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‘We Intend To Recover Our Good Name’—VA Pastor Announces ‘Legal Action’ in First Public Appearance Since Prostitution Sting Arrest

Nevertheless, on Sunday (Dec. 4), Blanchard appeared onstage for the first time since his charges were dropped. 

“Firstly, I want to thank you all for your prayers, and your love, and your support,” Blanchard told the congregation after being welcomed to the stage by Gimenez. “I’m gonna share this statement with you.”

“In the book of Luke chapter 22, verse 31 and 32, it says that the Lord said to Simon, he said, ‘Satan has desired to have you that he might sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith would not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brethren,’” Blanchard said. 

He continued, “John chapter 10, verse 10…tells us that the accuser has sought to do three things…to steal, kill and destroy. But by God’s grace, our faith has stood and we’re still standing in the midst of every attack.”

RELATED: Charges Against Virginia Pastor of Soliciting Sex With a Minor Dropped

“I’m committed to strengthen the brethren today with the truth,” Blanchard said. “For the sake of the church, I have kept quiet until now, but only because that is what legal counsel has advised me to do—which it has been very difficult to do, by the way—to ignore, quietly, all the lies and smear campaigns against me and this church—against all of us, really.” 

“But, today, I’m here to announce: enough is enough,” Blanchard declared. 

“Over the past several months, I’ve been the subject of vicious and inhuman accusations. These statements are demonstrably false. You can dress up a lie, you can twist it, you can misrepresent it, but I’m sorry—a lie is still a lie,” Blanchard said.

“The word of God tells us not to bear false witness against our neighbor. But because particular organizations and individuals have made it very clear that they intend to destroy our church, my family, and this ministry,” Blanchard continued, “they’ve really left us no other choice but to fight for the truth. We have sought the Lord and feel that God is speaking to us, and is telling us to pursue, to overtake, and to recover all.”

“And we intend to recover our good name in this community. Under the counsel of the leadership, we are moving forward with legal action. This matter will be addressed in a court of law,” Blanchard announced, going on to compare his situation to the biblical story of King David being defrauded by Nabal.

“So I believe the word of the Lord over me in this house that God will shut the mouth of the liars,” Blanchard said. “God has spoken his promises to this house, and they will come to pass. I covet your prayers.”

Blanchard gave no details regarding the exact nature of the legal action he is planning to undertake. He made no specific reference to the crimes of which he was accused and charged. 

RELATED: Virginia Church Urges Believers ‘Not To Condemn’ As Pastor Arrested in Sex Sting Op Steps Away From Duties Again

ChurchLeaders has reached out to Rock Church International for comment and will update this article in the event of their response.