LONG A DISTURBING TREND, THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST AND OTHER CONSERVATIVE EVANGELICAL CHURCHES APPETITE FOR FEDERAL MONEY IS GROWING .THIS TIME THEY APPEAR EAGER TO PARTNER WITH THE GOVERNMENT IN DEVELOPING SECURITY PROTOCOLS FOR INCEDENT RESPONSE AND “DOMESTIC TERRORISM”.
Rev Thomas Littleton
2-21-2022
Does your House of Worship (HOW classification in the grant documents) partner with the government and tax dollars for security, emergency relief efforts, community development, man-made incidents cyber crime response, and infrastructure training? If it does then it is very likely your church leadership have been enticed to do so by the lure of free money and the encouragement of denominational leaders.
Would you like to visit a new church and be actively “ASSESSED for being a potential THREAT” while DHS and FEMA trained “Greeters” chat with you in a program tool called “The Power of HELLO”? Your answers might get you reported to the federal agencies involved as a potential threat of person of interest if your politics or even preferred language does not follow that of the pastor or staffers or “trusted team” trained by and funded with government grants.
Good luck if you are seeking and visiting a new church or if you are considered a problematic member of your own.
If you do not think your “HOW” is involved or receiving such funding consider that leaders can often be less than forthcoming about such programs and that the potential for abuses are massive and growing.
LOUISIANA BAPTIST APPER PROMOTES FEMA GRANTS
FEMA announces grants, information opportunities
FEBRUARY 18, 2022
By Baptist Message staff
“WASHINGTON (LBM) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced it is offering opportunities for faith-based organizations to learn how to apply for funding from the 2022 Nonprofit Security Grant Program.”
“Grants are provided on a competitive process for facility hardening and other security enhancements. So, FEMA is offering a series of webinars (each will present the same information and allow open forum questions) for applicants to learn how to make the best case for their respective needs regarding protection against attacks and other emergency preparedness issues.”
“Each presentation will start at 2 p.m. (CT) and is accessible using the respective web link; ID; and passcode:”
NOTE the article then provides 5 links to FEAM Zoom Meetings for March and April for interested pastors and the link for more information on these grants and application process.
WHAT IS THE FUNDING FOR ?
According to Department of Homeland Security churches or “Houses of Worship” need to partner with federal and local agencies in security and disaster preparedness and response.
THE GRANTS ARE COMING THROUGH FEMA ACCORDING TO DHS SITE
“The US Department of Homeland Security through FEMA provides nonprofit security grants which are managed in partnership through each state’s Homeland Security Advisor’s office. These competitive based grants provide funding to improve facility security, preparedness, and emergency planning. FEMA Grant information website.”
OBVIOUS DANGERS COME INTO PLAY WHEN CHRISTIANS ARE THE ACCUSED
The idea that new Faith Based Grant Programs come into play as Christians are being blamed in a new report for “coordinating” the riots on January 6th 2021 is a bit beyond unsettling. Given the groundswell of media and progressive efforts to blame Donald Trump and “Trump supporters” ,especially “white ” evangelicals for the events of January 6th 2021 “Insurgency” (and beyond) -the idea of recruiting pastors and church officials to be full on and paid FEMA and DHS partners is sharpening a blade that could cut both ways.
Recall this quote form the April 28th 2021 Biden first address to Congress as President
” Setting his administration’s tone in his first speech to Congress, US President Joe Biden said Wednesday that white supremacists posed the “most lethal” terrorist threat to the United States.”
“And we won’t ignore what our intelligence agencies have determined to be the most lethal terrorist threat to the homeland today, white supremacist terrorism,” he said.”
This new “Report ” blaming Christians ( white Christian nationalist/ Trump Evangelicals ) for Jan 6th riots at the Capitol in 2021 is part of a sweeping campaign to vilify conservative Christians.
