It’s a new year, bringing new opportunities to engage and encourage on Capitol Hill.

On Tuesday, I boarded my flight to Washington, D.C. carrying my latest batch of 225 handwritten notes for members of Congress. While in the air, I received the news of the passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa of California. Doug was a friend. Though tall and imposing in stature, he was what many would affectionately call a “teddy bear.” His note was already in my bag, prepared for delivery Tuesday evening after I arrived.

After dropping my bags at the hotel, I headed straight to the Cannon House Office Building to begin delivering notes of encouragement. When I reached Doug LaMalfa’s office, I noticed something unusual. His door was always open, but this time it was locked. I knocked. When the door opened, four young staffers stood before me with tears in their eyes. One of them said quietly, “You knew him longer than any of us.” She shared how many of my notes were displayed around his office and how he often commented on me after each visit.

It was a sacred moment as I stood there holding his final note.

I told the staffers a story from years ago. On one visit I had handed Doug a note and said, “I’m praying for you.” He jokingly replied, “Pray I don’t kill someone.” We laughed, and I prayed that he wouldn’t take anyone’s life. Two weeks later I saw him again and he said, “It worked. I didn’t kill anyone.” Of course, Doug would never hurt anyone. One member of Congress once told me that Doug was the kindest man he had ever met.

As I prepared to leave, one of the staffers said, “I’ll put that last note on his desk.” What a moment. Doug LaMalfa was a man of God, and he will be deeply missed.

A short while later, I entered another Cannon office with two friends who were making rounds with me. They wanted to see firsthand what God is doing through this ministry on Capitol Hill. We were immediately greeted by a congressman who invited us into his office. I am always mindful of how heavy the burdens are that these men and women carry, and I try not to take much of their time. But he insisted we sit and talk. We ended up spending nearly half an hour together ­­–– sharing and praying. It was clear that he was hungry for fellowship and encouragement.

I was aware that on “fly-in” days there is a prayer gathering for several House members before the first votes. What I didn’t realize was that there is also another gathering—one that involves bourbon and cigars. During our conversation, the congressman shared that he had recently decided to give up alcohol and hadn’t had a drink in about a week.

Our visit concluded with prayer, and my friends were stunned—not only by the access they had witnessed, but by the vulnerability of this leader.

While on the Hill, I also learned that Congressman Jim Baird of Indiana, age 80, and his wife had been involved in an accident while driving to Washington, D.C. Thankfully, both are expected to recover. Still, his absence—combined with the loss of Representative LaMalfa and the resignation of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene—temporarily reduced the Republican majority in the House to just two seats. Longtime Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer just announced his retirement, but he will most likely serve out his term. On Capitol Hill, it is always a game of numbers, and the battles rage not only between parties, but within them.

Several major issues were vying for attention during my visit, including the situation involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, fraud investigations, a tragic shooting in Minnesota, and remarks made by President Trump at a gathering of Republicans. Oh, and of course we could be facing another government showdown.  It seems to never end.

The President suggested that Republicans might need to show some “flexibility” regarding the Hyde Amendment—comments that caused concern among many members. The Hyde Amendment, of course, prohibits the use of federal funds for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother’s life is in danger. One deputy chief of staff told me he was still trying to understand what the President meant, adding that constituents in his district would not accept any “flexibility” on that issue.

As I walked the halls and visited offices, I was reminded again why I love this calling. In a basement hallway of the Capitol, I ran into one of my favorite members of Congress. He smiled and said, “Illuminate the path, and I’ll follow.”

As I concluded my time on the Hill, I learned of the passing of another dear friend—Mike Reagan, son of the late President Ronald Reagan. Mike had been an encourager of this ministry for many years, and his friendship will be greatly missed.

I will return to Capitol Hill in two weeks. Please pray for the families who have lost loved ones and pray for The Word on the Hill, and the doors God continues to open to impact lives there.

God bless,
Steve