Last week, the allied forces of Family Heritage Alliance, John Witherspoon College, and TeenPact SD launched a successful mission across the Missouri River and into mostly new territory!  In the early days of this ministry, we wrestled with what to call this rapidly emerging organization.  It didn’t take long for us to settle on the word “alliance”.  This mission demonstrates to some extent why we chose that word and what the Family Heritage Alliance groups are all about.  We aim daily at bringing together strong partners to impact our culture in a positive and empowering way.  To say the least, the New Revolution Tour was a stunning success.  The eleven city tour established new connections for the three ministries all across Eastern South Dakota.  And for those east of the Missouri, be advised we are already planning phase two of the New Revolution Tour and several important events that will benefit you as we move into this critical election season.  So, stay tuned.

John Dennis
FHA Communications Director

On Wednesday, April 18, the Family Heritage Alliance sponsored our annual Greater Dakota Ministry Leaders Luncheon.  Eighty-seven church and para-church leaders from Rapid City and the surrounding area gathered in the chapel of the Open Bible Christian Center.  The event was catered by the wonderful people at the Parkway Cafe.  Our thanks go out to the Parkway Cafe crew for their preparation of a delicious meal and all of the amazing people at Open Bible for their ministry to us and the eighty-seven leaders throughout this event.

Bill Redmond was the keynote speaker.  Redmond is an ordained minister and church planter who served the state of New Mexico as a U.S. Congressman in the 105th Congress.  Bill is currently a National Representative for Focus on the Family and a Coordinator for the 2011 and 2012 Biblical World View Conferences.  On the evening before the luncheon, FHA and FHA Action board members, staff, and their spouses gathered for a meal and to be encouraged by Redman.  At the luncheon, Redman continued his theme from the evening before, focusing on the great commission in Matthew 28.  He pointed out that before Jesus said: “Go” He proclaimed that all authority had been given to Him in Heaven and earth.  Redman drew the conclusion that Christ's authority extends over all domains including that of politics.  He then charged the group to be faithful in bringing all things under Christ's authority.

To Bill and the wonderful people at Focus on the Family, we extend our gratitude.  This event was a success on so many levels, and Bill's participation was a very important part of that success.  The Family Heritage Alliance is currently in the exploration process, looking toward bringing Bill Redmond back to South Dakota for a couple of engagements East River.  Stay tuned for further info!

This event was brought to you by the FHA Network and the FHA Advisor.

The Black Hills FHA Luncheon was held on Wednesday, March 21, in the beautiful 'Cedar Canyon Camp' dining hall. The Camp Manager, Jesse Nelson, and SD TeenPact served as hosts for this Luncheon.  A delicious Buffet was served including scalloped potatoes, ham, broccoli with cheese sauce, homemade rolls, a parfait dessert, a complete salad bar and drinks.  The Buffet opened at 11:45 a.m. with #165 family valued friends in attendance. 

All were served and excited as the program began promptly at 12:00 noon.  FHA Communication's Director, John Dennis, opened the luncheon in prayer.   FHA Executive Director, Dale Bartscher, served as MC.  First up were our Luncheon's Hosts as Jesse Nelson welcome everyone to Cedar Canyon Camp and shared many of it's amazing amenities.  TeenPact was well represented by two of its High School youth leaders giving testimony. 

It was inspiring to welcome to the stage 15 Candidates running for elective office in the state of South Dakota.  Our FHA election goal is clear -- we are all about encouraging 100% Voter Registration, 100% Informed Voters and 100% Voter Participation at the Polls. 

Always a highlight of our Luncheons is the presenting of our 'Beyond The Walls Pastors Award'.  This month's recipient was Lead Pastor Scott Hultgren of the First Christian Church of Rapid City.  This award is awarded to those Pastors who are Salt and Light to their communities at large and Pastor Scott was a very worthy recipient.

Our Community Interview was hosted once again by FHA Board Member, Pastor Scott Craig.  He had the privilege of interviewing Rapid City CareNet Pregnancy Center's Executive Director, Stacey Wollman.  Stacey informed the audience of a super event coming to Rapid City on Tuesday, May 8, 2012.  It is called 'The Great Turnaround' and features nationally known speaker and best-selling author, Bruce Wilkinson.  This will be a fundraising event for CareNet and will be held at the Rapid City, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.

