Glenn's response to people who tell him prayer is not going to change things

September 03, 2015

WRITER

Pastor Blair from Fairview Baptist Church in Oklahoma joined Glenn on his show Wednesday along with David Barton to talk about what he called the "Nehemiah strategy" in dealing with the problems in our society.

The strategy starts with pastors and individuals making a difference in their own churches, beginning with the way they pray.

Watch the interview or read the transcript below.

Below is a rush transcript of this segment, it might contain errors.

David: At Restoring Unity, we had folks from all over the country, including a lot of pastors. One of those pastors is Paul Blair from Fairview Baptist Church in Oklahoma, outside of Oklahoma City in Edmond. You guys—by the way, football season is starting. You may want to hold that after all your years in the NFL as you talk today.

Pastor Blair: I was a lineman. They never let me touch one of these.

Glenn: Last time we spoke, Hutch was with us. He’s gone. He was, man, just moving forward. Tell me what we can learn from you and your church or what you saw in Birmingham, what can we learn to change things?

Pastor Blair: Well, God has always raised up men of God to proclaim the truth in the culture and stand against unrighteousness. We see sin in Genesis 3. We see the lineage of Cain in Genesis 4. In Genesis 5, we see God raising up Enoch to proclaim truth in an ungodly generation and warn them of the actions of their ungodliness. Quite frankly, we can sometimes be so overwhelmed when you look at a country the size of the United States of America and the number of people we have, and you get to the point you go well, what can I do?

One of the things that I really enjoyed about this weekend is the emphasis of the Nehemiah strategy. Each pastor, in fact, each person can make a difference in their own church. Their church can make a difference in the community. You get enough churches working together in a community, you can transform a city. You get enough cities working together, you can transform a state. You get enough states working together, perhaps we can transform the country.

Glenn: I said this on radio today and I want you to hear me clearly, there is no other answer now. I have talked about this for 15 years, we’re passing all the exits. They’re all gone, the bridge is out. There’s no other answer, so now we all have to act as individuals and just be seen standing, if nothing else, be seen standing even if you’re all alone, not by anybody else but by God.

Pastor Blair: Well, one of the things that David has always pointed out is the biblical influence, the biblical worldview was incorporated by our Founding Fathers into our systems of government. We have gotten conned into the idea in the modern Christianity that living by faith is doing things the way I want to do them and then praying that God would rescue me out of the mess that I’ve made. That’s not what living by faith is. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. If we would actually apply the Scripture to the way we conduct ourselves, whether it be family, business, civil government, whatever, we’d see the results.

Glenn: I get a lot of people who write to me and say, yeah, Glenn, yeah, yeah, yeah, prayer, prayer, prayer, prayer, prayer. Prayer is not going to change things. No, it’s going to help, but it’s not going to change things. Action, living what we say we believe is going to change something.

Pastor Blair: I love the story of the Israelites. Shortly after they had come out of captivity in Egypt, they were attacked by the Amalekites. You see two battles taking place. You see Moses up on the mountaintop with Aaron and Hur helping him give his hands raised to heaven. As Moses is interceding in prayer, then you see Joshua and everybody else out in the valley literally engaging in the three-dimensional world that we live in. So, the battle must be fought in prayer first but then also in action. We’ve got to put shoe leather to our prayers.

David: And it goes back to the individual. We talked about the great awakening. A lot of the great awakening, most of the meetings were outside the church. There were some churches participated, but it’s individuals making the difference.

Glenn: From the very beginning, the churches, they fought all of this. They fought it in the first great awakening. They fought it at the second. It was the rebel pastors that dumped—a lot of the churches were preaching slavery was okay because it’s what the people wanted to hear. It was the rebel pastors that went out of the church, and it’s going to be that way again. We get too soft and cushy.

Pastor Blair: And when has the church not been controversial?

Glenn: Now.

Pastor Blair: Well yeah, but always in the Scriptures, it was always controversial.

David: Yeah, when it does what it’s supposed to do, it will be controversial.

