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Rick Green interviews Petra on American Family Radio
Jeff Chamblee This is At The Core on American Family Radio.
Rick Green Welcome to At the with Walker Wildmon and Rick Green. I'm Rick Green, America's Constitution coach. Thanks for joining me today. We've got a lot of great interviews to share with you today. And I'm gonna sound a little bit like a, you know, middle school school, girl. Cause I'm so excited that I get to talk to Petra. Okay, this is all right. Maybe I think most listeners to the program, I'm guessing you're probably my age or older. I don't think I have a whole lot of folks that listen to the afternoon show that, you know, are that much younger. But maybe, maybe, you know, most of us though, we're, you know, closer to the end than we are the beginning. And so many of you listening, you know who I'm talking about when I say Petra. And maybe you grew up on, on Petra as well. For me, that was, man, I'm a child of the 80s and Christian rock in the 80s was what I listened to for the most part. And and it was, you know, influential on, on, on my thinking it was influential on my, you know, style. I mean, all of those things. So, yes, I was a huge, and am still a huge Petra fan. So the fact that I'm actually getting to interview Petra is just. Okay, I'm sorry, it's like, you know, I don't usually fanboy out. I don't, I don't get, you know, I get to interview senators and congressmen and, and governors and people that are, you know, running for president. I've never actually got to interview a president while they were president. But, you know, you get to interview a lot of, A lot of, lot of cool folks. A lot of folks that are in, in positions of, of leadership and, and high levels and I get to, you know, do sometimes movie people and that kind of stuff. But even, even like the music, it's just, I don't know, there's something about it, it owns, it owns part of my brain. Maybe that's part of the reason or maybe just because of it, because it was from when I was a kid. And as a kid you, you have a little bit more nostalgia when you, when you look back on it or when it's happening as a kid. They just become more in turn, you know, like heroes to you. So anyway, I'm stumbling around because I'm this. I hope you're going to enjoy it. The two guys that I'm going to be interviewing are number one, the founder of Petra, Bob Hartman, and then Jon Schlitt, who became lead singer in 1986. And yes, I remember that because Back to the street was one of my favorites. So anyway, this is going to be cool. I think that you're going to enjoy it and if you're not a Petra fan, you're just going to enjoy the types of questions I'm looking forward to asking. Because it's also about just the business of music and how Petra lasted as long as it did and then the ministry of it. the worship album that Petra put out, Petra Praise was again very, very influential for me and still to this day some of my favorite worship music to listen to. but also even going all the way back to the More Power to you and Beat the System and back to the Street. Beyond Belief. I mean there's just so much of that music that even to this day it's some of my favorite music to listen to because it had such an impact on me. So yes, Petra is our guest today. We're going to have the founder of Petra, Bob Hartman, and then Jon Slit, who was lead singer for most of those years. He came in in 86 and to this day they're they're still touring. So really, really cool and excited to have them with us because a new movie is coming out that features their music. It's called Beyond Belief. And the website to learn more is Beyond Belief Movie. Beyond Belief Movie. It's an inspirational story of a young kid that's I think he's a senior in high school, or At least in high school, doing a battle of the bands and, and running a marathon and all kinds of cool stuff. So anyway, the movie's I think gonna be very cool. And of course the music's gonna be cool and it's, and it's gonna take us back to the 80s, which I'm looking forward to. So we're gonna, we're gonna take a break, a little bit early today. When we come back, we're gonna have with us. Yes, Petra. Okay. Can you tell I'm excited? I'm probably going to be overly excited in the interview. You know, if you send in your emails and say, Rick, you were just giddy, you, you were just silly, you know, you were like, well, it's because I love these guys and I've never, I've never met them, I've never got to talk to them before, and I don't get super excited about anybody. But Petra is with us. Bob Hartman, the founder of, Petra is with us. Jon Schlit, who, I mean, you guys both own a part of my brain. I was just telling you off air, I can't even, like, I think I have almost every song y' all ever cut, in my head, but certainly all the way back to More power to you. And, and anyway, I'm just thrilled, guys, thanks for coming on. Excited about the movie Beyond Belief coming out.
Bob & Jon Thank you, Rick Thanks for having us.
Rick Green Thank you.
Bob: Beyond Belief is a Christian movie about Christianity with young people
Rick Green And, and, and I hope I want to talk about the movie. Obviously that's what we're promoting today. But I'd love to just, you know, hear a little bit from y' all about what you're doing now. Talk a little bit about the history of, of Petra, the impact that it's had on people like me. I mean, as I was telling you off air, that Petra Praise album to this day is one of my favorite ways to worship the Lord. and so many of the things I saw. Bob, Jon, before you came on, just the courage that Petra had to take an area of the culture that too many Christians had thought somehow God couldn't go there or thought that you couldn't reach kids that way. And, the way that y' all did that, I mean, even back to God gave rock and roll to you, to, you know, all of it. so anyway, I'm just thankful for courage from you guys. We here At Wall Builders are always in a Patriot Academy. We believe in to help the kids find their calling, whether it's music, entertainment, politics, education, business, whatever it is, whatever God's put on their heart, we just want them to honor God in it and go take the gospel in that area. So y' all have done that your entire life and impacted millions and millions of people. So very, very cool. And I would assume seeing them, y' all did a movie kind of like this with With some of your videos years ago. I remember that. But this is the first one I think that's had that's featured Petra, music that was, you know, a typical feature, film.
Bob Hartman Yeah, totally. A different concept on this one. it's the same title. Yeah, Beyond Belief. But this one, they came to us and they said, you know, there's never been a movie about Christianity with young people in the 80s. And we want to do that and we want to feature the music of Petra. Because a lot of kids, you know, gravitated towards your music and you know, received spiritual, benefit. And so we thought, well, that's a great concept. let's move, forward, you know. And lo and behold, they actually made the movie.
Rick Green I love it. And so it's, it's, it's It features a ton of your music, from over the years. And And I will admit, you know, I had to hide to play, you know, Judas Kiss and some of those songs when I was, you know, fourth, fifth grade. My mom was the typical, you know, that's not Christian, you know, that was, So, So it took a little while to convince her. And she was a musician, man. She played with the, you know, traveled with the Rambos years ago. So definite difference in, style there. but, but no, I, I think, If I, if I understand right, the movie's gonna feature music from, you know, across the decades of your music. It's not just gonna be just from the Beyond Belief album.
Bob Hartman Well, more, more in the decade of the 80s. Yeah. although I think they're snuck in a few. but you know, the, the, the. The soundtrack for the movie is actually going to be very interesting when it comes out because, you've got some of these artists, some of these, stars of the movie that are. Have their own stuff, you know, their own songs, and they're very good. So it's be. I'm actually very interested in hearing the soundtrack when it comes out. So, it's, it's got a lot of, new stuff, old stuff. it's just a very exciting movie. Ah, love the fact that it's totally, geared around a Christian perspective. it's just something that Bob and I like to be part of. You know, it's entertainment. Ah, very good entertainment actually. but in the name of Christ in a roundabout way. So, whenever we get a chance to do something like that, we're going to jump aboard it. We're actually very excited they thought of it and that we could be part of it.
Rick Green Yeah, Beyond Belief Movie for folks that, you can find where it's going to be airing and comes, out At the end of the month. Beyond Belief Movie and, and you can see the trailer there as well. a little bit about just, you know, Petra over the years. I, you know, Jon, you came in. Was it 86, right when you. Back to the street was your, was your first, album with with Petra. And I, I, I remember, you know, for me, like that was one of the ones that I just memorized every song. I mean, I listened to that thing over and over again and, and wore out the, the cassette I'd been listening back when, when Greg was, the, the lead vocals. but man, when you came on board, it was a whole different sound. And I read something when I was getting ready for this interview, I read something that said that that was not one of your better selling ones. The next couple albums sold a lot better than Back in the street, but it was always my favorite. So I don't know what, what it was. Maybe it's just too different. I don't know. Well, you guys, you guys know the business better than I do. But I loved it.
Bob Hartman You said you just had better taste than most people, that's all.
Rick Green That's right.
How did you guys balance loving music and running a business
Well, Bob, I wanted to ask you from an entrepreneurial perspective, I mean, you went through ups and downs. You had so many, you know, changes and, and for a band to make it as long as y' all did and have the impact, as many albums and as much impact literally for decades, you had to have some entrepreneurial spirit to see that, you know, not just as a musician, but the business side of things. And I've been dying to ask you about that. Most people don't have both left right brain thing, you know, they, they can't do the art thing and the business thing. And I know you handed it over to Jon, who did the same thing, I guess in the late 80s or maybe mid-90s. Talk to me about that. How did you guys balance loving to do your art and your music, but also having to run a business because it's a big business.
Bob Hartman Yeah, you know, it's always been a delicate balance. And we've always believed that our business and the way we handle it is part of our testimony because we use vendors, that are not Christian all the time, and, we don't want to be, remiss to. In our payments to them. We want them to say, these are the best people we've ever worked with. And that's part of our testimony. Ah. And so it's been a delicate balance. I remember times where we had to tell everyone, okay, we're all taking a pay cut because of the way things are until we get caught up. And, there have been several times over the years where we said, we all need to pray whether God wants us to keep going or not. And somehow, you know, God has always shown us a way. And, you know, it's amazing to me to be here still, you know, doing this. But, you know, we're thankful to God for every moment that he gives us, because it's not only our life's work, but it's a lot of fun.
Rick Green Yeah. Yeah. Oh, man, I've been there. Even with my ministry of patriot Academy with 70 employees, and had times when we had to say, hey, guys, it's tight right now and we're all going to take a cut. I had to go without pay, you know, for sometimes months and months at a time. And when you're the leader of the band, you know, that's. You just have to. You have to do it.
Yalls Horizon has been touring for 20 years now
I got to ask you about something I read. Is it true? Because I remember as a kid, the whole backward masking thing and everybody trying to act like y' all had these messages, and so y' all put a positive message in the backward masking, where it said something like, why are you looking for the devil when you should be looking for God? Or something like that. Is that true? Did that really happen?
Bob Hartman Yeah, it sure did.
Rick Green I love it.
Bob Hartman You know, that came as a result of, us seeing how the. There were, you know, multiple people out there on the circuit, the church circuit. Yeah. You know, playing things backwards for, these people saying here, did you hear that? Did you hear that? You know, and then they tell them what they think it said. And, you know, we have been in the studio long enough to know how really impossible and futile something like that would be to even try. And so, we thought we'd put a little joke on there. And, because we knew people would be, very fast to, find out what we were saying.
Rick Green That's brilliant.
Bob Hartman It was a backwards message. And we've had questions about that, you know, for years and years.
