STAND STRONG TOGETHER Conference Speakers Jessica Anderson is a Deputy Political Director for Heritage Action for America. She comes to Heritage Action from the John W. Pope Civitas Institute in Raleigh, where she oversaw their outreach efforts, campaign and new media training. Today, you can find her identifying, equipping and training activists for Heritage Action on the ground throughout the country. She is a University of Florida graduate and an Army wife always on the move. May be contacted at [email protected]. Leslie Beaver is a noted singer/songwriter/speaker and has been traveling and singing with her family ministry since the age of 3 performing duets, trios, and solos throughout National and International Television Networks such as TBN, the 700 Club, 100 Huntley Street (Canada), TV-40 (Pittsburgh, PA), Dove Broadcasting Network, TV-49 Network (Augusta, GA), Jeff Wood Ministries (Myrtle Beach, SC) and the former PTL Network. While performing youth concerts across the country with her sister Natalie and watching God change lives, at the age of 22 Leslie began in a new direction competing in the Miss America Organization by holding several titles which led her to compete and make top 10, winning talent and interview award at the Miss North Carolina Scholarship Pageant. Sharing her platform of "Building Character and Self Esteem in our Nations Youth" across the state, Leslie felt a burden to reach out to the youth and let them know that "All things are possible if you just Believe" . To believe in the power of Jesus Christ, the only one who makes all things truly possible. An EXALT, 2011, Vocal Finalist, through the years Leslie has had the opportunity to appear with: Miss America 1980 Cheryl Prewitt Salem, Miss America 2003 Erika Harold and other State Titleholders as a guest speaker/singer at several events as well as opening up in concert for Lee Greenwood for a political/patriotic event. Leslie is active in several political functions, appearing as the guest singer at the North Carolina State Republican Convention along with other Congressman and Senators. Leslie has also performed with her family at the Indy Racing League and NASCAR. Now, Leslie continues to travel with her family to various churches across the country speaking/singing and holding youth concerts as well as appearing with her family on their Television Broadcast. The future looks bright as God continues to use Leslie to share of his love and compassion for those in need. Just remember with whatever life brings your way, that if God brought you to it, he'll bring you through it. Proverbs 3:6 "In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths". May be contacted at [email protected]. Rev. Mark Creech, L.D.H. Dr. Mark H. Creech currently serves as the Executive Director of the Christian Action League. He has held this position since November of 1999. Before taking this position, Dr. Creech served as a pastor for twenty years, ministering to six Churches: Davis Grove Baptist, Snow Hill, NC 1980-1982; First Baptist, LaGrange, NC 1982-1987; Harmony Baptist, Bunnlevel, NC, 1987-1989; Faith Bible Church, Little Genesee, NY 1989-1990; Antioch Baptist, Middlesex, NC 1990-1997 and Parish Memorial Baptist, Selma, NC 1997-1999. Serving as a registered lobbyist in the North Carolina General Assembly, Dr. Creech meets regularly with State lawmakers to stop legislation ranging from attempts to promote a homosexual agenda to the advancement of more legalized gambling in the Tar Heel state. His efforts have also been responsible for getting some very important pro-family pieces of legislation through the General Assembly. Although he wasn’t ordained until age 22, Dr. Creech has been preaching since age 15. His speaking engagements on behalf of the Christian Action League have him regularly criss- crossing the State, preaching relevant, dynamic, evangelistic and issue oriented sermons. William L. Tomlinson, Pastor of Arlington Baptist Church in Rocky Mount when Creech spoke there, said of him: “When Mark Creech spoke at our church it was like a one day revival.” North Carolina Representative Mitch Gillespie heard Dr. Creech speak at his home church and said: “I have been moved by his Holy Spirit inspired sermons. His ability to present the gospel of Jesus Christ and relate it to today’s times is a gift that is no question.” Chuck Kneely, a former State legislator, and former President of Citizens United Against the Lottery commented: “Mark Creech is a dynamic speaker with a wonderful mastery of the English language and a powerful message grounded in his profound Christian faith. His speeches are intellectually honest, carefully thought out and moving. Mark has the knack of blending humor, story telling and scripture into messages that motivate his audiences to act.” [If