December 28, 2011
I want to give everyone one last opportunity to consider what God is doing with this ministry, to pray for this work, and as people are led, to support it. While it is impossible to sum up everything that God did, and allowed us to do in 2011, or even to speculate about all that He may do and allow us to do in 2012, let me just say that I am pleased with the progress I saw in 2011, and I am very excited about some of the new things I anticipate happening in 2012.
I also encourage you to take a moment now to give thanks to God for all of the great things He has done, and for the opportunities He has provided for us to serve Him and to serve those who lead and serve within the various political communities in Arkansas. All state directors, such as myself, are mere servants of God who plant spiritual seeds of the gospel and water them, but God alone is the One who causes the growth. To Him belongs all glory, and all honor, and all power now and forevermore!
Friends, our political leaders NEED prayer, and the people of Arkansas and our nation need many good political leaders, preferably one’s who know God, and are committed to honoring Him in all that they say and do. With this in mind and in an effort to assist you and the churches of Arkansas with being faithful to God’s urging for His church to pray for “kings and all who are in authority,” per 1 Timothy 2:1-4, I am looking into launching an automated prayer website. The way this will work is that anyone who desires to faithfully pray for America’s national and state political leaders will be able to sign-up to receive a daily email. Each day when people open their email, they will be prompted to pray, and even told who to specifically pray for, for that day. It is my desire that daily thousands of Arkansans will be assisted with seeking the Lord in prayer, and in that process of daily prayer, also lift-up to the throne of grace, our political leaders. I have already launched a Facebook page called “Capitol Commission Arkansas,” please feel free to “like” it, as this will be another way for you and others to keep up with the ministry, may all of these help you with drawing nearer to God and more regularly giving Him thanks.
Plans for 2012
In 2012 we plan to be involved with multiple events at the Capitol. These will be announced as we draw closer to the events. also in 2012 we plan to get the Word out, via regular Bible studies. Again, more information will be available next year. Also in 2012 we will be offering scheduled prayer walks at the Arkansas State Capitol for those interested in this, please contact me for more information. This will be another way to promote care and prayer between believers and our leaders. So if you have a church group, a home school group, a Christian businessmen’s group, or some other Christian group, or even if your family would like to serve in this way, please contact me.
I write this update so that you, along with the whole Palermo family, will remember the good things that God has done, and so that you will be able to join with us in praising God, for He is good, and His loving-kindness endures forever and His love is infinitely great toward all who believe.
For anyone looking to make an end-of-the year donation, there is still time before the year comes to an end. The simplest way to give a tax-deductible gift is via our website click here.
Or you can make a check out to "Capitol Commission" (with "Arkansas" in the memo line) and mail it to:
Capitol Commission
P.O. Box 63118
Charlotte, NC 28263
Thank you your support by way of prayer and financial gifts. We are grateful for the opportunity and privilege of serving God, and you, and the political leaders of Arkansas.
May you and your family have a very blessed, safe, and happy New Year!
Love the Palermo family,
Jason Palermo
State Director, Arkansas
December 20, 2011
This is a quick report and a note of thanks to all who prayed, and helped me get to our annual training meeting earlier this month, in Raleigh, North Carolina. It was worth the effort getting there, and I feel privileged that God has allowed me to serve with such an excellent organization. I left refreshed, encouraged, and a little more equipped.
Here is a group photo from our time together in Raleigh, North Carolina:
Several of our board-of-directors were in attendance. These men have been providing wise, generous, courageous and humble leadership and they have freed us from many details, so that we can focus on the ministry before us. They are gifts to this ministry, to us and all whom we serve.
It was also encouraging being surrounded by all of my fellow state directors. While we are all doing a similar work in our respective states, it is always interesting to learn how every state looks a little different, and to hear how God is leading and blessing these ministries.
Apart from God Himself, the one most worthy of honorable mention is my beloved wife, who single-handedly held down the fort with our three boys. After returning from this trip, I spent a few days with my wife and boys, refreshing them, playing with them and sharing the blessings of this trip.