Rick Green Yeah, well, I've. I've had Fun watching my son, my. My kids generation now. Jon Cooper's a friend of mine from. From Skillet. And so they face a lot of the same criticism you guys did, you know, so long ago. Y' all paved the way, honestly. And I've heard him even say that. but, man, Jon, what are you doing now? both of you? What's new on Yalls Horizon? Besides the movie? What else are you guys working on? What are projects coming up?
Jon Schlitt Well, we actually finished, our newest album, believe it or not. After 20 years. We have a new album called Hope, and we're out there touring that as a Hope tour.
Rick Green Nice.
Jon Schlitt and our tours are sort of different. We don't go out and, you know, play 400 dates, in a row, and then, relax. We're sort of available, you know, and we're available to South America, Central America, Scandinavia, Germany, and the U.S. i mentioned all the others first because we're more valuable to them, apparently, than to the U.S. but, the album's picking up. we're sort of our own label don't, get a lot of support from the Christian industry, so to say. Understand it. I mean, they've got their own, core of bands now, and that's cool. so we just do what we do. And God's opening doors every. Oh, my gosh, the doors are opening and we're walking through it. And, hey, we're not young puppies anymore, you know, so it's quite the challenge. But I'll tell you what, it keeps us young. We have a ball, just came from Mexico City. the people there were amazing. Very. It's just something that. I think we're both gypsies in a roundabout way, and if we're not on the road, we don't quite feel right. So I would say that probably the biggest now, all those years of touring, it's in your blood. Well, that's great. And.
Rick Green And it is interesting to watch how much the international, you know, like you said, value is. Is there. It's not just in Christian music, secular music. I see that too. You know, it's. It's really wild. But I. I was going to ask you, so who all is in the band now? Like, who's traveling with you when you. When you do it? Y' all had so many great people, great musicians throughout the years.
Jon Schlitt First of all, I want to say we got one of the best bands we've ever had. Nice. I can say that as a singer.
Rick Green All right, well, hold that thought. We're gonna find out more about the current band that's touring with Petra. Stay with us. You're listening to At the Core with Walker Wildmon & Rick Green America's 250th birthday. It's a great excuse to have some
Announcer extra cake and ice cream, but we can help your celebration go well beyond that. Show your patriotism with America 250 apparel that will become a memento of this special. We also have special episodes on AFA Stream to help underscore that America is a Christian nation and help you find God in the Constitution. Find all of this and more in one place. Afa.net topics250@the corps podcasts are [email protected] now back to At the The Core on American Family Radio.
Petra praise returns to the Corps with Ermer Greener
Rick Green Welcome back to the The Core with Walker Wildmon and Rick Green. I'm Rick Green, America's Constitution coach. Thrilled to have Petra with us today. Bob Hartman and Jon Schlitt. We're jumping right back in. and you guys were just talking about the current band members, for traveling on tour right now it's Jon
Bob Hartman and myself and Jon Lowry on keyboards who's been in the band for decades. and then we have Greg Bailey on bass who's also been with the band for oh, I think over 20 years now.
Jon Schlitt Yeah, it's been over 20 years.
Bob Hartman And and our newest member who's been with the band for over a decade is Christian Borneo and he's from Argentina. and that's the story in and of itself. But he's a great drummer and a great friend and we have a lot of fun on the road and it's just ah, really, really fun.
Rick Green Love it.
Jon Schlitt It's nice to be the singer of a, it's nice to be a singer of, of a band that consists of four amazing musicians. It's it's really a treat for me. I walk on stage going, you're going to hear good stuff, trust me.
Rick Green Well, you know what's amazing to me and being a child of the 80s and loving, you know, any music from the 80s more than, more than anything else is how your voice doesn't change. Like you, you, when I hear you now, I mean it's like the same. So how it's like, you would think it's like any other muscle but it, I mean you sound the same. How do you explain that?
Jon Schlitt Well, I'll tell you what, I went through a little bit of a challenge about about six months ago while I was recording the album.
Rick Green Oh really?
Jon Schlitt Yeah. And I I, I couldn't figure out why everybody in the band goes, john, what's going on with you? What's going. Because, you know, oh, it doesn't matter. I'm getting older. What's going on? Finally realized that I was getting excited again and over singing. And there's just a certain way, a technique that you do where you just let your voice rest, let it do its thing and find that sweet spot. And it's amazing how. And I really think that's from God. That really is from God. Find the sweet spot that he's given you, use it and it's amazing how far you can go.
Rick Green That's the old, Eric Liddell thing, right? The Olympic, runner that wouldn't run on the Sabbath. And he said, God made me fast and when I run I feel God's pleasure. So Jon Schlitt, when I sing, I feel God's pleasure.
Jon Schlitt And I do. Just the fact that we're able to sing the songs that Bob's written that I truly, I feel are anointed, the chance to be able to sing those songs every, every night when we're on stage. I know, I know for a fact that it's going to reach people in a very positive way. Not only entertaining, which I think it is, but it's also very important in a spiritual sense. And it's so cool to watch people have fun and not real and sometimes not even realize that they're getting blessed through that, in a spiritual way too.
Rick Green Well, it's amazing to me how music, I mean even to this day, I don't know, I think you recorded petra praise in 88 or 89, something like that. Maybe 90. I still to this day can play those songs. When I say we exalt you, I mean those. It's like, I mean the Holy Spirit moves so it's like, I don't know how he does that through a recording that you did so long ago, but that praise that still comes out of that is just so powerful even to this day. So it's pretty cool how God made us to be so connected through music.
John Schlitt Praise God. It's so cool. I, love watching how he works. I love how the Petra music has gone through the years, almost timeless. And it's an honor to be part of that. You know, I came in late, or I came in, you know, after Greg did a great job of creating a, sound that was very, very, ah, attractive. I was a big Petra fan because of that. and when I came in. I wasn't concerned about filling his shoes. I just wanted to make sure my shoes were doing the job as well as he was. And, At that time, it was a real blessing to be part of it.
Rick Green And you had done secular music initially, if I read right, became a Christian between. I forget the band now that you left, and that was when Bob offered you the opportunity and y' all got together. I think y' all met on an airplane, right? Did y' all meet on an airplane or something?
Bob Hartmna Well, actually, yes. That's. I didn't know. very few people know that story, but I sat next to Jon on an airplane flight before he was a Christian, and, we had a conversation. And I think it was just one of those things that God does, you know, that kind of blows your mind later, you know, I later heard he became a Christian. I thought, wow, you know, I remember seeing his band head east and seeing. Seeing Jon. And Jon would be one of those people that I would vote. Would probably never would be a Christian, when he was in that band. yeah, yeah.
Rick Green God loves to confound our wisdom, right? He loves.
Bob Hartmna That's right. Ah, God, God does that just, confound me, I think, sometimes, you know.
Jon Schlitt Yeah, I showed me that he's the most pleasant guy. Yeah. No, yeah.
Bob Hartman Ah, I should never, count anyone out, you know.
Rick Green Well, thank the good Lord he can use all of us, broken vessels, for sure.
Jon Schlitt Amen.
Petra has such a collection of songs. How do you pick your favorites
Rick Green I know everybody probably asked you all this, but I got to get. Favorite song over the years. And Bob, you wrote so many. You're like my. You know, Buck and Dottie Rambo were my godparents because my m. My mom had traveled with them all those years, and Dottie wrote thousands of songs. I. I don't. I don't know how many you wrote, but I know most of the Petra hits, you wrote them. How do you. How do you pick even. Even when y' all go to her now, like, how do. How do you pick? You only have, you know, a couple hours on stage. You got to do the new album. You got such a collection to choose from. What do you do? How do you pick your songs?
Bob Hartman You know, that is one of the hardest things that we do, and we sit down and, have discussions about it and. And, you know, the newer guys, Greg and Christian, always want to reach back and do some, song. But we say, well, we don't have any requests for that song. You know, we go a lot by request of what people you know, say they want to hear. And, you know, there are just certain songs we have to play.
Jon Schlitt Yeah.
Rick Green And, you know, Beyond Belief is one of them. for sure.
Rick Green This Means War. Is that. Is that one you play still a lot?
Jon Schlitt Yeah, absolutely.
Bob Hartman I am on. The rock is in there. Yes, Creed. You know, there are just certain songs that we have to play. Yeah.
Rick Green People leave the concert disappointed if you don't. But some of those, right, you just got to do them.
Rick Green Oh, yeah.
Okay, so give me one. What's your favorite song that you ever recorded with Tetrajon
Jon Schlitt Okay, so give me one. What's your favorite song that you ever recorded with Tetrajon? And, Bob, what's your favorite one that y' all recorded and you wrote? I guess favorite's not the right one. If you had to pick one, what would it be? Okay. For me, I just. I'll just go, you know, be simple. Beyond Belief. You have to play. Yeah. And for me, for a singer, I want to see the crowd satisfied, so I want to play Beyond Belief just so they're happy. There's probably some other songs that I like as much, but when it's the whole picture for the ministry, for Petra as a whole, it's got to be Beyond Belief.
Rick Green Yeah.
Rick Green That's good, Bob.
Bob Hartman Well, that's a. That's a really hard one. I can. I could say one song for one reason and another song for another reason. I'm, gonna say Jekyll and Hyde
Rick Green all the way back. Yeah.
Bob Hartman Yeah. That's a. You know, a really popular song and a lot of fun to play, and, you know, it's pretty neat.
Bob Hartman and John Schlitt of the epic band Petra appear on Wall Builders
Rick Green Let me do two things before we go. Petra. So to book you guys or to find out where you're playing, petrabrand.com is that still the best. Best place to go?
Bob Hartman Yes, that's right.
Rick Green Petraband.com and then for the movie Beyond Belief. Movie Beyond Belief Movie will be in theaters At the end of the month, and you can also book it into your church and, and do a show there. August 28th is when it is being released. Man, what a treat, guys. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for all that you've done over the years. you haven't just been entertainers. You've literally led so many people to Christ and given. I mean, I know for me, as a young guy, a way to come to know the Lord in a language that I could understand. That's the best way I know to say it.
Jon Schlitt So bless you, buddy. Thank you. That was our gold. It always has been. It still is now. It still is now. We walk on stage and believe God's got a plan for that night, and we just stay out of the way and do our best.
Rick Green Love it. Love it, Bob. God bless you, man. Y' all keep up the great work.
Bob Hartman You too, Rick. Thanks.
Jon Schlitt Thanks, Rick.
Rick Green That was Bob Hartman and Jon Schlitt of the epic band Petra. I mean, it just. They paved the way for so many, of the Christian music, people in the Christian music industry, especially in the, you know, Christian rock industry, which, which I'm a fan of, and I'm sure there's some of you out there that aren't, but that's okay. Trust me when I tell you it does reach people that would not be reached otherwise. And, I was one of those kids, so I'm really thankful for these guys and certainly appreciate them taking time to be on with us here on Wallnua Builders. Be sure and check the movie out. Beyond Belief Movie. Beyond Belief Movie. And then petrabrand.com petrabrand.com to find out about the tour.
