Capitol Ministries

18 "A few years ago, I had the privilege of leading the first Local Government Ministries Bible study to elected leaders in greater Sacramento, California, and the experience was exhilarating to say the least! "We studied Ralph's book, Oaks in Office: Essential Bible Studies for Political Leaders, which includes the same Bible studies Ralph teaches to national lead- ers in Washington, D.C. None of us had any idea that the Bible had so much to say about immi- gration, parenting, racism, deficit spending, and other contempo- rary issues. One elected official had planned to leave politics, and now he says, 'No wonder God has me in this position!' "I'm continuing to lead that original Bible study. And I'm also leading the effort to recruit and train ministry leaders to launch LGM to their local leaders across America and in foreign nations. I invite interested men who truly want to make a difference in this world to join us and get involved!" Dr. Dan DeShong Local Government Ministries Global Director W hy do you bother to minister to politicians?" a perplexed pastor asked our Torrey Lewis at a Pastor Appreciation Day event in Los Angeles, CA. "What use is it to teach them the Bible? eir minds are already made up and so many of them are lost." e pastor failed to see the paradox of his words. While he genuinely hungered to reach lost souls, he did not have eyes to see an entire affinity sphere of lost souls that was being neglected by the church— not only to the detriment of their eternal future, but also devastating to the Church's influence upon the world. e pastor just couldn't see public servants as a mission field. is problem is not unique to this pastor; this attitude is pervasive. For decades, many pastors have taught from the pulpits of America's churches that God's established institution of gov- ernment is evil and that believers should avoid all involvement with it. As a result, numerous church- es have not ministered to our nation's leaders; con- sequently, disciples of Jesus Christ are increasingly underrepresented in government. is has resulted in a society built upon policies and laws that reflect secular beliefs. Torrey, CapMin's LGM Northwest regional director, was patient and understanding LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES regional directors Torrey Lewis Northwest Nate Belkstrom Midwest Keith Hill Southwest "

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