IS THERE HOPE FOR AMERICA?

At the first Christmas 2000 plus years ago, Jesus stepped into a world filled with terror, turmoil and hopelessness. There were no parades, parties or grandiose proclamations. Rather Jesus was humbly laid in a cattle trough, animal urine scented the air, a teenage mom recovered and undoubtedly a shell-shocked stepdad tried to make sense of this crazy turn of events. Three decades later Jesus would launch a Kingdom movement in a world consisting of a rigid religious establishment, a pagan empire and political parties of all stripes. These groups, normally at odds with each other, conspired to take Jesus out. They perceived this Jesus-threat great to their power base.

I love Jesus’ approach to all of this. He had no power base. No army. No money. No voting bloc. No motorcades or Secret Service. No spin. No swords. His only weapons were a serving towel, a blood-stained cross, an empty tomb, a bunch of scars and a few ragamuffin disciples who didn’t start out too hot but ended up out-praying, out-thinking, out-serving and out-living everyone else, and turned the world upside down.

Jesus befuddled everyone. He didn’t get bent out of shape every election cycle. He didn’t fight, but chose to give his life. He read God’s Word more than the newspaper. He prayed more than He talked about praying. He built bridges rather than throw rocks. He loved more than He hated and blessed more than He cursed. He was radically inclusive, inviting all to follow him. Love Jesus or hate Jesus … the truth is that no one who encounters the real Jesus ever stays the same. He was and still is the hope of the world, the sin-substitute and the Savior of mankind. Wise men still seek Him.

Our ministry with Grace Adventures and the Capitol Commission stays focused on Jesus. God’s grace is available to everyone, but we sense a great calling to reach out to leaders, especially elected leaders. We pray and yearn for a revolution of hearts and minds in our Capitol communities through the Person of Jesus Christ and the Power of the Word of God. The harvest is plentiful. The opportunities are everywhere. By God’s grace our best days are ahead. Wherever there is Jesus…there is HOPE!!

The Kingdom is bursting forth in 2015

·   Served as the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission. It is an honor to serve with this National Ministry that has ministers in over half of the state capitols in the United States with new opportunities all over the country.

·   Finished my third year leading a House of Representatives Bible Study during the Session in Baton Rouge. It is thrilling to see influential leaders learn Scripture and yearn to walk as followers of Jesus. Lead two Lobbyist Bible studies at the Capitol as well.

·   Spoke at the Louisiana Municipal Convention at the Ragin’ Cajun Dome in Lafayette, LA to over 500 leaders at their Prayer Breakfast. Over 100 leaders wanted follow-up and many expressed written comments of hope, encouragement and decision for Jesus.

·   Helped lead and teach the Regional Leader Faith Forums that invite elected leaders to gather monthly for Bible Study, prayer and sharing. Several additional areas in the state are considering launching new Leader Faith Forums.

·   Divine appointments continue with leaders in Washington D.C., including Senate, House and The Fellowship. It is always a joy to help co-lead the Louisiana delegation to the National Prayer Breakfast annually.

·   Open doors to share the person of Jesus with skeptics, atheists, agnostics, seekers, religious and non-religious. I never get tired of sharing the Gospel.

·   Many new one-on-one appointments with leaders have turned into friendships.

·   Taught ongoing Bible studies every day of the week but Saturday. It is a joy to see men walk with Jesus.

·   Finished up this year serving almost 10 years on the Board of Urban Impact in Central City, New Orleans.

·   Started speaking in churches and community organizations on the topic of, “Is There Hope for America?” Many are discouraged by the condition of our nation. I remind people that God is on the throne and these are significant days for Kingdom work and prayer for revitalization and renewal.

Community Speaking Opportunities in 2015

Christian Legal Society Convention

Chris Fabry Live!

First Baptist Church Covington

St. Timothy’s Luncheon

New Orleans Leader Forum

Northshore Leader Forum

Leadership St. Tammany

Christian Legal Society

House of Representatives Study

Lobbyist Groups

Missions Conference

Southern Christian Writers Guild

Men’s Retreat

Louisiana Dental Center

Victory Bible Church

Officer’s Christian Fellowship

Capitol Commission Gathering

Grace Harbor Family

Leadership Revisited

Legislator’s Town Hall

Bottom Line Luncheon

LA Municipal Association Prayer Breakfast

Pulpit Supply

Financial Update

I have not mentioned finances since last December.  For a man who has been called “pathetic” at fundraising, God gave us enough to get started. The core of the ministry has been supported by people making monthly commitments to GRACE ADVENTURES, and this has been supplemented by one-time gifts. I am grateful. As a faith-based ministry, I am responsible to raise all of my monthly support.

