Spotlight

Today is national day of prayer. In 1 Timothy, the apostle Paul says that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings (should) be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”… Continue Reading

“Falsehood is false, even if everyone believes it, and truth is true even if no one believes it. Truth is true and that’s just the end of it.” ~Os Guinness During this edition of Spotlight, a timely message from Dr. Everett Piper about truth. Dr. Piper is a columnist for the Washington Times and is a Christian broadcaster. Dr. Piper talks about: the primacy of Jesus Christ, the priority of Scripture, the pursuit of truth and the practice of wisdom.… Continue Reading

David Smith and Monte Larrick discuss abortion, education and why there is a desperate need for actual leadership in Springfield with state candidate Jed Davis.    … Continue Reading

Every parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle – anyone who loves and cares for the children in their family or sphere of influence – will want to listen to the second half of Dr. Rob Rienow’s presentation from IFI’s 2022 Worldview Conference! In his address entitled The Church, The Family, and The Kingdom of God, Dr. Rienow states that, while the church is doing a good job of investing in the next generation of Christ followers, the family is neglecting to hold up their end in their partnership with the church to reach the world.… Continue Reading

Recorded at the National Religious Broadcasters convention, Pastor Stephan Broden of Fair Park Bible Fellowship Church spoke with IFI’s resident chaplain, Ceasar Leflore, upon a range of subjects affecting the body of Christ in this day and age. The two also discussed the importance of the gospel message, the devastation of abortion, and what is going on inside the church. Pastor Broden is the executive director of Content of Character Series and ministers to the people in Dallas, Texas.… Continue Reading

This edition of Spotlight we feature a empowering lecture from IFI’s recent worldview conference, from our good friend over at Visionary Family Ministries, Dr. Rob Reinow. Reinow begins his oration with an amusing anecdote of how awful the reality of the blind leading the blind really is, and how it seems that many churches today are doing just that with their congregations. The reason is because we’re slipping up on a essential part of our faith, which is not believing the Scriptures are enough.… Continue Reading

As a pastor, what can you do to keep the children of your congregation from being tainted by the humanism of government schools? Start your own K-12 school. Taking it one step further, what can you do to ward off the indoctrination of very young children before it ever has a chance to take root? Start an open enrollment preschool. Our guest this week on Spotlight, Rev. Mark Moore of Belmont Bible Church in Downers Grove, is in the process of realizing both of these goals.… Continue Reading

“Never underestimate the power of prayer” Monte Larrick interviews Catherine Walker in front of Aurora’s abortion mill. The two discuss the impact of being outside of a Planned Parenthood, silently witnessing to the clients and staff, the potency of sidewalk counseling, and the power of prayer.… Continue Reading

In this portion of Spotlight, we are highlighting remarks from Dr. Everett Piper, a contributor to the Washington Times, author of Not A Daycare, former college president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and a frequent guest on Fox News. Dr. Piper brave… Continue Reading

Monte Larrick and David Smith sit down with Dinora Ruiz, who is running for the 86th Representative District. In her own words, Ms. Ruiz states: “I am running for State Rep because I’ve seen the burden corrupt power-hungry politicians put on everyday Americans, because I am an everyday American. I’ve experienced the joys of growing up in Illinois and I want to preserve that for future generations.”… Continue Reading

Chris Butler is a pro-life Democrat running for Congress. He joins IFI’s David Smith, Monte Larrick, and resident chaplain Ceasar Leflore to lay out his plan for the 1st district of Illinois… Continue Reading

Monte Larrick and David Smith have a wonderful conversation with political candidate Geno Young.… Continue Reading

In this installment of Spotlight, IFI’s David Smith and Monte Larrick are joined by Amy Gherke, the executive director of Illinois Right to Life. The three converse about the timing of SCOTUS hearing the Missisipi Heartbeat law, the prospective spike in sex trafficking as a result of Parental Notice being repealed, and the impact you could have when participating in 40 Days for Life.… Continue Reading

In this edition of Spotlight, we’re highlighting Critical Race Theory. Angela Sailor (Vice President at the Heritage Foundation) outlined her opposition to the Marxist ideology movement during IFI’s 2021 Worldview Conference at Revive Church in Collinsville.… Continue Reading

Could the 14th Amendment summon the end of Roe? Joining the IFI Spotlight this week is Dr. Steve Jacobs with the Illinois Right To Life. Dr. Jacobs is the program director for IRL and has graduated with a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law and PhD from the University of Chicago. IFI’s Monte Larrick and Jenna Smith ask Jacobs about his firm belief that Roe will be overturned in June, and the evidence backing him up.… Continue Reading

