Christ Church Of The Valley
April 5, 2004

Project Strait Gate team of six picketed the big CHRIST CHURCH OF THE VALLEY.  It is so large six services are held, three on Saturday night and three on Sunday.  Larrie Fraley, one of its 30 odd pastors, approached me personally and told me the church had circulated petitions supporting President Bush s “war against Iraq which over 8000 members signed.  This is why the churches have the blood of the Iraqi women and children on their hands!  They need education and repentance.  We provide education; God must judge repentance.

Pastor Fraley said he knows about the 10 Iraqi women and children who where gunned down at a checkpoint a week ago, but he was not ready to admit to me the blood of the children on his hands, though I asked him if he could feel it.  His answer was typical, “there might have been more blood had we not done anything.” 

But this pastor did acknowledged he was thinking about his responsibility, and he was very nervous about our presence and told me he was attempting to get the police to remove us even though he knew we were on pubic turf.   This twinge of conscience is the fires we must kindle.

About 6000 members craned their necks to read our signs while coming to services.  Most of them seem to realized we challenge their leadership with signs like, IRAQ? WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?  and: BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS.  We plan to add some new signs that are more specific toward Israel and the Iraqi children.  We are looking for some big posters.  WHAT KIND OF A SMART BOMB WOULD JESUS DROP ON HELPLESS CHILDREN?  Also, financial support for State of Israel must be made an issue.

WE HAVE GOOD NEWS FROM EVANSVILLE INDIANA.  A new PROJECT STRAIT GATE appears to readying to visit area churches.  Persons in Southern Indiana who wish to be involved should call Richard at 812-401-3536, e-mail (basham25656@cs.com).

If you know someone who might start such a project please introduce me.

Project Strait Gate Phoenix will do a two-day Vigil outside the huge Southern Baptist Convention on June 17-18 in Phoenix.  About 9,000 delegates are expected.   I believe Richard Land of the SBC has more to do with promoting the destruction of Iraq than any other religious person.

Strait Gate will also vigil the Billy Graham Crusade at SanDiego Qual Comm Stadium on May 8-11

Please Reply “yes I can be there” if you can help with these two important event.  More information will be forthcoming soon.

Toward the Strait Gate,

Straitgate@whtt.org

480 947 3329