I dont know if I should have made a separate post out of this but it roughly deals with the same issue. Please read the note under April 3, 2007. What are your thoughts?http://media.www.theguardianonline.com/media/storage/paper373/news/2007/04/11/News/Crime.Notes-2832865.shtml
Oh, Krispy!That the signs of persecution begin in such small ways, and in this, the last bastion of free speech, and freedom of religion.I don't know what the Lord requires of us in these circumstances. I can only say, if Christian's were getting stomped on in my neighborhood, I would first pray, and then do as God directed me.Alas that we are threatened with jail already. I have been aware it would come, but with it coming so soon, so does the Lord! Things are speeding up so much just from week to week.Praying for you, and for them all.P.S. Was praying, and heard the Holy Spirit whisper picketing! And the words, 'Let Them Speak!'If the Lord asks you to do something, be careful that you are prepared to be doing something so normal as silently demonstrating something non-provacative, yet strong in all our hearts. It might get the same results, while letting you rest quietly in your bed at night, rather than in jail.Remember, the Lord said, in Matthew 10:16. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.Be careful. Praying for you and them.
_________________Forrest Anderson
WOW, I can't believe that town in NC has specific laws concerning open air preaching on the sidewalk. I am shocked.
At this point the mayor (who is a born again Christian) has stated to the media that the city council will review the ordinance because, as he said, "We dont want to be doing anything illegal".So right now, things are in a holding pattern until they do that.The history of that ordinance is that Bob Jones University, which is 45 minutes south of Hendersonville, used to bus students up to Hendersonville every Saturday in the spring and summer to street preach. It was both an outreach and an academic requirement for their "preacher boys". People complained enough that the city council passed this ordinance to stop it. Rather than fight it, BJU went away. This was in the 80's.So the intent of the ordinance started as a way to prevent freedom of speech & religious expression, or at least hinder it. But it was never challenged.Anyway... if the council decides to keep the ordinance, then it will go to court.Thats how things stand right now.Krispy