Stand in the Gap Weekend Archives
The Opioid, Mental Health, and HIV Crisis: Is there a Cure?
January 19, 2020 • Dr. Keith Wiebe, Dr. Gary Dull, Shannon Royce
Modern technology and advancements in science, particularly in the medical field, have resulted in great improvements for patients suffering from chronic pain. And while this kind of patient care is a real blessing, it can, in some instances, become a curse. On this Stand in the Gap Weekend Program, we’re going to be talking about the Opioid epidemic and other issues like the Mental Health Crisis and concerns with the HIV virus. These aren’t issues typically discussed within our churches, but the reality is that among those attending houses of worship, there’s likely to be found someone who is personally struggling with addictions or knows someone who is. While there are physical, emotional, and psychological reasons why someone may be dealing with addictions or mental health issues, the spiritual aspect plays an important role in the healing process. In fact, the promises of God found in the Bible, and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can make all the difference in your life, or the life of a loved one. Shannon Royce, director of the Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, joins the program as guest to discuss these serious medical concerns and suggest how we, the church, can be involved in bringing hope and healing to those who're struggling.
Viewing the Homeless Through God's Eyes
January 12, 2020 • January 12, 2020 • Isaac Crockett, Sam Rohrer, Rob Turchi,
In many large cities across the United States, homelessness has become a full-blown crisis. One website reported, “California’s most vexing issue is also its most shameful: the large and rising number of residents who lack a safe place to call home. In a state with vast amounts of wealth, more than 150,000 of its residents sleep in shelters, cars, or on the street.” While you and I might have a hard time understanding the complexity of the issue, our guest on this program will explain and hopefully enlighten us as to what millions of desperate people are experiencing and why. What does the Bible say about homeless people? What are the catalysts sending people to live on the streets and what can be done about it? These are just a few of the questions Rob Turchi, Executive Director of the Hope Rescue Mission in Reading, Pennsylvania will be answering.
When Leaders Pray
December 29, 2019 • December 29, 2019 • Sam Rohrer, David Barton
On December 18, 2019, President Donald Trump was impeached by the House Democrats. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, during a press conference, mentioned that she prays for the President. As the leader of the Democrat party in the House known for its liberal platform on abortion, gay rights, and socialist ideology, one wonders whether God really hears her prayers. You see, you can’t practice true prayer when your lifestyle and everything you stand for is in direct opposition to the One whom you’re praying to. No, prayer doesn’t work that way. It’s a powerful spiritual weapon, to be sure; but in order to wield it you must be properly motivated, prepared, and equipped. For those in leadership, by example and by precept you have the opportunity to call those under you to humbly but boldly come to God in prayer. Today's guest, historian, author and speaker David Barton is going to talk about what happens when leaders pray.
A Reason to Pray and a Reason to Rejoice
December 22, 2019 • December 22, 2019 • Sam Rohrer, Gary Dull, Dave Kistler
King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes that “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” In thinking about life with its times and seasons, many people who have experienced periods of emotional, spiritual, or physical pain- know that God allows these things for a reason. One we may not know or understand until we reach eternity. On this program, Stand in the Gap Weekend Hosts discuss two reasons: A Reason to Pray and a Reason to Rejoice. Both reasons are important because they reflect commands given to us in the Bible. Certainly, this is a season of rejoicing with Christmas only a few days away. You'll hear about some exciting things happening in our nation’s capital and address some of the negative events taking place on the Hill.
A Story of Healing and Hope with Kris and Toni McFadden (Teen Challenge, Live Action)
December 15, 2019 • December 15, 2019 • Isaac Crockett, Keith Wiebe, Kris and Toni McFadden
According to the Department of Health and Human Services website, the start of the opioid crisis began in 1990, when pharmaceutical companies assured the medical community that pain-relieving opioids were not addictive, thus the increase in prescription drug use. Almost 30 years later, America is mourning more than 70,000 deaths a year due to opioid and drug overdoses. Two out of three of those deaths are due to opioid abuse. The challenge for rehab centers is staggering as they attempt to help addicts recover from their addictions, and the recidivism rate is telling-as almost two-thirds of state drug offenders were rearrested five years later according to government statistics. As believers, we know the only answer to the pain and difficulties life brings our way is an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. And the only safeguard against temptation is a commitment to lifelong discipleship and service to others. On this program, you'll hear from a couple who walked the path of addiction and pain-but found healing and restoration through divine encounters which led them to the ministry they’re currently serving in. Kris and Toni McFadden join us to tell about their journey on this edition of Stand in the Gap Weekend.
