Thank you ANONYMOUS PARTNERS for making this story possible to share.
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William G. "Jerry" Boykin, Family
Research Council's Executive Vice President
congratulates Village Parkway Baptist Church Lead
Pastor Steve Branson for receiving the Jonas Clark
Award in 2014 while in Washington, D.C. This award
honors his courage in standing for biblical principles
under fire.
One call was more memorable than
the others. Steve noted that after
30 minutes where an Army colonel
used inappropriate language and
called him offensive names, he was
finally able to pacify the irate man.
“I spoke truth in a calm manner,”
he says. “While we still hung up in
disagreement, we were respectful at
the end. This is God’s way. He calls us
to show understanding to one another,
and to speak truth. That’s all I did.”
During the months that surrounded
Phillip's investigation, Steve recalls
how the Lord was always present.
“I did what I knew. I have prepared
for situations where the Lord’s teachings
would be tested. I certainly did
not ever expect to be a part of it in a
political way. God has opened up many
doors for me as a result of my obedience
and willingness to stand for what
is right. I have been able to meet
people I never thought I would, and
asked to speak across the country.
I have been a part of a movement that
fights for religious equality for our
Christian people. That is all God’s
work. The successes and outcomes
could not have come without Him by
our side.”
However, despite the negative
upheaval, throughout the nation many
fellow Christians demonstrated an
outstanding amount of support for
Phillip and Steve’s actions, which is
still bringing about influential change
Senior Master Sgt. Phillip Monk and Village Parkway
Baptist Church Lead Pastor Steve Branson stand
together; Phillip gives a set of his stripes to Pastor
Steve after being exonerated. This is an incredible
honor. When someone leaves the military, the
tradition is that they give a set of stripes to a person
who made a big difference in their life.
and great recognition for their courage
years later.
“When you take on the role of a
leader, particularly a pastor of a
church, you take responsibility to live
by your faith in such a way that is
evident to others. We learn to take
courage, to stand up for what is right,
for ourselves and for others,” Steve
says. “In the situation I encountered
with Senior Master Sergeant Monk I
could not stay silent. I stood by a
friend, someone in need. That is my
duty as a pastor — my responsibility as
a Christian.”
When the investigation concluded
later that year, Phillip was absolved
from the false accusations and he
retired after 20 years of service. As
token of appreciation, the veteran gave
Steve a set of his stripes — a gesture
the pastor says he will never forget.
“It was an honor to stand by my
friend’s side. But even though I
wouldn’t want to do it again, I wouldn’t
change a thing. Both Phillip and I have
been drawn closer to God because of
it,” Steve says.
Especially in today’s times, Pastor
Steve urges other Christians to walk
through situations — even when
complicated — as a warrior, defending
their beliefs with unwavering grace,
kindness and action.
“Having faith is more than just
acknowledging it verbally. If you
believe in something, you must be
willing to live it out in your every day
life, in what you do, how you treat
others, and in how you speak. And
when faced with difficult decisions and
situations, you must not be afraid to
take a stand.”
Village Parkway Baptist Church
www.vpbc.net
3002 Village Parkway San Antonio, TX 78251
(210) 680-7813
Be A Light.
Pray. Our first response as Christians should
always be prayer. Pray for sensitivity to
hear from the Holy Spirit regarding your
role in standing for truth in grace. Pray for
protection for Pastor Steve and his family
as he continues to stand for truth. Pray for
Village Parkway Baptist Church to continue
to be the light on a hill. Obey. Know that
God will protect, guide and direct you as you
step out in obedience. Experience God.
When we step out in faith, we will come
to know God in ways we could have never
imagined! Visit. Plan on visiting Village
Parkway Baptist Church on an upcoming
Sunday and worship with them.
S TOR Y MADE POS S I B L E B Y:
Anonymous Partners
Thank you Lord, for the anonymous partners
who generously gave so VPBC could be
featured in our July Issue. With these generous
gifts, we are able to raise awareness of this
ministry and the difference they are making
in our community.
12 www.saBeacon.com July 2019
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