Thumb Reporter

The Convention of States (COS) is hosting a Town Hall event in Imlay City on Thursday, Aug. 5, with District 82 Captain Truman Mast serving as the keynote speaker.

The event starts at 7 p.m. at the Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds, 195 Midway St. The event aims to discuss the topic of government overreach and discuss faith-based solutions, according to the event's Facebook page. 

"My absolute favorite thing about America is that we are protected to exercise our faith through public worship," Mast told Thumb Reporter. "Others have paid a tremendous price for the ability to do that. It’s something we must continue to practice in public or we will lose it. We must exercise our liberties, or we will lose them." 

Mast says he became involved with the COS through a chance encounter related to his spiritual pursuits. 

"The Lord led me to COS," he said. "I was taking the biblical citizenship course by Patriot Academy, which included (COS Co-founder and CEO) Mark Meckler. I had learned about biblical citizenship from being involved with Wallbuilders and David Barton. That’s where I heard about COS. I signed the petition online, signed up to volunteer, and the rest is history. When a leader from COS called me to start the process, I asked, 'What role is needed most,' and here I am now as a District Captain.'" 

The goal of his involvement, Mast says, is to bring people back to America's religious roots. 

"My hope and my prayer for this nation is that people will wake up spiritually, turn back to God, and return to decency and respect for one another," he said. "The only way I know how to do that is by starting with myself, my own vessel. I need to walk with the Lord, and He will use me however He sees fit." 

COS works for an amending convention, not a constitutional convention. This is a significant difference because a constitutional convention seeks to completely rewrite the framework of government and deliver a new constitution, whereas an amending convention only offers particular amendments to the existing constitution. 

These amendments must then be ratified by 38 States before becoming officially part of the Constitution.

"Our Convention of States resolution proposes amendments on three subject matters, which include imposing fiscal restraints on Washington, limiting federal power and jurisdiction, and setting term limits for federal officials," Rita Dunaway, senior vice president of legislative affairs for the national COS team, told the Hawkeye Reporter.

COS has passed its resolution in 15 states and has millions of followers. The Convention of States petition is on the group's website.

Contact Mast at truman.mast@cosaction.com or call (810) 614-4845 for more information about Thursday's event or to become involved with the Convention of States.