An East Texas congressman and a local pastor will be honored Monday night during Vision America’s annual Gala and Freedom Celebration.
U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Tyler) and Denman Avenue Baptist Church Pastor Charles Roberts are being honored during the celebration as “Guardians of the Family.” This will be the third time Vision America has held its East Texas banquet, according to Rick Scarborough, who founded the group in 1998.
“(Vision America) is all about advertising the principles of Biblical morality reflecting best in public policy,” Scarborough said. The group works to help bring back the days when pastors engaged in public policy, preaching morals and holding politicians accountable for their actions, he said.
“I tell people that I’m not a Republican and not a Democrat. I’m a Christocrat,” he said.
Each year, the organization picks out a local and a national figure who have worked to protect and strengthen the family. Gohmert, Scarborough said, was a perfect candidate for the national award, as he “personifies” their criteria.
“The founders of this nation cherished religious liberty, valued the sanctity of life and firmly believed in the promises of God,” Gohmert said. “These faith-based principles have served as the bedrock of this country from its very inception. The family is the most important unit of the building we call society, and when too many families crumble, so does society. That is why receiving the National Guardian of the Family Award from Vision America this year is all the more meaningful in my goal to preserve the precious gift that is this country for generations to come. Their dedication and resolve to restore traditional family values to neighborhoods and states throughout our nation is truly a blessing to America.”
Roberts was also a perfect fit, Scarborough said.
“It just seemed fitting to honor him,” he said. “He’s an example of what a pastor ought to be.”
Roberts said his actions throughout his life were not anything special.
“I’m honored, but I don’t think I deserve this more than any other preacher who does what he does,” he said.
