I arrived in Washington, DC Tuesday afternoon and immediately began visiting offices in the Cannon House Office Building. In one office, a representative from Mississippi graciously invited me into his personal office, where he was meeting with his staff. He asked me to pray for them—a privilege I didn’t take lightly.
Moments later, I ran into a Florida member in the hallway who also invited me into his office for prayer with his team. It was a special way to begin my time back on the Hill.
As members made their way to the House Chamber for the first votes of the fall season, I was able to greet many of them. Some looked refreshed after the recess, while others already seemed burdened—aware that September brings another round of tense negotiations to avoid a government shutdown. I ended the night in the Capitol greeting members and delivering my notes of encouragement to leadership offices.
On the way to my hotel that evening, I passed a local market and spotted a member of Congress buying a Powerball ticket for the growing jackpot. Even lawmakers can dream.
Observations Around the City
There’s been much discussion about DC being cleaner and safer. My hotel is about three blocks from the Capitol, and the police presence is always strong and I feel safe. I did notice an overpass that usually houses tents had been cleared. Vacant buildings along Pennsylvania Avenue, often places where homeless individuals seek shelter, were also empty. I did notice a difference.
A Full Wednesday
Wednesday began early and ended late—over 22,000 steps from start to finish. Along the way, I encountered countless staff and members.
In the Rayburn Building, I saw my friend Justine, a member of the custodial staff who faithfully tends to the restrooms. She always asks for prayer. On her cleaning cart, I noticed her copy of Our Daily Bread—a quiet testament to her faith.
Later, while visiting offices in the Russell Senate Building, I encountered a group wearing black T-shirts advocating for healthcare reform. Initially peaceful, the gathering quickly escalated. Yelling and chants echoed through the halls. Capitol Police responded swiftly, removing protestors from the rotunda one by one. These kinds of demonstrations accomplish little—offices simply close their doors until order is restored.
Honoring the Harlem Hellfighters
That afternoon, I attended a meaningful ceremony in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitors Center. It honored the 369th Infantry Regiment—also known as the Harlem Hellfighters. This predominantly African American regiment served with valor overseas, even while facing segregation at home.
The unit was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal—not to be confused with the Medal of Honor. The event featured period music from military bands and remarks from Leader Schumer, Speaker Johnson, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. It was a fitting and moving tribute.
Evening Worship and Divine Encounters
Our Wednesday evening service was led by Pastor Brad Wells, who preached from Ecclesiastes chapter one. I had never heard a sermon centered around the “dead flies” passage—it was a poignant message about the importance of offering God a pure and pleasant sacrifice.
Partway through the service, a young man entered Room 137, drawn by the sound of music and worship. He stayed for the service, and afterward shared that he works in a high-level leadership office within the Capitol. He expressed a desire to attend again and even texted later to thank me. God is always drawing people to Himself—even in the halls of power.
While I didn’t witness it live, I later heard remarks made by Senator Tim Kaine during Wednesday’s Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing that were deeply troubling. He said:
“The notion that rights don’t come from laws and don’t come from the government but come from the Creator — that’s what the Iranian government believes. It’s a theocratic regime that bases its rule on Sharia law and targets Sunnis, Bahá’ís, Jews, Christians, and other religious minorities... So, the statement that our rights do not come from our laws or our governments is extremely troubling.”
For a U.S. Senator to make such a statement—so clearly contrary to the Declaration of Independence—is stunning. It reveals a deep misunderstanding of the foundational truth that our rights are given by God, not granted by any government.
I’ve interacted with Senator Kaine recently, and he’s thanked me for the notes I’ve written to him. Still, his comment reminds us that the believers must pray for our leaders, and that a faithful witness for God on Capitol Hill remains vitally important.
Dinner and Divine Appointments
After a long day and our evening service, I was heading back to the hotel when I heard someone calling my name. A young Chief of Staff—someone I deeply respect—asked if I had eaten dinner. Though I was ready to turn in, we went out for Mexican food.
Over the meal, he opened up about the pressures of his job. It was another divine appointment—an opportunity to encourage someone trying to live out his faith in a high-stress environment on Capitol Hill.
Looking Ahead
I’ll be returning to the Hill in two weeks and would be grateful for your continued prayers and support. Every moment there is a reminder of the need for light in dark places—and the incredible privilege it is to serve those working in our nation’s capital.
God bless,
Steve