Last night, IFI hosted our annual Faith, Family and Freedom Banquet. Hundreds of supporters from across the state gathered to enjoy a good meal and fellowship while being informed, encouraged, and edified by our fantastic program and our keynote speaker, Eric Metaxas. It was, without a doubt, an incredible night of inspiration and fellowship!
This year we had two special awards to present to some amazing people. First, we gave our annual “Voice of Truth” award to Juan-Elias Riesco and the great work he is doing as the City Director of Love Life, focusing on bringing the hope of the gospel and the help of the local church in front of Chicago abortion mills. Click HERE to watch this short video and learn more about his important work.
We also gave our “Titanium Backbone” award to the Wheeler family from the Springfield area. Over the summer, 16-year-old Abbigail Wheeler spoke out about a foolish policy adopted by the YMCA which forced her and other women to share a locker room with biological males. She was kicked off her swim team after she complained about it. Kaitlynn Wheeler, a swimmer at the University of Kentucky and a teammate of Riley Gaines, encountered a nude biological male in the women’s locker room who calls himself “Lea” Thomas. Ranked only in the top 400 swimmers as a male, Thomas beat out Kaitlynn, Riley, and other female Olympians and world record holders.
The family has refused to keep silent about this deceptive and dangerous ideology. Click HERE to watch a short video highlighting some soundbites from their July 13th press conference.
In my short presentation, I reminded attendees that we are called to be steadfast and immovable while abounding in the work the Lord calls us to do. Yes, cultural chaos is increasing. Evil is being called good, up is now down, wrong is right, boys can be girls… and on it goes. We are shaking our fists at God.
While the situation looks bleak, we are not without hope. The Lord is with His own, and the victory is already won. Our job is to remain faithful amidst what is, most definitely, a spiritual battle.
Like the men of Issachar, we need to understand the times and know how to respond biblically.
Matching Challenge Opportunity!
We realize that many of our subscribers would have loved to attend this annual event, but due to calendar conflicts or prohibitive traveling hurdles, could not join us. The exciting news I have to report to you is that a group of very generous donor has offered a $50,000 banquet-matching challenge that has been extended through the weekend so that you can participate by financially supporting our work in Illinois.
Every dollar that is given or pledged will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000 through Sunday evening. This includes pledges of monthly giving which is a great way to support the work that we are doing.
I hope you agree that a vigorous defense of policies and laws that reflect biblical truth is needed more than ever in Illinois. Certainly, as a subscriber to IFI’s emails you understand that the godless Left isn’t willing to tolerate Christian family values. Regardless of how difficult this might seem, we press forward as Christ’s ambassadors and leave any victories to the Lord.
The culture war isn’t lost. It isn’t over. Rather, it has entered a new and more aggressive phase. For the sake of our children and the future of Illinois as well as the country, we must rise to the challenge.
IFI is doing some great work here in the People’s Republic of Illinois, but we cannot do it without your prayers and your financial support.
Please consider this appeal and the opportunity to partner with us in a strategic and effective way. A gift of $25, $50 or more this weekend would help tremendously. Perhaps you are able to contribute even more. Please don’t miss an amazing opportunity to double your impact!
Your love, your prayers, and your gifts make our work possible. Please prayerfully consider helping us meet this matching challenge!
Thank you and God bless you!
Thank you for your support!
P.S. Help us reach our goal of raising a total of $100,000 by the end of the weekend — Donate today! You can also send a gift to:
Illinois Family Institute
P.O. Box 876
Tinley Park, IL 60477
