Cruz Campaign Press Release - More than 30 Missouri Pastors and Faith Leaders Endorse Cruz

SPRINGFIELD, MO — Presidential candidate Ted Cruz today announced the endorsements of more than 30 Missouri pastors and faith leaders. The initiative, known as Operation Gideon, is based on the biblical story of Gideon, who led a small handful of men in defeating a foreign army of oppressors.

"Heidi and I are grateful for the prayers and support of these faithful men and women," Cruz said. "As people of strong faith and as leaders in their communities, they have tremendous responsibility and influence. It is humbling to have their public endorsement of our campaign. As these leaders stand with me today, I pledge to continue standing with people of faith to defend every American's God-given right to religious liberty and reignite the promise of America."

"There is no greater advocate and defender of religious freedom than Ted Cruz. I would urge all people of faith and good will in Missouri to prayerfully and seriously consider supporting Ted Cruz for President of the United States," said Don Hinkle, Public Policy Director of the Missouri Baptist Convention.

Missouri faith leaders endorsing Cruz:

Pastor Keith Adamson, Cedar Gap Church

Pastor Brian Andrews, Amazing Grace Baptist Church

Pastor Chad Blansit, Bethany Church

Caleb Brown, Chairman of Deacons, Ramsey Creek Baptist Church

Pastor Aaron Brummitt, Lighthouse Anabaptist Church

Pastor Robert Burnett, Central Baptist Church

Mr. Jeremiah Cote, Youth Ministry Pastor & Missouri Millennials for Cruz State Director

Coby Cullins, President, National Safety Compliance, Inc.

Pastor Jerid Davis, Associate Pastor, Lighthouse Ministries

Pastor George Davis, Senior Pastor, Lighthouse Ministries

Mrs. Michelle Elliott, Evangelist, Kingdom Warriors for Christ

Pastor Herbert Hensley, Nebo Freewill Baptist Church

Don Hinkle, Public Policy Director, Missouri Baptist Convention

Pastor Dan Hite, Director, Pillar Foundation & Pastor, Christian Family Fellowship

Pastor Larry Ingracia, Associate Pastor at Transforming Life Church

Pastor Don Johnson, Hope Church

Mrs. Sherry Kuttenkuler, Central Missouri Director, Concerned Women for America

Pastor Brad Luckey, Senior Pastor, Bible Missionary Church

Mrs. Jill Noble, Kansas City Area Director, Concerned Women for America

Mrs. Debra Rodriguez, Evangelist, Kingdom Warriors for Christ

Mr. David Schminkey, Bible Professor, Ozark Bible Institute

Mrs. Dawn Schminkey, Alumni Secretary, Ozark Bible Institute

Pastor Mike Shelton, Academic Dean, Ozark Bible Institute

Pastor Carl Kingsley Walker, Life Gate International

Pastor Herb Ward, Senior Pastor, Harley Church of God

Previously announced Missouri faith leaders:

Mr. Rich Bott, President of Bott Radio Network

Mr. Dick Bott, Founder of Bott Radio Network

Former State Senator Delbert Scott, President, Kansas Christian College

Mrs. Bev Ehlen, Missouri State Director, Concerned Women for America

Ben Baker, Dean of Students at Ozark Bible Institute

Pastor Chris Lybarger, Senior Pastor at Fellowship First Baptist Church

Pastor John McCaherty, Pastor & State Representative

Mr. Calvin Morrow, Director at Christians Uniting for Political Action

Dr. Chuck Hoskins, Executive Director & Director of Missions, Jefferson Baptist Association

Dr. Karladine Graves, Christian Citizens United

*Titles and affiliations of all endorsers are provided for identification purposes only.