Contact: Dan Smithwick, Nehemiah Institute, Inc., 800-948-3101, dan@nehemiahinstitute.com; Chaplain E. Ray Moore (Lt. Col.), USAR Ret., President, Frontline Ministries, Inc. and the Exodus Mandate Project, 803-714-1744, exodusmandate@gmail.com  

COLUMBIA, S.C., Jan. 28, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- Frontline Ministries, Inc., and the Exodus Mandate Project announced today the selection of Dan Smithwick as the recipient of the 2013 Dr. Robert Dreyfus Courageous Christian Leadership Award. Established by Frontline Ministries, Inc., in 2007, this award is presented annually to honor and recognize Christian leaders who have exhibited moral courage through their unique contribution to the Church by advancing Christianity in the culture and life of the nation. This contribution may run counter to the prevailing culture of Church and society.

In 1986, Dan Smithwick established the non-profit Nehemiah Institute, Inc. that would teach and build on the theme "biblical worldview." He authored an assessment program directed at 5 key areas of life: Politics, Economics, Education, Religion and Social issues (PEERS), providing a one-of-a-kind Christian worldview testing and training program to families, schools, churches, businesses and political groups. It has made an impact for helping students advance the Christian faith worldwide. Thousands of private and Christian schools, church youth groups and home school youth groups have used the PEERS test. He also created a worldview curriculum that stresses advantages of a Christian approach to life, morality and family values, but also strong pro-business and free-market principles. He also created the Worldview Alliance in 2010, which presents a strategy for addressing the many moral, economic, political, educational and social ills prevalent in America today.

Dan received a B.S. degree in mathematics/education in 1972 from North Dakota State University. He subsequently entered into business management with AT&T for 20 years and then with several small business firms in upper management positions. In addition to his business career, Dan has been active in Christian education work for over 20 years. He served as board member of several Christian schools and taught in a private school one year. Dan also worked for Dr. Pat Robertson's Freedom Council doing grassroots training on Christian worldview principles. Dan continues to serve as president of the Institute with particular focus on new product development and CFO responsibilities. Dan also serves as a member of the executive committee of the Coalition on Revival (COR). COR is a ministry providing high-level worldview training in all major areas of society.

Chaplain Moore noted, "By God's providence, I believe Nehemiah Institute is well-positioned to help us re-think why we believe what we believe, and to begin the process of restoring our heritage. This has to happen in the home, the church and the schools."

Dr. Dreyfus, a prominent retired Florida dentist and inventor of a device to relieve neuromuscular pain for dental use, served as president of the Florida Dental Society of Anesthesiology. He has more than 45 years of volunteer work on behalf of family values and K-12 Christian education in Florida and now serves as the Florida state coordinator for the Exodus Mandate Project.

Chaplain Moore noted that the 2013 award is the seventh to be awarded. Past recipients include: Thomas C. Pinckney, M.A., Brigadier General USAF Ret. and Bruce N. Shortt, J.D., Ph.D. (2007); Brian D. Ray, Ph.D., president of the National Home Education Research Institute (2008); Gena and Paul Suarez, publishers of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine (2009); Geri and Bob Boyd, Issues in Education radio ministry (2010); Alice Moore, 1974 WV Textbook Protester (2011); Joyce and Eric Burges, National Black Home Educators (NBHE).

Contact information for Dan Smithwick and Nehemiah Institute, Inc.: 554 Groves End Lane, Winter Garden, FL 34787, 1 (800) 948-3101, dan@nehemiahinstitute.com.

Contact information for Frontline Ministries, Inc.: Chaplain E. Ray Moore (Lt. Col.), USAR Ret., President, Frontline Ministries, Inc. and the Exodus Mandate Project, PO Box 12072, Columbia, SC 29211, email: exodusmandate@gmail.com, 803-714-1744, www.exodusmandate.org.