Earlier this week, I returned to Capitol Hill. Although House votes had been scheduled for Monday evening, weather disruptions across the country once again delayed the start of legislative business until Tuesday afternoon.

Despite the Department of Homeland Security not yet being funded, I experienced no delays moving through security on my flights in and out of Reagan National Airport. However, in other parts of the country, long lines at airport security checkpoints remain a reality. Travelers need to pack their patience.

From a scheduling perspective, the votes taken in the House this week were of minimal consequence. On Thursday morning, the House held its final vote on H.R. 4683 — the Federal Working Animal Protection Act.

Across the Capitol, the Senate continued debate on the Save America Act. Even seasoned Senate staffers struggled to explain the complicated path forward for the legislation, including whether a standing filibuster might take place. Meanwhile, other matters, such as the potential confirmation of Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of Homeland Security, appear to be on hold.

I also learned that the Republican majority in the House may become even slimmer. One member, whose district has been eliminated through redistricting, is expected to leave the party and run as an Independent in a newly drawn district this November.

While walking through the Capitol on Wednesday, the building was filled with visitors taking in the magnificence of the historic ediface. I couldn’t help but once again notice a statue of Father Junípero as I have in the past.

Father Serra was a Spanish Catholic priest and missionary who is credited with founding a mission in Baja California and establishing 8 of the 21 Spanish missions in California from San Diego to San Francisco. Above is a picture of Father Serra’s statue with the cross lifted high.

Each state is allowed two statues in the Capitol and Father Serra is one of two from the state of California, the other is former President Ronald Reagan. The statue of Father Serra in Statuary Hall in the Capitol is in some ways a display of faith in the public square.  Thousands if not millions were pointed to Jesus through the work of Father Serra.  While some want the statue to be removed, it is a part of the history of California and of our nation.

A few days ago, I had breakfast with a friend who has long supported my trips to Washington. He asked whether his high school son might join me on a future visit to shadow me as I walk the halls of Congress—an opportunity I would welcome. During our conversation, he also noted that we view “faith in the public square” differently. Still, we both look forward to continuing that dialogue.

Over the years, I have become increasingly convinced that people of faith must be present in the public square. Believers should serve on school boards, city councils, and in local, state, and national offices.

Churches and pulpits must speak clearly on issues such as life, gender, and marriage. The dysfunction we see on Capitol Hill is, in many ways, a reflection of a broader lack of understanding of Truth among the electorate. When churches fail to proclaim Truth boldly, the consequences eventually become evident. Many lawmakers are uneducated as to what the Bible says about a variety of crucial issues.

Our nation needs more Father Serras lifting up the cross and pointing people to Jesus.

On Wednesday morning, I met with a congressman from a Midwestern state and asked him about the most pressing issue he faces. Without hesitation, he pointed to immigration. In his state, food processing facilities are hiring undocumented workers through third-party arrangements, creating significant challenges. Even in the Midwest, the urgency of addressing immigration is clear.

As I walk the halls, it’s interesting to see the posters outside offices and even the variety of items on display in the offices. It’s always interesting to see the new hats or items in the office of Congressman Tom Massie.

Throughout my visits to congressional offices, I encountered a wide range of personal and professional needs. I was asked to pray for a grieving family, encouraged a chief of staff who hopes to start a Bible study, and supported an office manager struggling to hire staff while navigating a difficult work environment. These moments took place in both Republican and Democratic offices—a reminder that human needs transcend political lines.

While visiting Majority Whip Tom Emmer’s office, I noticed a newly displayed verse from Isaiah 1:18: “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. It is a timely message for members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. Unfortunately, there often seems to be more conflict than reason on Capitol Hill.

A young staffer who helps coordinate congressional delegation travel shared that, due to the shutdown of Homeland Security, no overseas trips are currently being scheduled. This is yet another consequence of the funding impasse.

While walking down the hall in the Russell Senate Office Building, I noticed Senator John Kennedy stop in the middle of the corridor to admire a baby being pushed in a stroller. He paused, pulled out his keys, and gently shook them to entertain the child, offering a few kind words to the parents.

It was a beautiful moment of simple kindness—one those parents will likely never forget.

Before he continued on to his office, I handed the senator my note and shared a brief moment of prayer with him. He expressed his deep appreciation.

As I left the Capitol Wednesday evening, a friend mentioned recent polling showing that many Americans are increasingly concerned about military actions involving Iran. Republicans, in particular, are beginning to consider how these concerns may impact the upcoming midterm elections.

Later that evening, I had dinner with a lobbyist who shares my faith and has spent years working on music-related issues on Capitol Hill. As we concluded our time together, we reflected on the importance of patience in the waiting. So often, we live in anticipation—waiting for God to move—yet we are tempted to move ahead of Him. Still, it is often in the waiting that we encounter Him most clearly.

I will return to Washington, D.C., in a few weeks. In the meantime, I’ll be singing in Phoenix and Dallas.

Please pray for revival on Capitol Hill—that God’s truth would prevail in our nation.

God bless,
Steve