Documentary proves Bible reliability as source of real truth
>> Ed Vitagliano: Some would say truth is relative and to the world. That's right. What the world considers to be truth fluctuates depending on the narrative they're trying to promote.
>> Tim Wildmon: Of course, we know truth is found.
>> Ed Vitagliano: In scripture and it never changes. The dAocumentary, the God who Speaks, proves the Bible's reliability as theAC source of real truth and reinforces our belief in it as our firm foundation. Watch it anytime@stream.afa.net that's stream.aca.net.
Tim Wildman: August is my birthday month
>> Tim Wildmon: Welcome to today's issues, offering a Christian response to.
>> Tim Wildmon: The issues of the day.
>> Tim Wildmon: Here's your host, Tim Wildmon, president of the American Family Association.
>> Tim Wildmon: Hey, good morning, everybody, and welcome to Today's Issues on the American Family Radio Network. Today's Monday, August 4th, 2025. Thank you for listening to AFR. I'm Tim Wildmon with Ed Battagliano. Good morning, Ed.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Good morning, Tim.
>> Tim Wildmon: And Fred Jackson.
>> Fred Jackson: Hi there, Tim.
>> Tim Wildmon: So, it's, August already, fellas.
>> Fred Jackson: That's right.
>> Tim Wildmon: August it is.
>> Ed Vitagliano: And because we all know what's important about this month, it is my birthday.
>> Fred Jackson: Oh.
>> Ed Vitagliano: So I expect, you know, I expect nothing.
>> Fred Jackson: Social Security check.
>> Tim Wildmon: August?
>> Ed Vitagliano: Not yet.
>> Tim Wildmon: August is your birthday?
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yeah, it's. I, I'm just.
>> Tim Wildmon: So you celebrate the whole month? Kind of like pride month. Oh, man, the whole month.
>> Ed Vitagliano: My legs out.
>> Tim Wildmon: I think it's pride year for these people now.
>> Fred Jackson: Huh?
>> Tim Wildmon: that's, But anyway, so, no, I, I was.
>> Ed Vitagliano: I was just making small talk. I, couldn't think of anything else important about August.
>> Tim Wildmon: Well, happy bird. Happy birthday month.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Well, thank you.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah. Do you appreciate the sentiments.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Appreciate the, Ah, the sentiments, which I, they're heartfelt.
>> Tim Wildmon: Question, you know, they are.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Question whether they're sincere.
Ray Pritchard says smoke from Canadian wildfires is affecting Midwest temperatures
>> Fred Jackson: Well, I, I am sincerely happy about the weather relief we got on the weekend. I don't know what you guys, but yesterday here in Tuba, we went from the, like, 105 heat index.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yes.
>> Fred Jackson: Down to like in the 80s, like.
>> Tim Wildmon: Normal people live in summer.
>> Fred Jackson: Oh, man, it was wonderful.
>> Ed Vitagliano: And this is August. I know. Arguably the worst month of the year down in the South.
>> Tim Wildmon: just wait, though, guys. I think just wait a few more days. But anyway, Mr. Pessimist, thank you. I wish it were true that it was going to drop down to highs in 87, 88. Anyway. And now the rest of the country is, experiencing some cool weather too. I think so. Most of the country. So if that's good news, we'll say this. I was talking to a gentleman in Chicago this morning, had a phone, phone call with him Who's a friend of ours. And he was saying that they, in the, at least that part of the Midwest are getting the, the smoke from the fires in Canada.
>> Fred Jackson: That is correct. Yeah. Heard that on the weekend.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Is that the cause of the lower temperatures or.
>> Tim Wildmon: I don't know. That's a good question. No, that.
>> Fred Jackson: That front started last week. We're talking to our good friend Ray Pritchard.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah.
>> Fred Jackson: In Kansas last Thursday. And it was like the highs were going to be in 73, 74.
>> Tim Wildmon: That's different.
>> Fred Jackson: That's different. These are fires.
>> Tim Wildmon: Saskatchewan.
>> Fred Jackson: Saskatchewan, probably, Manitoba. And the breeze is bringing that smoke down. Saw some pictures out of Chicago on the weekend.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah.
>> Fred Jackson: And it's like a thick fog.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah.
>> Fred Jackson: It's horrible.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah. You remember that happened in New York and Boston and Philadelphia about two years ago.
>> Fred Jackson: Remember?
>> Tim Wildmon: M those fires up and I guess it was, Ottawa, or was it Quebec? Quebec, I think Quebec. And they were just causing, like you said, this thick smoke. But, Chicago. Yeah, I guess Milwaukee. And I don't know how far down into the Midwest those fires go, that smoke goes. But it's. It's remarkable to think a fire thousands of miles from you can. Can cause that kind of,
>> Ed Vitagliano: well, you know, they have those servants. Sandstorms in the Sahara.
>> Tim Wildmon: Right.
>> Ed Vitagliano: In Africa. And sometimes that sand gets up in the upper atmosphere and comes all the way across the Atlantic Ocean. Remember?
>> Fred Jackson: Amazing that happened.
>> Tim Wildmon: Where is Superman when you need him? That's right.
>> Ed Vitagliano: The blow back.
>> Tim Wildmon: All right, Tim Todd will be with us at the bottom of the hour.
Truth for Youth Bible Week starts next week on American Family Radio
Brother Tim Todd, this is Truth for Youth Bible Week and that we have annually here. Ah, Ed, you want to give us a. Just a, What do you call it? A preview?
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yeah, well, the Truth for Youth Bible. And we've been doing this with Revival Fires International and evangelist Tim Todd, I think he said this morning during devotions for 25 years.
>> Tim Wildmon: Right.
