SD Attorney General Marty Jackley Addresses Packed House at May 8 Luncheon!

2013 Rapid City National Day of Prayer

By Amy Wagner

The Black Hills NDP team and the City's observance on the National Day of Prayer was hosted by Westminster Presbytiran Church On May 2, 2013. Once again this year we were pleased and honored to have proclamations from both Governor Dennis Daugaard and Mayor Sam Kooiker which were both read during the program.

Worship Leader Rosellen Reese, led us with both talent and a passion for worship of the One True God. Will Schilling a senior at Stevens High School continued that worship experience with a violin solo durrning the evening. Pastor Bob Jacobs of Westminster offered a short message about prayer, which everyone related to, as he shared about when we run out and need to be filled. Prayers for the seven centers of Prayer for the Nation were lead by several local pastors and leaders:

• Governemnt- Gerad Strong, Pastor at Bethal Assembly of God
• Church- Pastor Quincy Afraid of Lightning, Pastor at The Miracle Center
• Military- Chaplain Lynn Wilson from the National Guard
• Family- David Kinnan, Pastor at Fountain Springs Community Church
• Education- Robert Aberly, guidence concerlor for Rapid City Catholic Schools
• Media-Mike Roesler, Retired Firefighter in Rapid City
• Business-Jon Brue, Small Business owner in Rapid City

5/9/2013

2013 Sioux Falls National Day of Prayer

By Lavonne Fossness

Central Baptist Church was the location for the 2013 Sioux Falls National Day of Prayer.  Several hundred people worshiped to the opening Hymn, “The Wonderful Cross” led by Stuart Norberg and a talented and anointed local worship team.

Pastor Bill Carpenter shared portions of the National Day of Prayer Declaration followed by numerous scripture references.  If you would like to do your own study, they are:
1 Thes 5:17, Mark 11:24, Is 55:6, Ps 88:13, Eph 6:18, James 5:16 Phil 4:6, 1 Tim 2:8, 1 Tim 5:27, Ps 145:18, 2 Chron 7:14.

Pastor Carpenter said we must let the Spirit of God speak to us before we pray as the Bible tells us to have clean hands and a pure heart. “Have mercy on us O God – wash away – cleanse my sin.  You desire faithfulness.  Wash me whiter than snow.  Create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Various people then led prayer for our GOVERNMENT, the CHURCH, our MILITARY, our FAMILY, EDUCATION, the MEDIA, BUSINESS, the SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE, and three youth completed the corporate prayer by praying passionately for REVIVAL.

We were quietly dismissed after a final worship song and encouraged to make prayer a daily dsiscipline.

5/9/2013

Sioux Falls Pastors Appreciation Luncheon Draws 40

Whoever said: "there's no free lunch" hadn't met the Family Heritage Alliance.  Friday, April 26, forty pastors and ministry leaders from around the Sioux Falls area took us up on our invitation to a free lunch, a trunk-load of book resources, and access to the human resources of the Family Heritage Alliance.  To the awesome men and women of Sioux Falls’ First Evangelical Free Church, thanks for your ministry to the FHA and to the ministry leaders that came out to join us.  Also, thanks to Lavonne Fossness, our Sioux Falls Area Representative who spent many hours coordinating this event for us.

Our Executive Director, Dale Bartscher started things off by sharing a few opening words about the FHA.  Afterwards, Bartscher introduced our keynote speaker, Pastor Wade Brown of PastorServe.  PastorServe is an organization that exists specifically to minister to and equip ministry leaders.  Wade Brown, formerly with Focus On The Family, is serving both as a pastor of young adults at the Woodmen Valley Chapel in Colorado Springs, as well as the Executive Director of PastorServe’s Rocky Mountain Region.  Click here for more information on PastorServe.  Brown’s message was perfect for a room full of pastors.  He spoke out of 2 Timothy 2, a section where the veteran Pastor Paul, gives advice and encouragement to his young apprentice Timothy.  For the entirety of Wade’s sermon, see the video below!

5/1/2013

Not Today - The Movie!