On this edition of Spotlight, we feature the inspiring story of Virginia Prodan. Growing up in the communist regime of Romanian dictator, Nicolae Ceaușescu, Virginia’s passionate pursuit of truth led her to law school and a career as an attorney. In her interview with Monte Larrick, she describes how God used an appointment with a client to open her eyes to the Truth of the Gospel and relates the amazing story of the encounter that prompted the title of her book, Saving My Assassin.… Continue Reading

When you get both David Smith and Monte Larrick in for a podcast with a special guest, you know it’ll be one for the books. Brian Westbrook is the founder of Coalition for Life St. Louis, and in this edition of Spotlight, Westbrook shares about the wonderful pro-life wins in Missouri and what his organization is doing to help women in crisis pregnancy in Illinois.… Continue Reading

To the great sorrow of pro-life, pro-family citizens of Illinois, on December 17, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed into law House Bill 370, thereby repealing the Parental Notice of Abortion Act and eliminating the right for parents to be made aware of a minor daughter’s pregnancy and impending abortion. Joining me for an important Spotlight conversation are IFI contributors Kenna Rose and Alyssa. Please listen as we discuss the impact of the repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act and the repercussions of HB 370, the disingenuously named Illinois Youth Health and Safety Act.… Continue Reading

In this edition of Spotlight, IFI’s Monte Larrick discusses the upcoming drug and gambling issues facing Illinois this year with Anita Bedell, executive director of Illinois Churches in Action. You can find more about the organization here.… Continue Reading

As the new year approaches, we close out 2021 with a nativity-focused edition of Spotlight. In our first segment, we feature the homily given by the Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki, Bishop of the Springfield Diocese, at the blessing of the nativity scene displayed in the Capitol rotunda of the Illinois Statehouse. The nativity crèche is a public expression of Christian faith and is presented, through private funding, by the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee. After the break, Monte Larrick is joined by Thomas Brejcha, founder, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Society.… Continue Reading

IFI’s David Smith and Monte Larrick host Randy Blan, pastor of Families of Faith church and a man with a vision for Illinois. Pastor Blan sits down with David and Monte to discuss his plan to open as many Christian schools as possible in the state of Illinois. You can find their school at https://fofca.com/.… Continue Reading

On our podcast this week, Monte Larrick talks with Star Parker, one of the premier conservative Black leaders of our day. Ms. Parker is the founder and president of CURE (Center for Urban Renewal and Education), a policy institute based in Washington, D.C. For the past twenty-five years, she has prioritized the truth of God’s Word in an effort to heal urban areas, end government dependencies in our nation’s most distressed communities, and educate and empower pastors to help rebuild lives.… Continue Reading

On this edition of Illinois Family Spotlight, David Smith welcomes Phillip Ward, the founder of Christ Help For Men, a disability ministry and support group for fathers (and other male family members) whose lives and families have been impacted by a disability. Both men share about their special needs children – Smith’s youngest son (almost two-years-old) has Down syndrome and Ward’s fourteen-year-old daughter has Angelman syndrome – and relate how their faith in God sustains them as they lead their families and handle the challenges that disability presents.… Continue Reading

Illinois Family Spotlight is pleased to welcome human rights activist, Anni Cyrus, to this week’s podcast. A former child bride who escaped a desperate and violent situation in Iran, Cyrus is now a U.S. citizen and an ardent advocate for freedom. She embraces the Constitution and believes that “We the People” must speak out and unite with like-minded individuals in order to preserve the practice of our God-given rights and freedoms. In their conversation, Monte Larrick and Ms.… Continue Reading

This Thanksgiving edition of Spotlight features an interview with Dr. Eddie Kornegay. Dr. Kornegay is with the Living Word Center and is the director of the R.I.S.E. prison and ex-offender ministry. Larrick and Kornegay discuss his life as a non-Christian, highly educated theologian to becoming a follower of Christ. They also discuss his ministry and the work he does in prisons.… Continue Reading

This episode features a talk from IFI’s 2021 Worldview Conference. Stacy Washington is co-chair of the Project 21 National Advisory Board, and hosts the “Stacy on the Right” show on SiriusXM. She is a wife and mom of three, an Emmy-nominated TV personality and an Air Force veteran. She is also a former elected school board member. In this episode, Washington addresses the importance of educating one’s children in the nurture and admonition of the the Lord.… Continue Reading

Welcome to part two of Monte Larrick’s conversation with David Shestokas, attorney and Republican candidate for Illinois Attorney General. In this Spotlight, the discussion turns to Governor Pritzker’s abuse of his emergency powers and executive orders – a deliberate overreach that has been enabled by the legislature’s abdication of their authority, as well as the failure of Kwame Raoul (the current Attorney General) to protect the public interests of the citizens of Illinois and to enforce the law set forth in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act.… Continue Reading

