December 23, 2011
A Child is born! This "event" was a game changer. As the prophet Isaiah prophesied 700 years prior to the Virgin Birth; For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
Christ presented you and me with a mission. Our purpose is to proclaim the Gospel; "that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead"--to everyone! It is easy to get side-tracked, sometimes exhausting our energy to further causes that should perhaps possess a lesser priority.
Please let Rita and myself encourage you this Christmas and New Year to renew your resolve to impact your "sphere of influence." Each of us has been placed by God in specific social circles to engage. Your's might be politics, education, family, communities, workplaces, etc., but most likely encompasses a combination of many.
We are all "missionaries," let's seek to make Christ known in 2012! If we all do this together, and engage our culture while participating responsibly in our society, we are ensured our government rests on His shoulders.
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
Jonn Paul, M.A./BS
State Director, North Dakota
November 18, 2011
Thankfulness is on our hearts as the Thanksgiving Holiday approaches. We are thankful for you and your prayers, and the joys and surprises God brings to our ministry thoughout the year. We are also thankful for a couple November ministry opportunities:
First, Rita and I were called to service as a state legislator's father died. He was a strong believer whom we had had the chance to meet and minister to over the past year. We were very surprised and honored as his widow requested I officiate the funeral. What a privilege and joy to recount his life, serve the state leader's family, and clearly present the gospel to the diverse audience in attendance. We are truly thankful!
Second, last week was the Governor's Special Session. This provided the occasion to hold a special Bible study that brought great Christian fellowship and discipleship among a fine group of leaders. We were also able to strengthen bonds with several elected officials and share God's word to speak into their lives. We are truly thankful!
Please keep these prayer requests in mind:
Rita has been out of work 3 weeks with a injured tendon in her right arm. It is alarming to us considering her occupation as a dental hygienist and our present reliance upon a second income. Please pray God will heal and fully restore her.
A multitude of occasions to share Christ's love and the Gospel among those we encounter inside and outside the Capitol Community during the holiday season.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jonn Paul, M.A./BS
State Director, North Dakota
October 22, 2011
As you may know, the Governor has called a special Legislative Session to convene on November 7th. They need your prayers! Topics that will be discussed include; legislative redistricting, healthcare insurance changes, and flood disaster relief.
Even more important, however, is the opportunity to bring glory to Jesus Christ among our state leaders during this event. We anticipate God may provide many occasions to water seeds that had been sown earlier this year, and scatter many new!
Your's and our ministry will sponsor a special Legislator's Bible Study on Tuesday the 8th to coincide with the Assembly. It will be titled "When the Floods Come," and focused upon Jesus words in Matthew 7:24-29. Please pray for a strong turnout!
Please keep these prayer requests in mind:
The Lord would provide godly candidates to run for election next year.
Many opportunities to witness to Christ in the Capitol and beyond.
Rita and my wisdom and faith in striving to establish ourselves financially in N.D.
An unyielding heart for those who are lost and don't know Jesus Christ.
In Christ's Service!
Jonn Paul
State Director, North Dakota
September 8, 2011
All is well in North Dakota! We have many thanks to give to the Lord for how He has blessed us and we would like to share them with you.
Jonn has been busy tracking legislative meetings and attempting to attend a multitude of committee hearings to stay in contact with a diversity of leaders who come to Bismarck from their home districts. These occasions have provided the ability to stay in contact with many leaders without having to constantly travel to extremely remote locations about the state.
Rita has been busy with a part-time job she recently received. It is in her field of expertise (dental hygiene), and the office has shown to be a very good place to work. Praise the Lord!
Also, we have not been back to Texas since we moved to North Dakota in the summer of 2010. The second half of September we will travel there to report to our mission"s sending church and to all the very generous and loving people of that state who have been so instrumental in establishing the ministry in N.D. We look forward to seeing you again!!!
Please keep these prayer requests in mind:
Increased relationship building with state officials.
Open hearts to the gospel to ALL who we engage day to day.
God's wisdom and guidance in securing this ministry financially.
Greater loyalty and obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ.
God bless you!