Significant time was then given for a report from the FHA Action's SD Capitol Lobbyist, Dale Bartscher.  Dale surveyed the 14 Legislative Bills the FHA supported, saw passed and signed by the Governor.  He also identified the 12 Legislative bills the FHA opposed and ultimately saw defeated.  Dale continuously makes it clear that our successes have more to do with GOD'S FAVOR and less to do with our talent.  Gratitude was extended to all those who prayed, contacted their Legislators and/or financially supported the work of the FHA during this year's Legislative Session.

Time was allowed for several folks to come up and share information on several other community activities, such as:

• Sande Lofberg, Responding To Islam Conference;
• Pastor Steven Lindsay, Soup or Bowl Church Challenge;
• Amy Wagner, National Day of Prayer Events;
• Dale Bartscher, Faith & Hope Community Breakfast;
• Kris Ellingson, SDFaithBook Business Directory;
• Lisa Thomsen, Bethany Christian Services;
• Pastor Scott Craig, John Witherspoon College.

Pastor Scott Craig stepped forward and read a letter composed by the FHA Board of Directors titled:  In Support of Our Catholic Brethern.  This letter may be found on both of our websites and received great approval and applause.

We concluded the Luncheon with the singing of God Bless America!  

Our next Black Hills FHA Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16 at the Rapid City 'Westminster Presbyterian Church'.

Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by Dr. Thomas Udager. Dr. Udager is Board Vice-Chair of the Family Heritage Alliance Action, Inc.

Two expense items are playing havoc with the budgets of most American families today. Monstrous premiums for healthcare policies and ballooning tuition for our college students are threatening to burst the budgets of the average family.  In an effort to understand what has caused this crisis it helps to examine the history of central planning. Government planners during the last 60 years have created an artificial bull market in health care premiums and college tuition.

Private health policies became popular in the 1950’s and 1960’s and were affordable for the average family. Medicare and Medicaid were signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. With a bottomless federal treasury providing payment for healthcare, modest annual increases in premiums soon mushroomed as providers rushed to feed at the public trough. The final nail in the coffin is the addition to Medicare of the Prescription Drug Act signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2003.

In his book “Evolution of Medicare” Peter A. Corning shares that between 1978 and 2008 medical costs inflated six fold, the C.P.I. inflated 3 fold and the cost of tuition inflated 10 fold. A 2005 article from the University Of South Carolina School Of Public Health states that in 1960 just 5.1% of the G.D.P. was spent for health care. By 2005 16% of G.D.P. was spent for health care. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this will increase to 25% in 2025, to 37% in 2050 and 49% in 2082. The message here is that this is clearly unsustainable. Parkinson’s Law states “work expands so as to fill the time allowed for it”. Time and money both being resources, it would be fair to say that medical work expands so as to consume the financial resources available to it. In an effort to deal with the problem that they created, congress passed sweeping health care legislation last year that will guarantee a lesser level of health care than we enjoy today and at a greater cost.

 In 1965 the U.S. Congress passed the Federal Family Education Program (student loan). This opened a new and profitable business for banks, with the federal government guaranteeing the loans. With a guarantee of a government money supply for colleges, they learned that it was possible to charge higher tuition rates. Each time Congress raises “loan limits” it sends a message to colleges that students can afford to pay more. This process has lead to today’s students becoming “deeper in debt to the company store”. The projected default rate for 2008 was 46.3% of all student loans at for profit colleges.

Congress continues to ask “what can we do to fix this problem?” Their answer usually is more regulations and tax increases. Both of these answers inflate the cost of education and exacerbate the problem. Congress should ask themselves “what is the source of the problem”?  They need to start at the source to have any chance of a remedy.

In an article from the New York Times author Tamar Lewin states “College may become unaffordable for most in the U. S.” He sites figures from the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education. From 1982- 2007 college tuition and fees increased by 439% while median family income rose by 147%.

Both the cost of college tuition and health care are escalating at a rate that will soon price them out of the market for most families. A compassionate government in an effort to bless its citizens has in effect become the vehicle to deny the very services it sought to provide. This is the unintended consequences of central government planning. Congress is capable of solving the dilemma. They need to withdraw the feeding tubes to two failed programs and let the free market reign.

[The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Family Heritage Alliance or the official policies of the Family Heritage Alliance.]

