Category: Last days

In God’s Will: When Obedience Costs Everything

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What does it truly mean to walk in the will of the Lord? Often, following God means swimming against the current of human expectations, risking rejection, and sacrificing comfort. The Bible is replete with stories of individuals who remained faithful to God’s call, even when they were criticized, misunderstood, or seemingly abandoned. Their examples challenge us to ask: Are we seeking God’s approval or the world’s? Are we willing to serve where He places us, whether in the spotlight or in obscurity?

Living in God’s will isn’t about earthly popularity or personal ambition. It’s about surrender, obedience, and faithfulness—whether our path leads to acclaim or hardship.

1. Obedience Often Invites Opposition

From the earliest pages of Scripture, we see that walking in obedience to God frequently comes at a cost. The world’s values often clash with God’s standards, and His servants are called to choose between human approval and divine allegiance.

• Noah: Noah was asked to build an ark in a time when rain, let alone a flood, seemed implausible. For decades, he endured mockery from a corrupt generation, yet he obeyed God without wavering (Genesis 6:9-22, Hebrews 11:7). Noah’s story reminds us that obedience may isolate us but positions us to receive God’s protection and favor.

• Jeremiah: Known as the “weeping prophet,” Jeremiah was tasked with delivering messages of judgment to a rebellious people. He faced imprisonment, public scorn, and even death threats (Jeremiah 20:1-2, Jeremiah 26:8-9). Despite his suffering, Jeremiah remained faithful, demonstrating that obedience to God sometimes means bearing burdens no one else understands.

• Jesus Christ: The perfect example of obedience, Jesus consistently chose the will of the Father over human approval. He healed the sick, forgave sinners, and preached the kingdom of God, yet He was despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3, John 1:11). Even in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His life teaches us that the cost of obedience is worth it because it fulfills God’s ultimate purpose.

2. God’s Ways Are Higher

Scripture reminds us that God’s plans often defy human logic and expectations: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8). Walking in the will of God requires trust in His sovereignty, even when His path seems counterintuitive or unpopular. Consider the Apostle Paul, who left a promising career as a Pharisee to follow Christ, facing beatings, imprisonment, and ultimately martyrdom (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). His motivation? To please God, not man (Galatians 1:10).

3. Eternal Rewards for Faithfulness

While obedience to God may bring earthly challenges, it also brings eternal rewards. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.” Those who remain faithful to God will be honored by Him, even if they are disregarded by the world.

Staying Faithful Where You Are

1. God Often Prepares Us in Obscurity

Many of God’s servants were shaped by years of quiet preparation before stepping into their ultimate calling.

• Moses: Before leading Israel, Moses spent 40 years tending sheep in Midian (Exodus 3:1). This seemingly mundane task was God’s training ground, teaching him patience, humility, and reliance on divine guidance. When Moses later faced opposition from the Israelites in the wilderness, his years in obscurity had prepared him to lead with perseverance.

• David: Before becoming king, David spent years as a shepherd and later as a fugitive, fleeing from Saul. These years of obscurity taught him to trust God in all circumstances, a lesson reflected in his psalms (Psalm 23, Psalm 27).

2. Faithfulness in Small Things

Jesus emphasized the importance of being faithful in the small, unseen tasks: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (Luke 16:10). Whether serving as a shepherd like Moses or simply remaining steadfast in prayer, God sees and values our faithfulness.

3. Perseverance Through Rejection

Jesus Himself experienced rejection by His own people: “No prophet is accepted in his hometown” (Luke 4:24). Yet He continued His mission, modeling for us the importance of serving where God places us, regardless of recognition. Similarly, Paul encouraged believers: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Key Takeaways for Us Today

1. God’s Sovereignty Over Popularity

Walking in God’s will requires surrendering our desire for approval and trusting His higher purposes. Whether we are called to stand boldly like Jeremiah or serve quietly like Moses, our focus should be on pleasing Him, not the crowd (Proverbs 29:25).

2. Purpose in Pain

Opposition and obscurity are not signs of failure but of refinement. As James 1:2-4 reminds us: “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” God uses difficult seasons to deepen our trust and prepare us for greater assignments.

3. Faithfulness Defines Success

Success in God’s kingdom is not measured by numbers, recognition, or worldly accolades but by faithfulness. Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:21 echo this truth: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Whether leading a nation, building an ark, or caring for sheep, the true measure of our lives is found in our obedience to God.