Jonn Paul
State Director, North Dakota
July 18, 2011
Dynamic and challenging are words that come to mind when describing ministry during the summer. Certainly the warm weather has made it much easier to travel the state, and that is a good thing! Rita and I see our outreach developing on two fronts:
Home Districts; Though sporatic, I have enjoyed a number of opportunities to serve and consequently disciple leaders in their home districts. I have recently assisted in farm operations, storm cleanup, and attended a couple legislator family events. It is genuinely all over the map!
Capitol Meetings; Nearly every week legislators gather for special interim committee meetings. These provide occasions to engage leaders in a lower stressed environment than session. They also supply valuable opportunities to visit personally with various leaders and utlimately to discuss Christ.
Please keep these prayer requests in mind:
God's provision for opportunities to meet with leaders in home districts.
Increased ability to present our ministry to local churches.
Open hearts among our state leaders to the gospel.
Increased occasions to speak to neighbors and friends about Jesus Christ.
Thank you for our prayers and support!
Jonn Paul
State Director, North Dakota
July 2, 2011
Patriotism. How do you view it? What does it mean? How can a Christian practice patriotism in America? Great questions! Please consider at least three biblical principles to practicing patriotism:
First; Scripture instructs us to be obedient and honorable citizens (Romans 13:1-7, Titus 3:1-2, 1Peter 2:13-17). Christians are not troublemakers, thugs, or mobsters. We honor our nation through honoring civil government which was established by God for our protection.
Secondly; we propagate the gospel. Citizens and political leaders who are born-again Christians are better neighbors and form a more godly society. Our ministry practices this by presenting God's Word to our leaders in obedience to Scripture: I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings, and shall not be ashamed (Psalm 119:46).
Third; we serve. Jesus Christ perfectly modeled service when washing the disciples' feet. Christians do not exist to conquer the pleasures and comforts of the world. We imitate Christ by committing time and energy to serve. You can serve our society and the "Body of Christ" by filling leadership roles that require godly wisdom such as: elected office, school boards, local leadership, military, etc.
Rita and I pray you enjoy your backyard barbeque and parades this weekend. It is such a blessing to live in our country! However, when the weekend winds down and the poolside parties subside, please recall these "patriotic principles." They are some of God's instructions on how Christians can help America continue to fly high like an eagle!
Have a Wonderful Fourth of July!
Jonn Paul
State Director, North Dakota
May 29, 2011
Ministry during the interim is well underway! The occasions I've had to engage our state leaders have progressed from the Capitol to politicians' home districts which is incredibly exciting and rewarding. I have not only maintained a regular presence in the Capitol but Rita and I have also been visiting legislators in their homes--yielding strong relationships while promising increasing opportunities to serve them in the years ahead.
Our methods of ministry are as diverse as our leaders; whether attending a family event, helping a legislator fix a tractor, or providing a lift to the airport, our objective is to disciple in Christ's Word while faithfully demonstrating His love.
Politicians who have "heard Christ" and "seen Christ" are certainly more likely to worship and imitate Him! We are very busy striving to make this happen. Thank you for your continued encouragement, prayers, and support for this ministry!
Please note Our trip to North Texas will be delayed due to ministry demands in North Dakota, we will keep you posted. Also, if you missed our "Spring" newsletter, you can read it by clicking "here."
Jonn Paul, M.A./BS
State Director, North Dakota
April 18, 2011
Grace and peace from North Dakota! This month I want to assure you of our commitment to prayer in this ministry--just as prayer was essential to the ministry of the Apostle Paul. It is no wonder he exhorted us to pray while confessing his own dependence upon prayer as well.
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ... (Colossians 4:2-3)
Above is one of the more recent passages we have examined in the Elected Officials' Bible Study in the Capitol, and currently I am strongly encouraging your state leaders to invest in a lifestyle of prayer. Prayer not only cultivates a reliance upon God, but nurtures the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, kindness, self-control, etc. (Galatians 5:22). These are vital to effectively governing in a representative republic such as the United States.
Please remember our prayer petitions this month:
- God's multiplying of opportunities to serve our state leaders.
- An increasing ministry scope and impact among Capitol staff.