you would like to have Dr. Creech as a speaker at your church or event, call the office of the Christian Action League of North Carolina at (919) 787-0606. Whether it's for a worship service, revival meeting, church or civic group, rally, etc. you won't be disappointed. (No honorarium required.) You can also email your request for a speaking engagement to [email protected]. A promotional DVD regarding Dr. Creech and his ministry with the Christian Action League are available upon request.] The Executive Director of the Christian Action League has also written a nationally syndicated column for the American Family Association’s One News Now (www.onenewsnow.com). Various Christian periodicals and websites across the nation pick up the column and publish it. Since Dr. Creech took the reigns of the Christian Action League, it’s visibility and impact in North Carolina and the nation have never been greater - enough to garner the attention of some great Christian leaders. The late Dr. D. James Kennedy, Founder and President of Coral Ridge Ministries (www.coralridge.org), noted: “I applaud Rev. Mark Creech for his courageous and influential work for America as the leader of North Carolina’s Christian Action League. Mark has refused to sit silently as America’s moral foundations are steadily chipped away. By consistently taking his leadership and involvement one step further. Mark is making a powerful difference for Christ in America.” Don Wildemon, Founder and President of the American Family Association (www.afa.net) has written: “From humble beginnings God has raised up Rev. Mark Creech as a voice in the wilderness that is now beginning to touch lives nationwide…There is no question North Carolina is a safer and more wholesome place to live because of the work of the Christian Action League. Under the leadership of Mark Creech, this organization is having a profound effect for family values.” Dr. Richard Land, President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention (www.erlc.com) has said: “Christian involvement in the moral life of our nation is a crucial imperative, not an option. While many fine ministries recognize this necessity, I believe the Christian Action League is one of the most effective local organizations in the country in bringing Judeo-Christian values to bear on our nation’s life. I am impressed continually by the breadth of involvement of this fine organization and by the astute and godly manner in which Mark Creech directs it. Without reservation, I can say that the call of Jesus to his disciples to be salt and light in their society is admirably fulfilled by Mark and this superb ministry.” Dr. Creech has also been the recipient of a number of prestigious awards. In 1999, he received the national distinction of the Salt and Light Award for Outstanding Pastor, presented by Dr. D. James Kennedy and Reclaiming America for Christ (www.reclaimamerica.org). In 2002, the Chapel of Four Chaplains (www.fourchaplains.org), in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, bestowed him with the Legion of Honor Award. And 2005, he was given the Heritage Award, presented by Congressman Walter B. Jones at the behest of Harvest Baptist Church, Goldsboro, NC, for the earnest contention of the faith in the political process. Dr. Creech is married to the former Kim Doumar of Norfolk, Virginia. Their more than 32 years of marriage has produced two grown children, Matthew and Meredith. They have two grandsons, Camden Crocker and Wyatt Wright-Creech, and the latest addition to the family is their granddaughter, Eliana Creech. May be contacted at [email protected] or (919) 787-0606. Janet Critz is a native North Carolinian who came to the Charlotte area in 1979 to attend Presbyterian Hospital’s School of Nursing. She met and married her husband, Jimmy in 1980 and they will celebrate 32 years of marriage this year. Jimmy has been with Duke Energy for 35 years and is a Radiation Protection Specialist at the McGuire Nuclear Station. They have 3 wonderful children and are expecting their first grandchild this July. Their eldest son, James is 30 years old and is a residential contractor in High Point, N.C. where he specializes in remodeling and is the Operations Manager for Ned Eldridge Inc. Their second born son, John is 27 years old and is a Captain in the Marine Corps. He is a graduate of UNCC with a degree in Civil Engineering. John has been married to his amazing wife Sarah for six years and they are the proud parents of Janet and Jimmy’s first grandchild (baby girl Critz!). They are currently stationed in Hawaii, but hope to return to the east coast soon. John has served one tour in Afghanistan and will be deployed to Okinawa, Japan this spring. Their daughter, Janna is 24 years old and a graduate of Furman University.