As we announced last week, we are honored to be adding a new staff member.  Tess Franzen has accepted a volunteer FHA staff position to head up a division to combat human trafficking and related issues.  Click here to read about Tess on our partner site (the article will open in a new tab).  Coincidentally, as we are preparing to get this new FHA department off the ground, a new movie dealing with human trafficking is making its national debut.  The movie "Not Today" will begin showing at the Rapid City Carmike 10 on May 31 and at a yet to be announced theater in Sioux Falls on June 7.  Below is a brief synopsis of the movie and the movie trailer.  For more info, click here for the official web site for this movie.

Caden Welles is living life as large as any 20-year-old could dream ... until his eyes are opened to a world few Americans know still exists: a thriving human-trafficking trade. Spurred by a true purpose, an unlikely new friendship, and the prayers of his mother and girlfriend, Caden begins an unlikely search to rescue a young girl.

Not Today is a powerful reminder change is possible if we're willing to open our eyes today.

5/2/2013

2013 Celebrating Family Event to Bookend the State!

On June 24, 2012, 460 family loving folks gathered at the Ranch Amusement Park in Rapid City for a summer day of fun, food, fellowship, and of course – the world renowned  ‘Faster Pastor Race’.  How, you may ask, can you top that?  Well, glad you asked.  This year, thanks to an alliance with a new partner, the Celebrating Family Event will bookend the state, occurring in both Rapid City and Sioux Falls.  The Rapid event is scheduled for June 23.  The Sioux Falls event will take place July 27.  We are hoping to expand to three venues in 2014 in Aberdeen.  Our Rapid City event is cosponsored by the Family Heritage Alliance and our friends at the Ranch Amusement Park.  The Sioux Falls event will be a joint effort of the FHA and our friends at Thunder Road Amusement Park.  The ground’s already shaking!  Below, see the highlight video from last year's Rapid City event.

4/18/2013

Rumor Mill Buzzing About Allen West in SD

This past March FHA Executive Director Dale Bartscher had the unique opportunity of attending CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) in Washington, DC.  While there Dale had the privilege of spending some quality time with former Florida Congressman and Ret. Lt. Colonel Allen West.  Congressman Allen West served the constituents of Florida's 22nd district.  Born and raised in the inner city of Atlanta, in the same neighborhood where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once preached, patriotism is in Congressman West's blood.  Allen West first took an oath to support and defend our Constitution as a young Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.  During his 2 years of service, he was distinguished by numerous commendations and honors for valor, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel.  In 2010, Colonel West once again reaffirmed that oath when he became the first black Republican from Florida to service in the United States House of Representatives since Reconstruction.  Mr. West recently wrote:  "No matter where you are born, this country does not limit what you can achieve. My parents, Herman Sr. and Elizabeth, ensured that I would have the promise of the greatness of America and the opportunities it provides. Now, as a Dad to two wonderful daughters, Aubrey and Austen, I must embark upon that which defines the American DNA, making the future better for the next generation than it was for ourselves."

Unconfirmed rumors abound that Mr. West will be in South Dakota for an upcoming FHA event.  Stay tuned for more details.

4/12/2013

LTG ‘Jerry’ Boykin Visits Mt. Rushmore:

On Wednesday, March 27, FHA Executive Director Dale Bartscher, Rimrock Evangelical Free Pastor Steve Balsley, and Dr. Richard Meyer joined LTG ‘Jerry’ Boykin, as we made our way to the Mt. Rushmore National Monument.  This was LTG Boykin’s first trip to the Mt. Rushmore and for him it was a ‘monumental experience’ on a picture perfect day.  Two Park Rangers who graciously assisted in our two-hour tour joined us, upon our arrival.

4/3/2013

LTG ‘Jerry’ Boykin Speaks to Students:

It was a packed house with close to 700 middle school and high school youth from across western South Dakota in attendance.  What brought these students to the Rapid City Central High School Gymnasium at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27?  It was the Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s’ meeting with guest speaker LTG ‘Jerry’ Boykin.  These quality students welcomed the much older LTG with a rousing applause.  When he spoke they listened respectfully as LTG Boykin challenged them to hold onto their Faith as their Faith in God would see them through the twists and turns of life.