If God has impressed upon your heart the great spiritual need existing within the political arena, as well as the tremendous opportunity we have been given, and if you would like to help us make an eternal difference, then we would like to provide you with an opportunity to give a special year-end gift by clicking here. As always your gifts are tax-deductible. May God richly reward you in His presence, for your generosity toward this ministry.
From the Palermo family, we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
Jason Palermo
State Director, Arkansas
November 22, 2011
I would like to invite you to the State Capitol Lighting Ceremony, on the evening of Saturday, December 3.
I have been given the honor and privilege of offering the invocation at the beginning of the ceremony (approx. 5:25 PM). This will be another opportunity to declare the Excellencies of Christ, at a time when many will pause to consider God’s incomparable grace gift.
According to the Secretary of State, the tradition of the ceremony dates back to 1938, when then—Secretary of State Crip Hall decided to light the Capitol as a gift to young patients at the Arkansas Children’s Infirmary—now Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Some of the attractions will include penguins from the Little Rock Zoo, fireworks, live music, and an opportunity to enter the Capitol rotunda to view the Christmas decorations. After the ceremony, children will have an opportunity to visit with Santa.
Below is an approximate itinerary:
To God be the glory--great things HE has done!
Jason Palermo
State Director, Arkansas
November 17, 2011
Capitol Commission has received the Guide Star Exchange Seal, demonstrating its commitment to transparency of programs and finances in support of its mission.
If you are thankful that a ministry of the Word and prayer exists for political leaders and the Capitol communities in Arkansas and throughout America, or if you have benefited personally from this ministry, please rate us.
To do so, you can click the Guide Star logo on the bottom of my page click here
Thanks y'all!
Jason Palermo
State Director, Arkansas
October 18, 2011
PRAISES:
1. For Fiscal Growth—recent increases in monthly support are helping us reach more people within the Capitol community for Christ.
2. For Field Growth—within the last few weeks,several new government departments have opened up to us, which has increased the number of people we can now serve on a regular basis. Each week, people are expressing that they never knew a ministry like ours existed, and how thankful they are that we are here.
3. For Responsibility Growth—with increased fiscal and field growth have come increased responsibilities, and opportunities to exalt God. We give God all of the glory!
REQUESTS:
1. For Greater Christ-likeness in life and ministry—we want to continue growing in greater Christ-likeness so that our life and service increasingly point to and resemble Christ.
2. For God’s Comfort—recently, a Capitol Police officer for over 20 years, died during his shift. Please pray for his family, friends and co-workers.
3. For Grief Counseling—we are now being utilized to provide grief counseling within the Capitol community, pray that God would draw people to Himself when they are hurting, so others might experience God’s indescribable love, comfort.
4. For Increased Funding—God has openned several new government departments for ministry, and it looks like more will soon be openning. We want to keep pace with the growth. By moving the ministry into a full-time mode, it will be easier to include my wife Jennifer in more of what I do, which would add a wonderful new dimension to this ministry, and greatly benefit those we serve. We are praying for an increased $500 in monthly funding for the month of October. For every $500 in new monthly support we can drop an entire evening of supplemental work each week.
Is God calling you to make a greater impact?
Many are attesting to the problems within our government. Some are simply complaining, feeling like there is nothing they can do to make a positive difference. Reaching our leaders and staff for Christ, and encouraging them to give God first place in everything is something God has been blessing. Is God leading you to be a part of the solution to our government's greatest need by helping us reach our monthly support goals, and thereby freeing us to be reaching more within this community for Christ? If so, click here.
Thank you for praying, thank you for your financial partnership, and thank you for making an eternal difference in the lives of our political leaders and their staff.
Your missionary to the Capitol,
Jason Palermo
State Director, Arkansas
September 12, 2011
The 9/11 event at the Arkansas State Capitol went amazingly well, and had a good turn out. I had the honor of giving the invocation, and many afterward expressed their appreciation. To view a copy of the invocation click here. A few notes about the parade—the bag pipe players were truly amazing—I do not think I was the only one with goose bumps that day. The police and fire department did a great job of leading the parade to the Capitol, and setting the tone for this somber occassion.
