A billboard sponsored by the North Carolina Pastors Network is drawing some scrutiny because of its support of President Donald Trump’s travel ban while referencing the 19 Muslim immigrants who attacked America on September 11, 2001.

WSOC reports that the sign is located along Interstate 40 in Catawba County.  However, some claim that the group sponsoring the billboard have gone too far.

The sign read, “Why support President Trump’s immigration ban???”

“19 Muslim Immigrants Killed 2977 Americans September 11, 2001,” the sign continues.

Some were upset at what the sign says.

“I believe in the Christian way and that’s to embrace everybody,” Oliver Reitzell said. “Kind of the hate message behind it. I’m not for that.”

Well, the “Christian way” is not to “embrace everybody.”  However, Christians are called to love, and in doing so, we are to speak the truth in love.

However, there is a specific detail that needs to be pointed out concerning this sign.  All 19 of those Muslim immigrants were from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon, and those countries are not on Trump’s travel ban list.

While a study that was released earlier this year indicates that 72 terrorists have come from countries on Trump’s travel ban, none of those have done the damage of those involved in the 9/11 attacks, and again, they were from countries not on the list.

The head of the North Carolina Pastors Network, who funded the sign, is Dave Kistler.  He said the board is not a message of hate, but of truth.

“I’m saying it now, that this is not what this is about,” Kistler said. “There’s certainly nothing hateful in our billboard. Some have interpreted it to be that and say that. It was not. It is the truth.”

“This has nothing whatsoever to do with hatred or hostility toward anyone that comes from a background,” Kistler told WCNC-TV. “I have dear friends that are Muslim.”

“My opinion is that I think these people need the saving gospel of Jesus more than I need to be protected,” said Paul Cummings, who is associate pastor at Corinth Reformed Church in Hickory, North Carolina. “I’m perfectly willing for people who are hostile to us, to be in our country, because that’s what loving your enemy is all about.”

The group stand unwavering in keeping the sign up despite the controversy.  While I think the question should be asked why Saudi Arabia is not on Trump’s travel list ban, there is a bigger issue at stake and that is the entrance of more foreign gods and false teachings being allowed to come into America.  Furthermore, there is an even bigger issue that Christians have to face and that is getting the Gospel of Jesus Christ right and then being bold enough to confront sinners with its message.  That is what loving your enemy is about!