>> Ed Vitagliano: So folks, American Family Association, American Family Radio. Yes, we are, we are about, transformation in the culture and protecting the family, all those things. But also about the gospel and so the truth through youth Bible. Genius idea on the part of Tim Todd and whoever else was helping them with. This is a copy of the New Testament with in the front comics. Now these are not, you know, like Snoopy. These are about serious issues. Issues, that ah, afflict the teenage years. Things that teenagers are wrestling with. The artwork is phenomenal. And here's the idea behind it. You can get a free New Testament for a teenager in your house. And it is legal for that teenager to give that New Testament to a friend in school who does not know the Lord. That is totally legal. It might be questionable if teachers were handing them out, but for students, totally legal. So, when does this starts? At next, week. or is that all this week? All right, so we will be giving you information. And, this is a. It's not really a fundraiser because all these Bibles have been paid for. These are Bibles that you just simply request. And you, can give these to your teenager or however many teenagers you have in your household if they promise to. To give them away. They are free. So the number to call, for this Truth for Youth Bible Week is 8007-3347-3780-0733-4737. That is only between 8:30 to 4:00pm Central Time. Central. Central time, because that goes directly to the headquarters of Revival Fires International. And by the way, when you do get on the phone, I'll give the phone number again. You can, if you want to, you can buy a box of these things, and I think they're $2 a piece, and you can give them out to, teenagers and your youth group in church give them out free so that they will promise to give those out well over. I think it's 30,000, maybe 35,000 young people have given their hearts to the Lord through this outreach. And that's just the ones who have sent in a card to let, Brother Tim Todd know. So the number to call is 800-733-4737. And that is going to be all this week. You're going to be hearing about it everywhere on American Family Radio.
>> Tim Wildmon: All right. Truth for Youth Bible Week. And, we do this every year, and it impacts thousands and thousands of teenagers all across America.
Texas Governor Abbott accuses some Democrats of abandoning state legislature over redistricting
what's the first story, Fred?
>> Fred Jackson: Well, there's a group of Texas Democrats that are on the run this morning. They've left the state. And the reason for that is that, they are. The state is about to vote on a, group of redistricting, so changing the boundaries of some districts. And these Democrats say this is a terrible idea. And they're of course, blaming Donald Trump for that. but they're on the run. A group of these Democrats, they went to Illinois and they went to New York on the weekend. And now they're being told by Texas Governor Abbott, you better get back here, because you could lose your job. Governor, Abbott was interviewed just a few moments ago on Fox. And this is what he had to say. Cut 17.
>> Ed Vitagliano: They're leaving and they've left because they're very untexan. Texans don't run from a fight.
>> Tim Wildmon: and there's a fight going on.
>> Tim Wildmon: In the, in the legislature right now, about redistricting as well as other things. But I'll make two quick points, Dana, about this. For one, to, to run to states like New York and Illinois to protest redistricting is kind of like.
>> Tim Wildmon: Running to Wisconsin to protest cheese.
>> Tim Wildmon: It's just kind of outrageous.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Those are New, York and Illinois, two hallmark states.
>> Tim Wildmon: They've, already done redistricting to eliminate Republicans.
>> Tim Wildmon: but the second thing is far more serious and that is what these Democrats have done.
>> Ed Vitagliano: just a small fraction of them.
>> Tim Wildmon: were needed to break a core. I mean, that small fraction is holding hostage legislation in the state of Texas.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Where we will be able to, provide assistance and reform for all of the victims of that horrific flooding.
>> Tim Wildmon: That we've had in the state of Texas.
>> Tim Wildmon: Our fellow Texans are being let down.
>> Ed Vitagliano: And, and not getting the flood relief they need because these Democrats have absconded from the responsibility. And I believe they have forfeited their.
>> Tim Wildmon: Seats in the state legislature because they're not doing the job they were elected to do.
>> Fred Jackson: All right, just understand.
>> Tim Wildmon: So, so the Democrats in the state legislature in Texas capital. In Austin, they leave the state. They did this about 20 years ago. I remember when this happened. Right. They leave the state in order to not have to vote.
>> Fred Jackson: It robs the legislature of a quorum.
>> Tim Wildmon: Okay, so how long can vote? How long do they stay gone? How long do they have to stay away?
>> Fred Jackson: Well, I think what happened you referenced. I think it was about 20 years ago. they stayed away for several days. Now Abbott, this time, he is saying there was a court decision, I believe in that case 20 years ago. And Governor Abbott believes that if they can be charged, based, not federal, federally charged, but charged with abandoning their job and therefore they could lose their ability to be a member of the legislature. That is the allegation being made.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah.
>> Ed Vitagliano: All right, well, I don't personally don't think that's legal for the governor to do. I'm not, obviously not an attorney. I don't. I think that these kinds of rules for replacing members of Congress who are not there.
>> Tim Wildmon: Not Congress.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yes, I'm sorry. State legislature, those exist in case someone is sick or out for a long time or they voluntarily step away. This is the kind of Shenanigans though the Democrats have done. And it's pretty hypocritical nationwide for Democrats to be complaining about this because some of these Democratic, legislators have gone to Illinois, which is a heavily gerrymandered state.
>> Tim Wildmon: That's what Abbott was saying there.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yeah. And so it's a ridiculous argument to make. They, do not have a majority, the Democrats, and they're just going to have to come to the table and take their medicine. This is part of what happens when you lose.
Police training materials in Massachusetts label Moms for Liberty as extremist group
>> Tim Wildmon: Next story.
