Dear Gov. Cuomo,

In 2014, you said, “Their problem is not me and the Democrats; their problem is themselves…Who are they? Are they these extreme conservatives who are right-to-life, pro-assault-weapon, anti-gay? Is that who they are? Because if that’s who they are and they’re the extreme conservatives, they have no place in the state of New York, because that’s not who New Yorkers are."

The number is down, because we brought the number down. God did not do that. Fate did not do that. Destiny did not do that. A lot of pain and suffering did that.

As a pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, and pro-biblical-definition-of-marriage kind of guy, I was disturbed by your comments and especially concerned for the future of my daughters, as I did not want to raise them in a hostile environment like the one you described. After much prayer, I took a leap of faith and moved my family from the Empire State to the Lone Star State in 2017. Thankfully, Texas has welcomed us with open arms.

As a former New Yorker under your administration, I’d like to do more than just share my thoughts on why New York state has been recording record numbers of residents leaving the state. I want to warn you of your latest headline-grabbing quote in which you said, “The number is down, because we brought the number down. God did not do that. Fate did not do that. Destiny did not do that. A lot of pain and suffering did that.” 

Gov. Cuomo, you claim to be a practicing Christian, however many who follow Jesus and his biblical teachings have a difficult time understanding how you can claim to be a believer of the Way and openly blaspheme the very same God you claim to worship. It was the mercy of God which has led to a flattening of COVID-19 cases in your state and not just the result of “a lot of pain and suffering” as you claim. 

With all due respect, Governor, your Tower of Babel-like prideful declaration is one of the most foolish statements a created, finite, and sinful human-being can make about the sovereign, infinite, perfect, and Holy God, who is Lord of all creation. I strongly advise that you examine yourself and repent. Repent of the disgraceful way you speak of our Lord and how you live your life; in open rebellion to our God.

Tempting God in an attempt to bring oneself false glory and recognition isn’t a new trick; the master of this world and the prince of lies, Satan, has “been there, done that” and continues to use this method today on both his followers and even on true believers of Christ. Who could forget the pink-lit buildings in NYC last year? The celebration of the 46th anniversary of the tragic ruling of Roe v. Wade, by signing the Reproductive Health Act to allow abortion up until birth, is pure evil, Gov. Cuomo. Again, you are provoking God and putting yourself in an extremely dangerous place. I beg you, repent and turn to Him.

If you have breath in your lungs, Governor Cuomo, then it is not too late to surrender to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But remember, we are not guaranteed tomorrow; we are not even guaranteed our next breath. I pray your stone heart will melt and your eyes will be open to the truth that is found in the Gospel of our Lord, so that when your time comes, you won’t hear those dreadful words, “Depart from me”.

In Tyndale fashion, I pray, “Lord! Open the Governor of New York's eyes."

Proud Texan,

Pastor Samuel Farag