Please pray for:

·   Our grandson is scheduled to be born around Christmas time. Please PRAY for the family. This will be an extra special Christmas for all of the Sprague family. We are expectant and excited!!

·   New monthly commitments to join the team.

·   End-of-the-year special gifts for projects.

·   No emotional appeals. No fundraising tactics. If you are looking for a Kingdom place to invest, if our work registers in deep ways, c’mon and jump in and move Grace Adventures forward.

Thank you

Donna and I would not be able to strategically focus this way without friends who partner with us in prayer, encouragement and support. We are most grateful. YOU play a huge role in every business person who finds faith … every lonely leader who is encouraged … every person who is reminded not to quit … every seed sown … every political leader who discovers Jesus is worth following … every revitalized soul who discovers their purpose. Paul put it this way in Philippians 4:17, “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.”

Merry Christmas,

Michael and Donna

2015 Highlights in Pictures

Christian Legal Society National Conference

Municipal Convention

Municipal Convention

LA State Capitol

Forcey Bible Church Retreat

Political Good News

As part of my ministry with Grace Adventures, I am the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission. Here is a picture of the ministry team of Capitol Commission taken at our 2015 Annual Gathering at the Indianapolis, Indiana Capitol Building.  Together we are impacting the lives in capitol communities across our nation.

CAPITOL COMMISSION

Our State Ministers’ stories tell of the work God is doing:

Southern State: 

An atheist legislator continues to express appreciation for the printed devotionals distributed each week to all the state legislators.  They have proved a great help and encouragement.  In addition, a legislative-aide was impacted greatly by counsel received while dealing with a personal struggle resulting from emotional abuse by the spouse.  “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).

Western State:

Two individuals: a legislative staff member who attends the Bible study and a self-described agnostic state employee. By God’s grace after answering many questions, the state employee was led to Christ, baptized and discipled by our State Minister.  Then the two were engaged and our State Minister provided extensive pre-marital counseling.  Officiating at their wedding, our State Minister was asked to share the “Good News” of Jesus with everyone attending the wedding which included capitol leaders, staff members, state employees and lobbyists.  “Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy” (1 Peter 3:15-16).

Mid-Atlantic State:

When the governor was diagnosed with cancer, state-wide prayer services for the governor and other state leaders were planned and participated in.  The result: the governor was declared cancer free; many hearts were drawn closer to the Lord and closed minds were opened to the gospel. “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up” (James 5:14-15).

FORCEY MEN’S RETREAT

It was a joy to be the speaker the 25th Annual Men’s Retreat of Forcey Bible Church. Our topic was FRIENDSHIP. We looked at the relationship of Jonathan and David, and David’s relationship with God. Jesus met us on the Mountain.

PRAYER REQUESTS

My next Men’s Retreat is at The Villages in Florida February 23-24, 2016. Pray for all the upcoming speaking opportunities. They are posted at www.graceadventures.info. 

Pray also for our new website that is under construction.

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

The Epic Story

A short time ago I met with a person going through a crisis of faith. As the story unfolded they said in this order, "I don't know if I believe in God anymore. I'm not sure who I am or why I’m here. I've had a lot of problems. I don't know if Jesus is the Savior and wonder if all religions are equal.  I don't know if heaven is real, or if this life is all there is. Can you help me with my crisis of faith?" The whisper of the Spirit let me know, "Clue-phone to Michael-This is an Open Door for the Gospel.” I asked permission to walk the person through the Epic Story of the ages and jotted down five words and explained biblically their significance: GOD (Does God exist? What is He like?), CREATION (Who am I? What is my identity?), STRUGGLE (What is wrong with the world? What is wrong with me? Who is the villain?), RESCUE (What/Who is the solution?), HOME (Where am I going? Is there any hope?). These five words rightly understood were the answers to the five issues raised earlier. Through the power of the Gospel this person trusted in Jesus Christ. It never gets old seeing someone become a new creation.

