• The Passion of the Christ evangelical impact
• Persecuted Christians around the world
• Candidate surveys and voter guides
• Supreme Court review of "one nation, under God"
  Oral arguments, Wed, Mar 24th
• Voter registration in April
• Preservation of traditional marriage – MA, VT, CA, NM
• Justice for All at UNM, Apr 26-27
• National Day of Prayer Theme "Let Freedom Ring," Lev 25:10
• Lightshine Ministries – Prayer Guide
• Presidential Prayer Team - www.presidentialprayerteam.org
  Presidential Prayer Kids - www.presidentialprayerkids.org
• Prayer Warrior for America - www.visionamerica.org/-support/prayer.htm
  

ENCOUNTER – And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Luk 19:13

Mar 17 – St Patrick’s Day
Mar 24 – US Supreme Court oral arguments on "one nation under God"
Apr – Voter Registration Month, 971-2053
Apr 2-3 - NM Speech & Debate Assoc, 8^th Annual Debate Tournament, 831-5196
Apr 22-24 – Annual NM Christian Homeschool Convention, 832-0759
Apr 26-27 - Justice for All @ UNM
Apr 30-May 1 – Rio Refresh, A Great Commission Gathering
May 1 – Voter Registration Deadline for Primary Elections

May 14-16 - Worldview Weekend Family Reunion
Jun 1 – NM Primary Elections
Jul 1 – Deadline for petitions for General Election issues

Ongoing
Weekends – Portraits in Providence, KFLQ, 91.5 FM
Daily - Focus on the Family Radio Broadcast
1st Thur, 8-9:30am - Rio Grande Pastor's Alliance, 821-1993

UNDERSTANDING - And of the children of Issachar, which were men
that had understanding of the time, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads
of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
I Chron 12:32

• Contents:
  The Passion of the Christ
  Last Call for Candidate Survey Questions
  Judges, What Can We Know BEFORE the Election? – by Mark Ortega
  Illegal Marriages in NM
  2004 NM Legislation Highlights
  Govt Officials Contact Info
  St Patrick – Prayer of St Patrick
  Pledge of Allegiance - Supreme Court Oral Arguments, Wed, Mar 24th
  Vision America – America Plan, Activate
  Friend of the Family
  –
• The Passion of The Christ
  Once criticized because it would be a failure, The Passion of the Christ is now a phenomena. Ironically, critics now claim Mel Gibson is getting too much money. Everyone has an opinion on the movie whether they have seen it or not. Use this opportunity to initiate conversation about the Gospel. One news service reported that church attendance has increased significantly. Do not feel pressured to see the movie if you have personal reasons for not wanting to see it.
  
  Mel Gibson believes the Bible is true. In a post-modern age, this is significant. The structure of American government and law is based on Biblical Principles. As more Americans (including Christians) disregard the Bible as Truth, our society crumbles. The name of Jesus is being lifted up in powerful, unifying way. At a time when homosexual "marriage" is sweeping the country and regard for human life is at an all time low, spiritual forces are rallying for world domination. Examine ten strategic trends for signs of the times.
  
  Paul Harvey article on Mel Gibson’s amazing experience as a youth.
  
  Mark Eastman, MD article on the pathology of crucifiction.
  –
• Last Call for Candidate Survey Questions
  Questions for candidates are in final preparation. Candidate surveys are scheduled for release by Apr 15^th. What are the critical issues you want to know about? Voter guides such as League of Women Voters do not address critical moral issues facing society today. "But for the Bible, we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man’s welfare … are to be found portrayed in it." Abe Lincoln
  
  The following article by Mark Ortega illustrates the importance of knowing where judges stand on critical moral issues. The Principles Voter Guide 2004 will include questions to NM judges. TX Freemarket Foundation has successfully used these questions to evaluate candidate judges in recent years. Judges do not respond to standard questionaires due to possible relevance to future cases. Avoid last minute searches for information on judges and plan to distribute Principles Voter Guide 2004 in your church for the General Election.
  