I was seated with the main speakers some of whom include US Senator Tim Griffin; Governor Mike Beebe; Lt. Governor Mark Darr; Attorney General Dustin McDaniel; Representing the Secretary of State Doug Matayo; Land Commissioner John Thurston; Former congressman, and former Head of the DEA Asa Hutchinson, An AR General with 10,000 + soldiers under his command, a leader of MEMS. Each speaker had something excellent to add and they all enriched my understanding of 9/11 and furthered my appreciation and respect for those who served on that day until now. There were others in attendance, including but not limited to a large gathering of fire fighters, police, and military, color guard, bell ringers, and more bag pipe players ending the service, along with gun salutes.
It was an honor being a part of this event, and being able to meet with all the speakers, and with others who came from around Arkansas to remember 9/11, including several of our injured soldiers who were in attendance, and a group which serves our troops and blesses them in many ways. I am sorry that I was not able to include any photos of this event, my wife, who is our main photographer was home with the boys (one of whom split his lip open the night before)...a story for another time. But if any make there way to me, I will be glad to send them your way.
Thank you for your prayers for our leaders and for us, and for allowing me to represent you, as your missionary to the Capitol!
Jason Palermo
State Director, Arkansas
September 8, 2011
What Does 9/11 Mean to You?
September 11, 2001 stands out as a day of destruction, and a day to call upon the Lord.
The 9/11 attacks seemed to accomplish the unthinkable in the minds of many. There is no doubt that it caused enormous damage in terms of lives lost, dreams cut short, economic upheaval, and 10 years later our country is still struggling to recover. 9/11 also reminds me that there is a terror far greater than any man is capable of producing. Scripture reminds us that it is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:31). As for man--we are told not to fear those who can only kill our body, but rather to fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell (Mat. 10:28). 9/11 reminds me that our days are numbered, and they might be far fewer than we thought. There is a limited time for people to respond to the gospel. Because our time on earth can be cut short in an instant, we ought not think that we can wait until the "end of our life," to get right with God. So 9/11 reminds me of the urgency of the gospel. 9/11 reminds me that I need to be a faithful proclaimer of the Lord Jesus Christ; and 9/11 reminds me to warn all men to respond to the gospel call now, because the "end of our life," might come sooner we think.
Upcoming Event at the Capitol
I was asked to give the invocation for the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 at the Arkansas State Capitol. Please join with me in prayer for this event, and for our first responders, military, law-makers, and nation.
Huge Praises Are In Order
God has blessed our fundraising efforts. This month we were able to add two more days of ministry service, and are now able to serve the Capitol community Monday through Friday! We praise God for His gracious provisions, and thank you for supporting this cause of reaching those within the Capitol community for Christ.
Huge Requests Are Still in Order Too
While I am now available to serve Monday through Friday, I am still working evenings to supply what is lacking for both our family and ministry budgets. While our family feels stretched, we are getting closer to becoming fully funded. This September we are praying for God to provide $1,000 in new monthly support. This means we have need of several $100 - $400 per month supporters, and many $20 - $75 per month supporters. For every $500 in new monthly funding, we will drop an entire evening of supplemental work each week. We are eager to drop two full nights of supplemental work as soon as possible, preferably by the end of this month. Freeing two more evenings each week will not only help us better balance our family and ministry schedules, but it will also help us with producing, holding, and distributing Bible studies and devotionals for our political leaders and staffers. Won’t you join with us in praying for this amount to be realized, and if it is possible, would you also help us with reaching this month's goal of $1,000 in new monthly support? All gifts are tax-deductible, and they will help the gospel and discipleship to advance within our Capitol community.
It takes two minutes to become a monthly supporter. Simply go to http://www.capitolcom.org/arkansas/donate
Thank you for your interest, consideration and support. We greatly appreciate you. God's grace and peace be yours to the fullest!
