2024 Summer Newsletter
Date Published
Summer Newsletter 2024
MATTHEW BARNES *Indiana Statehouse Chaplain *
*Matt's Thoughts on Christian Citizens What is it that makes a Christian a good citizen? It is the testimony of being made into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ and trusting in Him alone for salvation and peace. If our confidence is in the King of kings, then the political winds and moral instability of a nation will not cause fear. Rather they will be a timely reminder that our God is still in control. Living in a sin cursed world, it’s too easy to get caught up in the drama. We love our country and want to see it thrive, but we can begin to feel like our country's only hope is in a specific leader or political direction. A pastor friend of mine recently commented, "When politics start to feel like religion, then candidates begin to feel like saviors; campaigning begins to feel like evangelism; rallies and conventions begin to feel like worship services; and elections start to feel like either salvation or damnation." Christians, where have we placed our hope? In a person? A political agenda? A nation? Are we making nationalism an idol in our hearts? Idolatry is defined in the 1828 Merriam-Webster dictionary as, "Excessive attachment or veneration for any thing, or that which borders on adoration." If nationalism becomes an idol, fear is the motive for political activism. If the Sovereign King is the object of our trust, then as citizens of heaven, peace and calm will reign in our hearts regardless of our temporary earthly circumstances. Does this mean that individual believers should not be involved in civil government? Of course not! But it does mean that our main focus should be honoring the Lord and making much of *Him. This is one of the reasons Public Servants' Prayer exists - to share the King's offer of heavenly citizenship. A political leader who serves at the will of the King is an ambassador of God's goodness and mercy. If we desire righteous leaders, we need to pray for them! Prayer will work far more miracles than worry in our hearts or political rants on the internet. Pray for our leaders who know the King and need protection from the temptations of office. Pray for our leaders who do not know the King and need to be introduced to Him! We also would really appreciate prayers for our family, particularly the health of our daughter Emma and son Micah. Both are still experiencing serious long term COVID neurological effects. Micah is getting medically retired from the Air Force and will officially be a disabled vet. I will continue to travel back and forth to Albuquerque, helping him until he is fully retired in late September. Meanwhile, Miriam and Emma are fighting the battle for Emma’s health back at home and they can use your prayers as well. Thank you all SO much for your faithful prayers and support. You are a vitally essential part of our ministry. We would love to have you join us for our upcoming 20th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser. Come hear our PSP team and political leaders share what God is doing through your investment in PSP! In addition to the ministry update, this event is intended to help generate funds to keep the mission in motion. See below for details. We hope to see you there!
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We cannot do what we do without you, your faithful prayers, and financial support. Your sponsorship is greatly appreciated! TICKET PRICES & SPONSOR LEVELS
1 Attendee - $75
**2 Attendees - $100 **
Sponsor Levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum*
**If you are interested in becoming an event level sponsor, please contact Claire Neuman *(claire@thepsp.org)* for sponsor levels and more information. * *Every gift and prayer warrior is important to us! If you would like to attend but are unable to contribute the designated ticket price, please select "OTHER AMOUNT" on the registration form and put in the gift amount of your choice. *
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW! ****
**PAMELA RUSSELL **
Indiana Statehouse Women's Chaplain
*Westfield City Council Meeting *
*Project 1816*
This past Monday I attended the Westfield City Council meeting (Hamilton County) with two men from my church. The City Seal is mounted on the wall behind the councilors’ seats, and over the seal it reads, “In God We Trust.” After the meeting, we introduced ourselves to the councilors and told them we were thankful for their service and will be praying for them. We must have spent half an hour in good conversations with them! We have been invited to sign up to open future meetings in prayer. We thank the Lord for the favor shown us and the opportunity to minister to leaders at the local level. I would encourage you to “go and do thou likewise”! *Statehouse Women's Bible Study This month, we celebrate the completion of fourteen years of Women’s Bible Studies in the Indiana Statehouse. Two of the ladies that attend are charter members! Praise the Lord! I am so amazed by what God has done! I have had the privilege to teach through several books of the Bible in those years, with a couple of repeats. We are currently finishing up the study of Hebrews, *Once for All, Once for All. My ladies are great studiers and thinkers. Since COVID, our class has been a dual gathering of those in person in the chapel and those online from home or office. This has turned into a true blessing in disguise, as those who work remotely or who cannot leave their desks don’t have to miss the class. Thank you for all of your unwavering prayers! God is doing great things!
