Liberty Counsel
NEWS RELEASE

Contact: PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT - 800-671-1776

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 9, 2006

Christian Church Files Emergency Lawsuit to
Stop the Ministry From Being Shut Down

Orlando, FL - Today, Liberty Counsel filed suit against Osceola County, Florida, on behalf of a church called Men of Destiny Ministries ("Church") to protect the ministry from being shut down by the county and to stop the fines being levied each day the ministry continues to operate.

The Church's primary ministry provides healing and regeneration to men who have chemical additions to drugs and alcohol. The goal of the Church's "Regeneration Program" is to disciple men by introducing them to Jesus Christ and to help them gain freedom from addiction and become productive members of society.

The ministry in question involves fourteen men who live in a 6,300 sq. ft. home. The men work during the day and have Christian meetings in the evening, Monday through Thursday. During these evening meetings, Pastor George Shafter leads the men in prayer, teaches them about Jesus Christ, and instructs them on overcoming drug dependency. The meetings also serve to support the men and provide accountability.

On April 10, 2006, the Board of County Commissioners voted to shut down the ministry. The men can continue to live in the home, but the Christian-based drug regeneration program and teaching must stop. In other words, these men can play cards, discuss the events of the day, debate politics or watch football, but Pastor Shafter cannot lead them in prayer, nor may he encourage and support them to overcome their chemical addictions.

Mathew D. Staver, President and General Counsel of Liberty Counsel, stated, "It makes no sense to say men can live in a home and play cards, talk about the events of the day or debate politics, but cannot pray, talk about Jesus or encourage one another to remain drug-free. Osceola County has violated numerous constitutional and federally protected rights. We should encourage this church and these men who want to live productive lives in the community, rather than penalizing them with unconscionable fines."

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