Jason Palermo
State Director, Arkansas
May 24, 2011
I am writing to let you know of an incredible ministry opportunity and to ask for your help with launching it.
This February, the Secretary of State asked if I would be interested in launching a chaplaincy ministry to their organization. After my initial feelings of joy and excitement at how God had answered our prayer of nearly 5 years, and humility as I considered the responsibilities that would accompany this new role, I immediately thanked God and our Secretary of State for this opportunity. Next, I consulted one of the top evangelical corporate chaplaincy organizations in America, to see if they would be willing to train me as one of their own. They agreed. Then I asked the Secretary of State if he would be willing to meet with me twice weekly so that we could work out together, and so that I could begin developing a working ministry relationship with him, and he agreed. Shortly after this, The Arkansas Times interviewed me, in a story they were doing on the Bible’s influence within Arkansas’ Capitol; to read this article click http://www.arktimes.com/arkansas/the-word-at-the-capitol/Content?oid=1657477.
While there is much to praise God for, there are also some things we will need help with before being able to launch this new phase of ministry. Prior to launching, we are calling on all our ministry partners to begin:
- Praying: for us, and all we will be caring for in this new phase of ministry, and
- Giving: it will cost a minimum of $1,000 in new monthly funding to initiate this new phase of ministry.
How can I help? Many hands will make the labor light. I believe we have enough ministry partners to initiate this new phase of ministry. If 100 ministry partners decide to cover a small portion of the monthly start-up cost (i.e. for $5, $10 or $20 per month), then our start-up costs would be realized. With this in mind, would you be willing to be one of the first 100 people to help launch this new phase of ministry?
To set-up a monthly/quarterly gift giving schedule, click http://www.capitolcom.org/arkansas/donate . It only takes a couple of minutes to set-up, and your gifts will be tax-deductible. Contact me if you have questions.
Jenni and I thank God for you. We appreciate you, and your partnership in ministry. Thank you also for any amount you may decide to help with, as we prepare to reach more people in the capitol community for Christ.
Sincerely,
Jason Palermo
State Director, Arkansas
May 4, 2011
Thoughts on the National Day of Prayer
There are a number of National Day of Prayer Events scheduled throughout the state of Arkansas on Thursday, May 5. In the Little Rock area we will try to attend at least one of the following: at the Fellowship Bible Church prayers will happen from 6 - 7AM; at the State Capitol Building in Little Rock, an event is scheduled from noon to 1 PM, and at Immanuel Baptist Church prayers are scheduled from 7:00 - 8:30 PM.
Whereever you may be on Thursday, lift a prayer of thankgiving for our leaders and God's work through them. Pray also that God may bring salvation to those who do not follow after Jesus Christ. Pray that those who are believers will grow in the grace and knowledge of God; so that they will have much wisdom in serving their people.
Our Capitol Commission Illinios State Director, Shaun Lewis, wrote the following. I include it for your admonition and edification.
It's no secret that our political leaders pray. Almost every state legislature opens in prayer, and every U.S. President from Washington to Obama has openly affirmed faith in God. Lincoln called our nation to find strength through prayer and fasting. Truman designated a day of national prayer, and Reagan later set its date as the first Thursday of May. All of this sounds encouraging, doesn't it? Yet, something isn't quite right.
A year ago, I met with a legislator who spoke of his faith in Jesus Christ and said he prayed reguarly. Good start to our meeting, but it soon became apparent we didn't believe in the same Jesus. Like Jefferson, this legislator would pray "through Jesus Christ our Lord" while rejecting all of the Lord's miracles.
Everyone prays. Not everyone believes.
Public prayers for our nation may be sincere and well-crafted, but not all are heard. Why? Because not everyone who prays submits to the Jesus of the Bible, God as revealed in Scripture.
The National Day of Prayer is this Thursday. Amidst so many prayers that will never reach the ear of God, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, will you pray for our nation? I plan to do so and will give the opening prayer at our local National Day of Prayer event. Pray for wisdom and strength for our leaders, protection and safety for them and their families. Above all, as Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, pray for their salvation.
