Can You Help Us?

As many of you know, our annual fundraising gala, Justice 2014, is coming soon. Many of you have been very gracious and supportive to us in times of need. And now...

We need your help!

During the gala, Advocates will host a silent and a live auction. We are in need of donated items for us to sell at the auction.

Advocates depends heavily on our annual Justice Gala to raise much needed funds so we may continue to defend your First Amendment rights.

Many of you have connections, and many of you have been blessed this last year. We humbly ask that you please take a look at what you have to offer, and offer it for the success of our Gala


Click here for our "Auction Form"

You can also call us at (888) 588-6888

Here’s an Idea of What You Can Give:

Once in a Lifetime Opportunities • A connection with a sports team of any sort to create a unique package (e.g. ball boy for a day at a Lakers game) • Frequent flyer miles – these will help us put together some great travel experiences • Use of your condo/timeshare/cabin • A hot air balloon ride, pilot lessons, a ride in a jet, etc. • Yacht cruise • A trip to a major sports event (e.g. Master’s Golf Tournament, Superbowl) • A one-of-a-kind experience or adventure

Indulgent Packages • Spa Package • Shopping spree at a mall • Weekend get-aways, vacations

Gift Certificates and Tickets • Restaurants • Bookstores • Theater tickets • Movie theater tickets • Sporting event tickets • Concert backstage passes

Other Gifts • Artwork • Autographed sports memoribilia • Ipads • Snowboards or surfboards • Celebrities – autographed photo, etc. • High-end purses and jewelry • GoPro camera • Your business' services • Gifts for the families • New furniture • Home decor

Here Comes Common Core... What's the big deal?

Dear Friend,
In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote, “Society in every state is a blessing, but Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil.” Our Founding Fathers recognized government as a necessary evil and, therefore, carefully crafted the American government with a separation of powers so no one branch of government became too powerful. Additionally, our Constitution provides the federal government with certain powers and the states with certain powers. Thomas Paine’s words ring truer now than in 1776, because the federal government’s “Common Core” curriculum interferes with States’ rights and violates federal laws prohibiting such control. 

Control of educational curriculum is a state right; not a federal right. Under Common Core and its financial incentives, the federal government is attempting to do what it legally cannot. The federal government, by financial incentives (our tax dollars), is attempting to take away power reserved for the states. A large part of the American government’s success lies in its inherent restraints on government power known as “checks and balances.” This means the federal government must not overstep its authority by ignoring the laws adopted by Congress.  We, as citizens, should be gravely concerned when any branch of our government ignores laws restraining it and, in this case, treads on the rights of States.

Everyone—not just parents—should oppose Common Core because it negatively affects the nation’s youth in two ways:

1. The math curriculum puts students almost two years behind their peers, potentially forcing them out of the university system and into the already impacted community college system, leaving our universities scrambling for foreign students who can qualify;
2. The questions students must answer on tests has an anti-conservative indoctrination and a socialism/communism agenda.  Common Core is about lowering the academic standards for American children and the indoctrination of an anti-American agenda.

Furthermore, Common Core collects our children’s data without proper parental consent. It is possible this data will be available to unknown sources. Common Core testing allows the educational system to ask if guns are in your home, if parents have served in the military, and other information not necessary to the academic pursuits of students.

What can parents do? Use an Opt Out Form to remove your children from the Common Core testing. As long as California has Common Core, students may not Opt Out of the curriculum entirely, but may Opt Out of the testing for religious reasons. If all students opt out of Common Core testing, the system will fail to accomplish its hidden agenda.  All citizens can write their political representatives encouraging them to get rid of the Common Core curriculum in California.  States like Texas and Alaska have not adopted Common Core for the reasons stated above.  Lastly, when you go to the polls, make sure you know your candidate’s view on Common Core.

There are many Opt Out Forms by great organizations, one source we recommend is TruthinAmericanEducation.com. You may also contact our office (888-588-6888 or email: info@faith-freedom.com), and we can send you an Opt Out Form.                              In His Service,                                                             Marty Nicholson                               Legal Counsel

 

Is Jesus Allowed in School? The Courts to Decide!

Dear Friend,

            Hostility towards religion, particularly Christianity, in public schools has increased dramatically in the past few years. Cases involving students being ridiculed and even reprimanded because of their Christian faith are on the rise.
 
