Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones. –Psalm 116:15

Brian Sean Fitzpatrick, 1960-2018.

The following is adapted from email conversations between my good friend and former AFTAH adviser Brian Fitzpatrick and his fiancée, Trinka Jeffery. The night of December 4, 2018, Brian passed away suddenly, at 58, to be with his Savior, Jesus. On a personal note, Brian was my best friend a really terrific guy who loved and served God. I am sad that we will no longer be able to talk, hang out and laugh together here on earth, but I know he is in a much better place. And I am grateful for what God did in his life. Minor edits, additions and web links have been made for the sake of clarity and to provide additional resources. I will see you again one day, my friend!  – Peter LaBarbera, AFTAH.org; Twitter: @PeterLaBarbera

Note: There is a memorial service for Brian on Saturday, Jan. 5th at the Philippine International Bible Church in Laytonsville, MD. Reception: 3:00 pm; service 3:30.
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Introductory note:

I’m Trinka Jeffery, Brian Fitzpatrick’s fiancée.  

Brian had a story that he would want you to know. Much of our courtship was in writing, and I’ve compiled his story, using his own words.

Please … will you enjoy a last little visit with Brian, with me?

I asked Brian how he came to know God the Father and his Son personally, and this is what he told me:

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From Atheist Scoffer to Christian Believer: The Testimony of Brian Fitzpatrick

As shared with Trinka Jeffery, August 13, 2017…

By Brian Fitzpatrick

I was not someone who would easily convert. It happened on a singles retreat, which I went to mostly because they were going to play softball. I brought a bat along in case somebody tried to baptize me in a river.

I grew up in a Catholic family, but at age 12 we studied Greek mythology in school, and it occurred to me that the Greeks believed in their gods just as I believed in Jesus and Mary, but both couldn’t be true.

My catechism teachers had no answers. So I decided to become an atheist. (OK … maybe partially so I wouldn’t have to get up on Sunday mornings.)

My parents weren’t pleased, and we fought over it for three years. At 14, I was required to be confirmed. I chose the confirmation name Thomas (for doubts), but this was forbidden because “it would kill your grandfather.” So I was confirmed as Michael because I thought the spelling was cool.

At age 20 or so, I read some philosophy and logic and learned that you can’t prove a negative, therefore you can’t prove God does not exist, therefore my atheism was irrational. So I became an extremely skeptical agnostic.

The first time somebody witnessed to me, it was a man from Campus Crusade [for Christ, later renamed Cru] during my freshman year in college. I was a rather bitter atheist, full of disdain for these hicks and very confident in what I didn’t know. I didn’t even let them in my dorm room. I stepped into the hallway and verbally fenced for 45 minutes or so: “How do you know this is true” and so forth.  Eventually they left and I went down the hall to the opposite stairway and ran ahead of them to the room of two fellow iconoclasts. “The God Squad is on the way!”

Brian Fitzpatrick (1960-2018)

Folks, I tweeted this Dec. 5:

Yesterday [Dec. 4] my best friend, Brian Fitzpatrick, passed away suddenly. He was a great man. Though weak physically, he had a tremendous heart for God, and lived for Him. I will miss him, but am comforted knowing that he is now in the glorious presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

In addition to being like a brother to me, Brian was a big part of Americans For Truth. He was a strong influence on AFTAH becoming more biblically and morality-focused in our approach to the LGBTQ “culture war.”  (He would say, and I’m paraphrasing: “The less the Bible is mentioned in the public square, the less relevant it becomes to Americans and the larger culture.”)

The photo at right is of Brian speaking at our rally June 26, 2018 in front of the Supreme Court marking the third anniversary of the devastating, God-dishonoring Obergefell v. Hodges ruling on that effectively imposed homosexuality-based “marriage” on the nation. Brian leaves behind his parents and family, and fiancée, Trinka. They were to be married in May. I’ll have more on Brian’s life in an upcoming piece. — Peter LaBarbera, AFTAH; Twitter; @PeterLaBarbera

AFTAH in the News: intolerant “progressive” LGBTQ cheerleaders have become more “fundamentalist” than Christian “fundamentalists” 

HBO late-night host John Oliver’s “children’s book mocking one by the vice-president’s daughter, Charlotte Pence, promotes homosexuality and same-sex “marriage” to children.