Further DANGERS exist :
DHS language in the FEMA grants is disturbing as the Church or House of Worship is described as a “INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES OF FAITH”. So what about those who do not fit the “inclusive ” mantra?
1- Many gullible young pastors and seminary students have already been indoctrinated with Social Justice and Critical Theories and view their own conservative congregants as “problematic politically ” and “divisive”. What is next? Pastors keeping an eye on the flock for their new partners? YES it even has a name ..”The Power of Hello”! More on that in a moment.
2- The Money from existing partnerships including FEMA, HHS, DHS and virtually every federal agency has negatively impacted the church and missions organizations often while congregants are unaware the funding and partnerships even exist. The Southern Baptist have a network of “Send Relief” centers across the country and in Puerto Rico which partner full time with federal agencies in FEMA disaster relief , community development, to import Muslim refugees, fight a variety of social ills.. many blamed on injustice and discrimination ,while promoting social justice , Diversity ,Equity & Inclusion. In Short the MONEY is driving the vision and NOT the Great Commission of Jesus. “Go into all the World and Preach the Gospel”. Matthew 16:15.
FAITH BASED PARTNERSHIP OF NT TIMES KILLED THEIR OWN MESSIAH
NOTE- a Cozy Faith Based Partnership existed between the religious leaders of Jesus day with Herod and the Roman Government. Protecting that “partnership ” and cooperation led to their demands that Jesus be arrested tried and executed !
3-Faith Based Partnerships do not allow for ministry of the Gospel and the church of “HOW” involved with such funding will be too busy in it’s FEMA roles where “any explicit religious activity” is forbidden and against the law and the grant guidelines.
How will Churches be able to do what God has commissioned them to do with the Gospel while fulfilling their roles and obligations as Government Contractors during disasters or other events impacting their communities?
4- All government understanding, training and guidelines are interfaith and have no ability to preserve or care for Christian Faith or its distinctives or God Given authority and vision. In fact it is just the opposite. Such interfaith and multi-faith efforts require the true church and it’s leadership to abandon such sectarian and divisive faith identities and become part of “is a trusted community within the inclusive, community of faith” which includes all faiths.
5- Abuse of federal and tax dollars has already been present in most Faith Based Partnerships including a $14 million dollar fraud case if this authors hometown with HHS money and Faith Based Healthcare Clinic downtown. No one has every really seemed concerned enough or made efforts to slow the flow of money and prevent the fraud and abuse .
6- ABUSE by pastors and church leadership / staff and elders is already a serious problem .So the answer to rampant abuse, coverups and corruption is MORE money and MORE power from Federal agencies?
7- For the most part people in houses of Faith have NO IDEA their “Houses of Faith” are involved in such funding let alone the dangerous programs and partnerships.
NO THIS IS BREWING UP A DISASTER OF ABUSE OF POWER AND CORRUPTION
REALITY ?
Many pastors and denominations have already been leading their churches down this deadly path of denying biblical Christianity in the name of “serving ” and “Community Development”. The church is not in danger of going down this path- it is well down this path and MORE MONEY is now paving the way for the slide into this FBP vision for the church in America . Separation of Church and State and Religious Liberty are already DONE with and over in such a model. This reality should concern both liberals and conservatives -both Christians and Atheist and everyone in between.
SOME ADDITIONAL AND DISTURBING DETAILS FOR CONSIDERATION
THE DHS AND FEMA GRANT PARTNERSHIP DETAILS
FAITH BASED COMMUNITY RESOURCES
“The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is committed to supporting efforts to maintain safe and secure houses of worship and related facilities while sustaining an open and welcoming environment. In partnership with the Department of Homeland Security Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and the Faith-Based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization, CISA provides resources that assist in securing physical and cyber infrastructure.”
“CISA aims to provide a first stop for guidance and resources that will inform FOB-HOW security-based decisions. Included below are numerous resources, including a Guide and Self-Assessment Tool, which provide building blocks for effective safety and security programs. The resources include assessment, training, planning, exercises, and other materials focused on a wide range of man-made threats (e.g., bombing, active shooter, vehicle ramming, etc.) that could be used against the FBO-HOW community.”