Pastor Blair: Accused of turning the world upside down, always want to be taught. Everywhere Paul went, he was chased out of the city.

Glenn: Right. Gandhi said I love you Christians. I love your Christianity, I don’t love you Christians. In your Bible, you have enough dynamite to blow up the entire world, and yet you don’t use it; you use it as a novel.

Pastor Blair: And that’s what pastors, all pastors—truth is true for all people in all times and all places. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a black pastor or a white pastor, whether you’re a country pastor or a city pastor, we have got to be boldly proclaiming the truth to our people and in our culture. Then we’ll see a transformation of society.

David: Yeah, and it’s the truth that is the unmoving thing, and right now we’ve got a lot of pastors deciding whether they want to jump off and get in truth because they won’t be liked if they say the truth, particularly right now. We’ve kept our mouths shut so long that now if you say the truth, you will get beat up.

Pastor Blair: But the reality is there should only be one commendation we’re looking for, and that’s a well-done, my good and faithful servant. We’re not supposed to get the Chamber of Commerce Pastor of the Year Award or MVP for the state chamber or whatever. We need to be bold enough to do what God has called us to do.

David: By the way, it’s not just pastors, individuals, the same way.

Glenn: Great to have you. Thank you so much. When we come back, one of the most memorable speeches from Restoring Unity was from a man who was instrumental in making it happen, in just a minute.

Shocking Christian massacres unveiled

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Is a Christian Genocide unfolding overseas?

Recent reports suggest an alarming escalation in violence against Christians, raising questions about whether these acts constitute genocide under international law. Recently, Glenn hosted former U.S. Army Special Forces Sniper Tim Kennedy, who discussed a predictive model that forecasts a surge in global Christian persecution for the summer of 2025.

From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, extreme actions—some described as genocidal—have intensified over the past year. Over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, a number that continues to climb. With rising international concern, the United Nations and human rights groups are urging protective measures by the global community. Is a Christian genocide being waged in the far corners of the globe? Where are they taking place, and what is being done?

India: Hindu Extremist Violence Escalates

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In India, attacks on Christians have surged as Hindu extremist groups gain influence within the country. In February 2025, Hindu nationalist leader Aadesh Soni organized a 50,000-person rally in Chhattisgarh, where he called for the rape and murder of all Christians in nearby villages and demanded the execution of Christian leaders to erase Christianity. Other incidents include forced conversions, such as a June 2024 attack in Chhattisgarh, where a Hindu mob gave Christian families a 10-day ultimatum to convert to Hinduism. In December 2024, a Christian man in Uttar Pradesh was attacked, forcibly converted, and paraded while the mob chanted "Death to Jesus."

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommends designating India a "Country of Particular Concern" and imposing targeted sanctions on those perpetrating these attacks. The international community is increasingly alarmed by the rising tide of religious violence in India.

Syria: Sectarian Violence Post-Regime Change

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Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has seen a wave of sectarian violence targeting religious minorities, including Christians, with over 1,000 killed in early 2025. It remains unclear whether Christians are deliberately targeted or caught in broader conflicts, but many fear persecution by the new regime or extremist groups. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant rebel group and known al-Qaeda splinter group now in power, is known for anti-Christian sentiments, heightening fears of increased persecution.

Christians, especially converts from Islam, face severe risks in the unstable post-regime environment. The international community is calling for humanitarian aid and protection for Syria’s vulnerable minority communities.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A "Silent Genocide"

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In February 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated group, beheaded 70 Christians—men, women, and children—in a Protestant church in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, after tying their hands. This horrific massacre, described as a "silent genocide" reminiscent of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has shocked the global community.

Since 1996, the ADF and other militias have killed over six million people, with Christians frequently targeted. A Christmas 2024 attack killed 46, further decimating churches in the region. With violence escalating, humanitarian organizations are urging immediate international intervention to address the crisis.

POLL: Starbase exposed: Musk’s vision or corporate takeover?