Rob McCoy is coming on to talk about South Korea on the show
Okay, we're going to switch gears big time here. So we're going to go from my childhood music, some of the greatest music, to a very serious. And Rob McCoy is going to be with us. This is specifically dealing with South Korea, and it was one of the things that, Charlie Kirk was doing right before he was assassinated. And Rob will, of course, tell that story. But Rob McCoy is such a good friend. I love this guy. He's one of the best pastors in America. He's absolutely a man of Issachar that understands the times and knows what to do. We filmed biblical citizenship in his church, big chunk of it. And, he's a major part of that. Not only that first episode, but several others as well. So super excited to have you, brother. Rob, appreciate you coming on, man.
Rob McCoy Love you too, Rick. And thank you for the time. This is. This is cherished. And I'm so grateful, man.
Pastor Sean Stone was arrested in South Korea earlier this month
Rick Green Well, man, we've been so, just honestly enthralled and, and enamored with, the outpouring of support for Pastor Shawn. The story. enjoyed being with you on Flashpoint the other night and getting caught up on what was going on. just amazing how God is moving and setting up the right meetings and the right people, but such a travesty as far as what's happening in South Korea. And we had you on a couple of months ago to talk about it, but can you give us a couple of minute, just review of how this thing went down and really the danger that we're in with losing South Korea to the Communists. And obviously specifically and personally for Pastor Son and his church, of course.
Rob McCoy Thanks, Rick. I will. I'll bring you up to speed. so, you know, I didn't know my earlobe for my elbow when it comes to Korea, but about four years ago I was invited to come over by Mina Kim, who has set up what's called Build Up Korea, which is the equivalent of Turning Point usa. But it's, it was happening in South Korea, a conservative youth, movement. And it was really Christian run. It was outstanding. So I went out there and I participated for about four years At their annual conference. And I got a chance the very first year to meet Pastor Sohn, who is the pastor of the largest church in Busan. And he's the only church in Korea that stayed open during COVID And they came after him heavy. But he, he defied it because he knew that the church was essential and all the other religions weren't affected. Just Christianity was targeted. And so, by the way,
Rick Green I gotta say, Pastor Rob, when I watch the clips of him, the news interviews, the things that happened, he's basically the South Korean rappacort. I mean, come on. He's essentially, he did there what you did in Thousand Oaks and in California and for the rest of us across the country, as you were doing your fireside chats throughout the insanity and helping to educate people. He took a stand in South Korea much the same way, you know, that you did in California, because. So I could see why you guys would hit it off.
Rob McCoy Well, that you're gracious. the consequences for Pastor Stone were far greater. But we did hit it off. I felt like, you know, we'd been separated At birth. He's 62, I'm 61. So there's a chance we could have been brothers. My dad was over in Korea. I don't know anyways, but. But we just, we felt like we've been brothers our whole life. And so when, when I approached Charlie, I asked Charlie Kirk if he wanted to come to Korea and see what was happening with this conservative youth movement. And I knew he was going to say no because he just doesn't like to leave the US and he said yes. And I was shocked. So we came over to, Korea and the first thing I did was introduce him to Pastor Son, who I told him all about. And Pastor Sohn, obviously, with the new administration. The previous president had been imprisoned, in this new administration, a socialist, China loving, basically communist administration, the minute that they were elected into office they came after the churches, they raided the churches and they were, they were seeking to put Pastor Sohn in prison because obviously he defied the lockdown orders. And he'd also organized a 5 million person march in the five major cities in Korea against LGBT and the transgender movement and, and, and gay marriage. and, and so this, that administration was out to get him. And Pastor Sohn pointed out to Charlie, it looks like I'm going to be arrested here shortly. And Charlie said, and I'll never forget it, he said, I won't make promises on behalf of my government, but, but I'll do everything in my power if you're arrested, to get you out. And that, that, that promise was made four days before Charlie was murdered. And we landed in the US after the Build Up Korea event. And Monday we got word that Pastor Stone had been arrested. I called Charlie and he said, you know, get the arrest warrant and all the details and we'll feature it on the, on the program on Thursday on my podcast. And as we know, in the memorial service, he actually called Secretary Rubio and informed him what was going on. And then, we were going to feature it on that Thursday. And of course Monday, September 10, an awful day. Charlie was murdered and Pastor Sohn, languished in prison in a 3 by 7 cell in solitary confinement. You know, he, no due process, nothing. And he just languished there for five months. And I kept a promise to a friend, went over, visited him, filled the pulpit in his absence, protested out in front of the Korea, the South Korean Supreme Court, and with pastors who were brave enough to stand in defiance of, of that administration. And of course, the Vice President commented to the Prime Minister of South Korea when, when he came here to visit and it was, took that simple tact, that, that simple effort and Pastor Song was released. Well, when I was back visiting and celebrating his release in South Korea, I was informed that they were going to put him back in prison in September. And I said, pastor Sohn, come on out, to the US and let's, let's travel around and get word out about this and try to keep you out of prison. And my goal was to get a, a meeting with the President, with, with President Trump and a picture with Pastor Sohn. And that's, that's the whole point. And, well, we just found out that's been secured and we're going to meet Friday At 2pm so that's, that's exciting.
Rick Green Oh, wow, man, that, of course, that speaks volumes. and, and, and is as, as good a diplomatic move that you could make to have a picture like that. and, and I'll also get to show up as we're selling around, D.C. and, and see some of those things. Rob, I know I think I've heard you say this, but I know, I've felt it. You're, you're basically helping Charlie keep the promise. I mean, that's literally what you're living out right now.
Rob McCoy Yeah, I mean, you know, I miss him. And, you know, it's, it's, it's the best I can do is, to honor the promise my friend made. And, and I know Charlie would have done this. And, you know, to, to President Trump's credit, the man's busier in a one armed wallpaper hanger. And for him to take time, I mean, he's the one that got the Chinese pastor released from prison. I know this is dear to the president's heart. I want to just say kudos to Paula White and Erica, Kirk, my son Mikey, making calls.
Rick Green Hold that thought. We got to take a quick break. We'll be right back. Rob McCoy, our special guest. You're listening to At the The Core with Walker Bomb and Rick Rent.
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Rob McCoy: President Trump has led on religious freedom worldwide
Rick Green Welcome back At the The Core with Walker Wildmon and Rick Green. Rick I'm Rick Green, America's Constitution coach, Rob McCoy, our special guest today, we're talking about, of course, the South Korea situation. Pastor, Son, and, Rob was just telling us about how they were able to finally get this meeting set up with President Trump, which is just absolutely huge.
Rob McCoy I know this is dear to the president's heart. I want to just say kudos to Paula White and Erica, Kirk, my, son, Mikey, making calls. You know, the president is. No one's done more for religious freedom worldwide than President Trump. And I love what Pastor Sohn said. He said, rob, you know, I had America to come to, but if America falls to what Korea is facing, where will anyone go? And Korea has the largest Christian population of any nation in Asia. A third of their population of 59 million is Christian. And overnight, I mean, this nation was founded by, by American Christian missionaries that half of their founders were educated by these Christian missionaries. They came to the US to study our republic, our constitution, our Declaration of Independence. And they've rewritten their history. They've removed the history of their founders and, and China. Now, Chinese don't require a visa to come into the country anymore. And, and they can buy property and they can vote after anywhere, depending on the province, from three months to four years. They're, they're, they're turning the country over to China without a shot being fired. And President Trump, he's wise to this and, and he's, he's just, he gets it. And so I just can't thank him enough for making time in his busy schedule to take a picture with a pastor, of all things, just precious.
Rick Green He really has. Yeah. And you're right, he has led on religious liberty around the world. Yep. In a way we, we've never seen. And, you know, so many people thought he would be terrible on that issue. He's turned out to be the best that we've had on that issue. Rob, I know it's not the, you know, necessarily the, the topic, but, you know, South Korea is, I mean, literally, literally right next door to one of the worst communist regimes ever. How do they not, you know, it was such a contrast for all those years. That's 60 years now, 70 years now. I mean, how do they fall into socialism and communism after seeing such benefit of capitalism and a free enterprise system? I mean, I think about us as a nation, we're kind of, you know, we're spoiled, we're getting soft. But for them, they've been facing the threat of communist North Korea right across the border, and they're still giving into this. How do you describe, explain that?
Rob McCoy Well, it's a total illustration of the Tyler cycle. You know, the Scottish historian who said, every democracy goes from, bondage to faith, faith to freedom, freedom to abundance, abundance to apathy and then apathy back to dependence. And South Korea became a Nation in 1948, and they were the poorest nation on the face of the earth. They had been enslaved by the Imperial Japanese. America defeats Japan, Korea becomes a nation in August of 48. And then, of course, Russia, comes down and establishes North Korea with the Chinese. And so there's two separate nations. They're both the poorest on the earth. And then we know the Korean War establishes. And then we have 36,000, what, 600 U.S. military personnel die to establish a 38th parallel. And the north gets communism and the south gets freedom. And if you look At the Korean peninsula At night, the north is dark and the south is lit with industry. And they go from the poorest nation to the sixth wealthiest. And with that abundance comes apathy, and communism takes over gradually and then suddenly, similar to the Sun Also Rises with, Ernest Hemingway, it happened gradually, then suddenly. And that's what's happening overnight. These, folks. But I wanted to share with your listeners real briefly that the silver lining in all this is 70% of youth, 18 to 30, inspired by Charlie, are in defiance of this current administration. they see that communism is not the way, and we need to back them and encourage them. And there's hope for this country. They have a negative birth rate, but these young people, they want their country back and they want to get married early and have kids they can't afford and re. Establish this Christian blessing upon their land.
Rick Green Wow, man. It's an incredible story. So thankful, that you were able to connect with them and have this personal relationship, but then also to bring this warning to our country that we can absolutely go that way as well. And so we'll be praying for your meeting on Friday. Ah, praying for. For favor for Pastor Son. Remind me his son's name again. I know we've, we've had him on flashpoint before.
Rob McCoy Well, so, he's got two sons. they were both on the pro. Well, yeah, so. So Chance is his youngest son. And this is funny. The young son is the oldest son. Yeah. And. And so I, I have Young and chance and then Mr. Mrs. Sohn, with me. So we're Taking care of the four of them. And we've been going across the country and gratitude and thanks to pastors across the country who have, who have encouraged them and blessed them and supported them and the people who back this visit, it has been fruitful and I'm so grateful and quite honestly your listeners and all the folks involved, especially Flashpoint, they quite honestly could be used of the Lord to save South Korea.
