Articles by Paul

I Am He

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I’ve been preaching through the book of Isaiah for over a year and a half now. I have come to the forty-third chapter and the great news of the unchangeable Gospel is as strong as one can find anywhere in the sacred text of the Holy Bible, the only authoritative word to know God.

In the middle verses of this chapter Isaiah paints a word picture of all the nations gathered together and all peoples are given the opportunity to state their case on who their god is. He instructs those who have given themselves to false or strange gods to declare what their gods have done. He instructs those who are His people to declare what their God has done. He welcomes all to present their case so they might be justified and that their god gets to be fairly presented.

This is not something that the Almighty God is required to do, it is more that those who are blind or deaf to truth can see that their false gods are just that, impostures. It is a kindness from God to extend His mercy to those who have given themselves to the counterfeit.

This fabricated, propped up god, comes in many forms. Perhaps you have given yourself to one of the many pretend gods?

God has been kind to give a witness of Truth. He has given the nations a people who bear His name to advance His glory to all, the church. And of course He has given His only begotten son, Jesus the Christ, as described by the Bible, to stand as a witness of His glory to all nations. In Isaiah forty-three He also even shows his triune nature by revealing to the reader that there is one, and only one, God. He is identified by God as “My Servant” and He declares that “Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me. I, even I, am the LORD, and there is no savior besides Me.” (Isaiah 43:10-11)

That one phrase, “I am He”, is not to be missed or passed by so quickly.

In the New Testament when Jesus asked the Roman officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees who they were looking for, they said, “Jesus the Nazarene.” Jesus answers “I am He.” This alone is not that unusual, unless the reader keeps reading. The New Testament book of John records that Jesus said, “I am He” the Roman offers “drew back and fell to the ground (John 18:5-6).” This is a witness to the nations that this Jesus is unlike all others.

Whatever fake god you have been bowing down to has been exposed for the sham that it is. Only God can have this kind of impact on a people when He bears witness of deity. His eternal deity. Not a man who became God or earned the right to become a god. Not a god who was once a man. No, this eternal deity “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, by emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:6-7)

This coming Lord’s Day I hope you will find yourself willing to examine truth without the fear of what men might say about you. The Magic Valley is blessed with many Bible believing, God fearing churches who will open their Bibles and preach this truth this weekend. Gather in one of those churches and be set free from the bondage of your sin. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, as described by the Bible, and be saved from the idolatry of following a spoof. If you don’t have a church to gather in this weekend then consider gathering with Eastside Baptist Church, 204 Eastland Drive North, Twin Falls, Idaho.

On Monday, September 9, 2019 there is an opportunity to hear what several religions think about the person and nature of God. At 6:30 p.m in the Shields building room 118 on the campus of the College of Southern Idaho there will be an open forum discussion among many different religions about God. Come hear the difference. Learn that the god of Mohamad, the god of Joseph Smith, the god of Humanism, and the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are entirely different.

Come hear and see.

They Are Still Murdering Babies

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The end game is indeed the long game in the pursuit of stopping the war on babies in our nation. On Monday, August 19, 2019 there was a victory for the American tax payer, at least for now. Organizations like Planned Parenthood can no longer co-mingle funds and would be required soon to even begin housing the abortion (murder) industry in separate locations if they want to continue receiving Title X funding from the U.S. government.

This is no small thing that happened yesterday. But let’s be clear… they are still murdering babies there.

In Idaho, the murdering of persons (32-102.  UNBORN CHILD AS EXISTING PERSON. A child conceived, but not yet born, is to be deemed an existing person so far as may be necessary for its interests, in the event of its subsequent birth.) in the womb is not legal. Technically speaking, abortion is a legally protected crime. In other words, the code instructs the law to not prosecute the crime. For the logical minded reader you see how this is complicated.

In short; where it is good news to hear that Planned Parenthood has decided to no longer receive any Title X funds it is even clearer than ever that Planned Parenthood is primarily interested in abortion, population control that contradicts God’s order to husband and wife to be fruitful and multiply.

