Illinois Family Spotlight: Recent Episodes
David Smith
The Illinois Family Spotlight highlights specific cultural or political issues which our listeners need to be aware of. Our discussions are informed by a biblical worldview that helps expose the lies and distortions promulgated within secular culture. We interview policy experts and scholars whose knowledge and insights help listeners form a wiser worldview.
In this double feature, we find Spotlight host David Smith at the 2026 annual Illinois Christian Home Educators’ (ICHE) Conference. Held at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, the ICHE conference disciples homeschoolers materially, mentally and spiritually to raise their children at home in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Their keynote speakers encourage faithfulness, their exhibit hall equips for the upcoming academic year, and the fellowship found in the halls form lifelong friendships.
Rhonda Robinson is the mother of nine and grandmother of 39.… Continue Reading
In this double feature, we find Spotlight host David Smith at the 2026 annual Illinois Christian Home Educators’ (ICHE) Conference. Held at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, the ICHE conference disciples homeschoolers materially, mentally and spiritually to raise their children at home in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Their keynote speakers encourage faithfulness, their exhibit hall equips for the upcoming academic year, and the fellowship found in the halls form lifelong friendships.
Carl Kerby, one of the featured keynotes of this year, works at Reasons for Hope, a nonprofit apologetics ministry dedicated to equipping Christians always to be ready to give an answer for the hope found within them.… Continue Reading
Most parents are unaware that the government education system was intentionally designed to influence and indoctrinate, not educate.
Pastor Ceasar LeFlore hosts today’s episode, and exposes how the school system operates as a tool for control—and why removing children from its grasp isn’t just an option, but a necessity. Discover the shocking history behind the system’s purpose and the urgent call to prioritize biblical discipleship over reformation.
In this eye-opening episode, you’ll learn about the upcoming “Pulling the Fire Alarm” conference—an event aimed at mobilizing parents, pastors, and communities to take action.… Continue Reading
In this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight, David E. Smith sits down with Pastor Jim Scudder Jr. to discuss his new book, The Spiritual War Against Israel, and the growing cultural and spiritual battle over Israel and the Jewish people.
Pastor Jim Scudder Jr. is the senior pastor of Quentin Road Baptist Church in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and the president of Dayspring Bible College and Seminary. He also hosts the In Grace television, radio, and podcast ministry, which features Bible teaching and apologetics content.… Continue Reading
Most Americans are unaware of the powerful role pastors and ministers played in securing our liberty during the American Revolution. In this episode of Spotlight, David Smith talks with Pastor Dan Fisher about the untold story of the Black Robe Regiment—patriot preachers who boldly preached biblical principles of governance and morality, often leading militias and sacrificing their safety for freedom. Their influence wasn’t just spiritual; it was revolutionary—literally.
Visit danfisherbrr.com for books, DVDs, and resources to learn more about the Black Robe Regiment and how you can stand firm against today’s cultural and political threats.… Continue Reading
Most mental health care for gender-identity issues is leaving patients uninformed or misled—Camille Kiefel’s eye-opening journey exposes the dangerous gaps in informed consent when it matters most. After enduring a double mastectomy based on minimal guidance, Camille’s story reveals how medical and mental health professionals often prioritize affirmation over thorough exploration, risking irreversible harm.
In this powerful episode, Camille shares her personal experience with trauma, misdiagnosis, and a lack of transparency from providers who pushed her toward surgery without fully discussing the risks—including detransition and physical complications.… Continue Reading
In this episode, Spotlight host David Smith discuss how Pride Month has shifted over the past few years with Spotlight’s first Generation Z roundtable discussion. Alyssa Sonnenburg, Jenna Smith and IFI intern Noah Li breakdown how their generation sees the LGBTQ+ agenda and the identity crisis being met.
References:
Gallup Poll: U.S. Support for LGBTQ+ Remains Down from Peak
The Good Word Program: Noah & Jenna on WPEO
Point of View Radio: Alyssa on Next Generation Roundtable… Continue Reading
Most culture wars are fought over the body — but what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong? Spotlight hosts David Smith and Alyssa Sonnenbrg listen as Professor Nancy Pearcy exposes the deep roots of the secular worldview that devalues the body, from transgenderism to abortion and environmentalism.
In this eye-opening episode, you’ll discover how the secular ethic views the body as insignificant and how this mindset fuels today’s most urgent debates about gender and identity.… Continue Reading
Most Americans are drifting away from the very virtues that unify us—faith, family, and fidelity. In this episode of Spotlight, our host Alyssa Sonnenburg talks with Christopher Parr of Princeton University. Parr shares about the movement Fidelity Month, which aims to restore these timeless commitments at a critical cultural moment.… Continue Reading
Now is the time for us – the body of Christ – to seek forgiveness and God’s wisdom and to chart a clear path forward in order that the fear of the Lord and the wisdom of God may once again shape and influence our government.” ~ Kathy Valente, IFI Director of Operations
In this episode, we hear from a prayer gathering in Springfield. Pastors Stan Pratt, Bob Vandenbausch, and Steve Peacock of our state exhort and pray for fellow Christians to call out for mercy as well.… Continue Reading
In this episode, Rebecca Leland shares her mission of “un-singling” — creating intentional, Christ-centered spaces for Christian singles to meet, connect, and hopefully find their spouses. Join us as we explore how faith, community, and intentionality can transform the journey toward marriage.Apply for Unsingling by clicking here.To follow Unsingling on Instagram, click here.
In this episode:
- What is un-singling and why is it needed in the Christian community?
- The impact of Christian singles events on fostering genuine relationships. … Continue Reading
Most grassroots candidates overlook the power of faith and boldness—Stephanie Trussell refuses to hold back. Running for Illinois State Representative, she shares how divine calling, unwavering faith, and connecting with her community are fueling her fight to restore Illinois’ values.
In a political landscape dominated by elitism and neglect, Stephanie reveals her heartfelt journey from a nomination as lieutenant governor candidate to knocking on doors in a deeply blue district. She talks about the importance of standing firm on pro-life and pro-family principles, and how she leverages her Christian beliefs to challenge entrenched liberal policies—from high taxes and unsafe cities to woke school mandates.… Continue Reading
In this conversation with our Investigation Specialist, Thomas Hampson, we dismantle the legislation pending in the IL General Assembly that aims to undermine your say as a parent when it comes to medicating your child’s “mental health” problems.
To follow Thomas Hampson’s work, click here.… Continue Reading
Most women never realize how profoundly ultrasound images can sway their “no” to “yes” — but Elmie Patton reveals the life-changing moments that happen when women see their baby for the first time. From delicate heartbeat flickers to tiny gestational growth, she shares touching success stories that remind us: seeing is believing, and life is a miracle worth defending.Elmie Patton is the Executive Director of First Step Women’s Center in Springfield, Illinois, known for her heartfelt advocacy and innovative approach to saving lives through ultrasound technology and community engagement.… Continue Reading
As state legislatures push to expand government control over parenting and education, parents are waking up to a dangerous agenda rooted in indoctrination, financial greed, and the erosion of parental rights.
Shannon Adcock, executive director of Awake Illinois, reveals how bills like Senate Bill 3138 threaten to turn schools into hubs for mental health screening, bypassing parental consent, and pushing controversial gender identity policies—without parents even knowing.
You’ll learn how existing programs are already infiltrating K-12 classrooms and healthcare settings—raising billions in state and Medicaid dollars while putting vulnerable children at risk.… Continue Reading
In Illinois, the fight over legislation like House Bill 4966 — which aims to expand the Department of Children and Family Services and restrict counseling for youth with gender confusion — is fierce. Why does it matter? Because these laws impact vulnerable kids caught in broken systems.
Here’s the thing: Bills like these expose the political tug-of-war over morality, safety, and parental rights. And with the Supreme Court’s recent decisions, the landscape for these debates is shifting even more.… Continue Reading
Pastor Caesar LeFlore and Bishop Arthur Geis reveal how a unified, intentional move of prayer can activate divine power to break darkness and ignite revival across Illinois and beyond.
You’ll learn how Project 2026, a bold initiative to mobilize one million intercessors from Passover to Pentecost, aims to recalibrate our spiritual landscape. Get ready to see how our collective prayer can stir the rivers of God’s life-giving power to flood our land with revival.
Bishop Arthur Geis is a renowned Bible teacher, pastor, prayer advocate, and the visionary behind Project 2026—an initiative to unite the church in prayer for spiritual awakening and revival.… Continue Reading
Aynaz “Anni” Cyrus is an Iranian-American investigative author and national security voice focused on the ideological and psychological strategies of Islamism and political Islam in the West. Her work examines how movements, institutions, and state actors deploy religious doctrine, narrative warfare, and moral inversion to influence Western policy, culture, and security.
In this episode she talks with Jenna Smith of IFI about the war in her homeland, Iran, the threat of radicalized muslim sleeper cells, and her latest work: “The Architecture of Jihad” which you can purchase now on Amazon!… Continue Reading
Katy Faust is founder of Them Before Us, a foundation with one goal in mind: to protect the right of a child to their mother and father. She joins Dave Smith and Alyssa Sonnenburg on Spotlight for this episode regarding her new campaign, titled Greater Than. This is an episode you do not want to miss.
For decades, science shows children do better when raised by their married mom and dad — a safe, low-conflict home that nurtures development and trust.… Continue Reading
“Every baby made in the image of God irritates the devil”
This podcast features Elaine Demoulos and Angela from Alliance Family Services discussing their pro-life work, the importance of holistic care, and how community support can make a difference in saving lives.… Continue Reading
In this special edition of IFI, we turn the Spotlight on our longtime host, Monte Larrick.
Monte Larrick was Illinois Family Institute’s Media Director for over a decade, informing our constituents on Illinois topics with clear, concise and unique angles. He shares some untold stories of his longtime career covering politics for Moody radio.… Continue Reading
When we have laws in the U.S. that promote a biblical worldview, we vote for them. . . the policies are an overflow of what the Bible says, whether they pass or not – the truth is still the truth. ~ Dr. Greg Gifford
Alyssa Sonnenburg and Jenna Smith host today’s episode with a special guest on what should the Christian response be to SB 4832, which would define “transgenderism” as a mental illness under Illinois’ Health Code.… Continue Reading
We don’t want doctors and administrators profiting off of the destruction of a young child. ~ State Senator Andrew Chesney
Spotlight host David Smith talks to two Illinois General Assembly members on legislation they have introduced to protect children against being mutilated by hospitals or prevented from receiving mental health treatment.
State Representative Bill Hauter, M.D. — the only medical doctor serving in the Illinois General Assembly — has introduced HB 4482 to prohibit gender-transition medical procedures on children.… Continue Reading
Women are currently being told by the law that it is okay to kill their babies. That is unjust. We want to inform peoples’ conscience with a just law. God is very clear: you shall not murder. That applies to all human beings. ~ Pastor Johnson
Michael Johnson is pastor of Grace Redeemer Church in Winfield, IL.
Caesar LeFlore is pastor of Spirit of Liberty Church of God in Markham, IL.… Continue Reading
If the church remains silent, you do not have a polity, a people, a citizentry that is informed by the word of God. . .the church must speak the truth in love, not with arrogance, going back to the gospel of Christ saying there is a God in heaven who will forgive you, who will gladly reconcile you to Himself.
In this episode of Spotlight, David Smith talks with two Illinois pastors about SB 3572, a bill that will abolish abortion in the Land of Lincoln.… Continue Reading
State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Aledo) has informed us that he will be introducing legislation in Springfield to abolish abortion in Illinois. Not limit it, not cap it, abolish it.
In this episode, David E. Smith hosts Alyssa Sonnenburg and Jenna Smith to discuss the reality of abortion in the state of Illinois and how likely it will be to push through a bill to criminalize abortion in a Democrat super-majority General Assembly.
Not only did the Land of Lincoln kill the most amount of babies in 2024, but medical practitioners whose medical license have been revoked in other states can become abortionists in IL, the death of a woman does not to be reported to a coroner if it occurs during an abortion procedure, minors can undergo invasive abortion surgery without the knowledge or consent of their parents, and much worse.… Continue Reading
Riley Gaines Barker is a 12x all-American collegiate swimmer, praised by President Trump for leading the fight for fairness, safetey & the protection of women in women’s sports.
Riley’s life was drastically changed when the NCAA a biological male to compete against her and was allowed to dress and undress in her locker rooms. Riley refused to stay quiet about it, and remained firm throughout the hate, vitriol and consequences. Now she is a celebrated hero for protecting girls and fighting for the right to have womens’ sports remain only for women.… Continue Reading
Dr. Erwin Lutzer, pastor emeritus of the Moody Church in Chicago, took questions from the audience at an IFI Forum in 2019, and his answers still hold value for Christians troubled by the state of the culture over 6 years later.
Get Dr. Lutzer’s book “The Church in Babylon” here!
… Continue Reading
This is a two-for-one episode! In the first segment, we hear from JennyBeth Martin from the Only Citzens Vote Coalition on why only Americans should participate in American elections. In the second segment, we hear from Larry Elder on the importance of the film Uncle Tom II… Continue Reading
Remarks from Dr. Frank Turek is the episode for today’s Spotlight. Dr. Turek is the author of “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist” and is host of the podcast of the same title. He is president of CrossExamined, an apologetics ministry, and he spoke at IFI’s 2017 worldview conference on why Christians need to be involved in politics.
To attend IFI’s upcoming worldview conference, register by clicking here!… Continue Reading
In this episode, we are highlighting a presentation given at IFI’s 2025 annual Worldview Conference, which was held at Belmont Bible Church in Downers Grove.
Scott Phelps, head of the Abstinence and Marriage Partnership organization, shares the Success Sequence program with the audience in the first half of the program, and in the second, demonstrates how the sex education programs in government schools codify the sexual revolution to the detriment of America.
Attend IFI’s 2026 Worldview Conference by registering here!… Continue Reading
The school systems aren’t failing, they are performing exactly as they were designed to perform and they were never intended to produce not only Christian children [with] Biblical worldviews, but they also aren’t there to teach them how to be logical or how to be learners.
The Rev. Caesar LeFlore wears many hats. He is the pastor of the Spirit of Liberty Church of God in Markham, serves on the boards of Illinois Family Institute (IFI) and the Good Soil, Good Seed Scholarship Foundation, and he is the state director of IFI’s Public School Exit project.… Continue Reading
It is so important that when you hear that people can’t come back out of this lifestyle that you actually see a witness that says you can. And if you come to a relationship with Jesus Christ, you will find Christ and you will be redeemed and you will be restored ~ Walt Heyer
This episode features remarks given by Walt Heyer at IFI’s 2019 worldview conference.
Walt Heyer is a one time coporate executive who underwent gender reassignment surgery at the age of 42, and lived the next 8 years of his life living as a woman.… Continue Reading
The Spotlight is shone on David Smith in this episode, the executive director for Illinois Family Institute.
IFI’s annual Faith, Family & Freedom banquet just took place on November 7, 2025, and in his address to 700 attendees, Smith outlined how IFI is helping Christians fight spiritual battles in the lions den of Illinois.
… Continue Reading
In March of this year, IFI hosted our annual worldview conference at Belmont Bible Church in Downers Grove. The theme was restoring a Biblical perspective on marriage and family. This episode of Spotlight features one of our keynote speakers from our worldview conference.
Scott Phelps heads up the Abstinence and Marriage Partnership organization, and during his presentation, pointed out that the best way to resotre a culture of marriage and family is to reach a new generation of American youth on the clear, objective benefits of marriage & family.… Continue Reading
Pastor Caesar LeFlore hosts today’s episode, directing the spotlight on pastor Courtney Lewis of Cornerstone Baptist church.… Continue Reading
We’re featuring biblical perspectives on immigration in this episode of Spotlight. Dr. Shando Valdez presented this lecture during a Christian Emergency League townhall meeting at New Hope Community Church in Palatine, IL. Among other comments, Valdez points out the realities surrounding immigration in the U.S.
Dr. Valdez is a political consultant, clergy organizer, and senior pastor at New Jerusalem Baptist church in Chicago.… Continue Reading
A special episode of Spotlight today! Pastor Caesar LeFlore hosts Cynthia Morales with Pro-Life Champions to discuss a new video that challenges the pro-abortion narrative that pregnancy care centers are “fake clinics.” She also points out how these centers have evolved over the years.… Continue Reading
Illinois Family Institute recently hosted a forum at Belmont Bible Church in Downers Grove, and this episode of Spotlight features remarks from Jedd Davis at aformentioned event.
Jedd Davis is the IL 75th State District Representative, has a civil engineering degree, and served as board president for Yorkville’s Parkview Christian Academy. In this commentary, Davis shares insider stories from his time serving in the Ilinois legislature and what is coming up in the Lame Duck Session, and the troubling concerns he has with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.… Continue Reading
IFI lobbyist David Curtin provides insights on the legislature’s fall Veto session . How will state lawmakers may respond to the murder of Charlie Kirk. He also comments on mental health screening in government schools, home education, and efforts to reduce energy costs in Illinois.… Continue Reading
This episode features highlights from an interview with Dr. Voddie Baucham, which took place during the 2023 Black Conservative Summit in Tinley Park. Dr. Baucham passed away at the age of 56 just this past September, and will be greatly missed by the staff of Illinois Family Institute. He leaves behind a wife and 9 children.
Dr. Baucham, an American pastor and renowned author, was dean of the school of divinity at African Christian University in Zambia for 9 years.… Continue Reading
Today’s episode is a presentation given by Dr. Frank Turek during Illinois Family Institute’s 2017 Worldview Conference at the Village Church of Barrington. Dr. Turek is an author of 7 books, the host of the podcast “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist,” & Founder & President of CrossExamined, an Apologetics-based ministry.
Dr. Turek was a close friend and mentor of Charlie Kirk, and was with him the day he was assassinated during a TPUSA event at Utah Valley University.… Continue Reading
This episode features a presentation by Anni Cyrus on Islam in America Today. This lecture was given at Christian Emergency League Townhall meeting hosted by New Hope Community church in Palatine. Anni Cyrus is a human rights activist who fled from Iran as a teenager. Her site, Live Up to Freedom, is the source for the truth about Islam.
This episode is a Christian’s guide to understanding what muslims believe about the world, about Jesus Christ, and about their goal of taking over the top 18 cities in America.… Continue Reading
Monte Larrick is joined by Darren Bailey, a former state representative, senator, and gubernatorial candidate. Bailey, a long-time farmer from Southern Illinois, recently participated in an Only Citizens Vote protest in Orland Park. He joined the demonstration to advocate for the position that only U.S. citizens should be allowed to vote in Illinois.
During this episode of Spotlight, Bailey discusses how Illinois is more than ready for a conservative governor:
We must make Illinois livable, and I know a lot of people who have moved out of the state who have come back because of their family.
… Continue Reading
This is part two of our two part series with Dr. Brad Wilcox from Illinois Family Institute’s 2025 worldview conference.
Dr. Wilcox serves as director of the National Marriage Project & professor of sociology at the University of Virginia. He’s the author of several books including “Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Form Strong Families, & Save Civilization.”
In Part One of this Two Part series, Dr. Wilcox discusses the closing of the American heart.… Continue Reading
Today we’re highlighting remarks from Dr. Brad Wilcox during the Illinois Family Institute’s 2025 Marriage & Family worldview conference, hosted by Belmont Bible Church in Downer’s Grove.
Dr. Wilcox serves as director of the National Marriage Project & professor of sociology at the University of Virginia. He’s the author of several books including “Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Form Strong Families, & Save Civilization.”
In Part One of this Two Part series, Dr.… Continue Reading
It’s the gay. . .movement that lies to the American public. They will accept if your child identifies as bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, gender queer, polyamory — but they won’t accept if a gay kid decides, ‘hey, I’m gonna leave this lifestyle.’
Peter LaBarbara is President of the Center for Morality & Americans for Truth, a national group dedicated to exposing the homosexual, bisexual, transgender activist agendas. Labarbara discusses with Monte how Trump’s Administration has affected their cause.… Continue Reading
Anni Cyrus is a human rights activist and survivor of the Islamic regime in Iran living under Sharia. She was forced into a marriage by her father at the age of 13 & beaten & imprisoned several times before escaping to Turkey. Cyrus found her way to the United States and now, as a fully fledged American citizen, Anni is exposing the threat of Sharia through her organization, Live Up To Freedom. She is an advocate for truth, liberty, the U.S.… Continue Reading
In this two for one podcast, you’ll hear remarks from Evangela Pringles, director of Pregnancy Aid Illinois during a 40 Days for Life Celebration, and from pastor Caesar LeFlore during the 2020 Rally for Jesus held on the campus of Cavlary Church in Orland Park. These two leaders touch on why advocating for life is so important, and how you can gain real peace to anchor you throughout any storm in life.… Continue Reading
Life activists are hoping President Trump’s signature on the Federal budget bill will lead to the downfall of Planned Parenthood. The Republican led spending blueprint denies access to Medicaid funding to organizations that commit abortions. While the legislation doesn’t mention Planned Parenthood by name, the abortion mill is facing deep cuts for at least a year in its $800 million in annual taxpayer provided subsidies.
Eric Schiedler, the Executive Director for Pro Life Action League is applauding the legislative effort.… Continue Reading
Recorded live from the 2025 Illinois Christian Homeschool Convention (ICHE), Monte Larrick converses with Abraham Hamilton III. Hamilton is a husband, Bible teacher, a national radio host & TV host, a lawyer & homeschool father who was a keynote speaker for ICHE’s 2025 Conference, themed “This We Believe.”
Hamilton encourages listeners to prioritize homeschooling, because:
“For far too long, people have failed to recognize that mind cultivation is essential to disciple making. So if we would export and cede the authority to cultivate our childrens’ hearts and minds to people whose positions really are hostile to Scripture, then we could very well be ceding our children to a context against what we ultimately want to see, which is that 3 John 4:4 phenomenon.
… Continue Reading
When we abandon the most basic of truths–man & woman–what do we have to stand on?
Today we’re featuring a Spotlight interview conducted in 2023 with conservative icon and activist, Riley Gaines Barker. Riley is a 12x all-American collegiate swimmer, praised by President Trump for leading the fight for fairness, safetey & the protection of women in women’s sports.
Riley will be our keyenote speaker at our annual Faith, Family & Freedom banquet on November 7th of this year.… Continue Reading
“If Americans are going to reject abortion, they need to know what happens in an abortion. Who are the victims of abortion? What impact does it have on those mothers and fathers who choose abortion and on society as a whole.” – Anne Scheidler
Standing on the side of a busy highway, Monte Larrick talks with Anne Scheidler, vice president of the pro-life action league during the organization’s Face the Truth tour. Volunteers have been lining Chicago streets with signs and photos calling attention to abortion and its victims: unborn babies and their mothers.… Continue Reading
Illinois is the abortion capitol of the Midwest. Women from states that have safegaurds to protect babies are choosing the land of Lincoln for surgical abortions or, increasingly, aboriton drugs. Donna Williams is trying to counter that. As the executive director for PASS network for Life, she leads the pregnancy based care center in Tinley Park to protect and promote life.… Continue Reading
Recording from the annual Illinois Christian Home Educator’s (ICHE) Convention at Olivet Nazarine University in Bourbonais, Monte Larrick conducts his annual interview with ICHE’s executive director, Kirk Smith.
… Continue Reading
Organizers contend that the Spring 40 Days for Life campaign drew record participation this year! 40 Days for Life is a local-based ministry aimed to end abortion through prayer, fasting, and community outreach and peaceful, all day vigils outside of abortion mills. Steve Karlen serves as the campaign director for 40 Days, where he trains and assists campaign leaders, co-hosts 40 Days for Life podcast and is the author of the book, “This is When we Begin to Fight.… Continue Reading
The End of Life Options act has been introduced to the Illinois General Assembly. It will allow doctors to perscribe death-inducing drugs to adult patients diagnosed with a terminal illness. If it becomes law, it can very easily be expanded.
Today’s episode highlights remarks made by Alex Schadenberg during the 2023 Speakout IL conference. Schadenberg is an author and the executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition. In his role he hopes to shed light on not only euthanasia, but also on the status of other pro suicide actions.… Continue Reading
Monte & David welcome Dan Marquardt of We Love Police, a 501c3 that highlights the untold good of our police officers. You will find out how to best support your police department right where you are in your community.… Continue Reading
This week, Monte is joined by Illinois Family Institute’s David Smith to talk with Shannon Adcock, founder of Awake Illinois. They are an uncancelable force putting the spotlight on Illinois school districts to erase DEI initiatives and protect children from mental health screenings, graphic sex education and title IX violations.… Continue Reading
Today’s spotlight is on Dr. Mark Zumhagen and his presentation at Illinois Family Institute’s forum on Assisted Suicide, which was hosted by Lake County Right to Life. Dr. Zumhagen is an IFI board member and a family medicine physician with 4 decades of practice under his belt. In 2009, he co-founded Fearfully & Wonderfully Made in Orland Park, where he currently practices.
In this episode, Dr. Zumhagen discusses how pro suicide legislation has its roots in Darwinism, reminding us that life is a precious gift.… Continue Reading
It’s May madness time in the Illinois General Assembly, and on Spotlight today, we’re asking IFI lobbyist David Curtin what to expect our legislature to churn out this month. May madness is a term coined by Curtin to describe the chaos that ensues in Springfield before the lawmakers adjurn for the summer. Anything could happen.… Continue Reading
In this episode of Spotlight, IFI’s attorney breaks down the legal ramifications homeschoolers face if HB 2827 is passed, and how we can conquer it in court if it becomes law.… Continue Reading
Organizers are gearing up for the Fall 40 days for life prayer campaign after a successful spring effort that included a rally across from the planned parenthood facility in Aurora. Catharine Walker spoke with Steve Carlin at that prayer rally, and has some encouraging words for pro life prayer warriors.… Continue Reading
Illinois could legalize assisted suicide. The End of Life Options Act gives doctors the greenlight to perscribe death-causing drugs to adult patients diagnosed with a terminal illness. Life leaders warn that legal suicide in Illinois will eventually be expanded to cover people with non terminal conditions and even children. Following a testimony during a state Senate hearing in Chicago, Dr. Kevin Garner spoke with IFI’s Monte Larrick about the End of Life Options Act.
Dr. Garner is an internal medicine specialist, and is board certified in hospice and pallative care.… Continue Reading
A leader in the disability community has said that the End of Life Options Act puts disabled people at greater risk of being coerced into seeking assisted suicide. Riley Spreadbury, with the Disability Resource Center in Joliet, testified against assisted suicide before the State Senate committee, and shares her perspective with Spotlight in this episode.… Continue Reading
If HB 2827 passes, there are going to be additional bills introduced in subsequent years. ~ Will Estrada
During the Illinois Christian Home Educator’s (ICHE) Cherry Pie Day in Springfield, IL, Monte Larrick asked Homeschool Legal Defense Association’s (HSLDA) Senior Counsel Will Estrada about the dangers of HB 2827.
This episode includes
- Key points you can bring up with your lawmakers
- How this bill will set Illinois home educators up for further regulations
- The danger of homeschool parents’ having custody of their children revoked
- The way brick & mortar private schools will be at risk
And much more.… Continue Reading
Illinois home educators are rallying against the “Homeschool Act.” HB 2827 will stifle IL homeschoolers with regulations that, if not fully complied with, will lead to hefty fines, and even jail time. Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) are helping to lead the charge against this legislation. Kirk Smith, executive director of ICHE joins Monte to talk about the consequences of the bill and how YOU can stand against it.… Continue Reading
Monte is joined by Bob Gilligan with Catholic Conference of Illinois outside the Chicago hearing of pro-suicide legislation.… Continue Reading
Attend the Chicago Home Educator’s Summit! In this episode, Caesor LeFlore (aka Bishop of Truth) talks to Latasha Fields of the Christian Home Educators Support System about their exciting event happening on March 29th.… Continue Reading
In this edition of Spotoight, we feature IFI’s lobbyist David Curtin giving an update about what happened in Springfield last week.… Continue Reading
We’re highlighting Dr. Zumhagen’s remarks at IFI’s 2024 COVID Forum, held at Families of Faith in Channahon, IL.
Dr. Zumhagen is a family medicine physician, with nearly 4 decades in practice in the medical field. In 2009, he cofounded Fearfully & Wonderfully Made,a wholisitic and nutritionally based center in Orland Park. In this episode, you wil hear this doctor discuss vaccine mandates, the risks of treating healthy people, and the power that the pharmecuetical industries wield in America.… Continue Reading
In this edition of Spotlight, we hear highlights from interviews with pro life heros regarding Illinois and pro suicide legislation. Nancy Valko served for more than fifty years as a registered nurse, and is the spokeswoman for the National Association of Pro Life Nurses. Scott Klusendorf travels throughout the United States and Canada training pro-life advocates to persuasively defend their views in the public square. He contends that the pro-life message can compete in the marketplace of ideas if properly understood and properly articulated.… Continue Reading
During the Illinois Family Institute 2015 Faith Family & Freedom Banquet, Pastor Doug Wilson challenged Christians to join the fight for sanity, common sense and morality–specifically here in Illinois. His remarks are timeless and encouraging for believers today. Pastor Wilson preaches at Christ Church in Moscow, ID, and is senior fellow of theology at New Saint Andrews College. He is a prolific author and his blog, dougwils.com, is home to his witty and rapier thoughts on culture, the church at large, and politics.… Continue Reading
Pator Caesar LeFlore hosts Spotlight today to highlight the work and ministry of LaTasha Fields, an 18-year home educator and passionate advocate for parental rights, education, and community empowerment.… Continue Reading
We’re highlighting remarks from multiple different podcasts and events over the years in this episode, including Dr. Karl Benzio, Dr. Erwin Lutzer, and more!… Continue Reading
Tom Hampson is an Air Force veteran, where he served as an Intelligence analyst in Western Europe. He also served as an Chief Investigator for the Illinois Legislative Investigating Commission and served on the Chicago Crime Commission as a board member. His work as an investigator prompted him to establish the Truth Alliance Foundation (TAF) and to dedicate the rest of his life to the protection of children. He hopes that the TAF will expand to facilitate the protection of children all over the United States and around the world.
… Continue Reading
In this edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick discuss how IL Gov JB Pritzker is “Trump Proofing” Illinois by doubling down on gender affirming care in the state.… Continue Reading
Today’s Spotlight is featuring remarks given by Dr. Stephen Smart (yes that’s really his last name) at an IFI forum in 2024. The subject? Legalized doctor-assisted suicide. Dr. Stephen Smart is a clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of Illinois college of medicine, and is in private practice at the Springfield clinic in Peoria. Pastor Mark Moore and his church, Belmont Bible, were our gracious hosts to listen to Dr. Smart and his colleague, Dr.… Continue Reading
40 Days for Life activist Catherine Walker spoke outside of Illinois’ Flossmoor Planned Parenthood. Ms. Walker is a post abortive pro life warrior, dedicated to helping women by being a sidewalk counselor and in this edition of spotlight, shares how she sees a positive impact in her community as a result.… Continue Reading
We are featuring keynote remarks given by Frank Pavone during Southside Pregnancy Center’s 2024 banquet. Rev. Pavone serves as the national director of Priests For Life and president of the National Pro-Life Religious Counsel and pastoral director of Rachel’s Vineyard.
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Today we’re placing the spotlight on Dr. Benjamin German and his professional take on Illinois’ efforts to legalize doctor-assisted suicide. Dr. German is a primary caregiver in the Lawndale Christian Health Center on Chicago’s West side, and also an Illinois Representative in the Academy of Medical Ethics, the biomedical arm of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations.
During a special forum hosted by the Illinois Family Institute at Belmont Bible Church in Downers Grove, Dr.… Continue Reading
In this edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick talks with Caesor LeFlore, pastor of Spirit of Liberty Church, founder of Good Soil, Good Seed and Executive Director of Public School Exit.… Continue Reading
In this edition of Spotlight, Monte is joined be Reverend Elmer Harris, pastor emeritus of Second Baptist Church in Joliet, serves as a chaplain for the Bolingbrook police department, and ministers to hundreds of people in his community through the Blessing Table, a food pantry to aid people in need.… Continue Reading
In this edition, keynote remarks from Pam Stenzel during Illiana Right To Life‘s 2024 Fall Banquet. Stenzel has been a pro life advocate since the early 1980’s and currently runs 4 pregnancy resource centers in Florida. She is also the author of the book “Sex Has a Price Tag” and co author of the book “Nobody Told Me: What You Need to Know About the Physical and Emotional Consequences of Sex Outside of Marriage”
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Monte and Dave Smith discuss what happened last Tuesday, Trump’s positive policy changes on protecting children and families, how Priztker promised to make Illinois “Trump-proof” and how Christians residing in this blue state can stay encouraged.… Continue Reading
The week of September 22nd was announced as banned book week as proclaimed by the American Library Association. Thomas Hampson wrote an article for IFI about it. The concerns that parents have about inappropriate books being placed in the children’s section of the library is not void.
To read more from Thomas Hampson, click here.… Continue Reading
Jim Marter is a Republican candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District,and he believes our future is bright if we rein in big government, return to American freedoms and principles and send wise and knowledgeable, servant-leaders to Washington. In this special edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick talks with James Marter about what his goals are when he gets in office
Marter For Congress
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Monte Larrick and David Smith, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute, discuss why there are no rusty swords on the battle field of the public square, and how it is our duties as Christians to vote.… Continue Reading
Today we’re featuring Allie Beth Sutckey’s keynote address at IFI’s 2024 faith, family and freedom banquet. Stuckey is a Christian, wife, mother, and hit podcast host of the show “Relatable.” In this keynote, she breaks down her catchphrase for us: politics matter because policies matter because people matter.
Watch IFI’s interview with Allie Beth Stuckey here.… Continue Reading
Dr. Lutzer is the pastor emeritus of the Moody Church in Chicago, you can hear his lectures and teachings on Moody Radio. He is the author of nigh on countless highly acclaimed books, including The Church in Babylon, When a Nation Forgets God, and most recently, The Eclipse of God. In this episode, Monte Larrick asks Lutzer about his new book and what’s happening to Illinois.… Continue Reading
In this episode, Monte Larrick discusses with Thomas Hampson where the children who come to America’s borders are now, the illegal alien predicament in our country, and more. Hamosn is the founder of the Freedom Alliance Foundation, and is a journalist for the Illinois Family Institute. To read his documentation about the missing children, click here.… Continue Reading
In this episode, Monte Larrick interviews Catherine Walker, who works with 40 Days For Life. To sign up for a prayer shift, click here.… Continue Reading
“As Christians our freedoms are given to us by God, not man. So why are we so afraid of man taking them away? Where is our faith? It is our duty as Christians to speak the truth and deliver the truth. . .we need to look into the level of faith we have lost in order to gain the popularity of our society.” ~Anni Cyrus
Anni Cyrus fled from Iran as a teenager, and now as a legal American citizen, she advocates for God given freedoms, is a human rights activist, and speaks against the horrors of the Islamic religion she experienced as a child bride.… Continue Reading
In this episode, Monte Larrick converses with David Shestokas about how pro-life activists in Illinois have been targeted by a candidate of the Cook County State’s Attorney position, about the general election coming up, and much more.
To purchase David Shestokas’ books, click here and here.… Continue Reading
Ken Ham is the founder and CEO of Answers in Genesis and it’s two popular attractions: The Ark Encounter and The Creation Museum. He’s an author and the #1 expert on the topic of Biblical creation. Today we feature a lecture he presented at the 2024 ICHE convention where he discussed how to build the right worldview to understand the world correctly, and a phenomenon he calls the “Genesis 3 effect.”
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We’re featuring remarks from the Go Public for Pro Life rally, organized by Vision 2020. It was held across the street from the Planned Parenthood mill in Aurora, Illinois. Julie Garofalo is the executive director of the women’s crisis pregnancy center called Waterleaf across the street from that very same Planned Parenthood, Matt Yonke of the Pro Life Action League. Veronica Janiszewski with Students for Life, and the event organizers all spoke on the importance of showing up and praying.… Continue Reading
Carol Davis is with Illinois Conservative Union and is the head of the Illinois Election Intergrity Program.
