Orlando, FL - Yesterday afternoon on behalf of Men of Destiny Ministries ("MDM"), Liberty Counsel presented oral argument before federal Judge Gregory Presnell, in which MDM requested that the court stop Osceola County from shutting down the Christian ministry on May 25 and stop the daily $200 fines. As a result of the hearing, Osceola County will not enforce its order to shut down the ministry. The court will now expedite the final trial which will be conducted on July 26.

At the hearing, Judge Presnell said that what appears to have happened in this case is the so-called "NIMBY" (Not in my back yard) syndrome. He pointed out that the professional zoning staff recommended approving MDM, but then politics and political pressure from some of the neighbors influenced the elected officials to vote against the ministry because of preconceived stereotypes. He said the 45 days given by the County for MDM to shut down appeared to be "vindictive." At the prior meeting of the Commissioners, some of the neighbors made comments like, "once a drug addict, always a drug addict." In response to 16 different emails which espoused stereotypes against people with drug additions, County Commissioner Ken Smith responded, "I agree with your thoughts." Federal law prohibits such discrimination.

The men who undergo the Christian discipleship ministry at MDM are not taking drugs. These men have come to a point in their lives where they really want to change. Many have tried secular programs to no avail. The stories of changed lives as a result of this one-year residential discipleship program are incredible. One mother spoke of how the ministry restored her son. One man, who now operates his own business, spoke of how his life was transformed at MDM. Despite the fact that business owners spoke of how pleased they were with the men who work at their businesses, the Commissioners ignored the professional staff recommendations and voted to evict MDM.

Anita L Staver, President of Liberty Counsel, who attended the hearing said, "Men of Destiny Ministries transforms lives and mends broken families destroyed by drugs and alcohol. It is important for the success of the program that it be Christ-centered and residential. County officials have a choice - modify your stereotypes of recovering addicts and open your heart to this ministry, or lock your doors and open your jails. We are thankful that the ministry will not be forced to shut down and put these men on the streets. We look forward to presenting this case in court."