As Christmas approaches and the year comes to an end, it is an important time to connect with congressional members and staff on Capitol Hill. There are upcoming changes within the offices, with new members coming in along with new staffers, and orientations are being scheduled. Prayer is even more vital at this time.
Connecting with newly elected members of Congress gives our team the opportunity to schedule prayer time with those new to Capitol Hill. It's a time to discuss their priorities and pray for the decisions they will be facing in the coming year.
I also had the privilege of attending the President and First Lady's "Christmas at the White House" as they celebrated "America the Beautiful" by paying tribute to the majesty of our great nation. The main Cross Hall and Grand Foyer are filled with trees decorated with large red bows and ornaments reflecting all the blessings in our lives. The ornaments with FAITH, PEACE, and JOY remind us as Americans how blessed we are to call this land our own. In its 53rd year of being displayed in the East Room, the featured 18th century Crèche beautifully brings the reason for the season.
Blessings,
Peggy Nienaber, Vice President
THE MONDAY RECAP
Here are just a few of our other activities over the last few days:
- Peggy Nienaber participated in a discussion with newly elected Republican members of Congress to discuss their priorities and committee interests. It was a wonderful opportunity to pray for them.
- Peggy Nienaber was invited to Christmas at the White House. The Trump’s fourth Christmas celebration highlighted the theme “America the Beautiful,” paying tribute to the majesty of our great nation.
- Faith & Liberty’s team participated in a virtual prayer call with the VA Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives to honor and encourage our Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifices. They provide messages of hope by offering encouraging comments to all Veterans and their families during this holiday season and beyond. Major General Solhjem suggested lighting a candle to represent hope and faith this season.
- Peggy Nienaber participated in a conference call with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Senator James Lankford, and members of the Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion. The hearing discussed new findings from USCIRF’s report on the enforcement of global blasphemy laws and the multiple ways they mobilize violence against religious communities.
- Faith & Liberty’s team participated in the U.S. Department of Labor Centers for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives’ discussion on recent actions to protect religious liberty.
UPCOMING THIS WEEK
- We will host a Christmas dinner event at the Ministry Center with staff, friends and Administration staffers and their families.
- We will continue to host small groups, a Christian book Club, and will schedule times of prayer with members of Congress.
- We will also be taking part in a virtual conversation with Congressman John Moolenaar to discuss needs and concerns that members and staff face this next year.
"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." -2 Chron. 7:14
There is so much happening in our nation’s capital that demands our attention and immediate response. Look for our ACTION emails coming up this week. All of our efforts to bring the Word of God to bear on the hearts and minds of our public policy makers are only possible because wonderful friends like you stand with us both in prayer and in your generous financial support! Again, thank you!
PRAYER
Please continue to pray for our country during this time. Pray for truth to be revealed and for our nation's leaders to have wisdom and guidance.
Pray for ministry opportunities. Christmas time is unique in that many people's hearts are more open to the Gospel than at other times of the year. And with the difficulties of 2020, struggling people are looking for hope even more. Pray that hearts would be softened, and eyes opened to the reason for the season—Jesus Christ!
All of our efforts to bring the Word of God to bear on the hearts and minds of our public policy makers are only possible because wonderful friends like you stand with us both in prayer and in your generous financial support! Again, thank you!
God bless you!