She joins Monte to discuss the impact of mail-in ballots, the mess of our Illinois election system, how illegal immigrants are flooding our voter rolls, and voting strategies.… Continue Reading
In this episode, Monte Larrick discusses a brilliant plan concocted by G.H. Merritt, founder of the project New Illinois… Continue Reading
We want to encourage churches to host a special prayer gathering on September 25th or 26th – an event dedicated to humbly seeking God in prayer for our state and nation. In the spirit of corporate repentance, acknowledging our offenses before God as a nation, it is wise to prayerfully appeal to God, asking Him to forgive our national sins and to heal our land. There’s nothing too big that He can’t correct. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
In this episode, Monte, Kathy Valente (IFI Director of Operations) and Dave call churches to join in prayer with them for our nation.… Continue Reading
This episode features remarks given by Martyn Iles at the 2024 ICHE convention. Iles is an attorney and the chief ministry officer at Answers in Genesis. He touches on Babylon – the place – Babylon – the metaphor – and how we as believers can live a Christ-empowered life in a culture that opposes God.… Continue Reading
We’re highlighting a news conference held during the 2023 Black Conservative SUmmit in Tinley Park, IL. You’ll hear from Dr. Eric Wallace, Robert Woodsen, Ken Blackwell, Larry Eldar and Lt. Col. Allen West in this episode on how to build a better America.
To see these leaders in person, get tickets for the 2024 Black Conservative summit by clicking here.… Continue Reading
Today we’re placing the spotlight on Dr. Benjamin German and his professional take on Illinois’ efforts to legalize doctor-assisted suicide. Dr. German is a primary caregiver in the Lawndale Christian Health Center on Chicago’s West side, and also an Illinois Representative in the Academy of Medical Ethics, the biomedical arm of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations.
During a special forum hosted by the Illinois Family Institute at Belmont Bible Church in Downers Grove, Dr.… Continue Reading
Ken Ham is the founder and CEO of Answers in Genesis and it’s two popular attractions: The Ark Encounter and The Creation Museum. He’s an author and the #1 expert on the topic of Biblical creation. He joins Monte Larrick for an interview at the 2024 Illinois Christian Home Educators conference.… Continue Reading
We live in an age where public figures cannot say what a woman is, and by implication of course, that means they cannot say what a man is. ~Nancy Pearcy
We’re featuring Nancy Pearcy’s presentation regarding her bestselling, critically acclaimed book about gender dysphoria, titled “Love Thy Body.” Pearcy is professor and scholar in resident at Houston Christian University and gave this lecture at IFI’s 2024 annual Worldview Conference, held at the Village Church of Barrington.… Continue Reading
For this Independence Day week, we highlight a lecture expounding on how the founding fathers envisioned our country and how our freedoms should be used. Former state representative Peter Breen addresses what is occurring in our culture from the perspective of the executive Vice President and Head of Litigation for the Thomas More Society.… Continue Reading
In this episode, Monte Larrick conducts his annual interview with ICHE’s executive director: Kirk Smith. The two go over why it’s so important to prioritize home discipleship over academics, threats to homeschooling in Springfield, how to avoid problematic curriculim, and much more.
For more information, go to iche.org.… Continue Reading
“Nobody has a time management problem; they have a prioritization problem.” ~Kent Evans
In this episode, David Smith and Rich Hartian continue their discussion with Kent Evans, co-founder of Manhood Journey.
Bring Your Hammer
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Kent Evans is the co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple makers. After a 20 year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical fatherhood ministry projects. He joins David Smith and Richard Hartian for a conversation on biblical fatherhood.… Continue Reading
In this episode, Monte Larrick interviews pastor Myles Holmes of Revive Church regarding what should Christians expect in the upcoming elections.… Continue Reading
In this episode, Monte Larrick travels to Springfield. IFI’s lobbyist, David Curtain, has some important legislative updates for us to hear.… Continue Reading
We’re featuring highlights from Dr. Scott Lively’s presentation during IFI’s 2024 “Recovering Manhood” worldview conference.… Continue Reading
We are featuring remarks from pastor Myles Holmes of Revive church, located in Collinsville, IL. He addressed IFI’s worldview conference back in March on why manhood matters.… Continue Reading
In this episode, we feature remarks given by Nancy Pearcy at IFI’s annual Worldview Conference. An author, professor and speaker, Nancy Pearcy has done extensive research on the war against manhood, and presented her findings in her book The Toxic War On Masculinity.… Continue Reading
In this edition of Spotlight, we feature remarks given by Tom Brejcha, a renowned legal expert from the Thomas More Society–and after the break, we highlight Self Evident’s Kenna Rose and her presentation given at our recent annual worldview conference.… Continue Reading
In this episode, IFI’s Monte Larrick gets lobbyist David Curtain’s perspective on the upcoming legislative sessions.… Continue Reading
In this episode, Monte Larrick interviews Mark Houck, a pro-life activist who had his house raided by the FBI due to his values.… Continue Reading
In this episode, Attorney Peter Breen from the Thomas More Society gives pro-life updates at the 2024 Speakout Illinois Conference.… Continue Reading
In this edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick converses with Scott Lively, author and founder of Biblical Worldview Resource Center.… Continue Reading
In this episode, Monte Larrick learns about the ministry of City Life Center. Located in the heart of Chicago, this church runs a crisis pregnancy center and so much more inside their doors, blessing their community in ways that surely puts a smile on God’s face. Pastor of City Life, Charles Moodie, is the spokesperson.… Continue Reading
In this edition of Spotlight, we feature a presentation given by Alex Schadenberg of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, given last year at Speakout Illinois’ annual conference. There is still time to register for this year’s conference on March 16th! For more information, click here.… Continue Reading
In this episode, David Smith & Richard Hartian have a fascinating conversation about how to talk to Generation Z about setting up a healthy and successful life with Scott Phelps, the founder of Abstinence & Marriage.
In April 2004, A&M Partnership was founded with a vision of providing training and support for educators around the country with the purpose of reaching every teenager in the country with the abstinence and marriage message. A&M Partnership is a leading provider of abstinence education certification trainings for educators having trained more than 4,000 educators nationwide.… Continue Reading
Healthy worship . . . is perceiving God accurately, really knowing who God is, and then responding accordingly. ~ Dr. Benzio
In this episode, David & Monte talk with Dr. Karl Benzio, a Christian psychiatrist & co-founder of Honey Lake Clinic down in Greeneville, Florida. Dr. Benzio expounds on the power of worship and how it relates to your decision-making, the addiction crisis in our culture, and the approach Honey Lake Clinic takes to heal minds.… Continue Reading
Darren Bailey is running for Congress! The beloved former State Senator is fighting to let the voice of the people be heard in the halls of the U.S. House, and in this episode of Spotlight, IFA’s David Smith asks him what he would do to ensure a safe border and much more.
To find out how you can support Bailey’s campaign, go to baileyforillinois.com… Continue Reading
“The time is out of joint. O cursed plight that ever I was born to set it right!” ~Hamlet
Joseph Schiedler has a legacy of 50 years of peaceful, pro-life activism. Schiedler and his wife, Anne, co-founded the Chicago based Pro-Life Action League. During an IFI forum on the pro-life movement back in 2021, Schiedler spoke on moments from his life and work that we would find encouraging and uplifting. Schiedler passed away in 2021 at the age of 91.… Continue Reading
Today’s episode highlights an IFI Forum for pastors & leaders, hosted by the Spirit of Liberty Church of God in Markham, IL. In the first half, you will hear from IFI’s David Smith on why Christians should be involved in politics and the 40 Days For Life Campaign. He also notes the unique opportunities the immigration crisis provides for Christ followers. In the second half of the podcast, IFI’s Springfield Lobbyist David Curtain provides a legislative update and what to expect during the upcoming General Assembly session.… Continue Reading
Pastor Charles Moodie is building a Crisis Pregnancy Care Center right in the heart of Chicago. And today, we feature his story.
Moodie is the pastor of Chicago City Life Center church. His congregation is involved in several outreach ministries in Englewood community.… Continue Reading
David Curtain is IFI’s Lobbyist in the Illinois General Assembly, and in this episode of Spotlight, Curtain breaks down what this session in Springfield could look like.… Continue Reading
Happy New Year! This episode is a fantastic way to ring in 2024 as pastor Douglas Wilson stresses the importance of asking sane questions–ones that strike at the heart of the matter–when we engage in debate with our adversaries because “… deliberate and premeditated sanity is a challenge to the powers that be.”
You can watch this presentation by clicking here.… Continue Reading
In this episode, Miss Gaines presents her story to a Will County Republican banquet.… Continue Reading
Today’s episode features a two-for-one! In the first half, we have remarks given by former state representative Peter Breen at the Will County Republican Banquet. Breen is the executive vice president & head of litigation for the Chicago based Thomas More Society. Breen addressed the new law backed by Planned Parenthood: SB 1909 could potentially fine and litigate pro-life pregnancy care centers out of business.
In the second half of Spotlight, we have Q&A with Scott Klusendorf, President of the Life Training Institute.… Continue Reading
Today, we highlight remarks given by Shannon Adcock, founder of the grassroots organization Awake Illinois. The lecture she presented was for the Foundations of Faith and Family Conference, hosted by the Spirit of Liberty Church in Markham, Illinois. Awake Illinois was founded in 2021 and works to expose the sexualization of children in our public schools.… Continue Reading
In this episode, we feature IFI executive director David Smith giving his remarks at the annual Fall banquet earlier this November. After the break, our keynote, Eric Metaxas, answers questions posed by prominent pastors in Illinois.… Continue Reading
Eric Metaxas sits down with IFI’s Monte Larrick to discuss America, Christ’s return and how we, as Christians, should live.
You can find more about Eric through here.… Continue Reading
This episode features a message from the Reverend Stephen Broden from the “Rebuilding the Foundations of Faith and Family conference, hosted by The Spirit of Liberty church located in Markham, IL.
Rev. Broden is the senior pastor of Fairpark Bible Fellowship, located in Texas. He is also the chairman of the Gone Too Far movement.
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Today we’re featuring remarks made by former State Rep. Jeanne Ives. In addition to her service to the legislature, Ives is a WestPoint Graduate, a U.S. veteran, mother of five, and co-founder of Breakthrough Ideas. Her lecture regards the top 5 public policies that impact the American family.… Continue Reading
This episode features a lecture from IFI’s 2023 Pro Life Worldview Conference. Keynoter Scott Phelps is the executive director of Abstinence and Marriage Partnership and his presentation is on the 3 steps to a successful life which are as follows: complete a high-school education, get a stable job and marry before having children. If followed in the correct order, it’s almost impossible to end up in poverty.… Continue Reading
16 years ago, Planned Parenthood opened a giant abortion facility in Aurora, IL. Life activists marked that anniversary this year with a prayer vigil outside of the building. One of the vigil speakers is pastor Randy Schoof, who leads the Warehouse Church in Aurora, challenged the attendees to continue praying and counseling on the sidewalks outside of the Aurora abortion mill. The next speaker is Eric Schiedler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League.… Continue Reading
In this episode, Monte Larrick converses with Phil Price and Catharine Walker outside of the Aurora Planned Parenthood, where upwards of 400 surgical abortions are done every month. They discuss the huge impact 40 Days For Life campaigns have on women considering abortions.… Continue Reading
In this episode, David and Monte wrap up their conversation with Dr. Mark Zumhagen.… Continue Reading
In this episode, Monte Larrick and David Smith convers with Dr. Mark Zumhagen of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Practice.… Continue Reading
In this episode, David Smith and Monte Larrick converse with Evelyn Stenzel, who travels Illinois to equip Christians with the pro-life message.… Continue Reading
Today’s episode is Scott Klusendorf’s second part of his lectures given at IFI’s 2023 worldview conference. Klusendorf is the founder of The Life Training Institute.… Continue Reading
We're highlighting remarks made by Scott Klusendorf at IFI's 2023 annual Worldview Conference. Klusendorf is the founder and president of Life Training Institute, which equips pro life advocates to effectively defend their views in the public square. His topic for today's episode is also timely, given the pro abortion public policies now in place in Illinois.
If we fear God, we fear nothing else. If we don't fear God, we fear everything, and everyone else. ~Pastor Stephen LeePastor Lee is being charged with disrupting the 2020 Presidential election. People donate directly to the fund by going to IllinoisFamily.org/Contribute and designating their donation to the Pastor Lee Legal Defense Fund or by sending a check payable to Illinois Family Institute at P.O. Box 876, Tinley Park, IL 60477, with “Chaplain Lee” in the memo.
In this edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick converses with Riley Gaines. Gaines' life was turned upside down when the NCAA allowed a biological male to compete on her team and utilize the women's locker room. She was a member of the University of Kentucky's NCAA swim team and the 2022 Southeastern Conference Women's Swimming and Diving scholar of the year; now she's speaking out for the protection of women's sports for safety, privacy and American Values.
You can find more about Riley at rileygainescenter.org
In the first half of this episode, we are highlighting remarks made by Arielle Del Turco during a special forum IFI hosted on religious liberty. Del Turco is the director of religious liberty at the Family Research Council and the coauthor of said organization's "Hostility Against Churches" report. The second half of this edition of Spotlight, we feature the q & a segment of Ambassador Sam Brownback's lecture--if you missed Brownback's remarks, click here.
This episode highlights remarks made by the honorable Sam Brownback during an IFI Forum on religious liberty, which was held at Jubilee Bible church in Medinah IL.
Brownback served as governor of Kansas and represented the people of Kansas in the U.S. House & Senate during President Trump's administration and served as U.S. Ambassador at large for International religious freedom. Brownback is currently the chairman for the National Committee for religious freedom, and in that capacity he has his finger on the pulse on the status of religious liberty around the world and here in America.
Thanks for making Illinois Family Spotlight part of your day! During this edition, we're highlighting remarks made by Kevin Sorbo at Illinois Family Institute's 2022 Faith, Family & Freedom banquet. Sorbo is best known as an actor, but he is also a staunch Christian conservative, author, filmmaker, producer and more. In his talk, Sorbo shares how cancel culture is a poison to our culture, and how he overcame a serious health crisis that redirected his focus to Christ.
This episode highlights remarks made by Sam Sorbo during the 2022 IFI banquet. In addition to acting, Sorbo is an author, filmmaker, radio host and a strong advocate for education freedom. Her book "They're Your Kids: An Inspirational Journey from Self-Doubter to Home School Advocate" chronicles her family's journey with homeschooling.
Sorbo speaks on education freedom through the lens of faith. Take a listen!
Horace Cooper is a senior fellow with the National Center for Public Policy Research, chairman of the Project 21 National Advisory Board and a legal commentator. Cooper averages over 400 talk radio appearances per year, representing the National Center and Project 21, in addition to regular television appearances and interviews by the print media. Cooper also taught constitutional law at George Mason University in Virginia and was a senior counsel to U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Armey.
"Project 21 is an organization made up of Black Americans. We are conservatives, we're moderates, we're libertarians--what we're not are progressives." ~Horace Cooper
Monte Larrick held a conversation with Cooper at the Black Conservative Summit back in March, and the two discuss the future of Black America and the importance of Christian values.
Former State Rep. Peter Breen joins Monte Larrick in this segment of Illinois Family Spotlight. He is the Executive Vice President of the Thomas More Society. The Thomas More Society is dedicated to restoring law for life, liberty, religious freedom, family and election integrity, and in this episode, Breen discusses the multiple cases the nonprofit law firm is taking on.
In this edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick discusses Illinois and the abortion debate with Eric Schiedler.
This Spotlight features attorney David Shestokas, former candidate for Attorney General and author of several books, including Creating the Declaration of Independence and Constitutional Soundbites.
Monte Larrick and David Shestokas address why it is so important to acknowledge our country's freedom and how to peacefully defend our rights.
During this edition, we're highlighting remarks from IFI's 2023 annual Worldview Conference, which was hosted at Village Church of Barrington. This lecture was presented by Dr. Jonathan Diggs, who has practiced medicine for over 35 years, and in the following episode, he outlines the consequences of sexual immorality.
In this episode of Spotlight, we are featuring remarks from Dr. Michelle Cretella given at IFI's 2019 Worldview Conference.
Dr. Cretella discusses the differences between true, biological science, which supports pro-life and pro-family propositions, and the anti-science cult of gender ideology, which is preached by mainstream medicine, psychiatry, public and private education systems, and social and mass media.
Dr. Cretella also addresses the serious implications of the transgender movement: erasure of parents’ rights, women’s rights, and religious freedom; establishment of gender identity as a protected class; as well as potential legal action that awaits anyone who persists in using “discriminatory” language, i.e. biologically-correct pronouns.
In addition, Dr. Cretella describes the “institutionalized child abuse” that is inflicted on physically healthy children as young as 11-13 as they progress through the process of gender transitioning and she gives valuable advice regarding how to handle your children’s visits to the pediatrician.
Dr. Cretella is a practicing, board-certified pediatrician with a focus on adolescent, mental, and sexual health. She is the executive director of the conservative, pro-life, pro-family American College of Pediatricians.
In this episode, Voddie Baucham discusses the importance of acknowledging that the devil is indeed prowling about like a roaring lion, seeking whom it may devour. Monte Larrick caught 20 minutes with evangelist Dr. Voddie Baucham back in March at the Black Conservative Summit. Throughout the episode, the two cover the blessing of good Christian education, the silence of the American church, how to reach the African American community and how to prepare for the 2024 elections."I think one of the things that's wrong with politics is that it's devolved into identity politics and it's devolved into 'okay, what does this group want and how do we give that to them. . .' it's much more fruitful and effective in the long run and much more honest in the long run to hold to those things that are true. . .and communicating to people on what those things are."
In this edition of Illinois Family Spotlight, Monte Larrick interviews Kirk Smith, executive director of the Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE). Over the weekend of May 20th, ICHE hosted their annual homeschool conference at Olivet Nazarene University where families were not only encouraged to educate their children academically, but educate them spiritually. When asked about the difference between public school and home school, Smith replied that children in government education are being taught anti-Christian morals."They are learning all these. . .ideologies that are not just unbiblical, they're anti-biblical. There's a big difference there. It's one thing to lack reverence, but it's another thing to be irreverent, and that's where our school system has gotten. It is blatantly anti God and enough is enough."There is so much we can do as Christians to protect and equip families to raise their kids in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and one of them is to promote home discipleship."I would encourage pastors to talk about home discipleship. . .this is the time for the church to be the church; so many are running away from the battle rather than running to it, or they're embracing the enemy. If the church does not rise up, we are in bad straights here in America."To learn more, visit ICHE.org
In this episode, Monte Larrick converses with Peter Breen, head of the Thomas More Society’s Legal Team in service of its Life, Family, and Religious Liberty missions. Breen is actively following the threat Illinois pregnancy care centers are facing, and discusses what exactly they're facing with SB 1909To find out more, listen to today's episode!
In this episode, we're talking with Lt. Col. Allen West at the 2023 Black Conservative Summit.
In this episode, Monte Larrick converses with Presidential Candidate Larry Elder at the 2023 Black Conservative Summit.
Pastor Leflore and David Smith sit down with one of Chicago's finest pastors in this episode. Pastor Charles Moodie is head of Chicago City Life Center, right in the middle of the Englewood neighborhood. His church is building a crisis pregnancy center, and you can find out more by going to their website.
In this episode, we feature remarks from attorney Ann O’Connor with the National Institute for Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA). O’Connor recently presented this lecture at Speakout Illinois’ 2023 pro-life conference, and called attention to legislation that is targeting crisis pregnancy centers with the goal being to shut them down. O’Connor is the Vice President of legal affairs at NIFLA, and is a champion of 1st Amendment rights.
You can find more information about NIFLA by clicking here.
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This is the second segment in David Smith’s conversation with Eric Hovind and Helmut Welke. This conversation spans faux fossils, training your children to ask the right questions, and why a young earth perspective is crucial to a Biblical worldview.
When asked why the question of young earth/old earth is still being debated in American churches, Eric Hovind captured the problem in one sentence: “Pastors are taking a book that has never been proven wrong and compromising it with a theory that has never been proven right.”
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In this episode of Spotlight, David Smith co-hosts with Self Evident's Jenna Smith to converse with two spectacular guests about the importance of Scripture and the necessity of knowing Someone Who knows everything.President and Founder of Pensacola-based organization, Creation Today, Eric’s passion to reach people with the life-changing message of the Gospel has driven him to speak in five foreign countries and all fifty states. He lives in Pensacola, Florida with his wife Tanya and three children and remains excited about the tremendous opportunity to lead an apologetics ministry in the war against evolution and humanism.Helmut Welke is the President of Quad City Creation Science Association. Founded in 2008, they are dedicated to telling the truth in science education. He is also a member of the Creation Research Society and has been named an Ambassador/Speaker for Logos Research Associates.These two creation scientists were in the Chicagoland area recently on a speaking tour and stopped by the IFI office to share their knowledge with IFI and our listeners.
This special episode of Spotlight has one of IFI's favorite people: Stephanie Trussell!Stephanie is a mom, grandmother, entrepreneur, board member for the Illinois Family Institute & Good Soil, Good Seed, and former candidate for Illinois Lieutenant Governor. Monte, David and Stephanie recap the November 8th election, the campaign trail that led up to it, and Stephanie regales mostly humorous anecdotes that occurred to her while traveling the state of Illinois.One of the questions that comes up in this episode is how can Illinois Republican voter turnout improve. Stephanie's answer is that conservatives need to unite, and not tear each other up for small differences in beliefs. If the Democratic party can be a wall of unity and they win election after election, maybe there's something to be said for it.You can find Stephanie and her husband's restaurant Boss Dawgz by clicking here. You can donate to the Good Soil, Good Seed Foundation by clicking here.
40 Days for Life is a vital part of the pro-life movement. The intercession they make to God on behalf of those stumbling to the slaughter, the silent witness to passersby, and the love they show by merely standing outside of an abortion clinic can make the difference of a mother in crisis pregnancy choosing life. What with our lawmakers turning Illinois into a sanctuary state for abortion and now taking steps to ban crisis pregnancy centers, prayer warriors are needed now more than ever before.
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"Every Republican who lives in Illinois who really want to see the strength of the party grow need to be at the Black Conservative Summit. . ." ~Bishop Ceasar LefloreDr. Eric Wallace is the leader of the Freedom Journal Institute and is hosting an event on the weekend of March 25th that you do not want to miss.The Black Conservative Summit is occurring March 24-25 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The reason it is the Black Conservative Summit is because the conservative movement must reach beyond its base to the African American community if it is ever to regain its former influence. So, if you are of a pale complexion, fret not, you can still attend and be encouraged by leaders like Voddie Baucham Jr. Larry Elder, Lt. Col. Allen West and many more.". . .there is only one race, and that's the human race. So if we all join together and we're all there--especially if we fill this (summit) out--we'll make a statement to the rest of the world that even though we're talking about black conservatism, everyone can join in and support that. In our society, they're trying to divide us by race. We're using black conservatism to try and unite us." ~Dr. WallaceThis is a conference for people of all backgrounds who want to see Christ glorified, so register now and come to be informed and motivated.Space is limited, so grab your tickets now by clicking here.
Earlier this month, Monte Larrick attended the Pro-Life Action League’s protest against Walgreens and CVS pharmacies contemplating the sale of abortifacients, and talked with Eric Scheidler about this potential product. Eric Scheidler is the executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, and believes this is a move on the part of the corporations to prove they’re woke.
“We know that American corporations are becoming more and more woke. . .acting at the behest of the Democratic party and the progressive movement.
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In this episode of Spotlight, David & guest host Jenna converse with IFI partner Tom Burrows. Burrows is the field director of the Good Soil Good Seed Foundation (gsgsfoundation.com), and the three of them list reasons why you should ensure that your children and grandchildren are receiving a Biblical education.
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In this edition of Spotlight, David Smith discusses the upcoming bills with IFI’s lobbyist David Curtain. In the second half, Jennifer Corte opines on school board scandals and Biden’s summary of the state of our nation.
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In this episode of IFS, Monte Larrick converses with Anthony Catella, a candidate for the St. Charles library board. The two discuss theology, the military, and why t’s important to run for your local office.
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Nancy Valko is a registered nurse, legal consultant and a spokesperson for the National Association of Pro-Life Nurses. Monte Larrick had the opportunity to speak with her at a Lake County Right To Life forum, where she keynoted and spoke on the dangers of saying nothing when it comes to medically assisted suicide.
“The problem is, if doctors themselves don’t take a position on the most important issue they have–the most important covenant they have with their patients, which is they will not kill them–what else is open?”
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In this edition of Spotlight, IFI’s David Smith and Public School Exit’s Ceasar Leflore converse with the one and only Juan Elias-Riesco, former owner of the famous Nini’s Deli (which you can learn about through the documentary Paint the Wall Black) and a blazing torch for the kingdom of Christ.
Elias-Riesco’s testimony of how he became a Christian is anything but boring. Growing up on the streets of Chicago, he quickly became hardened to shoplifting and spiraled into a sinful lifestyle that had him in prison and rejecting God’s design for sexuality.
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Monte Larrick is joined by Shane Hartman, the executive director of the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems (ILCAAAP). Springfield has made slaves of so many Illinois citizens, through the legalization of recreational marijuana and betting on anything. ILCAAAP is working to combat the evil coming out of our legislature through educating Illinois youth about the dangers of drugs, gambling and liquor.
“The main thing is to let the kids know you care.” Hartman stated when asked what is the most persuasive argument to reach kids in our age of social media.
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In this episode, David Curtain explains his job as IFI’s lobbyist in Springfield, the bills that are threatening to family values, and how we can be active in our state capitol from every part of the state.
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I recently gave a short New Year exhortation at my church and since we captured the audio, I thought we could post it as a special addition for those who may be interested. In this short message (15 minutes), I emphasis Paul’s statement in vs 12-14 in which he confesses:
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
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This is a throwback episode, where we present a lecture that is still relevant today as it was when it was given–if not more so. Pastor Douglas Wilson of Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, spoke at IFI’s 2019 worldview conference regarding trans ideology and the Christian. You can watch this talk here.
Sanity as Insurrectionis the title of the final session of the 2019 Illinois Family Institute Worldview Conference on the “trans” ideology. In this presentation, Pastor Doug Wilson stressed the importance of asking sane questions, ones that strike at the heart of the matter, when we engage in debate with our adversaries because “deliberate and premeditated sanity is a challenge to the powers that be.”
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In this segment of Spotlight, we’re highlighting remarks made at IFI’s Medical Freedom Forum held earlier this year at Jubilee Bible Church. Doctors Mark Zumhagen and Simon Gold pointed out the wrong occurring in their respective fields and answered questions from the audience.
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In this episode, Monte Larrick is at Illinois’ state capital, at the annual Christmas nativity reveal. Delbra Pratt speaks on the importance of the display in this dark corner of Illinois, and what it means.
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Monte Larrick interviews Julie Garafalo, executive director of Waterleaf.
Waterleaf is slightly different than your average women’s center in that they provide professional and medical help. An especially important service Waterleaf offers is early pregnancy screenings. That screening includes a medical grade pregnancy test and ultrasound, which helps the patient determine whether she is truly pregnant, and if so, how far along and how healthy the baby is. This gives the mother the facts she needs to make a fully informed decision.
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“. . .fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” ~Genesis 1:28
Rachel Mikottis is a homeschooled wonder of a woman who believes that nature is the best classroom in the world. She joins IFI’s David Smith and Self Evident’s Jenna Smith for a conversation about her forest school: Free Haven.
Rachel, in her words, was a free range homeschooler.
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In this edition of Spotlight, we feature a timely message from IFI's 2022 Worldview Conference. "The Religion of Wokism" is a lecture given by Dr. Everett Piper.
In this Episode, we highlight remarks made by Ryan Bomberger, the founder of the Radiance Foundation.
Monte Larrick interviews Eric Schiedler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League regarding expanding abortion laws and what pro life activists can do.
In this edition of Spotlight, we have remarks from IFI's David Smith at the 2021 Faith, Family and Freedom banquet. We Also have Dr. Lutzer's Q&A segment from the same event.
What is wrong with Illinoisans? Why do they continue to elect leaders who spit in the faces of all decent Illinoisans? Chicago is a hellscape of crime, fiscal mismanagement, failing schools, and sexual depravity, and the people who control both Chicago and Springfield continue to pursue the same ruinous policies that have made Illinois the laughingstock of the nation and led to a mass exodus of good people. And how do Democrats respond? They mock decent Illinoisans and throw a “DRAG ‘EM TO THE POLLS GOTV RALLY & DRAG SHOW” at one of Chicago’s oldest drag clubs, The Baton Show Lounge.
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Kathleen Murray was born and raised in Lombard, and that has given her the perspective of the people Kathleen wishes to represent. She has lived and worked all over the US as well as internationally during her time in college. In 2001 she purchased her childhood family home, with the intent to raise her children in the same home and the same city she grew up in.
In this episode, Monte Larrick and Murray discuss what is facing Illinois, why she is running and why people should vote red come November 8th.
David Smith and Self Evident's Jenna Smith converse with police chief David Sheppard, who is running to represent the 36th district of Illinois.
Thomas Devore, candidate for Illinois Attorney General, spoke recently at the Crete Township Republican meeting on the dangers of the SAFE-T Act. During his presentation, he delivered a damning legal analysis of the Democrat’s SAFE-T Act (HB 3653) , which will fully go into effect on January 1, 2023. Most Democrats voted YES and every single Republican voted NO.
Devore warns that the ‘no-cash bail’ provision in the SAFE-T Act opens up Illinois courts to civil rights violations. He points out the purpose of bail, and the reason that it is guaranteed in the constitution is to protect the rights of the accused, since citizens accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in American courts.
Despite the media’s biased dupery, there are serious and sound reasons to object loudly to the SAFE-T Act. There are good reasons why 100 of 102 state's attorneys are opposed to the new cashless bail provisions, and there are good reasons why there are 58 lawsuits by these state's attorneys filed against Governor J.B. Pritzker and other state Democrats in an attempt to have it declared unconstitutional.
In the upcoming November 8th election, we have an opportunity to repeal dozens of Democrat officials who supported this soft-on-crime approach. Many of these incumbents are also radically pro-abortion and sexual/moral/language anarchists. Ya know, the ones who are unable (or unwilling) to define “woman.” The ones who insist that men can be a “birthing person.” They all need to be sent home!
Read more: For public safety’s sake, hold people accountable on crime: Abandon ‘comfortable inaction,’ not the tools of criminal justice (John Kass News)
Illinois law enforcement community overwhelmingly opposed to cashless bail (The Center Square)
SAFE-T Act boosts uncertainty around trespassing enforcement, could raise lawsuit risk for cops, property owners (Cook County Record)
Today meet Scott Greene, Representative candidate for District 86. He’s mustered the strength to challenge Democratic incumbent Larry Walsh and bring some trucker sense to the Capital. Knowing that faith, family, and freedom are on the line, he will try his best to represent his district.
Greene wants to empower everyone by removing liberal policies that threaten life and livelihood. Cheap energy, strong infrastructure, security, and the importance of the family are of highest concern. Walsh, on the other hand, has openly supported government overreach, mandatory sex-ed in kindergarten, and wretched economic policies that do not benefit or represent the people. Vote and support Greene, the Christian, conservative, and down-to-earth candidate! Find him at https://www.scottgreeneforil.com/.
In this episode, Pastor Ceasar Leflore (field director of Public School Exit) and David Smith interview Frederick Walls, candidate for the 34th district of Illinois.
This episode we have guests Ricki Giersch and Catherine Walker of 40 Days for life, along with a special guest from the WaterLeaf Women's Center.
Monte Larrick asks Illinois Conservative Union champion Jan Shaw how to ensure that your vote counts on November 8th.
"Disturb us, Lord, when With the abundance of things we possess We have lost our thirst For the waters of life; Having fallen in love with life, We have ceased to dream of eternity And in our efforts to build a new earth, We have allowed our vision Of the new Heaven to dim." ~excerpt of a prayer from Sir Francis Drake
Dr. Erwin Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of the Moody Church in Chicago and was Illinois Family Institute's keynote speaker at our 2021 annual banquet. Lutzer is a giant in the world of faith as well as a personal hero and friend of the staff at IFI. He delivered a powerful lecture based on his (at the time) latest book, titled, We Will Not Be Silenced: Responding Courageously to Our Culture's Assault on Christianity.
Monte and David interview the Republican candidate for the 30th House district House. Patricia Bonk is a proud Illinoisan and lifelong resident, who has served as a volunteer firefighter, focused on youth development as a Girl Scout Troop leader, and is currently a library board trustee, bringing attainable education to the forefront. She served for 43 years as a registered nurse, and is the prescription for change in District 30.
This episode covers just about everything, from Bonk's experience in the ER to her plan to hold DCFS employees accountable. You can find her at patty4staterep.com
Thanks for making Illinois Family Spotlight part of your day. Government school students are exposed to x-rated sex ed, hate America history, and godless, leftist ideology. And to top it off, a lot of these taxpayer funded schools are graduating kids who lack math, science and reading skills--even in high income districts.
IFI believes there is a better way to educate our kids, and that's why we've launched Rescuing our Children: a government school exit action plan. We're encouraging churches to begin Biblically grounded schools, as well as working with parents and grandparents to curate homeschooling based around home discipleship.
Monte Larrick interviews Anne Hurst on the upcoming school year and how you can retain your child. Hurst is the newest member of the IFI team and a homeschooling expert.
Illinois Family Institute recently hosted a forum featuring Dr. Simon Gold, the founder of America's Frontline Doctors, and boyo did she have some things to say.
Way back in June, the Illinois Christian Home Educators Conference occurred, and when Monte Larrick attends, you know the folks worth interviewing will be interviewed. This episode features one of said interviews.
As an HSLDA staff attorney, Dan Beasely assists individual homeschooling families and advocates for homeschool freedom in 13 states. He regularly corresponds with school officials, college admissions staff, legislators, and government agencies regarding the legality and effectiveness of homeschooling and represents families who face legal challenges to their right to homeschool.
The state of Illinois has received 5.4 million from the Department of Health and Human Services that will assist and expand access to "family planning" services. Our Illinois legislature and Planned Parenthood join gov. Pritzker in hailing this advance in "beneficial" programs for our state. To respond, Monte Larrick asks Scott Phelps to weigh in on the matter, as well as other topics. Scott Phelps is the executive director of A&M Partnership, and works closely with IFA to bring common sense morality back to our schools.
Welcome to our annual episode with Illinois Christian Home Educator's executive director, Kirk Smith! Recorded during their yearly convention at Olivet Nazarene College, Monte Larrick asks Kirk about the core of home education, the vision for folks beginning this journey, and the role of the church throughout cultural and country turmoil.
learn more about homeschooling and about Kirk Smith at iche.org
Leah McGhee Brooks has begun a micro school. And Monte and David interview her. To learn more about how to become involved, visit testamentoflove.org
"Through prayer, we take responsible action. We repent and do things different."
Monte Larrick asks Pastor Dan Haas what is prayer, the significance of it, and what Christians need to do in order to draw closer to God. Pastor Haas is the founder of A Future and A Hope Foundation.
A Future and A Hope Foundation was formed to bring change into hopeless situations. The mission of the Foundation is to empower the Church in urban communities to develop local solutions to the issues of violence reduction, assisting people with employment barriers to find and retain employment and poverty. These three issues present difficult problems in every major city across this nation. They will not be solved just by a large Federal program. The Foundation believes that a ‘collective impact’ made by local leaders who coordinate and leverage local resources can most effectively reduce poverty, reduce violence, and address employment transition issues.
Larrick and Haas also discuss the importance of prayer in the battle for life:"Whether you are a Democrat or Republic, you ought to be concerned that we're not killing children in the womb. You ought to face the reality that abortion is murder."
