State Ministries | CM 2017 19
HE TWO MEN WHO PARTNER TO MINISTER TO RHODE ISLAND LEGISLATORS are not pleased
but neither are they surprised that Time Magazine called their capital one of the "Most Godless Cities in
America."
But despite the story, or perhaps be-
cause of it, Senator Harold Metts, Provi-
dence, District 6, and businessman Mer-
rill omas who comprise the ministry
team, are dedicated to taking the Word
of God to State Legislators and Consti-
tutional Officers.
"Providence, our capital city, was
named aer God's providence, yet it
was one of the lowest Bible reading
cities in nation!" Sen. Metts said. "Un-
fortunately, this is the culture in New
England. I've heard other studies say
the lack of belief is great in this part of
the country."
Sen. Metts sponsors the weekly exe-
getical Bible study that Ministry Leader
Merrill leads which examines one book
of the Bible at a time, verse by verse.
e two began the ministry in 2014
and currently up to seven Lawmakers
from a number of different denomina-
tions regularly attend.
Sen. Metts said there are a number of
Christian Legislators in Rhode Island
who need to be encouraged to stand up
for what they believe in.
"My goal is to stand up for my faith,"
Sen. Metts said. "We need something in
our capitol, and hopefully, prayerfully,
God will bless our Bible study and the
only problem we will have is that I will
run out of space in my office. But even
if there is only a handful of us, there
were 12 disciples and they changed the
whole world."
T
Providence, Rhode Island, cityscape at night
rhode island
Merrill Thomas
Ministry Leader
capital: Providence
population: 1,057,689
governor: Gina M. Raimondo
legislature: 113 Members
Rhode Island State Capitol