This week on Spotlight, Pastor Ceasar LeFlore, field director for IFI’s Public School Exit Initiative and resident chaplain, interviews Courtney Lewis, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, located in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago. Pastor Lewis recounts the stand his church took against the pandemic shutdowns initiated by Mayor Lightfoot and he shares how the Lord called him to open Cornerstone Christian Academy to rescue his children and the children in his church from government-run schools.… Continue Reading

If you are interested in ensuring election integrity and eliminating voter fraud, you will certainly want to listen to this edition of Spotlight. Joining Monte Larrick on the podcast is David J. Shestokas, a former Cook County State’s Attorney and current Republican candidate for Illinois Attorney General. In his position as counsel for Illinois Conservative Union (ICU), Shestokas is uniquely qualified to address the federal lawsuit ICU has filed against the Illinois State Board of Elections, as well as discuss various violations of the National Voter Registration Act and problems with mail-in balloting.… Continue Reading

In this exclusive episode, Monte Larrick has a discussion with Illinois candidate for governor, Darren Bailey. Bailey gives an insider’s look at what the Illinois legislature is up to with three very important issues currently circulating in the state capitol: the Parental notice of abortion, the right of conscience act, and the redistricting of the maps.… Continue Reading

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In this exclusive edition of Spotlight, IFI’s David Smith converses with Nick Richmond, the founder and leader of Freedom Initiative. Freedom Initiative’s mission is to “amplify concerns, educate and instill fundamental values in our growing community of parents, business owners, medical professionals and more.” Learn more about how you can become involved in your own neighborhood by visiting freedominitiative.net.… Continue Reading

Stephen Black is the Executive Director of First Stone Ministries, This interview was conducted at the National religious Broadcasters Convention in Dallas, Texas. First Stone’s mission is “Leading people In the Body of Christ to freedom from homosexuality and sexual brokenness* through a relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord; to reach out to churches, schools, organizations, and the general public by providing education, biblical discipleship, support and AIDS ministry.” Monte Larrick and Black discuss the dangers of the Equality Act and what it’ll do to education, higher learning, healthcare and anything connected to the government.… Continue Reading

Ever since the Texas heartbeat law has gone into effect, abortion cheerleaders have been mad. Scratch that, they have been furious. Actually that is a much too sedated term, let me try again: Leftists are as animated as a cat that has had its whiskers pulled, been dunked in a lake, then set before the jowls of a pack of eager Rottweilers. In the U.S. Capitol, these seething statesmen have introduced legislation that will, in their cruelly ironic words, “protect the reproductive rights of women.”… Continue Reading

The staff and boards of directors of IFI and IFA want to encourage Christians everywhere to prayerfully consider taking part in the peaceful campaign known as 40 Days for Life. It is an important pro-life effort to save lives and share truth. By partnering with 40 Days for Life we can live out Ephesians 6:13-18: “your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace…. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.”… Continue Reading

This episode of Spotlight is a conference interview with Dr. Rob Reinow, founder of Visionary Family Ministries. IFI’s Monte Larrick and Dr. Reinow discuss the definition of a family dedicated to building the kingdom of Christ, prodigal children, the dangers of communism and the importance of Christians voting in every local, state, and national election.   To see more from Dr. Reinow, visit visionaryfam.com.… Continue Reading

In regard to presenting students with the best alternative to the radical comprehensive sex education taught in government schools, Scott Phelps, Executive Director of Abstinence & Marriage Education Partnership states, “When we maintain a very clear and distinct message from all the noise that they’re hearing in the culture, the message really pops; it stands out and they’re able to hear it and see it very clearly.” On this edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick and Phelps compare government schools’ comprehensive sex ed that normalizes and encourages sexual activity and unhealthy behavior to Abstinence & Marriage Education Partnership’s reasoned and positive approach to sex ed that emphasizes the many benefits of abstinence until marriage.… Continue Reading

This week, Spotlight features Monte Larrick’s exclusive interview with Dr. Eric Wallace, president and cofounder of Freedom’s Journal Institute and cofounder of Black Families Matter. Dr. Wallace speaks to the need for public policy that supports and strengthens families rather than current policy that aims to redefine “family” and severely restrict parental rights and responsibilities. Monte and Dr. Wallace consider a long-term solution to violence in Chicago, the importance of school choice, and the role of the Church and pastors in encouraging and discipling traditional families.… Continue Reading

Welcome back to Spotlight for part two of excerpted remarks from Alex Newman’s presentation at the 2021 IFI Worldview Conference! This week Newman details the the history of America’s progression from home-based, faith-based education to government school indoctrination. He also discusses the failures of the Whole Word Method and Common Core, and explains why the current push for a global education system has very little to do with academic excellence or achievement. Supported by Scripture, Newman underscores why parents (and grandparents) are God’s “gold standard” when it comes to their children’s education.… Continue Reading