Conclusion

The most important question for any believer is not, “Am I successful?” or “Am I appreciated?” but “Am I where God wants me to be?” Whether standing firm against popular opinion or serving faithfully in an unseen place, the ultimate goal is to honor God and fulfill His purpose. His rewards are eternal, and His approval is worth far more than the fleeting favor of man. Let us remain steadfast, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

A Prayer for Faithfulness and Obedience

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts longing to do Your will. Teach us to walk in obedience to Your plans, even when the path is difficult or misunderstood by others. Strengthen us to stand firm in faith when the world opposes us, just as Noah, Jeremiah, and Your Son, Jesus, did.

Lord, help us to seek Your approval above all else. Free us from the need for human recognition, and remind us that Your favor is our greatest reward. When we feel unseen or unappreciated, reassure us of Your presence and Your eternal purposes for our lives.

Father, give us patience in seasons of waiting and courage in moments of opposition. Help us to be faithful in the small things, trusting that You are using them to prepare us for greater things. Teach us to trust Your timing and Your ways, even when they seem unclear.

May we never grow weary in doing good, and may we remain steadfast in our service to You. Let our lives bring glory to Your name, whether we are called to stand boldly in the spotlight or to serve quietly in the background.

Thank You, Lord, for the promise that our labor in You is never in vain. Help us to hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” at the end of our race. Until that day, keep our hearts focused on You, our strength rooted in Your Spirit, and our joy anchored in Your love.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray.

Amen.

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** Photo by Evelyn Chong at Pexels

Why Only God Deserves Our Prayers: Understanding the Role of Jesus as Our Sole Mediator

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“Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John the brother of James, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And His appearance changed dramatically in their presence; and His face shone [with heavenly glory, clear and bright] like the sun, and His clothing became as white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus. Then Peter began to speak and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good and delightful and auspicious that we are here; if You wish, I will put up three [sacred] tents here—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased and delighted! Listen to Him!” When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were terrified.” ~ Matthew 17:1-6. This was Jesus’s transfiguration and His three closest disciples got a preview of His resplendent glory. In this passage Peter had missed the point, and God intended to clear up all confusion. The disciples needed to understand the superiority of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, far above Moses and Elijah. The presence of Moses and Elijah (who respectively represent the Law and the Prophets) was to signal the arrival of their long-awaited Messiah and the ushering in of the last days…

Prayer is one of the most personal and powerful ways we connect with God. It is a gift from Him, allowing us to share our hearts, seek His guidance, and trust in His provision. However, misunderstandings about prayer can lead people to rely on practices that are not supported by Scripture. One common misconception is the idea of praying to saints or asking them to intercede on our behalf. To fully honor God and experience the true purpose of prayer, it’s essential to understand what the Bible teaches about who hears our prayers and how we should approach God.

Only God is everywhere at all times (omnipresent) and capable of hearing every prayer. The men and women who have passed away, even those considered saints, are not omnipresent. They do not have God’s divine power, so they cannot hear your prayers. To pray to them is like speaking to someone who is not present—it simply doesn’t work. When you pray to saints or ask them to intercede for you, you are misunderstanding God’s design for prayer and His role as the one true God.

The Bible is very clear that Jesus Christ is the only one who can intercede between us and God. In 1 Timothy 2:5, it says, “There is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” This means there is no need for anyone else—no saint, no angel, no human being—to go to God on your behalf. Jesus is enough. His sacrifice on the cross made it possible for you to come directly to God in prayer. When you pray to anyone other than God, even with good intentions, you are stepping outside of what God has asked us to do.

Some people believe that saints can act as intercessors, meaning they think saints can pray to God for them or deliver their prayers to Him. But this idea has no foundation in Scripture. Nowhere does the Bible teach that those who have passed away are given the ability to hear prayers or communicate with the living. In fact, Isaiah 8:19 warns against trying to contact the dead, saying, “Should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” This shows us that our focus should always be on God, not on those who have died.

Furthermore, giving saints the role of intercessors diminishes the role of Jesus Christ. When Jesus died on the cross, He tore down the barrier between humanity and God. Hebrews 4:16 tells us, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” This means you don’t need anyone else to “carry” your prayers to God. You can go directly to Him because of what Jesus did for you.