Earlier this week I went through a whole day of appointments and repeatedly got to share the Good News. In the early evening a new disciple called saying he had the opportunity to share the gospel with a friend that day. Hearing that the baton is passed to another who is discovering opportunity is just as inspiring to me as if I had shared it myself.

We pray and yearn for a transformation of hearts and a revolution of minds in Caesar's household and Capitol Communities through the person of Jesus Christ and the power of the Word of God. The harvest is plentiful. The opportunities overflow. By God's grace the best opportunities are still ahead. 

Capitol Commission

It is a joy to serve as the Chaplain to the State of Louisiana with the Capitol Commission. In September I had the privilege of joining with Chaplains from many of the other states across the nation in the Indiana State Capitol for an annual gathering. The Capitol Commission is an outstanding organization. You can discover more about this National Ministry at www.capitolcom.org. Here’s what a couple of leaders are saying about our ministry. 

“Capitol Commission shares with government leaders and legislators .of every political persuasion the love of God as proclaimed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, challenging them to live a transformed more...” President – AnGel Ministries, Anne Graham Lotz

“I believe that the biblical basis and the practical wisdom that I have seen in Capitol Commission is the kind of ministry that every state capitol as well as the federal government politicians need in more...” International Evangelist, Luis Palau

Please pray for the following:

1. Pray for the Forcey Bible Church Men’s Retreat in Maryland at the end of the month. I will be speaking to over one hundred men over the weekend at their 25th Annual Men’s Retreat.

2. Pray for the Leadership St. Tammany Revisited Program I am chairing that will address the issue of disengagement and engagement in civic life and responsibility. We have a great line up of speakers at this half day event.

3. Pray for Bible studies, one-on-one appointments and speaking opportunities this month. I had the opportunity to speak at the National Convention for the Christian Legal Society this past weekend.

4. Pray for elected leaders and those running for office (2 Timothy 2:1-4). Our elections are this month in Louisiana and that means leaders need to depend on the Lord and look to Him.

5. Pray for our grandson, who is now 2.5 pounds and due to make his grand appearance in December. The doctor says all looks great.

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

Louisiana Municipal Convention

On July 31st I had the honor of being the keynote speaker at the Louisiana Municipal Convention prayer breakfast at the Ragin' Cajun Dome in Lafayette, Louisiana. Over 500 were in attendance, including a roomful of mayors and elected leaders serving throughout the state. I spoke on the topic “Is There Hope for America?” A huge number indicated they want to know more about our Leader Faith Forums!

The following are a few comments that came from leaders:

• Opened the door of my heart for Jesus to enter.
• I could actually feel God in the room...
• Too often I do not feel there is any hope, but indeed, through Jesus we can always have hope.
• Made me think through things I have been struggling with for a while.
• Your message encouraged me to press on and stay encouraged.
• I've been praying for God's light to be shined upon our elected leaders.
• Inspiring for me to hear the Word of the Lord in a political venue which is much needed.
• I want to be involved in a Leader Faith Forum.
• Adding you and your ministry to my prayer list and ask you to add me and my town to yours.
• Our town needs this.
  
• Please call me.
• Don't give up on me.

Please pray for the following:

1.   Pray for a revitalization in Louisiana and America. With Jesus there is always HOPE!!!!

2.   The mayor being prayed over in this picture is the Mayor of Lafayette, Louisiana where the tragic Movie Theater Shooting had just occurred the week before. The theater, which was right around the corner from the Cajun Dome, was still closed while we were there. Much prayer is needed for the people.

3.   I have over 100 Mayors and leaders to follow up with who want to know more about getting into a Leader Faith Forum. Two months prior to this event I was praying and asking the Lord how these forums might spread to interested leaders across the four corners of the state of Louisiana. It was within days I got the call to speak to the 305 Mayors of the state. There was my OPEN DOOR. Even I couldn’t miss this one. Thank you for praying!!

4.   Pray for many upcoming speaking opportunities in the community . . .  retreat, Leader Faith Forums, Leadership St. Tammany, Christian Legal Society, etc.

