Pastor Testimonials
The Scripture is filled with examples of godly men involved in the public discourse to stand for righteousness in their generation. Daniel, Joseph, Nehemiah, and the Old Testament Prophets all spoke into the culture of their day against evil.
Even Jesus spoke against the rulers of his day, which determined the Jewish people's public policy. He called them every name in the book and told them they were going to hell if they did not repent.
The question is not whether the Bible teaches we should enter into politics; the question has always been whether pastors dare to speak out against the evil of our day.
The Bible says we must pray for those in power to make godly decisions to protect people against evil. But we must first vote for the best moral candidates and persuade our people to do the same.
Many pastors will not tell their people to vote, pass out voter guides, or allow voter registration in their church.
I've been a pastor for almost 50 years and have consistently engaged in support of Christian candidates and encouraging our people to know how to vote. To do anything less is to surrender our God-given rights to influence the culture by standing for righteousness.
We did not shut down our church during the Coved 19 mandate; as a result, we saw dozens of families enter our church. We have continued to grow and reach new families because we speak the truth in love. I do not hide behind the gospel because the gospel is not only the good news for salvation but also the good news on how to live righteously with courage.
Remember, God told us that we are to be salt and light in the world. That means we must use our voice to influence our culture to do right. Silence in the face of evil means that you have no courage. Remember how God blessed Esther when she took a stand and demonstrated courage.
Dr. Bruce Speer, Pastor
CrossPoint Church Missoula, Montana
Through God’s providence, I met Charles Garner through a mutual friend. My friend asked me if I had heard of the book entitled, A Canary in a Coal Mine. She encouraged me and arranged for me to get a copy of the book.
I read the book in one sitting. Every word of the book resonated with my soul and my spirit, often mirroring my own thoughts that have been building in me concerning Christ's church, my community, my country, and the world. Siren alarms that have been building in me that left me searching for answers and provoking me to realize the urgency of our time and necessity for immediate action.
I found relief in the book that John Powers and Charles Garner had written--finding instant camaraderie, consensus, and the same sense of urgency. But, unlike me, Charles and John had answers to the concerns. They documented a viable plan that gave process and function in response to the urgency of our time.
I cannot overstate my endorsement for A Canary in a Coal Mine. I encourage everyone to take the time and read this book. It could be the most effective preparation you make during this election year! It will change the way you see our world.
Gary L. Evans, Pastor
Clinton Community Bible Church
These remarkable pages answer the age-old question the Psalmist asked in Psalm 11:3, When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?
The foundations of our nation have slowly eroded from the intent of our founding fathers. The incredible journey of the Colonists who first arrived in this land, the sacrifices they made to establish a new kind of nation, unique in its declaration of the inherent value of every individual and its faith in God and the truths of the Bible, are now under attack as never before. History is being rewritten, wrong has now been declared to be right in this land and the trust so prominent in the founding of this nation is now considered to be unacceptable.
What can we do? How can we correct the tragic ‘freefall’ of our nation?
The book you hold in your hand will tell you the truth and show the way to stop this deceptive decline. Read with expectation and respond with courage to this message.
Jimmy Draper
President Emeritus – LifeWay
I don't know whether I should rejoice over such an outstanding job or cry because what is said in this book is so true. I definitely have mixed emotions. This book is so needed in the worst way. You have called a nation into accountability.
This book is:
1. Well researched.
2. Well written.
3. Very informative. This message is on target.
4. Fearless.
5. Truthful.
6. Very Biblical.
7. Material is well organized.
8. No punches are pulled.
9. Sad---because it needed to be written.
10. May God spread this message afar and may it be heeded before it is too late.
Forever in His Grace,
Malcolm McDow
Professor of Evangelism, Retired
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary