Good News From The Indiana Capitol, January 2021

GOOD NEWS! We have heard plenty of bad news coming from the political arena these past few months. Did you know that there is good news as well?! Our God reigns. We know that the devil thinks he rules in the political arena, but King Nebuchadnezer would strongly disagree. "All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" In short, the Lord is large and in charge. He rules and reigns in heaven and earth and no one can ask, "What are you doing?" Yet, what do we find ourselves saying? Make no mistake. God is at work.

I don't have to understand God to trust Him!

1) Matching Gift Update - We are thrilled to announce that you accepted the challenge and helped raise more funds than we ever expected! In a year where we were unable to speak in person in churches, and had to cancel our annual banquet, we wondered how the Lord would provide. Well, thanks to His providence and your generosity, our matching grant was matched and we are looking forward to continuing to minister in the political arena. Our bookkeeper, Kevin, recently said he is beginning to understand the meaning of the word "Awesome" as he has seen the Lord provide for us! Thank you so much!

2) The 17th Annual Statehouse Prayer Service was quite different this year. We were only allowed 50 chairs plus standing room, social distance style. Thankfully we were able to stream it online and the General Assembly showed up to more than fill the seats and standing area. It is always a blessing to hear our state leadership acknowledge that they need the aid and wisdom of the King of kings! You can watch the service here and see pictures of the event here. This iconic photo below was taken by Sarah Barnes at the service. Pictured is a state legislator attending a prayer service in the Capitol building. The designated seats were filled so he found a spot on the stairs to bow his head and join in prayer.

Rep. Jack Jordan silently praying at the Statehouse Prayer Service

3) Legislators' Bible Study - We had 30 folks at the first Legislators' study of the year last week! Coming out of last year's session, the legislators wanted to continue to meet each week on Zoom. Attendance was steady all year and now that we are back in session, we are growing in numbers. We are doing a weekly in-person and Zoom hybrid in a large auditorium. Please pray for continued interest and that we can get the technology working well.

Matthew Barnes leading a Bible study in person and online with new equipment.

4) Session Update - This year the House and Senate will largely not be inviting pastors from all over the state to open in prayer due to the pandemic. Instead, our PSP team has been asked to pray each day in the House. The Senate will have members praying, but we have been asked to fill in otherwise. What a blessing to have invocations continue in our Statehouse during this health crisis. I spoke with a friend of mine in another state recently and he said that prayers and invocations have been cancelled. He doesn't know if they will ever come back! Thank the Lord that our state values prayer. We need the Lord's help now more than ever!

The view from the designated chaplain chair in the new temporary House Chamber

Opening the Indiana House in prayer 1/6/2021

5) On a personal note, our family is surviving and thriving. Sarah has moved to Hebron, Indiana to work with a church and Christian school. She is putting her talents of graphic design, tech skills and a servant's heart to good use. In December, Micah joined the Air Force. He is currently in basic training in Texas. Please pray that the Lord will give him grace to faithfully witness to his fellow flight mates. (Also please pray for his mama and papa! They need grace, too!) Emma is a high school junior and recently had complete ACL reconstructive surgery. She is healing well and still hopes to play soccer in college while pursuing a journalism degree. Miriam and Matthew are working on adjusting to all the changes in family and ministry. They are thrilled to finally have the ability to begin hosting legislators at Fairhaven.

Hope you have enjoyed this GOOD NEWS update.

Your Missionaries to the Political Arena

Matt Barnes and the PSP Team