When I heard about the attempt on your life my heart sank. I was in Southern California, less than half a mile away from where I had been 43 years ago when I heard the news that Ronald Reagan had been shot. I will never forget either one of those days.

Pastoring a Bible-believing church in California is not easy, but I’m surrounded by many good people. We all understand the enormous value of getting the nation back on track (spiritually speaking). Many of our residents are not called to flee, but to stand and fight. California is still a great state.

That said, there are some things you could do to help us make it even greater should you retake the presidency.

Mass Deportation

Everyone agrees that illegal immigration is one of the biggest challenges facing us today. In an attempt to secure more votes, the Democrats have destroyed our nation, leaving us wide open for terrorist attacks. (Make sure to read the end about the greatest threat.)

When an airplane loses cabin pressure, parents put on their oxygen masks first so they can then assist their children. This isn’t selfishness; it’s wisdom. In the same way, the president of the United States is to put the safety of the American people first. But the key is striking a balance between security and compassion.

Being from a border state, I’d like to recommend a few things in regard to deportation. I’m not naïve; I know that all ideas have flaws, but we need to begin the conversation so we can hit the ground running in 2025.

1) Use a lie detector and/or AI technology to gauge immigrants’ intent as well as potential affiliation with any gangs.

2) Draw distinctions between families who truly need assistance and young men who might pose a security threat.

3) How about treating people seeking to immigrate here the same way we treat job applicants? Can the person provide three legit references, including a church reference? And are they willing to learn English within two years?

4) Let’s be more like Canada: The immigrant must already have a plan in place for employment, not looking to rely on free handouts.

5) Streamline the process of becoming a citizen for those who are doing it correctly and legally.

6) Consider allowing churches to act as sponsors for those who qualify to stay. This would also add an extra layer of accountability and offer a level of hope to the new residents.

Layers of Safety

Adding these layers would not only show compassion (the heart of God) for immigrants, but it would also ease fear for citizens and immigrants alike. The call for an urgent, massive deportation would cause panic. We must calm the storm before it hits.

Additionally, a compassionate process would extinguish the Left’s rhetoric that “Republicans don’t care about people!” which we know is a complete lie.

Another National Crisis

Although it doesn’t affect every state yet, homelessness affects every large city and must be addressed.

The Los Angeles Times reports that “California voters approved homelessness funding to the tune of billions of dollars. A new report reveals that for all the money spent, the state just doesn’t have the receipts on what works and what doesn’t.”

We seem to have lost the paper trail.

Unlike illegal immigration, we can’t deport homeless Americans, but we can employ prayer and biblical principles to help them. The reason throwing money at the problem doesn’t work is because the homelessness crisis is a spiritual problem — and therefore, the battle must be fought spiritually.

Living in Los Angeles County, I’ve seen it firsthand: A percentage of the homeless have mental issues, while others truly have no money or resources. The final percentage is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.

All three of these issues can be handled at the local, not governmental, level (e.g. boots on the ground). One solution is to offer grants to churches who adopt those who are homeless. This would allow churches to hire staff for the homeless ministry. Another idea is to set up prayer walks in the city; church members can pray for the homeless and come alongside them to help them find jobs, and give those who are addicted the opportunity to go through programs.

Yes, a few churches like ours already do this, but we need motivation and resources. Of course wisdom is needed, as well as security, but a grassroots approach is the only solution.

Inaction Is Action

Wisdom is needed, as well as security, but a biblical approach is the only solution. Would it be easier to simply do nothing? Absolutely. But we are not called to bury our heads in the sand. I’m well aware of the challenges, but we’ll miss 100% of the shots we don’t take. Us + God = the majority.

Someone who also loves America once said: “As long as we have faith in each other, and trust in God, then there is no goal, at all, beyond our reach. There is no dream too large, no task too great.”

That person was Donald J. Trump.

The Greatest Threat to America

Although securing our borders is important, it pales in comparison to securing our relationship with the Lord. We’ve mocked God’s messengers, despised His Word, and scoffed at His principles — and now we are reaping the whirlwind. We must return to Him before it’s too late: “Return to Me and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:7).

Like the Founders in their time of crisis, it’s time to call America to a season of prayer, fasting, and repentance. At this stage in the game, it’s the best way — and maybe the only way — to divert disaster.

Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network. His program, Regaining Lost Ground, points us back to God and reminds us that although times change, truth does not. His books, blogs, and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com.