>> Fred Jackson: Well, there's breaking news this morning. this is courtesy of Christ Post. The headline is police training materials label Moms for Liberty as extremist group. Now, according to this story, the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee, they have training materials and they've placed this Mums for Liberty, if you haven't heard of them, we talk to them all the time in our news service. They're a conservative mums group. they were started 2020, 2021 around Covid or so. And they have led the charge in areas such as getting sexually explicit, material out of school libraries, etc. Etc. Now, in Massachusetts, screenshots of these training materials show the training material described Moms for Liberty as an anti government extremist group m which just happens to be the label that the Southern Poverty Law center has given to this group. Also the material this training material being used in Massachusetts further claimed that members use parents rights has a vehicle to attack public education and make schools less welcoming for minority and LGBTQ plus students. Training also appeared to lump Moms for Liberty in with the radical left wing group Antifa, which was involved with many of the riots in the wake of the death of George Floyd. So there you have it. they're a huge group now. they have 130,000 members across 300 chapters in 48 states. So there you have it. we saw this kind of thing member, during the Biden years, parents showing up at school board meetings in Virginia and other places. And then the Attorney General of the United States gets involved and basically refers to them as terrorists, these parents. And now this police training m material in Massachusetts doing the same thing with Moms, for Liberty.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Well, I want to show you how. Listen, I agree with what they're saying about Moms for Liberty in Massachusetts. They are a radical group. You want to hear what they do? Let's hear the radical nature of what they do. This is on their webpage about us. We want to hold leaders accountable. Bunch of communists. We hold, Decision makers accountable or we work to replace them with liberty minded individuals. they spread awareness and an understanding of the limited role of government. They oppose government overreach. They promote liberty and promote teaching the principles of liberty in our homes and community, and they activate the public service. I, I can't think of a more radical group that endangers the entire foundation of our republic. What a bunch of radicals.
>> Fred Jackson: Yeah.
>> Ed Vitagliano: This, this shows you how radical Massachusetts is that they think this group is radical.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah. Well, can, you say radical one more time? I think that would be helpful. Have I, Yeah.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Have I mentioned it?
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah.
>> Ed Vitagliano: there's a bunch of radicals radical.
>> Tim Wildmon: You know, there's something called free radicals too, right?
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yes.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Those are bad though.
>> Tim Wildmon: Those are bad. listen, this is a, this is a blue state persecuting people, who are conservative. Right, right. And this. So they've labeled Moms for Liberty, which we work with. They're much like afa, Moms for Liberty. They're a different focus and emphasis, but they're conservative and they're Christian and, and they have chapters and they stand for children. They watch out for children's rights in school and things of that nature. And, and the state of. You're saying the state of Massachusetts had labeled them.
>> Fred Jackson: Yep, labeled them around these police training materials.
>> Tim Wildmon: Police training materials. This happened to us a few years ago, when we learned that the Department of Defense was showing a video, to, this is under Obama, I think, the Department of Defense showing a video to all new recruits into the military. Or maybe not even recruits, but to the military, people in the military. Because we got reports of this and they were labeling, they were saying, okay, you need to be aware of hate groups across America. The KKK is a hate group. And they explain that. Then they'd say the AFA is a hate organization and say, you know what I'm saying?
>> Ed Vitagliano: Right.
>> Tim Wildmon: They were lumping us in with Aryan nations and other kinds of hate groups. they would say. And, but that went on. And that was based on the, the Southern Poverty Law Center. We keep mentioning them. They're the group that. They're the group that supposedly gives the ratings for, other groups across America and labels them hate left, considers.
>> Ed Vitagliano: The Southern Poverty Law center to be experts on hate domestic terrorism. So you get states like Massachusetts, or in the case that you brought up, Tim, within the Department of Defense under President, Obama, they say, well, we're not saying AFA is a hate group. The Southern Poverty Law center is. And they're Experts, by the way, we.
>> Tim Wildmon: Were able to get that removed.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yes.
>> Tim Wildmon: We had to work through some Senate offices back. This is 15 years ago or so.
Associated Press poll says many Democrats call their party weak and ineffective
But anyway, next story. Fred.
>> Fred Jackson: Well, if you go to afn.net, afn.net One of the stories that we have up there this morning is a, ah, poll, new poll out. it's an Associated Press new poll, and it says many Democrats call their party weak and ineffective. So these are Democrats polled, they're describing their party as weak and ineffective. Now they're saying, what these Democrats are saying. They're upset with the leadership of the Democratic Party because they believe they're not hard enough on Donald Trump and the changes that he wants to make.
>> Fred Jackson: Yeah.
>> Tim Wildmon: Imagine that Scooby Doo there.
>> Fred Jackson: Yeah. However, however, however, what's, if you read this story, what they don't say is that what's happening in the Democratic Party is a great divide, between two groups that, you know, one group wants to take them to radical left socialism. The other group says, no, we don't want to go that route because that's one of the reasons we lost the election last fall. But here's a montage from some young voters that Democrats of America conference, and they are cheering on socialism. Cut number five.
>> Tim Wildmon: I really like aoc, unfortunately. I would like to see her stand.
>> Tim Wildmon: Like, be more vocal about Palestine.
>> Tim Wildmon: But other than that, I really think.
>> Fred Jackson: That she should be the leader of.
>> Tim Wildmon: The Democratic Party as she is a Democratic socialist, being also a young person, a young voter, a college student, seeing people like Dharharnamdani, AOC just gaining.
>> Ed Vitagliano: So much more footing and so much.
>> Tim Wildmon: More recognition in the policy field is very empowering.
