Dr. Hovinds's justice cycle

Dr. Hovinds's justice cycle

in progress June 2008

Index:

	Foreword (planned)
	A statement from Eric Hovind concerning the legal battle
	Fo
	Fo
	How can I help? (in progress)

Foreword

A statement from Eric Hovind concerning the legal battle

11/6/2007 - Every-Once-in-a-While Newsletter

Dear Friends of Creation Science Evangelism,

Greetings in the name of the Great Creator of the universe!

This is Eric Hovind, son of Dr. Kent Hovind, writing to you for the first time.

Today the creation vs. evolution controversy is intensifying more than ever. In a recent Presidential debate, only three of eleven candidates did not believe in evolution. Clearly, many Americans think this is a subject worth debating, because everyone knows that what you believe determines how you behave. The question is, are you ready to defend your faith at this critical time?

For eighteen years now, CSE has been giving people facts they need to strengthen their faith, defend the Word of God, and bring the lost to Christ. This newsletter will shed light on our continuing efforts to spread the Gospel through the creation message and with what's going on at CSE.

This newsletter will also provide an important update with heartbreaking news for all of those who have benefited by the work of Dr. Kent Hovind. It is because of an ongoing legal battle that we have not been able to bring you this news until now. I ask that as you read this newsletter, please prayerfully consider the matter that I bring to your attention.

In July of 2006, the Federal Government brought three charges against Dr. Hovind. Below is a short explanation of the charges, the events leading up to the charges, the subsequent trial, and the reasons why Dr. Hovind believed that CSE's handling of these matters was in full compliance with the law. I have also included a description of the steps that we have taken at CSE to redress the situation to ensure current conformity to federal tax regulations.

CHARGE ONE: FAILURE TO WITHHOLD EMPLOYEE-RELATED TAXES	CHARGE TWO: STRUCTURING CASH TRANSACTIONS IN ORDER TO EVADE BANK REPORTING REQUIREMENTS	CHARGE THREE: THREATENING AND IMPEDING THE INVESTIGATION OF A GOVERNMENT AGENT
Dr. Hovind's Defense: From the start of the ministry, Dr. Hovind sought legal counsel on the proper way to compensate those who would serve with him in the ministry. He was told by several attorneys that as a 508 organization, CSE was not required to withhold taxes and that each person serving would be responsible for paying their own income taxes. For seventeen years the ministry operated without incident, and no notice was ever given to CSE or Dr. Hovind that the IRS wanted any changes made on this issue until the day the charges were brought. CSE's Remedy: CSE immediately began using an employee leasing service to ensure proper conformity to the tax laws. The employee leasing service deducts all the required tax withholding for those serving at CSE Ministry.	Dr. Hovind's Defense: Up until 2003, CSE withdrew cash in order to compensate those who served at CSE. There was no knowledge of Bank Secrecy Laws and never any intention of evading Internal Revenue Service regulations. CSE's Remedy: As CSE began to grow larger, Dr. Hovind asked the governing director to begin using checks rather than cash when compensating those serving. This modification was instituted, and therefore, the cash transactions in question were no longer necessary. This modification occurred four years prior to the trial - not because of it. As a signer of the checks, Jo Hovind also faced the charge of structuring.	Dr. Hovind's Defense: Because Dr. Hovind filed papers questioning actions of the IRS, which was his legal right, he was charged with “impeding” the agency. They also believed he “threatened agents with bodily harm” by praying for those involved on public radio. CSE's Remedy: CSE is fully cooperating and complying with requests made to them by the IRS. We are thankful for the wise counsel that has been provided to us over these past several months from attorneys, CPAs, pastors, and friends in relation to these events.

In October a jury trial commenced that lasted three weeks. At the end of the trial, both Dr. and Mrs. Hovind were found guilty. Although this verdict is being appealed, Dr. Hovind was taken immediately into custody. While awaiting his sentence Dr. Hovind stayed in the Escambia County Jail for three months and led 17 of the 22 men in his pod to Christ! On January 19, 2007 the judge took Dr. Hovind's sentence from a maximum of sixteen months, as recommended by the guidelines, to ten years in prison. During the sentencing, the judge declared that the crimes Dr. Hovind had committed were worse than rape. On June 29, the judge reiterated that an example needed to be set and sentenced Jo Hovind to one year and one day in prison, double the recommended maximum. Although Mrs. Hovind was to begin her sentence on August 31, 2007, the judge granted a stay request pending the outcome of an appeal, and admitted that there was a “substantial question of law” that could result in an acquittal at the appellate-level court.

Despite this tragedy, God has been working on all involved in the situation. Dr. Hovind has been sending many letters to us, sharing his amazement at what God is doing in his life. Ironically, while getting some much-needed rest, he has been able to grow closer to the Lord. He says that once this chapter of his life is over, he can't wait to get back out there and demolish the stronghold of evolution. In the meantime, he is still making a difference by sending us incredible insights that will soon become future products of CSE. Mrs. Hovind continues to trust God that “all things work together for good to them that love God, who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

As part of the court case, the judge determined that the amount of money withdrawn from the bank to compensate people for serving in the ministry must be given to the government. She ordered that Kent and Jo Hovind pay $430,400.00 to the government; and because Mr. and Mrs. Hovind do not have that money, the government is attempting to seize property belonging to CSE as a substitute.

CSE is currently in litigation awaiting a hearing concerning this matter. CSE is appealing this decision, and praying for a different outcome. Wanting to continue the ministry, we will try to raise the money necessary to satisfy the government. Doing so will allow CSE and Dinosaur Adventure Land to continue influencing people with the Gospel through the creation message.

The team here at CSE has banded together to continue this vital work for the Lord. We have worked tirelessly to continue traveling and speaking, produce new videos, entertain and educate the thousands of people that come to Dinosaur Adventure Land, and also begin a project that, when finished, will be the biggest accomplishment in the history of CSE. I've heard it said many times that there are two ways to come out of any situation, bitter or better. No matter what, we're choosing the latter.

I will always remember the three financial principles upon which my dad built this ministry eighteen years ago:

"We are not trying to build a mansion; we are trying to win a war."
He would never charge for his seminars, but depend soley on the love offerings of supporters.
"You don't ration bullets in wartime."
Although CSE's material is copyrighted, permission has always been
granted to duplicate (unedited and unaltered), for free distribution only.
"If God does not provide, we'll quit."
He would not beg people for money, but trust completely in the Lord to provide.

Those principles have not changed. We still don't charge for our meetings; people can still copy our unedited material for free distribution; and if God does not provide, we will quit this incredible work. It is that simple.

These legal battles serve as a distraction from the mission and purpose of Creation Science Evangelism. Because of this, we have dedicated a separate Web site for those wanting information on this legal case or on Dr. Hovind's thoughts during this time. Please share www.drdino.com with those who are interested in creation, and share www.cseblogs.com with those who desire to pray for Dr. Hovind and the Creation Science Evangelism team's current needs. During this difficult time, we have received an outpouring of prayers and letters from so many individuals. We will be eternally grateful for all your continued support and prayers.

COPYRIGHT ©2007 CSE MINISTRY

How can I help?

	Official site of Dr. Hovind	Creation Science Evangelism (CSE)
	Messages and blogs relating to and from Kent Hovind	CSE Blogs
	Here you can petition to get Dr. Hovind released from prison + more information	Free Hovind