by David K. Homes, Exec. Vice President & Chief Legacy Officer • 3 minutes
In the year 445 B.C., the prophet Nehemiah asked the Lord to remember His promise to gather His people from their dispersion – if they repented. The Lord heard his prayers, and the Persian king, Artaxerxes, astoundingly allowed Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild the walls of the city, to repair the gates of the temple, and to build Nehemiah’s house.
When I read of the conditions under which the people labored to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, amid the scorn and threats of its neighbors, I can’t help but think of our work to rebuild the fortresses of religious freedom in this country. The walls of old Jerusalem were torn down and set afire, analogous to the erosion of our religious liberties here over the past decades. And yet, like the Hebrew people and their restored walls, we have steadily regained ground and rebuilt our defenses against forces that would destroy our religious freedom.
Look at our victories in the last 10 years that have had landmark, precedent-setting impact: American Legion v. American Humanist Association, Carson v. Makin, Groff v. DeJoy, Kennedy v. Bremerton, and others. Ten, in fact. Hold that! Late breaking news: First Liberty just won its 11th! We prevailed in our public evangelist case, Olivier v. City of Brandon, Mississippi. And we have more headed to the Supreme Court in the pipeline!
Like the various tribes in Israel, who carried swords and bricks, we are constructing strong fortresses against religious discrimination with legal victories in one hand, and our Constitution in the other. Yet, we need more workers and more victories. We need more people to buy bricks, in other words, to help restore religious freedom in America. Forever!
Can 2,050 mighty people of valor step forward now and indicate they will join us in a new and exciting way? I am referring here to future cases and future challenges.
Imagine if 2,050 Americans bequeath $25,000 in their wills or living trusts. Think how that would strengthen the legacy of liberty you could leave your family – all the way to the year 2050 and beyond. 2,050 for 2050!
So, in addition to your current support, we ask that your prayerfully consider becoming one of the 2,050 Mighty People of Valor for Religious Liberty for the year 2050.
If you are able, please leave a $25,000 gift from your will or living trust to help rebuild the walls of religious liberty and establish a legacy for your family. This isn’t “here-and-now money” from your cash accounts; it’s future money from your estate after the Lord has called you home. This could have a profound impact on religious liberty for your children and grandchildren, much like the cases I cited earlier.
Please email us at wills@firstliberty.org to indicate the dollar amount of your estimated intentions. Such an indication is not legally binding – you can change either the amount or the named beneficiaries in your will at any time without even notifying anyone.
If you recall, there were enemies of Israel who wanted to keep the walls in shambles. In our times, the enemies of religious freedom wish to keep the Constitution and religious liberty in shambles. And we can’t let that happen.
Thank you for your current support and for your prayerful consideration of the future of religious liberty in 2050.
DISCLAIMER: This article does not provide tax or legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for transactions or investment advice. You should consult your own tax and legal advisors before engaging in any estate planning.
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