4/3/2013

SIOUX FALLS: Prayer Breakfast

by LaVonne Fosness
LaVonne is on the FHA staff as our Sioux Falls Representative

Approximately 1300 people attended the 37th Annual Sioux Falls Prayer Breakfast sponsored by the Christian Business Men’s Committee (CBMC) on Good Friday morning, March 29th held at the Ramkota Inn Exhibit Hall.  Honored guests included public servants such as Sioux Fallls Mayor Mike Huether, Senator John Thune and Congresswoman Kristi Noem, along with other elected officials.

Chris Plekenpol from Austin, Texas was the keynote speaker. Chris opened his remarks by speaking of what a joy it was to share his testimony in a community like ours who honors God and gathers in unity to focus on prayer asking Jesus to bless families, businesses, those serving in the military and our leaders.  In contrast, he said that atheists in his hometown of Austin, Texas, were having a 50-year reunion celebrating their unbelief including signs around Austin reading “There is no God”.  That broke my heart and only reinforced the urgency and need to be salt and light in our world and to defend our Christian values.

Chris was the commander of 100 men, 21 tanks, 7 Bradley mini tanks, and a handful of hummers in Iraq.  The first day and the first four minutes of his command, he received the message no one wants to hear “KIA” (killed in action).  He lost the first soldier in his command.  You think you know God and I was a fan of God in his early years says Chris, but the combat caused him to put his faith into action. Hebrews 13:5 became very real to him “I will never leave you or forsake you”.  Chris committed himself to spending time with God every morning creating his own chapel.  His desire was to share the hope and salvation that we have in Jesus with each of his men.  

Chris’s testimony resonated with many realizing that we are not all in combat, but we all face battles and the most important one is that we must all be ready to meet the Lord. He said it’s not about making bad people good, but making dead people alive.  He continued by saying that we are all terminal and we have a death sentence.  Jesus is the only one who can offer eternal life.  Some say, “I will do that later when there’s more time” Sometimes, there is no more time.  The Bible says that “Today if you hear my voice, do not harden your heart“.  

Chris faced many hardships and difficult times while serving in Iraq, but God was faithful and blessed him.  His testimony of faith and courage was uplifting to each of us.

4/3/2013

RAPID CITY: Faith and Hope Community Breakfast

The 2nd Annual ‘Faith and Hope Community Breakfast’ took place in Rapid City on Thursday, March 28.  The program’s MC and FHA Executive Director, Dale Bartscher, believes that, “This year it is imperative that we rally our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and church to join in public prayers—seeking healing and blessing for our nation—practicing, protecting and preserving our freedoms to gather publicly to worship and pray.” This is what #440 West River friends did as they gathered that morning at 6:30 a.m. at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn for breakfast, fellowship, prayer and an inspiring program.

Our guest speaker was Lieutenant General “Jerry” Boykin (Ret.) who spoke on the theme “God loves a warrior”.  With a mix of humor and spiritual urgency he shared how his faith helped him survive major battles, rescue missions and a personal sever injury.  He caught everyone’s attention when in a moment of intensity he said, “We must live our faith, and we cannot compromise.  Want to create a strong foundation in your children?  Let them see you pray.”

He currently serves as the Executive Vice President of the Family Research Council in Washington, DC.  Previously he served at the Pentagon as Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence, overseeing the gathering of intelligence during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

LTG Boykin had a distinguished military career that began in 1971.  He was one of the original members of the US Army's Delta Force and was privileged to ultimately command these elite warriors in combat operations. He participated in operations around the world, beginning with Desert One, the failed 1979 mission to rescue American hostages held in Iran after the Islamic revolution that toppled the shah. He participated in the invasions of Grenada and Panama in 1983 and 1989 respectively, accepted the surrender of Manuel Noriega and headed the chase to capture Colombian drug czar Pablo Escobar in 1992. In 1993, he clashed with Muslim warlord Osman At-to in Somalia, chronicled in the film Black Hawk Down. LTG Boykin ultimately served as the Commander of the US Army Special Forces Command.

