Washington, DC: Wednesday

Wednesday morning dawned bright and early for us since we had to all be ready to leave the conference center by 8am in order to be at the US Capitol building for the first conference session at 10:30.  Matt sent his team on ahead of the group to do some initial set-up while he guided everyone to the Rayburne building and through security.

It was a brisk, cold morning but so beautiful.  I just had to stop and snap a few pictures of the building I had been anxiously waiting to see for so long:  the US Capitol.  It was hard for me to believe that I was actually there!

The room Matt secured for our use was a judiciary committee room.  I was amazed to discover that the colors of the conference banner I designed and printed many months before complimented the decor of this particular room so well.

The keynote speaker this morning was Congressman Marlin Stutzman, a representative from Indiana and personal friend of Matt.  He had a very full schedule that day but graciously gave ten minutes between committee meetings to come and address our group.  His words centered on the importance of Christians ministering to their elected leaders and the impact it can have in their lives.  It was a powerful  message given his position in Washington.

At the conclusion of the morning sessions, we walked several blocks to the Center for Christian Statesmanship office building.  George Roeller, the Director of the Center for Christian Statesmanship, and his wife, Linda, graciously hosted our entire conference group for lunch.  It was encouraging to hear them share their heart for ministry on Capitol Hill.  They have a lovely building from which to operate.  

While the rest of the group rode back on the bus to the conference center, Matt and his staff enjoyed an impromptu sightseeing excursion during their long walk to Union Station to retrieve their minivan. It was a gorgeous day and so much fun!  We took a brief detour through the Library of Congress, passed the Supreme Court building, and had our team picture taken outside the US Capitol.

The Library of Congress is an impressive building!  I was completely overwhelmed by its grandeur and beauty.  On exhibit this particular week was the Gettysburg Address in honor of its 150th anniversary celebration.

The Supreme Court:

When we arrived back at the conference center, we attended some of the afternoon sessions and ate dinner with everyone.  These meal times offered some of the best opportunities for conversation and fellowship - even with a language barrier.

It had been another wonderful day!  I called Dad later that evening and told him that I loved DC.  Seeing the sites, hearing the gospel proclaimed in our Capitol, learning of ministry flourishing in the city - all these things lit a spark within me that I was to soon discover would only grow stronger as the week progressed.