I love Session

Keeping You Posted March 2025

CH Pam Russell

LEGISLATIVE SESSION

I love Session! It is my favorite time of our PSP ministry year. The speed of ministry picks up, the amount of ministry increases (the calendar is packed!), and the Statehouse is a noisy hive of activity from morning till night, full of people I only see during the Legislative Session. In January, we attended the inaugurations as well as the State of the State and the State of the Judiciary. But the thing that gives me greatest joy is the personal times, the one-on-ones, with leaders. To help disciple them, pray with them, and be their friend is something I treasure and thank the Lord for.

KICKOFFS

New Leaders We have a new governor with a new administration, and many new legislators. I have had the pleasure of meeting and making meaningful connections with many of them. Several are finding their way to our Bible studies and prayer times!

Statehouse Prayer Service Our annual Statehouse Prayer Service has become the time-honored way of kicking off the Legislative Session. Matt held the first prayer service 21 years ago. Praise God! This year, it was held on Wednesday, January 8th. Our state’s top leadership from all three branches of government not only attend but pray from the platform. I have the honor of meeting all the guest "pray-ers" in the governor’s office beforehand to pray for them. This year, I was invited to open the House of Representatives in prayer following the service. All glory to God!

Governor Eric Holcomb Praying at the Statehouse Prayer Service

Pam Praying in the Governor's Office Prior to the Prayer Service

Bagels & Books Week two, we kicked off our event Bagels & Books at 7:30 AM and were cleaned out of both bagels and books by 9 o'clock. I was able to meet many new staff and interns and invite them to our prayer times and Bible studies. One week, Pastor Bryan Nevin, missions pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Kokomo (my sending church), joined us for the event. It was such an encouragement! He also blessed us by gifting counseling booklets for us to give away. Thank you, Pastor Bryan!

Faith@Work Week three, we kicked off Faith@Work. Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner and Senator Buck shared with the staff and interns how their faith in Christ informs their work. It has led to follow-up conversations with staff, such as, “How can I know God’s will for my life?”

Faith@Work Launch 2025

PINCH HITTER

Because I am present in and among everyone every day, ministry opportunities occur that would not otherwise. One Thursday, I was headed to the Senate Chamber for the start of session, when I got a text from a senator. Her guest pastor had not shown up, and she asked if I would I be willing to open the Senate in prayer. I replied, “On my way!” This is an honor I do not take lightly. Of course, it means I need to have a well-crafted prayer in my pocket (cell phone) at all times for such opportunities.

PLEASE PRAY

Please take a moment now to pray for the following:

Praise God for what He has done!

Pray for your elected leaders. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Pray for deepening, Gospel-centered relationships with leaders and staff.

Pray for my stamina and strength.

Pray for my great-granddaughter, Quinn (10), for continued strength and healing.

Thank you, partners; you are amazing! I am so grateful for your faithful and generous support and prayer! I cannot do what I do without you. For Him, Pam CH Pamela Russell INDIANA STATEHOUSE Women's Chaplain