Huckabee returning to Lynchburg

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee will address the economic challenges facing faith-based organizations at a series of Lynchburg-area events Sunday and Monday.

The Baptist pastor and former GOP presidential candidate will make public appearances Sunday at Thomas Terrace Baptist Church in Concord and Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, and Monday at a public rally at the Holiday Inn Select. He will also speak Monday at a pastor’s breakfast and Liberty University’s student convocation.

Huckabee’s talks will focus on the recession’s impact on churches nationwide and what people can do to help.

“In many cases, families are turning to churches for assistance with food, clothing and other basics. Yet churches have to deal with less resources to meet those needs,” Huckabee said in a news release.

He will also introduce the Christian Values Network, an Internet-based fundraising organization launched in November. Members can donate to the Christian ministry, church or charity of their choice by shopping at participating retailers. Huckabee is a traveling spokesman for the organization.

The Huckabee visit was organized by InService America, a Forest-based Christian marketing company that represents the Christian Values Network.

“There’s a church on every corner, it seems like. We’re giving them the opportunity to see the value of signing up for Christian Values Network,” says Jeff Townsend, chief executive officer of InService America.

Huckabee last visited a Lynchburg Barnes & Nobles in December to promote his latest book, “Do the Right Thing.” He was at Thomas Road Baptist Church in November to talk about John McCain’s presidential campaign.