On June 30th, 3011 the Judge Sallie Gaines sentenced me to 60 days in jail, $12,000 in fines and so forth. What was the crime? Having worship at my home. That's right. As some you know we have been worshipping at our home since 2002. We have had bible studies, worship and so forth and since we purchased our new home in 2005 we have conducted some kind of worship and bible study in the house. Even though our home is not open to the public the gathering of Christians at a private residence is against the law, according to the City of Phoenix Prosecutor John Tutelman. John Tutelman has been the force and pursuer of this case and other cases which involved religious prosecution. He was involved in the Methodist Church that was feeding the homeless, our home worship and our signage freedom of speech and religious exercise case. It seems that he really dislikes Christians and what they stand for. So we will continue to pray for him. If God changed a man named Saul who persecuted the Church, later to become Paul, who knows what he can do we John Tutelman. At least he does not have the power to crucify us or feed us to the lions.
Nonetheless our attorneys are fighting back and trying to get the stay in the courts. Which will hold back the wolves until we can get some constitutional right questions answered. Such as, are private religious gatherings permitted without a permit? Do people who gather in their homes for worship required to convert their home to meet commercial requirements?
Until we can get a stay I am to report to jail on August 29, 2011. So it gives us 60 days to petition the courts. Some people have asked how I feel about that. All I can say is, my other Christian Brothers and Sisters have suffered much more for much less. All Daniel had to do was stop praying for 30 days. All Shadrach, Meschach and Abendego had to do was bow down to an idol. I know my God is able to deliver me from such persecution but if he does not, I will continue to worship Him and Serve Him. As for me and in my house we will serve the Lord.
So many have asked what can you do. Here is what you can do:
1) Pray
2) Write a letter to the Mayor, the Governor and Senator.
3) Spread the word around to other Christan's. Let them know. The Christian community needs to stand against such unjust prosecution.
4) Write a letter to the court. Judge Sallie Gaines. Let them know that the prosecution against Michael Salman is not in the interest of the public but rather is a personal vendetta.
5) Nothing. There are so many who will do absolutely nothing because they are procrastinators, lazy or just plain forgot. If that is you don't worry, that is why my trust is in Christ. Just pray it will make you at least feel better about doing nothing. : )
So let me answer a couple of questions:
1) Do people who come to your home park in the street or block any driveways or cause traffic? NO. We own 4.6 acres and the 15 cars who park all park on our property behind a gate.
2) Do you cause any excessive Noise. Other than the occasional kids playing or people calling out to each other, no. We worship at 10 AM and everyone gone by 1:00 PM. We also worship at 7:00 PM usually Gone by 8:30 PM. The nearest home is at least 100 feet from our home.
3) Do you know why they do not want you to worship at your home? Technically they are claiming public safety. Reality, they just do not like the idea of a "CHURCH" being next to their home. Despite it is my residence the thought of Christians or any religious group meeting together weekly is repulsive to some. Even if the meetings don't bother them.
4) Do you cause traffic or crowd streets? Right across the street from us is a large public park. With 4 basketball courts, tennis courts, a baseball field and a couple of soccer fields and of course the playgrounds. What happens at my home on Sunday is minuet compared to what occurs across the street.
So there you have it. Here are some addresses for you to consider. Please send me a copy of any and all correspondence sent to anyone for my records. Thank you.
Michael Salman
Email: Harvestchristian@cox.net
Fax 602-424-0860
City of Phoenix
Municipal Court
Honorable Sallie Gaines
300 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602 262-6421
The full mailing address is:
The Honorable Jan Brewer
Governor of Arizona
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Telephone (602) 542-4331
In State Toll Free 1-(800) 253-0883 (outside Maricopa County only)
Fax (602) 542-1381
City of Phoenix, Mayor's Office
200 W. Washington St., 11th floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 262-7111
Fax: (602) 495-5583
Email: mayor.gordon@phoenix.gov
City TTY Relay: (602) 534-5500
Mr. John Tutelman
Assistant City Prosecutor
P.O. Box 4500
Phoenix, Arizona 85003
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