            As some of you may recall, Isaiah Martinez, a first grader in West Covina, Calif., brought Christmas gifts to school to share with his classmates. The gifts were candy canes with attached notes describing the legend of the candy canes. The legend tells the story of the candy maker who created candy canes to represent the life of Jesus Christ.
 
            When Isaiah’s teacher saw what the note on the candy canes said, she confiscated them. After speaking with the principal, she told Isaiah that Jesus is not allowed in school. She then removed the notes at the direction of the principal and handed the candy canes back to Isaiah to distribute to the class.  The teacher then threw the notes in the trash.

            “Jesus is not allowed in school?”  Isaiah was understandably confused and embarrassed by what happened in class that day. Fortunately, his parents reached out to us to learn if the school and administration’s actions were warranted.
 
            We immediately sent a letter to the West Covina Unified School District demanding that the school apologize for how Isaiah was treated and demanded that it adopt a policy prohibiting school officials from discriminating against or intimidating Christian and other religiously-affiliated students, as is appropriate under the First Amendment of our Constitution.
 
            The school conducted an investigation and substantially confirmed the facts as we presented, but the school district believed that their discriminatory actions were warranted. We then appealed to the school board requesting once again that Isaiah be allowed to hand out the candy canes and that they adopt a revised policy. After the school board denied our appeal, we appealed to the California Department of Education to no avail. The school has neglected to correct its actions, and after exhausting all options to avoid a lawsuit we were left with no choice but to file a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. By filing suit, we will be asking the court to protect Isaiah's rights and the rights of others like him from having their faith censored.

            It’s unfortunate when these situations arise and must be brought before a judge in order to rectify injustice. Please join us in prayer as we take Isaiah’s case to trial and pray for the strength and protection of Isaiah and his family. In return, we are more than happy to pray for you and your families, and welcome your prayer requests. Send prayer requests and any questions to info@Faith-Freedom.com.
 
            If you’re tired of the way that Christians are marginalized in our country, and the increasing hostility towards Christians, please consider making a donation today. Your gift will go directly toward cases like Isaiah’s, and it will make an impact on the culture targeting people of faith today. We’re constantly stunned by the cases that come our way – primarily young students experiencing humiliation and discrimination simply because of their Christian faith. We ask for your support to continue our work protecting our First Amendment right to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

 In His Service,,

 

Robert Tyler

General Counsel

  
 
            We are grateful for your support and words of encouragement for our team and clients. Isaiah and his family are blessed to receive the comfort and guidance of their pastor, Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, who also serves on our Board of Directors.
 
            We are very fortunate to have Pastor Jack as our keynote speaker for Justice 2014! Please mark your calendars…  
 

Justice 2014 Annual Gala and Fundraiser “Understanding the Times”

Saturday, September 27th at 5:00 pm

Held at Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa 3050 Bristol Street, Costa MesaKeynote Speaker: Pastor Jack Hibbs

Entertainer and Emcee: Comedian Robert G. Lee Honored Guests: Tim and Beverly LaHaye

Get involved with Advocates for Faith & Freedom! This is your opportunity to support the work of Advocates. This event helps us raise funds to support our free legal services through dinner ticket sales, live auction, and silent auction. We hope you will join us – please visit our Justice 2014 page for more information and to purchase your ticket or table.

Victory for Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby Wins!

The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that closely held corporations cannot be required to provide contraception coverage in conflict with their beliefs. The decision was issued in a 5-4 ruling Monday morning. The enormous forty-nine page majority opinion was written by Justice Alito, with Justice Kennedy writing a four page concurrence. Justice Ginsburg was joined in her dissent by Justice Sotomayor, with Justices Breyer and Kagan each filing their own dissenting opinions.

The major question in the case was whether a corporation would have protection under the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). According to the Supreme Court, yes they do. The Court held that closely held corporations are "persons" for purposes of RFRA. This means that RFRA gives protection not only to individuals, but also to closely held corporations. A closely held corporation is a private corporation with limited shareholders, usually family members or other close associates. RFRA is a federal statute that only applies to actions of the federal government and does not apply to the state.

“This case will have a substantial and beneficial impact upon a current case we are defending where a private corporation in California is being sued by former employer for alleged religious discrimination.” Robert Tyler, General Counsel, said “We have been awaiting this decision and are looking forward to applying this decision to protect religious freedom in the future.”

Meriam Ibrahim & Christian Persecution in Sudan

          If you’ve been following the story of Meriam Ibrahim, you’ve witnessed a roller-coaster of events for the courageous young mother refusing to deny Christ. You can read her story here. Ibrahim was brought up as a

Christian, despite her father being Muslim. Her marriage to her American-South Sudanese husband led to her sentencing as she was charged with adultery and apostasy. South Sudan, whose population has a Christian majority, became independent from the Muslim majority Sudan in 2011.

          Meriam was released Tuesday after an appeals court, overwhelmed by international pressure, struck down her death sentence. There was a great sigh of relief throughout the world and it seemed justice had prevailed at last for Meriam. However she was arrested again at gun point as she tried to leave the country with her husband and their two children.

She was charged with forging documents after attempting to use the documents issued by the embassy of South Sudan to leave the country. Sudan declared the documents invalid because they consider her marriage to her Christian husband invalid. After the online world created a hurricane of outcry demanding her release, D.C. and London are said to be working to resolve the situation.

Sudan has a history of persecuting Christians. According to http://www.worldwatchlist.us/ Sudan is the eleventh worst country in terms of Christian persecution.

We’d like to know your thoughts…

• Did you know about the situation in Sudan?
• Did you know Sudan receives hundreds of MILLIONS of dollars in funding from the United States?
• Is the US government active in using their international influence to fight persecution of Christians in the Middle East?

Share some knowledge with us and your fellow readers in the comment section!

How Can YOU Help? Click Here

Justice 2014 is Coming...How YOU can help!

Help make Justice 2014 our most successful gala yet!

 

Advocates for Faith & Freedom is proud to present Justice 2014 ~ Understanding the Times. This year’s Justice Gala will take place September 27th, at the Hilton Orange County in Costa Mesa. We’re working towards a more successful gala than ever before. This exciting event includes a three-course gourmet dinner, engaging speakers, and both live and silent auctions!

Here at Advocates we rely on God’s providence to carry us as we fight for your First Amendment rights. The Justice Gala is a major contributor in covering court fees and other litigation expenses to continue the important cases being fought in America’s courts to uphold your religious liberty. It’s a very special event, and we would love for you to be a part of it.

Visit our Justice Gala Event Page at http://www.faith-freedom.com/justice-2014/

Here are a few ways you can help:

1. Secure tickets to attend Justice 2014 Like we said, this is going to be an amazing event that you won’t want to miss. Purchase individual tickets for you, your spouse, family members, friends, neighbors, bible study groups, and work associates. Don’t forget to upgrade to Liberty Tickets to have access to the exclusive Liberty Reception before the dinner and receive an autographed book.

2. Purchase a table at Justice 2014 For the best value and the best experience at Justice 2014, be sure to purchase a table so you can enjoy the event with yourself and nine others. If you buy a table, you’ll pay for nine tickets and receive the tenth one free. Upgrade to a Liberty Table and you and each person at your table will have access to the exclusive Liberty Reception before the dinner and receive an autographed book.

3. Donate an auction item to Justice 2014 During the Justice Gala, Advocates will host a silent and a live auction! Do you have something special that you know someone out there would really enjoy? It may be services offered by your company, sports event tickets, frequent flyer miles, gift certificates, spa packages, weekend getaways, or any other one-of-a-kind experience or adventure. Please take a look at what you have to offer, and offer it for the success of our Gala!

4. Advertise at Justice 2014 Put your company’s name right in front of a coveted, conservative audience by purchasing an ad in our Justice 2014 program. Spaces are limited in this information packed program, and they will go fast!

5. Become a Justice 2014 Freedom Sponsor We can’t host the Justice Gala without sponsors. If you feel Lord has blessed you and wants for you to give back, then join in our efforts by becoming a Justice 2014 Freedom Sponsor. You will receive access to our Liberty Reception, advertising benefits, plus many more exclusive sponsor benefits.