By Tony Perkins, Used by Permission of the Family Research Council

It took just three weeks, but every single Catholic Bishop in America has officially condemned the President's mandate. Even though the media has mostly buried this fact, one hundred percent of them oppose the rule that orders faith-based groups to pay for drugs that destroy pregnancies or prevent them. It's a formidable group, and today, they do not stand alone. Every pocket of religious America is linking arms at the front lines of this war on religious freedom. This afternoon, in Nashville, FRC announced that the Catholic bishops will have some good company in the fight. More than 2,500 pastors and ministry leaders have signed on to FRC's letter of protest, urging President Obama to reverse his rule. "This mandate was not necessary, nor warranted under the provision of 'preventive care services for women' contained in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," the leaders agree. "Worse still is the fact that the mandate essentially ignores the conscience rights of many Catholic and Protestant Americans. Our country was founded on certain freedoms, the first of which is the freedom of religion. The ability of a religious person to follow their conscience without fearing government intervention has long been a protected right for Americans. It is unfathomable to picture a country that would deny religious freedoms."

FRC released the letter in a press conference early this afternoon in Nashville, Tennessee. Together with our good friends Bishop Harry Jackson, Dr. Richard Land, Pastor Gary Simons, and Star Parker, we made it clear that this isn't about contraception. It's about conscience and the freedom of every American and God-fearing organization to exercise their moral convictions. No church should be forced to concede their faith to kneel at the altar of government. And until the administration rights this wrong, we unite with our allies in diverse faith traditions in demanding what George Washington called "the invaluable rights of free citizens."

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. --1 Timothy 2:2

What:  Capitol Restoration Prayer Rally

When: January 10, 2012; 10:00 am to 12:00 noon (Central Time)

Where:  Capitol Rotunda, Pierre, SD

Who: Believers committed to restoring the Godly principles of our Founding Fathers in our government.

Why: To stand together, asking Almighty God to intervene on our behalf and bring RESTORATION to our land.

January 10 was the start of the 87th Session of the SD State Legislature.  This is a 35-day session with the main run of the session ending March 2.  Lawmakers will return to the Capitol March 19 to consider any vetoes.  After a difficult 2011, where millions of dollars had to be cut because of budget concern, both the Governor and lawmakers say it is a different attitude this year.  

Shortly after 10:00 a.m. Dale Bartscher, FHA’s Executive Director, had the privilege of opening in Prayer the 'Restoration Capitol Prayer Rally' where approximately #30 prayer warriors gathered in the Capitol Rotunda to PRAY.  It was an 'Hour of Power'.  

During that time we claimed the truth that Scripture instructs us to pray for all in authority (I Timothy 2:1-2), but how do we do that, exactly?  Well, we prayed through the '30 Way to Pray For Those In Authority'.  For example:  PRAY for those in authority (i.e. Legislators, Governor, elected officials, etc.)...  

<!--[if !supportLists]-->(1)  <!--[endif]-->That they be God-fearing and recognize that they are accountable to Him for each decision and act. (Proverbs 9:10)

Now we look forward to next year’s ‘Restoration Capitol Prayer Rally’.

Rapid City was privileged to host one of three regional Watchman on the Wall Conferences on September 13 at the Hilton Garden Inn. The conference was well-attended with 143 registrants, most of them Pastors from North and South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and Colorado. It was a time of conviction, challenge, and encouragement. Bob Ellis of Dakota Voice has written an excellent summary; to view additional video content and the full article, please click here.

• supported the Rapid City Mayor and City Council in the enforcement of Rapid City's AOB ordinance against Spencer Gifts,
• supported Citizens For a Safe Community, who gathered enough petitions to give Lead citizens the opportunity to say no to a strip club downtown which they won overwhelmingly,
• lobbied the 2011 Legislature with 100% of the bills that we supported or opposed going our way,
• held the Regional Watchman on the Wall Pastors' Conference, as well as numerous other events for pastors, the public, and our elected officials.

Our 2011 Family Heritage Alliance Greater Dakota Shepherd's Symposium is now history but its significance lives on.  On Tuesday, November 15, a total of #20 including Pastors and several spouses gathered at the AmericInn in Chamberlain, SD.  These Pastors represented the SD communities of:  Rapid City, Sturgis, Reva, Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, Eureka, Highmore, Monroe and Timberlake - in other words - our state was covered :) We must have heard from a couple dozen other SD and ND Pastors who communicated, "I can't make this one but please keep me on your list for next year!"

