June, 2006 Newsletter
Matthew November 13th, 2007
June, 2006 Newsletter
News from the Home front
Rom.
In the meantime, we have continued to work on making our house more marketable. With the generous financial and physical help of Miriam’s and my parents and some family friends, we were able to add a front porch, side porch/landing, landscaping, and shutters that greatly enhance the curb appeal. We appreciate your continued prayers on our behalf for wisdom regarding our house situation.
Recent Speaking Engagements
I want to thank the many churches, groups, and individuals that have opened their doors the past couple of months for us to come and share an update on the ministry.
One highlight was sharing the stage on the National Day of Prayer with the Speaker of the House and the Governor. It was a distinct honor to be able to pray at this Statehouse event with many other pastors and elected officials. I thank all of you for praying for doors of opportunity such as this to be opened, and praise God for the incredible ways He sees fit to use me.
Last week was a particularly enjoyable week, focused on young people. I preached a four-day youth rally, and the following day I gave a commencement address to a high school graduating class. It’s exciting to see young people make commitments to godly living and invigorating to see how God is continuing to work in the next generation.
Missionary Display Board
For some time now, we have discussed putting together a missionary display board to help present our ministry more fully. However in doing some research, we discovered that the display board that we would need was going to be a large expense. In April, through a wonderful family that we met, God provided the funds to make this significant purchase. We are very excited to have this addition to our ministry presentation as it adds a degree of professionalism and pictorial insight. We hope to be able to use it for years to come.
Prayer Focus
Sen. Dennis Kruse has become one of the greatest advocates and supporters of this ministry. In the short time I have been at the Statehouse the Lord has pushed me (many times literally through doors) using this godly man. The testimony he has amongst his peers is one of much respect. They may not always agree with him on issues but they know he is a man of integrity. He is truly someone who “walks the talk”. I asked him if he would let us know some of his prayer needs.
Prayer Requests from Sen. Kruse:
- For my wife, Kay, who has terrible pain in her right knee and can’t walk very well
- That my four sons will follow Jesus in every area of their lives
- For traveling mercies as I travel around the country for the National AuctioneersAssociation (Sen. Kruse is currently the president of the N.A.A.)
- For Godly wisdom for me in my position as Indiana State Senator
- For my brother, Derald, who has cancer and recently had emergency surgery at
- That God will guide me as I teach a Sunday School class on the “Commands of Christ” each Sunday
Finances
One of the most frequently asked questions me is, “How are you funded?” While I do not mean to frustrate anyone by seeming to avoid a question, the simple answer is, God pays the bills! Granted he does pay the bills through people in many different ways, but He is the one that lays it on that persons’ heart to give - not through me giving an impassioned fund raising speech. God has not called me to fundraising; He has called me to a ministry which He funds. I have always liked the passage in Matthew 6:31-34
“Therefore take no thought, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or, ‘What shall we drink?’ or, ‘Wherewithal shall we be clothed?’ (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the
With that in perspective, I realize there are many who do want to know where to send support, so here is the address. (All of my support has the oversight of my local church for accountability and security.)
Send Contributions updated 11/12/07
Matthew Barnes or Public Servants’ Prayer Ministry
c/o
W. Harrison, IN. 47060
Looking Ahead
1.) I very much enjoy the Bible Studies and chapel times in the Statehouse and feel the Lord leading me to have regional Bible studies out of session. This may be a little challenging due to the fact that many legislators are by definition very busy people, live in all parts of the state, and are also in the middle of a campaign year. However the Lord is opening doors and the legislators I have talked with are very enthusiastic about the idea. Currently I am working on getting one started in the northern part of the state. Please pray that the Lord would continue to open the doors and schedules for this pilot Bible study.
2.) I also have several churches and other meetings scheduled in the next few weeks and look forward to seeing many of you soon. For questions about scheduling or to learn more about what the Lord is doing through this ministry, please contact me via e-mail matthew@publicservantsprayer.org , or phone 513.509.3443.
3.) It has been so encouraging to hear from many of you saying you are praying for us. We can certainly feel your prayers and appreciate them very much. Prayer is the fuel that keeps this ministry going. Gasoline may cost 3 dollars a gallon but prayer is still free!! Once again thank you all for your prayers and support.
“May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
Rev. Matthew Barnes