2021 Spring Newsletter

Testimonies of God's Goodness

What a session it was! This newsletter provides quick updates from the perspective of each member of our team. We hope you enjoy reading these snapshots as much as we have enjoyed recounting the testimonies of the Lord during this year's legislative session.

Matthew Barnes, Statehouse Chaplain

God created us to live in community. Simply put, we need each other. The capitol arena is no different. However, Covid modifications this year caused the customary friendly environment to feel somewhat sterile, with spaced desks and plexiglass everywhere. This made relating to one another more difficult. The General Assembly is often referred to as a family. Sometimes siblings argue and fuss, but at the end of the day we want what is best. During this session, some disagreements were stark and there were even some heated exchanges. I think these were magnified and exacerbated by Covid distancing restrictions as well. Our team was honored to be on site and "in the room" when these interactions took place and we were able to pray immediately for peace and reconciliation. Sometimes the answer came right away, other times it took a while. Thankfully, the Lord didn't allow session to end without the biggest offenses being forgiven and relationships mended. One highlight for me this session was the honor of being asked to participate in the annual African Garb Day with members of the Black Caucus.

To learn more about that and hear more about this year's session, click here to listen to an interview with Abdul-Hakim Shabazz on Indiana's largest radio station 93.1 WIBC.

Matt and Abdul on the House floor a couple years ago

Pam Russell, Chaplain, Women's Ministry Director

Excited and pumped, we stepped on the roller-coaster ride of Session January 4. Days went by at lightning speed with both exhilaration and terror striking at regular intervals. There was little time to stop and reflect on all that God was doing until the ride stopped about ten days ago. And we marvel. With all the COVID restrictions, ministry should have been hampered, but just the opposite occurred. Women’s ministry grew in breadth and depth. There are more women serving in the Indiana legislature than at any other time in history, and it has been both delightful and fruitful to be able to establish and deepen relationships with them all. Widowhood is a prime example. One legislator is a widow, and as I am, too, we have a common bond. One staff member became a widow during session, and so I am walking with her through this tough time as well. Here, post-session, my calendar is filling up with dates to continue one-on-one meetings and invest in these precious lives. So much of our work, beside the regularly scheduled events, is one-on-one ministry. So, through the “interim,” I look forward to continuing to invest with Jesus in those lives.

Matt, Pam, and Jessica on the last day of session

Debbie Magnuson, Communications Director

The Indiana Leadership Prayer Breakfast (aka Governor’s Prayer Breakfast) became a virtual event for the first time in its 57-year history. WHMB-TV 40 edited and broadcasted the event twice, and it is now available to view anytime by clicking here on YouTube. Many sponsors, legislators, and others across the state held viewing parties to fellowship. Attorney, author, and humanitarian Bob Goff gave an enthusiastic message of hope and encouragement. He is a New York Times best-selling author of Love Does, Everybody Always, and Dream Big. A recognized lawyer for more than 25 years, he is the founder of Love Does, a nonprofit human rights organization operating in Uganda, India, Iraq, Nepal, Afghanistan and Somalia.

Matt Barnes and former State Rep. Carolene Mays-Medley co-hosting the virtual Governor's Prayer Breakfast

Since 1964, this annual event has brought together Indiana leaders from government, business, education, healthcare, and citizens for a time of fellowship and prayer. “For 2021, we affirm our commitment to prayer and stay on mission as we produce a totally virtual event,” said Matt Barnes, Breakfast Steering Committee Chair and volunteer Statehouse Chaplain. “This great tradition of leaders meeting to focus on transcendent unifying themes is needed now more than ever. It’s a great way to start the day and always an encouraging time.”

Kevin Wolfe, Executive Assistant and Bookkeeper

The faithful giving during the Covid Pandemic has been simply "awesome!" I know that word is overused today, but God was truly at work during a difficult time. I know many churches went through difficult times when giving was at a minimum, but they did not waiver and continued to support PSP faithfully. I am truly in awe when I look at what God has done for our ministry. We are so thankful for everyone who continues to give faithfully to our ministry. We are truly blessed by your giving and pray that God continues to bless you as well.

Jessica Ray, Executive Assistant to Pam Russell

*Women’s Statehouse Day – “SO LOVED”* As the 2021 Legislative Session began, my focus narrowed to my biggest event of the year- Women’s Statehouse Day. So much to plan, so much to do, but little did I know then that need would arise for me to emcee the event as well. Upon receiving this news, I sought God for the theme of the day. Before I could even finish praying, the words came back to me “So Loved.” John 3:16 “For God SO LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Just three days after Easter Sunday, this Gospel theme was appropriately followed with the song “You Deserve It” (by David Bloom), giving all the glory to Jesus Christ for what He has done for us. How blessed I am to have received this love of Jesus Christ, the love that would stoop to die for me; and I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to have shared this good news with the many leaders and guests who joined us in-person or online for Women’s Statehouse Day. I pray His Words are believed and joyfully received and that on Christ is poured out all glory.

DeVonna Wallace, Jessica Ray, and Kiara Cross singing "You Deserve It" at Women's Statehouse Day

Tim Lindsey, Chaplain, Indianapolis City County Building

*Open Hearts - Open Access - Open Doors * The 2021 session has proven once again that God works in mysterious ways. For me, very little went as I expected. Yet, it was likely the most impactful session that I recall. Open Hearts—Privileged to join a couple of Bible studies each week, I saw a glimpse of the hearts of our legislators and staff. Even in my role as “Skype audio and sound guy”, I was overwhelmed time and again by the testimonies and applications of God’s Word. We are blessed to have so many believers who work in and around our Statehouse. Any pastor would rejoice in the spiritual maturity and growth of these precious “congregants.” Open Access—Because the Statehouse was not open to large crowds, our Statehouse Prayer Service and Women’s Statehouse Day *operated with a minuscule live audience, comparatively. Yet, our communities have become accustomed to virtual services; thus, our on-line viewership grew exponentially. People from all over our state—and country—were able to see and hear from our public service and community leaders. Many who could have never physically attended one of these, now had full access into these special times of prayer. Open Doors—I had big plans for this year’s *Pastors’ Statehouse Day, but hardly any of it went “according to plan.” We even had to host much of it outside the Statehouse. Yet, I do not remember being moved as I was this year. I saw public servants overcome with emotion at the thoughtfulness of pastors handing them Bibles with the state seal and their own names imprinted. They were provided by PSP and our partners, but these pastors saw the tears and striking smiles of gratefulness.

Pastors Thomas Shepherd & Dan Fitzgerald praying with Representative Pack. I am glad the Lord’s plans and ways are much higher than ours (Isa 55:8-9), and He always does more than we could ever expect (Eph 3:20). It was an unusual year—but I saw more of the hearts of our public servants, more access for our community, and more doors open for our pastors and churches. I simply stand in awe of the God of the impossible.

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

Bagels and Books. What a blessing to be a part of this beautiful of scene. It always amazes me that on these very special Tuesday mornings we have the privilege to greet these extraordinary people who work tirelessly to serve every citizen of the State of Indiana. I love their smiles and relaxed friendly conversations. It is not just about the bagels, books, and a fresh cup of coffee; it is about loving people well through our smiles, our prayers, and our service to them.

Bagels and Books Event 2021

Women’s Statehouse Day 2021. WOW! This event is very dear to my heart. It is such an honor to serve and fellowship with our representatives and the women who travel for all over our State to pray with and get to know the person they voted into office. I'm so thankful to be a part of this ministry!