CWA of Louisiana Blesses Elected Officials     7/24/2009
By Rebekah Ries

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”

— I Timothy 2:1-2

This year, the members of Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Louisiana took the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to heart. As participants in CWA of Louisiana’s “Encourage-A-Legislator” (EAL) program, concerned citizens from all over the state faithfully prayed each week for all those in authority, even those with whom they disagreed politically. Their goal was not to lobby, or even to express political opinions, but solely to pray for and encourage the legislators in the state of Louisiana.

During each day of the 2009 legislative session, EAL volunteers prayed for their assigned legislators. Each week, the volunteers sent postcards to the legislators with an encouraging Bible verse or quotation. The postcards included verses such as, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 32:12). Others bore reminders from great historical figures like George Washington Carver, “The secret of my success? It is simple. It is found in the Bible, ‘In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.’”

Although this was the first year CWA of Louisiana had participated in the EAL program, 28 prayer warriors stepped up to the task. Many of these men and women encouraged up to five legislators each in order to reach all 144 legislators in the state. Debbie Hoehl, the EAL coordinator in Louisiana, says that the volunteers themselves were blessed by the opportunity to encourage their legislators. “The ‘encouragers’ felt like they were doing something that mattered,” Debbie says, “They enjoyed learning more about their legislators and are glad that they are now able recognize them if they see them on the news.”

The volunteers’ encouragement did not fall on deaf ears. The prayers of CWA of Louisiana members reached across party lines and religious backgrounds to encourage legislators of all political persuasions. “Thank you for the words of encouragement,” one Democratic representative wrote back. “It is a blessing to know that you are taking the time to pray for me. There are many decisions to be made this session, and we all need the wisdom of God to know what to do in every situation. I appreciate you and the Concerned Women for America of Louisiana for your efforts.” Another representative replied to his prayer partner, “Received your card and wanted to tell you that your prayers are truly appreciated.” A Democratic senator echoed these sentiments, “Thank you for your prayers and for being with me this session.”

“I am thankful that God is raising and developing Godly leadership in CWA throughout the state,” says Sancha Haysbert-Smith, State Director for CWA of Louisiana. “Debbie and her team of encouragers helped increase our visibility throughout the state, not only among CWA members but with our legislators as well.” The EAL program is a crucial part of CWA of Louisiana’s mission, Sancha says. “It is helping to fulfill our state vision to educate, equip, and empower our citizens, and to make them responsive to and responsible for the moral climate in our state. Our encouragers are making a difference. God is being exalted. Hearts are being changed, and we are delighted that this program is serving to advance the Kingdom of our God and His Messiah!”

To get involved in CWA of Louisiana, go to Louisiana.cwfa.org or e-mail director@Louisiana.cwfa.org. If you would like to get involved with one of our other fine state organizations, please visit the CWA in the States site.

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