From the
start, Grace Adventures has focused on reaching Political, Business and
Spiritual
leaders for Christ, one leader at a time. During the month of April
we launched a new initiative at the State Capitol to reach out to our elected
leaders while they are in a nine-week session gathered in Baton Rouge. I am
spending three days a week at the Capitol from April through June 6th.
State Capitol
Senate Chamber, Baton Rouge
Open Doors
for Ministry continue to come to speak the gospel and words of encouragement
and challenge to groups in the community and at the Capitol. This month I
delighted in speaking to the Louisiana Dental Association, started a new Bible
Study at the Capitol, opened the House of Representatives in prayer on April
30th and was the Honorary Chaplain for the Day. It was fascinating meeting with
the Israel’s Ambassador to the United States on the 65th anniversary of the
restored nation of Israel. I am continuing my work in New Orleans and the
Northshore as well. This includes five ongoing weekly Bible studies,
discipleship and appointments. It is a busy time and I will be ready for a
little downtime after June 6th.
We will head
to Texas this weekend to celebrate as Patricia receives her Master of Science
Degree in Speech Pathology!! She has labored hard, working full-time and going
to school full-time. She has a huge heart to help others. What tenacity and
staying-at-it power! God bless you Patricia.
Wrap-Up
Books I’m Reading
A
Representative recently asked me, in front of many other Representatives, why I
was spending three days a week at the Capitol. I said, “I want to help leaders
think through the ‘Big Questions’ of life. I want leaders to win not just in
politics, but in life. I don’t want leaders to climb the ladder of success only
to get to the top and discover their ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.
I want leaders to be healthy spiritually, physically, mentally and in their
families, because they will serve better. I want everyone to get to know the
real Jesus, the Jesus of the Bible and not the one who people make in their own
image. If you get to know the real Jesus you will be turned upside down, you
will be stunned, amazed, challenged to no end and inspired. I believe things
can happen at the Capitol in Jesus that could never happen through politics.
Walls can come down and relationships of friendship can be built. I don’t
believe the Kingdom of God will ever arrive on Air Force One no matter who is the
President. I don’t believe revival will start in Washington DC. I believe it is
possible for a revitalization to start in an unexpected place … like Louisiana and it could spread to the
nation.” This is why I am at the Capitol.
National Day of Prayer
State Capitol
Senate Chamber, Baton Rouge
On May 2nd, I
had the honor of helping lead the National Day of Prayer event at the State
Capitol. Governor Bobby Jindal, Senator Broome, and Speaker Pro Tempore Leger
participated as members of the Capitol, and the community gathered to seek
God’s face and ask Him to bless and heal our land. We prayed for seven
mountains of influence that included Government, Military, Family, Church,
Business, Media, and Education. I began with these words, spoken to our
founding Fathers from eighty-one-year-old Ben Franklin at the 1787
Constitutional Convention:
“And have we
now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need His
assistance. I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more
convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God governs in the affairs of men.
And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable
that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the
sacred writings that “except the Lord build they labor in vain that build it.”
I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we
shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel.”
Ministry Opportunities
Open Doors
for Ministry continue to come to speak the gospel and words of encouragement
and challenge to groups in the community and at the Capitol. This month I
delighted in speaking to the Louisiana Dental Association, started a new Bible
Study at the Capitol, opened the House of Representatives in prayer on April
30th and was the Honorary Chaplain for the Day. It was fascinating meeting with
the Israel’s Ambassador to the United States on the 65th anniversary of the
restored nation of Israel. I am continuing my work in New Orleans and the
Northshore as well. This includes five ongoing weekly Bible studies,
discipleship and appointments. It is a busy time and I will be ready for a
little downtime after June 6th.
Jonathan and Patricia
Wrap-Up
Books I’m Reading
1. 7 Men and the Secret of their Greatness, Eric
Metaxas
2. Operation World, The Definitive Prayer Guide
to Every Nation, Jason Mandryk
Donna and I
appreciate you. It is a delight to have friends who care and pray. We can only
do what we do because friends stand with us in the Great Commission. Thank you.
Please let us know how we can serve you. Our prayer is you too will find
delight in God and experience His nearness and blessing.
Betting the
Farm on God,
Michael