In this episode of Spotlight, Self Evident's Jenna Smith interviews Will and Meeke Addison. This power couple hosts a a daily radio/podcast program focused on Marriage, Family and the Church titled "Airing the Addisons" on American Family Radio.
Will and Meeke were keynote speakers at this year's Illinois Christian Home Educators conference, where they spoke on the vital importance of discipling your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and the opportunities homeschooling provides: "We see [homeschooling] as an opportunity to pour in our children and make them culture proof." Will states.
Culture proof is a term coined by the Addisons to describe what parents should want in their children. The culture creeps into homes and families with the intention of penetrating the hearts of the children, be it through social media, music, movies or books. "What is required of [parents] is that we make our kids impervious to the culture. We want our kids to be out in the culture, but we do not want a godless culture getting into them."
Monte Larrick interviews Eric Scheidler, President of the Pro-Life Action League about the overturning of Roe v Wade.
"We need to stop being fearful of what the government can do to us, because at that point when we're fearful of the government, that's tyranny. The government needs to be fearful of the people...in the respect that we're in control." Phil Nagel is running for the 40th district of Illinois Senate. An Air Force veteran, Nagel is running for his children, and to educate parents on how to take back the reins of we the people in Illinois. Monte and Dave discuss CRT in schools, privilege versus blessing and so much more.
You can find out how to support Nagel here.
In this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight, David Smith and Monte Larrick meet with Pastor Phil Wood, who is running for the 8th Congressional District. Phil Wood believes he has heard the hearts of the people and recognizes the great and widespread pain among them, especially from the upcoming generation. “Much of what is happening,” according to Phil, “is due to poor choices summarily handed down from leadership in Washington.” Phil wants to be part of the needed wave of change.
The three men discuss the "politics" of saving a baby from abortion, the gerrymandering of Illinois, marijuana laws and more.
In this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight, Monte Larrick and David Smith interview Scott Kaspar, who is running for Congress in the 6th district. Kapsar addresses why he's running, the foolishness of gun control, redisticting, spending and much more. Find out more about Scott Kaspar here, and find
Imagine this scene: an adult family member is watching your child while you run a quick errand. Upon returning home, you discover your house is on fire. Smoke is billowing, flames are dancing on the roof, and the face of your helpless child is pressed to the window of his second-floor bedroom. What do you do? I imagine most of us would unhesitatingly rush in to rescue our child. Rev. Ceasar LeFlore says this is the fate of public school students throughout our state and nation. As the flames of indoctrination consume government schools, our children are trapped and we, their parents, are the only ones who can save them.
In this address at the recent Pro-Life Pro-Family Coalition Conference in Orland Park, IL, Rev. LeFlore encourages parents to rescue their children from the secular and sinful indoctrination of public schools, and instead bless them with the strong discipleship and academic excellence found in home schools, co-ops, and Christian schools. Additionally, Rev. LeFlore discusses the various entities that are working to undermine Christianity/faith, freedom, and parental authority; the subversive and dangerous Agenda 21; and the pornographic, absolute evil that is Comprehensive Sex Education. He concludes with an overview of home school options and a final exhortation to parents.
Rev. Ceasar LeFlore is the Field Director of the Public School Exit Initiative at Illinois Family Institute.
Please share this timely podcast with family and friends and encourage them to click on Rescuing Our Precious Children From Anti-Biblical Indoctrination on the Illinois Family Institute homepage for more information.
Felicity Joy Solomon is not your run of the mill conservative. She sits down with IFI’s David Smith and Monte Larrick to discuss why she is running for Illinois Senate, and why you should support her. Find out more about her here.
Ryan Bomberger has a rather unique perspective of the innate nature of Purpose. His biological mother was raped yet courageously gave him a chance to live and the beautiful gift of adoption. He was adopted at 6 weeks of age and grew up in a loving, multi-“racial” Christian family of 15. Bomberger and his wife are the founders of the Radiance Foundation.
He recently spoke at the Pro-Life Pro-Family Coalition Conference in Orland Park, and this episode of Spotlight features his remarks regarding his story, pregnancy care centers, and much more.
Today is national day of prayer. In 1 Timothy, the apostle Paul says that "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings (should) be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." ~1 Tim. 2:1-4.
IFI's David Smith had the privilege of joining in prayer with Christians in our state's capitol, and we hope you shall be encouraged by his words.
"Falsehood is false, even if everyone believes it, and truth is true even if no one believes it. Truth is true and that's just the end of it." ~Os Guinness
During this edition of Spotlight, a timely message from Dr. Everett Piper about truth. Dr. Piper is a columnist for the Washington Times and is a Christian broadcaster. Dr. Piper talks about: the primacy of Jesus Christ, the priority of Scripture, the pursuit of truth and the practice of wisdom.
David Smith and Monte Larrick discuss abortion, education and why there is a desperate need for actual leadership in Springfield with state candidate Jed Davis.
Every parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle – anyone who loves and cares for the children in their family or sphere of influence – will want to listen to the second half of Dr. Rob Rienow’s presentation from IFI’s 2022 Worldview Conference! In his address entitled The Church, The Family, and The Kingdom of God, Dr. Rienow states that, while the church is doing a good job of investing in the next generation of Christ followers, the family is neglecting to hold up their end in their partnership with the church to reach the world.
With a heartfelt and humorous approach, Dr. Rienow follows the timeline of the Bible, using Scripture that references the family to illustrate how “God connects what happens in the home with His plan for the world.” You will definitely want to share this podcast with those you know who are in the trenches of training little ones, as well as those who are parenting unbelieving young adults.
Dr. Rienow is an author and conference speaker. Together with his wife Amy, he founded Visionary Family Ministries with the mission to “build the church through a global reformation of family discipleship.”
Recorded at the National Religious Broadcasters convention, Pastor Stephan Broden of Fair Park Bible Fellowship Church spoke with IFI's resident chaplain, Ceasar Leflore, upon a range of subjects affecting the body of Christ in this day and age. The two also discussed the importance of the gospel message, the devastation of abortion, and what is going on inside the church.
Pastor Broden is the executive director of Content of Character Series and ministers to the people in Dallas, Texas.
This edition of Spotlight we feature a empowering lecture from IFI's recent worldview conference, from our good friend over at Visionary Family Ministries, Dr. Rob Reinow. Reinow begins his oration with an amusing anecdote of how awful the reality of the blind leading the blind really is, and how it seems that many churches today are doing just that with their congregations. The reason is because we're slipping up on a essential part of our faith, which is not believing the Scriptures are enough. In 2nd Timothy, Paul states that all Scripture is "God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Our 21st century minds don't seem to grasp the importance of Paul's writing, and we wonder whether the Bible is enough for us as Christians of this day and age. To this, Reinow responded that "God says don't add to my words. Why? Because it's enough. It's sufficient for every matter of faith and practice."
As a pastor, what can you do to keep the children of your congregation from being tainted by the humanism of government schools? Start your own K-12 school. Taking it one step further, what can you do to ward off the indoctrination of very young children before it ever has a chance to take root? Start an open enrollment preschool. Our guest this week on Spotlight, Rev. Mark Moore of Belmont Bible Church in Downers Grove, is in the process of realizing both of these goals. Belmont Christian School is already in operation and Belmont Christian Preschool is scheduled to open for the 2022-2023 school year!
Rev. Moore, David Smith, and Monte Larrick talk about the advantages and blessings of a Christian education, as well as the ministry opportunities a church-based school brings to the host congregation. They also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on churches, the scriptural imperative to meet together as the body of Christ, accountability, and stewardship.
Pastor Moore is the senior pastor of Belmont Bible Church. He also is the host of Overcoming Through Grace which can be heard weekdays at 5:30 a.m. on AM 1160 Hope For Your Life.
To learn more about Belmont Christian Preschool, visit belmontschools.info.
"Never underestimate the power of prayer"
Monte Larrick interviews Catherine Walker in front of Aurora's abortion mill. The two discuss the impact of being outside of a Planned Parenthood, silently witnessing to the clients and staff, the potency of sidewalk counseling, and the power of prayer.
In this portion of Spotlight, we are highlighting remarks from Dr. Everett Piper, a contributor to the Washington Times, author of Not A Daycare, former college president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and a frequent guest on Fox News. Dr. Piper brave
Monte Larrick and David Smith sit down with Dinora Ruiz, who is running for the 86th Representative District. In her own words, Ms. Ruiz states: "I am running for State Rep because I’ve seen the burden corrupt power-hungry politicians put on everyday Americans, because I am an everyday American. I’ve experienced the joys of growing up in Illinois and I want to preserve that for future generations.”
Chris Butler is a pro-life Democrat running for Congress. He joins IFI's David Smith, Monte Larrick, and resident chaplain Ceasar Leflore to lay out his plan for the 1st district of Illinois
Monte Larrick and David Smith have a wonderful conversation with political candidate Geno Young.
In this installment of Spotlight, IFI's David Smith and Monte Larrick are joined by Amy Gherke, the executive director of Illinois Right to Life. The three converse about the timing of SCOTUS hearing the Missisipi Heartbeat law, the prospective spike in sex trafficking as a result of Parental Notice being repealed, and the impact you could have when participating in 40 Days for Life.
In this edition of Spotlight, we're highlighting Critical Race Theory. Angela Sailor (Vice President at the Heritage Foundation) outlined her opposition to the Marxist ideology movement during IFI's 2021 Worldview Conference at Revive Church in Collinsville.
Could the 14th Amendment summon the end of Roe? Joining the IFI Spotlight this week is Dr. Steve Jacobs with the Illinois Right To Life. Dr. Jacobs is the program director for IRL and has graduated with a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law and PhD from the University of Chicago. IFI's Monte Larrick and Jenna Smith ask Jacobs about his firm belief that Roe will be overturned in June, and the evidence backing him up. "The mere fact that they allowed the Texas Heartbeat law to go into effect, which essentially renders Roe no longer good law in this nation. . .if they allowed that law to go into effect, they would allow similar legislation in each of the fifty states to go into effect." Jacobs continues to state that as "Roe stood for the proposition that states could not restrict abortion access before viability," and the Texas law is restricting abortion at the detection of a heartbeat, Roe is now void.
On this edition of Spotlight, we feature the inspiring story of Virginia Prodan. Growing up in the communist regime of Romanian dictator, Nicolae Ceaușescu, Virginia’s passionate pursuit of truth led her to law school and a career as an attorney. In her interview with Monte Larrick, she describes how God used an appointment with a client to open her eyes to the Truth of the Gospel and relates the amazing story of the encounter that prompted the title of her book, Saving My Assassin.
Drawing from her life experience under communist rule, Virginia offers an opportune warning for America, as socialism looms on our horizon, and also shares valuable advice for parents. You will definitely want to recommend this special podcast to family and friends!
Virginia Prodan is a human rights attorney, author, and accomplished public speaker. You can learn more about her ministry here and purchase her book here.
When you get both David Smith and Monte Larrick in for a podcast with a special guest, you know it'll be one for the books. Brian Westbrook is the founder of Coalition for Life St. Louis, and in this edition of Spotlight, Westbrook shares about the wonderful pro-life wins in Missouri and what his organization is doing to help women in crisis pregnancy in Illinois.
To the great sorrow of pro-life, pro-family citizens of Illinois, on December 17, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed into law House Bill 370, thereby repealing the Parental Notice of Abortion Act and eliminating the right for parents to be made aware of a minor daughter’s pregnancy and impending abortion.
Joining me for an important Spotlight conversation are IFI contributors Kenna Rose and Alyssa. Please listen as we discuss the impact of the repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act and the repercussions of HB 370, the disingenuously named Illinois Youth Health and Safety Act. We offer our perspective on the blessings we have experienced growing up with parents who prioritize strong, loving and trusting family relationships and education that supports and reinforces a biblical worldview. Ultimately, we hope our discussion will affirm and encourage parents as they strive to connect with their children on a deeper level and help them to establish God-honoring moral boundaries.
In this edition of Spotlight, IFI's Monte Larrick discusses the upcoming drug and gambling issues facing Illinois this year with Anita Bedell, executive director of Illinois Churches in Action. You can find more about the organization here.
As the new year approaches, we close out 2021 with a nativity-focused edition of Spotlight. In our first segment, we feature the homily given by the Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki, Bishop of the Springfield Diocese, at the blessing of the nativity scene displayed in the Capitol rotunda of the Illinois Statehouse. The nativity crèche is a public expression of Christian faith and is presented, through private funding, by the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee.
After the break, Monte Larrick is joined by Thomas Brejcha, founder, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Society. Brejcha speaks to the importance of a nativity scene in the seat of government in Springfield and addresses the message of the antithetical display provided by the Satanic Temple of Illinois. Larrick and Brejcha also discuss vaccine mandates and gubernatorial overreach, the Mississippi abortion case under consideration by the Supreme Court of the United States, and attempts by the Federal Health and Human Services Administration to eliminate the religious objection for health providers in regard to abortion and gender transition.
IFI's David Smith and Monte Larrick host Randy Blan, pastor of Families of Faith church and a man with a vision for Illinois. Pastor Blan sits down with David and Monte to discuss his plan to open as many Christian schools as possible in the state of Illinois. You can find their school at https://fofca.com/.
On our podcast this week, Monte Larrick talks with Star Parker, one of the premier conservative Black leaders of our day. Ms. Parker is the founder and president of CURE (Center for Urban Renewal and Education), a policy institute based in Washington, D.C. For the past twenty-five years, she has prioritized the truth of God’s Word in an effort to heal urban areas, end government dependencies in our nation’s most distressed communities, and educate and empower pastors to help rebuild lives.
In their conversation, Ms. Parker and Larrick discuss the Equality Act, voter integrity, Social Security reform, and the need to educate both Congress and the clergy. Additionally, Parker encourages parents to remove their children from the “government-funded, union-controlled cesspools” that masquerade as public education centers and she calls for more churches to become actively involved in education.
To learn more about CURE’s mission and focus or to make a donation, visit curepolicy.org.
If you’re interested in “sorting through the noise of the news to find some truth,” tune into CURE America with Star Parker on NRBTV.
On this edition of Illinois Family Spotlight, David Smith welcomes Phillip Ward, the founder of Christ Help For Men, a disability ministry and support group for fathers (and other male family members) whose lives and families have been impacted by a disability. Both men share about their special needs children – Smith’s youngest son (almost two-years-old) has Down syndrome and Ward’s fourteen-year-old daughter has Angelman syndrome – and relate how their faith in God sustains them as they lead their families and handle the challenges that disability presents.
In addition to his outreach to men, Ward discusses his plans to implement support groups for women (facilitated by his wife), as well as programs to equip churches to reach out and help families that are caring for a disabled family member.
To learn more about Christ Help For Men, click here.
If you would like to donate to the self-supported ministry of Christ Help For Men, click here.
Phillip Ward will be speaking at four Iron Sharpens Iron conferences in early 2022. More information about these conferences (O’Fallon, IL, Springfield, IL, Champaign, IL, and Terre Haute, IN) can be found here.
Illinois Family Spotlight is pleased to welcome human rights activist, Anni Cyrus, to this week’s podcast. A former child bride who escaped a desperate and violent situation in Iran, Cyrus is now a U.S. citizen and an ardent advocate for freedom. She embraces the Constitution and believes that “We the People” must speak out and unite with like-minded individuals in order to preserve the practice of our God-given rights and freedoms.
In their conversation, Monte Larrick and Ms. Cyrus discuss vaccine mandates and masking, the consequences of Biden’s actions regarding Afghanistan, and Iran’s goal to destroy Israel. Ms. Cyrus talks about the mission of Live Up To Freedom and their humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan as well as their work to save women and children in the U.S. from Sharia law. Believing that educated citizens are vital to stopping the advance of Sharia law and the Islamization of America, Cyrus offers questions to pose to political candidates, ways to stand against public school indoctrination, and tips on how to interact with Muslim neighbors.
Please share this informative podcast with everyone in your circle of influence!
Anni Cyrus is the founder of Live Up To Freedom. Click here to learn more. She also is a producer of a weekly broadcast talk show, The Glazov Gang, available through Rumble.
This Thanksgiving edition of Spotlight features an interview with Dr. Eddie Kornegay. Dr. Kornegay is with the Living Word Center and is the director of the R.I.S.E. prison and ex-offender ministry. Larrick and Kornegay discuss his life as a non-Christian, highly educated theologian to becoming a follower of Christ. They also discuss his ministry and the work he does in prisons.
This episode features a talk from IFI's 2021 Worldview Conference. Stacy Washington is co-chair of the Project 21 National Advisory Board, and hosts the “Stacy on the Right” show on SiriusXM. She is a wife and mom of three, an Emmy-nominated TV personality and an Air Force veteran. She is also a former elected school board member. In this episode, Washington addresses the importance of educating one's children in the nurture and admonition of the the Lord.
Welcome to part two of Monte Larrick’s conversation with David Shestokas, attorney and Republican candidate for Illinois Attorney General. In this Spotlight, the discussion turns to Governor Pritzker’s abuse of his emergency powers and executive orders – a deliberate overreach that has been enabled by the legislature’s abdication of their authority, as well as the failure of Kwame Raoul (the current Attorney General) to protect the public interests of the citizens of Illinois and to enforce the law set forth in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act.
As counsel for Illinois Conservative Union, Mr. Shestokas speaks about ICU’s efforts to access Illinois voter rolls in a useable format in order to eliminate the graveyard constituency and ensure election integrity. Mr. Shestokas also presents his position on parental rights, homeschooling, Christian private school education, and government school indoctrination.
For more information about David Shestokas and his campaign for Attorney General, click here. You can follow him on Twitter @shestokas, on Facebook in the public group Dave Shestokas on the Constitution, and at his Facebook page David J. Shestokas, Attorney at Law.
Mr. Shestokas’s books, Constitutional Soundbites and Creating the Declaration of Independence, are available through Amazon.
This week on Spotlight, Pastor Ceasar LeFlore, field director for IFI’s Public School Exit Initiative and resident chaplain, interviews Courtney Lewis, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, located in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago.
Pastor Lewis recounts the stand his church took against the pandemic shutdowns initiated by Mayor Lightfoot and he shares how the Lord called him to open Cornerstone Christian Academy to rescue his children and the children in his church from government-run schools. Pastor LeFlore and Pastor Lewis discuss the vital need for and value of a Christian education that is respectful of parental authority and teaches from a Christ-based curriculum. In addition, Pastor Lewis talks about the impact the academy has had on his church and the future impact the academy’s students will have as they take what they have learned out into the world.
In addition to serving as pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Courtney Lewis is also a recipient of IFI’s Voice of Truth award.
If you are interested in ensuring election integrity and eliminating voter fraud, you will certainly want to listen to this edition of Spotlight. Joining Monte Larrick on the podcast is David J. Shestokas, a former Cook County State’s Attorney and current Republican candidate for Illinois Attorney General. In his position as counsel for Illinois Conservative Union (ICU), Shestokas is uniquely qualified to address the federal lawsuit ICU has filed against the Illinois State Board of Elections, as well as discuss various violations of the National Voter Registration Act and problems with mail-in balloting. If elected to the office of Illinois Attorney General, Mr. Shestokas promises to follow up on election irregularities and properly enforce voter laws.
After the break, the conversation turns to Democrat efforts to federalize elections, ban voter ID requirements, limit political speech, and restore voting rights to felons and incarcerated criminals. Mr. Shestokas also emphasizes the need for election monitors and explains what concerned citizens can do to facilitate fair and clean elections.
To learn more about David Shestokas and his campaign for IL Attorney General, click here. You can contact him and access additional information through the various social media links that are located on the right sidebar of his webpage.
For more information about election integrity efforts in Illinois, click here.
David Shestokas is also the author of Constitutional Soundbites and Creating the Declaration of Independence. Both books are available in print and Kindle through Amazon.
In this exclusive episode, Monte Larrick has a discussion with Illinois candidate for governor, Darren Bailey. Bailey gives an insider's look at what the Illinois legislature is up to with three very important issues currently circulating in the state capitol: the Parental notice of abortion, the right of conscience act, and the redistricting of the maps.
In this exclusive edition of Spotlight, IFI's David Smith converses with Nick Richmond, the founder and leader of Freedom Initiative. Freedom Initiative's mission is to "amplify concerns, educate and instill fundamental values in our growing community of parents, business owners, medical professionals and more." Learn more about how you can become involved in your own neighborhood by visiting freedominitiative.net.
Stephen Black is the Executive Director of First Stone Ministries, This interview was conducted at the National religious Broadcasters Convention in Dallas, Texas. First Stone's mission is "Leading people In the Body of Christ to freedom from homosexuality and sexual brokenness* through a relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord; to reach out to churches, schools, organizations, and the general public by providing education, biblical discipleship, support and AIDS ministry." Monte Larrick and Black discuss the dangers of the Equality Act and what it'll do to education, higher learning, healthcare and anything connected to the government.
Ever since the Texas heartbeat law has gone into effect, abortion cheerleaders have been mad. Scratch that, they have been furious. Actually that is a much too sedated term, let me try again: Leftists are as animated as a cat that has had its whiskers pulled, been dunked in a lake, then set before the jowls of a pack of eager Rottweilers. In the U.S. Capitol, these seething statesmen have introduced legislation that will, in their cruelly ironic words, "protect the reproductive rights of women." In this edition of Spotlight, Eric Scheidler of the Pro-Life Action League joins Monte Larrick to discuss the dangers of what is coming down the legislative pike, and what you can do.
The staff and boards of directors of IFI and IFA want to encourage Christians everywhere to prayerfully consider taking part in the peaceful campaign known as 40 Days for Life. It is an important pro-life effort to save lives and share truth. By partnering with 40 Days for Life we can live out Ephesians 6:13-18: “your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace…. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.”
In this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight, we feature three special guests who join Monte Larrick to discuss the mission and importance of 40 Days for Life. Ricki Giersch, Catharine Walker, and Phil Price explain the mission behind the campaign: save as many pre-born children as possible. With the federal and state push by abortion cheerleaders to codify Roe vs. Wade, we need prayer warriors now, more than ever!
The mission of the campaign is to have Christians praying in one-hour time slots during a focused 40-day campaign of prayer and fasting for repentance and to seek God’s favor in turning hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life. It is a tremendous opportunity to pray for mothers who are experiencing crisis pregnancies as well as for those working in abortion facilities. It is an incredible opportunity for the church to be a visible witness for the sanctity of life while peacefully praying for the end of abortion and the closing of death mills.
Learn more about how you can get involved at www.40daysforlife.com. There are over 600 cities taking part in this campaign this year!
In Illinois, there are opportunities for faithful Christians to pray in one-hour shifts, while silently witnessing for the sanctity of human life in Belleville, Bloominton, Champaign, Fairview Heights, Flossmoor, Chicago, Downers Grove, Granite City, Waukegan, Peoria and Aurora. This year’s campaign runs from September 22nd thru October 30th.
Please listen and share this podcast with your like-minded friends.
This episode of Spotlight is a conference interview with Dr. Rob Reinow, founder of Visionary Family Ministries. IFI's Monte Larrick and Dr. Reinow discuss the definition of a family dedicated to building the kingdom of Christ, prodigal children, the dangers of communism and the importance of Christians voting in every local, state, and national election.
To see more from Dr. Reinow, visit visionaryfam.com.
In regard to presenting students with the best alternative to the radical comprehensive sex education taught in government schools, Scott Phelps, Executive Director of Abstinence & Marriage Education Partnership states, “When we maintain a very clear and distinct message from all the noise that they’re hearing in the culture, the message really pops; it stands out and they’re able to hear it and see it very clearly.”
On this edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick and Phelps compare government schools’ comprehensive sex ed that normalizes and encourages sexual activity and unhealthy behavior to Abstinence & Marriage Education Partnership’s reasoned and positive approach to sex ed that emphasizes the many benefits of abstinence until marriage. Phelps discusses the restrictions schools face if they choose to utilize comprehensive sex ed curricula, opt-out obstacles, and proactive steps parents and concerned citizens can take to protect kids from Illinois SB 818.
To learn more about Abstinence & Marriage Education Partnership, click HERE.
For information about the Success Sequence, click HERE.
To access the pdf of the National Sexuality Education Standards for K-12, click HERE.
This week, Spotlight features Monte Larrick’s exclusive interview with Dr. Eric Wallace, president and cofounder of Freedom’s Journal Institute and cofounder of Black Families Matter. Dr. Wallace speaks to the need for public policy that supports and strengthens families rather than current policy that aims to redefine “family” and severely restrict parental rights and responsibilities. Monte and Dr. Wallace consider a long-term solution to violence in Chicago, the importance of school choice, and the role of the Church and pastors in encouraging and discipling traditional families.
In the second half of the podcast, Dr. Wallace discusses a possible run for public office at the state level in 2022, urges conservative Christians to run for office, and stresses the imperative for the Church to actively support conservative Christian candidates.
To learn more about Freedom’s Journal Institute and Black Families Matter, click HERE or download the mobile app.
Welcome back to Spotlight for part two of excerpted remarks from Alex Newman’s presentation at the 2021 IFI Worldview Conference! This week Newman details the the history of America’s progression from home-based, faith-based education to government school indoctrination. He also discusses the failures of the Whole Word Method and Common Core, and explains why the current push for a global education system has very little to do with academic excellence or achievement. Supported by Scripture, Newman underscores why parents (and grandparents) are God’s “gold standard” when it comes to their children’s education.
Alex Newman is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Public School Exit, a group dedicated to promoting strong, Christ-centered alternatives to government schools.
As the school year begins for almost two million public school students in Illinois, this edition of Spotlight is both timely and eye-opening. This week we are featuring remarks from Alex Newman’s, keynote presentation at our 2021 Worldview Conference. Newman addresses government school curricula that prioritize social justice and LGBTQ+ issues, climate change “facts,” gender pseudoscience, and the promotion of pedophilia as more important than educating students in core academic subjects and fostering critical thinking skills.
Additionally, Newman discusses how initiatives such Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 21, and Agenda 2030 facilitate the targeted indoctrination of students in government schools.
Alex Newman is an author, educator, public speaker, and consultant, just to name a few of the “hats” he wears. He also is the Executive Director and a co-founder of Public School Exit.
Click here to learn more about the imperative to remove your children from the influence and indoctrination of government schools.
We have a very special edition of Spotlight this week, full of information and enthusiasm! While attending the 2021 National Religious Broadcasters Christian Media Convention, Pastor Ceasar LeFlore conducted an interview with Yvette Hampton, writer, producer, and host of the upcoming documentary, Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution. LeFlore and Hampton discuss the importance of removing our children from government school indoctrination and how local churches can facilitate this vital change. Hampton stresses the biblical mandate for parents to embrace their role and responsibility to educate and discipline their children in accordance with the all-sufficient Word of God. In addition to relating how her husband supported her as she responded to God’s leading to homeschool their daughters and to take on the documentary project, Hampton also offers helpful options, solutions, and encouragement for parents, especially single moms, who are considering homeschooling.
Click HERE to learn more about the documentary, Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution. The website also features the Schoolhouse Rocked podcasts and more information and links on homeschooling.
Pastor Ceasar LeFlore is IFI’s resident chaplain and field director of our Public School Exit initiative. He attended the NRB convention with CURE (Center for Urban Renewal and Education).
On this episode of Spotlight, Illinois Family Action presents the second half of Executive Director David Smith’s conversation with Illinois State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and his wife Cindy. Sen. Bailey gives us a glimpse into life on a large family farm and shares interesting information about the wealth of vital natural resources that can be found in the southern half of the state. Additionally, Bailey presents his vision and priorities for Illinois, should he be elected governor.After the break, the discussion turns to the June 2022 primary election, 2020 census results and remapping issues, curbside voting and extended early voting, the Democratic super-majority in the Illinois legislature, and the problematic and costly Clean Energy Jobs Act.
For more information about Senator Bailey’s campaign for governor, visit his website Bailey for Illinois or follow Darren Bailey for Governor on Facebook.
To learn more about the Bailey Family Farm and other Bailey businesses, click HERE.
Written and Produced by Jenna Smith
This episode of Spotlight features two guests that Illinois Family staff is proud to call our friends and allies: State Senator and candidate for Illinois Governor Darren Bailey and his amazing wife Cindy. If you’ve been following Illinois politics, you have doubtless heard of Senator Bailey as he has been on the front lines challenging the legalities of COVID lockdowns and fighting against government schools’ sexualization of our children.
The Baileys spent an afternoon with IFI’s David Smith and shared a little about their teen years, faith and family life, and what led them to start a private Christian school (now two schools) in downstate Illinois. Darren, Cindy, and David discuss the state of indoctrination masquerading as education in Illinois public schools and contrast it with the superiority of a Christian education that is founded on God’s Word and a biblical worldview. Senator Bailey also speaks about his motivation for running for governor. To learn more Senator Bailey’s gubernatorial campaign, go to baileyforillinois.com.
We hope you enjoy this engaging Spotlight conversation! Please share your thoughts and comments with us at feedback@ifiaction.org.
Save the Date! Our Faith, Family & Freedom Fall Banquet will take place on October 29, 2021 at The Carlisle in Lombard. Dr. Erwin Lutzer will be the featured speaker. Click HERE for more information.
While attending the National Religious Broadcasters Convention near Dallas, Monte Larrick had the opportunity to speak with Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of First Liberty Institute, the largest legal firm in the U.S. solely focused on protecting religious freedom for all Americans. Their conversation begins with a discussion of the dangers of the Equality Act, or as Newt Gingrich calls it “the LGBT Supremacy Act.” Mr. Shackelford explains how passage of this act would gut the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) by launching a far-reaching assault on religious freedom in all areas of society.
Monte and Mr. Shackelford examine how the Equality Act facilitates the Left’s redefinition of the word “sex,” affects parental, student, employer and employee rights, and also advances abortion. Additionally, Mr. Shackelford shares about some of the cases First Liberty Institute has successfully defended and he encourages parents to get involved (run for office!) with their local school board.
To learn more about First Liberty Institute and Kelly Shackelford, click HERE and HERE.
In this Father’s Day sermon, Dave reviews Matthew 9:18-26, specifically the story of Jairus and his sick daughter.
The faith of this father is recorded not only in Matthew chapter nine, but it is also found in Mark chapter five, and Luke chapter eight.
In verse 18, Matthew tells us that Jairus came to Jesus for help: "While He was saying these things to them, behold, a synagogue official came and bowed down before Him, and said, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will become alive again.”"
We are told that Jesus responded immediately to this father's desperate appeal.
In this installment of Spotlight, David Smith is joined by Jennifer Burns, founder of the Classical Consortium Academy. The two converse about the benefits of a classical upbringing, involvement of parents, and the art of teaching children HIS-story, math, science, and all the other essentials, with a Godly foundation. They also discuss winsomeness and confronting ideas contrary to Scripture with love.
On this edition of Spotlight, the Reverend C.L. Bryant urges Americans to “push back and stand up against the tyranny that is encroaching upon our civil liberties.” Speaking with Monte Larrick, he stresses that individual freedom and our right to self-governance are in jeopardy. Rev. Bryant recounts his experience growing up in Shreveport, LA in the midst of the civil rights movement and contrasts it with the message that proponents of Critical Race Theory are touting today. Monte and Rev. Bryant also discuss the importance of human character, the misplaced fear of humans, the state of our churches and public schools, the Biden administration’s plan to force American workers to join unions, the need for a Digital Bill of Rights to counter the Big Tech monopoly, and more.
The Reverend C.L. Bryant is a Senior Fellow at Freedom Works and the host of the syndicated radio program, the C.L. Bryant Show on Red State Talk Radio. Additionally, Reverend Bryant is the force behind the film Runaway Slave and author of A Race for Freedom.
Mark you calendar now for IFI’s Fall Banquet! Click here for details.
Kirk Smith, executive director of Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE), wonders what will be the straw that finally breaks the camel’s back – the backs of Christian parents, even the backs of moral, non-Christian parents – when it comes to deciding to leave the cesspool of government schools? Will it be the recently passed legislation that requires availability of feminine hygiene products in both female and male school restrooms or will it be the mandate to teach hardcore sex education to public school students as early as kindergarten?
At the recent ICHE convention at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Monte Larrick and Kirk Smith met to discuss the perverted indoctrination that passes for education in Illinois public schools and the need for every voter in the state to be informed on the “wokey” ideology and proposals that negatively affect not just students, but our entire state. As a homeschooling father of eleven, Kirk details various ways to approach home education, the variety and high quality of homeschool curriculum, and the role that grandparents and churches can play in facilitating homeschooling. He also addresses a common concern of parents – how to teach a child a subject that is beyond one’s ability (hint: it’s usually calculus or physics). Even if you’re a homeschool veteran, you will benefit from the wisdom and advice in this conversation.
Not sure if homeschooling is right for you and your family or have you only recently decided to take the plunge and begin homeschooling this fall? Visit Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) and find valuable information on how to get started and answers to frequently asked questions.
Back for a last hurrah, this week's podcast features the last installment of the "catastrophe cubed" interview. Featuring Kenna and Eliana Hartian and Jenna Smith, the offspring of IFA's executive director David Smith and board member Richard Hartian, this treble of rollicking females conclude their guest appearance with a discussion about effective Christianity, the many benefits of homeschooling besides academics, the supremacy of the Word, and some public-home school comparisons.
Producer's note: I apologize for not apprising listeners that last week's podcast (#253) would be one segment and not two. This podcast will have the same format, likewise the third part next week. David Smith, Rich Hartian and their daughters recorded this series of podcasts all at one time, thus the questionable ending last week.
Any homeschooler who's had any homeschooling experience at all has heard myths about homeschooling. These include the "unsocialized homeschooler," the homeschooler that has no extra-curricular opportunities, or that poor homeschooler who won't be able to go to college. Here to utterly level these unfounded myths are David Smith, executive director of IFI and IFA, Richard Hartian, the chairman of the IFA board of directors and a few of their daughters. The daughters who join the show are Kenna Hartian and Jenna Smith, home school graduates, and Eliana Hartian, a home-high school senior. They also describe their outlook on life, especially as it appears the culture is growing worse and worse.
Written by Benjamin Smith
If you are reading this, the chances are pretty good that you know a homeschool family or two–or may be homeschooled yourself. Christian homeschooling in Illinois is a thing mostly because Illinois is surprisingly a rather free state for parents to train their children at home.
In the IFA Spotlight this week to reflect on their homeschool experience are two home-high school graduates and one home-high school senior: Jenna Smith, a daughter of IFA Executive Director David Smith, and Kenna and Eliana Hartian, daughters of IFA board chairman Richard Hartian. David Smith and Rich Hartian moderate the three merry ladies and interact with them about their homeschooling experience.
Commenting on the first part of the three part series, Jenna blithely pointed out: We had a marvelous time addressing the myths of homeschooling, and, judging by the reactions on our fathers' faces, pulled no punches when it came to uncomfortable tidbits of truth. The theme of the show is “proper indoctrination,” because indoctrination is an inescapable concept–the question is not whether children will be indoctrinated, but rather what the content of their indoctrination will be.
Check out the Home School Legal Defense Association here.
Please also visit our friends at Illinois Christian Home Educators.
Mark you calendar now for IFI’s Fall Banquet! Click here for details.
Please support the bold work of IFA.
Your donations are greatly appreciated!
Those who love the darkness don't want to come into the light. They flee like so many cockroaches to the shadows. As the Scriptures say, men loved the darkness rather than light, for fear their deeds would be exposed. Newly minted Illinois state senator (and former state representative) Darren Bailey is not one of those swamp roaches. His career in Springfield has been in exposing the utter incompetence, or the rank sinful competence exhibited by Illinois government. Bailey founded a Christian school with his wife in southern Illinois, and is a Republican candidate for Illinois governor.