“Due to an unethical and dangerous gag rule, the Trump administration has forced Planned Parenthood grantees out of Title X,”

Alexis McGill Johnson, the acting president and CEO of Planned Parenthood

Open Letter to My Beloved Church; Eastside Baptist Church

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Dear beloved Eastside,

Over the past few weeks you have given much of your time, mind, strength, and resources to host the single largest gathering we’ve ever had at 204 Eastland Drive North. My greatest fear is that I might miss saying “thank you” to someone.

I want to be brief but specific.

Thank you to all who

  • helped prepare the building by cleaning
  • gathered and returned chairs
  • set up chairs, moved chairs, moved chairs again…
  • Set up the tent, took down the tent, never used the tent
  • baked cookies, served cookies
  • sat outside so visitors could have the main meeting room
  • prepared for security issues, kept your eyes peeled for the unusual
  • prayed for the gathering
  • parked down the street, shuttled people back and forth
  • ushered people in
  • directed people to where the bathrooms were
  • installed new evaporative cooler in old building
  • emptied trash
  • mowed the grass
  • moved tables
  • played instruments
  • lead the music

Eastside, you hosted a people in the community who are ready to act on behalf of the unborn for the glory of God. It is hard to put into words the appreciation I have for you and all that you did. Much of what you did, you did with no one asking you. You saw things that needed done and you did it. You behaved like the church. You loved each other, you loved your neighbors, and you interposed for those who are not able to defend themselves. Your generous hospitality was a blessed joy to witness. Thank you.

You are the kind of church who are not just hearers of the word, you are doers of that sufficient word of God.

May the Lord bless your household, may He bless the city (region) with an outpouring of His spirit, may he revive His Church for His glory, and may He awaken the conscience of the community with His glorious gospel that saved us from our sin and is sufficient to redeem their souls.

May the community know little of your pastor and bless the Lord for God’s people of Eastside Baptist Church but especially may they never forget about the God you love.

This would be a blessed hope we have.

For the glory of God alone.

Dear Mr. Mayor

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—————————————–
an open letter to the Mayor of Twin Falls, ID
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Dear Mr. Mayor,

It was a humble kindness from God to participate in a blessed experience as a tax paying citizen of the City of Twin Falls, Idaho, my home for the past 18 years (and counting) where this past Monday (Aug. 1, 2019) I was given a generous spot on the agenda of a very busy city council meeting.

That moment when I was introduced by you to address the council with my proposed ordinance to speak for the unborn in the city of Twin Falls, was among the most humble moments I have ever experienced in this temporal day.

  • The day of my salvation, when I was shown I was deserving of the wrath of God but given mercy and grace, what a day.
  • The day I vowed “I do” on December 20, 1986, what a day.
  • The births of my sons, their wedding days, and the news of grandchildren, o what days.
  • The day I stood before the Twin Falls City Council to appeal for the consideration of adopting city code that would forbid any person or organization from murdering our neighbors, what a day.

This was not a religion trying to impose a practice or system upon another, this was a day that this citizen stood before you, with over 250 neighbors, to interpose for other neighbors at risk, at risk of murder. As you know, statistically speaking, 5 of our neighbors are murdered every week in the city limits of Twin Falls. That puts the city of Twin Falls, Idaho among the most deadly cities to live in in all of Idaho. Not deadly because of natural causes or accidental death, this is the kind of premeditated murder that is given a legal permission to not properly prosecute the perpetrator, making this even more severe.

Where I was given a generous time to introduce my draft ordinance to the council, I was surprised that you overlooked my attempt to speak after several false claims were made by some of the council members. I have found you to lead fairly and patiently enduring disruptive citizens from time to time. But this conclusion was not at all like those previously witnessed. This was a quick and speedy conclusion to vote. I respect that this was a majority vote 4 to 3 to not consider further dialog on my appeal and not a decision of one single person. Any one of the four who voted not to discuss this further could have voted differently.

