our concern of the increasing anti-Christian movement in our state and national government, and
6)  Our support of the need for all students to stay in school and reduce the drop-out rate in MS.

Moral Action USA recognized Governor Phil Bryant of MS for our 2012 Moralist Award at the National BMA of America meeting in Jackson, MS in April, 2012.  Moral Action of MS presented Rev. Grover Laird our 2011-2012 Moralist Award at our State Meeting in Mantachie, MS. The 2012-2013 Moralist Award will be presented to Rev Ray Thornton for his untiring efforts in the field of morality.   This is a well-deserved honor for a great leader among MS. Baptist.

Moral Action continues to share recommendations of books, literature, internet websites and monthly articles in the MS Baptist Paper. Our trustees continue to support these efforts and share reports in our local association reports.
Ms. Adams and I have been invited to attend the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton in Washington D.C. by United States Senator Roger Wicker.  This will be our fourth time to attend this great convocation of Christian leaders and to pray for our nation with our President and First Lady.  We must continue to pray about the November, 2012 Presidential election.  We must continue to pray for God to send His forgiveness and blessings on MS. and America.

Things to pray for:
1)     Pray for Moral Action and myself as Director
2)     Pray for our trustee board
3)     Pray for Moral Action USA
4)     Pray about the National 2012 elections
5)     Pray for Godly leaders and leadership
6)    Pray for the President, Congress, and the Courts
7 Pray for our Churches and Pastors to be morally and politically involved.

God bless each of you!
Dr. John M. Adams