Public Prayer, the Constitution and Public Schools
December 8, 2019 • December 8, 2019 • Sam Rohrer, Gary Dull, Dave Kistler, David New
On this program, guest David New is going to be talking about another national observance that has its roots in the Thanksgiving story. You'll hear why the activities that take place on this day are woven into the fabric of American history, and why we must be reminded of their necessity. It was in 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving while the first National Day of Prayer was established by President Truman in 1952. And contrary to popular opinion, our Founders, Presidents and Congress all knew the importance of prayer and regularly called our nation to days of solemn fasting and prayer. These prayers have been memorialized for us in the pages of our founding documents which will also be discussed on this episode of Stand in the Gap Weekend.
Democrats and Black America: The Iron Triangle
December 1, 2019 • December 1, 2019 • Sam Rohrer, Dave Kistler, Joe Green, and Vince Ellison
The term, ‘social justice’, has taken on a new meaning, often used by liberal media, left leaning politicians, and educational elites. However, some in the church, and even well-meaning Pastors have embraced the perception that ‘social justice’ is a duty, not only of Americans, but believers, as well. But is it? On this program, Host Sam Rohrer talks with an African American man who was born on a cotton plantation in Tennessee to sharecropping parents. He’s familiar with the black ethos and throughout his growing up years, came to intimately understand the struggles and failures of the black culture both religiously and politically. He ultimately became involved with many African American Civic Organizations, only to find that those who claimed to want to help the black community, were often the same ones destroying it. Find out how and why when you listen to this program. Host: Sam Rohrer Co-host: Dave Kistler Co-host: Pastor Joe Green Guest: Vince Ellison
God, Trump, and the 2020 Election
November 24, 2019 • November 24, 2019 • Sam Rohrer, Gary Dull, Dave Kistler, Steve Strang
Thanksgiving is upon us and hopefully you’ll find yourself celebrating the day around the table with family or friends. It’s a time we set aside, as Americans, to remember all God’s done for us as a nation, and all He’s done for us as individuals. We’re grateful because we know that without God’s blessing, this country wouldn’t be known as the defender of truth and justice or the land of freedom and prosperity. The picture just described has been and is the ideal America-but it’s quickly becoming a thing of the past. While history is being rewritten by liberal ideology to portray the Founders as bigoted white racists, the culture war against our civil and religious liberties increase, almost by the day, it seems. This divided nation knows we’re headed for a showdown with the 2020 Presidential elections. Many Conservative organizations are mobilizing and recruiting volunteers to pray and distribute information across all forms of media and messaging platforms. On this program, guest Steve Strang, founder and CEO of Charisma News, is going to talk about his new book aptly titled, “God, Trump, and the 2020 Election”.
Big Government, Big Problems, and No Easy Fixes
November 17, 2019 • November 17, 2019
When Ronald Reagan was elected president in 1980 on the platform of Constitutional integrity and federalism, and was re-elected four years later on those same principles, he had this to say during one of his famous speeches: “I think it’s time we ask ourselves if we still know the freedoms that were intended for us by the Founding Fathers…Whether we believe in our capacity for self-government or whether we abandon the American Revolution and confess that a little intellectual elite in a far distant capital can plan our lives for us better than we can plan them ourselves.” He went on to explain, “You and I are told increasingly that we have to choose between a left or right, but I would like to suggest that there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down-up to a man’s age-old dream; the ultimate in individual freedom consistent with law and order-or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism, and regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would trade our freedom for security have embarked on this downward course.” President Reagan knew what many others don’t seem to understand. While the cause of freedom was successful in the founding of our nation, the struggle to maintain it must persist, the baton must be carried on, and the banner lifted high if we and our posterity are to experience the blessings of liberty that was so hardly fought and won. This program will address this topic and if you consider yourself a patriot-a lover of freedom and a follower of Jesus Christ, I trust you’ll stay tuned for this very pertinent episode of Stand in the Gap Weekend.
