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Dear Friends,

Yesterday, I had the privilege of worshiping at First Redeemer Church in Cumming, GA. As I watched the honor guard displaying the colors, and the different branches of our armed services being honored, I was overcome with gratitude to live in a country like ours. As others have said, "Freedom is not free." Many laid down their lives to give birth to this nation – and over the 230 years since that time – have died fighting to preserve our republic. I am thankful to all who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live in a free land.

Dr. Richard Lee, Senior Pastor of First Redeemer, introduced Ralph Reed, candidate for Lt. Governor. Here are few of Ralph’s remarks: "America, unique among all nations in the history of Western civilization, was founded on faith in God. The Founders believed that God ordained government for the sole purpose of safeguarding and guaranteeing the rights as outlined in the Declaration of Independence, and if any government failed to protect our God-given rights, the people have a duty and obligation to replace it with one that does. Our Founders understood that faith in God is not a threat to democracy, it is essential to democracy."

Ralph then introduced Senator Zell Miller who delivered a wonderfully inspiring message about our Founding Fathers talking about the sacrifices they made to give us a Declaration of Independence like no other country had ever had - or will ever have. He talked about the financial sacrifices those brave men made - some suffering financial ruin -- some losing their lives. He talked about how the 13 colonies were not united in how to proceed - and how signer Benjamin Rush stepped in and asked for an adjournment so that they could all retire and pray to Almighty God as how to best move forward.

"Original Intent" author David Barton writes: "The fifty-six leaders who approved the separation from Great Britain realized that their struggle against the much superior British military could not be won solely through their own efforts. Thus, in their Declaration of Independence they openly acknowledged the Source of help on whom they would rely – ‘the laws of nature and nature’s God....’endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights…’appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the rectitude of our intentions…’ John Adams, when asked if he thought they would succeed against Great Britain replied, "Yes – if we fear God and repent of our sins."

On the same day Congress approved the Declaration, it appointed John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Ben Franklin to draft a seal to characterize the spirit of the new nation. Adams proposed: "It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty." Jefferson proposed: "The children of Israel in the wilderness, led by a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night." Franklin proposed: "Moses lifting up his wand and dividing the Red Sea, and Pharaoh in his chariot overwhelmed with the waters. This motto: Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God."

Historical documents are rife with references to the Almighty. Yet, there are those today who would have us believe that our country was founded by men who did not believe in God. Who believed in what has become the secular drumbeat of "separation of church and state." For anyone who studies history, nothing could be further from the truth. Just as our Founders did not back down from Great Britain, relying on God to give them victory – we cannot back down from modern day enemies and continue in our commitment to fight for our faith—also relying on Him to give us victory. We must never grow weary in our efforts to restore this country to the one envisioned by our Founding Fathers – a nation that looks to God for direction and prays for His grace and favor.

For the sake of our children and grandchildren, we must persevere.

Happy Birthday America! Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

UPCOMING EVENT TO SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!

Saturday, July 22 at 4:30pm, the Operation Completion pro-military rallies featured on Fox News will be visiting Atlanta. The rally will spotlight the progress our troops are making in Iraq and Afghanistan, the status of our soldiers who are stationed there, and will highlight patriotic music from the All-American band The Right Brothers.

Operation Completion has already drawn hundreds to their patriotic rallies with messages of hope and support in cities like Sacramento, San Antonio, and Boise. With tens of thousands of visitors to their website (www.operationcompletion.org) the vision of Operation Completion is to utilize the passion of youth and teens to organize efforts to reach every American with the positive news from Iraq and to show support for the military deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Contact Operation Completion at 330-735-6000 or info@operationcompletion.org.

Thank you for Keeping The Faith.
Sadie Fields