His memoir, Never Surrender: A Soldier’s Journey to the Crossroads of Faith and Freedom, was released in 2008.
LTG Boykin continues to support our military and promote a strong national defense as a board member with Freedom Alliance, and he encourages patriotism and public service as a board member with the Joe Foss Institute.

His most important mission is as an ordained minister and Founder/President of Kingdom Warriors, a non-profit ministry that encourages Christians to be bold in their faith.

Prior to the LTG Boykin’s presentation those in the room bowed their heads and lifted their hearts in prayer.  We prayed for our community, state and nation as we prayed through the ‘7 Centers of Influence’ --

• Prayer for Government
• Prayer for the Church 
• Prayer for our Military 
• Prayer for the Family 
• Prayer for Education 
• Prayer for Media 
• Prayer for Business

The morning concluded on time and with many wanting MORE.  The singing of the Patriotic Hymn, ‘God Bless America’ ushered friends out the door and on their way to serve a world which so desperately needs the Lord.  Here are several recorded comments from folks who were in attendance:

• “I am so impressed with General Boykin.  Thank you for putting together a great event that convicts us of our faith and legacy.”  (CH)
• “God was definitely here.  Unashamed!” (SW)
• “I am a future warrior – hopefully in the Delta Force.  The General said he is not a hero, but he is my inspiration.” (JT)
• “I gained so much from attending.  It helped me deal with so many ‘Little Problems’ and put them in perspective and accept God’s will for me.”  (DL)

Psalm 33:22 “May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you…”

4/9/2013

146 Passionately Patriotic Friends Gather For FHA's March Black Hills Luncheon

For all the pictures and comments from attendees, jump over to our Facebook page by clicking here.

Wednesday, March 21 saw 146 of the Black Hills Area’s most ardent defenders of conservative values gather for a luncheon at Cedar Canyon Camp.  The food was excellent as it always is when the Cedar Canyon’s crew feeds us.  The fellowship was intense and the solidarity was even more so.  That’s why they call it an “alliance”.  Cedar Canyon Camp and TeenPact sponsored our event, and we couldn’t be more pleased to be associated with these two amazing ministries.

Speaking of alliance, the following are organizations with displays at the luncheon:  FHA, National Day of Prayer, John Witherspoon College, FaithBook SD and School Bible Curriculum.

The legislators in the room were: Sen. Rampelberg; Sen. Kirkeby; Sen. Rhoden; Rep. Sly;  Rep. Kopp; Rep. Craig, and Rep. Campbell.

Other Elected Officials in the room were:  Mayor Sam Kooiker, Sheriff  Kevin Thom, School Board President Sheryl Kirkeby, Alderman Chad Lewis.

Among the many special guests in the room were: John Birch Society's Regional and State Directors; Pastor Mike Brandt of Shepherding the Shepherds Ministry; Stacey Wollman of CareNet; Dr. Patrick Castle of LifeRunners, SD Legacy Ministry's Director, Randy Creasman from Habitat For Humanity,  Representative from the Rapid City Public Library Board, Representatives from Sen. Thune and Rep. Noem's offices and Brad Klassen of Woven Cord Ministries, President of Rapid City Ministerial Alliance Pastor Greg Blanc.

Crammed into an hour and three minutes were the following reports and interviews:

• Introduction of Jesse Nelson the Cedar Canyon Camp Director and a brief report on the ministry of Cedar Canyon Camp
• Joanne Woods report on TeenPact
• Perry Lewis report on the School Bible Curriculum
• Pat Castle interview regarding the LifeRunners ministry
• Chad Lewis’s work on adult content filters for public library computers
• Rapid City Council’s Invocation issue
• Executive Director Dale Bartscher’s Legislative Review detailing the legislative session this year in Pierre
• Introduction to our student interns
• Faith and Hope Community Breakfast
• Our Upcoming Elected Leader’s Appreciation Luncheon
• Our Upcoming Ministry Leader’s Appreciation Tour
• CareNet’s Upcoming Banquet
• John Witherspoon College’s Inaugural Scholarship Banquet
• Amy Wagner’s report on Upcoming Events for the National Day of Prayer
• Condensed report of our Executive Director's time in Washington DC, attending CPAC

“This was an awesome gathering of #146 passionately patriotic, family valued, Lord loving, conservative friends of the Family Heritage Alliance. Our gratitude is extended to the Cedar Canyon Camp for hosting us and to TeenPact SD for their service to today's FHA Black Hills Luncheon. God is good!”