Christianity, Culture, and Credibility
November 10, 2019
The story is all too familiar. A young person, raised in a Christian home, possibly homeschooled or having attended a Christian school, made a profession of faith, by all accounts embraced a biblical worldview...and suddenly they walk away. They turn their back on what they’ve known and decided they’ve missed out on life and they begin to ‘sow their wild oats’ as the saying goes. The pain of watching a beloved son or daughter stray from the faith is particularly distressing, especially for the parent that has poured a lifetime of love and prayers into them. However, we know there is always hope for this kind of situation. John Dickerson,our guest for this program, was born and raised in a loving Christian home, but found himself questioning the validity of the Bible, the story of Jesus and the need for salvation. Over time, his journey led him to discover the truth for himself, which led to a career in journalism, apologetics, and eventually the pastorate. Host: Sam Rohrer Co-host: Dr. Gary Dull Guest: John Dickerson
Your Work Matters: Doing ALL to the Glory of God
November 3, 2019 • November 3, 2019
The fast food restaurant, McDonald’s, reportedly spent over one million dollars last year installing kiosks and other technology to its stores. Experts believe the fast food industry will be the first to be run by robots. Why, you might ask? Well, a telling headline by CNBC this past August, said this, ”Panera is losing 100% of its workers every year as Fast Food Turnover Crisis Worsens”. On this program, Host Isaac Crockett will be interviewing Pastor Josh Crockett about his "theology of work". Could it be that much of this tech savvy generation has lost the ability to work with their hands, to shoulder responsibility when it comes to steady employment and take pride in a job well done? They'll be answering these questions and more on this program titled, "Your Work Matters". Host: Isaac Crockett Co-host: Dr. Gary Dull Guest: Pastors Josh Crockett
October-Pastor's Appreciation Month
October 27, 2019 • October 27, 2019 • Keith Wiebe, Gary Dull, Marty Von
October is Pastor’s Appreciation month. A time set aside to honor our church leaders and express appreciation for their service in the work of the Lord. Did you know that the job of being a Pastor is considered one of the most stressful jobs, second only to stay-at-home-Moms with young children? Add today’s challenging cultural issues into the mix and it’s a recipe for burnout, family trouble, and even suicide. One Pastor described how he feels by saying, “ “Pastoring is like being a Gumby doll. You will get pulled in many directions and sometimes feel like a limb (is) fall(ing) off.” Unfortunately, Pastors are usually on call 24/7 tending to the needs of their church while often neglecting the needs of their own spouse and children. This program features an interview between Dr. Keith Wiebe, VP of State Chapter Development, and Dr. Marty Von, founder and President of ChurchCare discussing the needs of Pastors and how you can help.
The 2019 Impeachment Declaration: Abuse or Accountability
October 20, 2019 • October 20, 2019 • Sam Rohrer, David New
The Democrats attempt to impeach President Trump continues to dominate the news headlines ever since House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, announced their intentions on September 24th. This program, featuring Constitutional Attorney, David New, is going to consider questions like: What rules, if any, are set forth by the United States Constitution on impeachment? What’s the history behind it? Why did the Founders decide to add an impeachment provision and how can we apply what we know to the current situation? Host: Sam Rohrer Guest: David New
Islam and Public Schools: A Threat to Freedom
October 13, 2019 • October 13, 2019 • Sam Rohrer, Gary Dull, Richard Thompson
The stated goal of Islam is to establish a worldwide Caliphate-which is an area ruled by the laws of Islam otherwise known as Sharia law. The means used to achieve this end have historically been violent, treacherous, and murderous. This program will add another category of means used to subjugate the enemies of Islam-one which hasn’t been publicly recognized for its insidious nature, the indoctrination of our public-school teachers and students with Islamic propaganda, all at the tax- payers expense. Schools throughout the US are allowing Muslims to come into the classroom and teach their own version of American history, victimization, and superiority. Under the guise of diversity training and multiculturalism teaching, our school children are learning the five pillars of Islam, how to recite the Shahada, and what the Q’uran has to say about the rituals and observances required by Sharia law. While students are no longer allowed to pray aloud or read their Bible in class, entire mandatory school sessions are dedicated to Islamic awareness. Our guest on today’s program, Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center in Michigan, is going to expose what’s really happening in today’s public schools. Host: Sam Rohrer Co-host: Gary Dull Guest: Richard Thompson
Saving the Persecuted Church
October 6, 2019 • October 6, 2019 • Sam Rohrer, Gary Dull, Dede Laugesen
On November 3rd, believers around the world will participate in an international day of prayer for persecuted Christians. In much of the world, the plight of these men, women, and children is dire. While you and I can hardly imagine the suffering and difficulties believers in other countries experience-the Bible tells us that we’re to “remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being (y)ourselves also in the body”. On this Stand in the Gap Weekend program, Dede Laugesen with Save the Persecuted Christians, is going to give us an update from the perspective of someone who’s on the frontlines in the battle against worldwide persecution. Host: Sam Rohrer Co-host: Gary Dull Guest: Dede Laugesen