Senator Bailey joins Monte Larrick to discuss why he's running for governor, daft Illinois politicians who love the darkness, the rather deep hole Illinois has dug herself in, the importance of a Christian education, getting involved in local politics, and moving pro-family legislation in an anti-family state. They also discuss the slightly less-covered issue of Illinois energy: how Illinois politicians are pushing too hard too fast for "renewable" energy while that technology does not exist yet, and torching Illinois' energy producers in the process. It's a crisis that not many people are talking about.
Darren's campaign website is here. https://baileyforillinois.com/
His facebook page is here. https://www.facebook.com/BaileyforIllinois/?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCJVhE-2cw07Qq3V8-d81NkEszONs2G0u-99MdhfdOFo0HT7Fh5-dikr_Z
On this edition of Spotlight, Laurie Higgins joins Jim Schneider, host of VCY America’s CrossTalk program, for a lively discussion of the ubiquitous indoctrination agenda in our nation’s government schools. Laurie’s experience as an educator and, for the past thirteen years, IFI’s cultural affairs writer has given her valuable insight on the small, subtle, incremental steps that have led public schools away from focusing on academic instruction to prioritizing social and sexual indoctrination.
Laurie and Jim discuss trans-cultism and the “transing” of public schools; the distinction between sex, gender, and gender identity; and the heartbreak of “detransitioners.” Among other topics, they also address Critical Race Theory (CRT) and the Equality Act, especially as it relates to the devastation of girls’/women’s sports.
We apologize for the audio quality of this podcast. Although it isn’t up to our standards, we felt the quality of the content was too important to ignore.
Are you interested in attending this weekend’s IFI Worldview Conference on CRT? Click here for more information.
Mark you calendar now for IFI’s Fall Banquet! Click here for details.
Ever wonder why most secularists seem perpetually angry? Consider the possibility that they are trying to be justified by works--dry bones trying to walk around all by themselves. This phenomena is especially evident in Critical Race Theory (CRT), where people are either prompted to feel like they are the chosen "race," or are told that they are inherently evil and can only be saved by keeping the "antiracist" law. There is no grace in CRT, only judgement and condemnation. It is a new gospel, one where people are justified by being "antiracists."
Enter the true gospel, the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Humans are, indeed, all sinners, only saved by grace through faith in the saving work of Christ. Pastor Ceasar LeFlore terms it, for this context, "Critical Grace Theory." Pastor LeFlore joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss racism in America, CRT, IFI's upcoming worldview conference on that issue, the centrality of agape love (a self-denying love), the mega issue of Christian kids in government schools (parents, get them out), and much more.
Pastor Ceasar LeFlore is an IFI board member and has served extensively with pro-life and pro-family ministries in Illinois and nationally including 40 Days for Life, the Southland Coalition for Life, The Beloved Community Development Coalition, and Life Education and Resource Network (LEARN).
Written by Laurie Higgins
It is not too early to strategize both the 2022 midterm elections and the 2024 presidential election. In recent decades, both the country and the GOP have been damaged by the failure of too many Republicans to think big picture and long run. More important, the GOP, led by RINOs, has failed by forsaking what are reductively and ignorantly called the “social issues.” For years, the GOP allowed what has come to be called “establishment” Republicans to persuade, deceive, intimidate, and corrupt the party into sacrificing the soul of the GOP for a mess of pottage.
Conservatives who knew in their bones, sinews, and hearts no country should sacrifice babies, marriage, faith, and sexual continence on the altar of lower tax rates and electoral politics were mocked into silence or dismissed as squeaky wheels used for toting turnip trucks. Now is the cultural moment to change that.
President Trump, almost singlehandedly, succeeded in exposing the dark, viperish nature of the Democrat Party, establishment press, Big Tech, and Big Business and the equally dark, viperish nature of the de facto collusion among all four. Read more...
For better or worse, the Illinois General Assembly is back in session and a plethora of controversial, radical, and just plain ridiculous bills are scheduled for consideration. Monte Larrick and David Smith are joined by Jenna Smith, David’s oldest daughter, as they discuss the compelling reasons to retain the Parental Notice of Abortion Act. Jenna shares her perspective as an older teen and articulates the devastating mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences that could impact young girls (17-years and younger) if parental notification is repealed.
In the second segment of Spotlight, Monte and David cover some of the other bills and topics that will likely be addressed by the 102nd General Assembly: the REACH Act (sex education beginning in kindergarten); Critical Race Theory; decriminalization of hard drugs; balloon restrictions; and taxpayer-funded legal representation for dogs and cats – you can’t make this stuff up, folks. On a positive note, they also discuss the advantages of the Invest in Kids program and Rep. Brad Halbrook’s (R-Shelbyville) resolution to make Chicago the 51st state. The podcast concludes with information regarding upcoming events and conferences you will want to attend.
Please take action on the legislation that was discussed in this podcast. You can find your elected officials and their contact information here. If you already know your lawmaker, please call the Illinois capitol switchboard at (217) 782-2000.
Are you ready to exit the government school system? Explore your options here.
Gambling isn't a niche issue. It may be low in a hierarchy of important issues, but this sin easily destroys lives, families and communities. Like all sin, gambling promises unprecedented reward in exchange nothing but ends up taking everything. Ken Darnell joins this episode of spotlight to discuss gambling--specifically, how it denies the sovereignty of God and is contrary to the Word of God. Monte, David and Ken start with hamartiology, including a loving rebuke of two podcast hosts who once thought a hair of gambling was okay. Then a closing discussion of how gambling affects people and how one could get help.
Call Ken Darnell or Jerry Prosapio for counseling or for booking speaking dates here: (708) 389-1127.
America was founded on the principles of the Scriptures, which contain the prescription for the family unit. Joining Monte Larrick to discuss the absolute necessity of a strong biblical family (one man, one woman--in covenant till death--with many children) for healthy civilization is Dr. Allan C. Carlson, the founder of the World Congress of Families. Monte and Allan discuss the role the biblical family played in the foundation of America, and the problem of familial deterioration all over the world.
One of the main themes of the podcast is thinking big picture about an ambitious goal of re-building a "pro-family civilization." This plan is applied in how families raise children, how young men and women think about marriage and work, and how married conservatives can pass on the exciting--as indeed it is--vision of building a solid Christian family, church, and culture for the benefit of the world and for God's glory.
Visit the International Organization for the Family, IFN (ifamnews.com), and their journal, The Natural Family.
This past Saturday, Dave Smith was invited to join the Black & Right radio program on AM 560 The Answer. John Anthony and Rev. Ceasar LeFlore discuss the importance of getting children out of government indoctrination centers and the responsibilities of Christian parents and grandparents.
Government schools are not simply failing to educate students, they are corrupting them morally, spiritually, and, in some cases, harming them physically and mentally. Illinois lawmakers are making the situation worse by passing legislation to mandate LGBT history lessons, force "comprehensive" sex education on students as early as Pre-K, train teachers in Critical Race Theory and identity politics to filter down to the classrooms. Furthermore, they are establishing more "Freedom Schools," which will create left-wing social justice activists, by promoting godlessness and other false religious values, teaching racism, climate alarmism, gender fluidity and other pseudo-science designed to turn children against God. They are even revising history to turn children against America, and more.
As if that isn't enough, parents have to worry about sexual abuse, negative peer influence, bullying, violence and even mass shootings. The situation is out of control and children are at great risk.
Thank God we still have freedoms to pick and choose from a variety of educational options that will not only provide a good education for children, but also prepare them for life and service to God. Homeschooling, private schools, co-ops, online schools, and many other alternatives exist. We are here to help, but the decision to leave and embrace an alternative to government schools is entirely up to you. We believe that getting your children out of government schools will be one of the best decisions you ever make in your life.
Let us know your thoughts and we will get back to you in the very near future: CLICK HERE to learn more.
It’s a fact – all laws discriminate. While discrimination based on ethnicity or skin color is never acceptable, discrimination based on behavior is appropriate. Speaking at IFI’s 2017 Worldview Conference, Dr. Frank Turek highlights the lies and hypocrisy surrounding the establishment of protected classes of individuals, public bathroom policies, and transgenderism.
The second half of this podcast features a lively Q&A session that covers immigration, open borders, refugees, diversity, the disinclination of the Church to address difficult issues, and more. As you listen, I think you will find the topics and responses are as pertinent now as they were four years ago. The cultural battle is, and always has been, one of truth vs. lies. The only perfect arbiter of truth is the Bible, and Christians should be boldly unafraid to use it.
Dr. Frank Turek is the president of CrossExamined.org, an evangelical, inter-denominational Christian apologetics ministry.
Legislation has consequences. Good legislation can bring about beneficial improvements and protections, but unwise legislation can have harmful, devastating effects on the people who must abide by it. With that dichotomy in mind, this edition of Spotlight takes an in-depth look at the ramifications of repealing Illinois’ Parental Notice of Abortion Act by considering its impact on the unborn child, the underage mother-to-be and her parents, compassionate and helpful pregnancy center workers, and Planned Parenthood’s bottom line.
Kathy Bozyk, the former executive director and current liaison for Southside Pregnancy Center in Evergreen Park joins Monte Larrick to discuss the physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences of abortion on young girls. They also consider how repeal of parental notice will enable predators and sex traffickers while, at the same time, ravaging parental rights and family dynamics.
The second half of the podcast explores Vision 2020 Illinois, a movement to unite pro-life organizations throughout the state to work together to end abortion. Monte and Kathy also address the REACH Act (a radical, comprehensive sex-ed bill that will target students as young as kindergarten) and stress the need for churches to actively support life and pro-life legislation in Illinois.
Please call your state lawmaker at (217) 782-2000 and ask them to oppose a repeal of Illinois' Parental Notice of Abortion act, oppose the REACH Act, and support the Ultrasound Opportunity Act. Find your lawmaker here.
Written by Laurie Higgins
Illinois Family Institute (IFI) was made aware of a shocking press release issued by BLM activist Tim McGowan who is running for the school board in District 211—the same school district embroiled in a controversy in 2019 when the former superintendent and school board sexually integrated all district locker rooms and bathrooms.
In his press release, Mr. McGowan opposes a slate of three candidates, accusing them of being funded by IFI, accusing us of being a “racist, anti-Semitic, homophobic hate group” whose “dark right-wing money” is “bankrolling candidates’ robocalls” for his opponents. He also accuses IFI of opposing anti-bullying legislation. Wowzer. So many lies and half-truths—so little time.
Let’s start with the facts about our involvement. Illinois Family Action (IFI’s 501c4 sister organization) paid for 1 robocall to conservative voters in the district on behalf of the three mothers who are running for the school board in part because they don’t want co-ed bathrooms and locker rooms. And we sent one email to IFA subscribers in the district. Since McGowan knows that we funded these robocalls, the money isn’t really very dark now, is it? Read more...
March Madness is in full swing. By this time next week, the NCAA will have crowned the national champion for the 2020-2021 college basketball season. Also, by this time next week, tens of thousands of people will have lost a staggering amount of money due to legalized, online sports betting in our and other states across the nation – and, if Illinois residents had legally been able to bet on college teams located within our state, the losses surely would have been substantially higher.
In part two of our conversation on the expansion of legalized gambling, Jerry Prosapio, a former compulsive gambler, joins us to talk about the increase in gambling among young adults and women and the resulting growth in Gamblers Anonymous and other gaming addiction support groups in the greater Chicago area. Jerry shares his story of decades of addiction, culminating in a mafia loan shark threatening his wife and infant son due to his gambling debts. He also describes how crucial the work of the Holy Spirit has been and continues to be in his recovery and in the messages of hope and encouragement he shares with others.
Jerry Prosapio and his co-founder of Gambling Exposed, Ken Darnell, are available to speak to churches, youth groups, and neighborhood and community groups as well. If you would like to help Jerry and Ken’s message reach people who are struggling with addiction or prevent people, especially youth, from taking that first step into the destructive world of gambling, contact them at Gambling Exposed (708) 389-1127.
Parents for the Protection of Girls--a grassroots movement to uphold and defend parental notice--recently hosted an online forum in defense of Illinois's parental notice of abortion act. This spotlight features that especially timely news session with: Mary Hallan FioRito, a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. She served as a moderator for this forum.
John Jones, a worship pastor at the Christian Life Center in Blue Island, IL. He led off the forum in defense of the parental notification of abortion act.
Laura Letterer, a world recognized expert on human trafficking who serves on the board of directors of Global Centurion, an NGO which fights sex slavery around the world. She speaks second in defense of the parental notification of abortion act with respect to sex trafficking.
Dr. Brooke Bello, a human trafficking survivor, she holds a doctorate in pastoral counseling, and is the founder and CEO of More Too Life. She speaks third in defense of the parental notification of abortion act by sharing her story.
Dr. Jackie Pifer, an expert in the brain development of teenagers who holds a doctoral degree in psychology. She has nearly thirty years of clinical experience, including six years as a neuro-psychologist. She speaks fourth in defense of the parental notification of abortion act by talking about the brain development of adolescents. This group of individuals make a good case to keep the Illinois parental notice of abortion law intact. There is also a question and answer session at the end.
TAKE ACTION: Make one or all of these arguments to your lawmaker, encouraging them to join these experts in defense of the parental notification of abortion act. Find your lawmakers and their contact information here.
Here's a topic that appears to have been lost in the shuffle: gambling. But we are surrounded by a culture of gambling. Illinois recently approved a piece of gambling expansion legislation, which IFI and IFA fought against, but has now been encoded. On this episode of spotlight, IFA's Dave Smith and Monte Larrick take a deep dive into the issues with gambling, and most importantly, what the Triune God has to say about gambling. Their guest is Mr. Ken Darnell, a learned Christian man from southern Illinois who has expressly studied gambling, through both theological and anthropological research. Listen to this podcast for an exposition of gambling and why Christians should oppose it.
Call Jerry or Ken to invite them to speak at your church about gambling here: (708) 389-1127.
Written by Benjamin Smith
Just when Illinoisans thought things couldn’t get any worse, the Illinois State Legislature’s spring session sets out to prove us all wrong. On this week’s podcast, Monte Larrick and David Smith discuss several of the reprehensible, sin-enabling bills that are on the Democratic Party’s agenda for the 102nd General Assembly. Monte and David emphasize the urgent need for parents to remove their children from public schools ASAP, an action necessitated in part by the recently approved “Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards” amendment. On a more hopeful note, the podcast concludes with a glimpse of future IFI and IFA education campaigns, as well as information about an IFI Worldview Conference scheduled for May.
Stay tuned to Spotlight for more details!
ACTION: Please talk to your state lawmakers and ask them to oppose the repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion act, the REACH act, extension of sex-ed, racist CRT teaching standards, and other bills that oppose biblical values. Find out more about the bills here, and pinpoint your elected officials here. The capitol switchboard number is (217) 782-2000.
Discover more about this weekend’s Peoria homeschool convention HERE.
Check out the Illinois Christian Home Educators family convention and website.
According to Laurie Higgins, public schools in Illinois are too far gone – no Christian parent should subject their children to the indoctrination curricula that is being forced on our state’s K-12 students. Laurie was speaking as a featured guest of Janet Parshall on her radio program, In the Market with Janet Parshall, where they discussed the tsunami of radically liberal, pro-LGBTQ and anti-Christian laws and teaching “standards” that are inundating our tax payer-supported public school classrooms.
Janet and Laurie also consider what Christians must be prepared to do in the current climate of hate and how best to counter the flawed reasoning of those who oppose our Christian worldview.
Laurie Higgins is the cultural affairs writer for IFI. Her on point assessments of current issues and developments can be found at IllinoisFamily.org.
Janet Parshall is the host of her nationally syndicated radio program; she is also a popular public speaker, author and family advocate.
Recently, I gave the Sunday morning message at my church and since we captured the audio, I thought we could post it as a special addition for those who may be interested.
In this sermon, we examine 2 Thessalonians 2 and really dive into verse three in which Paul warns God’s people, “let no one deceive you by any means.” The ESV translates it as “let no one deceive you in any way.” The NASB translates it as “No one is to device you in any way!”
Paul is warning us that before the end, before Jesus Christ returns to judge the world and to set things straight, there will be a great falling away, an apostasy.
It will be a deliberate abandonment of a former position, a defection, a rejection of a former alliance or truth.
How does this apply to us during these crazy days? How can Christians heed this warning by Paul? Listen to this message and prayerfully consider the exhortations therein.
Blessings,
David E. Smith IFA Executive Director
Successful plans are best built on a foundation of strategic thinking. When it comes to political involvement, Christian apologist Dr. Frank Turek states that Christians ought to focus their efforts on motivating and mobilizing the citizens who share their worldview on the most critical issues of the day. Speaking at the 2017 IFI Worldview Conference, Dr. Turek also poses and answers these key questions: what is the purpose of government; can morality be legislated; how can we counter self-defeating statements; and what’s at stake and what should we do?
Dr. Frank Turek is the president of CrossExamined.org ministries. His talks from the Worldview Conference are available from the IFI resource center.
“All we can do is pray.” How many times have you heard someone utter these words, often with a somewhat defeatist attitude? Our Spotlight guests this week want you to know that the first thing, the most important thing, Christians can do is pray!
Speaking at an online event hosted by the Illinois Prayer Caucus Network in celebration of National Religious Freedom Day, Randy Forbes and Peter Breen stress the preeminent priority of prayer, especially as the practice and proclamation of our faith increasingly comes under fire. They also address the need for strategic thinking, network building, and perseverance in order to stand against President Biden’s continuation of the agendas of the Obama administration.
Randy Forbes is a former Virginia congressman and President and Co-Founder of the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation and the National Strategic Center.
Peter Breen is a former Illinois state representative and Vice President and Senior Counsel for the Thomas More Society.
The Illinois State Board of Education has approved the proposed “Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards” amendment, and on February 16, JCAR (Illinois’ Joint Committee on Administrative Rules) will vote on its ratification. Dr. Eric Wallace joins Monte Larrick to explain why adopting these “standards” will shift the focus from teaching foundational academics and fostering critical thinking skills to promoting Critical Race Theory and “woke” perspectives that dismiss objective truth. Additionally, they discuss how Illinois parents and taxpayers can most effectively stand against the leftist agenda of student indoctrination.
After the break the conversation turns to the debunked, but still flourishing, 1619 Project; the need for Republican Party to intentionally reach out to Black voters; the criminal justice system and challenges facing law enforcement officers; the issue of racial disproportionality; and the proposed redesign of the twenty-dollar bill.
Take ACTION: It is vital that the members of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) hear from all Illinois taxpayers. Please click HERE to send a message to this committee urging them to vote against any proposal that would mandate all Illinois teachers be indoctrinated with left-leaning “woke” beliefs.
The Democratic Co-Chairman is Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago). His office number is (773) 445-8128.
The Republican Co-Chairman is Keith Wheeler (R-North Aurora). His office number is (630) 345-3464.
More ACTION: Here is a list of all the members of JCAR, and their individual contact information. It is imperative that we respectfully contact these state lawmakers to urge them to reject these new divisive “standards” by the ISBE.
Dr. Eric Wallace is the founder and president of Freedom’s Journal Institute and a candidate for Township Supervisor of Rich Township in the April 6th 2021 Consolidated Election. To learn more about the election visit RTRO.org.
Written by David E. Smith
After almost a year of gubernatorial mandates masquerading as law, it should come as no surprise that another legislative group in Illinois is attempting to do an end run in order to avoid following the accepted, standard procedure of presenting a bill for debate and vote by the General Assembly.
Laurie Higgins, IFI’s cultural affairs writer, joins Pastor Calvin Lindstrom and Pastor James Pittman, Jr. for a podcast, featured on Here I Stand Radio, examining the continuing revolution in education in Illinois. They discuss the leftist tactics that would force teachers to teach “progressive” ideas that have their genesis in identity politics and Critical Race Theory/Critical Theory, and detail the ludicrous standards set forth in the “Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards” amendment. This interview also describes disturbing changes to Illinois’ current sex education policy.
Please listen and share!
Here I Stand Radio, a ministry of the Christian Emergency League, can be found on Facebook.
More information on the proposed amendment and action steps can be found here and here.
Pastor Calvin Lindstrom is the pastor of the Church of Christian Liberty and Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Pastor James Pittman, Jr. is the senior pastor of New Hope Community Church in Palatine, Illinois.
Take ACTION: It is vital that the members of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) hear from all Illinois taxpayers. Please click HERE to send a message to this committee urging them to vote against any proposal that would mandate all Illinois teachers be indoctrinated with left-leaning "woke" beliefs.
The Democratic Co-Chairman is Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago). His office number is (773) 445-8128.
The Republican Co-Chairman is Keith Wheeler (R-North Aurora). His office number is (630) 345-3464.
Two news stories broke this week about Washington D.C. RINOs, demonstrating again, why RINOs should not lead the GOP.
First up, there was the exposé of RINO co-founder of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, John Weaver, who joined forces with Kellyanne Conway’s husband George Conway to help Joe Biden and Kamala Harris get elected. read more
The Democratic Party is firmly in control of both federal and Illinois government – now what do we do? Former Illinois state representative, Jeanne Ives, addresses that question in part two of our Spotlight conversation (listen to part one here). We discuss an alarming proposal by liberal, secular Democrats to “restore constitutional secularism and patriotic pluralism” and Jeanne details how we can and must fight against this assault on religious freedom. In light of voting irregularities in Illinois, we also talk about election fraud and changes to the voting process, and stress the need to educate the electorate on public policy and leftists’ efforts to weaken laws that protect life.
Jeanne Ives is a former Illinois state representative, former congressional and gubernatorial candidate, and a principled Illinois conservative. You can interact with her on social media through Facebook, MeWe, Gab, and Parler.
The Secular Democrats for America’s 28-page proposal for President Joe Biden can be found here. Information about 2nd Vote can be found here.
Illinois Family Action is completely dependent on the voluntary contributions of individuals just like you.
Where do we go from here? Our state is currently suffocating under the weight of massive debt and failed Democratic policies. Yet, former state representative Jeanne Ives says there is hope for Illinois conservatives. She suggests the Republican Party focus on promoting truth, electing conservatives to local governing bodies and boards, and insisting on competency from candidates and government – some TLC, if you will. Jeanne also details the three big issues on which Republicans must stand in unity and gives insight on the compensation Illinois taxpayers pay our public “servants” (warning, you might need to monitor your blood pressure).
After the break, the conversation turns to former Illinois House speaker, Michael Madigan, and his successor, far-left progressive, Chris Welch. Jeanne relates her interactions with Welch and his indebtedness to the Black Caucus. She also discusses a potential shift in the balance of power within the General Assembly, the need for strong GOP leadership and a true opposition party, and shares her criteria for the new Illinois Republican Party chairman. As the podcast concludes, Jeanne, Monte, and I examine the negative effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on Illinoisans and our economy as a result of Governor Pritzker’s illegally extended, emergency power mandate.
Jeanne Ives is a former Illinois state representative, former congressional and gubernatorial candidate, and a principled Illinois conservative. You can interact with her on social media through Facebook, Gab, and Parler.
Please share this podcast with family and friends. We hope you’ll join us for part 2 of our conversation with Jeanne Ives on a future Illinois Family Spotlight.
Enjoy the show.
A hero on the front lines of the abortion war has passed on. Joseph Scheidler, the founder and national director of the Pro-Life Action League, has died at the age of 93. Mr. Scheidler's impact on the battle for the life of unborn generations is incalculable. Besides his personal influence on pastors and other leaders, Mr. Scheidler was a street warrior, a relentlessly active presence at hundreds of protests and demonstrations at Chicago area abortion mills. The fruit of his work is readily visible, and now we eagerly await the multiplication of those fruits after his death (John 12:24-26).
This interview is our tribute to Mr. Scheidler and his untold accomplishments. Appropriately, it was recorded at a Face the Truth Tour event six months ago on July 15, 2020. Joe, then age 92, was witnessing for life in the heat and humidity of an Illinois summer. In light of such passion and dedication, what's your excuse?
Joe Scheidler's memoir, "Racketeer for Life," is available here. If you would like to make a memorial contribution to the work of the Pro-Life Action League, please call 773-777-2900.
Just when you thought Leftists couldn’t be more cynical, hypocritical, dishonest, tyrannical, cruel, and nasty, they step up to prove you wrong. If Democrats, by whatever janky standards they’ve made up, think Republicans have gone “low,” Democrats dive headlong into the abyss. read more
What a time to be alive. Are you ready for it? More specifically, are you prepared to give an answer for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15)? This podcast might be a good to reinforce your existing apologetic or to begin it. This edition of spotlight features one of the sessions from IFI's 2017 Worldview Conference with Dr. Frank Turek, the president of Cross Examined. He gives a presentation on presuppositional apologetics and uncovers the real reason people will not accept the truth of Christianity.
Yesterday the growing schism in America opened wider when a mob—allegedly Trump supporters—from the mostly peaceful assembly of Americans critical of an election rife with “irregularities,” broke into the U.S. Capitol. As of this writing, some are asking whether the mobsters who broke windows and scaled walls at the Capitol may have been members of Antifa wearing MAGA hats in order to cause the explosion of rage at Trump that ensued and to stop Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley from making their case regarding the unconstitutionality of the election processes in Pennsylvania and Georgia. read more
Dr. Allan Carlson, with the World Congress of Families, joins this first edition of spotlight in the new year. He talked with Monte Larrick about the state of the family in America, and across the globe. He posits, for example, that Russia is a more pro-family nation than America currently is; and that we can turn the perception of the family around and redirect it to God's design. They also discuss the long term battle for the biblical family in America, conservatives and the republican party, and much more. This discussion is a very broad view of America with respect to the family.
Visit the IOF – International Organization for the Family, IFN (ifamnews.com), and their journal, The Natural Family.
Written by David E. Smith
Recently, I gave a Sunday morning exhortation at my church and since we captured the audio, I thought we could post it as a special addition for those who may be interested.
In this 26 minute exhortation, we examine Acts 19 and Matthew 7.
In Acts 19, we find a demon posses man asking some Jewish exorcists, saying “I recognize Jesus, and I know of Paul, but who are you?”
Whoa! My first thought: this evil spirit isn’t afraid to mock and even scoff at the exorcists. The evil spirit was not intimidated.
In Matthew 7, Jesus warns listeners that he will tell many people on the last day “I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness.”
As we begin a New Year, what can we learn from the juxtaposition of these two passages?
So, without further delay, here is the exhortation.
Written by Monte Larrick
Finally, 2020, the year many have proclaimed the Worst. Year. Ever, nears the finish line. Joining us for the last podcast of this extraordinary year is Ben Smith, the producer of Spotlight. Ben is a 20-year-old college sophomore, part-time employee of IFI and IFA, and the son of Executive Director, David Smith. Follow Ben on Twitter @realbs19.
Our “eclectic conversation” includes a discussion of Michael Madigan’s future in the Illinois House of Representatives, the perpetuation of racial division in America, the relevance of biblical authority, Ben’s online interactions with Marxist professors and peers at the University of Southern California, the fate of religious freedom in a Biden-Harris administration, indoctrination in government schools and government intrusion in homeschooling, election integrity, the pandemic, President Trump’s potential post-White House role in the Republican Party, and much more.
As we close the books on 2020, please consider contributing to our triple impact Year-End Matching Grant Challenge. Click here to read how your donation will support the important work of Illinois Family Institute.
It is the most wonderful time of the year. Though this year has been unique, remembering the events of the Incarnation of God as a Man is a foundational, mind-blowing truth for all Christians. This edition of spotlight features a 2018 interview with Tom Brejcha (from the Thomas More Society) about the importance of Christmas, the nativity scene that was displayed in the rotunda of the Illinois capitol building, and the important upcoming legislative issues in Congress and the Illinois legislature.
Ann Scheidler has a better grasp on the religious nature of the pro-life movement than most activists and supporters. Currently serving as vice president of Chicago-based Pro-Life Action League, Ann knows that embracing the gospel of Jesus Christ, Him crucified and resurrected, is the only way we will see an end to abortion. On this edition of Spotlight, she and Monte Larrick discuss the future of the Hyde Amendment and the significant challenges facing the pro-life movement, especially as the radically pro-abortion Biden-Harris administration prepares to take office.
In the second half of the podcast, Ann explains the focus of the Pro-Life Action League and introduces a new initiative, Peace in the Womb Christmas Caroling, which will take place in the next few days at abortion facilities in Illinois and across the nation. Monte and Ann conclude the podcast with a discussion of possible efforts in 2021 by the General Assembly to water down or repeal Illinois’ Parental Notice of Abortion Act and/or introduce legislation favoring assisted suicide.
To find a Peace in the Womb Christmas Caroling location near you, please click HERE or call (773-777-2900). Information about the upcoming Candlelight Vigil in Aurora on 1/22/21 and the Walk for Life in Rockford on 1/23/21 will be posted on the Pro-Life Action League events page.
Making the Christian case against homosexuality has always been a great challenge in our engagement with the world, going all the way back to Genesis and the account of Sodom and Gomorrah. The biblical opposition to homosexual practice is especially relevant in light of the new ruling by Circuit Judge Britt Grant of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals regarding "reparative therapy," whereby individuals with homosexual attractions willingly seek out pastoral or professional counseling to help them fight that specific sin. Keynote speaker, Dr. Robert Gagnon, addressed that topic and others at IFI's 2020 Worldview Conference.
In his presentation, How to Make the Christian Case Against Homosexual Practice and Transgenderism, Dr. Gagnon explains why Christians must hold firmly to the truth, found first in Genesis and confirmed throughout Scripture, that God’s design of binary sexuality, marriage between one man and one woman, is foundational and inviolate. Dr. Gagnon also refutes the false belief that all sins are equal and warns of the danger in affirming homosexual unions and transgenderism out of a mistaken sense of “love.”
This presentation can also be viewed on YouTube. Please share Dr. Gagnon’s message with family and friends.
Dr. Gagnon is a professor of New Testament theology at Houston Baptist University and the author of The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics.
Never-Trumpers in a de facto alliance with leftist Trump-loathers of various stripes have apparently succeeded in their effort to elect a cognitively impaired man who claims to be Catholic while heartily endorsing a legal right to slaughter the unborn while making the public pay for their deaths. Never-Trumpers can now give themselves a hearty pat-on-the-back for an evil job well done. Read more...
This week’s Spotlight features Monte Larrick’s conversation with Peter LaBarbera, Executive Director of Americans for Truth. Monte and Peter discuss the Biden-Harris administration’s top priorities: advancing gay and transgender rights and passing the Equality Act, or in Peter’s words, the Criminalizing Christianity Act. They examine ways in which the “legal sledgehammer” of this act could affect churches’ and faith-based schools’ hiring practices, as well as possible changes we might experience on a state level.
After the break, Peter and Monte consider the impact of Pope Francis’s support for same-sex civil unions and the growing acceptance for both unions and “marriages” within the evangelical community. The podcast concludes with a discussion of the Trump campaign’s outreach to the LGBTQ community, gay conservatism, and Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s judicial philosophy.
Peter LaBarbera served as the executive director of IFI from 2003-2006. He has been effectively exposing the true tyrannical agenda of the LGBTQ movement since 1993.
We shine our Spotlight this week on an informative, post-election conversation between Monte Larrick and Eric Scheidler, Executive Director of Pro-Life Action League. They discuss our newest Supreme Court Justice, Amy Coney Barrett; the likelihood of repealing Roe v. Wade; bubble zones; and various issues that might be revisited by SCOTUS.
After the break, Eric details the Pro-Life Action League’s efforts amidst the pandemic. He also addresses probable and possible goals of a Biden presidency: reinstatement of Planned Parenthood’s Title X funding, repeal of the Hyde Amendment, a federal abortion law, and more.
For more information on how you can become involved in the fight for life, please click here. To order the Pro-Life Action League’s handbook, Sharing the Pro-Life Message, click here.
By now many Americans have learned what slimy, deceitful hypocrites California governor Gavin Newsom and his wealthy, well-connected friends are. In a stunning act of arrogant "do what I say, not what I do, PEONS," he and his privileged co-scofflaws dined at an exclusive restaurant in Napa Valley—indoors without masks. His co-scofflaws included Dustin Corcoran, the CEO of the California Medical Association, and Janus Norman, the group’s lobbyist and senior vice president. But don't worry, Newsom is very very sorry he got caught. read more
Two hundred and two years after achieving statehood, Illinois – the Land of Lincoln – is more commonly associated with political and electoral corruption than with Honest Abe. Voter fraud is a sad reality that few people are willing to stand against, but, thankfully for Illinois, Carol Davis, chairman of Illinois Conservative Union, is fighting for a fair and honest election process.
Carol Davis joins Monte Larrick to discuss President Trump’s refusal to concede the election and disturbing voting irregularities in specific cities and states. Their conversation also covers a much-needed audit of voter computer systems, social media’s bias and role in the suppression of conservative voices, inherent fraud associated with mail-in ballots, the state of the GOP in Illinois, and more. The podcast concludes as Davis talks about the Voter Integrity Project and details how citizens can help to ensure fairness and transparency in all aspects of our elections.
Please listen to and share this informative podcast with family and friends. Our next elections are just around the corner! Illinois’s Consolidated Primary Election is slated for February 23, 2021 and the Consolidated Election will take place on April 6, 2021.
Written by Laurie Higgins
The mainstream press successfully colluded with the Democrat Party to interfere with the election by burying the Joe Biden/Communist China corruption story. New polling shows that prior to the election, 36% of Biden voters had not heard that "evidence exists in emails, texts, eyewitness testimony and banking transactions that the FBI has been investigating since last year directly linking Joe Biden to a corrupt financial arrangement between a Chinese company with connections to the Chinese communist party and Hunter Biden’s business … may have personally benefitted Joe Biden financially." Read more...
Written by David E. Smith
A week has passed since the general election and still, questions loom – among them, who and why? Election fraud has left the outcome of the presidential race (as well as other national and state contests) up in the air, and serious doubts remain as to the integrity of the voting and tabulating process. Many Christians are also wondering why God has allowed such confusion to happen and where is He in the midst of this political mess. Monte Larrick and I are pleased to welcome Rev. Myles Holmes and Rev. Calvin Lindstrom to the podcast to share wisdom and a biblical perspective on the lead up to the election, the aftermath, and what will likely be on the horizon for Christians.
Pastor Myles and Pastor Calvin discuss how Christians should pray and respond in these unsettled times and they consider how we “fit” in God’s will. While lamenting the disappointing silence of many pastors and evangelical leaders regarding the candidates and the issues, our guests’ message is overwhelmingly one of encouragement based on the sovereignty of Almighty God and the Truth that is found in His Word.
Pastor Myles Holmes is the co-pastor of Revive Church in Collinsville, IL and an IFI board member.
Pastor Calvin Lindstrom is the pastor of the Church of Christian Liberty and Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights, IL. He is also an IFA board member.
Written by Laurie Higgins
As of this writing, the Democrats have claimed victory for Kamala Harris and her confused running mate Joe Biden. Following numerous reports from key battleground states about Hammers, Scorecards, and the appearance of strange polling place goings on, legal challenges and recount demands have just begun. But Never-Trumpers, lily-livered GOP goobers, Democrats, and their bootlicking lapdogs in the media heap ridicule on anyone who dares to suggest that maybe—just maybe—there could be a corrupt political operative or two in America who could have used hacking tricks of the trade and strong arm tactics at polling places to skew election results. I know, I know, it’s as unlikely as gambling taking place in Casa Blanca but possible, nonetheless.
The message from leftists? Move along. Nothing to see here. Keep those masks and blinders on. Go home and stay home. Befuddled Biden, Cacklin’ Kamala, the Facebook Overlords, and Big Brother will take care of EVERYTHING. And for a parting gift, choose either this little blue pill or a dollop of soma. Read more...
Election Week is finally here! On this edition of Spotlight, IFA Media Director Monte Larrick and IFA Executive Director David Smith look back at some of the outcomes, at both the state and national level, of the 2016 general and 2018 midterm elections. They consider various hopes and goals for a second Trump administration, as well as potential changes that might arise with a Biden administration. Closer to home, David and Monte also contemplate what the future might hold for the Illinois legislature and House Speaker Michael Madigan.