  Read Focus on the Family Political and Legislative Guidelines for Churches (what churches can and cannot do under 501(c)(3) rules).
  –
• Judges, What Can We Know BEFORE the Election – by Mark Ortega
  During most elections, we don't hear or hear very little about judges. Most judicial elections are pretty secretive. There are disadvantages to this. If a judge has a political agenda that doesn't adhere to the law and they make their own laws it can be dangerous. Many court cases have been decided by judges who didn't base their decisions on legal precedence, but made up their own laws. The Roe v Wade decision is an example. There was no national law regarding abortion. Supreme Court judges decided to make their own law. They made up a Right to Privacy that is not in the Constitution. Because of Roe v Wade and Doe v Bolton decisions, abortion has become legal throughout our land. It has been over 30 years since that decision. Forty five million unborn babies are dead, unknown number of mothers are either scarred for life or dead because of complications, and millions of people have been damaged because of its results. The multi-million dollar international abortion industry laughs all the way to the bank. This is just one example of judicial tyranny. When checks and balances of the branches of government are ignored, chaos ensues. The judicial, legislative (congress), and executive branches (the President) are supposed to balance each other. When any of these branches overstep their powers, tyranny ensues. This makes it essential to understand every single branch of government. The following interview with Ned Fuller was to gain a deeper understanding of the judicial system and what we can do to impact it.
  
  Ned claimed the strength of our system is the trust people have in it.
  
  Ned Fuller is running for Supreme Court Justice for our great state of New Mexico. He was initially planning to run for District Court, but was asked to run for Supreme Court in Feb. Mr. Fuller hopes to be one of the few Republicans on a Supreme Court dominated by Democrats (five of five). I found him to be very personable and friendly. I could tell he was an honest and straight forward man. So I asked him if I could help get him on the ballot. In New Mexico, candidates that run for office need thousands of signatures just to get on the ballot. I arrived at his office for an interview early on Feb 13th. It was the first time I had been a lawyer’s office in years. My mother worked for some when I was a child in Washington D.C. I have usually found them to be very nice people. Ned reinforced my impression.
  
  Mr. Fuller was a graduate of Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe Arizona. He served as a Mormon Missionary to Japan. After getting an English Degree at Arizona State University, he went to BYU for a Graduate law degree in 1993. He has been happily married for almost 16 years and has 4 daughters. After Grad School he entered private practice as a clerk. In 2001 he was a Workers Compensation Judge appointed by his fellow Judge Paul Barber. He was reappointed for 5 years. When Governor Richardson came to office he fired him, but Mr. Fuller won a decision in Federal Court and was reappointed. He hopes to help break up the monopoly of power on these seats. He has come a long way from when he first started in law. He originally wanted to be a prosecutor, but economic realities of family life convinced him to change his goals.
  
  He informed me the primary goal of judges is to apply the law and enforce legislative decisions. I have seen many judges make up their own laws without regard to prior decisions. They are called "activist judges." Fuller said too many judges rewrite laws instead of just applying them. He also pointed out that criminals need to be held accountable for their actions under the law. Too many of them play the system. That's why we hear about criminals committing more crimes after being freed. Ned claimed the strength of our system is the trust people have in it. People obey laws and orders. Other states have similar systems and problems like ours. In some countries, people use violence to resolve disputes. It made me realize how blessed we are to have such a great system. Fuller also kept stressing the importance of the philosophy of the system. Judges need to apply the law instead of making them. He wanted to emphasize how the rule of law is critical to our system. It gives us predictability and protection.
  
  I asked him about the State and Federal Constitutions. He said each plays a critical role in their jurisdiction. As a conservative Christian I had to ask something about my values. Did he believe traditional Judeo-Christian values had a role to play in our state and country today? After hearing how many people have said no, it was nice to hear someone say yes. Fuller claims the rule of law in this country is based on the 10 Commandments and the Gospel Creed of loving our fellow man as ourselves. After reading the Constitution, it became obvious to me that it was true. I asked him why he thinks he would be a good Supreme Court Judge. He said, "Because he will not rewrite the law and will diversify thought in the Court." Then I asked him why he felt why citizens should be involved in the political process. "It's their voice, state, and country" Fuller stated. I couldn't agree more. More citizens need to play a role in the process. My final question was how we could change the fact most people are not aware of judges stands on issues and decisions. How could this be changed? Fuller didn't hesitate to state that he hopes his campaign will change this by giving public discussions on the issues. I couldn't agree more.
  