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Is Starbase the future of innovation or a step too far?

Elon Musk’s ambitious Starbase project in South Texas is reshaping Boca Chica into a cutting-edge hub for SpaceX’s Starship program, promising thousands of jobs and a leap toward Mars colonization. Supporters see Musk as a visionary, driving economic growth and innovation in a historically underserved region. However, local critics, including Brownsville residents and activists, argue that SpaceX’s presence raises rents, restricts beach access, and threatens environmental harm, with Starbase’s potential incorporation as a city sparking fears of unchecked corporate control. As pro-Musk advocates clash with anti-Musk skeptics, will Starbase unite the community or deepen the divide?

Let us know what you think in the poll below:

Is Starbase’s development a big win for South Texas?

Should Starbase become its own city?

Is Elon Musk’s vision more of a benefit than a burden for the region?

Shocking truth behind Trump-Zelenskyy mineral deal unveiled

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President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have finalized a landmark agreement that will shape the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The agreement focuses on mineral access and war recovery.

After a tense March meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, granting the U.S. preferential mineral rights in Ukraine in exchange for continued military support. Glenn analyzed an earlier version of the agreement in March, when Zelenskyy rejected it, highlighting its potential benefits for America, Ukraine, and Europe. Glenn praised the deal’s strategic alignment with U.S. interests, including reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and fostering regional peace.

However, the agreement signed this week differs from the March proposal Glenn praised. Negotiations led to significant revisions, reflecting compromises on both sides. What changes were made? What did each leader seek, and what did they achieve? How will this deal impact the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and global geopolitics? Below, we break down the key aspects of the agreement.

What did Trump want?

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Trump aimed to curb what many perceive as Ukraine’s overreliance on U.S. aid while securing strategic advantages for America. His primary goals included obtaining reimbursement for the billions in military aid provided to Ukraine, gaining exclusive access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals (such as titanium, uranium, and lithium), and reducing Western dependence on China for critical resources. These minerals are essential for aerospace, energy, and technology sectors, and Trump saw their acquisition as a way to bolster U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Additionally, he sought to advance peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning the U.S. as a key mediator.

Ultimately, Trump secured preferential—but not exclusive—rights to extract Ukraine’s minerals through the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, as outlined in the agreement. The U.S. will not receive reimbursement for past aid, but future military contributions will count toward the joint fund, designed to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace negotiations under U.S. leadership aligns with Trump’s goal of resolving the conflict, giving him leverage in discussions with Russia.

These outcomes partially meet Trump’s objectives. The preferential mineral rights strengthen U.S. access to critical resources, but the lack of exclusivity and reimbursement limits the deal’s financial benefits. The peace commitment, however, positions Trump as a central figure in shaping the war’s resolution, potentially enhancing his diplomatic influence.

What did Zelenskyy want?

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Zelenskyy sought to sustain U.S. military and economic support without the burden of repaying past aid, which has been critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He also prioritized reconstruction funds to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy and infrastructure. Security guarantees from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression were a key demand, though controversial, as they risked entangling America in long-term commitments. Additionally, Zelenskyy aimed to retain control over Ukraine’s mineral wealth to safeguard national sovereignty and align with the country’s European Union membership aspirations.

The final deal delivered several of Zelenskyy’s priorities. The reconstruction fund, supported by future U.S. aid, provides a financial lifeline for Ukraine’s recovery without requiring repayment of past assistance. Ukraine retained ownership of its subsoil and decision-making authority over mineral extraction, granting only preferential access to the U.S. However, Zelenskyy conceded on security guarantees, a significant compromise, and agreed to pursue peace talks under Trump’s leadership, which may involve territorial or political concessions to Russia.

Zelenskyy’s outcomes reflect a delicate balance. The reconstruction fund and retained mineral control bolster Ukraine’s economic and sovereign interests, but the absence of security guarantees and pressure to negotiate peace could strain domestic support and challenge Ukraine’s long-term stability.

What does this mean for the future?

