March, 2006 Newsletter
Matthew November 13th, 2007
March, 2006
Legislative Session
The 2006 Legislative Session is now completed. This year was a “short session”, lasting about 2 ½ months. The session length rotates every other year, so next year will be another “long session”. This year’s session seemed to be more intense, due to the fact that extra work had to be accomplished in less time. Several senior legislators commented to me that this was the most stressful session since they had been there. Many issues were tackled, from the lease of the toll road, to regulating abortion clinics. These, and others, were very divisive issues amongst the legislators. However, one unifying factor this session was the prayer in the back of the House Chamber before the start of each business day. Members from both parties took turns leading the prayer each day. It’s interesting to note that before the ruling against prayer in Jesus name, the prayer was more a formality. Now it has become something real and heartfelt. While I certainly do not pray for persecution, I do see how God can be glorified through adversity.
Ministry Opportunities
In contrast to last year’s newness, this second year has brought a new degree of familiarity. With that growing trust I have seen warmth and acceptance, bringing more ministry opportunities. Also, because the session was extremely stressful and tense at times for the legislators, it opened up countless “divine appointments” for me to deepen relationships and pray with them. One representative even introduced me to a visiting group from his district as “our pastor in the Statehouse”. Please pray that God will continue to grant me favor in the Statehouse.
Chapel Services
The chapel services have continued to be well-attended throughout this session. What is exciting is that the regular attendees are inviting co-workers, many of whom have been previously unaware of our chapel services. It’s wonderful to see this type of sustained growth. We were blessed to have State Auditor Connie Noss play the piano for many of our services. As a side note, Mrs. Noss’ son Stephen, whom we asked prayer for in the October newsletter, is doing very well. PTL! Auditor Noss is very encouraged that he is now attending church 3 times a week, and asked for continued prayer for him.
Homefront News
As many of you know, we are trying to sell our house. I am extremely grateful for the encouraging phone calls I have received recently informing me of prayer regarding our house situation. We were just given a 60 day extension on our contract with the house we are trying to buy. We appreciate your persistent prayers that our house will sell quickly so that we will be able to move closer to
Other Prayer Requests
One of the staff at the statehouse shared confidentially that they have a form of fast growing cancer. Please pray for this person’s emotional, physical and spiritual health.
Last year I met two staffers, Mr. and Mrs. Good, who had worked faithfully in the Senate for 8-9 yrs. This year Mr. Good was diagnosed with cancer and passed away recently. I had the opportunity to visit with them at their home before he passed away. Mr. Good testified of how gracious the Lord had been to him, and how he was looking forward to going Home. Please pray for this godly family as they trust God for their future.
Over the past couple of months we have been battling many different sicknesses, including a bad case of Scarlet Fever with Micah and Emma. Please pray for our health as a family.
Prayer Focus
At the governor’s prayer breakfast, I was seated next to a freshman representative, Carlene Bottorff. She succeeded her husband, Rep. James Bottorff, after he passed away late last year in the middle of his term. I asked her if she would be willing to be the prayer focus for this newsletter. She sent me these prayer requests:
“As I am sure you know or have been told, losing someone dear to you is so very
painful and sometimes the grief is simply overwhelming. I feel very fortunate
to have been able to succeed my husband and fulfill his role in State
Government. I am truly grateful for the wonderful family we shared and for
the years that we had together. But of course, being human means that we
rarely are satisfied with what we have and in this case, the time we had was
not enough–I wanted more. So for my prayer request, please pray that:
- I find peace (that seems so elusive when we lose someone so dear to us)
- I will continue to experience personal spiritual growth as I continue my journey here on earth.
- I find the strength and courage to reach out and help others who are
diagnosed with cancer. (I believe by reaching out to others, I will not
only help them, but I will also help myself get thru the grieving and
healing process) - I will make a difference and leave this place better for having been here
- and finally please pray for my family and my friends as they struggle with
Jim’s death.
HE IS FAITHFUL!
Praise the Lord that God has allowed another church to take our family on for monthly support and prayer. I Thess. 5:24-25 says, “Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us.” Thank you ALL for your prayers and support. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Rev. Matthew Barnes