  My interview with Mr. Ned Fuller was the first one I had with a judge. My Great Uncle Felipe was a judge in Taos county years ago. But Ned was the first I actually had a chance to talk to extensively. As a inquisitive person I asked him some questions that most Conservative Christians ask. I got most of my questions answered. With many Conservatives complaining about judicial tyranny, Ned Fuller is refreshing. He brings a breath of fresh air to the debate on the role of judges. I had been curious about judicial elections for years. We have sorely lacked information on them. But Ned Fuller hopes to change that. I know I will vote for him. In a state where liberals seem to thrive in the secrecy of judicial tyranny he will make a difference. Let's hope all political parties can find honest judges like him.
  
  Mark Ortega
  -
• Illegal Marriages in NM
  Sandoval County. In what some legal pundits called "an attempt to imitate the recent anarchy occurring in San Francisco", where more than 3,000 "marriage" licenses have been issued to same-sex couples, a New Mexico county clerk recorded 26 "marriage" licenses for homosexuals on Friday. Sandoval County Clerk Victoria Dunlap said she feared that refusing to issue the licenses could warrant a lawsuit from same-sex couples. She quickly discovered that failing to uphold the law on marriage will result in swift, and firm, opposition.
  
  New Mexico Attorney General Patricia Madrid issued a strong statement that state law specifies marriage should take place only between a man and a woman, thus any attempt at issuing same-sex licenses was invalid. However from some media reports it appeared that Sandoval County Clerk Dunlap intended to continue engaging in the illegal licensing activity. That is, before the quick action by ADF allied attorney Paul Becht. Armed with a copy of Madrid’s statement, Becht jumped in his car and drove from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. He politely but firmly confronted Dunlap and strongly urged her to respect the law. He explained that the Alliance Defense Fund and its allies across the state and nation were prepared to take all proper legal action necessary to ensure the preservation of marriage in New Mexico.
  
  Thanks to the commitment of this dedicated ADF allied attorney, enabled by God’s grace and your prayerful support, the county clerk stopped issuing "marriage" licenses to same-sex couples. We will continue to monitor the situation in New Mexico and across the country and react as we must. Please pray for us and our allied lawyers and organization, who are working so very hard to hold the line for marriage.
  http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/story/?id=349
  
  ADF plans to sue Sandoval County if they do not revoke the marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
  
  NM Constitutional Amendment. The state Republican Party on Saturday, Mar 6, started collecting signatures for a petition asking Gov. Bill Richardson to call a special legislative session to consider a proposed constitutional amendment on same-sex marriages. State Republican Party Chairwoman Ramsay Gorham, a state senator from Albuquerque, said an amendment to the New Mexico Constitution is needed because state law is unclear on the matter. "We want you the people to be able to vote on this issue because it affects every family," Gorham said.
  
  Federal Marriage Amendment. The Alliance for Marriage (AFM) has announced the reintroduction of the Federal Marriage Amendment to the United States Constitution in the House of Representatives with strong bi-partisan support. The reintroduction of the Federal Marriage Amendment comes in anticipation of an imminent decision in Goodridge v. MA Dept of Public Health -- a case that activists openly declare they intend to use as the foundation for constitutional challenges to all of America's marriage laws. For example, the Boston Bar Association has publicly called for "federal constitutional claims" to be brought against all state and federal marriage laws in the aftermath of a likely victory in this case by early summer.
  
  Opponents of a Federal Marriage Amendment want to leave the decision up to the States. This will not be possible if the Supreme Courts grants the "Right of Marriage" to homosexual couples. A decision of this nature opens the door to a multitude of unholy unions.
  
