Session wrap-up, and Bagels and Books

Keeping You Posted! Winter 2026

Session Wrap Up

After a full fall of travel to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Washington DC and the amazing ministry opportunities that afforded, the last three months have been super concentrated in the Indiana Statehouse for the 2026 Legislative Session. Session began early, December 1 of last year, because of the call for redistricting. But that meant they would finish early. “Sine Dei” was called February 27. Thank you for your prayers! The Lord graciously sustained us all for that intense time.

Bagels and Books

Bagels and Books - staff and interns

Pam, Kristi Risk from LG's Office, and Marsha

Ministry of Presence

Though we have set times of prayer and Bible studies and are present on the House and Senate floor with all the legislators as they work “due process” on all the bills, there are serendipitous moments, divine appointments, when I have opportunity to give a word of encouragement or counsel, a “word fitly spoken,” just because I am present. One Wednesday I came into the Statehouse with nothing on my agenda but a lunch appointment. I thought I would sit in on a committee and follow a bill. I hadn’t made it to the elevator before I heard a voice behind me, “Pam, Pam!” It was one of statewide leaders. “I’ve been thinking about you,” she said. So we chatted. She talked about the pressures of the work and one heavy bill in particular she was working on. She talked about her family. We agreed to set aside a time to meet, and I said I would be praying. She rushed off to a meeting, her staff in tow. At the elevator I met one of our Senators. “I need some ‘Pam time’,” she said, “but there’s no space in my calendar. I had twelve meetings yesterday.” I said, “What about dinner?” She said, “I don’t want to keep you late.” I said, “I can do dinner, lets set a date.” My lunch date was with a staffer who works in one of the state’s agencies. She has been with the state for fifteen years, but budget cuts have led to her being retired early. She is sixty years old and will need to find another job. Her husband is unable to work because of physical injuries, and they have a daughter with expensive health challenges. We had a long time of prayer together. Thank you, partners, I am thankful to God for your faithful and generous support and prayer. I cannot do what I do without you. Prayers Please Please take and moment now before closing this email to pray: Praise God for what He has done! Pray for your elected leaders to now find time for rest and family For Congressman Jim Baird and his family, after the death of his wife Danise. She was also State Representative Beau Baird’s mother. For me to take time to rest and recharge. For my granddaughter, Quinn, our heart transplant girl, that post-lymphoma checks will be good. Have a wonderful Easter celebration! “Because He lives!” For Him, Pam CH. Pamela Russell