Capitol Ministries

49 "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 leaders in Washington, D.C. None of us had any idea that the Bible had so much to say about immigration, parenting, racism, deficit spending, and other contemporary 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 Director Local Government Ministries Equipping High-Caliber Men to Reach Leaders for Christ F rom the Atlantic shores to the Pacific coastline, God is raising up men who de- sire to disciple public servants in their lo- cal communities. at calling was unmistakably evident in Dallas, Texas, where 23 men gathered for Capitol Ministries' third Local Government Ministry (LGM) Training Conference. Over four days, these men were equipped to plant and lead weekly, verse-by-verse Bible Studies with public servants in their own government arenas. A STRONG START FROM A FAITHFUL FRIEND OF CAPMIN e conference opened Monday evening with a special message from U.S. Congressman Nathan- iel Moran of Texas. He offered a heartfelt testi- mony about the impact of CapMin in his own life as a public servant: "CapMin Bible study is my guidepost—this ministry keeps me steady." He described how CapMin's Bible Studies have brought clarity during critical decision-mak- ing moments and urged attendees not to under- estimate the importance of local government ministry. Reflecting on his own journey—from City Council member, to County Judge, to Con- gress—he encouraged the men to begin simply: "Approach your local leaders with a printed Bible study, and ask how you can pray for them." TRAINING DESIGNED FOR A UNIQUE MISSION FIELD Brian Hanson, CapMin's International Director, expressed appreciation for the caliber of the men who attended: "We see the ministry expanding rapidly as men learn the vision of working with political leaders in their own local venue or around the world. e men at this training were of high caliber—most already involved in ministry and who have the bandwidth to accomplish the ministry we have been called to." One of the attending pastors echoed this sen- timent: "e political harvest is plentiful! And CapMin truly trains laborers of excellence!" Brian Solomon, Global Director for World- wide Training, led the teaching on how to estab- 49

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