Dear Amy,
I live in UK and my children attend a Church of England Primary School, this is a state school where some form of Bible teaching is permitted, there are Bibles and crosses in each class, many school services take place at the local church, yet all the staff are unbelievers and most of the parents sending their children there, unbelievers as well.
It just so happens that I was employed by the same school for a little more than 2 hours each week.
For Christmas, the school held a Christmas fair and each child was supposed to bring a jar of candy. As I am in the habit of leaving Christian tracts, I inserted some tracts into my children’s candy jars, perhaps hastily. One of them was a Million Pound tract with Ten Commandments on its back, and the other, a card with an advertisement for Ray Comfort’s film “180”.
When I showed up for my shift, not too long after the fair, the Head Teacher (principal) called an emergency meeting and he had my jar and tracts in his hand. Straight after the meeting I admitted it was me, I had nothing to hide. I was questioned by the school leadership and I said that what he was calling “unauthorized, inappropriate printed material” were Christian tracts and that they explain the Christian teaching.
Immediately some officials from the local Council were called in; there was even a policeman at the school. I was immediately suspended and told not to reveal any of the details to anyone. I was made to attend an investigative meeting with strict instructions that no legal representation was allowed. The school leadership and the HR representative were pressing these points: that there was deeply inappropriate wording on the back of the tract: “sexual immorality” and that the film “180” was horrific, had it been watched by a child, even a child who is 10-11. The local “pastor” or vicar (who is female) said that she condemned my actions, that the “180” was a horrifying film and not child appropriate.
I admitted that I regretted that the tracts were not more child friendly, but that I was glad that they all had read the tract and seen the film, since we all will be accountable to God one day and then they will not have an excuse.
I kept repeating, that I prepared the jars as a parent, for an after school hours event; I didn’t give tracts out on my shift, so I should be dealt with as a parent, not suspended as an employee. It fell on deaf ears. The HR representative was quizzing me in a police style mode.
Since I have a delicate nervous disposition, and all the stress affecting me physically, I handed in my resignation and thought that this is where it would end.
However, when I came to pick up my children from their last day of school, before their holidays, I was called in to the Head Teacher’s office once again, there was a member of the Board of Directors there. I was officially informed that because in the course of the meeting I had revealed to them that my children had seen the child inappropriate “180” film, they have notified the Child Protection Services and that they will be contacting me shortly.
I said that I knew what they were doing: persecuting me because of my faith. I said that they knew my children were well behaved and never done anything bad to another pupil; yet there were plenty of children with worrying playground games and would their parents be called in and quizzed on what their children watch or play? Of course they didn’t answer that, just said that they simply followed the guidelines of child protection.
We do not watch violent films in our household, but I feel it is important to bring up children teaching them what is right and wrong, even if the subject is a bit heavy (like holocaust and abortion). When my sons were about 10 and 8, I explained to them what those things meant and the reason I did so, because the sex ed starts here in UK very early.
Now you can just imagine how I am feeling, scared that someone might deem me to be a bad mother and take my children away. I am without a church and really don’t have relatives or friends that could support our family in this. It is easy to be bold when it’s just you, but the threat of removing your children takes it to another level..
I am in a desperate need of prayers. Thank you and God bless!
Praying for you constantly. That school is not Christian, and they are at fault…not you! There are many of us out here praying for you and your children! God bless you and your fight for the truth and God's will!
Oh my. I fear it won't be long before this happens here if Christians don't start standing up for the truth. Praying for this poor woman.
Please, let me encourage you to stand strong in the face of this persecution and that is what we have to call it-persecution. You are not a bad mother for you are following what the Lord would have you do in training up your children in his ways. Continue to be courageous in these end times in the face of persecution and suffering. Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Be confident of this.
Kudos to you for taking opportunities to share the Gospel Truth. God sees every injustice, and we're behind you all the way in prayer.
We will praying for you at church tomorrow. The powers that be ought to be ashamed of themselves. We fully support you. Please let us know if we can help in any way practical ways too.
I am speechless and this is reality sinking in of where this world is leading. I am not familiar with the 180 videos but the truth is these people would have opposed you in every way or form they could no matter what you distributed. I think to understand where the attack comes from is key. Satan is not pleased and we know that he will make war on those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Rev. 12:17). We look to the Word of God for strength to endure all kinds of trials and to stay the course. May the Lord strengthen you and may your prayer come before Him and may Psalm 91 encourage you.
Thst is absurd & definitely persecution! God, intervene in this situation & bring true believers into her life for support I ask in Jesus' name!!!!
Will be praying for you and your children. 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled.