5.   Pray for wisdom in exploring preaching opportunities in churches. I find many people are disenchanted and even discouraged with the condition of our nation and communities. Encouragement and vision is needed about where our hope rests and understanding the Kingdom is not dependent upon the cooperation of Caesar.

6.   I helped move my mom back to Maryland to live near my brother. It will be a new adjustment but it is great having mom closer to her kids.

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

Louisiana Mayors Convention

Louisiana Mayors Convention

With Mayor of Pineville, LA

I am asking for prayer for the opportunity to be the keynote speaker at the Louisiana Mayors Convention Prayer Breakfast in Lafayette, Louisiana on July 31st. I will have the opportunity to speak to 305 Louisiana Mayors and will be sharing the ministry of the Capitol Commission and the good news of the Gospel. I will invite the Mayors to let us help them start Leader Faith Forums in their Parish like we have on the Northshore and Southshore of New Orleans. They are expecting 500-800 leaders in attendance. Reaching leaders helps reach communities. Please pray as we attempt great things for God and expect great things from God. May Jesus be lifted up and God glorified. Imagine Parish Presidents, Judges, Mayors, Legislators, Political Chiefs of Staff, Councilmen and women, Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, District Attorneys, Coroners, etc. coming together all over Louisiana to seek the face of God and to ask Him to heal our land.

Preaching, Retreats, Workshops

Last Sunday July 5th, I had the honor of preaching at First Baptist Covington on the topic of “Is There Hope for America?” Many are discouraged about the direction of our land and need to be encouraged that with Jesus there is always hope. God did not make a mistake planting us sovereignly in this our generation and this hour so that we can participate in His Great Commission. These are great days to be alive and share the hope that is within us. The challenges are great but God is greater.

Later in the year I will teach at Forcey Bible Church Men’s Retreat,

will lead a couple of workshops at the National Convention of the Christian Legal Society in New Orleans, and will speak at the Staff Gathering of the Capitol Commission at the Capitol in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Prayer before Lt. Governor Debate

I hope to do more preaching in churches, church groups and community groups and share our work with the political community as well as the hope we have for these challenging times. If your church or group would be interested…let me know. These things seem to work best by word of mouth to discover open doors.

Betting the Farm on God,

MY THOUGHTS ON THE 2015 LEGISLATIVE SESSION AND MORE

“For a wide door for effective service has opened to me and there are many adversaries”

(I Corinthians 16:9). Despite the challenges of encroaching secularism, national partisanship and waning faith, I am finding doors wide open with leaders. Why? I’m convinced that people are praying, God is showing favor, and many leaders are realizing our root problems cannot be solved by human ingenuity or government. The following are some highlights of the month:

The Legislative Session

It is a deep honor to walk the halls of the Capitol weekly during Session and take a seat in the House Chamber to pray for and interact with leaders in the Capitol Community. The House of Representatives Bible Study and the two Lobbyist/Administration Studies have gone well. One-on-one time with leaders is fruitful. I serve wanting nothing in return and regardless of politics. I simply want all leaders to know Jesus and take a next step in their faith. If you reach leaders, you can reach communities and even nations.

Louisiana Mayors Convention Prayer Breakfast

I have been asked to be the Keynote speaker at the Prayer Breakfast for the 305 Louisiana Mayors and guests at their three-day convention in Lafayette on July 31 at 8am. Our Leader Faith Forums for Parish elected leaders on the Northshore and the Southshore have gone extremely well. Potentially this monthly type of gathering could serve elected leaders in communities around the state. I have been asking God how we could get the word out statewide. Answer … this invitation to speak to the 305 mayors of the state. Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray for open doors with leaders statewide.

Training Opportunity

In May I had the opportunity to preach at and provide mid-week training for an entire church that recognized a need to prepare their people in sharing the good news of the gospel. I was so impressed with the eagerness of these people to be equipped and sharpened. Churches are often quick to ask for teaching on finding the will of God, finances, romance, or family but very few churches want training on sharing the Gospel with role-playing included. It was a delight, and I know fruit will come. I love providing this training. If your church, para-church, retreat or group would be interested in this equipping, please let me know. Pass the word for me.