Rick Green Wow. Wow, man. Well, thank you. Please tell the whole family, the wall builders, radio audience loves them, praying for them and we'll be praying for your meeting on Friday. Pastor Rob McCoy, always a pleasure, sir. Thanks for coming on.
Rob McCoy Love you, Rick. Bless you, brother.
Rick Green Love that guy. What a, what a blessing. What a blessing that was Rob McCoy. Now we got Ryan Walters. Ryan of course, Superintendent of education in Oklahoma, did incredible work there. just a, just an absolute trailblazer for historian education, what it should be. And now I think of it this way, you're basically exporting that good work all over the country. So Ryan thanks for coming on, man.
Ryan Walters. Hey, I appreciate it. Always honored to be on Rick. Appreciate it.
Rick Green and David Barton founded Teacher Freedom Alliance to help teachers
Rick Green Well, enjoyed being with you At the conference for the Teacher Freedom Alliance. I noticed you had this other guy named David Barton. I guess you just needed to fill a spot. I don't know, I don't know what was going on there. No, David actually came back, he's like, man, we gotta get right on. This is so cool what they're doing with these teachers. And anyway, so, super excited about what you're doing. I loved what I saw there. And man, this is the way to take education back and make it an institution that actually supports America instead of tearing it down.
Ryan Walters. No, that's right. And I'm telling you, when you have Rick Green and David Barton, I'm telling you, you get a lot of folks very excited and very excited about what we can do here and to make America, America great again. And you know, I mean, it's fascinating because you look At the education landscape, you know, and like you said, Rick, you know, what we did in Oklahoma was we just took on the radical left and said, listen, we're taking these institutions back, you know, we're not going to sit back and allow education to be controlled by left wing groups like the teachers unions, like these, school administrators that are just these far left, folks that are in these spots. And so we're going to take the fight to them. We're going to have an aggressive game plan to come out and bring education back to Some common sense. I mean, that's the reality is so much of this is common sense. Don't you want the next generation to love this country? I mean, that should not be a controversial statement. But of course, in a lot of education circles it is because it's been dominated by dei, crt, all this anti American nonsense. So, I mean, our teachers are just so electrified. Hearing from David Barton, hearing from you, and saying, yes, this is the type of curriculum, this is the type of understanding of America we want our students to hear and feel. And of course, that's what so many parents and grandparents around the country have been asking for. And so it's been tremendous. And again, it's an honor to work with you, and it's an honor to see that work being done inside the education space.
Rick Green Man, I love the fact that, you know, with these teachers, because a lot of times we conservatives get a bad rap and they act like we're anti teacher because the typical teacher unions became so left wing. We were anti Marxism, anti leftism. And those teacher unions are so taken by that philosophy that by going against them and the things that they were doing. Sometimes people labeled us as just being anti teacher when in fact we were rooting for the good teachers that were out there that were still trying to keep the pro America stuff in and just trying to give kids good reading, writing, arithmetic and, you know, good values, good American values, good history. and so what you've done and what the Teacher Freedom alliance is doing is, is basically coming alongside those teachers and helping them, getting them good training, getting them good, resources and bringing them together. I think one of the things I noticed At the conference, anyway, they're all looking around the room going, I'm not the only one. This is kind of nice, you know, so. So that's another thing you do is bring them together for community.
Rick Green: The importance of not giving up on education
So anyway, just, I think just hit on that a little bit. The importance of not giving up on education and not giving up on good teachers out there.
Ryan Walters. Well, no, you said that really well, Rick. I mean, you know, when you look At education and you look At Yeah, you know, the left always tries to say, you know, they conservatives, the right. Oh, they're against teachers. It's like, no, we're against absolute nonsense being pushed into the classrooms. And look, if you're a social justice warrior, activist masquerading as a teacher in the teachers union, pushing this anti American and lies, transgender lies to our kids. Yeah, we don't want that nonsense push on our kids.
Rick Green That's Right.
Ryan Walters. But we want great people in education. We want our kids. I mean, I've always looked At teaching in general. It tends to attract more conservative, traditional minded folks because again, it is a profession where you're saying, look, I want to pass this on, I want to conserve American values by passing it on to the next generation. I want to ensure that these values don't go away, that they don't die. and so you have so many good people that are teachers, but I'm telling you, they are beaten down. They are targeted by the teachers union, they are targeted by left wing administrators. And so, you know, our thought with the Teacher Freedom alliance is, number one, we've got to have a counterweight of the teachers union to come in here and say, listen, there is a professional organization that actually is professional, not a left wing operation funneling money to the Democrat party. But we actually are going to do a lot of the things that the teachers unions claim. That's what they were created for 30 or 40 years ago, which is true professional development. We want to help you be a better history teacher, we want to help you be a better math teacher. We want to help you do these things. And then, you know, the thing that of course you're so spot on about, that I hear forgotten so often, is we are here in education. We have a school system to produce great, good American citizens. If we don't produce good American citizens, this experiment in, a constitutional republic will not continue. And so, we want good academics, we want kids to be able to fulfill their God given potential so they can go out, use those talents God gave them. But we also want to make sure that our kids understand the nation's values, love this country, and are able to continue along that value set moving forward. There's a lot of great teachers around the country that want to do that. But I'm going to tell you, they are up against some tremendous forces there from the teachers union and these left wing groups. And so we're going to continue to fight them, tooth and nail all the way.
Rick Green Well, you know, this way better than I do. But I remember even 25 years ago when I was in the legislature, a lot of what I would hear from really good teachers is, hey, you know, I don't want to be a part of this teacher union, but it's the only way I can get, you know, liability insurance, the only way I can do some of this professional development. And so I just have to. And so then that teacher union ends up with all that money from the dues and they're not using it, they're using it for a little bit of those things, but they're also using it to, to radically transform education into a market. I mean, I think the California teacher unions alone spent, I remember it being, literally hundreds of millions of dollars over the years to stop school choice and that sort of thing. I know you guys are already doing. I mean, you've got an insurance thing you do for them, you got the professional development, you've got, you know, putting curriculum in front of them. You're bringing them to all the things like you said that they used to have to say, well, I have to be a part of the teacher. No, you're giving them an alternative to that.
Ryan Walters. And Rick, I'll show you. One of the things we discovered when we first started here was even in states where you leave the teachers union, you're having to go back to get your professional development, to keep your certificate, to keep your job. I mean, this is how embedded they've put themselves in education that even in red state so many times you have to go through the teachers unions to keep your certificate to be a teacher, even if you're not in the union. And so we're sitting here going, well, we can offer professional development and frankly we'll offer it a lot better than what the union's doing. It won't have all the left wing nonsense, right? If you're going to do professional development math, there's not many DEI or nonsense in there, but we're going to actually find really great folks to come out and provide these type of professional development. We're going to bring back classroom discipline. That's another one. I mean, the left has gone crazy with this victimization, mindset in our schools where you see schools that are just chaotic. There's no discipline, it's just a mess. We have a lot of our teachers go, hey, sign me up. I want to understand how to manage a classroom. I want to understand how to have high expectations on kids so they learn some self responsibility about their behavior so they can grow up to be better, functional adults. I mean, these are things that, as you start putting this together, it attracts really good teachers. To your point, it brings them together in a community as well, where they're not alone, they're not isolated. But again, these are things that for the longest time the unions dominated and by the way, collected money off of every aspect of this. Then they go and turn around and give to the furthest, left, Democrat candidates in the nation. And again the Supreme Court said a few years ago in the Janus case, you don't have to join the teachers union to be a teacher. You don't have to give dues to the Democrat party to be a teacher. That would, of course, violate your constitutional rights and liberties there. So, we're going to continue that fight and we're going to continue to expand. And what we're offering for good teachers,
Rick Green we are so aligned, man. I'm just looking right on your website, helping teachers who develop free, moral, and upright American citizens. That is. That is the mission. That is absolutely the mission. It's why we do what we do here At Wall Builders, why Patriot Academy does what it does. Just so thrilled with what you're doing, Ryan Loved what you did in Oklahoma. I mean, we were. We talked about you all over the country, that we needed more folks like you in education. so super proud of you and appreciate you being a champion out there. Teacherfreedomalliance.com we have a lot of teachers that listen to the program, really want to encourage you. I'll go to Teacher Freedom Alliance.com and I think I read on your website, Ryan for teachers membership, is it free? Is that. I read that right?
Ryan Walters. It's free. you know, we want to support you. We want to make sure that teachers have that. Again, we're not funneling money to the Democrat Party, so we're able to do these things, for the teachers. So again, it is free. there's no charge to teachers. Sign up, get involved in the work we're doing there. There's no. There's no cost entry there in any state.
Ryan Walters: Teacher Freedom Alliance is for teachers in all 50 states
Rick Green So. Are you in all 50 states? Do you have to be in a particular state to join or. It's all of them. All 50 states? All 50 states. Fantastic. All right, Teacher Freedom Alliance.com get signed up there and then, of course, I know this was your big annual conference you just had, but I'm assuming y' all are still doing stuff throughout the year. So if they get on the email list now, you got stuff coming up in the. In the. Throughout the school year.
Ryan Walters. That's right. We're all over the country with our. With our professional development, with our trainings, with our conferences. So. Yes, sir. And, if you sign up, we'll be giving you emails, and when we're coming near you, good stuff.
Rick Green Teacher Freedom alliance dot com. That was Ryan Walters. I want to get him back because I think that, I think we have to push to not give up on the kids that are in the public schools. I mean, I'm a homeschool dad. I'm all for private schools, but I think you still got to work on what's happening in the public school school. So good stuff. Appreciate Ryan coming on. Hope you enjoyed Rob McCoy and Ryan and, of course, Petra. Thanks for listening. Today you've been listening to, At the core, Walker Wildmon and Rick Green The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
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Walker Wildmon We inform religious freedom is about people of faith being able to live out their faith, live out their convictions no matter where they are. We quit. Sacred honor is the courage to speak truth, to live out your free speech. We also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering. Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character and character hope.
Rick Green interviews Petra on American Family Radio
Jeff Chamblee This is At The Core on American Family Radio.