>> Tim Wildmon: I think candidates like Zoran Mamdani and AOC are really insecure. Inspiring to see. They, you know, someone like Mamdani, a Muslim like me, and, and Zainab here, it's so inspiring to see. And so I think that someone like that in 2028 can carry a lot of momentum. I think people are so excited. Yeah, well, you keep on, just, just keep on, brother, with your excitement there, because that may work in New York City, but that doesn't work across the vast swath of America. That far left radical ideology. And aoc and Zorin,
>> Ed Vitagliano: Momdani.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah, him that doesn't. That. Anyway, go ahead and knock yourself out there with.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Well, you know what I'd like to say to these young people, not that they listen to a old boomer like me, but the fact is you, have the right to say what you just said, because you live in a republic, not because you live in a communist country. I know that they are thinking of socialism as being a little bit different than, than it actually is. But freedom has existed in the west because of the ideals that underlie democracies and, and republics. A, republic like ours. And, and so you're not going to. If you live in North Korea or you live in Cuba or you live in communist China, you don't get to say those things. But you get to say those things here because of the Christian principles that have undergirded the, the free West. And I hope I. I hope for the sake of our kids and grandkids, those sitting here in the studio that these young people don't find out the hard way that you can, as the old saying goes, you can vote your way into socialism, but you have to fight your way out.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah. M. All right.
Vivek Ramaswamy says it's either socialism or capitalism
You're listening to Today's Issues on the American Family Radio Network. Today's Issues, the name of this show. Tim, Ed and Fred. Next story. Fred.
>> Fred Jackson: Vivek Ramaswamy.
>> Tim Wildmon: Who?
>> Fred Jackson: Vivek Ramaswamy.
>> Tim Wildmon: I just.
>> Ed Vitagliano: I do too.
>> Fred Jackson: Right?
>> Ed Vitagliano: I like hearing you say it.
>> Fred Jackson: Well, he is going to run for governor of Ohio.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yes, he is.
>> Fred Jackson: And you remember the videos we talked about this last week of the riot in Cincinnati, and, they're still talking about it.
>> Tim Wildmon: Was it a riot?
>> Fred Jackson: Riot?
>> Tim Wildmon: It was just a beat down of a couple of people.
>> Fred Jackson: Yes. Anyway, Vivek Ramaswamy is going to Cincinnati late this afternoon to have a town hall meeting to talk about values. And he says it's either socialism or capitalism. And this country has to decide, much like Ed was just talking about. Cut number six.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Key answer right now is, is it.
>> Tim Wildmon: About socialism or capitalism?
>> Ed Vitagliano: That's the choice.
>> Tim Wildmon: It's a fork in the road for the future of the country.
>> Ed Vitagliano: And it's not just about one candidate in New York who represents the socialism wing. You look at the rise of Fateh in Minneapolis.
>> Tim Wildmon: They call them the Mamdani of Minneapolis. You see trends coming up across the country.
>> Ed Vitagliano: There's a deep fissure in the Democratic Party where.
>> Tim Wildmon: Where there are a lot of their.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Bases, unfortunately, is in electing socialism over capitalism. Now, my advice to Republicans across the country is this is our chance to actually offer an alternative vision.
>> Tim Wildmon: So I see. Is he going to. Who's he got a good chance to win that. Is this the, J. Is this the, So DeWine, the current governor of Ohio, he's termed out?
>> Fred Jackson: Yes, that's correct.
>> Tim Wildmon: Right. So they got to elect a new governor. Is that coming up this fall?
>> Fred Jackson: I'm not sure if it's this fall, but, we can check on that.
>> Tim Wildmon: All right.
>> Fred Jackson: But you know, it's interesting. The Democrats are giving the Republicans just a great platform. Platform to run on.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah.
>> Fred Jackson: If, if this trend continues in the Democratic Party.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah.
>> Fred Jackson: This, the far left, socialist versus what I guess we would call moderate.
>> Ed Vitagliano: So too.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah, that's, that's where the energy is. The, the other, the quote, mainstream Democrats have not been able to put down these, Well, Bill Maher called them socialist sisters the other day because they were going after, the actress, Sydney Sweeney.
>> Fred Jackson: Yes.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah.
>> Tim Wildmon: You saw this?
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yes.
>> Tim Wildmon: She did an ad for the American Eagle Company advertised.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Well, my wife wouldn't actually let me look at the ad, but I've heard, I've read about it.
>> Tim Wildmon: The, the blue. It's not pornographic.
>> Ed Vitagliano: No, I'm, I'm just, I'm kidding.
>> Tim Wildmon: Okay. I saw it. So, it's, it's her donning blue jeans, this actress. And the, play on words was Sydney, Sweeney. Actress has good, genes. Yes. Okay, so get it. Everybody gets it. American Eagle. This actress, very beautiful actress is doing, an ad for. And she has good genes. Yes. And the left just went crazy saying this is advocating, this is Nazism.
>> Ed Vitagliano: And because she's blonde hair, blue eyed.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah.
>> Ed Vitagliano: So now they're saying that's the, that's the genes. You're talking about Bill Maher.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yes.
>> Tim Wildmon: A far left guy himself, or at least he maybe wouldn't call him that. And he's very liberal, old fashioned. He said that this is what's wrong with the Democrat party here. These people have gone nuts. Everything they find racist and you know, Nazis under every rock. You know what I mean? They don't have to look under rocks anymore. They just. Anyway, we'll be back momentarily. Stay with us.
Over 60% of abortions today happen through the abortion pill
>> Ed Vitagliano: This June 24th marks three years since Roe versus Wade was overturned. But here's what you may not know. Abortion numbers have surged to a 10 year high. The battleground has shifted from the courtroom to our homes. Today, over 60% of abortions happen through the abortion pill. Taken in silence, often alone. Preborn network clinics are standing in the gap, meeting women in their most desperate hour. And here's what they're Young mothers, terrified and misled, are delivering their babies, tiny, perfectly formed, onto bathroom floors. These precious babies, once called just tissue, now lie lifeless. 11% of these women who take the abortion pill will suffer serious health complications. Countless Others carry emotional scars for a lifetime. When you give to preborn, you're not just saving a baby, you're saving a mother, too. You're giving her hope, financial support, and the truth. Preborn has already rescued over 350,000 babies, but there are so many more who need our help. Your tax deductible gift makes this mission possible. To donate now, dial 250 and say the keyword baby. That's £250 baby. Or go to preborn.com afr that's preborn.com afr.