6. Make a donation If you can’t make it to the Justice Gala, you can still be a part of our mission. Help us continue protecting religious freedom by donating $50, $100, or even $500 to Advocates today!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Lori Sanada at 951-304-7583 or lsanada@faith-freedom.com.  All of us here at Advocates and our clients thank you very much for your support and donations to this important event.  Our ongoing legal efforts are not possible without YOU!In His Service,

Robert Tyler General Counsel & Ron Strand Liberty Legacy Title Sponsor

Sentenced to Death for Faith in Christ: A Call to Action

As many of you have heard, this past month a Sudanese judge sentenced a Christian woman by the name of Meriam Ibrahim to death. What crime did she commit? She believed in Jesus Christ as her true Lord and Savior. Meriam was raised a Christian by her mother, but her father was a Muslim. This was enough for a judge to rule her an apostate, a crime punishable by death in Sudan. She has also been charged with adultery because the judge has declared her marriage with her Christian husband invalid. Locked up and pregnant with her second child, Meriam had to give birth in the prison’s unsanitary health clinic. She shares her cell with her newborn as well as her 20-month-old son as she awaits 100 lashings followed by her execution. Opportunities to recant her faith have been given to her but Meriam refuses to turn her back on Christ. She is an inspiration to us all, and she now needs our help.

How can you help? Below we have provided a list of ways you can help Meriam Ibrahim.

1. Pray, pray, and pray some more!
2. Contact your Member of Congress and urge them to support H. Res. 601, which calls for the release of Meriam Ibrahim.
3. Like her Facebook page to show your support.
4. Sign the petition calling for release!
5. Write or email the Sudanese authorities directly.

Minister of Justice Mohamed Bushara Dousa Ministry of Justice PO Box 302 Al Nil Avenue Khartoum Sudan moj@moj.gov.sd

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Ahmed Karti Ministry of Foreign Affairs PO Box: 302, Republic Street Khartoum Sudan Fax: + 249 183 772941

Minister of Interior Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamed     Ministry of Interior, PO Box 873 mut@isoc.sd

1 John 3:17 - But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 

Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Vote Your Values!

With elections just around the corner, we wanted to remind you how important it is to vote in accordance with your values. As Christians, we have a moral obligation to promote the common good through the exercise of our voting privileges. However, it isn’t easy to keep up with every issue and politician in the political sphere. So, here are a few resources to assist voters as they head into elections:

• American Family Association http://www.afaaction.net/

Learn where the candidates stand on issues and visit the AFA Voter Guide by clicking on the "Voter Guide" icon and enter the address where you are registered to vote to be presented with the specific candidates you will be voting for.

• Christian Coalition http://www.cc.org/voter_education 

Christian Coalition publishes a number of special voter educational materials - from Congressional Scorecards, which demonstrate the voting records of members of Congress, to Christian Coalition's Election Voter Guides, which show where candidates stand on important pro-family issues.

• Heritage Action for America Score Card http://www.heritageactionscorecard.com/

The Heritage Action Scorecard measures votes, co-sponsorships, and other legislative activity.

For our California supporters, you may wish to view…

• California Family Alliance http://californiafamilyalliance.org/

California Family Alliance (CFA) is a not-for-profit, political action organization that works in affiliation with California Family Council. CFA’s purpose is to advocate for pro-family, pro-life issues at the grassroots and legislative levels.

• 2014 Election Forum http://www.electionforum.org/ 

Information based on candidates’ views, records and positions from a Christian worldview for California Governor and State Offices; U.S. Congress, California State Senators and Assembly Members; County, City and Judicial races.

Remembering our Heroes this Memorial Day

Today, we remember all who fought courageously in battle and gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend the freedoms and liberties we possess today.  Every time we experience the freedom to speak our minds, worship our God, and share our faith in our community, we remember the grace of God and the sacrifice that soldiers have made to keep our Nation a free one. We also recognize and pray for our veterans and those currently serving in the military.  We ask that God’s peace, hope, and protection be with them and their loved ones – today and always.

            Please join us in prayer and thanksgiving on this Memorial Day!

California Legislature Approves Gender-based Abortions

  Recently, the California Assembly Health Committee chose to reject a proposed bill that would have prohibited abortion based on a baby’s gender.

This should have been a no-brainer….of course we should not allow abortions based on gender selection.  However, California has failed to support that logic, and the Assembly voted right down party lines, 6-13 against the bill.

Assemblywoman Shannon Grove, who brought the bill to the legislature, said, “I know that the political stance is normally pro-choice and under a woman's right to choose but someplace there has to be a line where it's not okay. And I submit to you today that it is not okay to have an abortion just because it is a little girl...”

We are saddened by this decision, and we ask for your prayers for the unborn who cannot speak up for themselves.