Message to Church Leaders

He Flees at Your Presence
by Richard B. Freihofer, Editor & Publisher

Blessings await you if you should heed our call and bring your church group to Branson for a fun getaway.We shall detail some of those blessings in the next few paragraphs, but first, we need to put out this advisory: there's a skunk at the picnic.

To help spread the word about how much of a blessing Branson truly is to the Christian community at large, we invited members of the Christian media to visit us for a few days during the Christmas season. We wanted them to behold the blessings with their own eyes and ears One of those blessings is the heart-stirring way our town gives glory to God. And yes, we call the holidays "Ozark Mountain Christmas" around here, boldly unafraid to use the word "Christmas." Yet meanwhile, a spoiler is afoot. The skunk.

In the local papers that very same week comes word of the next bunch trying to get casinos into the area. They are headed for the state ballot in '06. This happened in '04 when a group waged a $10 million blitz to make sure you good folks had ready access to blackjack and slot machines during your church getaway to our "family-friendly", "church friendly" destination. With relatively little time to react, Branson citizens rallied to the defense, led by such notables as Peter Herschend of Herschend Family Entertainment, (Silver Dollar City, Celebration City, Showboat Branson Belle, Ride the Ducks & other properties) and with the full support of The Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. They fought back against a rather daunting onslaught and gained a narrow victory. Now it's "to arms" again, our Chamber already pledging to take on this fight as well.

This is not meant to point the finger at those who enjoy the casinos, or to make a Biblical case for or against gambling, bingo, horseracing, poker, the lottery, or betting on baseball. We only cite this conflict to make you aware that forces are out there trying to change what our destination currently is, and likewise, forces are out there resisting. Our current "family friendly" atmosphere and the celebration of God, family and country that dominates our fair destination does not remain without challenge, and therefore should not be taken for granted by any of us. We also cite this because you can play an important part in the outcome.

As promised, here are a few of the blessings of our destination detailed: For openers, we cite what the Christian media discovered over Christmas: that over 100 shows featuring hundreds of the most talented entertainers and producers in the world shamelessly give glory to Jesus Christ during the Christmas season. We're talkin' naming names! And they will find God glorified everywhere they turn...in the decorations, the shops, the lodgings, and mostly, in the hearts of all they encounter here. Humans couldn't organize such a destination-wide consensus. The Spirit of God can.

Many praise Branson for its ability to entertain and delight all ages, a place where kids and even grandfolks can share the fun together. The statement you often hear is that "none of the entertainment or fun is offensive."
Well, that's not entirely true. It's offensive to the skunk at the picnic. He's not satisfied to just go to all those other places that would make him happy. He wants us changed into his image.

In nearby Springfield, Christians were having to show up at school board meetings to respectfully request that the word "Christmas" be restored to the school calendar. (Another skunk at the picnic).

Help us get the word out. Any church wishing to build relationships in the church family, or to hold seminars, conventions or rallies, or to have a really great outreach, (inviting the unchurched); encourage them to jump in the church bus and head to Branson, and quick! There is no destination more "church family friendly". You will not find a more Godly atmosphere in a vacation destination. And there is no better way to secure the blessings we have here, than for you to bring your church family to enjoy them sooner rather than later. Your support will help ward off the skunk. He flees at your presence.