My Prayer for the Capitol Community

While John Paton was a university student in Scotland, God called him to missionary work in the New Hebrides. After graduation he and his bride sailed to the southwest Pacific and began work with the savage cannibals on the island of Tanna. His wife and infant son died a few months later, and Paton slept on their graves for several nights to prevent the cannibals from digging up the bodies and eating them. After almost four years of faithful service, he left without seeing a single convert. Many years later his son by another marriage resumed the work in Tanna and eventually saw the entire island of people come to Christ. When the elder Paton revisited the island, the chief of the former cannibals asked the missionary who the great army was that surrounded his hut every night when he first arrived. God’s angels had protected him. Because of his faithful work and that of his son, when he left New Hebrides for the last time, it is reported that he said with tearful eyes, “I don’t know of one native on these islands who has not made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ.”  This is my prayer for today!!!!

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

The Crimson Thread

The Crimson Thread

Check out my message entitled the Crimson Thread on the TV program Beyond History.....

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The Beggar and the 2015 Legislative Session

The 2015 work at the Capitol is in full swing. The aim is to work behind the scenes and be an encourager to the Capitol Community. The halls of power can be lonely (especially when your job is to cut $1.6 billion in order to balance the budget). Most people who desire to be close to power want something in return. We offer friendship with no strings attached and connect those who respond to small clusters and one-on-one groups. These people often blossom from the hope offered in Jesus and friendships.

Belong – Believe

Ministries today usually practice a Believe before you Belong approach. But look at the gospels … the disciples followed Jesus around for a long time before He popped the question, “Who do you say I am?” There were months of fish-fries, long treks, Q&A’s, teachings, compassion work and encounters of all kinds. With all these hours with Jesus … in a context of Belonging …  many Believed.

Come and See

One day while on the banks of the Jordan River Jesus said to two men, “Come and See” (John 1). After praying all night, Jesus called a bunch of guys to be “With Him” (Mark 3). There was no one agenda, timetable or curriculum. Jesus just hung out at wells, living rooms and gathering places and invited people to join him. Many met Him along the way, and it changed everything.

It’s Simple. It’s Biblical.

Our Legislative Bible Study and two Lobbyist/Administration/Staff Bible Studies have launched. I’m learning from the ways of Jesus. In my work at the Capitol there are no church potlucks, Christmas musicals or kumbayahs around a campfire. The focus is on Serving, Friendship and sharing the Journey with leaders. As people feel like they Belong … there is a good chance they will get to know Jesus along the way.

Follow Me

Jesus would say to people, “Follow me.” Today, many are bored in their faith because they think Jesus should follow them. People are leading rather than following. This is an Inverted Gospel. It is absolutely unfulfilling. The call is to say to Jesus, “Whenever, Whatever, Wherever.” When you follow Jesus this way it is always an adventure and life changing.

The Adventure

Last week I had some interesting time with some kingdom leaders from around the world. They work with people in areas such as the red-light district in Copenhagen, gangs in Los Angeles, poor in South Africa, Hezbollah in the Middle East, Chicago ER, U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Ethiopian Government, and the Palestinian Christian Mayor of Bethlehem, Israel. It was striking to see how the Kingdom is impacting people worldwide. During a two hour lunch break one day I didn’t have anyone to eat lunch with so I headed out to find a restaurant. At an urban street corner I passed a man with a sign begging for money. As I continued a block and a half I was sensing in my spirit that God wanted me to eat lunch with this man. Finally I turned around and asked him to lunch. He told me he had to stay on the corner all day to make the money he needed. I politely asked him if he stayed 8 hours how much did he hope to make. He said, “$10.” I said, “If I cover your $10 will you join me for lunch?’ It was a deal. I got an education about what life was like on the streets! Eye-opening. He said he couldn’t make each day if it weren’t for Jesus. He admitted though that he didn’t have assurance of his salvation and his eternal destiny. I shared the gospel and he went away with hope and $10! Pray for my new friend, Stephen, and the elected leaders of Louisiana as well. You can never tell where the adventure will be with Jesus. Sometimes it is in the Capitol and sometimes it is out on the street.

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

Highlights from April

Astronaut Charlie Duke

Northshore Mayor's

Prayer Breakfast Speaker

LA House of Representatives

Pray for the 3 Bible studies

 that take place weekly

 in Baton Rouge

Leadership St. Tammany

Ravi Zacharias, Governor's Prayer

 Breakfast Speaker

Governor’s Prayer Breakfast