On a spiritual level, David discusses how the Church can (and must) influence government and he offers specific prayer points for election cycles and beyond. This podcast presents the encouraging reminder that, no matter who occupies the Oval Office or the prominent seats in Springfield, our God reigns and we can trust Him and His plan.
Written by Laurie Higgins
Republicans who care about liberty, equality, justice, safety, and economic security must vote for President Donald J. Trump and Republican U.S. Senators. A Democrat-controlled presidency and U.S. Senate would mean further empowering the arrogant, ignorant, tyrannical cancel culture that has taken root in every major cultural institution in America. Academia, the mainstream press, Big Tech, corporate America, Hollywood, and professional medical and mental health organizations collude to censor the dissemination of ideas leftists don’t like and oppress those who disseminate them. The power these institutions already enjoy and employ to destroy speech rights, religious liberty, gun rights, and careers is not enough to satiate the power-lust of leftists. Read more...
Written by Laurie Higgins
Every day, “progressives” provide evidence for their unfitness for any positions of leadership, power, or influence. Senate minority leader and master of hyperbole and prevarication Chuck Schumer (d-NY) provides a case in point. In response to the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court, Schumer made this comment on the U.S. Senate floor: It will go down as one of the darkest days in the 231-year history of the United States Senate. Amazing. The day that a woman who by all accounts possesses the skill, knowledge, experience, temperament, and integrity—something with which Schumer is wholly unfamiliar—was confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court, Schumer called one of the darkest days in the history of the U.S. Senate. Read more...
Tough questions mean tough answers if someone is willing to tell the truth. IFI had a couple of such wise, biblically literate men at our 2020 Worldview Conference in February: Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Robert Gagnon. These two are unafraid to tackle the tough questions and give you a tough, truthful answer in return. This podcast spotlights the question and answer session of that conference which generated some interesting, evergreen thoughts for faithful Christians, especially in the lead up to the election.
I recently gave a Sunday morning message at my church, and since we captured the audio, I thought we could post it as a special addition for those who may be interested.
In this 40 minute sermon, we take a closer look at Psalm 136, in which we are repeatedly told that God’s "mercy endures forever."
God's mercy is a monumental theme in God’s Word. The English word appears some 341 times in the Bible. The four Hebrew and three Greek words associated with this term appear a total of 454 times and are also translated as "kindness," "lovingkindness," "goodness," "favor," "compassion," and "pity."
Psalm 136 is unique to all the Psalms in that it repeats the same stanza in every verse: “For His mercy endures forever.” Now you may remember being told that when the Bible repeats something, it is wise to pay attention.
I hope this message will encourage and bless you.
~Dave Smith
Written by Laurie Higgins
Christian creator of the well-known children’s video series Veggie Tales, Paul Vischer, is woke, folks. Recently, in some tweets, Vischer appears to be defending voting for the corrupt influence-peddler Joe Biden who embraces all sorts of policy positions that oppose biblical truth. Read more...
If you want to get up to date on Illinois politics and the upcoming election, listen to this spotlight. This podcast came from a Zoom webinar featuring IFA endorsed candidates for U.S. House, Jim Oberweis, and Illinois Senate, Jeanette Ward, in addition to our usual cohosts, David Smith and Monte Larrick. They talked about a host of issues: from the handling of COVID-19 by Illinois and federal governments, to education choice, to abortion, to taxes and so on. Enjoy this conversation in advance of election day.
Support Jim Oberweis' campaign here and Jeanette Ward's here.
Written by Laurie Higgins
The Facebook Overlords are in overdrive—with a little help from their leftist friends.
Thursday morning, I awoke to a notification from the Facebook Overlords that they had removed a post from Illinois Family Action’s Facebook page that was posted way back on February 20, 2020. Shortly thereafter, I was alerted to a video made by a candidate running for the Illinois House in the 90th District who was the subject of my post and who is using it to raise campaign money. It’s fascinating that she is trying to fundraise off a post that no one can read. Read more...
Written by Laurie Higgins
The meme featured above has been circulating on social media, passing as wisdom in the dystopian Upside Down in which “progressives” live and move and have their being. How is violence defined by those who are sharing this meme? Are they using it in the sense of bodily acts of violence or in the sense of “the abusive or unjust exercise of power”?
If the latter, was Amy Coney Barrett a victim of violence on the second day of the Senate confirmation hearings for her Supreme Court nomination? Was she a victim of an abusive exercise of power when the sanctimonious U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI)battle-axe-splained to Judge Barrett that the term "sexual preference," which Judge Barrett had used, is “offensive” to homosexuals? Clearly, Hirono was trying to coerce Barrett into using terminology that leftists invented and which embody their leftist assumptions. Read more...
Our election themed podcasts continue with Tom McCullagh, a GOP candidate for the Illinois 49th senate district and a candidate endorsed by Illinois Family Action. McCullagh is one of those highly qualified men running to represent his district against the radical regression Leftists are pushing on Illinois. He joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss the 2020 election and how important it is to the future of neighborhoods, the nation, and all the spheres in between.
Under that broad heading, they discuss Illinois issues such as corruption, abortion and taxes. They also discuss the bird's eye view of McCullagh's plan to restore Illinois: his idea is not merely that of running for state senate but instead to catalyze generational change, to start a movement to remove the restraints on Illinois' potential.
Check Tom McCullagh's campaign out or support his campaign here.
Written by Laurie Higgins
We face an election of monumental consequence with a president with communication challenges, a public that gets caught up in the minutiae of spun "narratives," and a poisonous press that long ago abandoned the legitimizing tasks of the Fourth Estate to join the Fifth column. As the Fifth Column continues its relentless efforts at a soft coup of a duly elected president via character assassination and other assorted machinations, it seems some historical perspective is in order.
Many have compared Trump’s irascible personality to that of former British prime minister Winston Churchill—not to suggest that the two men are identical—but rather to suggest that irascibility is not a trait that disqualifies a person from leadership. The comparison of today’s press—which is way on the wrong side of history—and yesteryear’s press also bears examination. Read more...
In case you haven't noticed, life is hectic right now, especially in politics. Nearly every person is spinning theories about repairing our political system or gloating over the president's illness, or how one party is the unique savior of the republic. Reverend Franklin Graham disagrees and instead posits that only Christ and Him crucified can repair human lives, thus the culture, and thus human politics.
This episode is a re-air of the interview IFI's media director, Monte Larrick, did with Reverend Graham directly before IFI's fall fundraising banquet in 2019.
Written by Laurie Higgins
In 2018, in a video series titled “Conception,” and posted on YouTube, the New York Times profiled “Gabrielle” Darone, a man who pretends to be a woman and who, with his wife, has fathered two children. Two years after the New York Times’ sympathetic portrayal of Darone’s envy of his wife’s pregnancy and his claims that he is a much better parent now that he pretends to be a mother, Darone is about to be divorced. Read more...
Ever wondered how you can get involved in the pro-life movement, how you can help save babies and their mothers? 40 Days for Life is your answer. Listen to this podcast for a primer on participating in one of the easiest forms of life activism out there. Monte Larrick interviewed Catherine Walker, the leader of the 40 Days for Life vigil in Aurora and post-abortive woman, to get insider information on joining a vigil and getting answers to frequently asked questions. They also discussed how churches and pastors must be involved in the battle for life, Catherine Walker's multiple abortions and her subsequent redemption in Christ, and a whole bunch of stories from the front lines of the Aurora mega-Planned Parenthood.
But, not even RBG’s waning strength or death can magically transform her fervent wish into political reality. Her dictated wish/statement is no more constitutionally or politically relevant than would be the dying wishes of any other Supreme Court Justice. America does not owe RBG the fulfillment of her fervent wish, and saying that is not disrespectful. read more
Written by Laurie Higgins
On June 29, 2020, Karen Attiah, the black, 34-year-old Global Opinions editor for Jeff Bezos’ liberal rag the Washington Post and Fulbright scholar who received her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and master’s degree from Columbia University, tweeted this: The lies and tears of White women hath wrought:
-The 1921 Tulsa Massacre
-Murder of Emmet Till
-Exclusion of Black women from feminist movements
-53% of white women voting for Trump.
White women are lucky that we are just calling them “Karen’s”.
And not calling for revenge.
Really? I should feel “lucky” that black racists and anarchists are not seeking revenge against me for things I never did? Read more...
2020 is different in many ways, but a closely contested election is not of them. This podcast spotlights the Illinois races for U.S. Senate and U.S. Sixth Congressional District by hosting the respective GOP candidates, Mark Curran and Jeanne Ives. Monte and Dave host them by Zoom webinar to discuss a score of issues, especially those closely related to the upcoming election. All the issues and debates seem to boil down to the sort of moral world we leave to the next generation. Listen to this spotlight for Mark Curran and Jeanne Ives' take on that and much more.
Support the Mark Curran and Jeanne Ives campaigns!
Note: this podcast was recorded before Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsburg's passing this past Friday.
Written by Laurie Higgins
Just last week, Manhattan megachurch pastor Tim Keller, formerly known as a mega-leader in the evangelical Christian community, published a foolish, destructive Facebook post on “Christians and the freedom of conscience in politics,” in which he said, The Bible binds my conscience to care for the poor, but it does not tell me the best practical way to do it. Any particular strategy (high taxes and government services vs low taxes and private charity) may be good and wise—and may even be somewhat inferred from other things the Bible teaches– but they are not directly commanded and therefore we cannot insist that all Christians, as a matter of conscience, follow one or the other. The Bible binds my conscience to love the immigrant, but it doesn’t tell me how many legal immigrants to admit to the U.S. every year. It does not exactly prescribe immigration policy. The Bible tells me that abortion is a sin and a great evil, but it doesn’t tell me the best way to end abortion in this country nor which policies are most effective. The current political parties offer a potpourri of different positions on these and many, many other topics, most of which, as just noted, the Bible does not speak to directly. This means when it comes to taking political positions [and] voting … the Christian has liberty of conscience. Rather than teaching Christians how to apply biblical truth to moral issues that the political left has politicized, Keller offers a get-out-of-sin-complicity-free rationalization that Christians can use to justify support for the presidential candidate and political party of human slaughter. Read more...
Written by Laurie Higgins
The left always plays hardball. The right rarely does. With the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RBG), it's now game time for the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS).
People are speculating--rightly in my view--that if President Trump nominates a replacement for RBG, then leftists (mostly violent rioters) will do what they do best. People are speculating too--rightly in my view--that if President Trump is re-elected, then leftists (mostly violent rioters) will do what they do best.
Read more...
Written by Laurie Higgins
Since the burning, looting, assaults, and statue-toppling began, every conservative, every right-of-center, and every left-of-center American has been asking themselves, “What the heck is happening?”
Sane people know America is not a racist country. They know that oppressed people all around the world long to come to America for the opportunity to be free of oppression. Sane people look around and see interracial families; racially and ethnically diverse neighborhoods, churches and social groups; and persons of color succeeding at the highest levels in government, academia, sports, the media, and the arts. Sane people know that truly unjust killings of completely innocent blacks by police are rare.
So, sane people intuitively understand that the anarchy in our streets is not organic. It’s manufactured by people with money and power who at the moment lack the one thing their dark hearts’ desire: total governmental power. This means they need the presidency, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Read more...
IFI squeezed our 2020 Worldview Conference in Febuary, right before the shutdown began. The conference was held in Barrington, IL and featured Dr. Robert A.J. Gagnon and Dr. Michael L. Brown. This episode of spotlight features Dr. Brown's lecture from the conference, "The Christians Role in the Public Square". Dr. Brown walks us through the reasons Christians should be involved in politics and why it is important.
Watch the video from the conference on our YT channel here.
Written by Laurie Higgins
On Saturday night just before 7:00 p.m., a savage barbarian ran up to a patrol car parked in front of bus station in Compton, California and at point-blank range shot a 31-year-old and a 24-year-old deputy sheriff, one in the face and one in the head. The 31-year-old is the mother of a 6-year-old boy.
Another barbarian whooped it up, delighting in and celebrating the unprovoked, subhuman attack on the deputies in a must-see-to-believe video. Read more...
Written by Laurie Higgins
U.S. Representative Sean Casten who is running against the outstanding Jeanne Ives in the 6th Congressional District just revealed how deceitful he is by releasing two new campaign ads featuring the ethically vacuous viper Pat Brady. Those who know Brady’s history will gripe that “viper” is too kind a term. I completely agree, but I try to avoid expletives.
Brady is the disgraced former Illinois Republican Party chairman who, before Illinois legalized same-sex “marriages,” skulked around Springfield, secretly trying to convince Republicans to vote in favor of the law that recognizes non-marital unions as marriages. Once ousted from his position as chairman, the ACLU hired him to lobby Republicans to support same-sex faux-marriage. Brady is one of the reasons why the Republican Party in Illinois—with a few stellar exceptions—became such a weak, feckless, compromised party... Read more...
Written by Laurie Higgins
Illinoisans and all other Americans who have watched in dismay at the growing power of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), her leftwing collaborators, and her fawning devotees who are rioting in the streets—also known as Harris/Biden voters—should be deeply invested in congressional races around the country. If we help the campaigns of good candidates and get to the polls, we have a chance to increase GOP representation in the U.S. House and retain GOP control of the U.S. Senate.
One of the stellar congressional candidates whom we need in the House is Jeanne Ives who is running in the 6th Congressional District. She’s exactly who the GOP needs to do battle with AOC and her leftist squad, which includes Ilhan Omar, an immigrant who violated immigration law in multiple ways and yet sits in the hallowed halls of Congress pontificating on morality.
Ives is running against a man so devoid of personal integrity that when asked by the Daily Herald to name an American who “most” inspired him named the egregiously obscene, homosexual, and anti-Christian bigot, Dan Savage. The member of Congress against whom Ives is running and who is most inspired by the leadership of Dan Savage is Sean Casten. Read more...
If you haven’t spoken to a Millennial Harris/Biden supporter, continue reading for a better understanding of the ignorance that “Critical Race Theory” results in, which in turn should make it clear how critically important it is for President Trump to be re-elected. Following Monday’s article about President Trump’s outstanding decision to prohibit federal agencies from funding CRT, I had a Facebook discussion with a Millennial who has swallowed the destructive ideology hook, line, and lethal sinker. Our discussion exposed the ignorance of those who have been trained by exposure to only one set of beliefs on race—beliefs that have been promulgated by federal agencies, government schools, the arts, and even corporate America. read more
This week on Spotlight, Monte Larrick and I are pleased to welcome Max Solomon, Republican candidate for State Representative for the 38th District. Max was born in Nigeria and is now a proud U.S. citizen. He shares his motivation and desire to represent the people in his district, explains how his Christian faith and pro-life, pro-family conservative views and values will inform his public service, and identifies some of the issues he hopes to address if he is elected to the Illinois House of Representatives.
Max Solomon is an attorney, adjunct professor of political science, and an ordained minister. For more information about his campaign for State Representative, or to volunteer or donate, please click HERE.
Every voter should be an informed voter. The IFI Voter Guide is a valuable resource that indicates where each candidate stands on crucial pro-life, pro-family, and religious liberty issues. To request your voter guide, go to illinoisfamily.org and click on the IFI Voter Guide tab or call our office at (708) 781-9328.
Written by Laurie Higgins
Totalitarians and other assorted radicals in America and around the world are fervently hoping Joe Biden will be elected. Communists, Marxists, anarcho-communists, radical Islamists, “trans”-cultists, homosexual activists, feticidal feminists, climate doom-mongers, and Critical Theory racists are cheering attacks on private property, public peace, historical monuments, and American founding principles while spending their days until the election filling balloons with feces and urine to throw at police.
They’re hoping for a Kamala Harris/Biden victory so they can strengthen their iron grip on American institutions and brass-knuckled destruction of our foundational principles. And BLM, Antifa, the Chinese Communist government, the Communist Party USA, and the Democratic Party are aided and abetted in their effort to ensure the election of Harris and Biden by sanctimonious Never-Trumpers. Read more...
If you’re in need of encouragement (and truly, who among us isn’t), this edition of Spotlight will speak to your soul as we feature more prayer and exhortation from the recent Rally for Jesus. Rev. Ron Citlau references 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 as a model for Christians to engage with the world and strengthen the Church.
After the break, Rev. Ceasar LeFlore encourages us to claim the peace that Jesus promises to His followers and he passionately asks us to consider how the righteous people of God should respond when the foundations of our nation – truth, righteousness, sanctity of life, and family – are being destroyed.
Rev. Ron Citlau is the leader pastor of Calvary Church in Orland Park. Thank you, Pastor Citlau and Calvary Church for hosting Illinois Family Institute’s Rally for Jesus!
Rev. Ceasar LeFlore is an Illinois Family Institute board member, a founder of Southland Coalition for Life, and a local leader for the 40 Days for Life prayer campaign.
Will you consider joining IFI’s Prayer and Action Team? Please click here for more information.
Election Day is just around the corner! Check HERE to verify that your voter registration, including name and address information, is valid and up-to-date. New voters can also register online HERE.
A big thank you to Calvary Church and Pastor Ron Citlau for hosting this rally at their facility.
“Cancel culture” emerged from the arrogant, ignorant 1960s when the parasites of Communism, the black power movement, the feminist movement, and the sexual revolution took root in their host, the Boomer generation, who went on to assume positions of power within government and the propaganda wing of government, academia, which passed on the ever-mutating parasites.
The father of lies deceived unbelievers into embracing Communism, which advanced covetousness and classism—i.e., bitter class warfare. He used the radical black power movement to advance racism, i.e., hatred of whites. He used feminism to advance misandry, i.e., hatred of men. And he used the sexual revolution to advance profligate promiscuity, thereby destroying bodies, minds, hearts, souls, families, and churches. Read more...
Written by Laurie Higgins
Not surprisingly, quisling Mitt Romney has spawned a quisling movement. About 140 quislings and quislingettes have started an organization called Quislings4Biden Romney4Biden. They use deceitful language in an attempt to ennoble their defection to the dark side of the Biden campaign, which is operating fearfully from Biden’s darkened basement where the flickering light from his dimming mind slowly burns out.
In their mission statement, the quislings begin by blaming the deaths of Americans from the lethal virus whose escape from a Chinese Communist lab was concealed by the Chinese Communist government in cahoots with the World Health Organization so the Chinese Communists could scarf up PPE and ventilators before the rest of the world could get any.
Next, the quislings blame Trump for job losses that were inevitable but increased unnecessarily by Democrat governors’ draconian shut-downs. Read more...
A few dozen Christians met to Rally for Jesus outside Calvary Church in Orland Park in mid-August. Many Christian leaders spoke and prayed during this rally, and this edition of spotlight is the first of a series of highlights from the event. Spotlight 213 features IFI and IFA Executive Director David E. Smith, and current 109th state representative and 55th state senate candidate Darren Bailey.
A big thank you to Calvary Church and Pastor Ron Citlau for hosting this rally.
In the past year, we saw anarchists savagely beat innocent people in the street; take control of city blocks; incinerate police precincts; burn Bibles; attack churches; loot businesses; tear down federal monuments; deface public property; and parade naked in front of, hurl obscenities at, and even assault police officers. We saw.... read more
Written by Laurie Higgins
At the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, perhaps the most popular living demagogue, Michelle Obama, a woman gifted at the art of deception, delivered a deceitful polemic with the theatrical skill of her best Hollywood pals. Then on Wednesday night, her oily husband, equally full of hubris and skilled at humbuggery repeated the same old, same old, becoming the first president in modern history with an ego so huge it impelled him to swagger onto the national stage with teeth bared and claws unsheathed, and armed with the audacity of revenge. Read more...
Spotlight revisits the recent Black Families Matter rally that was held in south suburban Flossmoor, right next door to the Planned Parenthood abortion center. Latasha Fields delivers a passionate, well-reasoned, and biblically based call for Christian parents to stop advocating for public education and instead take personal responsibility for their children’s instruction. She also addresses the destructive agenda and influence of groups such as Black Lives Matter at School and the New York Times 1619 Project’s K-12 Black History Curriculum in government schools – and their intent to undermine and dismantle the Black nuclear family.
In the second half of the podcast, Rev. Ceasar LeFlore speaks about what really matters and Who is worthy of our worship. Using Scripture and a powerful, modern parable, Rev. LeFlore emphasizes the wisdom of submitting to God’s design for marriage, family, and the sanctity of life and exposes the dangers of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Latasha Fields is the state coordinator for Illinois for Parental Rights and a co-founder of Christian Home Educators Support System.
Rev. Ceasar LeFlore is an Illinois Family Institute board member and a founder of Southland Coalition for Life.
IMPORTANT: learn more about registering to vote here.
The Black Lives Matter movement is a shallow movement, one which has taken up a sledgehammer to address a complex problem in need of a more skillful approach. Speaking at a Black Families Matter rally held in Flossmoor (in front of Southland Smiles Dental and across from the new Planned Parenthood facility), Rev. Dr. Eric Wallace stressed that while black lives, white lives, all lives matter, what is foundational and truly vital to our nation right now are strong families parented by a mom and a dad. He issued a call to Christians to stop compartmentalizing issues of race and faith, and instead urged us to “walk out the gospel.”
Illinois Family Institute and Illinois Family Action Executive Director, David Smith, also spoke at the rally. Drawing from Gods Word, he illustrated how biblical truths and principles stand in unyielding opposition to racial division and condemn man’s sinful inclination toward prejudice, bias, and self-appointed superiority.
Dr. Wallace is the co-founder and president of Freedom’s Journal Institute and the Republican candidate for Illinois State Senator in the 40th district.
Pre-pandemic, the economic policies of the Trump administration had the economy soaring, providing the black community with the lowest unemployment rate in history. Then the Chinese Communist government unleashed a horror on the world, which became the crisis for which Democrats longed and are exploiting. In their devilish quest to shepherd befuddled Biden gently into the Oval Office in January, Democrats are desperately trying to keep schools and businesses shut down no matter the cost in unnecessary human suffering. read more
As we dive into the last month of summer, David Smith and Monte Larrick welcome Jim Davids, attorney and chief counsel for the newly-formed Justice & Freedom Law Center, to this week’s Spotlight. Jim, David, and Monte explore the concept of “muscular Christianity” and a possible Christian “protest” response – Jesus’ Life Mattered. They also consider J.B. Pritzker’s executive orders that have limited religious liberty, recent legal cases involving religious discrimination and restriction of religious freedom, and concerns regarding how legal rulings that were made during the pandemic might affect a post-pandemic world.
After the break, Jim shares his motivation for launching the Justice & Freedom Law Center and he details the types of cases and issues the Center represents. The podcast concludes with a discussion of Illinois’ LGBT history mandate, government schools, parental rights in regard to school choice, and voucher programs.
In addition to his leadership of the Justice & Freedom Law Center, Jim Davids has recently co-authored a book. Jim was an Illinois Family Institute board member in the 1990s and served as acting Executive Director for several months.
Make sure your vote counts in November! Check HERE to verify that your voter registration, including name and address information, is valid and up-to-date. New voters can also register online HERE.
Pastors and church leaders, please consider holding a voter registration drive at your church. Click HERE for more information and to request a Voter Registration Kit.
On Sunday, in an interview with the Washington Post, Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) took a dagger to the heart of Roe v. Wade like abortionists take a needle to the hearts of babies floating in their mothers’ wombs. Hawley made this statement about the infamous Supreme Court decision—a statement that has sent shock waves into the fetid, swampy “progressive” pond in which pro-feticide cheerleaders ferociously swim: read more
Even if you live outside of Illinois Senate District 25, this edition of Spotlight presents information every voter needs to know. Republican candidate for senator, Jeanette Ward, joins me and Monte Larrick to talk about her candidacy as well as some of the critical issues facing our state. Jeanette shares the biblical values and common-sense principles regarding freedom, faith, and family that will inform her service if she is elected.
During our discussion, Jeanette discusses the implications of the ongoing bribery scheme investigation involving ComEd and “Public Official A” (alleged to be Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan). They also consider Governor Pritzker’s proposed “Progressive” income tax; the possibility of taxing retirement income; the elevation of social indoctrination in public schools over solid instruction in core areas such as reading, writing, math, and science; ethical behavior, and much more.
Illinois sorely needs more conservative voices in Springfield and, as Jeanette says, “Money is a megaphone in politics.” If you would like to make a contribution to amplify Jeanette’s conservative voice, or if you want more information regarding volunteer opportunities with her campaign, please visit jeanette4senate.com. She can also be reached at (630) 294-5927 or by email.
Please listen and share!
The continued lockdowns--allegedly due to COVID-19--are not inhibiting pro-life activists like Joseph Scheidler from taking to the streets. The Face the Truth Tour consists of pro-lifers demonstrating in front of abortion clinics with graphic abortion photos to demonstrate the reality of abortion. Mr. Scheidler and Monte talked about how this tour got started, and why it is so effective and convicting. They also discussed the pro-life situation in Illinois and America, the hypocritical nature of the BLM activists, and election 2020.
Joe Scheidler is the founder and National Director of the Pro-Life Action League.
LGBTQ pressure continues to mount in government, schools, workplaces and even in our churches. Dr. Robert Gagnon argues against policies of appeasement with sexual extremists at this year's IFI worldview conference in Barrington.
Those who refuse to vote for President Trump because they find his tweets and temperament off-putting are small-minded, myopic, self-indulgent traitors to America. They are indulging their antipathy for Trump and their personal vindictiveness at the expense of America's future.
There is a loathsome campaign afoot by Never-Trumpers/RINOs/Establishment Republicans (aka the D.C. swamp) to bequeath to the next generation a country of far more oppression, far less liberty, far greater educational indoctrination, a darker economic future, and more threats domestic and foreign. The traitorous machinations of these so-called Republicans are driven largely by their hostility toward Trump’s responses to relentless hostility from the leftist press. read more
The juvenile, unhinged, and dishonest responses to President Trump’s magnificent Mt. Rushmore speech on July 3, 2020 reveal exactly what patriots are up against. President Trump began his speech by reminding all who call America home of the reason for the existence of the monument at Mt. Rushmore, the reason why America is unique among nations, and the reason so many still want to call America home:... read more
A new Planned Parenthood has opened in Waukegan; even in the midst of a pandemic the evil want to shed innocent blood. Monte Larrick joined a civil protest outside the new murder center recently and conducted a short interview with the Pro-Life Action League's Executive Director Eric Scheidler. They discussed the need for a constant pro-life presence outside the clinic, possible legal challenges to the facility, and legislative action issues.
This week is ending with some very good news for the Trump campaign and for every true-red Republican running for office. On the morning of July 2, National Review’s Jim Geraghty wrote,
Holy smokes, this news is so off-the-charts good, at first glance people might think it is a misprint: The U.S. economy added 4.8 million jobs in the month of June, and the unemployment rate dropped from 13.3 percent to 11.1 percent. We knew that as lockdowns lifted and businesses reopened their doors, employers would bring back laid-off workers. Economists expected a little under 3 million. Read more...
Those who have eyes to see not just trees but forests too, likely see the toppling of America right before their eyes. The blinkered eyes of the tree-lookers ignore the good President Trump has done and notice only the tangy appearance of the “bad Orange Man.” They can’t hear the prophetic calls of wise men like Victor Davis Hanson who warns that electing marionette Joe Biden will prove cataclysmic for the American Republic. They can’t hear the relatively few wise people remaining in America because leftists are shrieking at them through bullhorns. Even if they try to block out the mega-megaphones blaring propaganda into our miasmic atmosphere, they can’t. read more
On this edition of spotlight, multiple interviews are featured to discuss a range of related issues. The first guest is Kelly Shackelford, the president of First Liberty Institute, he discusses the court situation in America with Monte. The next is John Stonestreet to discuss the precarious state of abortion in America, especially Roe v. Wade.
The second half of this spotlight features Dr. Del Tackett and David Shestokas. Dr. Tackett talks about responding to our cultural storm and David Shestokas brings wisdom from America's founding documents, especially as we exit a shutdown and celebrate the nation this weekend.
Once and former presidential candidate Carly Fiorina just announced her intention to vote for Joe Biden. She accompanied her announcement with this amusing rationalization for her traitorous betrayal of Republican principles:... read more
Peter Labarbera, the President of Americans for Truth and the Center for Morality, joins this episode to discuss the recent U. S. Supreme Court decision to rewrite the Civil Rights Act of 1964. After talking about the possible results of the drastic decision, Monte Larrick and Labarbera discussed the "Equality Act" and the 2020 election.
Democrats label those who object to the Black Lives Matter organization and Critical Race Theory "racist."
Democrats label as "racist" or Uncle Toms those who have different ideas from Democrats on how to address the problems that plague urban black communities.
Democrats label as " racist" anyone who objects to police brutality and acts of racism by police but supports police departments.
Democrats fire people for... read more
The BLM riots continue: the attention of the raging rioters has shifted to attacking the statues of historical Americans. Both the alleged reason and the downright historical ignorance of these rioters are addressed in this episode of Spotlight. Latasha Fields, the leader of the Christian Home Educators Support System, speaks about the disproportionate impact of demonstrably bad democratic policies in communities with higher pigmentation, and why the church generally must step up and help that part of Christ's Body which is suffering. The second half features David Barton, the president and founder of WallBuilders, to discuss the Founders and their falsely alleged racism, in addition to heavily recommending all to diligently study the Word of God like our forefathers did.
More parents are looking to homeschooling and private education as government schools in Illinois face uncertainty because of the CCP virus and pro-LGBT history in classrooms starting very soon. During this time of racial unrest, leftists are pressing the U.S. Senate to pass The Equality Act: the game-changing legislation which would raise sexual attraction and "gender" perception to the same level as race in our laws. BreakPoint commentator John Stonestreet weighs in during this edition of Illinois Family Spotlight.
John Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He’s a sought-after author and speaker on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education and apologetics. John is the daily voice of BreakPoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on the culture founded by the late Chuck Colson. He is also the voice of the Point, a daily one-minute feature on worldview, apologetics and cultural issues.
Black lives do matter, but not because they’re black—which, as “progressives” continually tell us—is just a social construct. Black lives—like red, yellow, brown, and white lives--matter not because of the color of their skin but because they are human lives created in the image and likeness of God and endowed by God with unalienable, intrinsic rights.
Since society is composed of fallen humans with desperately wicked hearts, many forces conspire against people of color and colorless people, including some toxic systemic forces that demand solutions. Few if any of these solutions are proposed by Black Lives Matter (BLM), Antifa, or “progressives.” In fact, in the grimy, grasping quest for power of BLM, Antifa, and “progressives,” they double-down on the policies and cancerous ideologies that undergird those policies, thereby increasing their own political power and the suffering of those whose votes they covet. Read more...
Minneapolis City Council member, community organizer, and Antifa-supporter Jeremiah Ellison—son of the first Muslim to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and current Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison—tweeted this yesterday: We are going to dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department. Not to be outdone, Lisa Bender, Minneapolis City Council president, then tweeted this: Yes, We are going to dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department and replace it with a transformative new model of public safety. Yeah, “progressives” have been doing a bang-up job of transforming society over the past fifty years with their transformative models of social justice, transformative models of sexuality, and transformative models of intersectionality. Read more...
2020 keeps getting crazier. This time cities around the world are being pillaged and torched by rioters taking advantage of the protests of the unjust George Floyd murder. In this week's spotlight, David Smith interviews Dr. Eric Wallace and Stephanie Trussell for their perspective on the insanity in the first and second halves of the show, respectively.
Our final Spotlight for May features a recent conversation between Monte Larrick and Pastor Dan Haas of Aurora Community Church. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Haas wonders what is God’s message to believers in Christ and what is the Church’s task. Dan stresses the opportunity the pandemic presents to re-evaluate and prepare for what ministry could look like inside and outside of the physical church facility in the months to come. He also emphasizes that Governor Pritzker’s “one size fits all” approach to restrictions is flawed and injurious.
After the break, Monte and Dan discuss whether the pandemic is a sign of the end times and affirm the need for Americans to be prepared emotionally, mentally, and spiritually for the emergencies of life. They also consider the likelihood of revival or a new Great Awakening and the imperative for Christians to freely share the gospel and develop followers of Jesus.
In addition to pastoring Aurora Community Church, Dan Haas is Executive Director of A Future and a Hope Foundation.
Former Obama chief of staff and exploiter of crises, Rahm-bo Emanuel, is now informally advising Befuddled Biden. Before Americans take a looong walk off a short presidential pier and vote for Befuddled Biden, let’s take a short walk down Memory Lane. Since Biden obviously won’t be able to join us on Memory Lane, we’ll send Stacey Abrams to his Delaware bunker to carry him.
In 2007, Joe Biden said this about former president Barack Obama: "I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy. I mean, that's a storybook, man.”
Biden was right, man: Obama is a character in a storybook—a Machiavellian fairytale that he, Michelle Obama, and other regressives like Bill Ayers, David Axelrod, and Rahm-bo Emanuel wrote. Obama is the divisive, destructive nemesis in the Democrat “Myth of Altruism, Tolerance, and Unity” whose honey-tongue conceals his villainy. Read more...
Calculated Carnage—known euphemistically as Planned Parenthood (PP)—won’t let a little thing like a pandemic keep it from its bloody and profitable business. Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) has opened a new facility in Waukegan, Illinois, a Lake County city where one quarter of the families and one quarter of the population are under the poverty line.
Calculated Carnage calculates that targeting the babies of the poor is a more profitable business model than targeting the babies of the affluent (You’ll never find PP trying to sneak an abattoir into Glencoe, Lake Forest, or Winnetka). And let’s not forget that, thanks to the human slaughter eager beavers in Springfield and former governor Bruce “Pinocchio” Rauner, Illinois taxpayers now foot the bill for the abortions of women on Medicaid. Read more...
On this edition of Spotlight, the four C’s: Constitution, constitutional rights, churches, and coronavirus share center stage. Our podcast leads off with attorney and constitutional scholar David Shestokas. Monte Larrick and David discuss how Governor J.B. Pritzker has overstepped his authority by issuing coronavirus-related executive orders that masquerade as law. Additionally, they contemplate the Governor’s true motivation, especially as his actions directly target churches, freedom of religion, and the right to peaceably assemble.
Midway through the podcast, Monte and David are joined by Pastor Richard Giovannetti who shares his pastoral perspective on how Illinois’ excessive restrictions are negatively impacting ministry, worship, and fellowship. Pastor Giovannetti and Standing in the Word Ministries are represented by David Shestokas in their legal action to more fully open and once again come together as the local body of Christ. As the podcast ends, Pastor Giovannetti offers suggestions as to how pastors and churches can respond to the pandemic and shutdown, and he also envisions what the Church might look like if individuals and congregations truly become spiritually reinvigorated.
David Shestokas is an attorney, constitutional scholar, and author of the Constitutional Sound Bites series and Creating the Declaration of Independence (available through Amazon).
Pastor Richard Giovannetti is the senior pastor of Standing in the Word Ministries in Morris, IL and a longtime IFI board member.
If you are interested in taking legal action to open your church for in-person worship, please contact us at (708) 781-9328 and we will help connect you with legal counsel.
On Wednesday, declassified documents reveal that sixteen government officials during Obama’s reign of corruption requested the “unmasking” of General Michael Flynn, among whom are six notable Obama minions: Joe Biden (1 request), John Brennan (2 requests), James Clapper (3 requests), James Comey (1 request), and Samantha Powers (7 requests).
Golly gee, I wonder if former president and afficionado of Chicago-style politics Barack Obama knew anything about this. Read more...
Give me your young, your old, your faithful masses yearning to worship freely. This revision of The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus could well be the rallying cry of Pastor Steve Cassell of Beloved Church in Lena, IL. On this edition of Spotlight, Pastor Steve joins me for a timely discussion regarding the perilous intersection of COVID-19, governmental “authority,” and Constitutionally-guaranteed personal liberties.
Pastor Steve and I consider how churches and people of faith should respond to Illinois’ lockdown and examine the dangerous precedent that could be established by our governor’s abuse of his executive power. We also detail some of the horrific consequences of the lockdown, as well as the incredible opportunities for the Church to be an instrument of God’s healing and restoration in the midst of the pandemic.
