Arkansas Christians Pray While Homosexual Activists March
by Allie Martin and Jody Brown
June 29, 2004
(AgapePress) - Hundreds of Christians in one Arkansas town turned out to pray for traditional marriage as a "Gay Pride" parade took place nearby.
On Sunday, the main street in Conway, Arkansas -- a suburb of Little Rock -- was the site of a pro-homosexual parade. At the same time, more than 700 people filled Second Baptist Church of Conway for a time of prayer and worship.
Troy George, minister of adults for Second Baptist, says the prayer rally was a chance for area Christians to pray for their city, their state, and their nation.
"We had a great showing here at our church in support of prayer for the family," he explains. "We had a table set up for people to sign up for [supporting] the Federal Marriage Amendment [defining marriage as between] one man and one wife. And the people here had a great attitude of love and caring for the whole community and seeking the Lord."
George says it is vital for Christians to take a stand for traditional marriage -- something he admits some believers have been hesitant to do. "We have been silent quite a bit, and it is good to speak out [about what God's Word says]," he shares.
The family was designed by God, George says, and Christians need to let people know what God's design for the family truly is. "By being quiet we sometimes don't let the message be known," he says, "and the message is that God's Word ... tells us marriage is a very important part of His plan for mankind."
The Baptist minister says it is equally important for Christians to take every opportunity and witness to homosexual activists and their supporters.
A Chance for Churches to Stand
Other churches across American will have an opportunity next month to take a stand in support of the biblical concept of marriage. A coalition of pro-family groups has designated Sunday, July 11, as "Protect Marriage Sunday," and the next day, July 12, as "Call Your Senators Day." Through the two-day event, the coalition hopes to rally support for the Federal Marriage Amendment, which is currently slated to be debated and voted on in that week in the U.S. Senate.The website for the event provides contact information for all 100 senators as well as each lawmaker's current stance on the amendment. According to that website, 32 senators currently support the amendment while 46 oppose it. Twenty-two remain uncommitted.