The following piece about HBO late-night host John Oliver’s nasty stunt, featuring comments by AFTAH, is from One News Now, the daily news site produced by our friends at American Family Association (AFA founder Don Wildmon received the first Americans For Truth “Truth Teller” award in 2009).

I am struck by the sheer meanness of self-righteous “progressives” and their obsession with homosexualism (and gender rebellion), which seems to have surpassed unlimited abortion as their Holy Grail. — Peter LaBarbera, Americans For Truth; Twitter: @PeterLaBarbera; americansfortruth@gmail.com

P.S. The main problem with Charlotte Pence’s response to Oliver’s mock-book is that we should never applaud a book that corrupts children, as his does (by celebrating homosexual “marriage” and demonizing those who oppose it). Also, the LGBTQ group that benefits from Oliver’s book, Trevor Project, is hardly a “charity” as it pushes for laws to shut down pro-heterosexual change therapy for minors. But who can blame Charlotte Pence for trying to pivot away from the hateful attacks of “progressives” against her father and her family?

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Pence’s Daughter One-betters Late-night Host

By Steve Jordahl, One News Now, March 19, 2018

A mean-spirited late-night host is mocking a children’s book simply because the authors are related to Vice-president Mike Pence.

Second-Daughter Charlotte Pence and her mom, Karen, wrote a kids book about Charlotte’s pet rabbit, Marlon Bundo, who has become popular on social media. It’s called, A day in the Life of the Vice President.

But late night television host John Oliver appears to believe that no one with the name Pence should be allowed out in public.

I would love to say, ‘Fine, it’s a fun, sweet book about a rabbit … Who gives a [expletive]?’” Oliver expressed on his show. “But unfortunately, one of the stops on that book tour is at Focus on the [expletive]-ing Family. So, congratulations, Pence, you’ve even managed to ruin Marlon Bundo.”

Not being content to just harangue the Pences with foul language, Oliver then decided to hit where he thought it would hurt the Pences most.

“We also wrote a book about Mike Pence’s rabbit that has also been published,” the vitriolic host continued. “You’ll notice right away that our rabbit has a bow tie, so there’s that. Also, our story is about Marlon Bundo falling in love with another boy rabbit because our Marlon Bundo is gay.”

Focus on the Family Vice President Paul Batura says the ministry is honored to have the Pences stop by.

“I’m not shocked that late-night TV would spoof or would mock, but I think it sort of goes to a new low to do it with a children’s book – to try and politicize something that’s clearly positive and fun and innocent, really,” Batura shared.

Meanwhile, Peter LaBarbera of Americans for Truth insists that celebrating homosexuality has become the Holy Grail to the left.

“Ironically, they despise biblically faithful Christians, but they’re more fundamentalist in their anti-faith than most Christians are with their faith,” LaBarbera insisted.

Shining above Oliver, Charlotte Pence is taking the high road. On her twitter feed, she has a picture of Marlon with a bow tie. On it, she wrote, “Not gonna lie, I do look pretty fly in a bow tie. The only thing better than one bunny book for charity is TWO bunny books for charity.”

Obsessed with Celebrating Homosexuality: HBO late night host John Oliver uses Vice President Mike Pence and his Christian faith as a punching bag. Oliver created a version of Pence’s daughter’s children’s book about their pet rabbit by making the rabbit “gay.”

Folks, yesterday I was a guest on the Milwaukee-based VCY America “Crosstalk” radio program with host Jim Schneider. You can listen to the program on MP3 HERE. We discussed the raging intolerance of the homosexual-transgender movement. Below is VCY’s synopsis of the program. Suffice it to say that just when you think “progressives” couldn’t sink any lower, they do–now simultaneously demonizing the VP (and by extension, biblical Christians everywhere) AND promoting sexual perversion to toddlers! I’d say shame on Oliver but I don’t think the Left has any shame. Oh well, their meanness will backfire and rally more Americans to oppose leftist political correctness. — Peter LaBarbera, AFTAH

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LGBT Lobby’s Intolerance

Posted on March 20th, 2018

?Date: March 20, 2018
Host: Jim Schneider
Guest: Peter LaBarbera
?Listen: MP3 ?| Order

In an update to a recent story, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of NIFLA v. Becerra. This is one of 4 cases involving crisis pregnancy centers challenging a California law requiring them to post government prescribed, pro-abortion messages in their facilities and advertising or be fined (See Crosstalk-3/16/18).

