The calendar recently turned to fall, and with nature’s changing colors, we also have a full ministry schedule on Capitol Hill! That leaves all of us with much to pray for, so we have left several requests below and ask you to join us as one in prayer throughout the coming week.

One recent point of prayer was our sponsored luncheon event on women’s sports — which went swimmingly (pun intended), so we thank you for your prayers. Although it was sports themed, this time it wasn’t playing Wiffle ball or watching a Washington Nationals game with interns and staffers. While those times have their place, our Fairness in Women’s Sports Forum and Luncheon tackled a serious topic that is taking the nation by storm.

During the luncheon Friday, September 22, at the Rayburn House Office Building, 12-time All American swimmer Riley Gaines participated along with Dr. Madeline Manning Mims, four-time Olympian and gold and silver medalist in track and field, and Penny Nance, president and CEO of Concerned Women for America.

The forum facilitated conversations about women in college athletic programs who have lost status, awards, and even their dignity due to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) allowing men to compete in women’s sports. Gaines was one of the first women to speak out against the NCAA and other governing bodies after the rules were changed to allow biological male William “Lia” Thomas to compete in the 2022 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships. In the competition, Thomas took home the trophy after tying with Gaines for fifth place, but she went home empty-handed.

Peggy Nienaber also presented Riley with a 2023 “Christian Women of Distinction Award” at the 3rd Annual She Leads America Gala, held that evening at the Museum of the Bible. Riley received the award for her efforts in speaking out about the need to protect women’s spaces, as well as restoring equality and fairness in women’s sports. Congresswoman Lisa McClain will enter Riley’s award into the Congressional Record.

Peggy reflected on why Riley was selected for this distinction:

“The Forum and Luncheon allowed these distinguished and accomplished women to reflect on their athletic careers, talk about the consequences of women losing to biological men in sports, and to discuss the way ahead to restore equality and fairness for women. Riley Gaines is a woman of great strength and courage who is speaking up for all women who have unfairly lost out on the recognition they have deserved, and it was a great honor to present her the ‘Christian Women of Distinction’ Award.”

We are so thankful that Faith & Liberty was able to sponsor a forum on such a significant and timely topic that goes to the heart of God’s divine order from the beginning of time. Thank you for supporting us with your prayers and gifts as we continue to let our light shine in our nation’s capital!

Many blessings from your missionaries in Washington, D.C.,

The Faith & Liberty team

Faith & Liberty Vice President Peggy Nienaber with 12-time All American Swimmer Riley Gaines

Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist Dr. Madeline Manning Mims with Patty Bills

You form the backbone of Faith & Liberty because of your prayerful and financial support. We are asking if you, our faithful supporters, can assist us with this special event by giving a one-time additional gift. This is an important outreach and a means of encouraging the law enforcement community, so we have always covered its cost. Would you consider helping us in sponsoring next year's award ceremony? We want these officers to know that they are important, appreciated, and loved by God, this ministry, and our supporters. Go to the Faith & Liberty website, or call Patty Bills at the Faith & Liberty office at 202-737-1776, and she will gladly assist you.