Will be praying for you and your children. 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled.
If you live anywhere near Ringwood, Dorset you are welcome at my church – Jon Paterson, Pastor at Alderholt Chapel.
I cant begin to imagine how you must be feeling. From New Zealand, my prayers are with you, your family and the school. God bless you for standing up for what you believe in.
All my love
Linley-Jane
I am praying for you sweet sister in Christ!!
Keep strong people well help you who see your truth
Dearest KING JESUS,
Please, please, PLEASE Be Here and There Even Now…with Your Arms of Love and Mercy ever-surrounding our sister-in-YOU.
Please let All this be a Defeat for the Powers of Darkness and may Your People, Your Beloved and Your Church rise-up and call-out to YOU to defeat the lies, the attacks and the corruption that seeks to have control.
Please, let All this be unto YOUR Glory and YOUR FAME.
We Love You KING JESUS,
Amen
Jesus, please don't let them take her children away from her, and if they do, give her the strength to endure and never deny you. Amen!
I can only imagine the anguish you are feeling right now, and I am so sorry. I am praying for you.
I believe aclj.org has law offices in the UK and have taken on these cases time and time again with great success and support from radio listeners and the online community. If they can help in any way, I'd want to get in touch with them.
I live in Australia, I will pray for you. The Lord is on your side.
Praying for you and your family!
I will keep you in my prayers. Fear no man, and stay faithful in the Lord. He has promised to take care of his children. 1 Peter is a wonderful epistle for this time of trials."For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."(II Timothy 1:7 NKJV)
I am praying for you stay strong the Lord is with you .
I've prayed for you & your family!
The answer to this 1984 behavior is 1776. Thank God above for sending great men at that time I now pray he sends another that are just as bold.
God will see you and you will definitely come out with testimonies in Jesus name, amen.
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” -Matthew 10:32
God knows your heart, He has heard your prayers, and the many others around the world praying for you. With God on your side, you and your children are in safe hands. Prayers and blessings go out to you.
Praying for now, and greatful you did what you did! We all need to be as strong as you! God will make it all workout for you! Keep standing strong for Him!
Stand strong on your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! He will see that you Glorify Him through this and those who seek to persecute you will not be victorious.
Holding you up in prayer knowing that the LORD your GOD is bigger than all of this.
Imagine the children who lived (or not) through the holocaust. Where were child protective services then? It is okay to teach children that abortion is good, but not that it isn't good? The act itself is horrific but yet children are taught about all sexual subjects on school. Because it is the school, or is okay. But not if it is the parent. I hope England has something like ACLJ to help you through this.
Yes, they are definitely over-reacting! But remember that God is in control. He has got this. Let's continue to pray that God will be glorified, and that He gives you His peace. This situation is in His hands; I know that's hard to see when the storm is raging, but it is the truth, and hang onto that.
You're giving your children a wonderful gift: A mom whose heart belongs to Jesus. No one can take that away from them, no matter what happens. You and your kids are in my prayers.
Peace,
Lisa
Why are you hiding her identity? I have friends in Britain who might be able to help but how can they contact her?
If your friends have information, give their information to her and she can retain the anonymity that might be the only thing stopping people from attacking or threatening her.
Please contact the administrators of Stand Up for the Truth through the contact button on the top bar above to further make contact with the woman in the article.
Con tact Ray Comfort.
OK. Thanks, Tom.
I prayed for you. To everyone else be aware this is coming to the USA so be prepared.
Stay strong
This person should contact the Christian Institute , a UK Christian legal charity defends Christians who are being unfairly treated. Please make sure she knows
Prayers for you and you family,
Stay strong in your faith..God is with you.
Remember how the enemy tries to sound big and bad but who's the one really in charge and the one who paid the price for all our sins, He said' I will never leave you nor forsake you." He's with you always. praying for you
Contact Britain First, I am sure they would be keen to assist.
Please keep us updated on this story. We will pray.
My prayers are with you dear sister x
Yea though I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, thou annointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and we shall dwell in the house of The Lord forever. Amen
Praying for you sister! You may be persecuted but you will never be defeated! Jesus has already won!
Dear Father, I thank You that none of this takes You by surprise. You are able to deliver and save to the uttermost all them that put their trust in you. I pray for this family. Surround them with Your holy angels and give her favor in the sight of men in Jesus' holy name I pray – amen!
It's the same in Australian schooling. People have become so desensitised to everything wrong and bad in the world, that it's a disgust to see that people still have "old fashioned/backwards" Christian values, and so people keep removing God from their lives, but ask what and why He's doing things when bad things happen. Then say see if He did exist He wouldn't let this happen. I'm scared for the future of my young children's schooling.