  Focus on the Family. Family is the fundamental building block of all human civilizations. Marriage is the glue that holds it together. The health of our culture, its citizens and their children is intimately linked to the health and well-being of marriage. In these pages, you will find a wealth of information and resources that will help you understand just how much the family matters and keep up to date on how the family is faring in our culture. Come in, look around and benefit from the research and materials we have assembled to help you become a knowledgeable and articulate advocate for marriage and family in your sphere of influence.
  www.family.org/cforum/fosi/marriage/
  –
• 2004 NM Legislative Session
  Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Non-Discrimination
  Affecting businesses with 15 or more employees - HB277 was signed into law on Mar 10^th. The Gov waited until the last minute so we would have as little time as possible to collect signatures to put the issue on the General Election Ballot. Now that the bill is signed, the next step is to get a new petition authorized. The SOS has 30 days from the date of submission. All signatures collected on SB28 are now null and void. The deadline for signatures is Jul 1^st (four months prior to General Election) according to Denise, Bureau of Elections, 827-3622.
  -
• Govt Officials Contact Info. You can find contact information for NM Govt officials at the bottom in all future newsletters. www.sos.state.nm.us/roster/Index-Ro.HTM
  –
• St Patrick – Prayer of St Patrick
  Despite attempts to purge Christianity from the public arena, persistent reminders such as St Patrick remain on the calendar. The beautiful prayer of St. Patrick, popularly known as "St. Patrick's Breast-Plate", is supposed to have been composed by him in preparation for this victory over Paganism. The following is a literal translation from the old Irish text:
  
  I bind to myself today
  The strong virtue of the Invocation of the Trinity:
  I believe the Trinity in the Unity
  The Creator of the Universe.
  
  I bind to myself today
  The virtue of the Incarnation of Christ with His Baptism,
  The virtue of His crucifixion with His burial,
  The virtue of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
  The virtue of His coming on the Judgement Day.
  
  I bind to myself today
  The virtue of the love of seraphim,
  In the obedience of angels,
  In the hope of resurrection unto reward,
  In prayers of Patriarchs,
  In predictions of Prophets,
  In preaching of Apostles,
  In faith of Confessors,
  In purity of holy Virgins,
  In deeds of righteous men.
  
  I bind to myself today
  The power of Heaven,
  The light of the sun,
  The brightness of the moon,
  The splendour of fire,
  The flashing of lightning,
  The swiftness of wind,
  The depth of sea,
  The stability of earth,
  The compactness of rocks.
  
  I bind to myself today
  God's Power to guide me,
  God's Might to uphold me,
  God's Wisdom to teach me,
  God's Eye to watch over me,
  God's Ear to hear me,
  God's Word to give me speech,
  God's Hand to guide me,
  God's Way to lie before me,
  God's Shield to shelter me,
  God's Host to secure me,
  Against the snares of demons,
  Against the seductions of vices,
  Against the lusts of nature,
  Against everyone who meditates injury to me,
  Whether far or near,
  Whether few or with many.
  
  I invoke today all these virtues
  Against every hostile merciless power
  Which may assail my body and my soul,
  Against the incantations of false prophets,
  Against the black laws of heathenism,
  Against the false laws of heresy,
  Against the deceits of idolatry,
  Against the spells of women, and smiths, and druids,
  Against every knowledge that binds the soul of man.
  
  Christ, protect me today
  Against every poison, against burning,
  Against drowning, against death-wound,
  That I may receive abundant reward.
  
  Christ with me, Christ before me,
  Christ behind me, Christ within me,
  Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
  Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
  Christ in the fort,Christ in the chariot seat,
  Christ in the poop,
  Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
  Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
  Christ in every eye that sees me,
  Christ in every ear that hears me.
  