  • Councilman Talkington, could have been consistent with his earlier statement to give longer consideration with legal council on the ordinance.
  • Councilman Lanting, could have shown compassion to the citizens while still expressing concern about tax payer money to have a longer conversation about the life of babies who will never be able to pay taxes. The discussion of money really showed to be more important than the concern of neighbors at risk of murder.
  • Councilwoman Pierce could have acted on her “pro-life” position when given the moment to actually consider the plight of our neighbor.
  • You, Mr. Mayor, could have voted to give further discussion to investigate the appeal of a citizen without compromising your own values.

I’ve witnessed my city give long and slow consideration to far less important matters. We accommodated several public meetings to talk about smoking in the city. We’ve heard talk about butterflies and honey bees for months. We form citizen committees to be a voice for “under represented” citizens. Apparently, our neighbor in the womb will continue to be an altogether un-represented neighbor.

I am thankful for the intention of Councilwoman Hawkins’ motion with intent to give serious consideration with the aid of legal council and go down the normal slow path with care and interest to the request and the protection of the city while expressing serious concern for the murderous activity happening in the city. Her motion was crafted with humanitarian interest and fiduciary responsibility to the city. Consistent with Councilwoman Hawkins’ tenure.

The other two, Councilman Reid and Councilwoman Boyd, voting in favor of her motion were willing to consider the plight of the innocent in light of the threat of legal lawsuit showed their concern of life over money. This doesn’t mean we ignore the possibility, it means we take time to weigh out if it is indeed a real possibility, not just an empty threat.

But not even one moment to take a deep breath to think about what a city can do for preserving lives of all its citizens? Not even a moment of silence to acknowledge one of the more than 2,000 neighbors murdered in our city by a tyrant company who has no interest in innocent lives of babies.

You, Mr. Mayor, actually made my point better than I did when you brought up the other laws in Title 6 – Public Safety of our city code. When the city of Twin Falls introduced an ordinance in 1958 forbidding prostitution or homes of “ill fame” was it legal in the state? If so, and it was, then why could the city of Twin Falls forbid it from happening when it was not illegal at the state level?

It wasn’t that long ago that the city of Twin Falls voted to change the law of how long a bar can be open in the city. The state of Idaho regulates it at 2 a.m. Until the city of Twin Falls decided to change it’s code, a bar had to close at 1 a.m. Cities can have laws that are more strict than the state and federal.

These are only a few of many reasons I think a longer discussion would have been a fair discussion for the city to have. Not to mention Idaho code gives local municipalities the authority to govern their cities and counties.

The action of the majority has communicated to the public that the City of Twin Falls is willing to live in fear of the ones holding our children hostage and demanding we obey their every demand while they slowly kill off our neighbor.

The city of Twin Falls will be written about some day. You see, by the grace of God, a day will come when the nation will wake up from this drunk stupor and be shown the brutality of allowing the murdering of babies in the womb. The city of Twin Falls will be on the list of the equivalence of a concentration camp in Nazi Germany and its horrific gas chambers and mass graves of innocent neighbors.

May the kindness of God lead the city council of Twin Falls to repentance.

Until Christs’ return, my death, or justice is given to my unborn neighbor, I will not be silent.

Paul Thompson
A tax paying, property owning citizen, of the City of Twin Falls, ID

—— edited for misspelling and grammar 4:38 p.m. on August 9, 2019 ——

When the Church Speaks Truth

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In Twin Falls, Idaho, on August 1, 2019, three pastors stood in front of the 400 people who gathered at Eastside Baptist Church filling the main auditorium and spilling out through the overflow into the breezeway, they opened their Bibles to speak to an eager people to act on behalf of the unborn, child, in the womb.

Church, listen and be encouraged.

Greg “Bear” Morton, pastor from Magic Valley Bible Church in Twin Falls, Idaho

Christopher Folkerts, pastor from New Covenant United Reformed Church, Twin Falls, Idaho

Paul Thompson, pastor from Eastside Baptist Church, Twin Falls, Idaho

-Media Release-

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The following is for any media wishing to have print copy of the request to the city of Twin Falls, Idaho city council to prohibit/ban all induced abortions in the city limits.