Jim also provided brief details on the latest school shooting that took place at Great Mills High School in Maryland.

Peter LaBarbera is the president of Americans for Truth about Homosexuality. Below is a sample list of stories he commented on that show the intolerance of some within the LGBT community.

–Milwaukee, WI., is seeking to pass an ordinance that would criminalize what’s known as ‘conversion therapy’ within the city. In their testimony before the Committee of the Common Council, LGBT activists kept pointing to religion, Christianity and ministries as the problem. The hearing was held with apparently no notice to pastors or churches. The matter passed by committee and now the Common Council is set to meet next week but it’s uncertain if this issue will be on the agenda.

–Vice President Mike Pence has come under fire from John Oliver, Ellen DeGeneres and others because his daughter wrote a children’s book about giving a tour of the White House and the vice presidential living quarters.

–A religious studies major was barred from a Christianity class at Indiana University in Pennsylvania for communicating in class that there are only two genders.

–Mike Pompeo has been appointed by President Trump to replace the outgoing Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. LGBT groups are livid about this change.

–LGBTQ Nation mentions a study that allegedly finds a link between being brain damaged and being a religious fundamentalist. Peter believes promotion of such attacks against faith could backfire on the LGBTQ community and may actually put President Trump back in office for another term.

–The classic Louisa May Alcott book, ‘Little Women’ to be rewritten to develop a lesbian relationship within the storyline.

–There will be an Ohio 4-H LGBTQ+ Summit April 27th and 28th in Columbus.

–Fort Lauderdale, Florida, just elected a new mayor who is openly ‘gay’.

More Information

Americans for Truth about Homosexuality
www.americansfortruth.org

Milwaukee Common Council
414-286-2221

The White House
202-456-1111
202-456-1414

Changed Life: Stephen Black of First Stone Ministries and Restored Hope Network once lived his life as a “gay” man [see his powerful video testimony HERE]. Now he helps others leave the homosexual lifestyle. Stephen will give four presentations on understanding homosexuality and reaching out to those trapped in sexual sin and gender confusion—in the love and truth of Jesus Christ. Full banquet details HERE. Sign up for just $25 for both days HERE.

Americans For Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH) is holding its annual banquet this Friday, Oct. 20, followed by a “Teach-in” Saturday, Oct. 21.  There will be a total of four presentations by our keynote speaker, my friend Stephen Black, a godly Christian man who came out of homosexuality and now helps others do the same.  [See his powerful video testimony HERE.]  We also have an “all-star” Q-&A panel Saturday featuring: Denise Shick, whose father told her he wanted to be a “woman” when she was a young girl; stellar writer Laurie Higgins of Illinois Family Institute; and AFA-Pennsylvania pro-family warrior Diane Gramley.

This Teach-in is ideal for anyone with loved ones trapped in homosexual and/or transgender lifestyles.  Like all our events, it will be highly educational and spiritually uplifting—loaded with information that you can put to use in your life and relationships.  It is only $25 for both days and will be held at Grace for Life Bible Church in Naperville, Illinois, Oct. 20-21.  Full details are HERE.

KEY DETAILS:

WHO:  Stephen Black, author, Freedom Realized; director, First Stone Ministries, Oklahoma City; Board Chairman, Restored Hope Network.

WHAT:  AFTAH’s annual dinner-banquet and next-day teach-in on homosexuality. Stephen will  give a total of 4 presentations, and there will also be a Q&A panel featuring him, Denise Shick, Laurie Higgins and Diane Gramley.

WHEN: Banquet with casual dinner (catered by Portillo’s) is Friday, Oct. 20, 6:00-9:30 PM.  Doors open at 5:30 PM Friday, and 8:30 AM Saturday.  Teach-in seminars led by Stephen is Saturday, Oct 21, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  A casual lunch will be served Sat., and the Q&A panel begins at 1:30 Sat.

WHERE:  Grace For Life Bible Church, Naperville, Illinois (west of Chicago), 7S201 S. River Rd., Naperville, IL. [at the corner of River Rd. and Aurora Ave.; entrance is on River Rd. across the street from “Safety Town” and the Naperville PD.] 