>> Tim Wildmon: The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Are any who understand any who seek God.
>> Tim Wildmon: Psalm 14:2American Family Radio.
>> Tim Wildmon: This is today's issues.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Email your comments to commentsfr.net Past broadcasts of today's Issues are available for listening and viewing in the archive@afr.net now back.
American Family Radio celebrates 25th anniversary with Truth for Youth Bible campaign
>> Tim Wildmon: To more of, Today's Issues.
>> Tim Wildmon: Oh, welcome back to Today's Issues on the American Family Radio Network. Tim, Fred and Ed here, thank you for listening to afr. We had some folks, dropped by Douglas and Penny from Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Oh.
>> Tim Wildmon: Came and we. Anybody from Mount Pleasant, you know, got to be good people, right? Don't you think?
>> Ed Vitagliano: Mount Pleasant is. Isn't that from, Andy Griffith? What was the name of that, mount Pilot? I'm sorry, I got that wrong.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah. Anyway, I think every state in the union has a Mount Pleasant, though, don't you?
>> Ed Vitagliano: If they don't, they should require law.
>> Tim Wildmon: They should. But we like having folks stop by and see us. They were, they're headed down, do a little vacationing on the Gulf Coast.
>> Ed Vitagliano: We do get, we get a lot of folks who come through the headquarters of AFA and the, the, location of our, primary radio station for American Family Radio on the way somewhere else. So.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah, that's kind of, you know, when they tell us they come and they stop by to see us here full, isn't it? Well, when they say you're the second reason why, you know, our third or fourth or we just happen to be in the neighborhood or we were on.
>> Ed Vitagliano: A long trip, we had to stop, walk the dog. So we figured we'll take it any.
>> Tim Wildmon: Way we see those guys at American Family Radio. So anyway, anyway, it's good to see Douglas and Penny there. They stopped by. You are listening to Today's Issues on American Family Radio. That's the name of this show. And as we mentioned at the top of the hour, this is annually, the first week in August. We, Call it Truth for Youth Bible Week. It's our campaign to get the Bible out to thousands and thousands of young people all across America. And we count on Christian young people to help us make this happen.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yes.
>> Ed Vitagliano: And it's totally legal.
>> Tim Wildmon: Totally legal. We we work with the Revival Fires and brother Tim Todd, Revival Fires Ministry. Revival Fires International. And the president of Revival Fires is our good friend Tim Todd. And, and Tim, good morning to you.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Good morning Tim.
>> Tim Wildmon: Good to see you again.
>> Ed Vitagliano: See you.
>> Tim Wildmon: 25 years in a row we've been doing this, right? Yes, yes. Amazing. You and I have an anniversary.
>> Ed Vitagliano: I know we look the same as we did 25 years ago.
>> Tim Wildmon: @ least in our own mind. That's it. We do. Silver anniversary of this. This is amazing.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Amazing.
>> Tim Wildmon: Tell us, give us a little of the story here. You shared some with our staff here this morning. What our listeners have been able to help us do. It's just incredible.
>> Ed Vitagliano: It is a, ah, little over 25 years ago I approached you and your dad and the staff here with the Truth for Youth Bible and said hey, we've got this powerful Bible that consists of the entire New Testament in the God's Word translation along with 100 pages of power full color comic stories that deal with the truth about issues of moral concern that young people are confronted with on a regular basis and said, hey, we've got this Bible that we want to give to young people and if you will open up your airwaves, then we will make the Bibles, available free of charge to every young person that commits to give the Bible to a teenager that doesn't know Jesus Christ. And as a result of this partnership, we have given away in excess of 1.3 million truth for Youth Bibles to Christian young people.
>> Tim Wildmon: Amen. Clap. 1.3 million Bibles. We've been able to give away our ministries, working together and appealing to our listeners like we're doing right now, to get involved to order these Bibles again. A lot of people go free. I heard them say it doesn't cost anything. That's right. The Bibles have been paid for you. You raise funds throughout the year in your travels as an evangelist. A lot of the churches, particularly Assembly God churches make donations towards this effort. Some of our folks make donations toward this effort. So jointly we're able to pay for the Bible. So this isn't a gimmick. We aren't trying to get you to order something and then we're going to appeal to you for Money, or a donation. Although if you want to give one, you know we're not going to stop you.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Right?
>> Tim Wildmon: You know, so, this is a, so it's free. The only, what we're trying to do is evangelize. What we're trying to do is reach young people with the life changing message of Jesus Christ. That's what we're trying to do. And as you say, 1.3 million Bibles.
Who qualifies to get free Bibles? How many can I get
Now, what, do folks need to do if they're listening to us right now, and maybe they can't stay with us for the rest of the show or whatever, but they want to know, how can I, how do I. Who qualifies to get the free Bibles? How many can I get and what do I need to do? Go ahead, Tim.
>> Ed Vitagliano: One Bible per teenager per household for parents and grandparents. They can call in, or the young person themselves can call in at 1-800-733-4737. That number again is 1-800-TOLL FREE, 800-733-4737. Or they can go to tfy.orgtf y.org One Bible per teenager per household. And help us get the word of God into the hands of young people all across America.
>> Tim Wildmon: In the past, you have also, offered a case of these Bibles, for somebody who wants to use them at a youth church, youth group or something like that for like two or three bucks a piece.
>> Ed Vitagliano: $2 each. 50 Bibles per case.