The request is on the Monday night, August 5, city council agenda at 5 p.m. mountain time.

permission is granted for media use or distribution so long as the context is represented within the narrative and spirit in which it is given.

Link to printed document:
https://media.sermonaudio.com/articles/th-8419183150-2.PDF

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MEDIA RELEASE COPY
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Request to the city of Twin Falls to end the practice of abortion in the city limits.

We Are Resolved To Act Now

WHEREAS, The Bible reveals that all human life is created in the image of God, and therefore every person is valuable to our Creator (Genesis 1:27; 9:6); and

WHEREAS, The preamble to the Idaho Constitution acknowledges this God when it states, “We, the people of the state of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our common welfare do establish this Constitution.”

WHEREAS, The Bible affirms that the unborn child is a person, bearing the image of the Triune God from the moment of conception (Psalm 139:13– 16; Luke 1:44); and

WHEREAS, Idaho code (Title 32 – chapter 1) Identifies the unborn child conceived, but not yet born, is to be deemed an existing person so far as may be necessary for its interest, in the event of its subsequent birth from the moment of fertilization, and Idaho code (Title 18 – chapter 40) defines a human being including, but not limited to, a human embryo or fetus; and

WHEREAS, Citizens of the Magic Valley of South Central Idaho are pleased to live independent and respectful lives with each other; and

WHEREAS, Many women know what they are doing when they seek out an abortion, it is true that some women are being lied to while in their distress; and

WHEREAS, Idaho Health and Welfare defines “Induced Abortion” as an intentional action to stop a live birth; and

WHEREAS, There were 258 abortion procedures reported to intentionally terminate pregnancies without a live birth on innocent, unborn persons in the city of Twin Falls in 2017; and 

WHEREAS, Since 2008, 1,914 human babies have been aborted in the city of Twin Falls. That is equivalent to the combined population of the cities of Hansen, Eden, and Castleford; and

WHEREAS, According to the Bible, all persons have an unrighteous nature and are spiritually bankrupt of being righteous and in need of a sufficient redeemer.

Let it therefore be

RESOLVED, According to the Bible, Jesus is the only sufficient redeemer by which persons can be saved from the judgment of God; and

RESOLVED, That we, the God fearing citizens of the Magic Valley, repent of our collective silence before God and man of this heinous act against humanity that has been allowed to carry on in our city; and

RESOLVED, That we, the God fearing citizens of the Magic Valley appeal to you, the city council of Twin Falls, Idaho to hear our voice as we interpose for the human population that has no opportunity to stand before you and appeal to your conscience to enact this fair and just code that forbids any person or organization to ever again, from this day forward, perform induced abortions upon another fellow human in our city; and

RESOLVED, That we mourn recent lack of action by our state legislators and local representation of our constitutional republic who ignored our appeal of a just and fair bill presented before them to abolish abortion in the state of Idaho known as the Idaho Abortion Human Rights Act; and

RESOLVED, That we make our homes available as suitable sanctuaries, safe and nurturing homes for every abandoned woman or unwanted child in distress and not sure what to do in this unwanted pregnancy and unwanted child. If we have empty chairs at our dinner tables we will gladly fill them with women and children in need, and when we run out of room around our dinner tables, we will build bigger tables; and

RESOLVED, That we are here today to declare the human baby in the womb a precious, miraculous, valuable, and a welcome neighbor in our community, so help us God. For the glory of God.

Final Argument:

Idaho Code 18-601 declares

The supreme court of the United States having held in the case of “Planned Parenthood v. Casey” that the states have a “profound interest” in preserving the life of preborn children, Idaho hereby expresses the fundamental importance of that “profound interest” and it is hereby declared to be the public policy of this state that all state statutes, rules and constitutional provisions shall be interpreted to prefer, by all legal means, live childbirth over abortion.

Idaho Constitution:

Article XII, Section 2, of the Idaho Constitution states “[a]ny county or incorporated city or town may make and enforce, within its limits, all such local police, sanitary and other regulations as are not in conflict with its charter or with the general laws.”