*TIM LINDSEY ** *City-County Building Chaplain
YOU ARE INVITED!!
*Indianapolis Prayer Service * The 5th Annual Indianapolis Prayer Service is scheduled for 11am on September 30th, in the Public Assembly Room at the City-County Building. Each year, Mayor Hogsett and Council President Osili join me as we call our city to prayer. Our guests include pastors, public servants, city leaders, and the general public. Two Indianapolis congressional members, Congressman Andre Carson and Congressman Greg Pence, will be present. We had our largest turnout last year, and I expect continued growth in the upcoming service. It is open to the public, and we would love to see you there! It will be broadcast live by Channel 16–City/County Government TV and will be archived if you cannot watch it live.(www.indy.gov/activity/channel-16-live-web-stream)
CLICK HERE TO Watch Live Event
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*City-County Update / Indy NITE Ride* We have just finished our 7th year of ministry at the City-County Building. With 8,000 city employees, the task is very tall, but each week we make more friends. It is amazing to meet so many bold Christians, and it is humbling to share Christ with others who do not profess faith in Him. This is an exciting mission field, and I am encouraged for the future. The Annual Indy NITE Ride is a 20 mile bicycle ride around Indianapolis that, under police escort and supervision, begins at 11pm. This year, we incorporated a meet-and-greet with city employees before we participated. Good food and great fellowship with elected officials and friends were capped off with a time of prayer with our Mayor.
*Indy NITE Ride (Praying: Tim Lindsey, Matt Barnes, Mayor Hogsett, City-County Councilor Josh Bain) *
City County Councilors and staff, PSP Team and Families, Statehouse Bible Study Members, etc.
**VICKI MAUGHMER ** *Judicial Prayer Director *
- “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.” ~I Corinthians 16:9*
*Project 1816* I am excited to announce that God has opened a door for ministry in Cass County! In the past several months, I have had conversations with one of the office holders regarding a time of fellowship and prayer for those serving the public at the Cass County Government Building. These conversations led to the first meeting on August 7th in the Bicentennial Room of the government building. There were six in attendance for a time of prayer around the Word of God**. **This opportunity is an answer to prayer! God has orchestrated the details in such a way that no one can deny the hand of God at work!
Please pray that God would touch the hearts of those who feel a tug to attend but may also experience reluctance. Pray that I will bring glory to our Savior and that each person in attendance will experience a new or renewed thirst for God. Finally, pray that the evil one, though he may try to discourage this new venture, will not succeed!
Thank you all for your continued prayer support!
RITA BOWMAN
*City-County Building & Indianapolis Fire Department Women's Chaplain *
*A Walk with the Chaplains - City-County Building*
Working alongside Chaplain Tim Lindsey is a great honor. In recent weeks, I have had the opportunity to partner with Tim on his routine visits to the many CCB leaders and staff. Traveling from floor to floor and office to office, we made our way through the halls of the grand building, greeting and encouraging everyone we met. These times have enriched my life with many amazing people who have become precious friends and prayer partners. God continues to use love and prayer to open hearts and doors in the lives of our city workers. *Women's Bible Studies I continue to lead two Ladies' Bible Study groups - one in the City-County Building and one at the Indianapolis Fire Department. We are currently enjoying our time in the Book of Ruth. Pam so appropriately entitled the student guide for this study *Resting in God’s Assignments. Please continue to pray for God to move powerfully through His Word and to draw others into these fellowships. Pray also for God to strengthen and sustain me for His work and daily steps. *"Encouraging Word" / "Waffles & A Word"* Forty-one public servants/staff have now subscribed to receive my weekly email, "Encouraging Word." With a simple verse and note of "I am praying for you," this is one more way of showing them consistent love and support. The feedback from these emails is a tremendous blessing. The event, “Waffles & A Word,” kicked off well in May and has been a launching pad for great new connections and ministry opportunities. We look forward to hosting other such events in the near future! Thank you for your steadfast prayers!
