The 13th Annual Statehouse Prayer Service

Statehouse Events

The days have been flying by so quickly, and I am behind on several posts!  We are in the middle of the legislative session here in Indiana, and Matt Barnes and his team have been busy interacting with our leaders and planning for and executing several events.  It has been hard work but also a lot of fun!

We kicked off the legislative session with our annual prayer service.  What a blessed time together!  Over 500 people gathered together to pray for our state and country, and Governor Pence, Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann as well as dozens of lawmakers participated with us.  It was a wonderful time!

Just yesterday, we hosted our second Women's Statehouse Day.  I was the registration coordinator as well as one of the photographers for the day.  It was encouraging to see about 100 women gather together to pray for their leaders and learn how to effectively minister to them.

We were honored to have our Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, State Auditor, State Treasurer, and Superintendent of Public Instruction with us as well as numerous mayors and local government leaders from across the state.  

Our keynote speaker was Secretary of State Connie Lawson.  

Chick-fil-a catered a wonderful lunch for us.

I love the black and purple theme associated with this event.

Our guests were also treated to an unexpected tour of the Governor's office!  

Now we are preparing for the Leadership Prayer Breakfast on February 18 as well as the Pastors' Statehouse Day on February 23.  Pray with us that God will continue to bless the work of our hands.  We know that without his aid, our labor is vain.

Capitol Commission Team

I am blessed to serve with such a great team!

Back Row (from left to right): Matt Barnes, Miriam Barnes, Nathan Barnes, Pam Russell

Front Row (Left to Right): Lucas Holt, Jenny Blankenship, Ruth Salmons, Debbie Magnuson, Rachelle Myers

2016 Women's Statehouse Day

The 2016 legislative session is just around the corner, and we are already making plans for hosting several events at the Indiana Statehouse.  I am excited to help promote our second Women's Statehouse Day on Thursday, February 4, 2016.  This is a golden opportunity for women to come and hear how they can pray for their leaders.  We are honored to have Secretary of State Connie Lawson address our group.  You won't want to miss this exciting day! 

Registration for the event is now open at www.capitolcom.org/women.  I hope you can join me there!

Capitol Commission Annual Conference

Just last week I was privileged to be part of a host team as we welcomed state directors and their wives from all over the nation for the Capitol Commission Conference.  It was so much fun to take them around our beautiful city and showcase Hoosier hospitality!  

It was a special treat to have all our sessions and meetings in the Indiana senate chamber.  We were privileged to have Lt. Governor Sue Ellpersmann, State Treasure Kelly Mitchell, Rep. Randy Frye, and Rep. Timothy Wesco address our group.

We also arranged to have a morning devotional in the Governor's office.

The Lord gave us beautiful weather for several memorable outings together.  A board member planned an afternoon at Hinkle Fieldhouse and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Measuring the goal to make sure it's 10 feet tall!

At the IMS with a special friend.

On Tuesday afternoon, I helped to plan an outing for all the women in the group.  Surrey rides around the canal were a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the city and mention particular landmarks.  The ladies loved it!!!

It was a wonderful several days together!  I so appreciated the opportunity to meet our state directors and hear what God is doing through them in their capitols throughout the country.  Given the hostility that Christianity is now encountering in the political arena, these men need our prayers more than ever as they seek to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to our nation's leaders.  Please be praying with with me that God continue to equip them and his Word go forth to change the hearts and lives of those leading our country.