>> Tim Wildmon: Because it's easy. You got them in the case, you just box them up, ship them, right?
>> Ed Vitagliano: That's correct.
>> Tim Wildmon: Okay, and how do. If they want to buy. So what is that, 80 bucks plus. I don't know what it was.
>> Ed Vitagliano: 50 bibles times two is 100.
>> Tim Wildmon: So hey, y' all do math in Louisiana? Because In Mississippi that's 80. And yeah, so no, he's uppity. Louisiana. You know what I'm saying? They think they know all about the math. You know what I'm saying? All right, so how can they order the box of book?
>> Ed Vitagliano: They can call that number 800-733-4737.
>> Tim Wildmon: And they use a credit card.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yes, they sure can. And. Or go to tfy.org either way.
Tim: You've got comics in this Bible. Yeah, you got the, it's the New Testament
>> Tim Wildmon: All right, Tim, now you've got comics in this book, in this Bible.
>> Ed Vitagliano: And that's the big attraction initially for these young people.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah, you got the, it's the New Testament. We want to make clear it's not the whole Bible. Right, but it's the New Testament. And then you've got the, all these comics.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yes.
>> Tim Wildmon: And we have in studio with us as our, as our guest, the gentleman who's doing some, some new comics.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yes.
>> Tim Wildmon: Talk about that.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yes, it's the the, his name is Art Harris from Kingstone.
>> Tim Wildmon: And the most recent comic, stone Studios, not Kingston 10.
>> Ed Vitagliano: That's right, that's right. And so, the most, recent comic that will be in the next printing of the Truth for you Bible is the Truth about Transgender Ideology. And you know, we kicked around some powerful titles and then we reached out to the stand and Rebecca. Yes, your monthly magazine and her team came up with a phenomenal, title for this, brand new comic, the Truth about Transgender Ideology. And the brand new comic is titled Dangerous Confusion.
Art Arius is CEO of Kingstone Studios
>> Tim Wildmon: All right, so in studio with us is Art Arius. Art is CEO of Kingstone Studios. Good morning, welcome.
>> Tim Wildmon: That's great to be here in Mississippi.
>> Tim Wildmon: do you mean that? I mean that. You know, I was going to say welcome to the heat and humidity, although it's a nice weather here in northeast Mississippi right now. But then I was, I was thinking, I'm talking to a guy from Orlando area who's used to the, used to the southern heat and humidity. talk about, you are CEO of Kingstone Studios. What do you guys do?
>> Tim Wildmon: Well, we began building the Marvel of the Faith Market. I was a children's pastor for a long time and I'm still executive pastor at a great church, First Baptist Leesburg. Florida has been listed as one of the top 100 fastest growing churches for the last three years by outreach magazine. And it's a great church. We had a movie made about our church a couple years ago. But as a youth and children's guy, I always saw that we were not reaching kids. We were really not effective in reaching the kids. And I always struggled. Like we brought in hundreds of kids to our church and most of them did not have a Bible background. And I realized if I'm going to connect with them, I had to find something at a different level. And so, we went out, began raising capital and the first thing we did was the Kingstone Bible. It's the most complete graphic adaptation of the Bible that's ever been done. It's three volumes, it's over 10,000 panels, 2,000 pages. And we hired a lot of artists that worked with Marvel and dc. Then we came out with, one of the most important things that we did. We did a series, a book on simplified apologetics called 101 Questions about the Bible and Christianity. The youth pastor at my church said art, he said the biggest thing kids don't understand how we got the Bible. Where did the Bible come from? How do we know the Bible is reliable? So we did this whole series of apologetics answering and very similar to what Tim's doing. 101 Questions about the Bible and Christianity to some of the top questions. I felt like it was just a matter of time before we began connecting with people like Tim, Todd and other people that were really reaching thousands and thousands of young people. Then July 4th last year, we got Like everybody else we were pretty. We're kind of rattling our teeth about what was happening with all of the wokeism that was infecting our country. So July 4th last year we released the US Constitution as a graphic novel. We did a series about America telling the accurate story of America not the 1619 version. And then we began partnering with people like Randy Alcorn if you know who he is. Oh yeah, we did a book on Luke 16. So basically we found that comics and I can go into more detail but we found that comics was just a great way to reach and touch kids. And then we began doing animation and in the midst of this we signed a deal with NBC Universal on VeggieTales. So we're working on VeggieTales. So we're, we're in Leesburg Florida. We're in the kind of a little media quarter there with Disney and Universal and everything. but the difference between them and us is Our passion is souls. The currency of our company is souls. How can we reach and impact the whole starts and souls of kids.
>> Tim Wildmon: Amen.
>> Ed Vitagliano: By the way this I'm at the Kingstone Studios website and and have looked at a couple of the items that both art and Tim have brought in. these are outstanding. I mean the artwork on this is top, top notch. As good as anyone's going to get in any kind of. It's been a long time since I've looked at a Marvel comic but this is excellent, excellent work. I appreciate the desire to promote excellence as you're telling good stories, important stories and of course the most important which is the gospel.
How is Truth for Youth Bible received in the Christian community and wider society
How is, how is this received by, by teenagers who are, who are used to top notch materials. obviously they are receiving the Truth for Youth Bible because of all the testimonies we get. How about your company? How is it received in the Christian community but also the wider society.