The FHA extended to these Pastors and their spouses a wonderful invitation to attend our annual...Greater Dakota Shepherds’ Symposium [sym·po·si·um -- A formal meeting held for the discussion of a subject, during which individual speakers may make presentations].

This was an evening gifted to these Pastors & Spouses which included -- Dinner; Symposium; Overnight Accommodations; Breakfast and a Shepherd’s Resource Gift!

Our Symposium Theme was - Taking The Right Ground!” And our speakers included:

Pastor Dale Bartscher... Family Heritage Alliance’s Executive Director in Rapid City who spoke on "FHA’s Focus and Future".

Pastor Scott Craig...is Senior Pastor with the ‘Big Horn Canyon Community Church’ in Rapid City and served as our Worship Leader. 

Pastor Tom Demaree...Executive Director of the 'Pentecost Walk' Ministries out of Franklin, Tennessee. Tom walks and talks a passionate, yet plainspoken message of turnaround - forsaking all to follow Christ. As a speaker and a singer/songwriter, he brings the word of the Lord in a manner that is refreshingly honest - a safe haven for the listener, whether conservative or charismatic.

Linda Mohagen...is a self-taught ventriloquist. Linda has traveled extensively sharing the gospel through her puppets by teaching at Bible camps, Vacation Bible Schools, many different churches, special events and general audiences, throughout the years. She also took her puppets to Hungary, where she taught at Bible Camps for seven weeks. Linda is a pastor’s wife and she and Henry have three married children and ten grandchildren. They are currently serving a church in Reva, SD. Her clean and humorous programs are geared for families and people of all ages.

Pastor George Yorba…is the Associate Pastor of the ‘Big Horn Canyon Community Church’ in Rapid City and spoke on the topic: “Dakota Men’s Discipleship Ministry”

On Tuesday, December 8, 2011, the Family Heritage Alliance held it’s second annual ‘Western South Dakota Legislator’s Appreciation & Information Luncheon’.  Thirty-One community leaders, including ten Legislators and the Mayor of Rapid City, Sam Kooiker, gathered at the Dove Christian Center in Rapid City.  Dickey’s Bar-B-Que catered a delicious lunch, which was well received by everyone in attendance.

Pastor Gary Johnson of the Dove Christian Center blessed our meal.  

FHA Executive Director, Dale Bartscher, opened the program with a welcome and introduction of a 4-minute FHA promo Video.

The FHA will be hosting a 'Pastors & Para-Church Ministry Leaders Day @ The State Capitol' on Thursday, February 2, 2012.  We anticipate some #100 leaders from across South Dakota to join us in the Capitol Rotunda that day.  Our Legislative Friends will be invited to join us for lunch at the Pierre 'Bible Community Church' @ 12:00 noon.  An afternoon 'Leadership Summit' will begin at 1:00 p.m. with keynote speakers:  Dale Bartscher (FHA Executive Director); Stephen Wesolick (ADF Allied Attorney for SD); and Erik Stanley (Senior Legal Counsel for the 'Alliance Defense Fund').  The event concludes at 2:30 p.m.  

It was exciting to see the new 501(c)4 website unveiled by our webmaster, Pastor John Dennis.  Although it’s still a work in progress we have every intention of having it functional by January 10, 2012, the first day of our state’s Legislature Session.  Its address will be:  www.FHAaction.org

Matthew Johnson and Norman Woods from SD TeenPact shared concerning the Capitol TeenPact Leadership Week which takes place in Pierre the last week of February and the first week of March, 2012.  Norman said he was dragged to attend his first Capitol meeting when he was 12 years old but he has been grateful ever since for the opportunity. Dale recognized Joanne Woods, the SD TeenPact state coordinator.

Dr. Richard Wells, President of the John Witherspoon College (JWC) came to the stage next.  He sated, “What the FHA does in the here and now, JWC prepares her students for the long haul.”  Harvard was founded in 1636 to ensure faithful Christian leadership in the new colonies and today God has given us an opportunity to raise up revolutionary leaders here in Black Hills that will protect faith, family, and freedom. John Witherspoon came to “equip a revolutionary generation”, and thus equipped dozens of governors, justices, a V.P. and President James Madison.  God helping us, the vision of JWC is exactly the same as John Witherspoon.  FHA remains a partnering friend to JWC.