“THE POWER OF HELLO” GREETING IS NOW AN INVESTIGATION
“THE POWER OF HELLO” PROGRAM-
NO LONGER JUST GREETING A STRANGER TO MAKE THEM FEEL WELCOME TO CHURCH
“Every day we face a variety of potential threats, both internal and external, from hostile governments, terrorist groups, disgruntled employees and malicious introducers. Alert employees can spot suspicious activity and report it. The power is in the employee, citizen, patron, or any person who can observe and report.”
WORDS AS A TOOL?
“Used effectively, the right words can be a powerful tool. Simply saying “Hello” can prompt a casual conversation with unknown individuals and help you determine why they are there. The OHNO approach – Observe, Initiate a Hello, Navigate the Risk, and Obtain Help – helps employees observe and evaluate suspicious behaviors, and empowers them to mitigate potential risk, and obtain help when necessary.”
“SPOTTING AND REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY”
“This more focused guide promotes employee vigilance for our houses of worship stakeholders. Alert personnel can better spot suspicious activity and actively report it. Keeping houses of worship facilities secure while sustaining the open and welcoming environment necessary for peaceful congregation requires a holistic approach to security.”
GUIDEBOOKS AND TRAINING
“This guide identifies behavioral and suspicious activity indicators and provides basic personal security measures to reduce the probability of becoming a victim of an attack. “
HISTORY OF COLLABORATION DEVELOPMENT
FEMA has become a comfortable partner for many churches and denominations through Disaster Relief efforts. In fact the Southern Baptist in Louisiana where this Baptist Press report on the grants comes via its state Baptist newspaper have long been addicted to FEMA funds and partnerships since the advent of the FBP programs under Bush and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
The Obama Administration saw the CEO of the Southern Baptist Executive Committee joins in the Obama era overhaul of the FBP programs and aligned with a wide assortment of activist and progressives to find “Common Ground for the Common Good” and to of course get the grants !!!
NOW THINGS ARE ADVANCING BEYOND SERVING TO BECOMING SECURITY FORCES AND EYES AND EARS IN THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY.
CHURCHES BECOME HOMETOWN PROTECTORS AND WATCHDOGS
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) most important mission is to protect the American people. As part of this mission, DHS fosters collaboration between the private sector and the public sector to mitigate risk and enhance the security and resilience of public gathering sites and special events.”
“DHS provides expert counsel and recommendations on protective measures that organizations of all sizes can implement to protect facilities and venues. These tools and resources are offered free to communities because the Department recognizes that communities are the first line of defense in keeping the public safe and secure.”
“CISA’s Hometown Security program provides access to tools and resources to support community security and resilience; DHS recognizes that communities are the first line of defense in keeping the public safe and secure. For more resources to help be prepared, visit the products below.”
CHURCHES BECOME WATCHDOGS IN THE TOWN
“In collaboration with several houses of worship and community partners (i.e., governmental entities that have a responsibility in the plan, including first responders, public health officials, and mental health officials), houses of worship can take steps to plan for these potential emergencies through the creation of an emergency operations plan (EOP).”
“FAITH BASED INFORMATION SHARING AND ANALYSIS SHARING” …OR SPYING ON CONGREGANTS? WHERE IS THE LINE DRAWN IN “INCULSIVE COMMUNITIES OF FAITH ?
“The FB-ISAO is a trusted community within the inclusive, community of faith. The ISAO and its members maintain primary focus on sharing timely, actionable and relevant information with an all-hazards approach as incidents affecting the community come in the form of physical threats, cybersecurity issues, health outbreaks, and a variety of natural disasters. The FB-ISAO’s mission is to provide members with information, analysis, and capabilities to help reduce risk while enhancing preparedness, security, and resilience.”
CYBER THREATS FOR CHURCHES?
