The Biblical teaching that believers are the salt of the earth challenges the church in defining ministry. The impact of the church extends beyond the borders of the campus into a world of darkness and desperation. The spiritual warfare that the church encounters is real. The church can take a position of silence or take a stand.

Unfortunately, the call to take a stand has been viewed as the church stepping into the political arena. Yet, biblical truth and correctness transcends political posturing. Believers are called to submit to the absolute truth of the Word of God and not the expedient verbiage of man.

The county in which I live has become the hub of the adult entertainment industry. The churches of Hillsborough County have united in an effort to stand against this insidious evil. We are currently gathering 10,000 signatures on petitions for an ordinance against public nudity in our county. The process that we face is securing the signatures before June 2004. The petitions will be delivered to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners for a vote. The vote by the Board of County Commissioners will determine if the ordinance will be placed on the November 2004 ballot. The citizens of Hillsborough County would have the opportunity in the election to determine if public nudity is acceptable or unacceptable.

This decision to take a stand is a major effort by churches across denominational lines within our county. We are moving forward in the right way, for the right cause, and in the right spirit. We have determined that together in the Lord a miracle will occur in Hillsborough County to the glory of the Lord.

I humbly request that the one million plus Florida Baptists pray for the success of this endeavor.

I ask you to pray in a specific manner for the following:
• 10,000 plus signatures by June 1
• Majority vote by the Board of County Commissioners
• Majority vote on the Ordinance in November 2004
• Witness of Christ will be magnified
• Glory of the Lord will be revealed

We ask for your prayers because of the obvious battle that we face. I will keep you updated on the progress of this issue. I thank you for your daily prayers that will strengthen this process. We know that all things are possible in the Lord and that God will supply the victory. I rejoice that churches will unite for matters concerning biblical truth. God honors the unity of His people in matters of righteousness.

J. Thomas Green is pastor, First Baptist Church, Brandon.