Just when it seems the world can’t get more chaotic, the intensity only grows.
Our news feeds are flooded: the war between Ukraine and Russia, hostages still held in Gaza, rising tensions between Israel and Iran, the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill,” and now America’s bombing of Iranian nuclear sites. The world feels like it’s teetering.
To me, it all traces back to the garden—Adam and Eve. Humanity has fallen. While many place their hope in scientific progress or political strategy, the reality is clear: civilization continues to spiral downward. Our only hope—our lasting, eternal hope—is and has always been Jesus.
So, as I arrived in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, I came expecting to witness some of the madness firsthand from Capitol Hill.
My mission: walk approximately 14 miles, visit 225 congressional offices, and deliver handwritten notes of encouragement. Along the way, I was met with warmth—both from the people and the weather. With temperatures hitting 99 degrees and classic D.C. humidity, it was a true swamp day in the city that was literally built on a swamp.
The global issues dominating the headlines were echoed in the halls of Congress, each one vying for attention.
Despite the tension and pressure, I was met repeatedly with gratitude. Members of Congress expressed how much they appreciated the encouragement and prayers in my notes and personal visits. It was a humbling reminder that spiritual support is never out of place, even in the halls of power.
On my walk back to the hotel, I ran into a longtime acquaintance—a Catholic Democrat with whom I’ve built a respectful relationship over the years. He’s staunchly pro-choice and once gave me a five-page policy paper defending his position. I wonder how that paper will read before the Almighty. Please pray for my friend.
The next morning, I had breakfast with a young staffer new to the Hill. Her mother once sang in a choir I led during my time as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Van Nuys. It was a joy to encourage her in her new role and help her connect with a local church. She’s working in the office of a committed Christian congresswoman—a great place for her to start her journey.
From the Speaker's outer office, I could see the stage area being erected for the upcoming July 4th concert held on the West lawn of the Capitol.
As always, deadlines drive urgency in Congress. This time, it’s the July 4th recess. Lawmakers are racing to finalize the "Big, Beautiful Bill," which includes the extension of the Trump-era tax cuts. Time is tight and tensions are high.
Protesters filled the Senate office buildings, urging Congress to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and healthcare funding. At one point, a large group gathered in the Russell Senate rotunda for a demonstration before being removed by Capitol Police. Protest is alive and well in D.C.—from every angle. And in the entry of one senate office I could see a placard celebrating "Pride Month."
Spending cuts are easy to applaud until they hit close to home. What’s often called a "cut" is just a reduction in the rate of increase. Still, at some point, we must face the reality that unchecked spending isn’t sustainable.
The House passed its version of the budget weeks ago. Now it’s in the Senate’s hands, where adjustments are being made. If the House rejects the Senate’s changes, the process resets—an outcome that would only deepen the dysfunction. Staffers I spoke with expect the Senate to pass their version on Friday or Saturday. The House would then return next week to finalize the bill—hopefully in time for President Trump’s signature by July 4th. More potential chaos!
In the midst of it all, I had a divine encounter with a Democrat senator I’d never met but who’s been receiving my notes for nearly a decade. I introduced myself and he responded, “Oh, Steve from the notes.” We shared a time of prayer before I continued.
Later, I visited a House office just as the congressman and his team were having lunch. They invited me to join their Chipotle spread (I had already eaten), but I was honored to pray for their meal and them.
That evening, as I made my way to set up for our worship service, I bumped into a congressman who shared an update about his son—a recovering meth addict currently serving time—and his 12-year-old grandson, now growing up without his father. Please keep this family in your prayers.
Our worship service that night took place in a new Capitol location. My friend and colleague, Dan Cummins, brought a powerful message, framing current events through the lens of God’s sovereignty in these turbulent times.
I’ll be back on the Hill soon, eager to see how these events unfold, both at home and abroad.
Until then, pray for peace, order, wisdom—and above all, for God’s rule and reign to be made manifest in our hearts and in our nation.
God bless,
Steve