Rick Green Welcome to At the with Walker Wildmon and Rick Green. I'm Rick Green, America's Constitution coach. Thanks for joining me today. We've got a lot of great interviews to share with you today. And I'm gonna sound a little bit like a, you know, middle school school, girl. Cause I'm so excited that I get to talk to Petra. Okay, this is all right. Maybe I think most listeners to the program, I'm guessing you're probably my age or older. I don't think I have a whole lot of folks that listen to the afternoon show that, you know, are that much younger. But maybe, maybe, you know, most of us though, we're, you know, closer to the end than we are the beginning. And so many of you listening, you know who I'm talking about when I say Petra. And maybe you grew up on, on Petra as well. For me, that was, man, I'm a child of the 80s and Christian rock in the 80s was what I listened to for the most part. And and it was, you know, influential on, on, on my thinking it was influential on my, you know, style. I mean, all of those things. So, yes, I was a huge, and am still a huge Petra fan. So the fact that I'm actually getting to interview Petra is just. Okay, I'm sorry, it's like, you know, I don't usually fanboy out. I don't, I don't get, you know, I get to interview senators and congressmen and, and governors and people that are, you know, running for president. I've never actually got to interview a president while they were president. But, you know, you get to interview a lot of, A lot of, lot of cool folks. A lot of folks that are in, in positions of, of leadership and, and high levels and I get to, you know, do sometimes movie people and that kind of stuff. But even, even like the music, it's just, I don't know, there's something about it, it owns, it owns part of my brain. Maybe that's part of the reason or maybe just because of it, because it was from when I was a kid. And as a kid you, you have a little bit more nostalgia when you, when you look back on it or when it's happening as a kid. They just become more in turn, you know, like heroes to you. So anyway, I'm stumbling around because I'm this. I hope you're going to enjoy it. The two guys that I'm going to be interviewing are number one, the founder of Petra, Bob Hartman, and then Jon Schlitt, who became lead singer in 1986. And yes, I remember that because Back to the street was one of my favorites. So anyway, this is going to be cool. I think that you're going to enjoy it and if you're not a Petra fan, you're just going to enjoy the types of questions I'm looking forward to asking. Because it's also about just the business of music and how Petra lasted as long as it did and then the ministry of it. the worship album that Petra put out, Petra Praise was again very, very influential for me and still to this day some of my favorite worship music to listen to. but also even going all the way back to the More Power to you and Beat the System and back to the Street. Beyond Belief. I mean there's just so much of that music that even to this day it's some of my favorite music to listen to because it had such an impact on me. So yes, Petra is our guest today. We're going to have the founder of Petra, Bob Hartman, and then Jon Slit, who was lead singer for most of those years. He came in in 86 and to this day they're they're still touring. So really, really cool and excited to have them with us because a new movie is coming out that features their music. It's called Beyond Belief. And the website to learn more is Beyond Belief Movie. Beyond Belief Movie. It's an inspirational story of a young kid that's I think he's a senior in high school, or At least in high school, doing a battle of the bands and, and running a marathon and all kinds of cool stuff. So anyway, the movie's I think gonna be very cool. And of course the music's gonna be cool and it's, and it's gonna take us back to the 80s, which I'm looking forward to. So we're gonna, we're gonna take a break, a little bit early today. When we come back, we're gonna have with us. Yes, Petra. Okay. Can you tell I'm excited? I'm probably going to be overly excited in the interview. You know, if you send in your emails and say, Rick, you were just giddy, you, you were just silly, you know, you were like, well, it's because I love these guys and I've never, I've never met them, I've never got to talk to them before, and I don't get super excited about anybody. But Petra is with us. Bob Hartman, the founder of, Petra is with us. Jon Schlit, who, I mean, you guys both own a part of my brain. I was just telling you off air, I can't even, like, I think I have almost every song y' all ever cut, in my head, but certainly all the way back to More power to you. And, and anyway, I'm just thrilled, guys, thanks for coming on. Excited about the movie Beyond Belief coming out.
Bob & Jon Thank you, Rick Thanks for having us.
Rick Green Thank you.
Bob: Beyond Belief is a Christian movie about Christianity with young people
Rick Green And, and, and I hope I want to talk about the movie. Obviously that's what we're promoting today. But I'd love to just, you know, hear a little bit from y' all about what you're doing now. Talk a little bit about the history of, of Petra, the impact that it's had on people like me. I mean, as I was telling you off air, that Petra Praise album to this day is one of my favorite ways to worship the Lord. and so many of the things I saw. Bob, Jon, before you came on, just the courage that Petra had to take an area of the culture that too many Christians had thought somehow God couldn't go there or thought that you couldn't reach kids that way. And, the way that y' all did that, I mean, even back to God gave rock and roll to you, to, you know, all of it. so anyway, I'm just thankful for courage from you guys. We here At Wall Builders are always in a Patriot Academy. We believe in to help the kids find their calling, whether it's music, entertainment, politics, education, business, whatever it is, whatever God's put on their heart, we just want them to honor God in it and go take the gospel in that area. So y' all have done that your entire life and impacted millions and millions of people. So very, very cool. And I would assume seeing them, y' all did a movie kind of like this with With some of your videos years ago. I remember that. But this is the first one I think that's had that's featured Petra, music that was, you know, a typical feature, film.
Bob Hartman Yeah, totally. A different concept on this one. it's the same title. Yeah, Beyond Belief. But this one, they came to us and they said, you know, there's never been a movie about Christianity with young people in the 80s. And we want to do that and we want to feature the music of Petra. Because a lot of kids, you know, gravitated towards your music and you know, received spiritual, benefit. And so we thought, well, that's a great concept. let's move, forward, you know. And lo and behold, they actually made the movie.
Rick Green I love it. And so it's, it's, it's It features a ton of your music, from over the years. And And I will admit, you know, I had to hide to play, you know, Judas Kiss and some of those songs when I was, you know, fourth, fifth grade. My mom was the typical, you know, that's not Christian, you know, that was, So, So it took a little while to convince her. And she was a musician, man. She played with the, you know, traveled with the Rambos years ago. So definite difference in, style there. but, but no, I, I think, If I, if I understand right, the movie's gonna feature music from, you know, across the decades of your music. It's not just gonna be just from the Beyond Belief album.
Bob Hartman Well, more, more in the decade of the 80s. Yeah. although I think they're snuck in a few. but you know, the, the, the. The soundtrack for the movie is actually going to be very interesting when it comes out because, you've got some of these artists, some of these, stars of the movie that are. Have their own stuff, you know, their own songs, and they're very good. So it's be. I'm actually very interested in hearing the soundtrack when it comes out. So, it's, it's got a lot of, new stuff, old stuff. it's just a very exciting movie. Ah, love the fact that it's totally, geared around a Christian perspective. it's just something that Bob and I like to be part of. You know, it's entertainment. Ah, very good entertainment actually. but in the name of Christ in a roundabout way. So, whenever we get a chance to do something like that, we're going to jump aboard it. We're actually very excited they thought of it and that we could be part of it.
Rick Green Yeah, Beyond Belief Movie for folks that, you can find where it's going to be airing and comes, out At the end of the month. Beyond Belief Movie and, and you can see the trailer there as well. a little bit about just, you know, Petra over the years. I, you know, Jon, you came in. Was it 86, right when you. Back to the street was your, was your first, album with with Petra. And I, I, I remember, you know, for me, like that was one of the ones that I just memorized every song. I mean, I listened to that thing over and over again and, and wore out the, the cassette I'd been listening back when, when Greg was, the, the lead vocals. but man, when you came on board, it was a whole different sound. And I read something when I was getting ready for this interview, I read something that said that that was not one of your better selling ones. The next couple albums sold a lot better than Back in the street, but it was always my favorite. So I don't know what, what it was. Maybe it's just too different. I don't know. Well, you guys, you guys know the business better than I do. But I loved it.
Bob Hartman You said you just had better taste than most people, that's all.
Rick Green That's right.
How did you guys balance loving music and running a business
Well, Bob, I wanted to ask you from an entrepreneurial perspective, I mean, you went through ups and downs. You had so many, you know, changes and, and for a band to make it as long as y' all did and have the impact, as many albums and as much impact literally for decades, you had to have some entrepreneurial spirit to see that, you know, not just as a musician, but the business side of things. And I've been dying to ask you about that. Most people don't have both left right brain thing, you know, they, they can't do the art thing and the business thing. And I know you handed it over to Jon, who did the same thing, I guess in the late 80s or maybe mid-90s. Talk to me about that. How did you guys balance loving to do your art and your music, but also having to run a business because it's a big business.
Bob Hartman Yeah, you know, it's always been a delicate balance. And we've always believed that our business and the way we handle it is part of our testimony because we use vendors, that are not Christian all the time, and, we don't want to be, remiss to. In our payments to them. We want them to say, these are the best people we've ever worked with. And that's part of our testimony. Ah. And so it's been a delicate balance. I remember times where we had to tell everyone, okay, we're all taking a pay cut because of the way things are until we get caught up. And, there have been several times over the years where we said, we all need to pray whether God wants us to keep going or not. And somehow, you know, God has always shown us a way. And, you know, it's amazing to me to be here still, you know, doing this. But, you know, we're thankful to God for every moment that he gives us, because it's not only our life's work, but it's a lot of fun.
Rick Green Yeah. Yeah. Oh, man, I've been there. Even with my ministry of patriot Academy with 70 employees, and had times when we had to say, hey, guys, it's tight right now and we're all going to take a cut. I had to go without pay, you know, for sometimes months and months at a time. And when you're the leader of the band, you know, that's. You just have to. You have to do it.
Yalls Horizon has been touring for 20 years now
I got to ask you about something I read. Is it true? Because I remember as a kid, the whole backward masking thing and everybody trying to act like y' all had these messages, and so y' all put a positive message in the backward masking, where it said something like, why are you looking for the devil when you should be looking for God? Or something like that. Is that true? Did that really happen?
Bob Hartman Yeah, it sure did.
Rick Green I love it.
Bob Hartman You know, that came as a result of, us seeing how the. There were, you know, multiple people out there on the circuit, the church circuit. Yeah. You know, playing things backwards for, these people saying here, did you hear that? Did you hear that? You know, and then they tell them what they think it said. And, you know, we have been in the studio long enough to know how really impossible and futile something like that would be to even try. And so, we thought we'd put a little joke on there. And, because we knew people would be, very fast to, find out what we were saying.
Rick Green That's brilliant.
Bob Hartman It was a backwards message. And we've had questions about that, you know, for years and years.
Rick Green Yeah, well, I've. I've had Fun watching my son, my. My kids generation now. Jon Cooper's a friend of mine from. From Skillet. And so they face a lot of the same criticism you guys did, you know, so long ago. Y' all paved the way, honestly. And I've heard him even say that. but, man, Jon, what are you doing now? both of you? What's new on Yalls Horizon? Besides the movie? What else are you guys working on? What are projects coming up?
Jon Schlitt Well, we actually finished, our newest album, believe it or not. After 20 years. We have a new album called Hope, and we're out there touring that as a Hope tour.
Rick Green Nice.
