I want to encourage you with my personal story in which I was on the brink of death. Every day I am thankful for life. I am not afraid of dying. I look forward to spending eternity with my Lord. But I also love life and want to use my time on earth wisely. I want my life to echo through the ages.

My near-death story begins in 2020, when the government tried to suspend the Constitution. We fought back and freed churches. Had I not followed the Lord’s direction, I would almost certainly be dead right now.

Obedience to the Lord saved my life. And in saving my life, the Lord orchestrated a series of wins for religious freedom that would not have happened otherwise. Although I am the subject of the story I am about to share, this story is not about me, but rather about the awesome wisdom and power of our wonderful Creator, Healer, and Savior. Today, I’d like to share that story with you.

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My immersion into COVID research began on March 30, 2020, when Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne became the first pastor in America arrested for holding worship services. Even though there was no “stay-at-home” order, Florida’s Hillsborough County sheriff orchestrated a public arrest of Dr. Howard-Browne and held a press conference warning other pastors to close their churches. Representing the pastor and the church, Liberty Counsel immediately pushed back. The case instantly gained international attention. By April 1, the church was freed.

Liberty Counsel represented over 2,000 pastors and churches against these unconstitutional restrictions, filed multiple lawsuits, obtained the first win at the Court of Appeals (3-0) regarding a Kentucky church, and won 5-4 and 6-3 decisions at the U.S. Supreme Court representing Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry. We obtained the first and only statewide permanent injunction against COVID restrictions on churches.

For nearly a year, California Gov. Gavin Newsom criminalized worship in churches with more than one person, and this restriction also applied to worship in private homes with anyone who did not live in the home. As a result of our victory, California had to pay 1.35 million dollars.

I was very vocal against government restrictions on churches because they violated the First Amendment. Beginning in March and April 2020, I warned that lockdowns and the closing of some businesses, schools, and churches would cause collateral damage, including increased depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual exploitation. Sadly, my predictions came true.

At the same time, I also began warning about a global vaccination agenda accomplished by digital vaccine or health passports, tracing, tracking, and force. I warned about the mRNA shots as early as September 2020.

My warnings about the lack of safety and efficacy of the COVID shots and about forcing people to get the jab became painfully evident.

But for the Lord directing me, my team would not have collectively spent thousands of hours researching COVID and proper treatment protocols, and I would be DEAD.

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On September 4, 2021, I tested positive for COVID. I had no symptoms when I took the test, but within 24 hours, my health deteriorated significantly. My D-Dimer test (used to measure blood-clotting conditions) was 18,521, when the high limit is supposed to be 500. My oxygen levels dropped to the 60s. I was just days from death’s door.

Before COVID, I was very healthy. Two days earlier, I did my normal leg workout, pressing 730 pounds 30 reps on my fourth set. No problem.  

Within 10 days of testing positive, I reached a “fatal” condition. Had I gone to the hospital for Dr. Fauci’s deadly protocol, I would not be alive today.

Thankfully, the research our team performed introduced me to amazing doctors. I thank God each day for my life, and I am indebted to my wife, Anita, and to these doctors — and most of all — to God!

But that’s not the end of the story. Obedience to the Lord freed churches and churchgoers from the unlawful shutdown orders. But the wins that came after that were nothing short of monumental. And that’s why I believe Satan attacked me with illness in the first place — to prevent Liberty Counsel from winning even larger victories for life and religious freedom that lie ahead.

Satan failed, and Liberty Counsel won major cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, defending life and religious liberty.

Miraculously, I argued before the Supreme Court on January 18, 2022, regarding the “Christian Flag Case,” Shurtleff v. City of Boston.  

The night before oral argument, I still had some shortness of breath. Anita and I prayed. As I stood at the podium, God filled my lungs. “Mr. Chief Justice, and may it please the Court,” I began. My lungs were clear. My voice was strong. My mind was sharp, and the argument went very well. We won 9-0, paving the way for the Court to overturn the “Lemon Test” that was used for 51 years to erase our faith and silence our viewpoint. No more!

Then, God’s Blockbuster! On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, citing Liberty Counsel’s brief in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Fifty years of abortion bloodshed ended — a feat many, including some pro-life leaders, said would never happen.

And there’s more! In 2023, we launched Covenant Journey Academy, a K-12 online school available 24/7/365. And we also launched New Revolution, a full-service creative and printing ministry.

God is SOOOO good to allow me to see this day. I am stronger and healthier now than I was before COVID.

All I can say is, remain faithful to the Lord despite what people think. Seek His direction and will. He is good. The prayers of His saints were answered. I am grateful. It is an honor to walk this journey with you.

I give thanks to the Lord for rescuing me from the edge of death. I thank for Lord for our amazing staff here at Liberty Counsel, who uncovered so much of the research. I am thankful to the incredible doctors who treated me.

Each day is a gift I will never take for granted. I am thrilled to be alive. I am committed more than ever to follow the Lord’s direction and be a voice of truth. And I am deeply thankful to YOU for supporting this ministry. May God bless you now and always! The Lord loves you. Make your life count.

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Mat Staver
Founder and Chairman
Liberty Counsel