The Public Servants’ Prayer

Matthew November 12th, 2007

October, 2005

Public Servants’ Prayer Ministry

Helping the local church pray for the specific needs of their leaders

(I Tim. 2:1, 2)

God’s Provisions

God has provided in ways that never cease to amaze me. Some have heard the story, but I hope you don’t mind the retelling, of how I received a poodle paycheck. A couple of weeks ago, a poor little poodle got confused and ended up lost in a parking lot far from home. A kind lady, noticing the poodle’s predicament, embarked on a mission to find its owners. After a series of events the dog was reunited with its owners, who begged the lady to take some money for her kindness. She refused, and so they insisted she take it and give it to her favorite charity. You guessed it – her favorite charity was us! I now know, that if God can provide through a poor, bewildered poodle, He can send money from anywhere.

I have been praying for some time (at least since gas prices have gone up so high) for a small economy car. Last week the Lord demonstrated his faithfulness. I was able to purchase a vehicle worth $3500 for a mere $600. Isn’t God awesome?!

This past Sunday night I spoke at a church in Lapel, IN. At the end of the service the pastor announced that the church would begin sending regular financial support to this ministry. Praise the Lord for another partner in the work of the Lord.

This next story is one by which I was particularly touched. I recently was invited to speak at a men’s conference. After I spoke, a missionary to Columbia came up to me. We talked for a few minutes and then he handed me his card and some cash. Later on, when I counted it I discovered, based upon the odd sum of the money, that he must have simply reached into his wallet and given me everything he had. Tears filled my eyes as I was both humbled and convicted to see someone be so obedient to the Holy Spirit and give sacrificially.

I could go on and on about the incredible provisions God has granted us, but time and space would fail me.

Breakfast with Mike

On September 12^th I had the distinct honor of “sharing the stage” with Congressman Mike Sodrel at an event in New Albany, Indiana. Mike is one of the 9 representatives

in the U.S. Congress from our state. As I asked Congressman Sodrel how we could pray for him, he mentioned three things - mental clarity, moral courage, and physical strength. I appreciated his candor and openness discussing issues with pastors at the meeting. Please take the time to pray for him and his family. There truly is a lot of sacrifice involved in being a public servant.

Dinner with Chuck
Another event my wife and I were privileged to attend was a banquet for Prison Fellowship, including a rare appearance by Chuck Colson. I was able to visit with many elected officials there. We also heard from the Department of Corrections Commissioner, who praised Prison Fellowship for the work they do. It seems that in this age of rejecting Christ and Christian principles, there is also a growing realization that ministries based on Christ and the Bible actually produce the best results. A further example of this would be the heading up of hurricane relief efforts by the many churches in the South.

Inside The Statehouse
I have continued to have meetings inside the statehouse with both elected and non-elected officials (including legislative assistants and police officers). As often as possible I have assisted with and/or led the weekly Chapel Services in the Statehouse. It has been a great blessing to have regular attendees, and become friends with them.

News from the Home Front
Many people have been asking me how my family is doing. We are currently looking for housing near Greensburg, IN. in order to be closer to the capital. Miriam has been kept busy lately working on canning, teaching school, and doing the seasonal clothing switch. Sarah (2^nd grade) and Micah (preschool) have just finished their soccer season. One-year-old Emma has learned how to throw her hands up into the air and say, “Paise de Lawd”. She is truly the “ham” of the family and brings lots of joy to all of us.

Praise
Recently, another project I have been working on was helping to obtain a building for our church. After renting for several years, we have finally purchased a building. This special blessing is exciting and we look forward to all that the Lord has for us there.

Thanks!
Thank you for all of your prayers and support over the past couple of months. I consider it a great blessing as part of this ministry to be able to visit with pastors and churches and tell of the work that God is doing in the Statehouse of Indiana. I enjoy getting to know each one of you and learning how God is working in your lives as well.

Rev. Matthew Barnes

Prayer Focus
Connie Nass is Indiana’s 53^rd State Auditor. She is charged with the responsibility of making accurate and timely payments to Hoosier communities, schools, counties, vendors, and state employees. When I met with her last week she had several specific needs for prayer.

• The thing foremost in her mind is Anna, her young granddaughter, who is scheduled to have surgery on one of her eyes on Nov. 8^th.

• Pray for wisdom for the doctors to discover the cause and remedy of a medical problem that her daughter, Susan, has been having. (Susan is Anna’s mother.)

• Mrs. Naas’ heart is heavy for her son Stephen, who is struggling with an alcohol addiction.

• Alan, Mrs. Nass’ husband, is recovering from extensive back surgery. Please pray for his continued healing.

• Last but not least, she has been experiencing health problems herself. The most pressing is her foot. The doctors say she needs surgery, but would not be able to put any weight on it for at least six weeks afterward. Auditor Nass’ character and determination are such that she told the doctor she does not have time right now for such an ordeal. Please pray for wisdom, healing and strength.

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