If you would like to know how you can support Pastor Steve in his fight for religious freedom and personal liberty in our state, you can reach him at (815)-908-0321 or contact him at PastorSteve@BelovedChurchIllinois.com
The toxic sludge oozing throughout the Obama Administration, his Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Democrat allies in Congress is seeping out, enabling Americans to see more clearly that the unhinged efforts to unseat President Trump were taken straight out of Richard Nixon’s Watergate playbook.
In an effort to be re-elected, Nixon’s campaign attempted to illegally wiretap and burgle the Democratic National Committee’s headquarters and then engaged in a complex cover-up in which Nixon tried to involve the CIA, FBI, and DOJ. Additionally, the Watergate investigations revealed that Nixon had used the IRS to harm political opponents. The Washington Post reported that... Read more...
Conservatives are accustomed to the sanctimonious scoldings of hypocritical “progressives” who self-identify as the moral tutors of America—tutors who will forcibly “guide” Americans through the wide gate and onto the broad road that leads to self-righteousness. But those who have eyes to see will notice that the chinks in the armor of “progressives” that conceal atrophied consciences and darkened hearts are growing. Ironically, it’s the evil empire of Communist China that is taking a pickaxe to those chinks. Read more...
While numerous businesses have been designated as “essential” and allowed to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois’ governor has deemed houses of worship for all faith traditions as non-essential entities, denying people of faith access to these facilities for corporate worship and prayer. Monte Larrick spoke with Pro-Life Action League’s Ann Scheidler at a May 1st prayer vigil, held outside Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, to protest Governor Pritzker’s overreach. Mrs. Scheidler emphasized that now is the opportune time to stand up for our civil and religious liberties, as well as step up our pro-life activism.
Currently the Illinois legislature is adjourned, but the “progressive” majority in Springfield have made clear their intent to repeal the Parental Notice of Abortion Act and to enact additional anti-family legislation. Mrs. Scheidler details why and how Christians and pro-life citizens must act now to elect pro-life candidates and derail legislation that will increase teen abortion rates and facilitate sex trafficking.
Ann Scheidler is the Vice President of Pro-Life Action League and Chair of SpeakOut Illinois.
You are good and do good; Teach me Your statutes. ~Psalm 119:68
I shall make mention of the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, According to all that the Lord has granted us, And the great goodness toward the house of Israel, Which He has granted them according to His compassion And according to the abundance of His lovingkindnesses. ~ Isaiah 63:7
O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! ~ Psalm 34:8
Written by Laurie Higgins
In addition to the many sound policy decisions President Trump has made, one of the most important things to emerge from his election is the exposure of the breadth and depth of the hypocrisy of Democrats. Recently that hypocrisy has been revealed in the way Democrats have responded to sexual abuse allegations against presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.
While foaming at the mouth about allegations that Brett Kavanaugh had forcibly laid atop Christine Blasey Ford somewhere, sometime when they were teenagers, Democratic women like Mazie Hirono, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Elizabeth Warren have been struck mealy-mouthed when responding to claims that Joe Biden forcibly digitally penetrated a 29-year-old staffer when he was 51 years old. Brittle Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi bristled with sanctimony at this reasonable (though awkwardly worded) question from a female journalist: Read more...
Former Arizona Senator and Republican Jeff Flake has publicly committed to voting for befuddled Biden, despite both Biden’s demonstrable dementia and credible claims by long-time Democrat Tara Reade that when Joe Biden was a 51-year-old U.S. Senator and she was a 29-year-old staffer, he forcibly put his hand up her skirt, into her underpants, and digitally penetrated her. According to the Washington Post, Flake made the odd claim that “Never has a party so quickly abandoned its principles as [the Republican Party] did in the campaign of 2016.” Evidently, in Flake’s distorted view, the Republican Party would have better adhered to its principles by voting for Hillary Clinton in 2016.
In the Washington Post interview, Flake dismissed the significant conservative accomplishments of the Trump Administration: Read more...
According to Dr. Michael L. Brown, whether you realize it or not, war is raging in our nation. This war is not with a flesh and blood opponent, but rather with what he terms the “spirit of Jezebel” – demonic forces that are at work in individuals today, just as those same spirits were at work in individuals in biblical times. In his address to attendees of IFI’s 2020 Worldview Conference, Dr. Brown holds fast to the authority of Scripture and encourages believers to suit up in the full armor of God to fight against the advances of our depraved, satanic foe.
Please listen to this podcast and share it with family and friends. It is imperative for us to be focused on the Lord, alert as to the devil’s schemes, and well-equipped to wage spiritual warfare against the growing spirit of Jezebel in our nation.
Dr. Brown is the founder and president of Fire School of Ministry in Concord, North Carolina, a radio and podcast host of The Line of Fire, and a prolific author. His most recent book is Jezebel’s War With America: The Plot to Destroy Our Country and What We Can Do to Turn the Tide.
The effects of COVID-19 reach far beyond the realm of human health. In Spotlight this week Pastor Calvin Lindstrom and I consider Americans’ right of religious liberty vs. submission to governmental authorities, especially in light of restrictions on “non-essential,” in-person worship services and church gatherings. Should Christians be governed by Hebrews 10:25 or Romans 13 and what is a proper, biblical response to government overreach?
After the break the conversation turns to pending legislation, specifically SB 2762 which would require comprehensive sex ed starting in kindergarten (with NO parental opt-out) and SB 3788 which, among other things, deletes teaching honor and respect for monogamous, heterosexual marriage. Pastor Lindstrom presents strong reasons to pursue private Christian education or home education once the school shutdown is lifted and provides informative resources for families (here and here). The podcast concludes with encouragement from Pastor Lindstrom to stay engaged in the political process and to VOTE!
Calvin Lindstrom is the pastor of Christian Liberty Academy and the Church of Christian Liberty in Arlington Heights, IL. He is also a long-time IFA board member.
Take ACTION: Click HERE to contact your state lawmakers. Respectfully urge them to vote NO on SB 2762 and SB 3788.
For more information regarding the State Day of Prayer on Friday, April 24, please check out this article, posted on the Illinois Family Institute website. Please listen and share!
Former president Barack Obama just endorsed Joe Biden in a belated, windy, narcissistic, deceitful, and platitudinous 12-minute video that should be titled “Audacious Obama’s Ironic Endorsement of Befuddled Biden.” Amid his accolades for Bernie Sanders and his admission that Biden will govern even further to the left than he did, Audacious Obama said this... Read more...
Right to Life issues have been under attack for quite some time in our state, so it should come as no surprise that Illinois’ “progressive” legislators have their sights trained on yet another pro-life, pro-female protective measure. In a conversation at the SpeakOut Illinois conference in February, Mary Louise Hengesbaugh, director of Illinois Citizens for Ethics PAC, and Monte Larrick discuss the crucial benefits and protections afforded minors by the Parental Notice of Abortion Act. In turn, they detail the disastrous ramifications that will arise if the Illinois legislature succeeds in modifying or repealing this Act.
Also in this podcast, Mrs. Hengesbaugh provides information about Girls’ Health First, an initiative of ICE-PAC. Please visit Girls’ Health First to learn how you can fight back against attempts to modify or repeal the Parental Notice of Abortion Act.
Please listen and share with your like-minded friends!
Yes, the outlook is decidedly bleak in Illinois when it comes to pro-life issues, but the Rev. Ceasar LeFlore declares that pro-life Illinoisans don’t have the option of silence. In accepting the Henry Hyde Life Leadership Award at the recent SpeakOut Illinois conference, Pastor LeFlore thanks the many men and women who encouraged and discipled him as he answered God’s call to the abortion ministry. Likewise, he encourages and challenges the conference attendees and us to stand up and speak out for the sanctity of the unborn. Pastor LeFlore stresses the need for education and unity and powerfully speaks about the connection between the pro-life movement and spiritual awakening and revival in the Church.
Pastor LeFlore is an IFI board member and has served extensively with pro-life and pro-family ministries in Illinois and nationally including 40 Days for Life, the Southland Coalition for Life, The Beloved Community Development Coalition, and Life Education and Resource Network (LEARN), to name a few.
Rick Laib, a Sergeant with the Will County Sheriff’s Office and the Republican candidate for Illinois’ 11th congressional district seat, joins Monte Larrick for this very timely edition of Spotlight. Sgt. Laib relates the challenges of running for office when the most effective methods of campaigning have been eliminated due to the Coronavirus and he offers suggestions as to how citizens can best help first responders during this crisis. Monte and Sgt. Laib also discuss government spending in light of COVID-19, the responsibilities of government and individuals regarding future preparedness, and the tension between the government’s quarantine orders and the public’s constitutional right to religious freedom.
After the break, the conversation turns to Laib’s upset win in the primary and his campaign strategy for the general election. The podcast concludes with a discussion of the vision and values he will bring, if elected, to the United States House of Representatives.
To learn more about Sgt. Laib, visit Rick Laib 2020 or Rick Laib for 11 on Facebook.
Carol Davis recently gave a presentation at a recent FreedomWorks "Women Win" event about social media. Davis talks about using social media to present an opposing viewpoint to the usual media narrative and ultimately, sway elections. Carol Davis is the leader of the Illinois Conservative Union and is very active in the Illinois political landscape.
This special edition of Spotlight features a timely interview with Southern Illinois Republican Senator Paul Schimpf on NewsRadio WJPF in Herrin, Illinois. Senator Schimpf lends his opnion and insight into how Illinois is treating the Coronavirus pandemic, if they are going overboard, doing too little, or possibly adding unnecessary government programs in relief packages.
Our thanks to WJPF for letting us use this interview.
At the recent SpeakOut Illinois conference, Monte Larrick had the opportunity to connect with Illinois State Senator Dan McConchie of the 26th district. To begin this edition of Spotlight, Sen. McConchie described his approach to his senatorial responsibilities and gave detailed advice to constituents who want to have productive interactions with their elected officials in Springfield. Monte and Sen. McConchie considered how efforts to repeal the Parental Notice of Abortion Act, mandate HPV vaccinations for ALL Illinois youth, and eliminate any religious exemption for immunizations are trampling on parental rights. They also discussed Planned Parenthood’s support of a proposed expansion of comprehensive K-12 sex education and a lack of movement regarding ethics and pension reform.
Monte Larrick caught up with Peter Breen, the Vice President and Senior Counsel for the Thomas More Society, at the recent SpeakOut Illinois event in Oakbrook Terrace. They talked about Breen's candidacy for the 48th House district, his work on the fair maps petition, and the threats to families in Illinois--taking the form of the erasure of parental notice of abortion, the trampling of parental rights with the mandatory HPV vaccine, and the elimination of informed and religious objection to vaccines generally.
The first half of this week’s Spotlight podcast features Christian broadcaster Janet Mefferd’s interview with IFI’s cultural affairs writer, Laurie Higgins. Their conversation centers on the American Psychological Association’s Division 44: Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity and the numerous task forces within this division that strive to destigmatize and normalize deviant sexual practices such as polyamory, “ethical” non-monogamous relationships, minor attraction, and more.
Spotlight continues after the break with highlights from a Concerned Citizens for America forum in Rockford. In this excerpt, Laurie Higgins addresses persecution of outspoken believers and the need for bold speech. She also fields questions regarding the integration of private spaces in our public schools; church-aided options for families who want to escape government schools; femininity, masculinity, and affirmation of biological sexual identity; and the dangers inherent in the resurrected Equal Rights Amendment.
Dead-baby supporters U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, along with 42 collaborators helped defeat Senator Ben Sasse’s attempt to prohibit infanticide. Durbin took to the Senate floor to lie about Sasse’s bill by referring to it as an abortion bill despite the fact that he knows it has nothing to do with restricting access to abortion. read more
Latasha Fields, founder and director of CHESS – Christian Home Educators Support System, joins IFI executive director David Smith on this edition of Spotlight. In the first half of the podcast, David and Latasha discuss egregious legislation pending in the Illinois General Assembly that aims to eviscerate parental rights and eliminate religious liberty.
State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) recently introduced HB 4870 would mandate the HPV vaccination for ALL Illinois students at the 6th grade level. (Read more HERE.) If that isn't bad enough, Illinois Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) introduced SB 3668, which would repeal ALL religious and medical exemptions for school immunizations and allow students 14 and older to be vaccinated without parental consent. (Read more HERE.)
After the break, the conversation turns to the divisive New York Times 1619 Project and its antithesis, 1776unites.com, which strives to counter the misinformation regarding slavery and racism that has been promoted in school curriculum and to “to identify and highlight solutions, models of success in reviving our streets and communities, and actionable goals that should be pursued.” (Click HERE to watch Latasha's comments at 1776 Unites news conference on Feb. 14, 2020 in Washington D.C.)
Make your voice heard! This week, please call the Capitol switchboard at (217) 782-2000 and ask your state representative to REJECT HB 4870. Also call your state senator and ask him/her to vote NO on SB 3668. It is imperative that we let our elected officials know that we oppose these disastrous legislative proposals!
Bear with me while I tie together some disparate threads into a whole cloth.
First up is a frightening story from Canada—the “progressive” dreamscape in which Big Brother rules with an iron fist, censoring, indoctrinating, usurping parental rights, and threatening imprisonment of anyone who claims 2 + 2 = 4. This story should serve as a warning to Republicans in the United States.
Robert Hoogland, father of a now 15-year-old daughter, is living in the “progressive” dreamscape otherwise known as a living nightmare. When his daughter was 12 years old, he learned through seeing his daughter’s yearbook that she was using a boy’s name at school. That led to his discovery that a school counselor had helped her pick out the name and that the school had decided to treat her as if she were, in reality, biologically male. Read more...
As if we didn't already know Pete Buttigieg is a noxious presence in American culture, he made it clear at a rally in Aurora, Colorado on Saturday during a Q & A time. Ignorant Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced melodramatically, "This is a really touching question," and then read the following pre-submitted question to Buttigieg from 9-year-old boy Zachary Ro of Lone Tree, CO:
Would you help me tell the world I’m gay too? I want to be brave like you. Read more...
Here’s an excerpt from the disingenuous form letter U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) sends to constituents who plead with him to support the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act which would require doctors to provide health care to babies who survive efforts to kill them: Read more...
The Reverend Franklin Graham joined Monte Larrick for an interview right before the IFI fall fundraising banquet last year and is featured on this episode. They talked about freedom of speech, why Christians need to be involved in politics, why only God can ultimately change today's culture, how Rev. Graham believes we can change the education system, where civil disobedience is permitted, the conundrum in Illinois education with the new LGBTQ history mandate, and finally a message from Reverend Graham to the Christians in Illinois.
I have a lot to say about presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg and hope to say it soon, but first I have to address the kerfuffle generated by Rush Limbaugh who speculated last Wednesday that Democratic operatives must be asking themselves if the country is ready for a man-kissing man-president: read more
If ever there were a reason to vote for Jeanne Ives in the Republican Primary, it is yesterday’s endorsement of Ives’ opponent Jay Kinzler. If it had a soul, the notoriously leftist Chicago Sun-Times would sell it to you-know-whom to stop a true conservative like Ives from being elected. And who would you want to see do battle with AOC, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib: Jeanne Ives—or Jay Kinzler?
The leftist Sun-Times laughably identified Ives as “not a unifier,” and did so without acknowledging that the Democratic Party has no interest in uniting with anyone who believes that every human possesses intrinsic worth, including physically imperfect humans and those who were conceived via criminal acts.
The Democratic Party has no interest in uniting with anyone who believes women are entitled to be free of the presence of men in their restrooms, locker rooms, shelters, and military barracks. Read more...
If you’ve ever wondered how best to effectively communicate with your state representatives and senators, this edition of Spotlight will be of special interest to you!
In a presentation at the 2019 SpeakOut Illinois conference, former state representative Peter Breen gives us an insider’s view of the life of a legislator and offers valuable tips for interacting with those individuals who are hard against an issue, hard in favor of an issue, or “neutral.” While many of Breen’s remarks are directed toward pro-life legislation, his advice is applicable to other topics of concern to conservatives and pro-family voters.
Peter Breen is Vice President and Senior Counsel for the Thomas More Society.
Walt Heyer is the featured presenter on this edition of spotlight. We are featuring his presentation from the Illinois Family Institute 2019 worldview conference on the "trans" ideology. Mr. Heyer became a transgender man: hormones, surgeries and all. But he was, like most of us, saved by the blood of Jesus. This episode is his testimony.
Recent abortion legislation have had no effect on the energy of setbacks for the Illinois life movement, in fact it seems to have had quite the opposite effect. Despite unfavorable weather, over nine thousand people marched for life on January 11 essentially saying we as a pro-life movement might be down, but we are not out. This edition of spotlight features the various speeches from the rally.
This podcast features an interview with Pastor Cesar LeFlore to discuss his ministry at the Beloved Community Development Coalition, gentrification, christian co-ops and how the Church should help communities, out-of-wedlock births, personal responsibility, and reparations for slavery.
Lieutenant Colonel James Nicholas Pritzker—now known as “Jennifer Natalya” Pritzker—is trying to commandeer the Republican Party to serve the interests of the “trans” cult he officially joined in 2013.
A year ago Pritzker, a long-time RINO donor to GOP campaigns—often the campaigns of RINOs—who has the dubious distinction of being the world’s “only known trans billionaire,” threatened the GOP that if they didn't climb aboard the "trans" train, he was piling all his buckets of ducats on it and speeding away. He’s making good on his threat. Read more...
This edition of spotlight features an interview with a former homosexual and drug/alcohol addict turned pastor by the name of Ron Citlau. The pastor of Calvary Church in Orland Park shares his conversion testimony and experience. They also talk about
Check out Pastor Citlau's books here and his blog here.
In advance of the upcoming March for Life Chicago, Monte Larrick interviewed Eric Scheidler to talk about the big March, but looming in the background is the recent passage of a big anti-life law in Illinois, which prompts some to ask: why should we rally and march for life?
After that, they discuss activating more people for the pro-life movement, what the Pro-Life Action League does for the unborn, a potential legislative reversal of the parental notice of abortion in Illinois, how constituents could lobby their pro-abortion lawmakers against it, sex trafficking and parental notice, and is abortion coming to the public schools?
Eric Scheidler is the executive director of the Pro-Life Action League.
This past Sunday morning, the last before the New Year, IFI's Dave Smith gave this exhortation at his church. We are posting the audio here as a special addition for those who may be interested.
Proverbs 24:15 tells us that “a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again.” As we go into a New Year, we know from experience that we will have challenges and opportunities to be faithful and resilient. We will also have occasions where we want to simply give up.
Scripture tells us that we should resolve to rise quickly after we happen to stumble… after we fall, and get back on the straight and narrow path that God calls us to.
This is a good reminder as we start off the year!
IFI and IFA's executive director David Smith's speech at the annual IFI Fall banquet is presented on this spotlight. During this "Bold as a Lion" themed banquet, Dave talked about Christians needing to be bolder in the public square in the face of increasing pressure from the radical left. He also gave his opinion of Trump's presidency to date, the seemingly insurmountable odds against pro-family advocates, an encouragement from scripture, a vision for the future of the Illinois Family organizations, and a little pep-talk towards the end.
This spotlight, as the title implies, recaps IFI's 2019. Here to break it down, the IFI team: Monte Larrick, Kathy Valente, Mary Nieves, and David Smith. They do uncoil the year's work with some obligatory what's next, especially with the bills that were passed.
The rotunda of the Illinois State Capitol is the setting for this edition of Spotlight. Monte Larrick interviewed Delbra Pratt of the Illinois Prayer Caucus Network following the December 3rd dedication of the nativity scene on display in the rotunda. They discuss the important messages that a nativity scene sends when featured in the public square and contrast that with the messages of the displays of the Freedom from Religion Foundation and the Chicago chapter of The Satanic Temple.
Delbra Pratt encourages believers to link their prayer with action – to stand against the spirit of death by actively affirming life – and she and Monte enumerate the resulting consequences as our state (and nation) opens the door to welcome the spirit of death. The podcast concludes with information regarding the purpose and focus of the Illinois Prayer Caucus Network.
If you would like more information about the prayer caucus, please contact State Director Pratt at Delbra@IllinoisPrayerCaucus.com
A few weeks ago, I was privileged to give a Sunday morning message at my church, and since we captured the audio, I thought we could post it as a special addition for those who may be interested.
The Lord has been opening my eyes to how the “be doers of the Word” theme runs throughout the entire Bible. I keep seeing it almost on a daily basis as we listen and read Scripture. This theme is featured in the Sermon on the Mount as well. The key verses (for this message) are found in the 7th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew: 24 Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock…
26 Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand… The person who chooses to act on the Word of God verses the one who does not act of them. That's also by the way the essential difference between the person who's walked through the narrow gate in verse 13 and the one who hasn't. It is the essential difference between the one who's like a tree bearing good fruit in verse 18, and the one who isn't.
(This message was given on Sunday morning, November 24, 2019)
This spotlight features an interview with ILCAAAP's Anita Bedell to discuss seemingly increased vice in Illinois, or maybe just more exposed government corruption. Anita Bedell talks with Monte Larrick about more casinos therefore more gambling, how to fight commercial marijuana, and their combination link to corruption in politics.
A few weeks ago, I was privileged to give a Sunday morning message at my church, and since we captured the audio, I thought we could post it as a special addition for those who may be interested. I deiced to take a quick look at our Adversary, also known as Lucifer, Satan, the Devil himself. He is also known as the Accuser, an Angel of Light, Beelzebub, the Enemy, the Evil One, the Lawless One, Ruler of the Darkness, Serpent of Old, the Tempter, Thief & Wicked One.
Jesus makes Satan’s reputation crystal clear in John 8. In this chapter we find Jesus having a very contentious conversation with the Pharisees, who self-righteously boast to be sons of God.
Jesus set them straight, saying in verses 42-47: “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. " [The Devil] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
Jesus points out in verse 47: “He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”
This edition of spotlight features Dr. Michelle Cretella's presentation at IFI's 2019 Worldview Conference on the transgender movement. She talks about the erasure of free speech especially in the transgender movement, the true science of sex and gender, the war over the dictionary, a normal sequence for sex change operations, warnings about interacting your pediatricians, rapid onset gender dysphoria (peer pressure), lawsuits concerning ripple effects from the transgender movement, sowing the seeds for totalitarianism, and some action steps.
Michelle Cretella, MD, is a Board Certified Pediatrician with a focus on adolescent health. She serves as Vice President of the American College of Pediatricians and on the Board of Directors of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality. She has been a pro-life and family advocate for years.
Dr. Allen Carlson leads the International Organization for the Family and he joins Monte Larrick on this the one hundred seventy-fourth edition of Illinois Family Spotlight. He talks with Monte about the importance of the traditional family, and the continued attacks on it. They also discuss the tendency for conservatives to remain on the defensive and refrain from utilizing their most powerful tool.
According to Brigitte Gabriel, “Two percent of the passionate will always rule the ninety-eight percent indifferent.” As a conservative author, political commentator, and the founder of ACT for America, Ms. Gabriel is definitely passionate about educating and mobilizing Americans to take practical steps to preserve our national identity and protect our country from radical Islam.
Brigitte Gabriel joins Monte Larrick on this week’s Spotlight to discuss a variety of topics including legal immigration, sharia law in U.S. courts, Islamic influence in American politics, diversity and multiculturalism, the Muslim Brotherhood, and more.
Act for America believes that education must be coupled with action. Americans must be organized, engaged, connected, and persistent in order to make a difference in our communities, states, and nation. If you are interested in receiving email alerts or becoming an ACT for America activist, you can sign up at ACT for America.
Illinois Family Spotlight would like to extend our thanks to Quentin Road Baptist Church for graciously allowing us to use their facility and studio for this interview.
It is imperative to know the truth in order to refute lies. Illinois Family Institute’s cultural affairs writer, Laurie Higgins, is well-acquainted with the truth regarding the lies of “trans” ideology. At a recent forum hosted by Concerned Citizens for American in Rockford, Laurie states that biological sex and scientific facts matter, despite what the proponents of this false, destructive ideology would have us believe.
In her presentation, Laurie clearly defines the terms biological sex, gender, and gender identity. She addresses the gender ideology indoctrination of public school students as young as five and also discusses gender dysphoria and body integrity identity disorder, the nitty-gritty of transitioning and de-transitioning, the inherent danger of puberty blockers, the misuse of pronouns, and the Equality Act.
Please listen to the valuable information in this edition of Spotlight in order to be educated and equipped to speak out boldly on these issues – and please share this podcast with family and friends.
Pastor Cory Musgrave joined Monte Larrick on this edition of Illinois Family Spotlight to discuss his invocation on the Illinois House floor earlier this year.
State Rep. Darren Bailey invited Pastor Musgrave to open the Illinois House in prayer, and Pastor Musgrave took the opportunity to ask God to forgive us for the recent passage of a radical abortion expansion bill that will result in even more innocent bloodshed.
He also answers questions about why he is running for Illinois State Representative in the 109th district (current State Rep. Darren Bailey is running for an open seat in the Illinois Senate’s 65th District). During this interview, they also discuss the new mega abortion mill near the Illinois-Missouri border and its rather shady origins, more alternatives to abortion, and organizing an ideological offensive against abortion.
In the second half of the podcast, they talk about the opioid problem and Musgrave’s suspicion of its origin in southeastern Illinois, whether recreational pot could help combat opioid abuse and its potential impact on southern Illinois agriculture, the state using vices to attempt to increase revenue, his experience combating far left indoctrination efforts in his local school district, and what his church and family think about his candidacy,
Pastor Musgrave is a true black robe pastor who caused quite a disruption in the state capitol on the last day of the 2019 Spring session, drawing attention from all over the state.
Christian attorney John Mauck of the Mauck & Baker law firm here in Chicago joins Monte Larrick to discuss the legal side of social issues. Specifically: suppressing evangelistic efforts in Millennium Park; a measure in Congress which would deprive organizations on the SPLC “hate-list” of their tax-exempt status; SCOTUS reviewing LGBTQ reparative therapy and discrimination laws and tangible things we should do to combat them. In the second half of the show, they discuss the “Equality Act” and other cases Mauck & Baker are involved in here in the State of Illinois.
John Mauck has been an attorney for over 40 years, representing churches and ministries in Chicago to insure land use for religious groups in restricted areas of the city, among other issues. His work in drafting the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, which became federal law in 2000, has helped congregations across the country freely worship.
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This spotlight centers around the Reverend C.L. Bryant, a Senior Fellow at Freedom Works, and the host of a syndicated radio show, namely, the C.L. Bryant show on Red State Talk Radio.
He joins Monte Larrick to discuss freedom generally, including inattentive politicians locally and nationally, the politics of race, if Trump should triple down smashing Dems for their continuing failed policies while in control of major cities, and a sinister trend of detrimental policies in majority black neighborhoods.
In the second half C.L. expounds on whether free market ideas and principles can fix and reorient Illinois' broken system, the devastated state of Illinois' taxpaying farm team, Pastor C.L. Bryant weighs in on commercial pot, social media engagement and conservative suppression, and finally the ramifications of this upcoming 2020 election.
While the 40 Days for Life fall campaign will come to a close in a few weeks, this edition of Spotlight features highlights from an address given by Rev. Ceasar LeFlore at a 40 Days launch event in Tinley Park – and his message is just as timely now as it was at the start of the campaign.
In his presentation, Pastor LeFlore speaks about the prompting of the Holy Spirit, the power of prayer, the imperative for pastors to set an example and lead their people to follow that example, and the need for churches to actively promote a culture of life as well as partner with pro-life communities. Make sure to listen to Pastor LeFlore’s impassioned exhortation at the conclusion of the podcast.
Pastor Ceasar LeFlore is one of the founders of the Southland Coalition for Life.
The 2019 fall 40 Days for Life campaign is in full swing and will run through November 3rd. At a recent launch event in Tinley Park, David Smith, Executive Director of Illinois Family Institute and Illinois Family Action, shares from his heart regarding the apathy and disinterest he has witnessed among Illinois Christians toward public policy and the political process. He also outlines the sordid details of Illinois’ radical Reproductive “Health” Act (SB 25) and the resultant devastating consequences.
In the second half of the podcast, Jill Stanek, National Campaign Chair for the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List, emphasizes the impact of the biannual 40 Days for Life campaign. She also details progress and victories for the pro-life movement that are due to the actions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government over the last three years.
If you would like to know where you can participate in a 40 Days for Life campaign in your area, please click HERE for more information.
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Joining Monte Larrick on this edition of Spotlight is Darren Bailey, current State Representative for the 109th district. Their conversation occurred at the Illinois Conservative Union’s Illinois Political Activist Conference which was held in August in Bolingbrook, Illinois.
Representative Bailey details the reasons why he has decided to run for state senate in the 55th district and recounts the valuable experience he gained as a state representative. He also shares an incident surrounding Pastor Cory Musgrave’s opening prayer on the final day of the recent legislative session that illustrates why it is imperative that conservatives and Christians in the Land of Lincoln are well-represented by the leadership of conservative and Christian men and women in the Illinois General Assembly.
Other topics of discussion include the need for the Church to seriously address the critical issues of the day, especially pro-life issues; the lack of conservative candidates who are willing to challenge uncontested seats; the necessity for new, truly conservative leadership in the Illinois GOP; the important role of southern Illinois voters; and Peter Breen’s Fair Maps. Additionally, Rep. Bailey talks about the Christian school he founded in Louisville, IL and how the LGBT history mandate might affect students in private, Christian, and charter schools, as well as homeschool settings.
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The indefatigable Monte Larrick recently interviewed Dr. Haywood Robinson at a 40 Days for Life pastors luncheon in Tinely Park. Dr. Haywood Robinson is a former abortionist who came to saving faith in Jesus Christ and was convicted by His Word. Dr. Robinson offers his thoughts on the Ulrich Klopfer discovery--the man who horded 2,246 aborted children in his garage since 2001--and whether or not there might be more abortionists doing similar heinous deeds.
They also chatted about Dr. Robinson and his wife's personal story, how abortionists are hardened by their sin and incentivized by money, the consequences of loosening abortion clinic regulations in Illinois, underage abortions, and much more.
While the Life issue doesn’t seem to be winning in the Illinois legislature, we know it’s winning elsewhere. This episode of Spotlight is an interview Monte Larrick conducted with Sue Thayer, the Director of Outreach for 40 Days for Life. She describes the results of a 40 day vigil outside an abortion clinic, and she takes us inside an abortion worker’s mindset.
They also discussed the advent of webcam and chemical take-home abortions, and tips and details for attending a 40 Days for Life prayer vigil.
Sue Thayer was a Planned Parenthood clinic director for nearly twenty years in Storm Lake, Iowa, when Jesus reached out and changed her heart. As a result, she started the first 40 Days for Life campaign in her hometown which resulted in the closing of the clinic she worked at.
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This edition of spotlight features an interview with the Reverend Dr. Wes Modder. He joined Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss the anniversary of 9/11 and what it means for Christians, his testimony, Pastor Modder's ministry here in the south suburbs of Chicago, and his future book.
This episode features the second part of Calvin Lindstrom's conversation with Monte Larrick and David Smith about education. They also address the dramatic collapse of some rather high-profile Christian leaders in the recent past, and the shift from biblical principles in some national churches.
This edition of spotlight features a Laurie Higgins appearance on Jim Schneider’s Voice of Christian Youth (VCY) America program, Crosstalk.
They discuss the present-day radical anti-science sexual revolution heavily promoted by the National Education Association and division 44 at the American Psychological Association, the rising normalization of non-monogamous relationships, the absence of an alternate perspective in public schools, some extremely Leftist business items passed by the NEA at their most recent convention, and a new Leftist term: white fragility.
During this edition of Illinois Family Spotlight, Calvin Lindstrom joins Dave Smith and Monte Larrick at the IFA home studio to discuss the advent of legal pot and what communities can do about it county-wide, Christian influence in areas other than legislative battles, the nuts and bolts of LGBTQ+ history in schools, the importance of Christian private schools, and starting and maintaining Christian schools.
Pastor Calvin Lindstrom is the principal at Christian Liberty Academy and the Church of Christian Liberty in Arlington Heights and is also an IFA board member.
This edition of spotlight features a Laurie Higgins appearance on the Sandy Rios in the Morning show on American Family Radio to discuss rampant radically leftist sexual ideology in public schools. They specifically drilled into the National Education Association's annual meeting where they affirmed several radical leftist ideas like unrestricted access to abortion, LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum, white fragility, etc.
They also discuss democrat presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg's christian heresy, the normalization of polyamory and pedophilia, and what retirees can and should be doing to advance the Kingdom.
Monte Larrick had the opportunity to interview Latasha Fields at this year's CURE summit. They discussed Field's story, the education problem in minority communities, school vouchers, moral responsibility, the way to rise above poverty, the rising prevalence of influential black conservatives, and more education related topics.
Monte Larrick caught up with the executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, Eric Scheidler, at the 2019 Face the Truth Tour.
They discuss the psychology of the Face the Truth Tour, the danger and general unpopularity of repealing parental notice of a minor's abortion, why now is the best time to meet face-to-face with your lawmakers, and new legislation that would repeal Illinois' newest abortion law in addition to making Illinois a heartbeat state.
They also talk about relatively recent critiques of how Republican party leadership handled the fight against the RHA, and the easiest way by far to get started in the pro-life movement: 40 Days for Life.
This edition of spotlight features an interview with John Stonestreet, the president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview.
They discuss teaching your children in a world that assaults biblical values in nearly every way possible, the relatively unknown danger the proposed so-called "Equal Rights" Amendment poses, and how Roe being in play does not necessarily mean the fight over the legality of abortion is over.
This episode features the relatively recent annual interview Monte Larrick conducts with Kirk Smith, the executive director of the Illinois Christian Home Educators, ICHE. They discussed homeschooling, the larger venue ICHE's annual convention has migrated to, the lamentable fact that the church of Jesus Christ seems to always be tardy in responding to dramatic occurrences in the culture. They also discussed the legal ramifications of choosing to home school, how to get started, and epic failed attacks on home educators rights in Illinois thanks to a massive response by homeschoolers.
State Representative Darren Bailey joins David Smith on this episode to break down the corrupt system Illinois is known for; it's worse than you think. Darren Bailey is a stalwart Christian statesman representing the 109th district.
They also discuss what could possibly be next for the leftists in Springfield, the importance of principled men and women running for public office and where they could begin, the possibility of booting Chicago out of Illinois, and an upcoming event you do not want to miss. (alternate location tickets here)
If you are serious about running for local or even statewide office, here is the telephone number for Rep. Bailey's office where they would be glad to be of assistance: (618) 665-4109.
If you are in the Springfield area you might be interested in a town hall about possible secession from Chicago. On Saturday, July 13th, State Rep. Brad Halbrook will speak at a town hall meeting in Sangamon County to discuss the growing "New Illinois" movement and will be joined by colleague State Rep. Chris Miller. The event begins at 2:00 PM at Destiny Church at 2423 South MacArthur Boulevard in Springfield, and is free and open to the public.
This edition of Spotlight features a Townhall event where former state rep Jeanne Ives and current State Rep John Cabello recapped the 2019 spring legislative session with an eye for the "bi-partisan" budget, gas tax, a pay raise for legislators, and other mind numbingly stupid laws only Illinois could conceive.
Written by David E. Smith
A few weeks ago, I was privileged to give the Father’s Day sermon at my church, and since we captured the audio, I thought we could post it as a special addition for those who may be interested.
The Lord laid on my heart a strong conviction that I had to share with my church family, and by extension, with Illinois Spotlight listeners. It is a message pertinent for us all, but is primarily directed at fathers and grandfathers.
The title verse for this message is as follows: Keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn... ~1 Kings 2:3
On this edition of Illinois Family Spotlight, Monte Larrick solicited an interview from Tim Moore, the president of Springfield Right to Life. They discussed the impact Springfield Right to Life has made on their city, the enactment of abortion expansion, where Christian Illinoisans should go from here, and how pro-lifers should respond to sometimes violent assaults while protesting or witnessing outside abortion clinics.
