2023 Fall Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE! *Happy Thanksgiving! * Fall Newsletter ~2023~

MATTHEW BARNES *Indiana Statehouse Chaplain * Where to start?! We have had an eventful few months as a PSP team. Our biggest concern and prayer request is for Ruthie Lindsey. She is Chaplain Tim Lindsey's wife and a special part of our team. She is currently battling cancer and needs our prayers. Please join us in praying for Ruthie's complete healing.

CH Tim and his wife Ruthie

Here are some praise snapshots as well... 1) On October 31, we celebrated our 19th ministry anniversary. It is hard to believe that we will begin our 20th session in the Indiana Statehouse in just a matter of weeks. In those early days, I remember asking my mom why the Lord had not called my brother Ryan to this ministry. (Ryan is by nature more comfortable with meeting new people and interacting with them.) Mom replied that the Lord called me because I am weak. Thanks for the vote of confidence, mom! She wisely continued, "When the Lord does something amazing with you and through you, it will obviously be Him at work and not you, because in your weakness He is strong!" I have never forgotten that wisdom, and it is as much true today as it was 19 years ago. Any good thing this ministry has accomplished is reflective of the Lord's strength in our weakness. He gets all the glory for what He is doing in the political arena.

PSP Team at U.S. Capitol (Left to Right: Matt, Tim, Ruthie, Pam, Jessica, Anita, Rita)

2) Our team recently went to Washington D.C. I will let you read their thoughts on the trip, but I will say that the Lord truly blessed. My goal was to meet with all 11 members of the Indiana delegation while we were out there. That's a tall order for three days of meetings. I also wanted to meet with both the House and Senate Chaplains. Thankfully we were able to see the Lord work out meetings and prayer times with 10 of the 11, both Chaplains, and several other unplanned Divine appointments as well! Our team left D.C. inspired and burdened - inspired to see what the Lord has done and burdened to pray for the many needs in D.C. The weight and mantle of leadership is heavy. Will you join us in redoubling our efforts to pray for those in authority?

*PSP Team with U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black *

3) On November 8th, I was thrilled to attend a Hendricks County Council meeting with Pastor Brian Harr. He is starting a ministry of prayer and presence in the council and commissioners' meetings. Hendricks County is the 9th county that we have seen the Lord lead pastors to go pray with and for their leaders! We have 92 counties in Indiana. So that's 10% already! Please pray that we would see more pastors catch the vision of ministering to their local leaders. We are also seeing the Lord lead pastors in other states to do the same. I was recently reminded of a pastor in Arkansas who asked me to come to his church and share what we do. Although never having been to his county courthouse before, he and I visited it and met many people in the offices. Today he is the official county chaplain! I often say that in the political arena, access is granted and influence is earned. We just need pastors who are willing to show up, be faithful, love people and see what God does! Please pray for more laborers!

Matt Barnes with Pastor Brian Harr

4) A good friend of mine, Allen, has begun posting his leaders to pray for each day on his Facebook page. This is similar to the three that we post to pray for each day in every U.S. state. The exciting part is that Allen is doing this in Zambia, Africa! Isn't it amazing that God is using PSP to inspire pastors and reach leaders around the world? Here is one of his recent posts for prayer in Zambia -

Thank you for your faithful prayers and support. Without you, this ministry would not be possible! **PAM RUSSELL ** *Indiana Statehouse Women's Chaplain * I was invited to speak in November to students at a university in California and participate in the Career Fair. Jessica came with me.

My assigned topic was Intimacy with God and Influence in the world. I shared my life story and testimony. Afterwards we were able to speak with many of the students. One young woman wanted to learn how to teach immersive Bible studies. One older student, Sam, an RD, said that he was saved at the Cadence Hospitality House in Japan, met his wife there, and they were married by the House director! Oh, the long influence of the Millers (founders of Cadence International, a ministry to the military), who were instrumental in leading my husband Rick and I to the Lord as well! There were 1,200 students present at Chapel – it is required. I was “interviewed” about my roles and work in ministry to ladies in the political arena. It garnered much interest from the students, as did our stint at the ministry fair. We had lots of young women come to our table.

Pam Talking with College Students

They were greatly encouraged to hear that God is busy at work in the political arena, though little is heard about it. There was great interest in the internship we are preparing to open up. Many wanted to know if we are hiring! The next morning – 6:30am, Jess and I were invited to speak at the RA’s and RD’s leadership meeting with about 50 in attendance. All praise to God! *Deuteronomy 8:2 * "And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no." May the Lord give Himself fruit from any good thing done in His Name. *RITA BOWMAN ** *City-County Building Women's Chaplain I am thankful for Tim Lindsey and Pamela Russell’s mentoring, for their encouragement and guidance, and for growth in the PSP women’s ministry in local government. It is a blessing to get to know the wonderful women who serve the citizens of Marion County and beyond. This Fall was my first trip with the PSP team to Washington, DC. It was an honor to observe Chaplain Margaret Kibben of the U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Senate Chaplain Black. They provided tremendous insight regarding God’s call to serve and pray for our country’s political leaders. Their work and outreach in our nation’s capital is inspirational.

PSP Team praying with U.S. House Chaplain Margaret Kibben

JESSICA RAY *Executive Assistant * Since our summer update, we have seen God continue to move in amazing ways. In August, the Indianapolis Prayer Service was a tremendous blessing as the mayor, city-county counsellors, school groups, and Christian community came together to pray for our city. The atmosphere seemed to carry a special liberty for expressing genuine, heartfelt prayers and non-partisan Christian love. I was humbled and honored to pray for the families in our state and nation. In September, a beloved Senator, Jack Sandlin, was laid to rest in State. Matt was asked to give the invocation and to moderate the service. Together with Pam, they ministered comfort and peace to the family. The name of Christ echoed angelically throughout the Statehouse as Senator Sandlin's nieces sang "It Is Well With My Soul," and "Give Me Jesus." The Gospel was clearly presented. Leaders and staff, from the Governor and senators to doorkeepers and policemen, listened as the Truth was preached. We thank the Lord for the salvation testimony of Senator Sandlin and the overcoming light of the Gospel.

CH Matt Barnes giving the invocation at the funeral service of Senator Jack Sandlin

Several months ago, our team had discussed a trip to Israel in October. For reasons beyond our power, we were advised to push the trip out to another time, so we shifted our focus to Washington, D.C. for our October mission trip. Little did we know then that Israel would undergo a series of terrorist attacks and that our own Congress would be in the middle of the weighty decision of electing a new Speaker of the House during the week of our trip. We praise the Lord for His foresight, protection, and providence. What a rich time we had together in prayer and fellowship with our Indiana Congressional delegation along with the U.S. House and Senate chaplains. God is so good! ______ * You may have noticed a new face in several pictures. We are pleased to announce that Anita Luckhaupt has recently joined our team. She is an enthusiastic follower of Jesus, brings authentic joy to every situation, and has a genuine care for our team and everyone in the political arena. She is the wife of one of our board members and has supported PSP for many years. We are thrilled to welcome Anita to the team! She is an answer to our prayer for more laborers!

• Special thanks to a church in Texas, as they have recently adopted us as one of their missionary partners! If you are interested in having one of our team come and speak at your church or event, please let us know. All of us at Public Servants' Prayer want to wish you a warm and happy Thanksgiving! We truly have so much to be thankful for! Sincerely, Your PSP Team

Ruthie, Tim, Rita, Jessica, Anita, Pam, Vicki, Matthew, Miriam

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