  I bind to myself today
  The strong virtue of an invocation of the Trinity,
  I believe the Trinity in the Unity
  The Creator of the Universe.
  
  www.newadvent.org/cathen/11554a.htm
  –
• Pledge of Allegiance – Supreme Court Oral Arguments
  Coral Ridge Ministries reported that the Supreme Court has set Wed, Mar 24 as the date for oral arguments, as well as the filing of arguments and briefs from other parties. The little girl’s mother, Sandra Banning, has come forward in opposition to Newdow’s (father) claims. She points out that her daughter, a third-grader, does not mind saying the Pledge. She says during an interview with Jason Beaupied of Coral Ridge Ministries, "In Feb 2002, I was granted sole legal custody of my daughter, and I believe that having sole legal custody allows me to be the only parent at this point to represent her legal and educational issues and concerns." "It was his [Newdow’s] intent to use her as a vehicle to gain sympathy with the court by implying and stating that a child had been harmed." You can hear the entire interview at: www.reclaimamerica.org/pages/NEWS/newspage.asp?story=1403
  
  As the future of this court decision becomes questionable, it is essential that the U.S. Congress take action to rein in this wave of judicial activism. Call your elected representatives; encourage them to support the immediate passage of the Religious Liberties Restoration Act, which is Senate Bill 1558. This bill would invoke Article III, Section 2 of the United States Constitution, to remove the court’s jurisdiction from making rulings concerning the Pledge of Allegiance, the national motto (In God We Trust), or the Ten Commandments of God. The U.S. Capitol Switchboard:
  (202) 224-3121
  
  Please be in prayer for this historic discussion and ruling.
  -
• Vision America – America Plan. visionamerica.org/-about/americaplan.htm
  "7 step" program that spells A.M.E.R.I.C.A.
  
  - Articulate the Biblical basis for Christian citizenship
  - Motivate the congregation to begin taking their civic responsibilities seriously
  - Educate the congregation on the 'Why' and 'How' of civic involvement
  - Register to vote All eligible adults in the church
  - Inform the congregation about important policy and moral issues
  - Coordinate, as appropriate, with other like-minded churches in the community
  - Activate the Congregation
  
  Activate the Congregation
  Create or strengthen a Community Impact Ministry in the church to facilitate the above activities in an organized manner and to serve as the church's link to Vision America. We are aiming to utilize today's technology to inform, educate and activate the congregation, using email, fax and Internet-based education for training and information.
  -
• Friends of the Family is a group of key supporters who invest monthly in family ministry. Their commitment is key to the ongoing effectiveness of Focus on the Family and enables us to extend the ministry to many who cannot afford the resources and services they need. They also enable our radio programs, our efforts to defend family values, and our outreaches to special groups like teens, unwed mothers, and non-Christians. For more information, call 1-800-A-FAMILY.
  -
  
  

LOCAL
Albuquerque Bible College
Ask Jesus Now
CareNet Pregnancy Center of Albuquerque
Christian Assoc of Parent Educators
Christian Summer Camps
Creation Science Fellowship NM
Educate NM
Free Indeed Ministries
Greater Southwest Council BSA
Habitat for Humanity
Hands On Ministries and Education
Hope Christian Schools
IDnet-NM
Joy Junction
KFLQ
KNKT
KYNM TV 61
Lightshine Ministries
Parenting Teenagers
Principles
Rio Grande Enrichment Studies
Shepherd's Guide
Tijeras Foundation
Trinity Southwest University

NATIONAL
America Bless God
American Christian History Institute
American Family Association
American History Pictures
Center for Reclaiming America
Center for the American Founding
Christian Coalition
Christian Heritage Mini-Course
Christian History Institute
CitizenLink Action Center
Crown Financial Ministries
Early Church Fathers
Faith Facts
Family Research Council
Focus on the Family
Focus on the Family Pastors Weekly Briefing
Foundation for Biblical Government
Founding Fathers
Frontline Fellowship
Pilgrim Institute
Preserve Liberty
Principle Approach International
Providence Foundation
Renew America
Saints and Heroes
Summit Ministries
Vision America
Wallbuilders

Community Impact News is authored by:
Mark Burton, Foothills Fellowship, 294-0016
Pager 971-2053
Many thanks to contributing authors and businesses.
Please forward events/articles/links to principles@integrity.com.
If anyone you know would like to receive this newsletter directly
or would like to receive a paper copy, please have them send an
email to principles@integrity.com.

If you are reading this from outside NM, please locate and support
a Family Policy Council in your area.