Michael Brock Story
This is Pastor Brown of the ETERNAL GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH. As God's watchman a warning is issued for all who will listen and learn. Argue, if you will with the messenger, but harken to the message. The topic is the jailing of Michael Brock. Since this saga was first posted, we spent about thirty minutes Monday with Michael. This, of course, has enhanced our knowledge of his case. It is for that reason we submit this modified version. He is now in the general population.
Where is he located?
What has happened to him?
Why should we concern ourselves with his situation?
How could this happen?
What will we do to help?
Christians, Patriots, and members of various militia's:
How easy it is to be an armchair quarterback. As such never are we really knocked on our backside. The plays are re-run, so, we have the advantage of knowing the outcome of the official quarterback's call. Of course, when a score is made, seldom will it be admitted that was not the actual call we would have made. (SOUNDS like pride to me!) But if it sours and fails, we certainly had a better plan, and all in the room with us are assured that ours- the play - was sure to succeed.
The comfort of our living rooms, familiar surroundings, family members to respond to our every beacon and call. Why, had we been on the field we would have beat the socks off the other team. Sound familiar?
Reader, stay with me while an explanation is given as to why we should care. Michael Brock, 28 years old, single father with three children, who lives in or around the city of Indianapolis was sentenced to 30 days in the Marion County lock up for contempt of court this past week.
It was learned that the contempt sentence will not begin until after he has the other charges settled in court one way or another. Michael is currently being held in jail until his court date: June 16, 1996, because, it is said, that he violated his terms of release.
This young man, the day he went into federal court before Judge Sarah Barker, was introduced to this Preacher and author. The day before Michael Brock went to court this preacher was contacted concerning the case. The charge: conspiracy to manufacture weapons. According to Michael the BATF had held him and his children at gun point, while he was at a neighbors. Never has Michael Brock been given the Miranda warning. Others involved were coerced to pleading and implicated Michael, who never was involved in any of the alleged activities.
Guilt or innocence has little to do with Gestapo tactics. As terms of Michael's release on bail (???), he was put on house arrest and required to wear an ankle bracelet, and call in to the probation or parole office. Never once was he apprised of his rights; no due process, he was just treated like a convicted criminal and made to comply or else be put in jail.
Mr. Lonnie Brock, Michael's father, said that Michael's court appointed attorney (name unknown to this preacher) would not represent Michael on constitutional grounds. It was for that reason we were in court to dismiss the lawyer.
Michael Brock stood before the federal judge and raised the following question: "Judge, is this an article 1, section 8 court, or is it an article 3, section 2 court?" (???)
The judge answered: "Yes." Michael, like most people, had no idea why she replied to his question with a yes.
Now, now. At this point all of the armchair quarterbacks, or rather in this particular situation, the legal beagles will howl: "That's a compound question!!!" Yes, that is correct.
Since Michael had no clue as how to proceed, he repeated the question receiving essentially the same response. Until the judge gave her little polite sounding, threatening speech saying that if he continued questioning her he would be held in contempt of court for obstructing the proceedings. Michael eventually walked out of the court when his question was not satisfactorily answered. (???)
Marshals, BATF agents, and other officers swarmed him and brought Michael back before the judge in manacles. He stood there mute.
Michael Brock is facing the following charges:
1. Conspiracy to defraud the United States - 1 count.
2. Violent Crime/Drugs/Machine Gun - 2, 4, 6 counts.
3. Dealing In Explosive Material - 3, 5 counts.
4. Felon in Possession - 7 counts.
Please understand the diversionary tactics. Overwhelm a person with a number of charges which may latter be dropped. It serves to distract a person.
Christians, "but for the grace of God, there go I." Patriots, Legal Beagles, Militia members here is an apt illustration of the results of not knowing how to proceed or communicate.
Following the recess Michael's father, Lonnie, spoke to the attorney who was being dismissed and asked him: "Why did you not represent my son on constitutional grounds; is it because you are a low down, no good, filthy attorney?" Suddenly, we were all surrounded by Marshals, BATF agents, and other officers as they swarmed in on us in the hall. They demanded to know who threatened the attorney. No threat was made, however. During the exchange of words, Lonnie said, "I know it is becoming a Gestapo in America." One of the marshal's said, "If you don't like it then leave." Thus admitting to the nature of the system under which THEY are operating.
Almighty God plainly says in Scripture (Isa 5:13 KJV) Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
(Hosea 4:6 KJV) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
In an ideal world, where justice is the aim of the court, the judge would have helpfully said: "Mr. Brock, you must ask me one question at a time in order to proceed."
When symptoms are treated - which is basically what most efforts really consist of - rather than the dealing with the cause of an ailment, the condition only grows worse. Friends, our ignorance of God's Law has contributed to the increase of pagan statues, there number are truly innumerable.
Critics are a dime a dozen. Naive Christians will chime in saying, he (Michael) should have done thus and so ... etc. Macho Militia men, on the other hand, make the claim that they would have fought to the death before ever going into the court. maYBe? (There is no error in the former word) But as a Pastor, I know that there are times when God leads us to do HIS Will and say things few will ever understand. Our LORD JESUS overrides even our blunders. Of course, the Legal Beagles would have us believe that they have never erred in their presentations.
All of this begs the question. "What will we do to help?" Jesus commends those that care enough to visit the brethren in jail. Letters to Michael Brock with advice and a money order would certainly be helpful. Write, call or fax the judge the jail asking the condition of Michael may expedite matters. Above all, pray that God would enable us all to gain insight to what we really should do: Humble ourselves before Almighty God and seek HIS will as it is clearly given in the BIBLE.
Good Intentions Are Not Enough. Someone has astutely said, "The Road to Hell is paved with good intentions." More importantly Scripture teaches: "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17 KJV) While good intentions may be commended over evil intentions, actions truly reveal the attitude of one's heart.
What ever response this post induces of you, Dear friends, be sure that it is grounded in Scriptural truth and governed by the Holy Spirit. The best laid plans of men and mice are seldom realized, if God is not in them. Before saying or doing something, ask this question: "Would Jesus do this?" The answer to that question will be a great help in your decision on what you may do. Our LORD Jesus would have those HE has redeemed with HIS precious blood be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Serving God, really doing battle in the LORD's service, is not for cowards, cry-babies, or complainers. May God grant us the faithful, who will be endued with HIS wisdom and respond according to holy Word.
Letters to Michael would, I think, certainly be an encouragement to him. Tell him you are praying for him, if you are. Possibly, a postal money order, a small sum of five or ten dollars, could be sent along. Make them out to Michael L. Brock (His middle name is unknown to this Preacher.). It has been reported to me his birth date [08/02/68] will ensure he receives these letters and gifts (???).
Address the letters:
Michael L. Brock
% Marion County Jail
40 S. Alabama Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
May God be glorified in each of our lives!
Sincerely,
Pastor John S. Brown
Eternal Grace Baptist Church of New Maysville, Indiana
64th Judicial District
8965 N. Country Road 675 E.
Bainbridge, Indiana
(765) 522-1308
WE ARE AN UN-REGISTERED CHURCH
NOT A RELIGIOUS CORPORATION.