Jon Schlitt and our tours are sort of different. We don't go out and, you know, play 400 dates, in a row, and then, relax. We're sort of available, you know, and we're available to South America, Central America, Scandinavia, Germany, and the U.S. i mentioned all the others first because we're more valuable to them, apparently, than to the U.S. but, the album's picking up. we're sort of our own label don't, get a lot of support from the Christian industry, so to say. Understand it. I mean, they've got their own, core of bands now, and that's cool. so we just do what we do. And God's opening doors every. Oh, my gosh, the doors are opening and we're walking through it. And, hey, we're not young puppies anymore, you know, so it's quite the challenge. But I'll tell you what, it keeps us young. We have a ball, just came from Mexico City. the people there were amazing. Very. It's just something that. I think we're both gypsies in a roundabout way, and if we're not on the road, we don't quite feel right. So I would say that probably the biggest now, all those years of touring, it's in your blood. Well, that's great. And.
Rick Green And it is interesting to watch how much the international, you know, like you said, value is. Is there. It's not just in Christian music, secular music. I see that too. You know, it's. It's really wild. But I. I was going to ask you, so who all is in the band now? Like, who's traveling with you when you. When you do it? Y' all had so many great people, great musicians throughout the years.
Jon Schlitt First of all, I want to say we got one of the best bands we've ever had. Nice. I can say that as a singer.
Rick Green All right, well, hold that thought. We're gonna find out more about the current band that's touring with Petra. Stay with us. You're listening to At the Core with Walker Wildmon & Rick Green America's 250th birthday. It's a great excuse to have some
Announcer extra cake and ice cream, but we can help your celebration go well beyond that. Show your patriotism with America 250 apparel that will become a memento of this special. We also have special episodes on AFA Stream to help underscore that America is a Christian nation and help you find God in the Constitution. Find all of this and more in one place. Afa.net topics250@the corps podcasts are [email protected] now back to At the The Core on American Family Radio.
Petra praise returns to the Corps with Ermer Greener
Rick Green Welcome back to the The Core with Walker Wildmon and Rick Green. I'm Rick Green, America's Constitution coach. Thrilled to have Petra with us today. Bob Hartman and Jon Schlitt. We're jumping right back in. and you guys were just talking about the current band members, for traveling on tour right now it's Jon
Bob Hartman and myself and Jon Lowry on keyboards who's been in the band for decades. and then we have Greg Bailey on bass who's also been with the band for oh, I think over 20 years now.
Jon Schlitt Yeah, it's been over 20 years.
Bob Hartman And and our newest member who's been with the band for over a decade is Christian Borneo and he's from Argentina. and that's the story in and of itself. But he's a great drummer and a great friend and we have a lot of fun on the road and it's just ah, really, really fun.
Rick Green Love it.
Jon Schlitt It's nice to be the singer of a, it's nice to be a singer of, of a band that consists of four amazing musicians. It's it's really a treat for me. I walk on stage going, you're going to hear good stuff, trust me.
Rick Green Well, you know what's amazing to me and being a child of the 80s and loving, you know, any music from the 80s more than, more than anything else is how your voice doesn't change. Like you, you, when I hear you now, I mean it's like the same. So how it's like, you would think it's like any other muscle but it, I mean you sound the same. How do you explain that?
Jon Schlitt Well, I'll tell you what, I went through a little bit of a challenge about about six months ago while I was recording the album.
Rick Green Oh really?
Jon Schlitt Yeah. And I I, I couldn't figure out why everybody in the band goes, john, what's going on with you? What's going. Because, you know, oh, it doesn't matter. I'm getting older. What's going on? Finally realized that I was getting excited again and over singing. And there's just a certain way, a technique that you do where you just let your voice rest, let it do its thing and find that sweet spot. And it's amazing how. And I really think that's from God. That really is from God. Find the sweet spot that he's given you, use it and it's amazing how far you can go.
Rick Green That's the old, Eric Liddell thing, right? The Olympic, runner that wouldn't run on the Sabbath. And he said, God made me fast and when I run I feel God's pleasure. So Jon Schlitt, when I sing, I feel God's pleasure.
Jon Schlitt And I do. Just the fact that we're able to sing the songs that Bob's written that I truly, I feel are anointed, the chance to be able to sing those songs every, every night when we're on stage. I know, I know for a fact that it's going to reach people in a very positive way. Not only entertaining, which I think it is, but it's also very important in a spiritual sense. And it's so cool to watch people have fun and not real and sometimes not even realize that they're getting blessed through that, in a spiritual way too.
Rick Green Well, it's amazing to me how music, I mean even to this day, I don't know, I think you recorded petra praise in 88 or 89, something like that. Maybe 90. I still to this day can play those songs. When I say we exalt you, I mean those. It's like, I mean the Holy Spirit moves so it's like, I don't know how he does that through a recording that you did so long ago, but that praise that still comes out of that is just so powerful even to this day. So it's pretty cool how God made us to be so connected through music.
John Schlitt Praise God. It's so cool. I, love watching how he works. I love how the Petra music has gone through the years, almost timeless. And it's an honor to be part of that. You know, I came in late, or I came in, you know, after Greg did a great job of creating a, sound that was very, very, ah, attractive. I was a big Petra fan because of that. and when I came in. I wasn't concerned about filling his shoes. I just wanted to make sure my shoes were doing the job as well as he was. And, At that time, it was a real blessing to be part of it.
Rick Green And you had done secular music initially, if I read right, became a Christian between. I forget the band now that you left, and that was when Bob offered you the opportunity and y' all got together. I think y' all met on an airplane, right? Did y' all meet on an airplane or something?
Bob Hartmna Well, actually, yes. That's. I didn't know. very few people know that story, but I sat next to Jon on an airplane flight before he was a Christian, and, we had a conversation. And I think it was just one of those things that God does, you know, that kind of blows your mind later, you know, I later heard he became a Christian. I thought, wow, you know, I remember seeing his band head east and seeing. Seeing Jon. And Jon would be one of those people that I would vote. Would probably never would be a Christian, when he was in that band. yeah, yeah.
Rick Green God loves to confound our wisdom, right? He loves.
Bob Hartmna That's right. Ah, God, God does that just, confound me, I think, sometimes, you know.
Jon Schlitt Yeah, I showed me that he's the most pleasant guy. Yeah. No, yeah.
Bob Hartman Ah, I should never, count anyone out, you know.
Rick Green Well, thank the good Lord he can use all of us, broken vessels, for sure.
Jon Schlitt Amen.
Petra has such a collection of songs. How do you pick your favorites
Rick Green I know everybody probably asked you all this, but I got to get. Favorite song over the years. And Bob, you wrote so many. You're like my. You know, Buck and Dottie Rambo were my godparents because my m. My mom had traveled with them all those years, and Dottie wrote thousands of songs. I. I don't. I don't know how many you wrote, but I know most of the Petra hits, you wrote them. How do you. How do you pick even. Even when y' all go to her now, like, how do. How do you pick? You only have, you know, a couple hours on stage. You got to do the new album. You got such a collection to choose from. What do you do? How do you pick your songs?
Bob Hartman You know, that is one of the hardest things that we do, and we sit down and, have discussions about it and. And, you know, the newer guys, Greg and Christian, always want to reach back and do some, song. But we say, well, we don't have any requests for that song. You know, we go a lot by request of what people you know, say they want to hear. And, you know, there are just certain songs we have to play.
Jon Schlitt Yeah.
Rick Green And, you know, Beyond Belief is one of them. for sure.
Rick Green This Means War. Is that. Is that one you play still a lot?
Jon Schlitt Yeah, absolutely.
Bob Hartman I am on. The rock is in there. Yes, Creed. You know, there are just certain songs that we have to play. Yeah.
Rick Green People leave the concert disappointed if you don't. But some of those, right, you just got to do them.
Rick Green Oh, yeah.
Okay, so give me one. What's your favorite song that you ever recorded with Tetrajon
Jon Schlitt Okay, so give me one. What's your favorite song that you ever recorded with Tetrajon? And, Bob, what's your favorite one that y' all recorded and you wrote? I guess favorite's not the right one. If you had to pick one, what would it be? Okay. For me, I just. I'll just go, you know, be simple. Beyond Belief. You have to play. Yeah. And for me, for a singer, I want to see the crowd satisfied, so I want to play Beyond Belief just so they're happy. There's probably some other songs that I like as much, but when it's the whole picture for the ministry, for Petra as a whole, it's got to be Beyond Belief.
Rick Green Yeah.
Rick Green That's good, Bob.
Bob Hartman Well, that's a. That's a really hard one. I can. I could say one song for one reason and another song for another reason. I'm, gonna say Jekyll and Hyde
Rick Green all the way back. Yeah.
Bob Hartman Yeah. That's a. You know, a really popular song and a lot of fun to play, and, you know, it's pretty neat.
Bob Hartman and John Schlitt of the epic band Petra appear on Wall Builders
Rick Green Let me do two things before we go. Petra. So to book you guys or to find out where you're playing, petrabrand.com is that still the best. Best place to go?
Bob Hartman Yes, that's right.
Rick Green Petraband.com and then for the movie Beyond Belief. Movie Beyond Belief Movie will be in theaters At the end of the month, and you can also book it into your church and, and do a show there. August 28th is when it is being released. Man, what a treat, guys. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for all that you've done over the years. you haven't just been entertainers. You've literally led so many people to Christ and given. I mean, I know for me, as a young guy, a way to come to know the Lord in a language that I could understand. That's the best way I know to say it.
Jon Schlitt So bless you, buddy. Thank you. That was our gold. It always has been. It still is now. It still is now. We walk on stage and believe God's got a plan for that night, and we just stay out of the way and do our best.
Rick Green Love it. Love it, Bob. God bless you, man. Y' all keep up the great work.
Bob Hartman You too, Rick. Thanks.
Jon Schlitt Thanks, Rick.
Rick Green That was Bob Hartman and Jon Schlitt of the epic band Petra. I mean, it just. They paved the way for so many, of the Christian music, people in the Christian music industry, especially in the, you know, Christian rock industry, which, which I'm a fan of, and I'm sure there's some of you out there that aren't, but that's okay. Trust me when I tell you it does reach people that would not be reached otherwise. And, I was one of those kids, so I'm really thankful for these guys and certainly appreciate them taking time to be on with us here on Wallnua Builders. Be sure and check the movie out. Beyond Belief Movie. Beyond Belief Movie. And then petrabrand.com petrabrand.com to find out about the tour.
Rob McCoy is coming on to talk about South Korea on the show
Okay, we're going to switch gears big time here. So we're going to go from my childhood music, some of the greatest music, to a very serious. And Rob McCoy is going to be with us. This is specifically dealing with South Korea, and it was one of the things that, Charlie Kirk was doing right before he was assassinated. And Rob will, of course, tell that story. But Rob McCoy is such a good friend. I love this guy. He's one of the best pastors in America. He's absolutely a man of Issachar that understands the times and knows what to do. We filmed biblical citizenship in his church, big chunk of it. And, he's a major part of that. Not only that first episode, but several others as well. So super excited to have you, brother. Rob, appreciate you coming on, man.