Praying to saints also risks turning them into idols, which is something God strictly forbids. Exodus 20:3-4 says, “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.” When people put their trust in saints to intercede or answer prayers, they are giving them a role that belongs to God alone.

God loves you and made prayer simple. You don’t need special rituals, objects, or intermediaries—just an honest heart and faith in Jesus Christ. If you’re carrying a burden or need help, go straight to God. Pray in Jesus’ name, because He is the only one who hears every word, understands your heart, and has the power to help you. By praying directly to God, you honor Him, strengthen your relationship with Him, and experience the peace and joy of knowing He is always listening.

Conclusion

In the end, prayer is not about complicated rituals or relying on others to reach God for us—it’s about a direct relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. When we trust in the sufficiency of Jesus as our sole mediator, we honor God’s design and experience the peace of knowing that He hears us personally. Praying to anyone other than God does not bring us closer to Him; it only diminishes the role of Jesus and takes away from the simplicity and beauty of prayer. Let us remain faithful to God’s Word, pray in the name of Jesus, and rest in the assurance that He alone is our loving, listening, and ever-present God.

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**Photo by Tara Winstead at Pexels / Foreword by Got Questions

The Traditions of Men Versus the Word of God

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In Mark 7:8, Jesus speaks with profound clarity: “You disregard and neglect the commandment of God, and cling [faithfully] to the tradition of men.” This verse cuts to the heart of an ongoing tension that has existed since the days of Christ: the elevation of human traditions over the divine Word of God. Jesus’ confrontation with the Pharisees reveals a dangerous practice where man-made traditions overshadow and even invalidate God’s commandments.

Traditions: A Challenge in Jesus’ Time

Mark 7:2-9 paints a vivid picture of this confrontation. The Pharisees and scribes, having observed Jesus’ disciples eating with unwashed hands, found fault with them. They weren’t just concerned with hygiene, but with the breaking of religious customs—the “tradition of the elders”—which had become a cornerstone of Jewish religious practice. They viewed this tradition as equal to, or even above, God’s commandments.

Jesus’ response is striking. He calls them hypocrites, quoting Isaiah: “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” He condemns their practices, stating, “For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men.” This indictment is as relevant today as it was then. The Pharisees placed their traditions on a pedestal, and in doing so, lost sight of the heart of God’s law. They honored God with outward rituals, but their hearts were far from Him.

The Danger of Tradition Today

In the present age, many Christians find themselves at a similar crossroads. The traditions of men can still creep into our faith, subtly undermining the pure Word of God. Colossians 2:8 warns us to be vigilant: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Tradition, when unchecked by Scripture, can lead us into a form of religion that has the appearance of wisdom but lacks the power to transform.

One of the greatest dangers of these traditions is that they often seem harmless or even beneficial. After all, they may have been passed down for generations and become ingrained in our communities and culture. But as 1 Peter 1:17-19 reminds us, we were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, “from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ.” Our salvation is not found in human traditions but in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The Pharisees’ Blindness: An Ongoing Struggle

When Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their traditions, He pointed to the deeper issue of the heart. The Pharisees had developed a system of religion that was all about outward appearances, with rules about washing hands and cleaning vessels (Mark 7:4). But their focus on external purity blinded them to the internal transformation that God desires. As Romans 10:3 states, “They being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.”

This is a profound warning for believers today. If we are not careful, we can also fall into the trap of relying on human traditions or self-imposed practices to define our righteousness. But no amount of religious ritual can make us right with God—only faith in Jesus Christ, submission to His Word, and His finished work on the Cross can do that. No amount of external works or accolades will suffice, for obedience is better than sacrifice.

God’s Commandments are Sufficient

Deuteronomy 12:29-32 gives a stern warning: “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.” God’s Word is complete and sufficient. We are not to add to it with human traditions, nor are we to take away from it through selective obedience. The Scripture is clear: anything that detracts from the purity of God’s Word is not to be followed.

Traditions often evolve over time and may start with good intentions, but they can lead us away from the truth of the Gospel. In Matthew 15:1-9, Jesus again confronts the Pharisees, accusing them of transgressing the commandments of God in favor of their traditions. Their interpretation of the law had become twisted, allowing them to bypass God’s true commands—such as honoring father and mother—while upholding human rules that seemed religious.