DECLARATION. Considering the foregoing

it is appropriate that the City of Twin Falls recognize the inalienable rights of man to defend life and that abortion is the taking or termination of the life of an unborn human being. Accordingly, the act of abortion is contrary to the inalienable rights of man set forth in the Idaho Constitution and the City of Twin Falls has the authority to prohibit the act of abortion within its limits.

For these reasons, I submit the following for consideration to be entered in as legal code for the City of Twin Falls, Idaho. This ordinance shall be in force and effect and enforceable from and after its approval and passage and publication in accordance with Idaho law.

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PROPOSED
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CITY OF TWIN FALLS
STATE OF IDAHO
ORDINANCE NO. _______

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF TWIN FALLS, STATE OF IDAHO, DECLARING ABORTION TO BE CONTRARY TO THE INALIENABLE RIGHTS OF MAN, PROHIBITING THE ACT OF ABORTION WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF TWIN FALLS AND PROVIDING FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF SAID PROHIBITION.

Title 6 – Public Safety, Chapter 2 – General offenses, 

(20) Abortion: Every person or organization using any means to intentionally terminate the clinically diagnosable, viable pregnancy of a woman with knowledge that the termination by those means will, with reasonable likelihood, cause the death of the unborn human being will be guilty of inflicting inhumane actions upon another causing death before the otherwise live birth.

(A) Definitions: For the purposes of this section the following words shall have the following meanings:

UNBORN HUMAN BEING: The offspring of human beings from the moment of conception until either live birth or natural death, including the human conceptus, zygote, morula, blastocyst, embryo and fetus, whether conceived and/or located inside or outside the body of a human female.

CONCEPTION: The fertilization of the ovum of a female by the sperm of a male.

ABORTION: The use or prescription of any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other substance or device to intentionally kill an unborn human being.

(B) Violations: Notwithstanding any other law, it shall be unlawful for a person to knowingly and intentionally perform, procure or attempt to perform an abortion. 

(C) Construction: It is the intention of the city of Twin Falls that the provisions of this section be construed, enforced and interpreted in such a manner as to absolutely defend the right to life as enumerated in Section 1, Article I of the Idaho Constitution. The city of Twin Falls shall enforce this section regardless of any contrary or conflicting federal or state statutes, regulations, executive orders, or court decisions. 

(D) Penalty: Violation of the provisions of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and/or six (6) months in jail, or both.

Get Your Gospel Shoes On

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Monday, August 5, 2019, I will stand before the city council of Twin Falls at 5 p.m. to interpose for my neighbor who cannot speak for himself, for my neighbor who cannot appeal her case, who, unless God intervenes, will join the other 1,914 (and counting) babies murdered in the womb since 2008 in the city of Twin Falls, Idaho.

This is a call to all born-again, God-fearing, followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, as described by the Bible in the Magic Valley to join me at 203 Main Ave. East on Aug. 5 at 5 p.m. At this meeting I will request that the city of Twin Falls consider adopting code language to protect our neighbor in the womb who is at risk of being murdered. To intentionally stop life at any stage, especially when that murder is given a provision in the law, is a heinous act of the most horrific kind.

On Monday night at 5 p.m. I will request This new paragraph in Title 6 – Public Safety under general offenses. (Title 6 – Chapter 2 – Section 20)

Title 6 – Public Safety, Chapter 2 – General offenses,

(20) Abortion: Every person or organization using any means to intentionally terminate the clinically diagnosable, viable pregnancy of a woman with knowledge that the termination by those means will, with reasonable likelihood, cause the death of the unborn human being will be guilty of inflicting inhumane actions upon another causing death before the otherwise live birth.

(A) Definitions: For the purposes of this section the following words shall have the following meanings:

UNBORN HUMAN BEING: The offspring of human beings from the moment of conception until either live birth or natural death, including the human conceptus, zygote, morula, blastocyst, embryo and fetus, whether conceived and/or located inside or outside the body of a human female.

CONCEPTION: The fertilization of the ovum of a female by the sperm of a male.

ABORTION: The use or prescription of any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other substance or device to intentionally kill an unborn human being.