Rob McCoy Love you too, Rick. And thank you for the time. This is. This is cherished. And I'm so grateful, man.
Pastor Sean Stone was arrested in South Korea earlier this month
Rick Green Well, man, we've been so, just honestly enthralled and, and enamored with, the outpouring of support for Pastor Shawn. The story. enjoyed being with you on Flashpoint the other night and getting caught up on what was going on. just amazing how God is moving and setting up the right meetings and the right people, but such a travesty as far as what's happening in South Korea. And we had you on a couple of months ago to talk about it, but can you give us a couple of minute, just review of how this thing went down and really the danger that we're in with losing South Korea to the Communists. And obviously specifically and personally for Pastor Son and his church, of course.
Rob McCoy Thanks, Rick. I will. I'll bring you up to speed. so, you know, I didn't know my earlobe for my elbow when it comes to Korea, but about four years ago I was invited to come over by Mina Kim, who has set up what's called Build Up Korea, which is the equivalent of Turning Point usa. But it's, it was happening in South Korea, a conservative youth, movement. And it was really Christian run. It was outstanding. So I went out there and I participated for about four years At their annual conference. And I got a chance the very first year to meet Pastor Sohn, who is the pastor of the largest church in Busan. And he's the only church in Korea that stayed open during COVID And they came after him heavy. But he, he defied it because he knew that the church was essential and all the other religions weren't affected. Just Christianity was targeted. And so, by the way,
Rick Green I gotta say, Pastor Rob, when I watch the clips of him, the news interviews, the things that happened, he's basically the South Korean rappacort. I mean, come on. He's essentially, he did there what you did in Thousand Oaks and in California and for the rest of us across the country, as you were doing your fireside chats throughout the insanity and helping to educate people. He took a stand in South Korea much the same way, you know, that you did in California, because. So I could see why you guys would hit it off.
Rob McCoy Well, that you're gracious. the consequences for Pastor Stone were far greater. But we did hit it off. I felt like, you know, we'd been separated At birth. He's 62, I'm 61. So there's a chance we could have been brothers. My dad was over in Korea. I don't know anyways, but. But we just, we felt like we've been brothers our whole life. And so when, when I approached Charlie, I asked Charlie Kirk if he wanted to come to Korea and see what was happening with this conservative youth movement. And I knew he was going to say no because he just doesn't like to leave the US and he said yes. And I was shocked. So we came over to, Korea and the first thing I did was introduce him to Pastor Son, who I told him all about. And Pastor Sohn, obviously, with the new administration. The previous president had been imprisoned, in this new administration, a socialist, China loving, basically communist administration, the minute that they were elected into office they came after the churches, they raided the churches and they were, they were seeking to put Pastor Sohn in prison because obviously he defied the lockdown orders. And he'd also organized a 5 million person march in the five major cities in Korea against LGBT and the transgender movement and, and, and gay marriage. and, and so this, that administration was out to get him. And Pastor Sohn pointed out to Charlie, it looks like I'm going to be arrested here shortly. And Charlie said, and I'll never forget it, he said, I won't make promises on behalf of my government, but, but I'll do everything in my power if you're arrested, to get you out. And that, that, that promise was made four days before Charlie was murdered. And we landed in the US after the Build Up Korea event. And Monday we got word that Pastor Stone had been arrested. I called Charlie and he said, you know, get the arrest warrant and all the details and we'll feature it on the, on the program on Thursday on my podcast. And as we know, in the memorial service, he actually called Secretary Rubio and informed him what was going on. And then, we were going to feature it on that Thursday. And of course Monday, September 10, an awful day. Charlie was murdered and Pastor Sohn, languished in prison in a 3 by 7 cell in solitary confinement. You know, he, no due process, nothing. And he just languished there for five months. And I kept a promise to a friend, went over, visited him, filled the pulpit in his absence, protested out in front of the Korea, the South Korean Supreme Court, and with pastors who were brave enough to stand in defiance of, of that administration. And of course, the Vice President commented to the Prime Minister of South Korea when, when he came here to visit and it was, took that simple tact, that, that simple effort and Pastor Song was released. Well, when I was back visiting and celebrating his release in South Korea, I was informed that they were going to put him back in prison in September. And I said, pastor Sohn, come on out, to the US and let's, let's travel around and get word out about this and try to keep you out of prison. And my goal was to get a, a meeting with the President, with, with President Trump and a picture with Pastor Sohn. And that's, that's the whole point. And, well, we just found out that's been secured and we're going to meet Friday At 2pm so that's, that's exciting.
Rick Green Oh, wow, man, that, of course, that speaks volumes. and, and, and is as, as good a diplomatic move that you could make to have a picture like that. and, and I'll also get to show up as we're selling around, D.C. and, and see some of those things. Rob, I know I think I've heard you say this, but I know, I've felt it. You're, you're basically helping Charlie keep the promise. I mean, that's literally what you're living out right now.
Rob McCoy Yeah, I mean, you know, I miss him. And, you know, it's, it's, it's the best I can do is, to honor the promise my friend made. And, and I know Charlie would have done this. And, you know, to, to President Trump's credit, the man's busier in a one armed wallpaper hanger. And for him to take time, I mean, he's the one that got the Chinese pastor released from prison. I know this is dear to the president's heart. I want to just say kudos to Paula White and Erica, Kirk, my son Mikey, making calls.
Rick Green Hold that thought. We got to take a quick break. We'll be right back. Rob McCoy, our special guest. You're listening to At the The Core with Walker Bomb and Rick Rent.
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Rob McCoy: President Trump has led on religious freedom worldwide
Rick Green Welcome back At the The Core with Walker Wildmon and Rick Green. Rick I'm Rick Green, America's Constitution coach, Rob McCoy, our special guest today, we're talking about, of course, the South Korea situation. Pastor, Son, and, Rob was just telling us about how they were able to finally get this meeting set up with President Trump, which is just absolutely huge.
Rob McCoy I know this is dear to the president's heart. I want to just say kudos to Paula White and Erica, Kirk, my, son, Mikey, making calls. You know, the president is. No one's done more for religious freedom worldwide than President Trump. And I love what Pastor Sohn said. He said, rob, you know, I had America to come to, but if America falls to what Korea is facing, where will anyone go? And Korea has the largest Christian population of any nation in Asia. A third of their population of 59 million is Christian. And overnight, I mean, this nation was founded by, by American Christian missionaries that half of their founders were educated by these Christian missionaries. They came to the US to study our republic, our constitution, our Declaration of Independence. And they've rewritten their history. They've removed the history of their founders and, and China. Now, Chinese don't require a visa to come into the country anymore. And, and they can buy property and they can vote after anywhere, depending on the province, from three months to four years. They're, they're, they're turning the country over to China without a shot being fired. And President Trump, he's wise to this and, and he's, he's just, he gets it. And so I just can't thank him enough for making time in his busy schedule to take a picture with a pastor, of all things, just precious.
Rick Green He really has. Yeah. And you're right, he has led on religious liberty around the world. Yep. In a way we, we've never seen. And, you know, so many people thought he would be terrible on that issue. He's turned out to be the best that we've had on that issue. Rob, I know it's not the, you know, necessarily the, the topic, but, you know, South Korea is, I mean, literally, literally right next door to one of the worst communist regimes ever. How do they not, you know, it was such a contrast for all those years. That's 60 years now, 70 years now. I mean, how do they fall into socialism and communism after seeing such benefit of capitalism and a free enterprise system? I mean, I think about us as a nation, we're kind of, you know, we're spoiled, we're getting soft. But for them, they've been facing the threat of communist North Korea right across the border, and they're still giving into this. How do you describe, explain that?
Rob McCoy Well, it's a total illustration of the Tyler cycle. You know, the Scottish historian who said, every democracy goes from, bondage to faith, faith to freedom, freedom to abundance, abundance to apathy and then apathy back to dependence. And South Korea became a Nation in 1948, and they were the poorest nation on the face of the earth. They had been enslaved by the Imperial Japanese. America defeats Japan, Korea becomes a nation in August of 48. And then, of course, Russia, comes down and establishes North Korea with the Chinese. And so there's two separate nations. They're both the poorest on the earth. And then we know the Korean War establishes. And then we have 36,000, what, 600 U.S. military personnel die to establish a 38th parallel. And the north gets communism and the south gets freedom. And if you look At the Korean peninsula At night, the north is dark and the south is lit with industry. And they go from the poorest nation to the sixth wealthiest. And with that abundance comes apathy, and communism takes over gradually and then suddenly, similar to the Sun Also Rises with, Ernest Hemingway, it happened gradually, then suddenly. And that's what's happening overnight. These, folks. But I wanted to share with your listeners real briefly that the silver lining in all this is 70% of youth, 18 to 30, inspired by Charlie, are in defiance of this current administration. they see that communism is not the way, and we need to back them and encourage them. And there's hope for this country. They have a negative birth rate, but these young people, they want their country back and they want to get married early and have kids they can't afford and re. Establish this Christian blessing upon their land.
Rick Green Wow, man. It's an incredible story. So thankful, that you were able to connect with them and have this personal relationship, but then also to bring this warning to our country that we can absolutely go that way as well. And so we'll be praying for your meeting on Friday. Ah, praying for. For favor for Pastor Son. Remind me his son's name again. I know we've, we've had him on flashpoint before.
Rob McCoy Well, so, he's got two sons. they were both on the pro. Well, yeah, so. So Chance is his youngest son. And this is funny. The young son is the oldest son. Yeah. And. And so I, I have Young and chance and then Mr. Mrs. Sohn, with me. So we're Taking care of the four of them. And we've been going across the country and gratitude and thanks to pastors across the country who have, who have encouraged them and blessed them and supported them and the people who back this visit, it has been fruitful and I'm so grateful and quite honestly your listeners and all the folks involved, especially Flashpoint, they quite honestly could be used of the Lord to save South Korea.
Rick Green Wow. Wow, man. Well, thank you. Please tell the whole family, the wall builders, radio audience loves them, praying for them and we'll be praying for your meeting on Friday. Pastor Rob McCoy, always a pleasure, sir. Thanks for coming on.
Rob McCoy Love you, Rick. Bless you, brother.
Rick Green Love that guy. What a, what a blessing. What a blessing that was Rob McCoy. Now we got Ryan Walters. Ryan of course, Superintendent of education in Oklahoma, did incredible work there. just a, just an absolute trailblazer for historian education, what it should be. And now I think of it this way, you're basically exporting that good work all over the country. So Ryan thanks for coming on, man.
Ryan Walters. Hey, I appreciate it. Always honored to be on Rick. Appreciate it.
