Capitol Ministries

State Capitol Ministries 25 T he Missouri Capitol Building was shuttered during the two-year COVID-19 pandemic, but even so, Matt Goodsell still launched two Bible studies, one for legislators and another for legislative aides. is year, the capitol building was closed to the public, and with meetings restricted, Pastor Matt had difficulty finding a place to meet for the study. Missouri Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick came to his aid. e two men had met at a prayer breakfast, and aer learning about the Bible study and the logistics problem, Treasurer Fitzpatrick offered his office. Among those who were grateful that the Bible stud- ies continued was Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch (District 44). She lauded Pastor Matt's persistence in encouraging people to seek and find Jesus and pray for and with representatives "even during the height of COVID." One of the studies Pas- tor Matt taught was "Faith and COVID-19, Biblical Truths to Recall During a Pandemic." e Bible study examined seven points including, "We cannot add a single hour to our lives (Luke 12:25)." Psalm 139:16, which was written by Da- vid, confirmed: Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (NIV). Legislators found the study to be a great comfort and one that strengthened their faith. Bible study logistics were further complicated when Pastor Matt contracted COVID. He responded well to the treatment but experienced atrial fibrillation (AFib), a rapid and irregular heartbeat. e condition persisted for some time until Pas- tor Matt prayed, "I don't believe this is my time to go, God. I believe you have more for me to do." At that moment, Pastor Matt's heartbeat returned to normal. Even though he has suf- fered COVID two more times, he has not experienced AFib symptoms since that prayer. As soon as the capitol opened again, Pastor Matt was there distributing Bible studies, meeting and praying with legislators and aides, and availing himself of pastoral and evangelistic opportunities. "My heart just went out to them," he said. "I could see that people had become depressed, and my pastoral heart came out even more during COVID. My main objective was to encourage them, li them up through prayer, and encourage them through Scripture." Pastor Matt is already looking toward 2022 and is considering ways he can build on the solid foundation he built during the COVID years. MISSOURI Downtown Jefferson City with the state capitol at dusk capital: Jefferson City population: 6.16 million governor: Mike Parson legislature: 197 members Matt Goodsell State Director, Missouri Missouri Capitol Building MISSOURI

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