Capitol Ministries, Ralph Drollinger
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/748914
also working toward a bachelor's degree in theolog y at Liberty University. For quite some time he avoided becoming involved with Capitol Ministries because he knew it meant he would be ministering to Utah Legislators whom he had once worked alongside, and who mostly share the Mormon faith. Carl was State Representative from 2006 to 2012 when he stepped down for a run for Congress, which was unsuccessful. "I did everything I could to avoid it," he said. "But there is a shortage of whales in Utah, and outside of being swallowed by one and forced to go to Nineveh, God made it very clear that this is where he wanted me." "So I stepped out in faith and became a Ministry Leader and it is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has been absolutely amazing. To be able to minister to Lawmakers about Jesus Christ is incredible." But it's not been easy. He's been shunned, criticized, and rejected by his former colleagues. His Bible studies are taken from Lawmaker's desks and thrown away. Nearly 40 people accepted his invitation to attend a catered sit-down breakfast he had arranged where he planned to discuss "Biblical Archaeolog y," but only two people attended. A senior staff member threatened him with arrest for distributing his Bible study after a Legislator, who is a leader in the Mormon Church, complained, but Carl stood his ground. A police officer by trade, Carl questioned the law the threat was based upon and the intimidations ceased. As a result, many Legislators were jolted by the attempt at censorship and have become cordial, even friendly with Carl. And he has made inroads. "What is amazing is, that through the discouragement, there have been wonderful sparks of light," he said. "God allows enough amazing miracles and nuggets to come through that keep my ministry exciting and interesting and keep me buoyed and hopeful." Numerous legislators have asked Carl to pray for specific needs, he has been invited into the office of a high- ranking Legislator who is a Mormon for private prayer, and a former lobbyist, who was Mormon, was persistent in asking for a meeting and as a result has become a Christian. Every week Carl hand delivers Bible studies to each one of the 104 Legislators, and he intends to persevere. "I think I made Satan very angry by joining Capitol Ministries," he said. "There's no doubt that there are people up there in the Capitol who need a safe person to talk to about how they are struggling and doubting the tenets of Mormonism. I want to be that person. The mission of Capitol Ministries is fantastic. It could change the world." State Ministries | CM 20th 21 Salt Lake City, Utah. The Church of Jesus Christ of La er-day Saints' Temple