Merry Christmas!
When Paul contemplated God’s unfathomable grace in Romans 11:33 he exclaimed, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”
Initially he was Saul, “born in Tarsus of Cilicia” (Acts 22:3). As Christ had brought the light of the truth and gave His life that we might have life, so one of the first deacons, Stephen, brought the light of the truth to the “synagogue of the Freedmen” where the “those from Cilicia” attended (Acts 6:9). Thus Saul, probably the youngest member of the Sanhedrin (the Supreme Court of Israel), would have been among those who “disputed with Stephen,” and became furious when he “was not able to resist the wisdom and Spirit by which he spoke” (Acts 6:10). Thus he likely led the group that “secretly induced men to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.’ And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him, and brought him to the council” (Acts 6:11-12, 22:20).
Instead of the “council” (or Sanhedrin) indicting Stephen, he indicted all of them before their God! They responded as a gang of murders and jumped Stephen, drug him out of the city and stoned him. His final words were a prayer, matching the words of Christ on the cross, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Stephen “knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:60). Did Jesus Christ answer the dying prayer of the first martyr of the church? A triumphant YES! Augustine said, “The church owes Paul to the prayer of Stephen.” Jesus arrested the arrestor as he was on his way to Damascus to persecute more Christians, and commissioned him to proclaim His name before “Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).
After “turning the world upside down” Paul passed on his commission to us, the Church in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 with the greatest emphasis on prayer in all of Scripture (including “thanksgiving”) and reminding us to pray for “kings and all who are in authority.” Is there anything more appropriate after Thanksgiving and in honor of Christ’s coming at Christmas than to celebrate in obedient prayer for our leaders? Thus the prayer list is enclosed.
We recently returned from Korea with excitement that my book, emphasizing prayer for leaders, has been published (legislators endorsements below). Please pray that the Lord will use it to persuade the churches of Korea to pray for their leaders and also pray that the Lord will raise up an expositional pastor to minister to them in their capitol.
We are so thankful for the great group of saints who came to pray for our leaders and the upcoming elections at our 21st Capitol Cookout & Prayer Walk and we rejoice in His mercy!
As we enter this Christmas season, please remember us and our leaders in prayer and support our strategic efforts financially as the Lord enables you. Eunjoo and I appreciate so much your prayers, gifts and encouragement. We count it a privilege to partner with you to serve those who lead our state and our nation.
Merry Christmas!
Rejoicing in His grace,
Dr. David & Eunjoo Andersen, VA State Minister
ENDORSEMENTS
From the moment I was introduced to David and Eunjoo’s ministry, God gave me a confidence they would reach many for the cause of Christ. Their faithfulness to the Lord led to the fruitfulness for which we prayed that day. We thank God for sending their ministry to us, and thank them, not just for their faithfulness, but for their diligence in adherence to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
You can have strong confidence that a similar ministry in Korea would be beneficial for those in leadership.
Stephen H. Martin, Senate of Virginia, Retired
Having grown up in rural Southwest Virginia with a father who was a logger/sawmill owner and a mother who attended to her home and children, I was blessed to have parents who taught me the solid Christian values of worshiping God, loving Jesus, helping others, being honest and working hard.
Despite that excellent upbringing, there was something missing—my family were not “church going” people. Thus, I had little Christian education and was not baptized until I did so myself in undergraduate school when I also joined a local church where, along with my young wife, we became active worshipers.
Upon entering the Senate of Virginia with no earlier office holding experience, I quickly learned the rules of the Senate, parliamentary procedure, and the “Art” of governing.
However, I was blessed again to learn there was a weekly Bible study available at the State Capital via Capital Commission-Virginia led by a gifted minister, Dr. David Andersen and assisted by his lovely wife, Eunjoo.
Knowing I needed more Christian education, I began attending—which was a life changing experience.
With David, I found a wonderfully knowledgeable minister whose knowledge of the scriptures was outstanding and coupled with a natural “teaching ability”, my Christian education became greatly enhanced. I found working in the legislative arena much easier given the natural stress of the process.
Moreover, and vitally important, David’s teachings and lessons were without a political slant or bias. They were grounded in the Holy Bible and presented in a loving manner to all in attendance despite party affiliation, gender, race, religion preference, etc.
I became a regular attendee at our weekly sessions of Scripture study after the General Assembly had adjourned. David and Eunjoo have become life-long friends and my source for additional inspiration.
I would urge government leaders in any geographic area to develop an active relationship with Capitol Commission led by Dr. David Andersen. Your members will find a much-needed experience to enhance their work. Please feel free to contact me anytime. May God bless your work.
Edd Houck, Senate of Virginia, Retired
My name is Anne Ferrell Tata, and I am serving my first term in the Virginia House of Delegates. This is also my first experience in politics. I felt called to serve in this capacity, and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of the Bible studies of Capitol Commission led by Dr. David Andersen and his wife Eunjoo Andersen.
I have been a Christian all my life, and I have always been a student of the Bible, and yet, there is always more to learn! David is an amazing teacher and leader, and each week I learn so much, and my faith is strengthened. I believe growing in my faith and hearing the voice of God during this season of serving is vital. The teaching I receive each week helps me to accomplish this.
Korea is very special to me. My father, a Presbyterian minister, served as an Army Chaplain in the Korean War. He spoke often of the beautiful Korean people and their deep faith!
I am excited that Dr. David Andersen’s book, Christ’s Kingdom Commission, is now translated and available for Koreans. I truly believe Capitol Commission and specifically David’s book, Christ’s Kingdom Commission, would be a great asset for political leaders in Korea.
Anne Ferrell Tata, Virginia House of Delegates