>> Tim Wildmon: You know, when we first started doing it, a lot of people, a lot of moms especially, they hear the word graphic novel and that brought up a lot of bad connotations to them. So it took a couple years to get around. There's going to be Christian content that could be delivered like this. But one of the key things is we. I was really steadfast. Almost all of our artists work were Marvel and dc. So when somebody like Brother Tim comes to me, I can deliver a really good comic book for them. But basically it's been very well received. Did you know that only 7% of Americans have read the entire scripture? Only 7%. But with the Kingston Bible, somebody can read. And with his Bible, people can read the whole Bible in a very short period of time. But the other thing is there's a big level of engagement. There's like, I used to belong to the Gideons and I'd go into jails and I'd share the gospel with people and give them a Bible. But I told the Gideons, I'm not a part of the organization. It's a great organization. But I told them, I said, guys, when you go deliver these Bibles to the kids and give them a seven point font, King James only, you're going to get like less than 1% engagement. If you would be outside in these prisons and these schools with these Bible comic books, your engagement would go to like 99%. So there's a lot of people from an evangelism standpoint that will pick up a comic book. That's why I'm excited about Tim's, Bible there. So there's a high level of engagement and there's also a high level of understanding.
Art Arias: DC Comics recently had Joker giving birth to a baby
>> Tim Wildmon: So we're talking to Art Arias, he's the CEO of Kingston Studios, telling all about what they're, doing the. So do you, do you, do you, do you do the artwork here or do you hire some people out to do this? How do you, how does this work exactly?
>> Tim Wildmon: We have a team of people. Mostly. I probably have ticked off a lot of Christian artists because I've had a lot of people come to me, want to write for me and I'll say, or draw for me. I said, have you worked with Marvel or DC or Dark Horse? And most of the time they haven't. I said, I'm sorry. I said, we have, I have. I'm not competing against Christians, okay. I'm competing against Marvel and dc, where DC just recently had the Joker giving birth to a baby, okay? I'm competing against them and their ideologies. So it's got to be really good. It's really interesting. today.
>> Tim Wildmon: Just gloss over that. What did you say 20 seconds ago?
>> Tim Wildmon: DC Comics.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah, I premiered with him Batman and Joker. Batman and Joker. Gotcha.
>> Tim Wildmon: they recently had the Joker being pregnant and giving birth to a baby and whether.
>> Tim Wildmon: Crazy. Yeah, that's beyond crazy. Yes. But what you talk. They'll destroy their brand if they keep on doing stuff like this. I think DC and Marvel Comics actually.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Went woke a long time ago, 25 years ago.
>> Tim Wildmon: Movies and stuff.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yeah, yeah. I'm talking about the, the comics themselves.
>> Tim Wildmon: Okay.
>> Ed Vitagliano: I remember writing for the magazine and writing articles about, you know, gay. This character gave that character. So they went woke a long time ago when were infected by that ideology. A long time ago. So I am not surprised, by a, a storyline where the Joker gives birth. I do want to, I do want to. I do want to brag. Just.
>> Tim Wildmon: You're not surprised by that?
>> Ed Vitagliano: No. Just because of the mind virus where it takes.
>> Tim Wildmon: I got you.
>> Ed Vitagliano: I, I do want to brag on myself. I know what Dark Horse comics are.
>> Tim Wildmon: He's a comic strip nerd. Oh, I, I self confessed.
>> Ed Vitagliano: I, I'm, I'm a self con.
>> Tim Wildmon: He laughs at me when I start talking about.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Sometimes Tim will confuse and I, I get Star Trek and Star Wars.
>> Tim Wildmon: I get conflated and he just looks at me like, you're embarrassing yourself.
>> Ed Vitagliano: He'll ask if Batman is Marvel. And I just, I just.
>> Tim Wildmon: Well, I did want to know what Superman's threshold is as far as lifting buildings.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yes.
>> Tim Wildmon: And taking. Because I've seen these, you know, I saw the Superman movie.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yes, I know.
>> Tim Wildmon: I'm proud of you. Superman. He, he saves his person from a falling building. Like a skyscraper. Yeah, but he's straining, man. I mean the building is on his back, right?
>> Ed Vitagliano: That's right.
>> Tim Wildmon: He's straining. And I'm going like, so what is he. What is the poundage that puts. That breaks his back.
>> Ed Vitagliano: It's too much.
>> Tim Wildmon: If it's not a skyscraper, do you add 50 more pounds? And that's what he can't take.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Legitimate questions.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah, I'm saying these are questions that we all ask that need to be answered. To be answered.
Art. King: Truth for Youth Bible Week is this week
All right, you're listening you to today's issues on the American Family Radio Network. Tim Todd, art areas joining us in studio. This is Truth for Youth Bible Week. Again, I want to, Tim, tell our listeners what they need to do and the teenage The Bibles for teenagers are available for free.
>> Ed Vitagliano: We are in the process right now of giving away this week. Our goal is 65,000 Truth for Youth Bibles. One Bible per teenager, per household. They go to one. 800-733-4737, toll free. 800-733-4737.
>> Tim Wildmon: Where does that call?
>> Ed Vitagliano: That calls our office. We got in West Monroe. 10 phone lines open right now, so waiting for. For the phones to ring. And, so if you get a busy Signal, call back. 800-733-4737. Or go to t f y.org t f y.org also art areas.
>> Tim Wildmon: Art. so your company is. Got all these products that I, know our listeners would be interested.
>> Ed Vitagliano: The U.S. constitution. President.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah, these guys. Somebody's doing this. I didn't. I was not aware of your organization, or, your company. So it was just your brainchild.
>> Tim Wildmon: Well, yeah, again, I was a. I was a children's pastor trying to connect with kids.
>> Tim Wildmon: Right.
>> Tim Wildmon: Let me tell you one reason that what Tim is doing is really important. When you were talking, Ed, you know, a lot of people don't realize this, but when Obama, became president and said he was in for gay marriage, within three weeks, Marvel, DC and Archie Comics, within three weeks, all of them came out with gay characters. Archie had a guy taking his boyfriend to the prom. I mean, there is such culture. It mimics culture so much. And so I feel like what Tim's doing, what we're doing, we are really trying to get the truth to kids because that is the only thing that God will honor. One really quick Dark Horse story.