This edition of spotlight features the Illinois life champions responding to the approval of dramatic abortion expansion by Governor Pritzker at a news conference directly following the signing and celebration of Illinois' democrats abortion masterpiece: the RHA.
The speakers are Mary Kate Knorr, the executive director of Illinois Right to Life, her attorney Peter Breen, the senior counsel of the pro-life Thomas More Society, a neonatal ICU nurse by the name of Emily Kelly, Dr. Nalini Rajmannan, and the Pro-Life Action League's Eric Scheidler.
Illinois State Rep Darren Bailey joined David Smith to discuss the legislature's recent regressive accomplishments, if you can call them that, Rep Bailey's personal conviction to run for office, and a very special event hosted by the "eastern block" conservatives coming up in late July.
Homosexual presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg, who is in a legal but non-marital “marriage,” tweeted this on June 1: "Thanks to leaders like Marsha P. Johnson and Harvey Milk, I have faith in the possibility of change and growth in this country. There is still more work to do, but let us take a moment and celebrate the gains we've made this #PrideMonth." I kid you not. Buttigieg has publicly thanked Harvey Milk, who while in his 30’s was having sex with teen boys and who was a close friend of cult leader Jim Jones. read more here
This episode of spotlight is a recap of the last two weeks of the Illinois General Assembly where both chambers approved radical abortion expansion, recreational marijuana, and sports gambling and more casinos and slot machine access throughout the state. This exchange occurred on Stephanie Trussell's weekly show on WLS with IFI's David Smith as featured guest.
Important action alert: please contact your local authorities with polite requests to opt-out of recreational marijuana in your community.
This edition of spotlight features Pastor Douglas Wilson's presentation at the Illinois Family Institute's worldview conference on the Trans Ideology. His talk however, is not limited to the transgender issue, covering the culture war as a whole.
The Reverend Douglas Wilson is a conservative Reformed and evangelical theologian, pastor at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, faculty member at New Saint Andrews College, and prolific author and speaker. You can find his blog here.
This week's show covers the argument against legalized internet and sports gambling in Illinois. Monte Larrick recently interviewed Anita Bedell, the executive director of ILCAAAP, to learn about the negative effects of legalized sports betting on our families and neighbors. They also touch on the legalization of marijuana.
Following the vote in Alabama to ban all abortions except in pregnancies that threaten the life of the mother, U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) used her Twitter account to complain that abortion bans are about “owning women” and religious Americans’ efforts to “outlaw sex” they don’t approve of... Read more...
Ceasar LeFlore joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss the continuing abortion fight, 40 Days for Life, what it would take to turn Illinois around, Ceasar's activity and events you should attend in the area.
Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg is not, in reality, married. Talk show host Dave Rubin is not, in reality, married. If or when Fox News contributor and Townhall editor Guy Benson legally marries his male fiancé, he will not, in reality, be married. Buttigieg and Rubin are no more married than Bruce Jenner is a woman.
Marriage, like biological sex, has an immutable, objective nature that the law cannot change. Neither the law nor judicial decisions can change intrinsically non-marital unions into marriages. All legal machinations exploited to create the appearance of change—that is, to create the illusion that non-marital unions are marriages (or that men are women)—are not merely deceptive but also destructive to both individual lives and the public good. Read more...
This edition of spotlight features comments from Jeanne Ives, a former Illinois state representative and gubernatorial candidate.
Ives discusses the potential negative fiscal impact of legalizing marijuana, Illinois economic potential and incompetence.
This edition of spotlight features highlights from the Illinois Family Institute worldview conference on the trans ideology with Dr. Michele Cretella, Denise Shick, Walt Heyer, Pastor Douglas Wilson, and IFI's Laurie Higgins.
They discussed the logical conclusion of the trans ideology, what Christian parents must do about the rotten public education system, and some biology.
Monte Larrick is joined by two Colorado residents and marijuana experts in their respective fields to discuss why Illinois should slow down on marijuana legalization and their personal experience and observations from their state.
Dr. Karen Randall is an emergency medicine physician in Pueblo, Colorado and is affiliated with Parkview Medical Center. She received her medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. She holds a certificate in Cannabis Science and Medicine from the University of Vermont.
Jo McGuire is the executive director of the Board of Directors for the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association and advocates for safe and drug-free workplaces worldwide. She is also a Certified Professional Collector and Trainer (CPCT) and a Certified Designated Employee Representative Trainer (CDERT), who consults and trains professionals overseeing Safety Sensitive Employees in the compliance of federal DOT guidelines for drug and alcohol screening programs. Jo also assists educators with classroom and assembly-style presentations, aimed at youth drug prevention, and parent awareness and education. She also serves as the Senior Project Manager for TSS, Inc. a Third Party Administrator in the drug testing industry.
This edition of spotlight features Pastor Doug Wilson who spoke at the IFI worldview conference on the transgender ideology. He joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss the biblical cultural mandate, why Christians should have continued hope for change and revival, socialism and its relation to the corruption and failure of public schools.
It’s difficult to take seriously “progressives”—you know, those who endorse human slaughter and sexual deviance—who caterwaul about Trump's character. What are their criteria for assessing character?
We know “progressives”—henceforth referred to more aptly as “regressives”—don’t care about sexual continence or sexual propriety: They love John F. Kennedy, his Lady Killer brother Ted, and rapist Bill Clinton. They even reelected Lady Killer Kennedy multiple times. They also reelected Barney Frank 11 times, Read more...
On this edition of Spotlight, a few good men from Pacific Garden Mission testified against marijuana legalization at a community leader breakfast in March. Pastor Phil Kwiatkowski, the president of PGM laid out the case against commercialization from his perspective, then PGM counselors Ron Childers and Theodore Jones round out the second half of the podcast with the story of their personal bondage and subsequent emancipation from this destructive drug.
The stench from the swamp-dredged resolution sponsored by our Big Brothers and Sisters in Springfield and titled “Illinois Family Action-Hate Speech,” hangs over the General Assembly stinkin’ up the joint. For those unaware, this is the pernicious resolution riddled with bigoted language, non sequiturs, red herrings, and outright lies and intended to diminish the rights of IFI and IFA and other social conservatives to speak freely, assemble, and petition our government for the redress of grievances.
The resolution arose after IFI contributor Teri Paulson wrote an article in which she suggested that there is little moral difference between the macabre anti-life views of “progressives” and the macabre anti-life views of the Third Reich, and it appeared just days after a remarkable pro-life lobbying day on which 4,500 pro-life Illinoisans showed up in Springfield to oppose the macabre human slaughter bills (HB 2495 and HB 2467) sponsored by the very same Big Brothers and Sisters and their ideological allies. Read more...
This spotlight features an interview Stephanie Trussell of the Stephanie Trussell show on 890 WLS conducted with Laurie Higgins, IFI's cultural analyst. Laurie joined Stephanie's show to discuss the controversy about Illinois Family Action's recent article calling abortion a holocaust. They discuss the anti-first-amendment resolution and radical abortion proposals in Springfield and what christian conservative grassroots activists need to do about it.
This edition of spotlight features the question and answer session from a recent IFI event with Dr. Erwin Lutzer who presented from his legacy book "The Church in Babylon."
Peter Breen, the Vice-President and Senior Counsel of the Thomas More Society joins Monte Larrick to further enlighten us about the two new radical abortion bills that we will be protesting in Springfield on March 20. They also stress communicating regulating with your lawmakers, not just about troubling legislation, but building relationships with your lawmakers.
Peter has represented many churches, organizations, and individuals pro bono in state and federal courts across the country. He has served as the Society’s Vice-President, as well as its Executive Director & Legal Counsel, directing its day-to-day operations. During his five-year tenure as Executive Director, the Society grew substantially, successfully taking on numerous lawsuits of national importance, setting fundraising records, and retiring all of its long-term debt.
Laurie Higgins joins David Smith to discuss trans ideology, IFI's sixth annual worldview conference, and a couple asinine bills pending in the capital.
Contact your state representative at (217) 782-2000.
Monte and Dave welcome Dr. Karen Randall, a ER pediatrician in Colorado back to the podcast to address marijuana legalization in Illinois. Specifically, the spike of marijuana related issues in her emergency department, cannabis science, the growth of the Colorado black market for pot, qualifications dispensary operators may (or may not) have, the public reaction when confronted by the facts, and a public invitation to come and witness the ill-effects on the states where marijuana is legal.
Monte Larrick recently caught up with the president of 40 Days for Life, Shawn Carney, to discuss the pro-murder crowd's radical new push and the powerful new pro-life movie "Unplanned" which comes out March 29.
This episode of spotlight was honored by the presence of the Reverend Dr. Erwin Lutzer, pastor emeritus of the Moody Church in Chicago.
Dr. Lutzer joins hosts Monte Larrick and David Smith to talk about an upcoming speaking engagement about his self-labeled legacy book "The Church in Babylon, Heeding the Call to Be a Light in the Darkness." Dr. Lutzer goes on to diagnose the today's "folding" Christian church, and converses with Monte and Dave on notorious debates in today's culture.
David Avignone, the Executive Director of Illinois Citizens for Ethics PAC joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss Illinois' ethical woes.
They discuss the link between ethical politics and the ethics of supporting abortion, the Chicago mayoral race, bubble zones, what ICE-PAC is up to, combating the tremendous amount of money spent by pro-abortion candidates, and Illinois republicans collective lack of spine and leadership in taking on abortion.
Check out the Illinois Family Institute's upcoming events here.
Jo McGuire joins Monte Larrick and Dave Smith to hold another conversation on the broad topic of commercial marijuana and the ramifications Colorado is experiencing. Jo is the chairman of the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association, NDASA.com.
In the podcast they mention the old Illinois recreational marijuana proposal included 5-6 plants per house. The proposed bill is HB 902, which includes: "...possessing, growing, processing, or transporting on one's own premises no more than 24 mature cannabis plants and possession of the cannabis produced by the plants on the premises where the plants were grown; (3) possessing outside one's premises no more than 224 grams of cannabis..." this synopsis allows an massive amount of marijuana on one's property.
Take action: please contact your state lawmaker and respectfully request they oppose this disastrous public policy. The Illinois Capitol switchboard number is (217) 782-2000.
In this week's Spotlight is Angela Camp, a drug addiction specialist with Bradford Health Services in Birmingham, Alabama. Angela joins Monte Larrick to consider the raging heroin epidemic here in the United States, and it's relation to opioid and marijuana addiction.
They examine drug abuse making in-roads in middle-class America, marijuana's link to the use of opioids and hard drugs, the role of social media in this rampant drug scourge, some apps that are tell-tale signs of sketchy events in a young one's life, what parents can do to keep their kids safe and alive, and what the community of faith can do.
The second half of the podcast features Peter Bensinger, former administrator of the US Drug Enforcement Administration. Peter weighs in on the push to legalize commercial high-potency pot.
They explore the weaponization of marijuana in communities, why the Illinois claim that we can legalize pot better than California and Colorado is a fantasy, and the information Illinois lawmakers must know before attempting legalization.
Please contact your state lawmaker respectfully requesting them to oppose this bad public policy. The Illinois Capitol switchboard number is (217) 782-2000.
This week's episode spotlights Mary Kate Knorr, the executive director of Illinois Right to Life.
Mary Knorr joins Monte Larrick to take a hard look at the planned attack of Illinois' parental notification of abortion law, how to stem the overwhelming assault on this critical law, what Illinois could look like if parental notification of abortion is repealed, and holding anti-life lawmakers accountable.
They also take an over-arching view of what Planned Parenthood and anti-life activists are attempting to accomplish in Illinois, why cultivating strong relationships with your children (grandchildren), especially daughters, is so vital to slow the consistent emergence of crisis pregnancies, and finally a proposal in Springfield to legalize physician assisted suicide.
This episode Spotlights the marijuana debate, specifically in Illinois. Dr. Karen Randall joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss the problems that Colorado is experiencing resulting from commercializing marijuana.
This episode features a discussion on a divided humanity, and a divided Church. Dr. Eric Wallace from the Freedom's Journal Institute joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to converse on the apparent stifling of black residents in Illinois, and two new FJI projects: Racism in America and the Role of the Church, and Repent Chicago.
They also touch on what the Bible says about racism, the origin of man, how faith affects politics, and the history of addressing the problem of slavery.
Dr. Wallace is the president and co-founder of the Freedom’s Journal Institute, a former pastor, adjunct professor, author, military, and political candidate are descriptors used by others to describe Dr. Wallace. However, he prefers to be recognized first and foremost as a believer in Jesus Christ and a servant of God.
This episode spotlights a previous edition of Illinois Family Spotlight. An episode which featured a Monte Larrick interview with Alliance Defending Freedom’s (ADF) Regional Director J.D. Mesnard. This interview took place at IFI’s fourth annual worldview conference in early May. In the first half of the podcast, J.D. identifies the importance of ADF’s Church Alliance program, which supports the legal needs of churches across the nation during a time in which attacks on religious liberty are increasing.
During the second half of the podcast, in his capacity as Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives J.D. answers questions about how the business community, pro-family forces, and various churches defeated a 2016 ballot initiative to legalize “recreational” marijuana.
Monte Larrick and David Smith sit down with Kevin Grillot, the vice-president of the March for Life Chicago, and the executive director of WeDignify, formerly known as Students for Life of Illinois, to discuss the 2019 March for Life Chicago.
They also discuss the use of science to knock down pro-abortion arguments, the impact of putting a face to the child in the womb, Illinois quickly becoming an abortion battleground, what WeDignify does, the best way to reach people for life, and the encouraging fact that young people are gravitating towards the pro-life worldview.
This edition spotlights the nativity in the state capitol with Thomas Brejcha from the Thomas More Society.
Tom and Monte Larrick discuss free speech, bringing nativity scenes to state capitols nationwide, religious freedom at risk in Illinois with democratic supermajorities and governor, what the Thomas More Society does over the country, sidewalk counseling and the bubble-zone lawsuit, an update on lawsuits combating taxpayer funding of abortion and Illinois' abortion referral law, a threat to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the importance of retaining Illinois' parental notification of abortion, and legalizing assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Please contact your state lawmakers requesting them to support pro-life pro-family values and oppose anti-life proposals in Springfield. Call (217) 782-2000.
Tom Brejcha has been litigating cases in federal and state courts over the last four and a half decades. For the last 17 years, he has served as president and chief counsel of the Thomas More Society, defending the sanctity of life, religious liberty, and family values.
On this special edition of Spotlight, we highlight an interview the Executive Director David Smith did with Stephanie Trussell of the Stephanie Trussell Show on WLS 890 AM.
They discuss a controversy at a local church where a member desired to attend as a cross-dresser--a man attempting to dress as a woman, leading the pastor to confront him; the recent midterms; what both host and guest are thankful for; the hypocrisy of addressing Chicago's violence problem, yet ignoring Chicago's abortion problem; and the prospects of the 2020 elections.
Today's episode spotlights a forum about Islam at AM 560's Freedom Summit last November. Dr. Bill Warner and Usama Dakdok discuss the errant label Radical Islam, why Mohammed was the greatest warrior ever, and why we (as a Western Civilization) can win a civilizational war with Islam.
The second half features the question and answer period where the distinguished speakers conversed with the audience on sharia (Islamic Law) and the American Left, sharia's growing influence in America, Islamic rape gangs in European countries and it's legality under sharia, sharia finance, why it is imperative to get out and demonstrate, is Europe too far gone, what happens to a Muslim convert, why there is no such thing as a moderate Muslim, the difference between believing and submission in Islam, how to engage Muslim candidates, and Islam in our government schools.
Dr. Bill Warner is a prominent and highly respected expert on Political Islam. Realizing that the Islamic texts had been made deliberately difficult to read and comprehend, he set out to organize the doctrine in a manner that would be easily understood by the average person. He has written fifteen books that teach about Political Islam and make the Islamic doctrine understandable. He also developed the first self-study course on Political Islam.
Usama Dakdok was born in Egypt and grew up in a Christian home. While in government schools in Egypt, he learned about Islam just as every other student does in a Muslim country. Usama also studied for a university degree in Egypt which included the study of Sharia, which is Islamic Law. He came to America in 1992, and with all of his knowledge about Islam, he felt he could reach out to Muslim people in America with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, thus beginning The Straight Way of Grace Ministry.
This podcast features a presentation by one of Illinois' finest: Jeanne Ives. Current State Representative Ives gave a presentation in Rockford describing where Illinois stands after the 2018 midterms and what conservatives can do in the next few years to regain control. In the second half, Jeanne fields questions from the audience.
This second podcast on the 2018 midterms drills deeper into what happened in Illinois and what is on the horizon.
Richard Hartian joins David Smith and Monte Larrick for an informative, intellectual conversation on the state of Illinois and what's next.
Take action! Please call your state lawmakers and ask them to oppose SB 3249, the LGBT indoctrination bill.
Illinois Family Action's Chairman of the Board Rich Hartian joins the show to discuss last week's midterm election with David Smith and Monte Larrick.
Nationally, they discuss why it was so vital for the GOP to keep the U. S. Senate, the Kavanaugh effect, what republicans could have done better, and why certain republican U. S. Representatives won or lost their re-election bids.
They also converse on the Illinois election results: including the statewide turnout, conservative republican losses, the uphill battle facing principled conservatives in the Illinois General Assembly, and they touch on potential anti-family proposals coming from Springfield in the coming session.
In a recent appearance on The Journal Editorial Report, Republican economist Arthur Laffer (of “Laffer Curve” fame) unintentionally revealed the rot at the core of the GOP. In an astonishing statement, he waxed exultant at the prospects of Democrat Jared Polis winning the gubernatorial race in Colorado. Laffer is thrilled because Polis has the right economic plan. For those who don't know, Polis is openly homosexual, "married" to a man, and supports every lousy pro-homosexual legislation that a sexual anarchist can conceive. He pushed for the Student Non-Discrimination Act, the “Hate Crimes” Prevention Act, the repeal of DOMA, and the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. He's also pro-abortion. None of that matters, however, when money is your god. READ MORE
A former staffer for Pinocchio Rauner wasted no time telling conservatives to abandon all hope. In a commentary appearing in Friday's Chicago Tribune, Patrick Wohl tried to scare the Illinois GOP away from ANY rightward movement. Scaremonger Wohl ominously warned, "The Illinois GOP needs unity, not a race to the right." That's code language for "Abandon the social issues, you idiot rightwing lunatics!"
How about this for a revision: "The Illinois GOP needs unity on the entire GOP platform, not abandonment of the parts of it ignorant RINOs and Libertarians don't like." READ MORE
In this week's Spotlight is a veteran, a former adjunct Professor of Corporate Finance, sought after conference speaker, as well as conservative political commentator. Kathy Barnette served her country proudly for 10 years in the Armed Forces Reserves, where she was accepted into Officer Candidacy School. Her corporate career includes working with two major Wall Street firms and in corporate America. Kathy sat on the Board of a pregnancy crisis center for 5 years.
Mrs. Barnette joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss homeschooling; the Blexit movement, a mass exodus of black people from the Democrat party; the Left's new talking point that conservative white men are the enemy of the people; illegal immigration and abolishing ICE. They also discuss eugenics in America.
This edition of Spotlight features highlights from a prayer meeting at the Illinois state capital. Pastors from around the state gathered to pray for the church statewide, repentance, a nation-wide revival, federal officials, local officials, and our national culture.
Click here for IFI voter guide visit.
Recently, IFI’s own David Smith joined Christian conservative talk radio host, Stephanie Trussell, for her weekly show on WLS -AM 890. With the upcoming midterm election, they certainly had much to cover! Their conversation explores the inexplicable betrayal of incumbent State Representative Tom Morrison by the “Conservative” Party gubernatorial candidate, Sam McCann, and the ongoing attacks McCann is waging on other solidly conservative, Republican candidates. (See Illinois Review for more information.)
Stephanie and David also address the midterm elections and the importance of an informed electorate who vote in accordance with their values and faith. To that end, please utilize the IFI Voter Guide to see where the candidates stand on the issues. In the final minutes of the broadcast, Stephanie and David discuss the immigrant caravan, the tenuous balance of power in Congress and its impact on a successful conservative agenda and future judicial appointments, as well as the recently-released film, Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer.
If you’d like to hear more from Stephanie Trussell, her program is broadcast every Saturday, from 3-6 pm, on WLS-AM 890.
On this edition of Spotlight, David Smith and Monte Larrick are joined by the IFA Board of Directors Chairman Rich Hartian to discuss the vital upcoming election; specifically Christians voting Biblical values, the importance of the traditional nuclear family, legislating morality, Conservative Party Gubernatorial Candidate Sam McCann's singular actions, the arguments for and against supporting certain candidates in the Illinois governors race, IFA's down-ballot endorsements, including State Representative Tom Morrison's critical race,
They also discuss why the life issue is so significant in deciding who gets your vote.
VOTER GUIDE
In response to the uproar generated by his utterly deceitful union-subsidized mailers, gubernatorial candidate Sam McCann tweeted that "all" he did was say that State Representative Tom Morrison "supports Rauner." Unbelievable. McCann lied again. He did not merely say Morrison "supports Rauner." He accused Morrison of being a "Republican in Name Only" (RINO) and did so in mailers in Morrison's district in the midst of a difficult re-election campaign.
Then No-Shot McCann posted this on his “McCann for Gov” Facebook page... READ MORE
Dr. Eric Wallace joins Monte Larrick in this podcast. Dr. Wallace is the president of the Freedom's Journal Institute. A former pastor, adjunct professor, author, military, and political candidate are descriptors used by others to describe Dr. Wallace. However, he prefers to be recognized first and foremost as a believer in Jesus Christ and a servant of God.
They converse on the criteria for identifying a candidate who deserves your vote, christian conservatives deserting their biblical values when voting, racism in the church, and what we as Christians can do to combat racism.
In the second half, Dr. Wallace makes a case for Christians to be one-issue voters, and his reaction on targeting black women for abortion, what Christians are doing to promote the issues they vote for, and the push to legalize recreational marijuana in Illinois.
VOTER GUIDE
Fictional 21st Century Woman at her “reveal” party:
Mom, Dad, Family, Friends, there’s something inside me! Lol, no it’s not a tumor. It’s a human! It’s got boy DNA (so not me, lol)! I just need to find out if he’s defective. Oh, and I’ll revisit my life goals and career path, check my bank account, and meditate on how I feel about him. If I choose to let him live, y’all can call him a baby!
Remember the less bad old days when Leftists repeated Hillary Clinton’s disingenuous mantra that she wanted abortion to be “safe, legal, and rare and I mean rare”? Well, that was then… this is now, and now women shout their abortions, salute abortion, and make romantic comedies about abortion. In the service of advancing the joyous celebration of human slaughter, a spanking new type of abattoir is opening in Skokie, Illinois called Carafem. READ MORE
Today's podcast features an interview with Dr. Karen Randall MD., an emergency room physician in the 3rd busiest Emergency Department in Colorado; trained in emergency medicine, pediatrics and family practice; holds a certificate in Cannabis Science and Medicine from the University of Vermont; on the Board of Directors for SCEMA and VP of case management for SCEMA; has spoken nationally and internationally on the harms of marijuana.
Dr. Karen Randall and Monte Larrick discuss recreational marijuana legalization in Colorado, the push to legalize recreational pot in Illinois, a potential epidemic of lung cancer as a direct result of smoking marijuana, a larger nanny state in Colorado, the overwhelmed medical service in Colorado, and the consequences of using marijuana while pregnant.
They also surmise why Illinois lawmakers still wish to legalize in spite of the apparent negative effects of legal pot, and what Illinois constituents need to tell their legislators about recreational marijuana.
This interview with Dr. Randall was recorded during a No Weed Illinois webinar.
VOTERS GUIDE
In the Spotlight this week is Anita Bedell, who is the executive director of the Springfield based Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems, which is also known as ILCAAAP. ILCAAAP's mission is to open doors to freedom from addictive behavior for individuals and families in Illinois through public information, education, and legislation.
They discuss the push in the Illinois capitol to open a new casino downtown Chicago and mini-casino's at racetracks statewide; internet gambling and sports betting, including fantasy sports betting; the status of several pieces of gambling legislation, the principal one being SB 7 which includes internet gambling, sports and fantasy sports betting, and a Chicago casino.
In the second half of the podcast Monte and Anita Bedell converse on recreational marijuana.
Please contact your state lawmakers about this legislation which could come up for consideration in the fall. The Illinois Capitol switchboard is (217) 782-2000.
VOTERS GUIDE
Today's spotlight features a conversation between Illinois Family Institute's David Smith and Family Research Council's Pastor Pat McManus at a recent IFI prayer event in Springfield. Pastor Pat is the Illinois director of FRC's Watchmen on the Wall.
They discuss September 17th's prayer meeting and the spiritual warfare going on in Illinois and the nation; truth under attack; the importance of prayer; the need not just to vote, but to vote your biblical values; why the pastor needs to lead; the consequences of the U.S. Senate races this election cycle; and a way for us the congregation to help educate and help our busy pastors/church leaders on important political occurrences.
VOTERS GUIDE FRC CULTURE IMPACT PACKET
Star Parker, the founder and president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education (CURE), recently attended a summit for Chicago leaders and clergy trying to find solutions for violence and poverty in Chicago. Monte Larrick got the opportunity to converse with her about the solutions to poverty and violence in Chicago proposed by the city's current leaders, what role should the Christian church play in the solution, is the government part of the problem or the ansr, school choice, the term anti-abortion vs. pro-life, election 2018, and finally a leadership deficit in Chicago.
IFI Voter Guide Faith, Family, and Freedom banquet with George Barna
This edition of Spotlight features another talk by Illinois Family Institute's Cultural Analyst: Laurie Higgins. She speaks on the genesis of her involvement as a cultural activist; the importance of discriminating between the terms gender identity, gender roles, and cis-gender people; gender dysphoria in children and distributing puberty blockers to them; desistance and detransitioning; and the public eradication of sex differences for everybody everywhere.
This episode features an interview with Steve Karlen, the Campaign Director for 40 Days for Life. They discuss what makes 40 Days for Life so unique; reducing demand for abortion; pro-lifers relying too much on political influence; 40 Days for Life as a launching pad into pro-life activism; how important a pastoral endorsement of 40 Days for Life is; what skills you need to lead a 40 Days for Life campaign; what the indicator of a successful campaign is; and how to get involved.
They also discuss the most dangerous thing a pro-lifer could do (not do).
Steve got involved in the pro-life movement as a volunteer leader with the 40 Days for Life campaign in Madison, Wisconsin. Before long, he found himself at the center of a nationwide controversy as the health system at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, was secretly preparing to open a late-term abortion center on campus. Groups across the state looked to him for leadership. After nearly a year and a half, the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics abandoned its plan to open an abortion facility, citing Steve and his team as the reason for the decision.
Steve now serves as the campaign director for 40 Days for Life, where he trains and assists local 40 Days for Life campaign leaders, co-hosts the 40 Days for Life Podcast, and edits 40 Days for Life’s Day 41 magazine. He has spoken in 46 states; Washington, DC; four Canadian provinces; and Mexico City. Steve lives in Madison with his wife and four children.
This edition of Spotlight features a Q&A session with a panel of three distinguished experts on Islam.
They field questions about reaching Muslims for Christ, how we can help the underground Church in Islamic countries, how we can educate ourselves on Islam, what is driving Islam in America, Islamic studies in public schools, and how important it is to VOTE in this upcoming midterm election.
Anni Cyrus was a child bride who escaped to America (legally), became a U.S. Citizen, and is now a leading advocate for women and girls suffering under the harsh rule of Sharia law. Born into a Muslim family and raised in Lebanon, Mark Issa was radicalized after the 9/11 terrorist attacks,and recently found Jesus through online apologetics media. Finally, Philip Haney is a counter-terrorism expert and DHS whistle-blower, who is also the author of the best selling book "See Something, Say Nothing".
Back to 2011. Today's special edition of Spotlight features Laurie Higgins speaking at an IFI Marriage Symposium, she starts out reproving Christians for consistently showing up late to cultural battles, then Higgins debunks common liberal talking points about same-sex marriage that we must be able to dismantle.
Monte is joined by Mary Hallan Fiorito, a Visiting Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington D.C., Ms. Fiorito is also a representative of WomenSpeakForThemselves.com. Mary is an attorney, public speaker, and commentator on issues involving women’s leadership in the Catholic Church, work/life balance for mothers, and Catholic Church administration.
They discuss the current debate about abortion; the midterm elections in terms of pro-lifers and pro-choicers; Donald Trump's lifetime fluctuation on the Sanctity of Life; a current Illinois law similar to the California mandate struck down by the U. S. Supreme Court (NIFLA v. Berreca) in peril; the predicament some pro-lifers face in this Illinois Gubernatorial race; democrats and open-mindedness toward a pro-life perspective; how life advocates can go on offense; Lake County Right to Life and Bonnie Quirke.
This edition of Spotlight features Jo McGuire once again, who comes on to discuss what Illinois might look like after a plausible five years of retail marijuana; debunking the crime drop myth in Colorado; encouraging lawmakers considering legal pot to visit Colorado and seek certain people groups, one of which is RMHIDTA, you can view their report here; advertising marijuana usage to pregnant women to alleviate first trimester discomfort and the complications that follow; what church leaders need to do to educate their congregations and specifically young people; and finally Jo's story which has permanently vested in her an interest in this topic.
Please check out her blog. Please also contact your state lawmakers at (217) 782-2000 and ask them to vote NO to recreational marijuana. If you don't know your local lawmakers click here.
On a busy intersection on a bright summer day, Monte Larrick spoke with Eric Schiedler, the President of the Pro-Life Action League at the 19th annual Face the Truth Tour.
This edition of Spotlight features their conversation which touches on President Trump's SCOTUS nominee; how graphic images displayed at the Truth Tour debunk popular liberal talking points on abortion; possible Supreme Court debates on the Illinois' "bubble zone" law; troubling news about the effects of the implementation of HB 40 (taxpayer funding of abortion); and how HB 40 will affect Illinois abortion law if SCOTUS overturns Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton.
Eric Scheidler is a second generation pro-life activist, the oldest of Joe and Ann Scheidler’s children. He was only 6 years old when his parents first got involved in the pro-life movement, shortly before the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling that stripped unborn children of their legal right to life in 1973. Eric grew up attending protests and rallies, leafleting neighborhoods and talking about abortion with friends and classmates.
Monte Larrick and David Smith are joined by Dave's Indiana equivalent, Micah Clark. In November 2001, Micah became the Executive Director of the American Family Association of Indiana. His experience has helped AFA expand into an organization with a consistent state house presence while maintaining its role as Indiana’s leading decency organization.
They delve into President Trump's U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh; Indiana's important upcoming midterm elections; radical proposals driving people out of the Democratic party; the Indiana GOP's fight over keeping/extracting a traditional marriage plank from their statewide platform; the difference between elite and grassroots republicans; radical social bills in Indiana; school choice; Indiana and medical marijuana; and an example of inefficient government.
This edition of Spotlight features Monte Larrick's interview with Kirk Smith, the Executive Director of Illinois Christian Home Educators.
They explore the growth of home education throughout the nation, homeschooling in the great state of Illinois, how christian home education is changing public schools, Smith's concern with the evolution of homeschooling in Illinois, and how ICHE can help you begin to home educate your child.
They also consider the claim that christian home educators' goal is to bring up a generation of culture warriors for Jesus Christ, and how homeschooling benefits the state of Illinois.
In this week’s podcast, Monte Larrick interviews Alliance Defending Freedom’s (ADF) Regional Director J.D. Mesnard. This interview took place at IFI’s fourth annual worldview conference in early May. In the first half of the podcast, J.D. identifies the importance of ADF’s Church Alliance program, which supports the legal needs of churches across the nation during a time in which attacks on religious liberty are increasing.
During the second half of the podcast, in his capacity as Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, J.D. answers questions about how the business community, pro-family forces, and various churches defeated a 2016 ballot initiative to legalize “recreational” marijuana.
Dr. Duke Pesta joins Dave Smith and Monte Larrick on this episode of spotlight to discuss public education issues, including but not limited to Common Core Standards and other issues in government schools. Dr. Duke is a tenured university professor of English at University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Academic Director of FreedomProject Academy.
They also discuss the alternatives to government schools and expensive private schools among them FreedomProject Academy, an online Common Core free K-12 classical education. FPA also features a church partnership program.
Monte Larrick caught up with Stephen Black at the National Religious Broadcasters convention a few months ago. Black has been the Executive Director of First Stone Ministries since 2000.
Monte and Stephen discuss his new book, the reality that people are not born homosexual, the ban on reparative therapy in Illinois, the assault on kids by offering them gender chaos, a new documentary called Tranzformed, the pressing need to fight the push to normalize homosexuality and transgenders, the fact that churches are not immune from gender identity controversies, and social media bias.
Stephen was called by God into ministry through the healing he received himself: (2 Cor. 1:3-4). As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, he was wounded and confused during his teenage years, drawn into homosexuality; and lived gay-identified for 8 years. Stephen’s 1991 written testimony is online in several locations and a video testimony is online here. Acquainted with the grief of sexual sin and abuse, Stephen’s heart is to make known what he discovered - that Jesus Christ has come to set the captives free. His new book released October 10, 2017, is Freedom Realized: Finding Freedom from Homosexuality and Living A Life Free from Labels.
Maybe Illinois conservatives, beaten down by Illinois politics and bad governance, badgered by fellow Republicans, and panicking because they focus too much on the short-term nightmarish picture they see before their eyes, will at the last moment fold and vote for Bruce Rauner. That would be a huge mistake.
The long-term health of the party, the state, and the nation depends not solely or even centrally on tax rates for businesses but on issues related to respect for human life, marriage, and sexuality. The fact that so many Republicans don’t see that bodes ill for Illinois and America. Having Pinocchio Rauner at the helm of the Republican Party will exacerbate the ignorance on these issues, and the GOP will continue to rot from within. READ MORE
Monte Larrick sat down with Illinois Family Institute's lobbyist Ralph Rivera, and IFI's contract lobbyist Mark Johnson following the adjournment of the most recent Illinois General Assembly session.
They discuss the new Illinois budget, a potential Illinois fair tax, SB 1564 and a pro-life version, financing taxpayer funded abortion, Illinois ratifying of the Equal Rights Amendment, when Illinois will attempt to legalize recreational marijuana, what the next attack on life might target, what Illinois might do with the US Supreme Court's ruling about sports betting, and the vital importance of turning out to vote in the down ballot races.
Finally, please call your state lawmaker and ask them to oppose these terrible pieces of legislation. The Illinois Capitol switchboard is (217) 782-2000. If you don't know your lawmaker, click here.
Featured in this edition of Spotlight, the Q & A portion of the Illinois Family Institute's 2018 Worldview Conference featuring John Stonestreet. John is the President of the Chuck Colson Center and a co-host for daily BreakPoint commentaries.
Following his presentations, Stonestreet took questions from the audience ranging from pending Supreme Court rulings, division in America, Facebook, and even Kanye West.
David Smith and Monte Larrick recently sat down with Jo McGuire while she was visiting Illinois warning residents about the many consequences of legalizing recreational marijuana. Jo comes from Colorado, where they have had recreational marijuana since 2013.
Jo McGuire serves on the board of directors for the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and co-chairs the Marijuana Education Committee. She is also a DATIA Certified Professional Collector and Trainer (CPCT) and a Certified Designated Employee Representative Trainer (CDERT) who consults and trains professionals overseeing Safety Sensitive Employees in the compliance of federal DOT guidelines for drug and alcohol screening programs. Jo assists educators with classroom and assembly-style presentations aimed at youth drug prevention and parent awareness and education.