4/2/2013

130 Passionate Patriots Attend January 23 Luncheon

On January 23, 130 passionate patriots assembled at the Bethel Assembly of God building in Rapid City for the FHA’s Black Hills Area Luncheon.  The lunch was catered by our friends at Parkway Catering who always do an amazing job.  FHA’s Executive Director, Dale Bartscher emceed the event and began by calling Bethel’s pastor, Gerad Strong to the podium to thank him, his staff, and the Bethel Assembly of God for hosting the event.  Gerad opened the program in prayer.  A synopsis of the rest of the program follows:

• •  Dale then called South Canyon Baptist’s pastor Brent Reeves to the front and presented him with the FHA’s “Beyond The Walls Pastor” award, citing his work with Convoy of Hope and other projects that have benefited the Black Hills community.
• •  Dale invited Perry Lewis to the stage for our guest community interview.  Mr. Lewis is heading up a petition drive to establish an elective Bible curriculum for the South Dakota public school system.  Action Item:  Contact the FHA office at 605-718-5433 or use our contact form here if you are interested in helping with this petition drive.
• •  Dale asked Rapid City Alderman Chad Lewis (no relation to Perry Lewis above) forward to give a report regarding his work to have adult content filters installed on the Rapid City Public Library computers.  From the moment Mr. Lewis announced his intentions to pursue this course of action to the time the filters were actually installed was only five days.  Action Item: It is important to note, that the filters were installed on a trial basis, and have been the topic of a great deal of debate.  The Rapid City Library is under some pressure to have them removed.  So, we are asking our constituents to contact the Library Director either by clicking here or at 605-394-6139 and politely thank her for having the filters installed, and ask her to support the effort to keep them in place.
• •  Mr. Bartscher invited Sandy Massey (a staffer for Senator John Thune’s office) and Brad Otten (West River Director for Congress Woman Kristi Noem) to the stage for reports from their respective offices.
• •  Dale concluded with a report regarding FHA and FHA Action’s recent activities and events including his lobbying work at the State Capitol.  Dale took this opportunity to invite our four student interns to the stage.  The interns are frequent volunteers at the Family Heritage Alliance office, and occasionally accompany Dale to Pierre to assist him in our lobbying efforts there.  The interns are pictured in the title picture for this entry, and are (from left to right) Mary Woods, Larrisa Duprey, Norman Woods, Matt Howard.

1/28/2013

National Day of Prayer Solemn Assembly Rallies

Report by Amy Wagner
South Dakota State Coordinator
National Day of Prayer

Sunday evening, January 13th more than 75 dedicated prayer warriors gathered at the First Christian Church on Quincy Street, downtown Rapid City for a Solemn Assembly. Pastor Ron Walker from The Little White Church in Hill City was the prayer leader for the evening and Janet Jensen of Rimmrock E Free church led worship. Tom Garinger blew the shofar after the Scripture was read from Joel 2:12-17. Selected prayers from history were read including some from Presidents. Selections from Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Washington and Ronald Reagan were read. Prayers and litanies were read from as early as 1552 from the Book of Common Prayer and from the Word of God. Participating in prayers and readings were, Pastor Dale Bartscher, JD Hewitt, Pricilla Lindsay, Sherie Brost, Pastor John Dennis,Pastor Steven Lindsay, and Pastor/ Legislator Scott Craig.The anual Prayer event is meant to be a night of  thoughtful repentance of both a personal and a public nature. Many prayers went out for our Government, the Church, Military, The Family, Media, Business and Education. The evening ended with a time of Praise to the Father of Creation and a closing prayer by host Pastor Scott Hultgren. The evening was planned by the Black Hills Area National Day of Prayer Team.

"I press on, toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus"  Philippians 3:14

1/15/2013