By Will Hall, Message Editor
ALEXANDRIA (LBM)—During an April 9 morning meeting and luncheon at Philadelphia Baptist Church, Horseshoe Drive, U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham and evangelist Rick Gage shared inspiring words with 33 local pastors and other leaders gathered to get some political insights from Washington, D.C. and the latest updates about #Hope4U2018, an area-wide evangelistic crusade slated for CENLA, October 14-17.
HOPE 4 CENLA
Gage told the crowd the leadership teams are coming together, and that discussions with the local school systems were well under way.
“The door has already been opened for us to speak in all of your high schools and all of your middle schools,” Gage shared regarding the On Track moral development program which covers issues like bullying, suicide and drugs and alcohol. But he emphasized the need right now is to “get your congregation to use their talents and gifts and callings to serve in this campaign.
Using the decision counseling team (trained individuals who meet one-on-one with persons who come forward) as an example, Gage said there are opportunities “for your people” to serve “that will enhance and strengthen your local fellowship!
“It’s going to set their souls on fire and they’re going to come back and be better church members for your congregation.”
Gage closed by emphasizing the priority is still to “pray, pray, and pray,” making a reference to Billy Graham’s focus in putting together evangelistic crusades.
U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham gives an update from Washington to area Cenla pastors.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Congressman Abraham explained his vote for the budget authorization (which provided for the military and other essentials) and against the budget appropriations bill (which funds Planned Parenthood, among other concerns).
He also gave an update on Christian persecution around the world, saying, “900,000 Christians were killed last year … and North Korea was among the worst” of the persecuting countries that included Sudan, Yemen and Afghanistan.
Abraham also advised the crowd that mailing a letter was not a particularly effective way to contact Congress because the security protocols for checking postal mail before it is delivered leads to extended delays, etc.
“If you want to get our attention you need to send emails and make phone calls,” he said. “You catch our attention when you contact us so much that you disrupt the business of the day.”
