The Public Servants’ Prayer

Matthew November 12th, 2007

June, 2005

Hello friends and faithful prayer partners! It’s hard to believe it’s been six weeks since my last update. Time and events are flying by so fast it’s hard to keep track. In May, my focus was on finishing my legislator contact list/database as well as scheduling meetings and speaking engagements. I also continued attending weekly chapel services and meeting with legislators and staff in the Statehouse. I have been surprised at how often the elected officials frequent the Statehouse when they’re not in session. They certainly put a lot of time and effort in their service to us and God (Rom. 13:4).

The last week of May, my parents kept our 3 children while my in-laws treated us to a trip to the Dominican Republic. It was a much needed time of refreshment for Miriam and me. We are very blessed with such generous and loving families.

We picked up our children and left for South Carolina the day after we returned from the D.R. While in S.C., I had the opportunity to speak at and attend a 3-day missionary conference. On Wednesday evening we traveled 3 hours to Victory Baptist Church (VBC) where I had the joy of sharing what God is doing in this ministry. VBC is special to me because it is where God first gave me the idea for the founding of this ministry. We returned to Indiana early Saturday morning in time to be at work at Home Depot. Sunday morning we were honored to be able to attend church with a Senate legislative assistant, and the pastor graciously allowed me to speak in the service. After the service we rushed the 1 ½ hours back home for the “all important” ☺ church softball game, of which I am the head-coach.

Immediately after the game Sunday afternoon, we left for Washington D.C. Monday morning I met with the Chief of Staff for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He gave me much timely advice and insight in matters of ministering to public officials.

Tuesday I met with George Roller, the Executive Director of The Center for Christian Statesmanship. Mr. Roller and I discovered we have like-minded vision and goals for ministering to government leaders. I look forward to seeing how God will strengthen our relationship as we endeavor to further the cause of Christ.

Tuesday evening marked the start of a Pastor’s Briefing presented by noted historian, David Barton. It began with a behind-the-scenes tour of the capitol building and continued all day Wednesday with well-known speakers including White House/Presidential assistants and advisors, U.S. Senators and Representatives, military personnel and the Chaplain of the Senate. I highly recommend any pastor/ministry leader to attend this event. (See wallbuilders.com for more info.)

Thursday morning we enjoyed a trip to Mount Vernon for our son Micah’s 4^th birthday. In the afternoon I was able to attend an event I had been invited to a few weeks earlier - the dedication service of the new facilities for Prison Fellowship (P.F.). Former Indiana Secretary of State and a member of the Board of Directors for P.F., Ed Simcox, introduced me to many of the distinguished guests and the founder of P.F., Chuck Colson. I look forward to furthering relationships with the individuals Ed Simcox introduced me to.

To say the least, my time in Washington was one of education, making new contacts, and building relationships for a future that only God can orchestrate. Truly man does plan his way, but the Lord directs his steps! (Prov. 16:9)

On a financial note, God has provided this past month in ways that continue to surprise me. Not the least of which is a church in Michigan that has heard about the work here in Indiana and has decided to contribute monthly to the work. PTL!

To say the least, my time in Washington was one of education, making new contacts, and building relationships for a future that only God can orchestrate. Truly man does plan his way, but the Lord directs his steps! (Prov. 16:9)

On a financial note, God has provided this past month in ways that continue to surprise me. Not the least of which is a church in Michigan that has heard about the work here in Indiana and has decided to contribute monthly to the work. PTL!

In conclusion, thank you for the many prayers, especially for travel. In less than two months we have safely traveled over 11,000 miles in our “new” van. That being said, we would love to come and share with your church or group, about what the Lord is doing. Please call or email if you are interested.

To say the least, my time in Washington was one of education, making new contacts, and building relationships for a future that only God can orchestrate. Truly man does plan his way, but the Lord directs his steps! (Prov. 16:9)

On a financial note, God has provided this past month in ways that continue to surprise me. Not the least of which is a church in Michigan that has heard about the work here in Indiana and has decided to contribute monthly to the work. PTL!

In conclusion, thank you for the many prayers, especially for travel. In less than two months we have safely traveled over 11,000 miles in our “new” van. That being said, we would love to come and share with your church or group, about what the Lord is doing. Please call or email if you are interested.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,

Rev. Matthew Barnes

PRAYER REQUESTS & praise reports

(1) Rep. Brian Bosma- This is probably one of the most pressing prayer requests this month. The Indiana Civil Liberties Union (ICLU) recently filed a lawsuit against Speaker of the House Brian Bosma for starting the legislative sessions each day in prayer. This daily prayer has been a long-standing tradition here in the Hoosier State. The ICLU has stated that they’re not against prayer, just prayer in Jesus’ name. Please pray the Lord would give Rep. Bosma courage, endurance, and determination to stand firm in this spiritual battle.

(2) Ken Falk (ICLU’s Legal Director) - Recently I spoke with a pastor concerning the above lawsuit. He suggested praying for members of the ICLU. His idea certainly has Scriptural precedent. This week I had the opportunity to attend the opening arguments in Indiana’s Supreme Court on an informed consent abortion case. Ken Falk was the plaintiff’s counsel. I took the opportunity to pray for him, as I listened to his arguments. Please join me in praying that God will reveal Himself to Mr. Falk.

(3) Rep. William Crawford - I spoke with Rep. Crawford early in May. He requested prayer for healing from a medical condition in his back.

(4) U. S. Senator Sam Brownback - In my recent visit to Washington, Congressman Brownback from Kansas requested prayer that he might maintain closeness with the Lord. He stated, “We are dependent on your prayers. I know when you are and aren’t [praying for us].”

(5) Miriam - I am very thankful for the wife God has given me, and for her continued flexibility. As you may have noticed in the newsletter, there were weekends where we were only home for a matter of hours. She took that short time to unpack, repack, and then we were back on the road again. She also somehow managed to keep us fed and the kids happy. She asks for prayer for patience with the children and a deeper relationship with her Heavenly Father.

(6) Sarah (6 yrs) - “I’m going to be baptized this weekend! Pray that I will grow strong in the Lord.”

(7) Micah (4 yrs) - “Please pray that I will obey my mom and dad.”☺

(8) Emma (1 yr) - “Please pray that I will continue to stay healthy and travel well.”☺

(9) Matthew - This week I have been challenged to deepen my personal relationship with the Lord and my wife. These two relationships are obviously the most vital to my ministry. I am thankful for godly men that will sharpen and encourage me. Please pray that in conducting business for the Lord I would not neglect conducting business with Him. Once again, thank you for your faithfulness in prayers and support. You are just as much a part of this ministry as we are!

Phil 1:3-6 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ…”

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