Saints, this Tuesday, September 2nd, I stand trial for a recent arrest at the "gay pride" event in Wichita, KS. After I (and all Spirit One Christians) paid to get in were ordered under the threat of arrest to leave the rented public park - I was standing on the sidewalk outside the park (the sergeant wanted information from me saying that someone had seen me passing out flyers in the park) (though I was approached almost immediately upon entering the park and did not have time to pass out anything) and I told him I had not done anything illegal and had not passed out anything and that I would not provide any information. He was making calls and had warned me three times that if I did not give him information that he would arrest me. As I was waiting, and in an underhand, slow pitch softball type motion returned the 0.4 ounce (less than 1/2 of one ounce) button to the gay pride organizer as he was standing about 5 feet away from me just a few feet across from me close to the sergeant and told him I wanted my money returned (It landed on his forearm where his arms were folded across his stomach. The sergeant said that that was "battery" and that I was under arrest. We have this on video and a short clip of it is provided for you in the attachment.
One note, one of our members was forced to leave simply for holding a bible.
I will be defending myself in court. Please say a short prayer that I represent the Lord well.
Those in the Wichita area, if you would be willing to support us with your presence and prayers during the trial, I would be genuinely grateful. City Hall, 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 2nd, 2008.
Thank you. Pastor Mark