- Work opportunities for Rita with a schedule that will complement our ministry.
Blessings in Christ!
Jonn Paul, M.A./BS
State Director, North Dakota
March 5, 2011
Having just passed the "half-way" point of the Legislative Calendar, I can sense fatigue setting in among our lawmakers. Many have been essentially living away from their homes for over two months, miss family, and some even wonder if the sacrificed is worth it. I am committed to assuring them and you that their sacrifice is "worth it." Through God's ordained institution of government (Romans 13:1-7), civil society is preserved for all of us to benefit.
Your and my sacrifice in this ministry to state leaders is worth it as well! We have been able to represent and glorify Christ among state officials, and do so in a manner that honors and blesses them. Through our personal engagement, politicians see first-hand there are Christians who care for and love them-- regardless of political persuasion. Additionally, through stimulating Bible studies we are weaving God's Holy Word into legislators' hearts and minds, so as they engage their colleagues, families, and constituency in the days and months ahead, they are becoming an increasing influence for Christ's glory throughout our nation. We can all give God praise for that!
Also, if you haven't had a chance to review our "Winter 2011" North Dakota Ministry Newsletter you can do so by "clicking here."
Thank you for your encouragement and support for this ministry. Please remember these requests in your prayers:
- Ever increasing opportunities to engage our leaders with the gospel throughout the remainder of session.
- That God would multiply ministry partners to join this wonderful Christian outreach we have established among state politicians--both functionally and financially.
- Also, Rita's mom is suffering quite badly from complications of rheumatoid arthritis. This is hard on our family; please pray for God to provide relief to her.
Serving Christ the King!
Jonn Paul, M.A./BS
State Director, North Dakota
January 23, 2011
Greetings in Christ! Legislative process is in high gear at the State Capitol. Your elected officials are working long hours to serve you. Our ministry is working hard to serve them as well! I would like to encourage you that a number of politicians have expressed deep gratitude that Christians care enough about them to provide a ministry to encourage them and help them stay grounded in God’s Word during session.
I’m thrilled as well as humbled to notify you we have been seeing a strong turnout in the Bible studies. Attended by Democrats and Republicans, male and female, Protestant and Catholic, all are gathering together to feed on Scripture as we study verse-by-verse through “Colossians.” Most exciting is that we know when God’s Word goes forth—it will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).
Additionally, Rita and I have had many opportunities to interact with political leaders and get to know them on a personal level. Even those who don’t have time to attend a Bible study recognize that we are present exclusively to show them respect and love in the name of Christ. I am convinced these relationships being established will lead to further opportunities to glorify the name of Christ in the years ahead. .
Thank you for your prayers and all that you do to make this Christian outreach to state officials possible.
In Christ’s Service, .
Jonn Paul, M.A./BS
State Director, North Dakota
December 16, 2010
Returning from the Legislative Organizational Session last week, I reflected upon how God has placed myself and Rita amongst our state's governing officials to serve them and be a witness to Christ in their midst. I am amazed how after significant challenges in establishing this ministry, God has each step along the way opened doors, established relationships, and provided the resources essential to persevere. He is truly Jehovah Jireh “The LORD who provides” and we offer Him worship and praise!
Now, just on the horizon is the 2011 Legislative Assembly. On January 4th our officials will once again convene to promote, discuss, and eventually enact policies that will affect how we all live. Isn’t it glorious that through our Bible studies and magnifying God’s Word, our ministry will also be promoting, discussing, and proposing “divine principles” that affect how we all live as well? Amazing! Infinitely more important is the fact the Savior we proclaim not only affects behavior in this life, but alters where the people we encounter will spend eternity.
Please pray for your leaders during the upcoming session. Pray the message of God’s redeeming love we offer them will penetrate their hearts, so that those who have not accepted Christ may repent and be saved. And just as important, that those who are already Christian will heed God’s Word and become increasingly sanctified to glorify Him.
Rita and I pray you and your family have a safe and Merry Christmas!