>> Tim Wildmon: Ed, a week ago, you're just doing this because I'm. You just said that because I, You. And then you looked at Ed. So what is Dark Horse? Tell me what. I know what Marvel and DC are. What is Dark Horse?
>> Ed Vitagliano: It. It's like. It's a com. It's a comic company, a comic brand. Like, I think they became famous when they did Hellboy crossover. Yeah, Hellboy. And then crossovers between Aliens and Predator.
>> Tim Wildmon: Okay.
>> Ed Vitagliano: And those kind of things.
>> Tim Wildmon: All right, I'm tracking with you. Go ahead, Art.
>> Tim Wildmon: Well, it's really interesting because, you know, we. We spent a lot of time and money doing the Kingston Bible because we really. The first thing we want to deliver with kids was the truth of the Bible. But a week ago, one of the executive. There's. There's five big comic companies. Marvel, dc, Image Comics, Dark Horse, and Imagine, they're really kind of the big five secular companies. You Know, we're, of course we're in the Christian thing, but now we want to get up there with the big boys. But it's really interesting. One of the executives with Dark Horse called me last week and he said, we got some of your Bible comics. And they said, we're doing AI animation. Can we take one of your Bible things and give you an example? So while I leave here today, I've got a call with an executive with Dark Horse, and I don't know where it's going to go, but we began actually doing AI animation. Like, if you go to our website, you can see like we just did Jonah. Just did a pilot episode on Jonah. So I think, you know, we're brothers like Tim and others. We feel like this is just a great way to deliver God's truth to kids.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yes.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Well, and I, I hate to say this, folks, but Christmas is just around the corner and it always is. Yes, it is. And I'm looking at some of these, on the. On America Part 1 is talking about the history of America. There's some. And again, I'm like you, Tim. I did not know about Kingstone Studios. folks, there's some good stuff here, @KingstoneComics, dot com, that's your.
>> Tim Wildmon: Website, that's a Christian comics. And uscomics.com is the.
>> Ed Vitagliano: Okay, so, so there, there's, there's stuff out there that is a. And then there's the Christian, comics. and let me just, let me just, say for some who are out there who are saying, I don't like the idea of comics. They should just be the word of God. And I was a preacher for many, many years. I absolutely agree that the word of God is what is powerful, is the power of God unto salvation for all those who believe. But if kids are going to read comics, you can, you can channel that desire into a more righteous avenue. And I am a firm believer in setting the hook any way you can to get kids in love with God's word and, and the truth of God, and the truth of our nation's foundation.
>> Tim Wildmon: So order the.
American Family Radio is offering a truth youth Bible free to anyone
So folks, your charge right now is to order a truth youth Bible that we're offering for free is no cost. That's what that free means. Tim Todd and Revival Fires along with us here at American Family Radio, we're offering this Bible free. You can have one for each teenager you have in your home or if you're a grandparent, as long as the, the, the, the. Your grandchild or child will agree to give the Bible away to a Christian, a non Christian, somebody who doesn't know the Lord, that they're aware of, in their school or in their, you know, social group or whatever the case may be. And again, these, ah, 1.3 million of these Bibles we've given away in the last 25 years. And Tim, you said 30,000 conversions. that. That we know of. Yes. That have been sent in to us to you.
>> Ed Vitagliano: One was my pastor.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah.
>> Ed Vitagliano: 25 years ago.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah.
>> Ed Vitagliano: You told that story this morning.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah. that's, it's just amazing. And so if you want to get this. What do they need to do again, Tim, to order?
>> Ed Vitagliano: Yes, they go to 1-8007-3347-3780-0733-4737. Or go to t f y.org t.
>> Tim Wildmon: F y.org all right, thank you, Brother Tim. Mark is. I mean, Art. Nice to meet you. Appreciate you coming up.
>> Tim Wildmon: Yeah.
>> Tim Wildmon: To be with us here in studio. And, we will, continue to. You'll continue to hear about the truth for youth Bibles all week here on American Family Radio.
Fred: I think what Tim is doing with his Bible is important
Fred, did you have anything to add?
>> Fred Jackson: I'm just looking at one of the, 101 questions about the Bible and Christianity. Just the imagery is just absolutely fantastic.
>> Ed Vitagliano: It is.
>> Fred Jackson: And I'm looking at a, portion.
>> Tim Wildmon: Here that talks about the book with the comics. Yeah, yeah.
>> Fred Jackson: Just amazing.
>> Ed Vitagliano: It's top notch, first rate.
>> Fred Jackson: And I can see where young people, how they would be engaged immediately in this.
>> Tim Wildmon: Well, I think what Tim is doing is important because, like, I'm a, you know, pastor. I've shot two movies. This one we just did was in theaters a couple of years ago. It was like, number. It had number three highest per screen. It was number 10 at the box office. It, released on 600 theaters. And I tell people, because I'm a pastor too, and I said, you know, I can preach a message and it can be as biblical and accurate as possible, but three weeks from there, they can't tell me one point for what I've preached, but they could go back to that movie and tell me every single scene what happened. So I think what Tim's done with his Bible is brilliant about having the comics in there and the Bible and what I would say that those kids more likely will remember the truths from those comics a long time. It'll help them engage deeper in the scripture.
>> Fred Jackson: Amen.
>> Tim Wildmon: All right, for, Thank you so much, brother. Appreciate it, both of you. Appreciate you with us. All right, we'll be back in five minutes with more of today's issues. A lot more to talk about when we return. from this time out, the views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American.
>> Tim Wildmon: Family association or American Family Radio.
