Dr. Mark H. Creech
Return America
As we pause for Thanksgiving, many will think of family gatherings, roasted turkey, and a brief break before the Christmas season begins. But for those of us engaged in the battle for truth, morality, and freedom in North Carolina, this season calls for far more than sentiment. It calls us to recognize the mighty hand of God in the public square—and to give thanks for the victories He has granted.
This year was one of the most consequential legislative seasons in a decade. Again and again, we watched God work through the smallest margins, the narrowest votes, the unexpected decisions, and the faithfulness of His people. Some victories were dramatic and visible. Others were quiet mercies, where harmful bills stalled and died in silence. All of them were evidence that God is still sovereign over the affairs of our state.
As supporters of Return America, you should know just how much you have to be thankful for this year.
1. A 12-Year Prayer Finally Answered: HB 193 Became Law
This year, after more than a decade of advocacy, HB 193 – Firearm Law Revisions passed over the Governor’s veto and will become law on December 1. This bill:
- Allows trained, vetted employees and volunteers in private Christian schools to carry firearms for campus protection.
- Permits concealed carry at churches meeting in school buildings, even during school hours, with school approval.
- Strengthens protections for local officials and election workers.
Its passage was a hair’s-breadth miracle, one vote in the House, a dramatic reversal in the Senate, and unmistakable evidence of God’s providence.
For 12 years, we prayed. This year, the Lord answered.
2. A Major Victory for Justice and Public Safety: “Iryna’s Law” Became Law
HB 307 – Iryna’s Law is now law in North Carolina. This historic victory:
- Ends cashless bail for violent offenders.
- Speeds up death penalty appeals that have languished for nearly 20 years.
Protects citizens from repeat, violent criminals.
Even Governor Stein, uncomfortable with capital punishment, felt compelled to sign the bill. That itself is remarkable. Return America was a strong voice for its passage, and for this, we give thanks.
3. Real Momentum Toward Defunding Planned Parenthood
Two primary measures – HB 192 and SB 378 – advanced further than ever toward cutting off taxpayer funds to abortion providers in our state. Though the legislative process continues, this year marks the strongest push yet to end public subsidies for Planned Parenthood in North Carolina.
This deserves our profound gratitude.
4. Protecting Children and Strengthening Parental Rights
This year, Return America supporters witnessed tremendous movement on several bills:
- HB 805 – Prevent Sexual Exploitation/Women and Minors became law after a veto override.
- SB 442 – Parents’ Protection Act became law, ensuring parents are not accused of abuse for upholding biological truth.
- HB 519, HB 636, and HB 606 – significant parental and child-protection bills – remain alive for next session.
When parents are under assault culturally, these measures provide essential safeguards grounded in biblical truth.
For the ground gained here, we give God thanks.
5. Advancing School Choice and Christian Education
HB 87 – Educational Choice for Children Act, though vetoed, now sits one step from becoming law. If enacted, it would make Christian schooling and homeschooling dramatically more accessible to families across our state.
For thousands of Christian parents, this represents hope—and we thank God for real legislative progress.
6. A Pushback Against DEI Ideology in North Carolina Government and Schools
Bills to roll back DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) ideology passed both chambers:
- HB 171 – Bans DEI in state agencies.
- SB 227 – Ends DEI in K–12 education.
- SB 558 – Ends DEI in higher education.
All three await override votes. Even reaching this point is a victory. The tide has turned—biblical truth about human identity and dignity is no longer silent.
For these, we must be thankful.
7. “In God We Trust” Gains Major Ground
HB 16, requiring the national motto to be displayed in both chambers of our General Assembly, passed the House 100–17. Though the Senate delayed action, the overwhelming bipartisan support is a strong sign of renewed acknowledgment of God in public life.
This, too, is something to celebrate with thankful hearts.
8. Advancing Public Safety, Law and Order, and the Protection of the Innocent
Several vital bills made substantial progress:
- HB 42 – Back the Blue Pay Act
- HB 775 – Criminal History Checks for School Positions
- SB 13 – Political Terrorism Prevention Act
- SB 153 – NC Border Protection Act
- SB 50 – Constitutional Carry
Some await action; some are poised for veto overrides. All reflect a strong commitment to justice, safety, and order.
These are not small things. These are God’s mercies.
9. Progress Restraining the Hemp and Marijuana Explosion
Though much remains to be done, the General Assembly took serious steps to confront the hemp/THC crisis that endangers North Carolina’s youth. Multiple regulatory bills advanced, and – praise God – recreational and so-called medical marijuana legalization remain stalled.
We should be deeply grateful for what did not happen this year.
10. Quiet Victories: Many Harmful Bills Died in Committee
Sometimes God protects His people through silence. This year, numerous damaging proposals on gambling, drug expansion, and youth-endangering policies:
- Never made it to the floor.
Their failure is a blessing worth naming.
Finally, and this is personal, I want to thank you for allowing me to stand in Raleigh as your representative.
This year I:
- Testified before several House and Senate committees,
- Met privately with lawmakers about various pieces of legislation,
- Advocated for righteousness and truth through mainstream media and social media,
- Hours of research on dozens of bills,
- Monitored dozens of bills,
- Built relationships with legislators, staffers, and caucus leaders – relationships that opened doors for Return America and made our voice welcome where it otherwise might not have been heard.
- Offered pastoral counsel and prayer to lawmakers who were under tremendous pressure at times. It is a privilege to pray with them, listen to them, and offer spiritual encouragement when needed.
- Represented Return America at legislative and prayer gatherings, and coalition strategy sessions – settings where relationships are built and where some of the most meaningful work is done.
- Worked in tandem with allied organizations – NC Values Coalition, NC Family Policy Council, NC Faith and Freedom Coalition, Smart Approaches to Marijuana, North Carolinians Against Marijuana Legalization, church leaders, conservative caucus members, and others – to strengthen partnerships, coordinate strategy, and avoid division among those fighting for the same principles.
- Responded quickly to fast-moving legislative developments. In a session where priorities can shift within minutes, I stayed present, attentive, and ready to act so that Return America would never be caught unprepared,
- Advocated privately in ways the public never sees – calling legislators during some nights about, clarifying misunderstandings, addressing objections, countering misinformation, encouraging hesitant members, urging leadership to calendar essential bills, and building quiet momentum behind the scenes. Much of what succeeds publicly begins with these unseen moments.
- Spoke at several churches on behalf of Return America,
- Provided thorough weekly legislative reports for Return America supporters.
I count this as a sacred stewardship. I thank God for Dr. Ron Baity, president of Return America, for his vision and his leadership. I thank God for the legislators who courageously filed, fought for, and voted for good bills – bills consistent with biblical values. I thank God for your prayers, encouragement, and faith. You were very much a part of this process.
This Thanksgiving, we can say without hesitation:
“This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.”
—Psalm 118:23
Many battles remain. Much work is ahead. But the Lord has gone before us, opened doors, and held back evil in ways only He could.
Let us give thanks for His goodness. Let us renew our commitment to truth. Let us stand firm together for righteousness in North Carolina.
From my heart to yours:
Thank you for standing with Return America.
May God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving.
In Christ and for truth,
Dr. Mark H. Creech
Director of Government Relations
Return America
