Christians are rallying to the aid of persecuted bakers, Aaron and Melissa Klein, who are being forced to pay a $135,000 fine for refusing to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding.
World Net Daily is reporting on the latest update of a national fund-raising campaign that has raised at least $361,000 for the courageous Christian couple who not only refused to bake the cake, but are refusing to cave to the state’s persecution. They have vowed to “fight them with every last breath” for the right to practice their faith.
In a story that is becoming all too familiar in the U.S. these days, the Klein’s were sued by a lesbian couple who wanted them to bake a cake for their upcoming nuptials. When the Klein’s refused due to their religious beliefs, the lesbians sued for discrimination and won. The court awarded them $135,000 to compensate for the “terrible ordeal” their family went through as a result of the Klein’s refusal to bake them a wedding cake.
Meanwhile, Aaron Klein testified that his family of seven has also suffered terrible hardship such as being forced to shut down his bakery, reporters coming to his home, his company car vandalized twice and the loss of business.
When the state initially levied the catastrophic fine, the Klein’s turned to GoFundMe where they raised $109,000 before the site shut them down, citing a policy against raising funds for people who were convicted of a crime.
That’s when officials with the multi-million-member American Family Association stepped in to generate support for a new online funding site –Continuetogive.com – which has since raised $371,000 and is still going strong.
“Let’s help the Kleins through this hard time as they fight for religious freedom; which they are not just fighting for themselves but for all of us as our freedoms are threatened,” the site explains. “They have been struggling financially ever since they were forced to close the doors of their bakery in 2013 as their income was basically cut in half. If they are forced to pay the damages to the lesbian couple they will be in much worse shape than they are now.”
The site adds: “Every American should be free to live and work according to their faith without the government punishment them for doing so.”
The site has generated heartwarming comments – as well as a few surprises.
“So inspired by your family’s courage and faithfulness!” one donor writes. “Having a moral compass is not bigotry, and I admire that you are steadfast and not easily swayed by what’s popular at the moment.”
Another says: “Reading your story I was saddened. Then I remembered how the Lord always takes bad situations and uses them for good, and I fully trust he’ll do the same for your situation. Stay strong, and God Bless you guys. The Lord is good.”
Included among the multiple pages of comments were a few from the gay community who are fighting for the Klein’s right to practice their faith.
“We are a gay male couple – together for 38 years – and are sicken by the direction of the ‘gay rights movement’ – keep the faith – more of us are on your side then you think or the media reports.”
A gay teacher from Portland donated money and called the lesbian’s lawsuit “opportunistic”, adding that he was “sick of people playing victim from the bully pulpit.”
When Christians unite, we can do great things for the Lord – and each other!
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