Direct Access to God Through Christ

One of the most beautiful gifts that Christians have is direct access to God through Jesus Christ. As believers, we are not bound by the traditions of men that create barriers between us and God. The veil has been torn (Matthew 27:51), and we can approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we have the privilege of a personal relationship with God. We no longer need a human intermediary to offer sacrifices or perform rituals on our behalf.

Because Jesus is our mediator, we have the incredible privilege of direct communication with God through prayer. He intercedes for us (Romans 8:34), making our prayers effective and heard by the Father. This divine access reminds us that our relationship with God is intimate and unbroken, secured through Christ’s finished work on the cross, as He alone died for our sins.

Conclusion: Cling to God’s Word, Not Man’s Tradition

The Word of God is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). It is our guide, our light, and our foundation. We must be careful not to allow human traditions—however well-meaning they may seem—to overshadow the authority of Scripture. Galatians 1:8 gives a sobering warning: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” This shows the seriousness with which we must guard the purity of God’s Word, for Jesus Himself warned, “Get away from Me; I never knew you, you who practice disobedience” (Matthew 7:23). To neglect the truth of Scripture and substitute it with human traditions is to risk eternal separation from God.

As born-again believers, our allegiance is to Christ alone, not to any denomination, human traditions, or rituals. Let us examine our hearts and lives to ensure that we are following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. Only by doing so can we worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24), honoring Him with our lives and not just our lips. Our faith must be rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus, guided by His Word, and not defined by external affiliations or practices.

When A Spiritual Leader Falls From Grace

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This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord.” — Jeremiah 17:5

When Spiritual Leaders Fall: How to Stay Strong

A lot of Christians face moments when a spiritual hero falls. This could be a father, coach, mentor, pastor, or leader—someone you admire, whose books you read or whose ministry you follow. The awareness that they’ve fallen can deeply shake any believer’s faith. Here are a few ways to recover and remain strong when faced with instances like this.

Understand This to Remain Unmovable

1. Miracles Are a Sign That God Is Good, Not a Confirmation of a Minister’s Integrity

When you discover that a minister you follow has had a moral failing, scandals surface, and your faith might get shaken. Many become distrustful, skeptical, and afraid, closing their hearts to new leaders.

I experienced this at 16 or 17 when a gentleman, whom God used in another country, fell. I had followed him closely—buying every book he had, listening to every sermon, and trying to pray and fast like he did. But when I found out about his immoral behavior, it shook me. You go from admiring them to suddenly distrusting all leaders. This skepticism can settle in your heart, making it difficult to trust again.

It’s important to understand that while miracles are a sign that God is good, they do not always confirm that the minister is good. When people are used by God for miracles like prophesying, healing, or deliverance, we often assume it’s because of their holiness. However, this view is incomplete and inaccurate.

2. It’s the Devil’s Goal to Allow the Minister to Rise as High as Possible Before a Big Fall

I believe that sometimes the devil allows a minister to live in secret sin for a long time, allowing them to rise to prominence. When they eventually fall, the damage is much greater. The more well-known the minister, the greater the harm within the body of Christ.

The devil knows this and waits for the right moment to cause the most damage. When a leader with influence falls, it can create widespread distrust and pain among believers.

3. God Is the One Who Brings Hidden Things to Light

Luke 8:17 says, “For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.”

God reveals both good and bad things done in secret. He is patient, wanting everyone to come to repentance, but when leaders refuse to repent, God eventually exposes their sin to prevent further harm.

4. When We Notice Unrepentant Sin in Our Leaders, We Can’t Ignore It

Don’t ignore unrepentant sin in your leaders. Address issues like sexual immorality, dishonesty, denial of core doctrines, abuse of power, or lack of self-control in a respectful manner. If leaders isolate followers and demand absolute loyalty, it’s a sign of a cult.

When leaders control aspects of their followers’ lives—associations, living arrangements, finances—and manipulate them through fear, they are leading through a demonic trap of control and witchcraft.

5. You Can Receive a Blessing from a Ministry Without It Being Contaminated

Even if a ministry later falls into scandal, the blessings you received from it are still from God. For example, if Judas gave a gift from Jesus’s ministry fund before his betrayal, the gift was still valid. Similarly, if you were blessed by a ministry that later faced moral failure, those blessings came from God, not the fallen leader, and therefore, they are not contaminated.