Jonn Paul, M.A./BS
State Director, North Dakota
November 19, 2010
Excitement is in the air! Of course, so is that North Dakota wind chill! However, our ministry was richly blessed to be warmly received at the recent Legislative Interim Briefings in the Capitol. This is when legislators return to review the interim committee hearings and other business in preparation for the 2011 Legislative Assembly which is set to convene on January 4th.
What a joy it was to see all our elected officials together again, and I had opportunities to visit with and bring glory to Christ’s name among many officials at various levels of government including the Senate, House of Representatives, Constitutional Offices, and among Capitol staffers. Especially encouraging were a significant number of new introductions I received among leaders whom I had not previously had the opportunity to visit with one-on-one, praise God! There were also a number who expressed genuine desire to attend our weekly Bible studies as well. Rita and I are very excited entering the New Year!
Please keep in your prayers the Legislative Orientation which occurs December 6th, 7th, and 8th. This will be another fine occasion for me to engage political leaders, especially newly elected freshmen, as well as continue to invite North Dakota lawmakers to attend our weekly Bible studies to open God’s Word and pray together.
Finally, keep an eye out for our quarterly newsletter which is in the mail. I believe it will be a resource that will provide a fresh Christian perspective the next time you enter the ballot box. Included will also be our year-end ministry “friend-raising” initiative, which I pray will be an inspiration to you!
May God bless you this Thanksgiving!
Jonn Paul
State Director, North Dakota
October 8, 2010
**Please note, this October update is especially important and informative...
Reaching the Capitol Community for Christ is the catchphrase for Capitol Commission. At times I examine our efforts in North Dakota asking “are we staying true to our mission?” Also, "is our primary goal to proclaim Christ to state leaders materializing?"
This week Rita and I were blessed to have George Jackson, a Capitol Commission board member visit Bismarck. Though a busy campaign season for most politicians, God sovereignly appointed meetings for us with the Chiefs of the majority of statewide offices in the Capitol. We are excited to learn that our message and intent are being clearly recieved, our multiple forms of communication have been effective, and that leaders repeatedly expressed gratitude for our ministry outreach, our mission, and our love.
Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support that make the North Dakota ministry possible. With session nearing we want to assure you our mission stays true to our slogan and to Scripture...
We proclaim Him [Christ], admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ (Colossians 1:28).
Ministry Praises:
· God is opening doors for ministry outreach more broadly around the state. We now have people engaged in reaching our nation’s leaders in the regions of Fargo, Valley City, Bismarck, Minot, and Williston including many smaller communities dotting the landscape (this is very significant).
· God is multiplying contacts with solid evangelical churches that are warmly acknowledging that the gospel message is the only solution to our government and our nation which is in extreme peril.
Prayer Requests:
· Colorado State Director Dan File is scheduled to meet us in Northwestern North Dakota sometime next week to introduce us to some strong Christians who have personal connections that could be very beneficial to our ministry efforts. The schedule is tentative due to various circumstances. Please pray this will come together!
· With our full-time efforts, traveling, and session approaching, expenses are climbing. We are asking God to provide ministry partners with the resources to help us make budget.
· Rita has not found employment in this compressed dental hygiene market. This is difficult but thankfully Rita has been very valuable to the ministry as we travel the state. We are praying for God’s direction in this trying situation.
Thank you!
In Christ’s Service,
Jonn Paul
State Director, North Dakota
September 7, 2010
Labor Day signifies an abundance of new activities for most of us; children are in school, summer vacations have ceased, and Fall is on the horizon. What a joy God has provided such abundance and diversity in the seasons of His creation and in our lives.
For state elected officials Labor Day usually initiates a different atmosphere; many are campaigning, the hectic rush is on toward November elections, and every statement they make will be scrutinized. Please remember your state leaders in prayer as their families, and in many instances careers, sacrifice greatly for the purpose of serving you and me (Romans 13:6-7).
During this campaign cycle, I am actively contacting legislators by phone, mail, and in person seeking to serve them in tangible ways. Please pray for opportunities; that the Lord will provide an avenue to substantially minister to personal needs that will bring glory to Christ and demonstrate our ministry’s care and respect toward our political leaders.
Recent Praises:
- We have completed our move into our condo making life much easier while providing me increased time and application toward our ministry.