Rick Green and David Barton founded Teacher Freedom Alliance to help teachers
Rick Green Well, enjoyed being with you At the conference for the Teacher Freedom Alliance. I noticed you had this other guy named David Barton. I guess you just needed to fill a spot. I don't know, I don't know what was going on there. No, David actually came back, he's like, man, we gotta get right on. This is so cool what they're doing with these teachers. And anyway, so, super excited about what you're doing. I loved what I saw there. And man, this is the way to take education back and make it an institution that actually supports America instead of tearing it down.
Ryan Walters. No, that's right. And I'm telling you, when you have Rick Green and David Barton, I'm telling you, you get a lot of folks very excited and very excited about what we can do here and to make America, America great again. And you know, I mean, it's fascinating because you look At the education landscape, you know, and like you said, Rick, you know, what we did in Oklahoma was we just took on the radical left and said, listen, we're taking these institutions back, you know, we're not going to sit back and allow education to be controlled by left wing groups like the teachers unions, like these, school administrators that are just these far left, folks that are in these spots. And so we're going to take the fight to them. We're going to have an aggressive game plan to come out and bring education back to Some common sense. I mean, that's the reality is so much of this is common sense. Don't you want the next generation to love this country? I mean, that should not be a controversial statement. But of course, in a lot of education circles it is because it's been dominated by dei, crt, all this anti American nonsense. So, I mean, our teachers are just so electrified. Hearing from David Barton, hearing from you, and saying, yes, this is the type of curriculum, this is the type of understanding of America we want our students to hear and feel. And of course, that's what so many parents and grandparents around the country have been asking for. And so it's been tremendous. And again, it's an honor to work with you, and it's an honor to see that work being done inside the education space.
Rick Green Man, I love the fact that, you know, with these teachers, because a lot of times we conservatives get a bad rap and they act like we're anti teacher because the typical teacher unions became so left wing. We were anti Marxism, anti leftism. And those teacher unions are so taken by that philosophy that by going against them and the things that they were doing. Sometimes people labeled us as just being anti teacher when in fact we were rooting for the good teachers that were out there that were still trying to keep the pro America stuff in and just trying to give kids good reading, writing, arithmetic and, you know, good values, good American values, good history. and so what you've done and what the Teacher Freedom alliance is doing is, is basically coming alongside those teachers and helping them, getting them good training, getting them good, resources and bringing them together. I think one of the things I noticed At the conference, anyway, they're all looking around the room going, I'm not the only one. This is kind of nice, you know, so. So that's another thing you do is bring them together for community.
Rick Green: The importance of not giving up on education
So anyway, just, I think just hit on that a little bit. The importance of not giving up on education and not giving up on good teachers out there.
Ryan Walters. Well, no, you said that really well, Rick. I mean, you know, when you look At education and you look At Yeah, you know, the left always tries to say, you know, they conservatives, the right. Oh, they're against teachers. It's like, no, we're against absolute nonsense being pushed into the classrooms. And look, if you're a social justice warrior, activist masquerading as a teacher in the teachers union, pushing this anti American and lies, transgender lies to our kids. Yeah, we don't want that nonsense push on our kids.
Rick Green That's Right.
Ryan Walters. But we want great people in education. We want our kids. I mean, I've always looked At teaching in general. It tends to attract more conservative, traditional minded folks because again, it is a profession where you're saying, look, I want to pass this on, I want to conserve American values by passing it on to the next generation. I want to ensure that these values don't go away, that they don't die. and so you have so many good people that are teachers, but I'm telling you, they are beaten down. They are targeted by the teachers union, they are targeted by left wing administrators. And so, you know, our thought with the Teacher Freedom alliance is, number one, we've got to have a counterweight of the teachers union to come in here and say, listen, there is a professional organization that actually is professional, not a left wing operation funneling money to the Democrat party. But we actually are going to do a lot of the things that the teachers unions claim. That's what they were created for 30 or 40 years ago, which is true professional development. We want to help you be a better history teacher, we want to help you be a better math teacher. We want to help you do these things. And then, you know, the thing that of course you're so spot on about, that I hear forgotten so often, is we are here in education. We have a school system to produce great, good American citizens. If we don't produce good American citizens, this experiment in, a constitutional republic will not continue. And so, we want good academics, we want kids to be able to fulfill their God given potential so they can go out, use those talents God gave them. But we also want to make sure that our kids understand the nation's values, love this country, and are able to continue along that value set moving forward. There's a lot of great teachers around the country that want to do that. But I'm going to tell you, they are up against some tremendous forces there from the teachers union and these left wing groups. And so we're going to continue to fight them, tooth and nail all the way.
Rick Green Well, you know, this way better than I do. But I remember even 25 years ago when I was in the legislature, a lot of what I would hear from really good teachers is, hey, you know, I don't want to be a part of this teacher union, but it's the only way I can get, you know, liability insurance, the only way I can do some of this professional development. And so I just have to. And so then that teacher union ends up with all that money from the dues and they're not using it, they're using it for a little bit of those things, but they're also using it to, to radically transform education into a market. I mean, I think the California teacher unions alone spent, I remember it being, literally hundreds of millions of dollars over the years to stop school choice and that sort of thing. I know you guys are already doing. I mean, you've got an insurance thing you do for them, you got the professional development, you've got, you know, putting curriculum in front of them. You're bringing them to all the things like you said that they used to have to say, well, I have to be a part of the teacher. No, you're giving them an alternative to that.
Ryan Walters. And Rick, I'll show you. One of the things we discovered when we first started here was even in states where you leave the teachers union, you're having to go back to get your professional development, to keep your certificate, to keep your job. I mean, this is how embedded they've put themselves in education that even in red state so many times you have to go through the teachers unions to keep your certificate to be a teacher, even if you're not in the union. And so we're sitting here going, well, we can offer professional development and frankly we'll offer it a lot better than what the union's doing. It won't have all the left wing nonsense, right? If you're going to do professional development math, there's not many DEI or nonsense in there, but we're going to actually find really great folks to come out and provide these type of professional development. We're going to bring back classroom discipline. That's another one. I mean, the left has gone crazy with this victimization, mindset in our schools where you see schools that are just chaotic. There's no discipline, it's just a mess. We have a lot of our teachers go, hey, sign me up. I want to understand how to manage a classroom. I want to understand how to have high expectations on kids so they learn some self responsibility about their behavior so they can grow up to be better, functional adults. I mean, these are things that, as you start putting this together, it attracts really good teachers. To your point, it brings them together in a community as well, where they're not alone, they're not isolated. But again, these are things that for the longest time the unions dominated and by the way, collected money off of every aspect of this. Then they go and turn around and give to the furthest, left, Democrat candidates in the nation. And again the Supreme Court said a few years ago in the Janus case, you don't have to join the teachers union to be a teacher. You don't have to give dues to the Democrat party to be a teacher. That would, of course, violate your constitutional rights and liberties there. So, we're going to continue that fight and we're going to continue to expand. And what we're offering for good teachers,
Rick Green we are so aligned, man. I'm just looking right on your website, helping teachers who develop free, moral, and upright American citizens. That is. That is the mission. That is absolutely the mission. It's why we do what we do here At Wall Builders, why Patriot Academy does what it does. Just so thrilled with what you're doing, Ryan Loved what you did in Oklahoma. I mean, we were. We talked about you all over the country, that we needed more folks like you in education. so super proud of you and appreciate you being a champion out there. Teacherfreedomalliance.com we have a lot of teachers that listen to the program, really want to encourage you. I'll go to Teacher Freedom Alliance.com and I think I read on your website, Ryan for teachers membership, is it free? Is that. I read that right?
Ryan Walters. It's free. you know, we want to support you. We want to make sure that teachers have that. Again, we're not funneling money to the Democrat Party, so we're able to do these things, for the teachers. So again, it is free. there's no charge to teachers. Sign up, get involved in the work we're doing there. There's no. There's no cost entry there in any state.
Ryan Walters: Teacher Freedom Alliance is for teachers in all 50 states
Rick Green So. Are you in all 50 states? Do you have to be in a particular state to join or. It's all of them. All 50 states? All 50 states. Fantastic. All right, Teacher Freedom Alliance.com get signed up there and then, of course, I know this was your big annual conference you just had, but I'm assuming y' all are still doing stuff throughout the year. So if they get on the email list now, you got stuff coming up in the. In the. Throughout the school year.
Ryan Walters. That's right. We're all over the country with our. With our professional development, with our trainings, with our conferences. So. Yes, sir. And, if you sign up, we'll be giving you emails, and when we're coming near you, good stuff.
Rick Green Teacher Freedom alliance dot com. That was Ryan Walters. I want to get him back because I think that, I think we have to push to not give up on the kids that are in the public schools. I mean, I'm a homeschool dad. I'm all for private schools, but I think you still got to work on what's happening in the public school school. So good stuff. Appreciate Ryan coming on. Hope you enjoyed Rob McCoy and Ryan and, of course, Petra. Thanks for listening. Today you've been listening to, At the core, Walker Wildmon and Rick Green The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
Rick Green is joined by the legendary Christian rock band Petra, featuring founder Bob Hartman and lead singer Jon Schlitt. They dive into the band's rich history, their influence on Christian music, and the upcoming film "Beyond Belief," which showcases their music and its impact on a new generation.
In the latter part of the episode, Rick shifts gears to discuss the pressing issue of education in America with Ryan Walters, former Superintendent of Education in Oklahoma and now CEO of Teacher Freedom Alliance.. They explore the importance of restoring American values in education, the need for professional development that aligns with conservative principles, and the efforts of the Teacher Freedom Alliance to support teachers in reclaiming their classrooms from radical ideologies.
Listeners are encouraged to engage with the Teacher Freedom Alliance, which offers free membership and resources to educators across the country. This episode is a call to action for all who care about the future of education and the importance of instilling good citizenship and American values in the next generation.
(01:03) Rick Green interviews Petra on American Family Radio
(05:21) Bob Hartman: Beyond Belief is a Christian movie about Christianity with young people
(09:48) How did you guys balance loving music and running a business
(12:00) Touring for 20 years now
(16:11) Petra praise returns to The Core with Rick
(21:47) Petra has such a collection of songs. How do you pick your favorites
(23:16) What's your favorite song that you ever recorded with Petra?
(24:21) Bob Hartman and John Schlitt of the epic band Petra appear on Wall Builders
(26:05) Rob McCoy is coming on to talk about South Korea
(26:52) Pastor Sean Son was arrested in South Korea earlier this month
(34:46) Rob McCoy: President Trump has led on religious freedom worldwide
(40:47) The Founding of Teacher Freedom Alliance was to help teachers
(43:35) Rick Green: The importance of not giving up on education
(49:53) Ryan Walters: Teacher Freedom Alliance is for teachers in all 50 states
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