I wish there were some citations. In her home, okay. But no proselytizing in schools, by any religion.
Contact THE ACLJ. For legal assistance. Will pray for you.
Strength to you and your family. May God guide you as you seek to spread the gospel of Christ. Also may he continue to speak through you and your family to the lost. God bless you for your boldness sister.
It doesn't get any stupider than this! Add me to the praying people!
Strength to you and your family. May God guide you as you seek to spread the gospel of Christ. Also may he continue to speak through you and your family to the lost. God bless you for your boldness sister.
Keep religion out of schools and state
Praying for you right now. You are a bold witness for Christ which is very encouraging. Asking God to protect you and your children.
Remember we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age. Thank God that we are more than conquerors , and that Jesus has won the victory at Calvary. May the Lord protect you and your family dear sister.
So sad! But God will lift you up to be a spokeswoman for His Good News somewhere to someone in time. He did not allow you and your family to go through this hardship without a plan. Be praying for you sister for all of your needs at this time, supernatural strength wisdom and peace, supernatural overcoming of the persecution thrown at you and your kid.
Praying for you. You might contact New Tribes Mission (NTM.org) for their school and headquarters in UK. They probably have Bible-believing church contacts in your area
Praying for you and your children !!
This is going to happen more and more in the days ahead as we take a stand for our faith. It will be considered child abuse to tell children that they are sinners and that hell is a real place. I think some are already suggesting that here in America. God bless you for trying to share your faith. My prayers are with you, dear sister. Stay strong in your faith.
I am praying for this brave sister and her family. May the Lord ultimately be glorified and the forces of this world be put to shame.
Praying
My dear sister in Christ. I am praying for you. For peace, justice, that hearts be softened, eyes opened, compassion for all involved. This is outrageous and God will intervene and be glorified. Rest in Him, trust in Him, be still and know that ultimately He is in control. All will be ok. In hindsight you will see His hand upon this situation. Please start collecting letters of support from doctors, lawyer friends, church leaders, all who can back your position as a wonderful, caring, loving mother who's only interest is to ensure the well being, protection and safety of your children (to counter any negativity used against you in order to build a negative case against you). This is spiritual but God has your back. Take heart, He is bigger! Love, Katherina
I'm on that list too. My heart does go out to all with children these days as it will only get worse. One day it will all be worth it when we look back. I sympathize with you too, I have the same disposition as you and medical conditions. These people know what they are doing, it is deliberate and only the tip of the iceberg. May these prayers comfort your heart dear sister. You are not alone.
I think the authorities are totally overreacting to this, but I agree that the movie is an inappropriate recommendation for children. Some children may be ready for it if they have been prepared for it and guided through it with a parent of teacher, but some children might not understand it and have bad dreams about those pictures. I really think it's more suited for teens. Probably not a good choice for a primary candy jar. But I think she should have gotten a reprimand or had a discussion with the supervisor about that, not have CPS called!
I know a lot of parents who are letting their children watch horrific movies and they never get in trouble. This woman is doing nothing wrong. This is clearly persecution for her faith. This woman should be praised and help by people for doing what is right in the eyes of God. If you can read this be strong in the Lord and never compromise. God bless you
Liberals do not like the inconvenient truths. There is a reward in heaven for those who are persecuted for righteousness sake.
Praying For You!!
Praying for you!
This needs to go public. If the CPS are being called in because of 180, they should be called in for every parent who allows their child to watch any inappropriate material. I work in the media and am keen to take up this story. This woman should not be living in fear. Leaving tracts in children's candy jars was a little unwise in today's PC climate – especially when you have no church or fellowship support. I live in the UK and would like this lady to contact me in full confidentiality so we can give her spiritual and practical support.
Philippians 4:7New International Version (NIV)
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. I am praying for you x
Praying, do you need help with legal representation?
Praying The Lord will turn this situation around in your favor I ask the Lord to send angels of help to redeem this situation and that they will keep your children home with you. We bind up all the schemes of the enemy and Call forth the Lord to take action over this ridiculous situation in Jesus Name Amen
Praying this situation be turned around for this sisters favor
Praying for you, sweet sister in Christ!!! I pray God will send someone to help and support you. Remember, Jesus promised He would never leave or forsake us.
Religious extremists often cause enormous psychological damage to their offspring so I can see why the CPS is keeping a watchful eye on this family.
Extremism? How so, in this case? Is the 180 movie "extreme" to you?
Perhaps legal represntation from a Christian lawyer? Praying that God directs your heart. Love from the US and prayers.