COST:  Just $25/person to attend either or both events. Table of 10 at banquet for $250. Separate gift offerings will be taken both Friday and Saturday. Mail check to: AFTAH, PO Box 5522, Naperville, IL 60567-5522 — or pay online HERE

RSVP and AFTAH contact info: americansfortruth@gmail.com, or call 312-324-3787.

AFTAH Reboot

This year’s banquet is a little different from past ones in that it launches what is essentially AFTAH’s “reboot” as an organization.  For the last year, I have been writing full-time for LifeSiteNews.com, an excellent pro-family news site for which I will continue to write blog articles.  But my Americans For Truth work in the last year has been limited mainly to doing dozens of interviews on conservative and Christian media relating to LGBTQ issues [see HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE].  Moral-minded conservatives are big fans of AFTAH because we are direct and honest in speaking the truth about homosexual-bisexual-transgender activism, in the love and grace of Christ.

Beginning at the Friday banquet [casual dinner catered by Portillo’s], I will again be devoting my full energies to AFTAH, which I formed more than two decades ago (an offshoot of my “Lambda Report”) and has always been my first love when it comes to opposing Big Gay and its cheerleading media enablers.  (We veterans of the fight against the LGBTQueer lobby could tell Donald Trump a few things about “fake news.”)

Our website will return to doing that for which AFTAH is known (and which drives LGBT militants and the Left crazy): telling the hard truths about homosexuality and “transgenderism” that so many others—even people on our side—are often unwilling to tell.  Yes, that includes publishing disturbing (albeit boxed-out) photos of unsavory “gay” events that remind us why, for centuries, homosexuality has been regarded as deeply immoral and an unnatural perversion.

The Deviant Roots of a Sin Movement: Dr. Alfred Kinsey’s Table 34 showing timed “orgasms” for babies and young children–apparently supplied to him by a child molester. This table appears in Kinsey’s celebrated 1948 book, “Sexual Behavior and the Human Male,” which also greatly exaggerated the number of people practicing homosexual behavior in American society. Homosexual activists seized on Kinsey’s book to argue that homosexuality was widespread and normal. See AFTAH Point 12 below. Click on graphic to enlarge.

There will be revisions and additions to this list, but here is AFTAH’s first draft of core principles and beliefs.–Peter LaBarbera, President, Americans For Truth About Homosexuality

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1) Homosexual behavior and trans-gender rebellion are morally wrong as they defy Nature and Nature’s God.

2) Homosexuality is not the basis for a healthy self-identity; embracing homosexual or transgender lifestyles/behaviors is a very bad and destructive choice.

3) Homosexuality is about What You Do, not Who You Are. Everyone is responsible before God for his or her sexual conduct. “Sexual Orientation” and “Gender Identity”–the notion of an innate or inherent nature centered around proclivity toward sex- and gender-confusion–are the misguided foundations of self-serving “gay” ideology. These concepts seek to justify immorality by essentially removing one’s moral responsibility for his or her actions.

4) Homosexualism and gender confusion are not the basis for civil rights. Equating  the campaign for homosexual “rights”and same-sex “marriage” to the Black civil rights movement insults Black Americans and their noble struggle against slavery and institutional racism (e.g., Jim Crow). Christians in past days were wrong to misuse the Bible to ban interracial unions. Interracial marriages produce beautiful children and families; homosexuality cannot produce life. Creating “rights” based on moral wrongs and sexual/gender perversions naturally undermines other people’s rights, especially the freedoms of religion and conscience enshrined in the United States Constitution. As John Adams, the second president of the United States and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, wrote: “[W]e have not government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion…Our constitution was made only for a moral and spiritual people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

5) All people as human beings created in the image of God deserve respect; all behaviors and ideologies do not.

6) Unlike race and ethnicity, homosexuality is not immutable: people can pursue virtuous change and leave aberrant sex- and transgender lifestyles behind. Oddly, the same LGBTQ activists who champion men and women who abandon their marital spouse and children to live a homosexual life–or the DNA-defying notion that people can change sexes–often excoriate and dehumanize EX-“gays.” Nevertheless, thousands of people have successfully left homosexuality behind, and their wholesome transformation should be celebrated. Legal and legislative efforts to ban pro-heterosexual change therapy for minors are cruel, antithetical to liberty and parental rights, and demonstrate the totalitarian mindset of homosexual advocates and their allies. [AFTAH highly recommends Restored Hope Network, an umbrella group of Christian ex-“gay” ministries.]