Yes, it was our honor to welcome the following Western South Dakota Legislators to our Luncheon:

<!Representative Phil Jenson, District 33

<!Representative Mark Kirkeby, District 35

<!Representative Dan Dryden, District 34

<!Representative Jacqueline Sly, District 33

<!Representative Kristin Conzet, District 32

<!Representative Mike Vericho, District 30

<!Representative Brian Gosh, District 32

<!Senator Elizabeth Kraus, District 33

<!Senator Bruce Rampelberg, District 30

<!Senator Jeffrey Haverly, District 35

Each Legislator left the Luncheon with a Gift Packet from the Family Heritage Alliance.

     Pastor Scott Craig of the Big Horn Canyon Community Church closed our luncheon in Prayer.

[Article Summited by Melissa Stahlecker, FHA Board Member]

Thanks to all who came out for the bi-monthly FHA Luncheon! We (#120) met November 16 at South Canyon Lutheran Church, hosted by Pastor Bruce Thalacker and catered by Parkway Cafe.

First up on the agenda was ventriloquist Linda Mohagen and her friend Danny Do-Little of Reva, SD. Danny was a little naughty but Linda so sweetly kept him in line (and the one-liners kept coming)!

Dale then gave report on the many FHA activities that have transpired in the last few weeks. If you are not yet aware, the Family Heritage Alliance has obtained both our 501-(c)(3) and 501-(c)(4). The majority of the work of the FHA is educational and done under the former; the latter is extremely important as well as it enables us to add some strategic “bite” to our bark. Under the (c)(4), Dale is free to lobby at the Capitol this upcoming session (think of him as your representative to your representative) and the FHA can support and/or endorse candidates if we so wish. To follow Dale’s lobbying efforts and other political developments, watch for the unveiling of our new website, www.fhaaction.org, coming soon. As a whole, we are well positioned to carry out our passion for the sanctity of life, protecting marriage, and championing our civil and religious liberties.

Other encouraging news included the progress of John Witherspoon College (taking students for Fall of 2012) and the running of the movie Courageous for six weeks, three times longer than usual. In Hill City alone, Courageous inspired nine new men’s small groups! Finally, Dale expressed our joy and gratitude for God’s great favor upon ‘The Stand 2012’, our annual fundraiser (see below).

Next our resident broadcast professional, Pastor Scott Craig, interviewed Renee Eggebraatan, the Director of our local Bethany Christian Services. Renee is in the process of building support for a program called Safe Families for Children. What is the program all about? Here are the basics from their website:

Safe Families for Children strives to meet three objectives:

1.            Child Welfare Deflection: Safe Families provides a safe alternative to child welfare custody, thus significantly reducing the number of children entering the child welfare system.

2.            Child Abuse Prevention: Providing an overwhelmed and resource limited parent with a safe, temporary place for their child without threat of losing custody. By offering support, the goal is to avert potential abuse/neglect episodes.

3.            Family Support and Stabilization: Many parents struggle because of limited social support and unavailable extended family. Many Safe Families Volunteers become the extended family that a parent never had.

Hallmarks of a Safe Family Model:

•                Biological Parents maintain full custody

•                Volunteer families are extensively screened and supported

•                Six-week average length of stay (ranging from two days to a year)

•                Average age of child in SFFC care is 4.5

•                Close working relationships between Safe Families, the local church, and the referring organization

•                Commitment to reunite the family as soon as possible

Around 500,000,000 calls are placed to state welfare emergency hotlines across the nation every year; of these only 1,000,000 are referred for state intervention as the overwhelming number dictates that referred cases be limited to blatant neglect or abuse. Renee noted that as the state safety-net has grown over the past several decades, church involvement has receded. Safe Families is an excellent opportunity for the church to re-engage the culture as the hands and feet of our loving Father.

The next step to get this program off the ground is a bill in the Legislature, sponsored by Senator Kraus Munro in the Senate.  Renee requested prayer for passage of the bill this session as bills often take three sessions to pass; also be in consideration for your own involvement in this program.

The luncheon was topped off when we heard the heart of our Keynote Speaker - Tom Demaree of Franklin, TN.  He is the Executive Director of 'Pentecost Walk Ministries' and his plainspoken message of 'Favor Is Better Than Talent' spoke to the hearts of most in the room.  Tom walks and talks a passionate message of turn-around - forsaking all to follow Christ.  His message in word and song was refreshingly honest. May the FHA continue to bring such God honoring men and women into the state to speak truth into our lives.