2021 Fall Newsletter

FALL NEWSLETTER ~2021~

*STATEHOUSE UPDATES*

*Matthew Barnes, Statehouse Chaplain*

GOD ANSWERS PRAYER!!! Nearly seventeen years ago this month, I was parked in this same spot (see picture) in our old family minivan. I had no idea what God was going to do. I knew no one in the building, but I knew the Lord had called me to the Statehouse. He encouraged me to just, "Get out of the van."

Well that old minivan is long gone, but we have been praying recently for a newer vehicle for the ministry. We were

praying specifically that it would have the third seat option, have less than one-hundred-thousand miles, and have all of this for an affordable price. Little did we know that God was going to provide exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ask or think - 2016 Infiniti QX60 with 45,000 miles, third row seat, leather interior, heated seats and steering wheel, remote start, sunroof, etc. "Ain't God Good?!"

And the cost was less than I could've ever dreamed. It was a GIFT to the ministry!

Thank you Lord! Thank you ministry friends and partners! *Pam Russell, Chaplain, Women's Ministry Director* Please welcome Vicki Maughmer to our ministry team!

Vicki and I (Pam) have been friends for about thirty years, and our paths have crisscrossed throughout that time. We first met at a Bible study taught by my friend and mentor Mrs. Nettie Miller, a missionary herself. Our husbands both served in the US Air Force, and our families mutually attended a Friday night Bible study and fellowship.

Vicki’s husband Rick was a lawyer and later became Judge of Cass County’s Superior Court, serving on the bench for nineteen years. Sadly, Vicki and I now share another life venture - widowhood. And yet, the Lord in His wisdom is using this new phase of life to call Vicki to join us in Public Servants’ Prayer.

With her years of experience in the Indiana judicial family, Vickie will be ministering to the Indiana judiciary, highlighting our justices, judges, and staff, and focusing on prayer for them. Vicki will also be recruiting “prayer ambassadors” from across the state where women’s groups have hosted a “Tea with Pam.” The aim is to create a network of effective prayer for our state leaders and judiciary. Welcome aboard, Vicki! *Vicki Maughmer, Judicial Prayer Director *

My name is Vicki Maughmer, and I am the newest member of Public Servants’ Prayer. I joined PSP at the beginning of September, and I would categorize my first month as “a time of firsts”: my first PSP meeting with Pam Russell, who asked me to consider joining the team as a women’s ministry

ambassador; my first meeting with Matt Barnes, who had a vision for my current role as Judicial Prayer Director; my first tour of the Statehouse and the opportunity to meet those who work faithfully throughout the year; my first time to sit in the Supreme Court and hear oral arguments; my first time to hear the Senate and House debate the bill on redistricting; my first “Bagels and Books”; my first "Tea with Pam" as a member of PSP; and my first Indianapolis Prayer Breakfast.

As you can see, my time with PSP has been busy, but so rewarding! This

ministry is unique in its mission. It is all about loving people through relationships and prayer. I have witnessed first-hand the widespread respect and admiration for Matt and Pam. Each time I walk alongside them, they are stopped by their Statehouse friends to chat, counsel or simply to pray. Matt and Pam project with their smiling faces and warm personalities, “We are here for you and want to support you with prayer.” In that light, I have been asked to put my efforts toward the judiciary, praying for those in the highest courts and across the state of Indiana. These men and women have families and face various challenges in life just like any human being. Because their positions are often ones of seclusion, they may not have a trusted individual with whom to share their burdens. PSP is willing and eager to come alongside and offer the love of God through prayer support. Looking ahead at this ministry expansion, I ask that you pray God’s will be done in His way and His timing. Pray that the judiciary would see PSP as a ministry offering hope and love. And most importantly, pray for the salvation of those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Kevin Wolfe, Executive Assistant and Bookkeeper

It has been a wonderful summer! God’s people have given faithfully through a very difficult time, and we at Public Servants' Prayer truly appreciate your

generosity. We were able to provide our coveted Bagels and Books for our elected officials during the special session that was held in September. We served both the House and Senate on different days. The legislative staff truly appreciated our efforts during a time when they would not usually be treated to a healthy breakfast, both physically and spiritually! We are looking forward to closing out 2021 on a high note and are already planning for a wonderful 2022. God has been so good to PSP, especially in blessing us through your prayers and financial support!