It may seem daunting at times to pray for spiritual change, but “though the wrong seems oft so strong, Christ is ruler yet.”
Be sure to take advantage of downloading and/or printing a copy of the Arkansas State Leadership Prayer Calendar. It is a great way to continue praying for our leaders throughout the rest of the year. You may even wish to encourage others to commit to joinning with you in praying for all those whom God has placed in authority over us.
Happy Praying!
Jason Palermo
State Director, Arkansas
February 22, 2011
Our annual training session is coming up—in fact it is right around the corner March 8-12. I want to let you know that we could really use some help offsetting the costs associated with this trip, which usually come to $800 - $1,000 for all expenses related travel, food and conference tickets. As you may know all state directors are responsible for raising all the funds necessary for this trip. While these trips are mandatory, they are also very helpful. It is an encouraging time for everyone, as they hear about some of the awesome things God is doing through all of us to reach political communities with the gospel. If you are able to help us for even a small amount, we would greatly appreciate it, and as always your gifts are tax deductible. To make a donation simply follow the “donate” link below, and indicate that the funds be sent to the Arkansas ministry.
Also…if you will be in Southern CA from March 7- 12 and would like to get together, please let me know, I would enjoy it, and will be arriving a day before our training session, for this purpose. The best day for me to meet will be Monday March 7th. The other days of this trip might also work, but since I will be participating in Capitol Commission meetings, my availability during these days, will most likely be minimal. If you want to meet with me please email or give me a call so we can schedule a time (501) 366-2557. Thank you very much.
Blessings,
Jason Palermo
State Director, Arkansas
February 16, 2011
Ministry is off to a good start--let us give God all of the praise, both for WHO He is, and for WHAT great things He has done!
BIBLE STUDIES: God, through a House of Representative, provided an wonderful place to meet for prayer and study of God's Word.
EXECUTIVE BRANCH MINISTRY: God is providing new ministry opportunities within several of the executive branch offices in Arkansas. Some of these relationships have developed over the last four years, while others are with newly elected leaders and staff. While some relationships are still in their infancy, we rejoice in the new opportunities God is providing to serve our leaders as Christ’s ambassadors.
ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH ENDORSMENT: Capitol Commission was recently endorsed by the National Counsel of the Assembly of God. God is already using this opportunity as a springboard to talk with pastors and legislators from the Assembly of God denomination. One pastor recently told me that he wants to include us in their church mission’s budget. Praise the Lord!
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE: Most have heard of, and some have experienced the snow storms, which have hammered Arkansas and other parts of the country. These storms have impacted many in our state including those who work in the Capitol. One political leader after spending many hours driving through snow and ice trying to reach the Capitol from their home was picked up and flown by helicopter to the State Capitol. So what is the praise? God has provided an all-weather, all-wheel drive Subaru to traverse the state of Arkansas with, and Lord willing, and if the creeks don’t rise…I should be able to travel anywhere in Arkansas in all but the most extreme weather conditions.
These are a few of the ways God has recently blessed our life and ministry for His Name sake. These praises remind me that God is always good, and knows what we need even before we can think to ask, and yet God still rejoices in the prayers and praises of the children whom He loves. I encourage you to thank God for all of the great things He has done and is doing in your life and mine.
Thank you for your ministry to us, as we minister to others!
Sincerely,
Jason Palermo
State Director, Arkansas
January 22, 2011
IT'S A BOY! God is good and has graciously added a new and precious gift to our family. On December 28, 2010, William James Palermo was born. Mom and William are doing well, and our other two boys are now proud big brothers to their little brother William.
Joyfully,
Jason Palermo
State Director, Arkansas
December 2, 2010
As Jenni and I survey over four years of ministry among Arkansas’ political community, we are grateful. God has increasingly taught our family to entrust our life and ministry to Him. We also thank you for your generous participation. Now I give you our year-end update, along with an opportunity to help us make greater progress in 2011.