How to Heal

Grieve, Don’t Gloat

When leaders fall, it’s painful. Grieve for them instead of gloating. We see in the Bible that Samuel grieved for Saul (1 Samuel 16), and we should do the same for fallen leaders.

Heal with Time

Healing takes time, but with Jesus, it is possible. Spend time in His presence and allow Him to guide you through the process. Don’t let betrayal turn into bitterness. Release unforgiveness and trust that God has a better future for you. Remember, just because one leader fell doesn’t mean all will. God has still raised up good leaders.

Trust Slowly

Forgiveness doesn’t mean instant trust. Trust must be earned over time. It’s important to forgive fallen leaders, but trust is something they need to rebuild.

Be Hopeful

Despite some ministers falling, many others remain strong and faithful. Focus on leaders who demonstrate godly character and consistent good fruit, rather than those who are merely famous. Trust that God can restore what has been lost and bring healing and hope for the future.

Bible Verses to Reflect On

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. — Psalm 118:8-9

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. — Proverbs 3:5-6

There is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. — Romans 3:23

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. — 1 John 1:8-10

“I am the Lord! That is My name! I will not share My glory with anyone else, or the praise due Me with idols.” — Isaiah 42:8

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By Vladimir Savchuk | © Copyright – Vladimir Savchuk. No changes whatsoever are to be made to the content of the article without written permission from the author at HungryGen. / Photo by Luis Quintero.

Stop the United Nations (UN) Trying to Decriminalise Paedophilia

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CitizenGO – started this petition to The UK Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, and UN Ambassador Dame Barbara Janet Woodward DCMG OBE – 2024/09/05

The UN (United Nations) is on the brink of legalising something unimaginable that will effect children around the world.

Right now, it’s pushing a horrifying treaty that could make it acceptable to create and possess explicit materials involving children—as long as it’s deemed “private” or “consensual”.

The UN’s latest treaty on cybercrime could allow predators to exploit children under the guise of “consensual” or “private” use of sexual content – child rape material.

Imagine AI-generated images of children in disturbing scenarios or real minors (children) being manipulated and / or coerced into creating their own exploitation—all potentially decriminalised. This is beyond comprehension—it’s a direct threat to the safety of every child.

If this treaty is signed, it could pave the way for the normalisation of the most horrific forms of child exploitation and even elements of paedophilia around the world.

And the UN isn’t just allowing this—they’re endorsing it.

By decriminalising “consensual” child pornography i.e child rape material, they’re opening the floodgates for paedophiles and predators. And make no mistake—if we let this happen, it’s only a matter of time before they push for even more: lowering the age of consent and defending the “rights” of those who prey on our children.

This is a nightmare in the making, and we cannot afford to wake up too late. We are standing at the edge of a cliff, and if we don’t act now, the protections that keep our children safe will be eroded.

What will be left? A world where the law protects predators, and our ability to safeguard our children will be stripped away.

We must rise up and make our voices heard. Add your name today to demand that the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and UN Ambassador Dame Barbara Janet Woodward block this outrageous treaty.

The time to protect our children from this madness is now—before it’s too late.


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THE PETITION LETTER

(Please click on link below to sign)

Urgent: Opposition to Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty

Dear The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP and Dame Barbara Janet Woodward DCMG OBE,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the new UN treaty on cybercrime. What should be a positive step toward global safety has instead raised significant alarm.

Among the most distressing aspects of this proposed treaty is the inclusion of language that would decriminalize certain forms of child pornography.

According to Article 14 of the treaty, countries may choose to decriminalize the production, distribution, and possession of content depicting children that are sexually exposed so long as the material does not represent an “existing person” or does not visually depict actual “child sexual abuse or child sexual exploitation.”

This proposal is not only deeply unethical but also poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable members of our society—our children.

It opens the door to depictions of paedophilia and legalizes some forms of child pornography, long considered illegal.

It is deeply troubling that the UN, which should prioritize the protection of all citizens, especially children, is considering provisions that could improve the social perception of paedophiles and protect those who possess and consume such vile material.

We must keep these dangerous individuals far away from our children and ensure that their abhorrent behaviour is not legitimised through international treaties.

In light of this, I urge you to take a stand against this treaty when it comes before the United Nations General Assembly this month. Please abstain from endorsing any agreement that would undermine the protection of our children and compromise the safety of our society.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

[Your Name]

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It’s important. Will you sign it too? Here’s the link:

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION

More information:


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**By CitizenGo