Jessica Ray, Executive Assistant to Pam Russell

~

*Developing Biblical Resources*

The hustle and bustle that so clearly mark Session have calmed, and the quieter season has given opportunity for ministry projects of another kind. In the past few months, Pam has invested countless hours in Scripture and prayer, developing her newest study guide Chosen Vessels and the Plan of God (a study of the book of Acts). She has also written a devotional book on leadership based on the life of Moses, Brushstrokes of Leadership. Lately I have been focusing on editing Pam's work, coordinating events, and keeping up with our weekly meetings.

~Weekly Bible Studies Staff Bible Study: Every Friday, Matt has been leading us through a rich verse-by-verse discussion of the book of Proverbs, and a prayer network is accessible throughout the week. The Holy Spirit uses this faithful time in the Word, prayer, and fellowship to build firm foundations of truth and love in the practical, everyday lives of those who attend.

Legislator Bible Study: Our weekly Zoom legislator Bible studies continue to be well attended. We are walking through the book of Romans and are currently in chapter 5. One Senator recently posted this comment on Facebook - "One of the most blessed opportunities of being an Indiana State Legislator is attending an early morning Bible Study with Matthew Barnes from PSP Indiana." Praise the Lord! Women’s Bible Study: Having completed Genesis and Exodus, our Tuesday women’s group is now on a wilderness journey through the book of Numbers via The Road to Rest, another study guide written by Pam. Every week, the women come anticipating the “nuggets” to be discovered in class. Context, observation, interpretation, and application are observed in every chapter, both immersing the women in the Word and equipping them with the proper tools and methods for personal study. By the Lord’s blessing on this work, the Bible studies and prayer meetings continue to bear true fruit. *If you are interested in learning more about the Biblical resources written by Pam, please contact me: jessica.ray@thepsp.org.

*INDIANAPOLIS CITY-COUNTY BUILDING & **INDIANAPOLIS FIRE DEPARTMENT *

Tim Lindsey, Chaplain, Indianapolis City-County Building

Indianapolis Prayer Breakfast: “What an amazing way to start the day!” That was the response from one of our City-County Councillors following the Indianapolis Prayer Breakfast. This annual event has a strong emphasis on the Gospel, and it is well received by those who attend. Mayor Hogsett, for the first time, greeted the crowd with short remarks and a prayer. Majority Leader Maggie Lewis was one of those participating during

the prayer service. In all, PSP hosted five Councillors at our tables that morning. We have done well in years prior to see more than one Councillor or Indianapolis public servant in attendance. It was a blessing to have so many accept our invitation and join us in prayer for our city. *Indianapolis City-County Building: *Earlier this fall, we provided Panera Bread coffee and Long’s Bakery doughnuts to the staff at the City-County Building (CCB). So many came through, thanking us for our prayers and service to them. It also served as a springboard to re-launch the Women’s Bible Study and to begin our first Men’s Bible Study at the CCB.

*By the way, if you are downtown on a Monday, the ladies meet at noon, and the men meet at 1pm in conference room 224. You would be a welcomed addition to our time around God’s Word! I continue to be amazed at the impact of prayer on our capital city.

Rita Bowman, Women's Chaplain, Indy City-County Building

God’s Word truly is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path as He guides us step by step and day by day (Psalm 119:105). As I reflect on the blessings of ministry this year, I suddenly have 20/20 vision. It was an amazing privilege and honor to be a part of the Indianapolis Prayer Service this summer. We are so blessed to have the freedom to pray publicly for our local, state, and national public servants. Indianapolis Fire Department: On September 9th, 2021, after nearly 18 months of connecting through email, zoom meetings, and text messages, the Public Servants’ Prayer Indianapolis Women’s Ministry received a warm welcome from the Indianapolis Fire Department Headquarters to meet face to face again. We greatly appreciate the privilege of reuniting with members of our Bible study, the weekly hour of fellowship and prayer, and the opportunity to welcome new friends to our group! On this first day of our reunion, PSP catered enough of Chick-fil-A’s famous boxed lunches to share with Chief Malone and the firefighters. This was a wonderful opportunity to meet and form deeper relationships with the IFD personnel. *Indianapolis City-County Building: *On September 13th, once again, God responded to the desire of my heart, giving me the added blessing of making new

acquaintances throughout the City-County Building and sharing the love of Jesus. Together with Chaplain Tim Lindsey and Keven Wolfe, PSP was able to serve coffee and doughnuts to approximately 190 people. Reconnecting with some of the ladies from our CCB Bible Study and seeing their excitement in our few minutes together, encouraged me to prayerfully reactivate our in-person study time at the CCB. God is good!

Thank you for all of your faithful prayers and support!****

In Christ, Your PSP Ministry Team To Give: **Public Servants' Prayer (thepsp.org)**

*1 Timothy 2:1-5 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.*