Revelation 12:11 says, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”

In my heart, my question to the professing Spirit-filled Church was, “Where is your Holy Ghost fire to stand in the midst of a pandemic, or plandemic as many refer to it?” I remember asking the Lord, “What would You have our church do during this pandemic?” As clear as a bell, I heard the Spirit of God say, “Son, keep my lighthouse open, this will be known as ‘America’s Storm,’ but also America’s Great Divide.” I thought I understood the reality of the storm, but I had no clue the severity of the storm and the intensity of the division that was coming upon this great nation.

Regardless of what was coming, I had the Holy Ghost fire inside of me to stand. I just knew that no matter what anybody else on this planet was doing, I was going to do what God said. If every church in America shut down, the fire of God in me was empowering me to keep the lighthouse called New Hope Revival Church open. I felt an inner strength and supernatural fire that was willing to go to jail, or even die, for the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Internally, I struggled with this unconstitutional health order. Many across our state felt that a governor did not have the authority to deter- mine what businesses were essential and what businesses are non- essential. I was thankful that, at this moment in time, the Church was still considered essential and exempt from the New Mexico Public Health Order.

Sadly, on the Eve of Easter 2020, the atmosphere of the state of New Mexico shifted with an Emergency Alert that hit the cell phone of every New Mexican. It read, “Emergency Alert: Covid-19 update: Gatherings not safe, even at church. STAY HOME.” In that moment, I knew that the Uncompromised Revival Fire That Burns Hotter Than Hell inside of me would soon be tested. This emergency alert was a statewide warning that our freedom to freely assemble and worship would be under attack. I knew what God had spoken to me about keeping His lighthouse open. Later that same day, on Easter Eve, the Governor revised her New Mexico Public Health Order to include that Mass Gatherings, meaning any public or private gathering that brings together five or more individuals in a single room, or connected space, are prohibited. The health order went on to say that churches synagogues, mosques, and all other houses of worship shall adhere to these restrictions.

I chose to obey God and keep New Hope Revival Church open in Truth or Consequences, NM. We continued services on Easter Sunday April 12, 2020. Suddenly, I received a message on the church phone from the New Mexico State Police. It said, “This is referenced to New Hope Revival Church; we have complaints stating that the church is still open and running during church hours. Just to let you guys know that you guy’s are non-essential, and this business should be closed down until further notice and until this epidemic is over and completed. Until the Governor gives orders to reopen.

The Holy Ghost fire that was within me would now be tested. I knew I needed wisdom from the Holy Spirit. I connected with someone within our church about having a meeting with the Sierra County Sheriff, Glenn Hamilton. I knew that the Sheriff was the chief law enforcement of the region. I stepped into his office to have the meeting. I said, “Sheriff, I received this disturbing voicemail from the New Mexico State Police. I watched almost thirty of the thirty-three sheriffs of New Mexico stand for gun rights; will you stand for GOD RIGHTS?”

As soon as I said that he looked me right in the eyes and said, “Pastor, I will defend you even if it means I have to go to jail myself.” His statement was so powerful, it shook me because I knew that the fire of God within me would not allow me to close the church under any circumstances. Having the support of the Sierra County Sheriff, who was willing to lay down everything to defend the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, blew my mind. Sheriff Glenn Hamilton was committed to being certain that our God-given Constitutional Rights were not violated. The Sheriff reminded me that he took an oath in office to defend the U.S. Constitution and that was exactly what he was going to do. I began to learn in that moment that if you will allow the Holy Ghost fire inside of you to empower you to stand, then God will raise up people that will begin to stand alongside of you!

Ephesians 6:10-12 says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Many across the state watched the news interview and began following the story on social media. On Sunday May 17, 2020, as our state wondered if we would keep our church open, we had over four hundred people from across New Mexico converge on New Hope Revival Church. A parade went through our city with cowboys on their horses along with many people in their cars and ATVs.

The parade was to stand with Pastor Caleb Cooper and Sheriff Glenn Hamilton. American flags were being flown from vehicles. Patriotic declarations were voiced from patriots that came to stand with the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Militias strapped with firearms arrived unexpectedly to stand guard at the doors of our church.

I remember receiving a phone call while in the parade that there were men guarding the doors of the church with AR- 15s. My response as simple, “Are they for us or against us?” They said, “They are here to support you, Pastor.” I said, “Then leave them alone.” We were hearing of atheists that were saying, “We don’t believe in your God, but we believe that Pastor Cooper should have the right to keep his church open.”

I remember receiving a phone call while in the parade that there were men guarding the doors of the church with AR- 15s. My response as simple, “Are they for us or against us?􏰀” They said, “They are here to support you, Pastor.􏰀” I said, “Then leave them alone.” We were hearing of atheists that were saying, “We don’t believe in your God, but we believe that Pastor Cooper should have the right to keep his church open.”