LOCAL MINISTRY: Through developing relationships with local churches, God is providing increased opportunities to reach political leaders in 2011. As funds allow we will gladly pursue these. STATE and INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY: During the summer I had the honor of traveling to the country of Turkey with a delegation from the Arkansas State House of Representatives, there were opportunities to develop and deepen relationships as we met with all levels of political leaders in Turkey. The result is we now have several new vistas of ministry open to us. Washington DC: This year several Capitol Commission state directors met together with their congressional leaders in DC, since many came through their ministries, when they were state legislators. The response was great. In Arkansas, 3 legislators who participated in my weekly Bible study ran for congress, as did a couple others within my ministry sphere. It helped me realize afresh how strategic this ministry is, and the important role we can all play when it comes to investing in the spiritual well-being of our state leaders during their duration of service. By cultivating biblical thinking and decision-making in a leader, we are providing an opportunity for them to know God and grow in Him. How so? God is committed to both saving and equipping believers through the hearing and understanding of His Word. In fact, it is hard for me to imagine a better way to prepare our future congressional leaders for leadership, then by spending several years cultivating them to think and live biblically. That is why this ministry is sorely needed at this pivotal time in history. I have no doubt that as God advances this kind of ministry, that our nation’s politicians will be forever changed for the better.
2011: Our future is in God’s hands! God may be increasing our support. But please be praying for His leading, as increased sponsorship would help us to effectively reach more political leaders with the gospel. We ask for your continued support via prayer and financial gifts, both now and in 2011.
Our Fiscal Needs
It is very important for us to raise $20,000 by the end of the year to help us cover back salary and ministry expenses. If for example God provided 8 gifts of $2,500 it would greatly help. Will you help us raise our needed amount by sending a special (tax-deductible) gift for any amount at this time? Also would you be willing to help us increase our regular monthly support by investing an extra $10, $20, $50, or $100 per month toward this ministry? It is very quick and simple to give a special gift to the Arkansas ministry, or to set up or increase your regular gifts through our secure on-line website at www.capitolcom.org. We are grateful for the opportunities God has placed before us, and for the prayer and provisions He has supplied through you. Our family truly thanks you!
Sincerely,
Jason Palermo
State Director, Arkansas
August 26, 2010
Now that I am back from Turkey, I give you my report. The main objective for me going to Turkey was to invest relationally in our legislators in-between legislative sessions. My desire is to greatly improve our year-round ministry, so far I have held Bible studies for leadership and staff who work in the Capitol, and as funding allows, I want to begin launching satellite Bible studies in respective legislative districts. I want to balance Bible studies with increased visitation including occasional recreational activities (hiking, fishing/hunting, golf etc). This trip to Turkey had many of the relational elements I have sought to advance, as it allowed me to spend an extended period (10 days), with a legislative delegation.
A little about this trip: Where We Went: We visited Western, Central, Southern and Eastern regions of Turkey. Who we met: Turkish Politicians: Members from the Turkish Grand Parliament, Minister of Transportation, and others. We met with business leaders, academic leaders, medical leaders, broadcasters, leaders from a major newspaper, journalists and other media leaders. Each group of leaders we met with demonstrated exemplary leadership approaches to solving significant challenges within their country, region and industry.
Our team kept a busy schedule, learned much, and did a great job of representing the USA and Arkansas. I trust that God will use all these experiences to extend His great name and reputation. I also have no doubt that these experiences will also enrich my spiritual service and leadership within this political community.
Requests:
Not money but God and His faithfulness is our focus, yet it is also true that it is very important for our monthly support to increase at this time. God has already provided many opportunities to minister year-round to political leaders. Only with the help of many friends can we begin making a significantly greater difference! If you want to see Christ’s ways advanced to more political leaders, please consider helping us grow our monthly support base—it will glorify Christ and make a difference. To do so, visit our website at www.capitolcom.org where you can easily set-up or increase your monthly support. If greater things will be accomplished in Christ’s name, it will be because God’s people see the wisdom of working together as one body, to help accomplish one purpose.
