Thank God for moving mightily in this small community in Nebraska. Pray for Light of the World Gospel Ministries and its leaders, as well as First Liberty, who is representing them in this discrimination lawsuit.

In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. (Ephesians 6:18 MSG)

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Light of the World is a growing, diverse congregation that acquired a small building in which to worship on Main Street in the Village of Walthill, Nebraska. You will be astounded and encouraged by the story of how God drew a young pastor across continents to minister in this community. God has given an incredible vision of the church being part of community revitalization.

The young church quickly outgrew their original building and purchased additional property on Main Street to build a new facility needed for worship and ministry, intending also to help revitalize the area. Government officials revoked building permits and denied other permits rendering the property unusable by the church. First Liberty Institute and its network attorneys at Gray Plant Mooty filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court arguing that the actions of village officials violate state and federal laws, including the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).

“The Village of Walthill is trying to keep this church off of Main Street,” said Roger Byron, Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute. “Light of the World Gospel Ministries wants to invest in and help revitalize this diverse community by tearing down dilapidated buildings and provide a new space that would serve the community. Why is the Village preventing this church from meeting the needs of this community?”

“This church has served the Walthill community for years. But it needs a new church building to safely worship,” said Sam Diehl, lead counsel for the church.

In their complaint, attorneys with First Liberty assert that the actions by the Village violate state and federal laws, including the First Amendment and the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).