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While Trump didn’t secure all his demands, the deal advances several of his broader strategic goals. By gaining access to Ukraine’s mineral riches, the U.S. undermines China’s dominance over critical elements like lithium and graphite, essential for technology and energy industries. This shift reduces American and European dependence on Chinese supply chains, strengthening Western industrial and tech sectors. Most significantly, the agreement marks a pivotal step toward peace in Europe. Ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has claimed thousands of lives, is a top priority for Trump, and Zelenskyy’s commitment to U.S.-led peace talks enhances Trump’s leverage in negotiations with Russia. Notably, the deal avoids binding U.S. commitments to Ukraine’s long-term defense, preserving flexibility for future administrations.

The deal’s broader implications align with the vision Glenn outlined in March, when he praised its potential to benefit America, Ukraine, and Europe by securing resources and creating peace. While the final agreement differs from Glenn's hopes, it still achieves key goals he outlined.

Did Trump's '51st state' jab just cost Canada its independence?

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Did Canadians just vote in their doom?

On April 28, 2025, Canada held its federal election, and what began as a promising conservative revival ended in a Liberal Party regroup, fueled by an anti-Trump narrative. This outcome is troubling for Canada, as Glenn revealed when he exposed the globalist tendencies of the new Prime Minister, Mark Carney. On a recent episode of his podcast, Glenn hosted former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, who provided insight into Carney’s history. She revealed that, as governor of the Bank of England, Carney contributed to the 2022 pension crisis through policies that triggered excessive money printing, leading to rampant inflation.

Carney’s election and the Liberal Party’s fourth consecutive victory spell trouble for a Canada already straining under globalist policies. Many believed Canadians were fed up with the progressive agenda when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned amid plummeting public approval. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Party leader, started 2025 with a 25-point lead over his Liberal rivals, fueling optimism about his inevitable victory.

So, what went wrong? How did Poilievre go from predicted Prime Minister to losing his own parliamentary seat? And what details of this election could cost Canada dearly?

A Costly Election

Mark Carney (left) and Pierre Poilievre (right)

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The election defied the expectations of many analysts who anticipated a Conservative win earlier this year.

For Americans unfamiliar with parliamentary systems, here’s a brief overview of Canada’s federal election process. Unlike U.S. presidential elections, Canadians do not directly vote for their Prime Minister. Instead, they vote for a political party. Each Canadian resides in a "riding," similar to a U.S. congressional district, and during the election, each riding elects a Member of Parliament (MP). The party that secures the majority of MPs forms the government and appoints its leader as Prime Minister.

At the time of writing, the Liberal Party has secured 169 of the 172 seats needed for a majority, all but ensuring their victory. In contrast, the Conservative Party holds 144 seats, indicating that the Liberal Party will win by a solid margin, which will make passing legislation easier. This outcome is a far cry from the landslide Conservative victory many had anticipated.

Poilievre's Downfall

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What caused Poilievre’s dramatic fall from front-runner to losing his parliamentary seat?

Despite his surge in popularity earlier this year, which coincided with enthusiasm surrounding Trump’s inauguration, many attribute the Conservative loss to Trump’s influence. Commentators argue that Trump’s repeated references to Canada as the "51st state" gave Liberals a rallying cry: Canadian sovereignty. The Liberal Party framed a vote for Poilievre as a vote to surrender Canada to U.S. influence, positioning Carney as the defender of national independence.

Others argue that Poilievre’s lackluster campaign was to blame. Critics suggest he should have embraced a Trump-style, Canada-first message, emphasizing a balanced relationship with the U.S. rather than distancing himself from Trump’s annexation remarks. By failing to counter the Liberal narrative effectively, Poilievre lost momentum and voter confidence.

This election marks a pivotal moment for Canada, with far-reaching implications for its sovereignty and economic stability. As Glenn has warned, Carney’s globalist leanings could align Canada more closely with international agendas, potentially at the expense of its national interests. Canadians now face the challenge of navigating this new political landscape under a leader with a controversial track record.

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