Photos from trip left to right: 1. Mosaic depicting the Christ, at the Hagia Sophia, 2. 3rd Cent. monastery where Christians worshiped God, and during persecutions fled through tunnels from their persecutors. The Apostle John ministered in this region before being exiled to Patmos. The Apostle Paul, Peter and Timothy also ministered in these regions. 3. A tapestry in a 5th Cent. Syrian Church. May we focus on and serve the risen Christ with the same passion and steadfast commitment that many early church believers displayed. This tapestry reminds the church that our Great Shepherd leads His flock to green pastures, where He restores our souls.
Together let us advance His gospel—to the nations and their leaders, thank you for your participation in Christ’s Great Commission!
Jason Palermo
State Director, Arkansas
July 17, 2010
Before heading out to Turkey in a few hours, I give you our ministry update, and ask for your prayers.
Praises
- Jenni and I praise God for graciously providing all that was needed for this trip.
- We also praise God that Jason’s mom will be staying with Jenni and the boys. Her presence will be a huge blessing to Jenni, and to the boys who will be lavished by their grandmother’s love.
- We thank all who made this trip possible, through their prayer and generous contributions.
Requests
- Please pray for our team which is made up of AR House of Representatives and others, as we fly to several locations within Turkey. We plan to meet with members from the Turkish Grand Parliament (similar to our congress); several media groups; educational institutions; business leaders; and government ministries. Pray for travel graces, and good interactions.
- Pray for me to not only honor our country well, but also the Lord Jesus Christ as His ambassador.
Thank you for your prayers and support, they mean so much to us,
Sincerely,
Jason Palermo
State Director, Arkansas
May 24, 2010
Below are a few ways you can bless the Palermo family by praising God and praying for us this week.
Praises
- Jenni is pregnant with our third child! What a precious gift from God!
- Jason has been approved to travel to Turkey with a delegation from Arkansas!
- Jason’s mom has agreed to come out for 2 weeks to stay with Jenni and the boys while Jason is in Turkey!
- A local business is organizing a fundraising golf tournament for Capitol Commission, Arkansas!
Requests
- Please pray for Jenni as she deals with pregnancy related nausea
- For Jason as he seeks to raise $3,000 to travel to Turkey,
- For the delegation Jason will be a part of, for safety, travel graces, wisdom, spiritual preparation and the preparation of hearts,
- General monthly funding to increase,
- For all of the details related to the golf tournament to fall into place (hopefully to take place in early June).
Thank you, for your love and faithful prayers—they are very much appreciated,
Christ’s grace and peace be yours in abundance!
Jason and Jenni Palermo
May 21, 2010
I wanted to give you an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of political leaders near and far by sending me to Turkey.
Talking Turkey
An incredible ministry opportunity has been opened to us. I recently received a letter of invitation from some of the members of the Turkish Parliament (similar to our Congress). The sponsors of this trip included me in their invitation to AR legislators. Visits like this have been well attended by many of our congressional leaders, mayors, legislators and other key political leaders. While the nature of this trip is designed to build bridges between the two countries, between political leaders, and is designed to foster development in the areas of commerce, education and cultural exchanges, I believe this opportunity and its setting will provide both a unique opportunity for me to represent America in Turkey, and because of the uniqueness of our ministry, will also provide many opportunities to represent Christ to all. Your prayers and your gifts are vital!
The Cost
$3,000 will make it possible for me to attend this trip. There is a sense of urgency related to funding this trip since plane tickets would need to be purchased ASAP (our delegation departs July 16 – 26). The quickest way to send your tax-deductible gift is through our ministry website at www.capitolcom.org .