Press on, Sister, and we'll be praying you through.
"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— "
2 Corinthians 4:8,9
God knows all, he will not allow anyone to take your children. I think there is a standard here that they have missed. Stay strong we are right behind you!!!!!!!!!!
So touching. I admire your courage, you are a courageous Mom even though you might not feel that way. God is with you, when you honor him he will honor you. Praying for you dear sweet precious sister. 1 Samuel 2:30. "……..But the Lord saith, ‘Be it far from Me; for them that honor Me I will honor, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed."
I am so sorry to hear about this ridiculous act of injustice. I am not familiar with that movie, but have searched to see what it is and I can see how it is a strong anti-abortion short film. I am praying for your release from those that persecute you. Rose Mary Fagerness is right, you have a special place in heaven for being persecuted. Not that any other place in Heaven is not special as it is. 🙂 Bless you, dear one. May your kids not be taken from you and by you showing them that film may they grow up to change the world in a positive way.
I attempted to post a two-paragraph response in support of the mother in the article, but it was automatically deleted upon submission (due to size?). How does that fact allow us to "stand up for truth" as the website suggests?
Rich, it could be the size, but also know that all comments are held in queue until I can get to them. It may not have been deleted. I have 87 comments waiting for me since Saturday morning, just to give you an idea. 🙂
hi
goo
Very sad. They are so concerned about the welfare of children being exposed to the solid foundation of Christianity, but they do nothing regarding the senseless murders of innocent children. Seems a bit upside down to me. Stay strong sister. The end times are coming and we will all be tested for our faith. Sister please remember Matthew 10:33. "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."
Praying
Hard to believe so many great preachers came from England, as little as 50 years ago.The British Empire on which the Sun never set… is a sad shadow of a once great land. The reason… turning away from the God of the bible.. & betraying a promise they made to the Jewish people. God gave them their homeland in spite of the them.
Praying x
Please let us know how this goes… Praying!
Pray for peace of mind to be comfort in this. The body of Christ is with you.
homeschooling is legal in the U.K…..better path to take.C of E is not Christian so the schools will definitely not be.
Well, my Christian brothers and sisters, be ready for more of this. Stand unashamedly in Him!
Too bad it was for a film, instead of the gospel that she is being persecuted. We are sent to share the gospel, not to share the films of Ray Comfort or anybody else for that matter. We are to share the Gospel – and there is only one Gospel of Jesus Christ.The gospel is offensive enough without trying to bring moral issues of the day into it. It is the gospel which changes hearts, not films.
Ray Comfort has boasted that he can change hearts with one sentence, or one film. Where is the change of hearts in this instance? the only change I see is incredible anger and persecution instead of turning to the truth. That is because you cannot argue someone into the kingdom and human wisdom and reasoning cannot save. It is the gospel which is the power of God unto salvation. Romans 1:16
Prayers for you and your family. He will.protect you and remember this is a temporary place. Be sold out for him, you did right and i praise you for your courage.
Stand strong for your FAITH! JESUS has your back!! May GOD send MIGHTY WARRIOR ANGELS to not only PROTECT you & your family but also FIGHT the small powers of darkness! Greater is HE that is in us than he that is in the world! VICTORY is yours not only here but in HEAVEN!! This IS persecution & it MUST be stopped! Praying for you & CLAIMING VICTORY UNDER & BY THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS!! Love sent from Arizona USA
I hope that this believer homeschools her kids.
We did after a very simliar situation with Ray Comfort tracts in 2007.
It has gone well and we will continue to homeschool our new baby too.
It is legal in the U.K.
C of E is no longer Christian …. it is a dead false religion.
These Leftists think it should be legal to kill your children in the womb (or even 90% out of it!) but it should be illegal to tell your children that it would have been wrong to kill them in the womb (or even 90% out of it!). Please meditate on that! This is made possible by the "Christian" Left, aka Satan's Cabana Boys.
Praying for you and your children.
Have you considered contacting Christian Concern?
I think they would be able to help you and have helped other Christians in similar situations in the UK.
God Bless you,
Claire.
My whole family is praying for you sweet sister in Christ!! Piddly song Shamitabh
I'm reminded of the the PG warning placed on the movie "Facing the Giants" for "thematic elements" . Christ is scary to the world, and rightly so.
I posted this on my Facebook page and a friend promptly said this was a publicity stunt and that the photos came from stock photos. I asked him to post a link refuting it. He in turn asked her name, what school, what city. I should have thoroughly checked this put. Anyone have insight that I might answer my snide friend?