“The faith-based community can be a target of cyber crime or incidents that deny access to information, render information unusable, or even disclose the personal information of congregants in the public domain. CISA has created the STOP.THINK.CONNECT.™ national campaign and resources for small businesses, aimed at increasing the understanding of cyber threats and empowering the American public to be safer and more secure online. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. We each have to do our part to keep the Internet safe. When we all take simple steps to be safer online, it makes using the Internet a more secure experience for everyone. “
RESOURCES INCLUDE 2017 STUDY AND TRAINING VIDEOS
“In this security guide, CISA analyzed ten years of targeted attacks on houses of worship to provide context to the enterprise-wide security recommendations. The case studies reviewed are examples of the breadth of threats a house of worship faces daily.
“Numerous studies estimate there are between 300,000 and 400,000 congregations in the United States. Many people believe or think a house of worship is a safe area where violence and emergencies cannot affect them. However, violence in a house of worship is not a new phenomenon, and many facilities are developing and updating security and emergency plans and procedures to ensure the safety and security of their congregations, visitors, staff, and facilities. “
“Today, houses of worship face a unique set of safety and security challenges that weren’t there just a few years ago. This video offers a look at those challenges and demonstrates how law enforcement, houses of worship, and other partners can work together to report suspicious behavior and raise security awareness, while forging positive relationships within the community.”
HOW COVID PAVED THE WAY
COVID PPP MONEY FLOODED THE CHURCH IN 2020
“FAITH BASED SECURITY AMID COVID 19”
“On October 27, 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the InfraGard National Capital Region held a Faith-Based Security and Safety Symposium webinar to discuss best practices and risk mitigation strategies for protecting houses of worship amid the COVID-19 pandemic.”
EVANGLEICAL LEADERS BECAME COVID MESSENGERS AND TOOLS
THIS WAS IN APRIL 2020
FEMA FUNDING DOUBLED IN 2021 FOR THESE SECIRITY GRANT PROGRAMS
FY 2021
Total funding available in fiscal year 2021: $180,000,000.
- Nonprofit Security Grant Program – UASI (NSGP-U) – $90,000,000
- Nonprofit Security Grant Program – State (NSGP-S) – $90,000,000
FY 2020
Total funding available in FY 2020: $90,000,000.
- Nonprofit Security Grant Program – UASI (NSGP-U) – $50,000,000
- Nonprofit Security Grant Program – State (NSGP-S) – $40,000,000
2022 LEVELS ARE UNKNOWN
Feb 22, 2022 3:00 PM EST – Feb 22, 2022 4:00 PM
“The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate (GPD), in partnership with the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), invites faith-based, community, and nonprofit organizations to participate in webinar regarding the fiscal year (FY) 2022 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).”
CONCLUSION
The one certainty with our churches taking government funding and being trained by DHS and FEMA to “keep a watchful eye” on their congregations – is that this is dangerous grand indeed and the church is giving up and losing something it can NEVER REGAIN. Meanwhile in the same era congregations are fighting against all out efforts to implement the tools of Cultural Marxism and Socialist Economics and “Social Justice” to indoctrinate our children even INSIDE our own churches. History has proven this NEVER ends well.
Pastors who are already led astray by deception in our seminaries will have no problem forming the “trusted” teams and passing out “the brown shirts” for security teams who ARE part of (DHS/FEMA wording ) ” a trusted community within the inclusive, community of faith” to use “The Power of Hello” to size up first time visitors or to keep a watchful eye out and report to the authorities about that annoying couple who NO LONGER fit into the ” trusted community within the inclusive, community of faith.”
In Short the church is no longer the church .The church has become something else and it’s mission is no longer the Gospel or the Great Commission to take the Gospel to the ends of the Earth .
Such a church is bound for and fit for nothing else than the DUNG HEAP.
Luke 14
Tasteless Salt Is Worthless
34 “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
thirtypiecesofsilverdotorg 