- Contacts with local Christians and churches desirous in reaching leaders in the name of Christ continue to multiply; praise God!
Prayer Requests:
- Rita still needs a dental hygiene job; it is a tight market in North Dakota. Please continue to pray she finds a good employer.
- For energy and persistence in the ministry. We are entering a very busy period politically that will keep me on my toes as we approach the 2011 legislative assembly.
Blessings to your family in Christ!
Jonn Paul
State Director, North Dakota
August 2, 2010
This month I would like to express to you how joyful I am now that Rita has joined me full-time in North Dakota. If you have ever spent extended periods away from your spouse you probably can sympathize; it is a difficult experience when it drags on for weeks or months at a time.
I would also like to encourage you to consider how challenging this dynamic is to our state lawmakers. Many if not most leave spouses and/or children behind for weeks and months during the legislative assembly while crafting legislation in an effort to serve you and me. Perhaps the Lord would move your heart to join Rita and me in earnestly praying for God to strengthen the marriages of those in state leadership?
We are thankful if you also keep these items in your prayers:
- I’ll be preaching at Shiloh Evangelical Free Church this Sunday, August 8th; that I will be effective and biblical in communicating my message and an encouragement to those in attendance.
- Rita left her job in Texas in faith that God will provide work in Fargo. We are praying for an employer of integrity that will treat her well and appreciate her work ethic.
- For a multitude of opportunities to declare the gospel, inside and outside the Capitol Community; wherever and to whomever the Lord provides.
In Christ’s Service,
Jonn Paul,
State Director, North Dakota
June 16, 2010
We’re gathering steam in North Dakota. With November elections approaching, I hope to encourage churches and individuals regarding their responsibility to become informed and vote as well as reach out to their local district leaders in the name of Christ. If you know a group or individuals interested in learning how they can become involved ministering to their leaders, let me know, I would love to visit with them.
Also, the 2011 session is just over the horizon and I am working to promote greater ministry awareness among politicians. This summer I am taking initiatives to re-establish personal contacts with a wider circle of state elected officials through letters and electronic correspondence as well as cold calling and meeting in person. Their feedback and interaction will be invaluable as we tailor Bible studies along with other Christian activities to fit the rigorous schedule during the legislative assembly.
Thanks for your continued involvement and please keep these prayer requests in mind this summer:
- A full-time dental hygiene job for Rita in Bismarck, along with our housing search there.
- Broader exposure and acceptance of our ministry by churches, donors, elected officials, and Christians who desire to minister to leaders in various capacities.
- Rita is traveling to visit her widowed mother in Brazil today; for personal safety and security, a blessed visit, and opportunities to share the gospel along the way.
- As I travel North Dakota; for open doors and hearts from officials and for courage and boldness to proclaim Christ with people I encounter, inside and outside the political arena.
In Christ’s Service,
Jonn Paul
State Director, North Dakota
April 15, 2010
God has answered our prayers! Just last month Rita and I asked you to set the sale of our home as a top prayer priority. We want to thank and encourage you with God’s latest provision to our ministry; our home is in contract, at a fair price, and set to close May 14th! This is so exciting because it was a major obstacle to our relocation. Also, this is a sale “by-owner” and in God’s sovereignty I have already had the opportunity to share Christ with the buyer and have continuing communication with him; praise God!
We ask you to continue praying specifically for a job for Rita. With that secured we can complete the move and implement the ministry full-time. I will be hauling one load of furniture to North Dakota the end of April and staging the remainder of our belongings in anticipation of the final exodus from Texas, which will lead us across the “Red Sea” (I mean “Red River” between Texas and Oklahoma). This is so exciting!
In the meantime we are busy “packing and stacking” and with all the enthusiasm and commotion I’m trying to stop and focus long enough to write a spring newsletter for the ministry. It even looks as though our schedule will permit me to participate in commencement at Dallas Theological Seminary on May 8th for those who have graduated over the past year. We will truly miss our friends, family, and the wonderful “Lone Star State” but a wide door for effective service has opened (1Cor 16:4), and we rejoice.