They discuss why we cannot regulate marijuana like we do alcohol because of the sweeping differences between marijuana and alcohol; the fact that legal marijuana increases the strain on first responders and traffic; the supposed revenue increase from recreational pot; big tobacco's influence on recreational marijuana; the proposals in the Illinois recreational marijuana bill, which makes allowances for the messy and complicated home grows; butane hash oil extractions, which are high concentrates--up to 95% THC; and the need to get up and be a driving force against the legalization of recreational marijuana.
The message is: don't buy the lies from those supporting legalization recreational marijuana. In this podcast you will learn more about the following: * The science explaining the differences between how the human body metabolizes alcohol and marijuana. * Despite the fact that some regular users of marijuana develop some tolerance, the product still negatively impacts things like motor skills in them. * The fact that alcohol addition is treated seriously, while society tends to dismiss the harm done to society and the individuals that use marijuana. * Today's marijuana is many times more potent in its THC levels than in previous decades; it has been genetically modified often. * The percentage of highway accidents and emergency room visits related to Marijuana use have spiked upwards in Colorado. * Unlike with alcohol, there is no roadside test for those impaired by Marijuana, and scientists are not close to developing one close despite what weed proponents claim. * Big tobacco is investing big in "big weed." * Home growing of marijuana is legal in Colorado, which results in a number of additional problems, including the increase in mold inside and outside of homes growing the product. * The marijuana black market continues in Colorado despite the product being legalized. * Because of the makeup of "extraction labs, to produce usable marijuana, hash oil explosions resemble those of meth lab explosions.
There are more items to add to the list! Monte, Dave and Jo get into a great deal more detail in this 20 minute podcast so be sure to listen.
Take action! Please call the capitol switchboard and ask to be transferred to your state senator or representative and ask them to vote NO to recreational marijuana. The switchboard number is (217) 782-2000. If you don't know your state lawmaker, click here.
Monte Larrick interviewed John Stonestreet at Illinois Family Institute's Fourth Annual Worldview Conference. Stonestreet is the president of the Chuck Colson Center and BreakPoint Radio co-host. They discuss why Christians should be concerned about the Culture when we have seemingly lost; the next major cultural shift after the Sexual Revolution; the continued attacks on religious freedom; and when it is right for Christians to engage in civil disobedience.
Monte and John also discuss the cost of following Jesus, and legalization of recreational marijuana.
John's new book is A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today's World.
Monte opened with the question, "Why should Christians care about the culture? It appears we've lost -- we have legalized abortion, gay 'marriage,' unisex bathrooms -- so why bother trying to change something that seems unchangeable?"
John Stonestreet answered: "I think we care about culture -- not because we're winning or losing but because it's what we're supposed to do as humans.
"The question is, which direction are humans taking? We certainly see a lot of bad news -- but we also see a lot of good news. In my recent book Restoring All Things, my co-author Warren Smith and I told stories of 14 different areas of culture where Christians are engaged in education, in dealing with poverty, in dealing with victims of the 'sexual revolution,' in dealing with victims of abortion -- both in fighting for the life of the unborn as well as helping mothers and fathers who are also victims of this very bad idea."
When Monte asked when is it time for Christians to engage in civil disobedience, Stonestreet responded, "We need a theology of when to get fired. These are calculations we don't make anymore. There is a cost to follow Jesus."
"It's been historically a part of the Christian life," John said, "for almost every generation of Christians, except for us."
Jesus laid aside His privileges. He relinquished His authority. He yielded His rightful position in the throne room – even though He was and is worthy of all glory, honor and praise.
Jesus did this so that He could be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and to do the will of the Father.
The text today is found in Mark 8:34-38 it is also recorded in the Matthew chapter 10 and in Luke chapter 9, the latter we will look at a bit later: Mark 8 starting in verse 34: When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” Just hearing these words is difficult. Putting them into practice seems utterly unrealistic. We cringe at the very thought of self-denial. It is so contrary to our human nature.
We wonder if anyone can take Jesus seriously. I mean, who ever heard of self-denial? We are much more comfortable with words like “self-fulfillment” and “self-actualization”.
And yet, “self-denial” is right there, annoyingly, and not just once, but repeated in the gospels. It seems to me, if we are to be devoted disciples of Christ, we need to seriously consider these words: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
But the truth is, each one of us must not shrink back from dealing with our selfish and sinful inclinations. Our flesh, our sin nature, the old man – whatever you call the result of the curse, are all ways of identifying our natural rebellious existence. Watch on YouTube HERE.
Monte Larrick recently interviewed Philip Haney at the National Religious Broadcasters convention. Philip is a former Department of Homeland Security officer and congressional whistle-blower. They discussed the Parkland school attack, including government negligence, and how to prevent similar attacks.
Monte opened with the question, "what did you expose?" Here is Haney in his own words:
"During the Obama Administration I was on active duty [and] put information into the law enforcement database -- we call it derogatory information -- connecting the dots on two major groups: the Muslim Brotherhood, which a lot of us have heard about, and another group, Tablighi Jamaat...on terrorism and counter terrorism." "The bottom line is that the [Obama] administration deleted the information out of the system."
Haney says he has proof that the information that was deleted could plausibly have prevented the Boston bombing, the San Bernardino shootings and the Orlando shooting. Those are just three examples.
Monte asked: "Has political ideology infiltrated our security apparatus? How prevalent is it?"
It has, Haney said, and added that there are "hopeful signs." "You have to recognize that there is something wrong before you can even start addressing it. At least we're starting to see indicators now that the Trump Administration recognizes that there are some major breakdowns in our national security."
Regarding the Parkland school shooting, Haney discussed the FBI's failure to follow up on the many calls from citizens regarding the behavior of the person who eventually became the shooter. What caused that failure? Haney said that he witnessed the planting of a seed of political correctness -- "a progressive Leftist ideology where essentially we saw the [Obama] Administration treat our enemies like our friends and our friends like our enemy."
On the topic of safety in the public schools, Haney recommends that like other government buildings, the entrances should be secured "so just anybody can't walk right in with no I.D."
Regarding his help with Save The Persecuted Christians, there are a lot of ministries and organizations, Haney explained, but "what we're going to try to do with this coalition is to unite the many flags under one banner and coordinate and work together as a team, if you will, to provide better or more help to communities of persecuted Christians around the world.
Philip Haney is the author of: See Something, Say Nothing: A Homeland Security Officer Exposes the Government's Submission to Jihad.
Laurie Higgins joins David Smith and Monte Larrick to discuss the Illinois Senate's ratification of the ERA, and they also discuss the LGBTQIA history curriculum legislation currently in consideration in the Illinois General Assembly.
Can the ERA be stopped in Illinois now that it has passed the state senate? "Yes," Laurie Higgins said, because the "ERA actually says nothing about women." The language of the proposed amendment does signal, however, that it will eradicate abortion restrictions and it will end sex differentiation in private spaces.
When Monte Larrick pointed out that 80 percent of voters are in favor of it when asked, Higgins explained "The reason people are voting for this is because they don't understand it. They have been persuaded because the mainstream press is in the tank for everything Leftist. So they've been persuaded that this is something about protecting women and it actually works against women."
"It's not only against life, Higgins said, "Women will be harmed by this." Women will have to register for the military draft, and how spousal Social Security benefits are allocated will also be impacted, harming women financially. Higgins said that existing laws already protect women. She asks people, "which civil right are women deprived of? Name me one."
Listeners are encouraged to contact their state house members regarding the ERA. "Look at the language of the law and ask yourself how might that language be applied or used or exploited," Higgins said.
The discussion then turned to the issue of pending legislation in Springfield that would mandate an emphasis on "LGBTQXYZ" history in our public schools -- "even elementary school students would be subjected to this," Larrick pointed out and asked Higgins for her reaction. "Oh my gosh, I have a lot of reactions, none of them pleasant. This is a very, very troubling bill."
Children would not be allowed to graduate from the eighth grade without being able to pass a test on their knowledge of the contributions of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered. There would be no opting out "because this is an amendment to the school code."
Higgins said that you have to ask, "what is homosexuality? What constitutes it? How do you define it?" The political left, Higgins explains, "is using a fallacious and absurd and I would argue insulting analogy to race to get this bill passed."
That is not a sound analogy, Higgins goes on to say, "you have to find the right analogy, which I would argue is polyamory. So can you image if someone said, 'well, we need to talk about the roles and contributions of polyamorists" to society.' "Does anyone think a bill like that would pass?"
What constitutes homosexuality? "Subjective internal feelings or desires and volitional acts, behaviors," Higgins explains. "Homosexuality has no points of correspondence with race or biological sex." "This bill is based on a Leftist assumption, not a fact, that homosexuality and trans behaviors are morally acceptable."
Dave Smith and Monte Larrick recently interviewed Jo McGuire while she was visiting Illinois warning residents about the many consequences of legalizing recreational marijuana. Jo comes from Colorado, where they have had recreational marijuana since 2013.
Jo McGuire serves on the board of directors for the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and co-chairs the Marijuana Education Committee. She is also a DATIA Certified Professional Collector and Trainer (CPCT) and a Certified Designated Employee Representative Trainer (CDERT) who consults and trains professionals overseeing Safety Sensitive Employees in the compliance of federal DOT guidelines for drug and alcohol screening programs. Jo assists educators with classroom and assembly-style presentations aimed at youth drug prevention and parent awareness and education.
They discuss the impact of marijuana on kids, the impact on mental health, including the negative effects of our service men and women suffering from PTSD, and they also address the argument that marijuana is one of God's creations, therefore a "good" thing.
Back in March, 68 percent of Cook County voters voted in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana, and Dave Smith said that they "don't know what they're asking for." Jo McGuire agreed, and pointed to her home state of Colorado which legalized it five years ago. "I am very well aware," McGuire said, "that when folks watch the mainstream media the popular talking points are how well its going in Colorado and that they sky hasn't fallen."
Unfortunately, as she explains, they fail to report "the negative consequences -- unintended consequences -- of things that we do not yet have solutions for." As a result, Colorado voters feel as if "they were duped" into legalizing recreational marijuana. They heard one thing -- "let's control it, regulate it, and tax it." But the only regulation is who is allowed to sell it. Beyond that, she said, almost anything goes.
One of the areas most of the public is unaware of is the THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) potency issue of today's marijuana. THC is the main psychoactive chemical in marijuana. Decades ago, THC levels were between 1 and 3 percent. Today, the levels are easily 12-15 percent and higher, while the levels in edibles such as marijuana laced candies, cookies, sodas and brownies can reach 60-90 percent. "They are not controlled," McGuire said, "They are out of control."
The subject then turned to how "Big Marijuana" (as in "Big Tobacco") is targeting children. In fact, Big Marijuana is borrowing from the Big Tobacco playbook concerning the false claims that they are making. "We are not thinking this through clearly," McGuire said. "We have the most potent cannabis products in the world coming out of Colorado."
Studies from New Zealand have shown the serious negative impact marijuana use has on the human brain. The impact is especially harsh for those under 30 years of age. Brain development is stunted for young people, and the damage caused is irreparable. In Colorado the reports of addiction have risen 600 percent in five years, and the diagnosis levels for mental illness are increasing.
Also discussed was the big financial support Leftist billionaire George Soros has provided for the efforts to legalize recreational marijuana, and the fact that Colorado is already talking about "magic mushrooms" as the next drug to legalize. Some supporters of legalization also aim to remove legal restrictions on methamphetamines and heroin.
This is exactly what Illinois can expect. Bills to legalize other drugs have already been introduced.
Monte Larrick recently caught up with Elise Bouc, the State Chairwoman of Stop ERA Illinois. They discuss the push to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the United State's Constitution, only requiring two more states to approve it before it becomes a federal amendment.
Please contact your state representative and ask him or her to please vote NO on the Equal Rights Amendment.
When the ERA was stopped back in the 1970s, people understood that the wording of the Amendment was flawed, Bouc explains, and we need to separate the discussion of "equal opportunities" for women from this proposal. The fact is, the ERA would harm women and harm unborn children.
Larrick and Bouc also discussed the legal question of whether the ERA push can be "resurrected," since its seven-year deadline passed a long time ago. Based upon the makeup of the United States Supreme Court, it is anyone's guess how it would rule on the question. If it chooses to resurrect it, then only two more states would be needed to ratify it to the U.S. Constitution, Illinois and one other state.
"Equal rights" sounds good, Larrick pointed out, but Bouc explained that the problem is in the wording of the Amendment. We already have laws on the books regarding equal opportunity for women, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is where disputes can be rectified.
The ERA, Bouc said, is being used by extremists as a vehicle to bring about extreme change in our country. For example, using women and "equal rights" as a cover, their goal is to remove all abortion restrictions in all 50 states. This would mean the elimination of parental notification laws.
"It's all about slogans and perceptions," Bouc explains, "and they are leading women to falsely believe that this ERA is going to solve all their problems -- and it won't."
Bouc relates the story of what happened in Pennsylvania on the issue of car insurance, a state with its own ERA. A lawsuit was brought on behalf of men complaining about sex discrimination in that women paid lower car insurance premiums. The state government then acted to make it legal for women to have lower premiums since they have fewer accidents. Then the Pennsylvania Supreme Court over-turned that law, based on "legal strict scrutiny" in light of the state's ERA language not allowing for any distinctions based on sex.
Larrick and Bouc also discussed the ERA's potential impact upon restrooms, locker rooms, the military draft, and age of consent laws. Bouc said that the Amendment is "poorly written" and "overreaching."
People need to get informed, and help educate their friends and family, and contact their state legislators.
Bouc's article at the Illinois Family Institute's website is also worth reading: The ERA Harms Our Unborn Children. IFI also has a one-pager on the issue containing helpful facts about the Amendment.
On this edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick, John Biver and David Smith continue their discussion about the primary election last month, including the great conservative candidates down ballot, educating misinformed voters, and a summary of the results from down ballot races.
Reviewing the vote totals from the primary, the fact of the uptick in Democratic Party ballots cast versus the down tick in Republican ballots cast, Monte stated -- "If you're a Republican it sounds like we're in big trouble in November."
Dave responded that Republicans are in trouble at the top of the ticket since two Democrat billionaires are running against each other (Dave referred to Rauner as a Democrat on the basis of his support of the radical left's social agenda). Both men are super rich, pro-abortion, and have money to burn. But, Dave emphasized, "We need to come out and fight for the down-ballot races. We cannot afford to sit this one out or ignore it -- we need to put some good people across the finish line and add to the pro-life caucus in Springfield."
Dave said that the battle is especially important in the state house of representatives, where just three or four pick-ups is critical: "We can stop a lot of the garbage -- the cultural Marxist agenda that is being pushed in Illinois."
Monte Larrick raised the issue of what was need to change things in Illinois. The answer discussed was an aggressive messaging so Illinoisans can learn the facts. Dave Smith pointed out that the reason Jeanne Ives lost the primary was "because people were uninformed." Too many people vote on emotion without hearing the facts that would change their viewpoint.
Also discussed was the victory against recreational marijuana legalization in Arizona, how Leftists continue to over-step on issues where the public is not with them (such as boys using the girls' locker rooms), and the effort to dilute the abortion parental notification law in Illinois (another issue a majority of the public does not support).
Should pro-family voters support Rauner in November? How dire is the situation in Illinois -- is it hopeless or is there a path out of Illinois' cultural and fiscal mess? Listen to this extended podcast to hear the answer.
Monte Larrick sits down with the IFA's Executive Director David Smith and IFA's John Biver to discuss the results from the last month's election, including voter turnout from both sides, Jeanne Ives' narrow loss, and why we need to show up in November to help local candidates despite the two men at the top of the ballot.
While the turnout for this primary was the highest it has been since 2002, a closer look at the numbers reveals bad news for Republicans. The Democratic turnout was 325,000 voters higher in 2018 than that party's most recent competitive gubernatorial primary in 2010, while Republicans were down 138,000 votes from their most recent competitive primary four years ago.
David Smith pointed out a few of the factors which probably contributed to the lower GOP turnout. In 2014, the Leftist union organization Illinois Education Association encouraged their members to vote in the Republican primary to support then candidate Kirk Dillard. Bruce Rauner's negative onslaught against Jeanne Ives also no doubt discouraged participation in the primary. Rauner's lies left many voters thinking they didn't have a good option and thus they decided note to vote.
Another contributing factor is the sad fact that the Chicago metro area's unique position as being the only similarly-sized metro area in the country that has lost population during each of the past four years.
An interesting development also discussed was the fact that approximately a third of the vote was cast during the overly-generous early voting period in Illinois. Later developments during the campaign season were completely missed by those who chose to cast their votes before each campaign had the chance to make their case and defend against unfair attacks.
Both Smith and Biver weighed in on the laudable campaign run by first time statewide candidate Jeanne Ives, who closed an early polling 45-point deficit into a 1.5 point margin of victory for Rauner. Ives spent $5 million, while Rauner spent $50 million.
Much of that $50 million spent by Rauner was spent on disgraceful ads that were even acknowledged as lies by liberal news media commentators.
Both Smith and Biver agreed that Rauner's failure to spend his millions to move public opinion to support necessary policy changes in Illinois will rank as his biggest failure as governor. They also agreed that the GOP would be better off without him, and see his possible defeat in November as a good thing for the future of the Republican Party, whose mission includes bringing reformation to Illinois and saving the state from complete disaster.
Also discussed was the upcoming critically important Republican Party county conventions where both GOP county chairmen and State Central Committee members will be elected by elected Precinct Committeemen.
IFI Worldview Conference May 5th
We have rescheduled our annual Worldview Conference featuring well-know apologist John Stonestreet for Saturday, May 5th at Medinah Baptist Church. Mr. Stonestreet is s a dynamic speaker and the award-winning author of “Making Sense of Your World” and his newest offer: “A Practical Guide to Culture.”
Join us for a wonderful opportunity to take enhance your biblical worldview and equip you to more effectively engage the culture.
Click HERE to learn more or to register!
David Smith, the executive director of the IFI and IFA, recently sat down with Larry Jacobs, the Managing Director of World Congress of Families, and the International Organization for the Family, at a recent IOF pro-family breakfast in Rockford.
They discuss the mission of the IOF at the United Nations, the Sexual Revolution, Muslims, birth rates, and procreating, and the LORD's command to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28; Gen 9:1; Gen 35:11).
Dave Smith starts off with the big question for Larry Jacobs regarding his work -- "why" do it? Jacobs answers: "As you know not only here in Illinois but around the world the family is just facing attack."
“The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.” Believe it or not, Jacobs says, the United Nations' said that" in their 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 16(3). The IOF began "The Article 16 Initiative," which "seeks to preserve, protect, and promote the family as society’s 'natural and fundamental' unit."
"Beauty, truth, and goodness," Jacobs explains, "even in Greek philosophy these things, virtues are about what it means to be human." "Family, and life and the protection of unborn life -- and sexuality rightly understood -- all these things are intimately tied together."
There are a lot of victims of the sexual revolution, Jacobs says, and "we need to prevent future victims."
The next World Council of Families Conference is going to be held in Eastern Europe in September. All of Europe is facing a demographic problem -- not enough babies are being born. "The continent is dying," Jacobs says. Global population is expected to peak in 2050 and then begin to decline. "The future of society is the birth rate." Smith and Jacobs discussed God's command to "be fruitful and multiply."
https://www.profam.org/article-16/
State Representative Peter Breen joins Monte Larrick on this edition of our weekly podcast to comment on the State of Illinois funding abortions and the Illinois governor's race. Representative Breen is an attorney with the Thomas More Society, who represents Mr. Daleiden (the undercover videographer) before the U.S. Supreme Court.
According to Rep. Breen, “Our greatest threat right now as a people of life, of faith, is losing hope and thinking we’ve lost.”
The battles continue in Illinois, for example, on the issue of taxpayer funded abortion. While the pro-abortion community celebrated Bruce Rauner’s signing HB 40 into law, the money appropriated for it must be voted on every year. While HB 40 has many moving parts that people are not aware of, Breen said, pro-lifers are not without avenues of attack to keep the pressure on against taxpayer funded abortions becoming “normalized.”
When asked by Larrick what “normalized” means, Breen explained that one thing the Leftists like to do is say that “the law is settled” in a particular area. In fact, nothing is settled, Breen said, as long as one side doesn’t surrender.
Larrick and Breen also discussed SB 1564, the right of conscience bill that Rauner also signed into law. This law forces pro-life medical personnel to give referrals on procedures they find morally objectionable, such as abortion.
“We’re in a good place right now” regarding this issue, Breen said, since an injunction has been issued regarding the Illinois law, and the U.S. Supreme Court has taken up the California version of this law. “We are very much hopeful that the Supreme Court of the United States will give us a ruling that will put an end to all this business.”
The two men also discussed the fascinating case of David Daleiden, an undercover videographer who has revealed some of the abortion industry’s ugly secrets, such as the sale of baby parts. Breen said that the videos that have not yet been seen by the public (due to a court order) are some of the best yet.
Also discussed was free speech on Illinois college campuses and what anti-baby advocates are going to be backing next in Illinois.
The discussion focused on next Tuesday’s primary election, and began with Dave Smith, Laurie Higgins, and John Biver highlighting incumbent Bruce Rauner’s deceitful campaign ads attacking his opponent Jeanne Ives.
Higgins’ recent masterful article outlines the five big lies in “Rauner’s Deceitful Campaign Ads.” The claims are “absurd,” she said in the podcast, and #1 on the list, that “Ives is a career politician,” is just plain silly. As Higgins wrote: Truth: The 53-year-old Ives began her career in the Illinois State House in January 2013, so she just completed her 5th year in Springfield. Rauner just completed 3 years in Springfield. If Illinoisans are foolish enough to re-elect Pinocchio, will he be a “career politician” in a mere two years? Three of the lies -- that Ives supports Mike Madigan’s 32% tax increase, opposes freezing property taxes, and is supported by “the same union bosses who back Mike Madigan” are so deceitful, Higgins said, that they alone should disqualify Rauner from being reelected.
In the ad’s “half-truth,” the Rauner ad claims that Ives’ courage to vote against a lousy bill put forth by the Democrats to make Republicans look bad meant she was against legislation supporting a narrowly defined property tax exemption. In fact, as Higgins said, the conservative Illinois Policy Institute called the bill a “campaign gimmick,” and the president of the Taxpayers’ Federation of Illinois said the bill would have shifted “the burden to other property taxpayers.” Democrats sponsored this bill for show. It was an attempt to deceive voters, and Ives was the only Republican to stand on principle, refusing to play along with the Democrats’ repellent manipulation of voters. As Higgins wrote, “Rauner’s half-truth reveals the whole truth that Ives is the best person to be the next governor of Illinois.”
Dave Smith brought attention to the Illinois Family Action comparison piece that pro-family voters can use to help spread the word about the differences between Ives and Rauner. The piece can be found here, and the efforts of pro-family voters are more critical than ever so more voters can learn the truth about Rauner’s lies.
Also discussed in the podcast is the Republican primary for Attorney General, where seasoned lawyer Gary Grasso is running against former Miss America Erika Harold. Smith and Biver expressed disappointment in Harold’s failure to fill out candidate surveys from pro-life and pro-family organizations. While neither candidate was endorsed by IFI, both Smith and Biver encourage a vote for Gary Grasso based on his refusal to use the A.G.’s office to defend Illinois laws that are unconstitutional. (Two examples of unconstitutional can be read about are SB 1564 and HB 217.
Higgins, Smith and Biver also touched upon the decision by some would-be conservative leaders to avoid endorsing Ives over Rauner. Their “cowardice or foolishness,” as Higgins said, show how the Illinois Republican Party is being “corrupted from within.” Higgins’ excellent article detailing the possible reasons for their “outrageous” decision can be read here.
The discussion closed with an overview of a handful of important state legislative primary races.
In a recent presentation at his home church, David Smith delivered an exhortation on the biblical argument against recreational pot.
Laurie Higgins and John Biver join this week's podcast with David Smith. They discuss the ongoing push in Springfield to pass a bill which would celebrate the LGBT movement in school curricula K-12, the Delaware proposal where students "may self-identify their race or gender identity at school, and, there will be no requirement that parents be notified if the child communicates to the school that their parent would be not supportive."
They also discuss the champion female wrestler in Texas who is transitioning to a male taking cross sex hormones and steroids, and the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment).
The first legislation they address is what Laurie Higgins wrote about a couple of weeks ago – this was her opening paragraph: While conservatives squeak “uncle” about the “social issues” from the dark recesses of their homes and churches where they hide, the jackbooted Left marches boldly forward obsessed with making the “social issues” the central plank of everything. They’re especially obsessed with transforming the hearts and minds of other people’s children using taxpayer-funded government schools in which they have an audience of cultural captives.
If passed, this “Inclusive Curriculum” bill will require that any “book or book substitute that will be used as a text or text substitute” include the “role and contributions” of homosexuals and of men and women who adopt opposite-sex personas (also known deceptively as “transgender”). In other words, all materials used in schools must address the roles and contributions of people who define themselves by their disordered sexual desires. Including, Higgins added in the podcast, “men and women who impersonate the opposite sex.” Dave Smith points out how early the propagandizing of the children now begins -- if kindergarten.
Because of this, Smith and Higgins agreed that it is time for churches to tend to the creation of K-12 schools, or at least to helping parents pay for private school tuition. Churches should see this as a new mission field -- why?
Higgins answers: “If we lose kids on these sexuality matters, whether it’s the whole trans ideology or homosexuality -- if we lose them on this we lose them as Christians because they will have to reject scripture.”
On the topic of the trans ideology, Higgins said that if a society now believes that a man can be born into a woman’s body, “this is a revolution the likes of which the world has never seen.” And “conservatives,” she said, “are not getting the profundity of this revolution.”
Take action on SB 3249 sponsored by Senator Heather A. Steans (D-Chicago), and HB 5596 Representative Anna Moeller (D-Elgin), call your state senator and state representative! The Springfield capitol switchboard is (217) 782-2000. Or click HERE.
Ann Scheidler, the Executive Vice President of the Pro-Life Action League, joins Monte Larrick to discuss the Sanctity of Life in Illinois.
Since HB 40 (taxpayer funding for abortion) has been enacted, a new Planned Parenthood has popped up in Flossmoor, with an abortion clinic in the works for Rockford, with rumors of three or four additional abortion mills surfacing throughout the state.
With Republican governor Bruce Rauner signing HB 40 and permitting taxpayer funded abortions, it is expected that the number of abortions will greatly expand in Illinois. "We need to fight that," Scheidler said. How? "We need to get more involved on all levels."
We must elect more pro-life legislators, she explained, so it is important to get involved in the primary election which takes place on March 20th. Pro-life voters not only need to get out and vote but encourage all their pro-life friends and family members to do the same.
"We have to change the culture in Illinois -- and that is a one on mission for all of us to tackle," Scheidler explained. "It is an educational process" -- we need to talk with friends and family -- and sometimes pastors even need to be educated about what is happening in the political and governmental arena.
The expansion of Planned Parenthood in Illinois was also discussed, and how as in Aurora, a giant new building was opened in Flossmoor without many residents knowing it was going to happen.
With taxpayers now paying for abortions, there are expected to be upwards of 12 to 15 thousand more abortions a year. Since qualifying for Medicaid in Illinois is easier than many states, the bill to taxpayers for so many abortions is going to be huge.
Larrick and Scheidler also discussed Jeanne Ives challenge to Bruce Rauner in the Republican primary election. Ives is a committed pro-life candidate, while Bruce Rauner supports the continued killing of the unborn -- now with tax dollars available to do so.
"Find out where the candidates stand on life," Scheidler said, "it is the most important issue."
On this edition of Illinois Family Spotlight, Monte Larrick speaks with Julaine Appling, the President of the Wisconsin Family Council, about what has happened in Wisconsin with Governor Scott Walker, and what could happen with a true conservative Republican governor in Illinois.
Early in the conversation, Julaine Appling stated her premise:
“Everything rides, rests, rises, falls on families. Whether you’re talking about a community, a state or a nation. And so when these families are prosperous, thriving -- I’d define it this way -- when these families are independent of government, the state is in a good position."
"And how do families get independent of government?," she asked? "One of the ways is through family sustaining jobs.”
"We need to exercise Christian stewardship," Appling stressed: “As Christians in particular," she said, "we need to take it upon ourselves to get informed…to be a committee of one to reach out to at least ten other people…”
"I’m told you can’t legislate morality. The reality is, every bill that’s signed into law, whether its at the state level or the federal level, or an ordinance at the country or city level, it’s someone’s view of what’s right and wrong. Who is sitting in the governor’s office makes a huge difference about what is viewed as right and wrong, good and bad in the state.”
“The hope of our national is in our families -- our mom and dad natural families who are bringing up the next generation…”
Pinocchio Rauner has astoundingly deceitful campaign ads about campaign rival Jeanne Ives running on Fox News and appearing like stinkbugs and cockroaches in the mailboxes of the good people of Illinois. Let’s take a quick look at the putrescent propaganda that I found stinking up my mailbox... Read more HERE.
Monte Larrick sits down with Kathy Valente, the Director of Operations at Illinois Family Institute, and Oak Brook Police Chief James Kruger to discuss the Cook County referendum on recreational marijuana, and marijuana legalization in Illinois. Chief Kruger also is the president of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, who opposes the legalization of marijuana.
Voters in Cook County have an advisory referendum on the primary ballot in March asking them to give weigh in on whether the state should legalize recreational marijuana. Cook has 40% of the state's population, so a vote to legalize there could have a big influence on whether legislators will move legislation. There has been discussion, as well, about having a similar advisory referendum on the statewide ballot.
Kathy Valente and James Kruger both agree that the desire for the tax revenues is not taking into consideration the increased costs to both health and public safety. In Colorado, a state where recreational marijuana is legal, the revenues have amounted only to 8/10ths of 1 percent of the state's budget.
Among the increased costs to police departments includes not only a rise in traffic accidents, but also potentially expensive equipment to measure impairment levels. Unlike with alcohol, currently there is no easy way to ascertain just how impaired a driver is who has been involved in an altercation.
The experience in Colorado also shows that usage among children also increases when marijuana is legalized, and up to 62 percent of school expulsions are now related to the underage use of cannabis.
As parents have had to deal with underage drinking, they will now have to step up their efforts regarding children having access to marijuana. Today's marijuana is far more potent than it was twenty-five years ago. Back then, THC levels were roughly 2-3 percent. Today, especially with marijuana-laced candy or brownies, the potency can range between 20 and 90 percent.
Last week the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, columnist Eric Zorn, columnist Rex Huppke, and “reporter” Kim Janssen all took shots at gubernatorial candidate Jeanne Ives’ campaign ad.
The Ives campaign released an ad that criticized policies using actors to depict the constituencies Bruce Rauner serviced through his boneheaded Leftist decisions, and Leftists became apoplectic. Actually, they mainly cared about the depiction of a cross-dressing man—or what the Left risibly calls a “transwoman” to conceal the existential and immutable reality of his sex. Read more HERE...
Written by John Biver
The Chicago Tribune's John Kass recently interviewed conservative Republican candidate for Illinois governor Jeanne Ives. Their conversation helps listeners get to know the West Point graduate Ives as well as where she stands on the issues that face Illinois taxpayers.
Bruce Rauner is a failed governor that needs to be defeated, Jeanne Ives told John Kass. They discussed the press conference Ives did with Brian McCann, the brother of Dennis McCann who was killed by a drunk driver who also happened to be an illegal alien (John Kass wrote about the incident here). That driver was set free due to Chicago's sanctuary city policy, which Rauner has now extended statewide.
Why would Bruce Rauner sign legislation limiting local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration officials? Ives sees it as clear pandering to Leftists. While Rauner may think he's gaining support by making Illinois a sanctuary state, Ives said, he's actually losing support since many Democrats understand how the rule of law applies to their own safety.
When John Kass asked how Ives thought she could defeat Rauner, who has tens of millions of dollars to spend, Ives responded "we're already defeating him." She talked about her recent downstate swing, and the fact that she encountered no one who supported Rauner's reelection. "It doesn't matter how much money you have," she said, "you can't buy back trust after betrayal."
Ives explained that Illinoisans have been lied to, and the solution to that is "you have to go to the people and let them know in every small town what has to happen." There is "massive disappointment" in Rauner's performance as governor. He never introduced a balanced budget, and in fact the last budget he introduced was larger than the one passed by the General Assembly.
Crusading against Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan is not enough, Jeanne Ives said. Especially when the Democrats only passed taxpayer funding of abortion, made Illinois a sanctuary state, mandated that pro-life medical professionals make abortion referrals, adopted junk science regarding transgenderism, and bailed out the Chicago schools unnecessarily because of Rauner's support.
Ives stressed that practical mid-westerners such as those who live in Illinois are ready to reject Rauner, and the probably Democratic nominee J.B. Pritzker, who removed toilets out of his second mansion to secure a $250,000 property tax break. "No one wants a plutocrat running state government," she said.
There is a big election on the horizon. What occurs in the 2018 primary could have huge implications on the future of Illinois. Ralph Rivera is back with Monte and Dave to discuss the March primary, and the legalization of recreational marijuana in Illinois.
Ralph is a lobbyist in Springfield with Illinois Right to Life Action and Illinois Family Institute.
The importance of the March primary is summed up during the discussion by two facts. First, if there were just 3 more pro-life legislators in the State House, a lot of destructive legislation would not be able to pass. Second, there are 12 Republican Party and 1 Democratic Party pro-life candidates that are retiring. So, the March 20th primary will decide if those seats are to remain pro-life.
At the top of the ticket, of course, is the primary race for Governor. On the Republican side, Bruce Rauner has signed several bills which advanced the extreme social agenda of the political left. Rauner is being challenged by pro-life and pro-family champion Jeanne Ives. IFA proudly endorses Ives.
In order for Jeanne Ives and the other pro-life/pro-family candidates to win, they are going to need grassroots action and financial help. Ralph, Dave, and Monte all stressed the need for campaign volunteers and contributions.
This week's Spotlight features the conversation of IFA's David E. Smith and Stephanie Trussell, on joined the Stephanie Trussell Show on 890 AM this Saturday.
Stephanie questions him about the recreational marijuana question on the ballot in Cook County.
At the very start of the show, host Trussell spoke about "the significance of a sitting president speaking at the March for Life." "No other president in modern times has had the courage to come out and speak for those who can't speak for themselves." Dave Smith noted that that hasn't happened in the 45 years since Rov v. Wade made abortion legal. "We have a guy who isn't afraid...isn't it nice to have a president that actually respects the base enough to show up?"
Stephanie Trussell opened discussion about marijuana by parroting those supporting the legalization of recreational marijuana: "Pot is just so innocent...it's not a gateway drug...and it will solve all of our financial problems...pot is no big deal...everybody does it."
Dave Smith addressed the tax revenue myth by saying that in the four years since Colorado legalized recreational marijuana, the revenue has added up to 8/10ths of 1 percent of the budget. "It solves nothing," he said, and emphasized the need to not just look at the potential tax revenues but the downside of the cost to society.
Smith questioned how will legalization will impact: * School dropout rates? * Test scores in "STEM" (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs in schools? * Highway accidents? * Job site safety? * Heart and lung disease?
He also cited the shocking statistic that during those four years in Colorado there has been an 800% increase in kids being hospitalized for accidental overdoses.
Both Smith and Trussell agreed that despite what many people think, legalizing recreational marijuana is a big deal, it will impact society negatively, and it will lead to the growth of the nanny state.
Perhaps you heard about the petulant, self-righteous, and downright rude behavior of Illinois gubernatorial hopeful Chris Kennedy directed at fellow gubernatorial candidate Jeanne Ives at a governor’s forum on Monday. When Jeanne Ives made the commonsense-infused claim that a solution to gun violence is “fathers in the home,” she was greeted by not only boos from the audience but this withering and ignorant response from Kennedy... Read more HERE...
In the Spotlight this week, is Bishop Lance Davis, the pastor of New Zion Covenant Church in Dolton.
Dave, Monte, and Bishop Davis discuss the Cook County referendum on the legalization of marijuana. How will marijuana legalization impact Illinois civil society? And, have we counted the social costs of this type of legislation in the state of Illinois?