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American Hero #9
All participants of The Response
Carter LeCraw, August 12, 2011
Congratulations to our collective American Hero #9 - All those who called for, planned, funded, produced and participated in The Response: A call to prayer for a nation in crisis" which was held in Houston Texas last Saturday, August 6, 2011.
Have you ever agonized about whether you should do something? Or, am I the only one in the universe that is, at times, clueless about what to do? Well last week I debated, thought, contemplated, researched, checked my sky miles account, thought some more, and then FINALLY, at the last minute, decided to fly to Houston to attend The Response. What a wonderful blessing was in store for me, and to think I had to agonize about going.
True American Heroes sacrificed a lot to make this an incredible event and people responded by coming from all over America to experience it. Many not only prayed but spent time fasting in order to prepare their hearts for prayer. While there was plenty of time for prayer there were also several short messages scattered throughout the day. One of my favorites was from Rick Perry who was not ashamed to speak out for his Christian faith.
An aspect of the event that showed great courage was the refusal to bow to political correctness. It was clearly focused on Biblical Christianity which is the foundation upon which America was built. As a result there were a some protests including one plane dragging a sign that read "Gov: Keep state/church separate". America probably more than any other nation represents to the world Jesus Christ, not always perfectly of course, but it was quite encouraging to go to an event that lifted up His name.
Shortly, after the event I was privileged to attend a special "break fast" dinner for some of the more notables who either came or helped produce the prayer day. (A friend co-hosted the event which is why I was able to get a seat) It was a dinner I will not soon forget because of the positive attitude and enormous energy of those in attendance. It seemed almost everywhere I turned I was speaking with someone who was doing something exciting for America. VERY COOL.
One person I had the privilege of visiting with was Joanne Herring. This vivacious, 82 year old Christian lady, who was played irreverently by Julia Roberts in the movie, "Charlie Wilson's War", is continuing with her love for Afghanistan and is working on an exciting new initiative for Afghanistan through her new charity "Marshall Plan Charities". If effective, it will drastically reduce the need for our military presence there. The idea is to strengthening villages and communities all over their country by helping to provide clean water, sustainable food sources, basic health care, modern schools and real jobs. The Taliban seem less likely to return to strong, self-sustaining villages. I also had the opportunity to visit with Malcolm Morris, of the Millennium Water Alliance, an organization which will be helping with the "water" portion of Ms. Herring's endeavor.
Rick Skaggs entertained while James Dobson and Rick Perry spoke candidly to the group. Bob McEwen served as Emcee and led us in a rousing chorus of "Blessed Assurance". No media was allowed. I might compare it to being in a foxhole with 200 highly skilled and extremely motivated Navy Seals right before going into battle. And, .... believe me we are in a war.
Thanks to all the American heroes who made The Response a magnificent success.
* Post Script
We have a goal of identifying 56 current-day heroes with the same character, commitment and courage as the 56 who signed our Declaration of Independence. If you would like to nominate someone please send your idea to news@americanvalues.com. If you would like to receive this email newsletter you may email us or add your name by clicking here.
Carter LeCraw, CEO
American Values Investments, Inc. | 