I have promised to keep these updates brief so I’ll stop talking. However if you have any questions please always feel free to call or email. It is truly not a burden, and Rita and I are blessed and encouraged when hearing from you (jp@capitolcom.org, 701-426-4256).
Blessings to you in Christ!
March 15, 2010
Priority one this month is prayer for a small miracle. Of course considering God’s capability all miracles are small, but we ask you join Rita and me in prayer that our house would soon sell. The market is soft right now but we simply desire someone bring a fair offer. We believe God has a plan perfectly prepared, and we will wait on Him patiently.
I’ll be in North Dakota again Tuesday the 23rd. Part of my time will be spent handing out work resumes for Rita (another prayer concern) in preparation for relocation. In addition, while in Bismarck I will be touching base with local officials as well as reviewing places to live. Also, if you are near Valley City on Sunday the 28th, I’ll be at Grace Free Lutheran Church presenting our ministry to elected officials during the adult Sunday school hour at 9am. Please feel welcome to join us.
Recently I joined the other state directors for The Shepherd’s Leadership Conference and it was astounding. It was also motivating to learn ministry techniques other states were having successes with while sharing new approaches to get ministry partners like yourself more personally involved in reaching the Capitol Community for Christ. I’ll be disseminating more information on this and hope to be on location in N.D. to be of greater assistance to you, God willing, in the near future. As always, please freely contact me if you have any questions.
Blessings to you in Christ!
Jonn Paul
State Director, North Dakota
February 1, 2010
January emerged as an exciting and productive month in North Dakota. “Skating” my way across the state from Fargo to Williston, Capitol Commission was embraced by several individuals and families who were excited to learn about our efforts to reach the Capitol community for Christ. Our ministry is also being blessed with budding relationships with local churches and groups of Christians; a development essential to our grass-roots campaign to undergird this ministry both functionally and financially in 2010.
As a ministry partner, your prayers and financial support have also permitted me to continue meeting with and ministering to politicians during the interim. I have been blessed with opportunities to pray with state elected officials in their offices and even homes as they seek how they might best glorify the name of Christ in their present and future positions of service. As you can see, this is a much needed ministry effort you have partnered to undertake, and I am very thankful for your encouragement and support.
As I begin tasks devoted to February, I have several significant prayer needs I ask you to lift to the Lord on Rita’s and my behalf:
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I am undertaking two internet/technology projects to facilitate ministry outreach and service to our elected officials. Pray I will have patience and comprehension as I acquire skills in computer technology that will be so crucial to ministry in the years ahead.
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Pray for continually increased awareness and interest among North Dakota residents and their home churches. Ministry to hundreds of state leaders will require a team effort, and there is a multitude of ways to get involved!
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Fundraising is continuously a challenge in missions. We lift high the name of Jesus because we have been blessed generously with new financial partners in January, however much work remains and we need more contacts as well as opportunities to present the ministry.
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Pray for wisdom and discernment in regards to God’s timing in the sale/rental of our home and Rita’s job. I have been efficient completing necessary projects and continuing ministry while commuting between TX and ND. However the home and job situations will need to be resolved for us to permanently relocate.
Blessings to you in Christ!
December 29, 2009
As December 31st quickly closes in, enthusiasm for the opportunities next year will supply is abounding! There is however one opportunity that will soon expire and I would like to provide this friendly reminder that your window to take advantage of 2009 year end, non-taxable contributing to your favorite Christian ministry is closing fast.
Tax exempt contributions postmarked by December 31st will be subtracted from your 2009 income tax liability. If your heart is moved to give to a ministry committed to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to America’s political leaders, we would be honored if you would donate to Capitol Commission North Dakota. You may donate online at www.capitolcom.org/Donate, or send your check or money order made out to Capitol Commission to:
Capitol Commission
PO Box 63118
Charlotte, NC 28263-3118
(Please write “North Dakota” in the memo)
We are very thankful you are considering adding Capitol Commission to your personal Christian mission’s budget. With your help we yearn to change the hearts and minds of our nation’s elected officials for the glory of Jesus Christ! Please contact me if you have any questions.
Happy New Year!
State Director, North Dakota