I greatly appreciate you, and commend you for your interest and partnership in the spiritual health of our political leaders, and in helping us to make a difference in the lives of political leaders near and far. Please be praying for the delegation I will be a part of, as we will most likely be gathering several times before and after this trip. For example, this Sunday our delegation plans to spend several hours gathering informally over Turkish cuisine while getting to know one another and listening to a speaker who will brief us on the democratization of Turkey. I have tried to keep this brief, so feel free to contact me for more information at Jason.palermo@capitolcom.org. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jason Palermo,
State Director, Arkansas
January 12, 2010
Reasons To Keep Praying For Political Leaders In 2010
As promised, I present our 2010 leadership prayer guide. I look forward to encouraging you to pray not only for us (as we labor for Christ’s Great Commission within the political community), but also for your leaders. Like us, they have legitimate prayer needs each day and God calls us to pray for “all men kings and all who are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Who are all those who are in authority?
While “all who are in authority” might be limited to those in political authority, it seems reasonable that “all who are in authority” may refer to “all” who are in positions of authority i.e. husbands, parents, church leaders, employers (managers, supervisors etc.) and political leaders in all three branches of our government. Even if it is more limited, the call to pray for “all men” would be encouragement enough for us to include them, and on this basis I am trying to be more consistent in extending my prayers to include all those who are in positions of authority.
While we may occasional fall into the rut of using prayer as a last resort or in times of desperation, it is interesting to note that the leaders of the early church DEVOTED themselves to “prayer and a ministry of the word.” The leaders of the early church clearly understood that prayer and a ministry of the Word was the best way to effect the change to which Christ had called them. And the results…? The world was turned upside down, and pagan Rome was soon, in a profound way reoriented toward the teachings of Christ. Here is how it all began:
Acts 6:1-7 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2 And the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 "But select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 "But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." 5 And the statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
The highlights are mine: Notice the apostles devotion to two main areas (prayer and a ministry of the word in verse 4), and notice the results (in verse 7). It is interesting also to note that every great movement for Christ began in this same way, with prayer and a ministry of the Word of God. Should it be any different with us? I think not.
This year, I look forward to regularly encouraging you to remain faithful in prayer for political leaders. If you have been motivated to pray in this way, would you tell us about it? Also let us know if you have a favorite Scripture passage that motivates you to pray. We might share your story with others so that they too would be encouraged to keep on praying.
May God help all of us to remain faithful and prayerful in 2010!
Sincerely,
State Director, Arkansas
December 26, 2009
We trust that you had a very Merry Christmas and are almost ready to start the New Year. We are very encouraged with the responses that we have received from our last ministry update, and we want to thank you for participating with us in seeing Christ’s Great Commission furthered among the Capitol community in Arkansas for 2010 and beyond!
The progress toward our much needed end of the year fundraising goal has been significant. We have crossed the half-way mark in our effort to raise a very much needed $10,000. We now want to give everyone one last opportunity (before the end of 2009) to make a difference in the lives of our leaders. So between now and the end of the year, we are offering a specially embroidered Capitol Commission sports cap to everyone who becomes either a new monthly supporter, decides to increase their monthly support, or gives a special end of the year gift of $300.00 or more.
This is our way of saying “thank you for partnering with us, as we, together, make a God-honoring difference in the lives of our political leaders, via Christ’s Great Commission.”
Helping us get the rest of the way there…
To help us reach our needed amount please send your gift online. That way it will be received before the end of the year. You can conveniently make any kind of donation you want including setting up reoccurring gifts at www.capitolcom.org. Please also indicate that you want your gift to go to the “Arkansas” ministry (by using the drop-down tab).
While it is true that we still have need of financial gifts at this time, including regular supporters, I want you to know that your prayers for our leaders and us are no less valuable than the financial gifts we receive. God’s testimony to the church is clear that “…The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:16.
Do you want to be effective in your prayers for our leaders? If so look for our next ministry update which will include our 2010 Prayer guide. I am joyful with the anticipation of how the Lord may use this ministry for righteousness in the lives of our state leaders, which we trust will benefit not only the people of Arkansas, but also this great land we call the U.S. of A!
Thank you in advance, for all your help, and for being a blessing to us and many others.
Sincerely,
State Director Arkansas
December 24, 2009
The Palermo family wishes you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas!
Love,
Jason, Jennifer, Elijah, and Samuel