As the school year begins for almost two million public school students in Illinois, this edition of Spotlight is both timely and eye-opening. This week we are featuring remarks from Alex Newman’s, keynote presentation at our 2021 Worldview Conference. Newman addresses government school curricula that prioritize social justice and LGBTQ+ issues, climate change “facts,” gender pseudoscience, and the promotion of pedophilia as more important than educating students in core academic subjects and fostering critical thinking skills.… Continue Reading

We have a very special edition of Spotlight this week, full of information and enthusiasm! While attending the 2021 National Religious Broadcasters Christian Media Convention, Pastor Ceasar LeFlore conducted an interview with Yvette Hampton, writer, producer, and host of the upcoming documentary, Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution. LeFlore and Hampton discuss the importance of removing our children from government school indoctrination and how local churches can facilitate this vital change. Hampton stresses the biblical mandate for parents to embrace their role and responsibility to educate and discipline their children in accordance with the all-sufficient Word of God.… Continue Reading

On this episode of Spotlight, Illinois Family Action presents the second half of Executive Director David Smith’s conversation with Illinois State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and his wife Cindy. Sen. Bailey gives us a glimpse into life on a large family farm and shares interesting information about the wealth of vital natural resources that can be found in the southern half of the state. Additionally, Bailey presents his vision and priorities for Illinois, should he be elected governor.After… Continue Reading

Written and Produced by Jenna Smith This episode of Spotlight features two guests that Illinois Family staff is proud to call our friends and allies: State Senator and candidate for Illinois Governor Darren Bailey and his amazing wife Cindy. If you’ve been following Illinois politics, you have doubtless heard of Senator Bailey as he has been on the front lines challenging the legalities of COVID lockdowns and fighting against government schools’ sexualization of our children.… Continue Reading

While attending the National Religious Broadcasters Convention near Dallas, Monte Larrick had the opportunity to speak with Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of First Liberty Institute, the largest legal firm in the U.S. solely focused on protecting religious freedom for all Americans. Their conversation begins with a discussion of the dangers of the Equality Act, or as Newt Gingrich calls it “the LGBT Supremacy Act.” Mr. Shackelford explains how passage of this act would gut the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) by launching a far-reaching assault on religious freedom in all areas of society.… Continue Reading

In this Father’s Day sermon, Dave reviews Matthew 9:18-26, specifically the story of Jairus and his sick daughter. The faith of this father is recorded not only in Matthew chapter nine, but it is also found in Mark chapter five, and Luke chapter eight. In verse 18, Matthew tells us that Jairus came to Jesus for help: “While He was saying these things to them, behold, a synagogue official came and bowed down before Him, and said, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will become alive again.””… Continue Reading

In this installment of Spotlight, David Smith is joined by Jennifer Burns, founder of the Classical Consortium Academy. The two converse about the benefits of a classical upbringing, involvement of parents, and the art of teaching children HIS-story, math, science, and all the other essentials, with a Godly foundation. They also discuss winsomeness and confronting ideas contrary to Scripture with love.    … Continue Reading

On this edition of Spotlight, the Reverend C.L. Bryant urges Americans to “push back and stand up against the tyranny that is encroaching upon our civil liberties.” Speaking with Monte Larrick, he stresses that individual freedom and our right to self-governance are in jeopardy. Rev. Bryant recounts his experience growing up in Shreveport, LA in the midst of the civil rights movement and contrasts it with the message that proponents of Critical Race Theory are touting today.… Continue Reading

Kirk Smith, executive director of Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE), wonders what will be the straw that finally breaks the camel’s back – the backs of Christian parents, even the backs of moral, non-Christian parents – when it comes to deciding to leave the cesspool of government schools? Will it be the recently passed legislation that requires availability of feminine hygiene products in both female and male school restrooms or will it be the mandate to teach hardcore sex education to public school students as early as kindergarten?… Continue Reading

Back for a last hurrah, this week’s podcast features the last installment of the “catastrophe cubed” interview. Featuring Kenna and Eliana Hartian and Jenna Smith, the offspring of IFA’s executive director David Smith and board member Richard Hartian, this treble of rollicking females conclude their guest appearance with a discussion about effective Christianity, the many benefits of homeschooling besides academics, the supremacy of the Word, and some public-home school comparisons.… Continue Reading

Producer’s note: I apologize for not apprising listeners that last week’s podcast (#253) would be one segment and not two. This podcast will have the same format, likewise the third part next week. David Smith, Rich Hartian and their daughters recorded this series of podcasts all at one time, thus the questionable ending last week. Any homeschooler who’s had any homeschooling experience at all has heard myths about homeschooling. These include the “unsocialized homeschooler,” the homeschooler that has no extra-curricular opportunities, or that poor homeschooler who won’t be able to go to college.… Continue Reading