**ANITA LUCKHAUPT **
*Ministry Assistant *
*BREAKING! - Christian School Day * Plans are underway to host our first ever “Christian School Day” at the state capitol. I have been in touch with the Executive Director of the Indiana Association of Christian Schools, and he supports this upcoming initiative wholeheartedly. A date has been set for February 19th, and more details are forthcoming. Please be in prayer for this exciting new mission to the next generation! *"First Monday Lunch" * “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” ~ Galatians 6:2 In addition to our weekly Bible studies, our Statehouse Women's Group has also been meeting for lunch once a month at a local pancake house. I have enjoyed the fellowship with these sweet ladies because I only see most of them in person during session. We had the honor of having Senator Stacey Donato join us a few weeks ago. It’s been a blessing getting to know these ladies in a more personal way.
"First Monday Lunch"
ELISEO HERNANDEZ 2024 Ministry Intern
*Tippecanoe County Courthouse *
*Project 1816 After my Chaplain internship at the Statehouse with PSP, I realized how much I wanted to minister to my local public officials. However, several events including my 1-month military training, the birth of our 2nd son Tobiel Ebenezer, and the career change to teaching full time meant I didn’t get a chance immediately after the legislative session to explore chaplaincy in Tippecanoe County. And, I admit, I kept doubting if I was even equipped to do the job. In June, I finally dared to attend a County Council meeting all by myself. I wasn’t sure where to park or how to dress. Like any other missionary, I just had to take the first steps toward what seemed like an “unknown land" to me. I eventually figured out those details, but the obvious lesson I learned that day is that *anyone can volunteer and serve local officials. At first, there will be little details to learn, but the most important thing is having a humble, servant's heart and willingness to love and be present, without any agenda but to bring them Christ. Pray for more workers in this harvest! Please keep my family in your prayers, as well, for wisdom and peace through all the new changes and unknowns and for God to continue to open doors of ministry in our local government.
*JESSICA RAY ** *Executive Assistant * *"A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men." ~Proverbs 18:16
*What is Project 1816? ... A Glimpse of My Story * Just before I began my journey with Public Servants' Prayer (six years ago!), I felt led of the Lord to leave my job. While I was praying for the next direction the Lord had for me, my mom encouraged me with Proverbs 18:16a, "'A man's gift makes room for him.' The gifts God has given you will open the doors He wants you to walk through next."
Within 2 weeks, I ran into a friend who worked as assistant to the State Treasurer. She asked if I was interested in getting connected with Pam Russell who was in need of an assistant. In my spirit, I knew that God was calling me to walk through this door, the door to the Indiana Statehouse.
On my first official day on the PSP team, our Friday Bible Study group took turns reading verse-by-verse through the Proverb of the week. When it was my turn to read (not knowing the reference to the passage my mom had shared with me), I opened my mouth to read Proverbs 18:16: "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men." *My mom had never finished the verse when sharing with me, and I was awe struck. No one but God and I knew what this meant to me in those moments. Matt paused the reading time and excitedly explained that this passage is one of our ministry verses! It is the verse that models our local government initiative we call, "Project 1816." Indiana became a state in 1816. So it seemed fitting to make Proverbs 18:16 our theme verse for the specific mission of reaching leaders in every local government building in Indiana, he explained. We have been blessed to watch at least 4 new ministry initiatives starting up in county courthouses and city council meetings this year. I have grown to love Project 1816 as it is such a special part of my story, but also because I believe this mission is not a direct outflow of *our love for political leaders. It is a GOD-generated initiative that flows from His love for leaders. Please continue to pray that the Lord of the Harvest will raise up and send forth laborers into His field of the political arena. And please continue to pray for our team! We need your prayers daily. In Him, *Your Public Servants' Prayer Team,*