(B) Violations: Notwithstanding any other law, it shall be unlawful for a person to knowingly and intentionally perform, procure or attempt to perform an abortion.

(C) Construction: It is the intention of the city of Twin Falls that the provisions of this section be construed, enforced and interpreted in such a manner as to absolutely defend the right to life as enumerated in Section 1, Article I of the Idaho Constitution. The city of Twin Falls shall enforce this section regardless of any contrary or conflicting federal or state statutes, regulations, executive orders, or court decisions.

(D) Penalty: Violation of the provisions of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and/or six (6) months in jail, or both.

What can you do:

  • Pray.
  • Be informed.
  • Share this with others
  • Invite your Sunday School class to come.
  • Invite your pastor to come.
  • Attend the meeting (plan ahead, come early, be prepared to stand in the hall or on the street, but come.)
  • Invite someone to come with you.
  • Write city council members right now. Full list with contact information HERE.
  • Pray.

FAQ:

  • Can I attend the meeting even if I don’t live in the city of Twin Falls? Yes! It is not required that you be a citizen of Twin Falls to attend a meeting.
  • Where is the city council chambers? 203 Main Ave. East Twin Falls, Idaho
  • Will others be allowed to speak? This is not a public hearing. The city council could take action to not do anything or consider setting a date for a public hearing.
  • Why ask the city council to consider something you know they won’t adopt? I’ve never asked them to do this before, how do I know they won’t adopt this code language?
  • Why request an introduction of code when you could request a resolution? Where I like a smart resolution, resolutions don’t make any difference in action.
  • Why is the punishment only a misdemeanor with only a fine of $1,000 and/or six months in jail? This is the most strict punishment the city can lawfully give for city code.
  • If this becomes law won’t places like Planned Parenthood just move to Jerome, Buhl, Kimberly or some other nearby town? Yes, this is a possibility and why we will have to be ready to act soon on the jurisdiction of the county and all nearby counties.
  • Will places like Planned Parenthood sue the city of Twin Falls and cost the city a lot of money? Planned Parenthood could sue the city. But the code is written with the authority of the City of Twin Falls and the authority of the Idaho Constitution. The city of Twin Falls has the jurisdiction and responsibility to protect all citizens, neighbors, and visitors.
  • Why can’t you stay out of other peoples lives and let people do whatever they want to do? If I witnessed a crime, it would be a crime for me to do nothing or not attempt to interpose on the behalf of the weaker neighbor. My neighbor in the womb needs my help. I cannot, in good conscience, turn away or walk on the other side of the street.

Join me on Monday, August 5, 2019 at the city of Twin Falls city council chambers, 203 Main Ave. E., at 5:00 p.m.

Plan to come early. Remember parking in downtown is limited, you may find closer parking behind the city council chambers. Be sure to plan ahead. Ask to get off work early. Be prepared to stand in the hallway or on the street. It will be hot, bring water. Even it it means you stand in the hallway or on the street and hear nothing, your presence says this is something the citizens want the council to consider.

Special ATTENTION: If you have children, be sure to bring them with you, if you are pregnant, please come even earlier so you can be inside the chambers. If you are a pastor, please come early so you can be inside the room. When I give my speech to introduce the code consider standing. When the city council talks about the code language, be respectful and listen. You will be allowed to leave after the agenda item is finished.

Thank you for your consideration to put your gospel shoes on and join me on the field for action on behalf of the child in the womb for the glory of God.

I’ll see you Sunday at church and/or Monday downtown Twin Falls!

For the Glory of God

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Last night, August 1, 2019, nearly 400 people gathered at Eastside Baptist Church and approx. 100 viewed on live streaming to learn about what can be done in the state of Idaho to promote the life of every person, regardless of age and location, in the state.

The agenda began at 7p.m. and was scheduled to last just under 2 hours finished after 9 p.m.

Total of six speakers. Overflow seating, overflow parking, overflowing volume when the gathered people sang, and overflowing instruction and direction on what to do now.

Here is the entire speaking program.

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