Everyone who goes to a Harvest Rock Church in Pasadena, CA, is being threatened with criminal charges that carry one year in prison and fines of $1,000 per day. Let this sink in – everyone who attends a religious service this Sunday faces arrest, jail and fines. Read on to learn what we can do to help them. - Mat

Did you ever think in America we would be forced to choose between going to church and going to jail? That’s what is happening RIGHT NOW to our church client in Pasadena, California.

In a letter dated August 13, 2020, the Pasadena Prosecutor’s office informed Pastor Ché Ahn and Harvest Rock Church that the prosecutor was ready to CRIMINALLY CHARGE EVERYONE WHO DARES SHOW UP FOR CHURCH, including the pastor, the staff and parishioners:

"The letter is to remind you that violations of these Orders are criminal in nature. Each day in violation is a separate violation and carries with it a potential punishment of up to one year in jail and a fine per violation." (emphasis added).

The letter goes on to read: "Your compliance with these orders is not discretionary, it is mandatory. Any violation in the future will subject your Church, owners, administrators, operators, staff, and parishioners to the above-mentioned criminal penalties as well as the potential closure of your Church."

Perhaps the Pasadena City Prosecutor and Gov. Gavin Newsom have never read the First Amendment, which affirms our God-given, unalienable RIGHT to worship God. Caesar has no authority to criminalize worship.

Please also understand this point, as unbelievable as it sounds: For 80 percent of California’s population, it is also criminal to have a Bible study or to worship in private homes with anyone who does not live in the home. Yet, the First Amendment to the Constitution says this...

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

DEFEND OUR RIGHT TO RELIGIOUS FREEDOM! - Select here

The U.S. Supreme Court could not be more clear: "Neither a state nor the Federal Government can set up a church . . . Neither can force nor influence a person to go to or to remain away from church against his will." Everson v. Bd. of Educ. of Ewing Twp., 330 U.S. 1, 15 (1947) (emphasis added).

As you likely know, Liberty Counsel is the attorney of record for Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry, which has 162 churches in California. We have filed a federal lawsuit against CA Gov. Gavin Newsom’s illegal and unconstitutional orders banning ALL religious services, even in private homes.

In addition, we are also the attorney of record in four other federal lawsuits on behalf of churches similarly persecuted by the governors of Maine, Virginia, Kentucky and Illinois. And, we are helping several thousand pastors in 44 states.

From coast to coast, tyrannical governors have established a swath of anti-Christian discrimination across our land. And now it appears some faithful Christians may serve jail time for exercising their First Amendment RIGHT to religious freedom.

We cannot let this tyranny continue.

If we, as Americans and as the Body of Christ, allow godless politicians to steal even a small part of our religious liberty today, we will likely find ourselves with no freedom at all tomorrow. A loss of religious freedom would be the first domino to fall. Others will follow.

I think and pray daily about our pastors that are willing to lose their freedom in order to protect others. Especially on Sunday morning, I am burdened for each one in prayer. Many, like Pastor Ahn of Harvest Rock Church, enter their churches not knowing what the day will bring.

My friend, this should never happen in America. I will fight for these pastors with every breath I take. Liberty Counsel is committed!

Please lift up Harvest Rock Church, the shepherds of the flock who are taking a stand, the Church writ large, America and Liberty Counsel. Our dedicated team continues to work long hours. I am blessed to have a team passionately committed to their calling.

America needs you to stand for her RIGHT NOW. Not with harsh words, senseless violence or hatred -- but with the love of Christ and devotion to His church.

YOU are the biblical "Stephens" of our time, ministering to the needs of those working for God. I thank you for answering that call!

As you know, Liberty Counsel never charges for our services. We know that few people, especially humble pastors and parishioners, could afford to pay for a legal defense against the endless tax-funded resources of city, county, state and federal officials… especially if these cases go all the way to the Supreme Court.

That’s why YOUR vital financial support is a ministry to the saints in and of itself. Without your financial support, pastors and parishioners might spend time in jail and their churches might be forever closed.

And now, a generous supporter has established a challenge grant that will effectively DOUBLE the impact of your donation today. Please, do not let this important opportunity pass us by. The Body of Christ needs you now!

DEFEND OUR CHURCHES! - Select here

Again, I ask you to pray fervently for Pastor Ché Ahn along with the staff and attendees of Harvest Rock Church. Pray that no one will stop them from worshipping together and hearing the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

"For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister." Hebrews 6:10

In Christ,

Mat Staver
Founder and Chairman

P.S. There is another way to minister to the saints, and I hope you will take advantage of it. We are offering a FREE download of our "Silence Is Not an Option" (SINO) DVD and Patriot’s Handbook of Political Action for Pastors and Churches which are designed to inform you of what pastors and churches can do during election seasons and other times.

Normally, we offer these SINO materials for a $35 contribution. However, the threats looming before us are too dire for any Bible-believer to do without this vital information.

If we consistently voted biblical values, rogue governors would not be restricting churches today. Please, get a copy and share this information as widely as possible! Select here to get your "Silence Is Not an Option" download now.