Flags honoring fallen law enforcement officers on the southeast lawn of the Capitol.

On Tuesday I hit the ground running on Capitol Hill. As I entered a congressional office in the Cannon Building, I handed my note to the young intern sitting at the desk.  He’s only been on the Hill for a couple of weeks. Before I left, he said, “You sing, don’t you?”  After I said, “Yes,” he responded, “You’re Steve Amerson.”  I was rather surprised but then Gavin told me he had grown up listening to my music and his parents were big fans.

I gave Gavin my card and asked him to send me his parent’s address so I could communicate with them. It was another reminder of how the music I have produced over the years continues to have an impact even when I am unaware.

Later in the day, I received an email from Gavin:

Hi Mr. Amerson,

It was really neat to talk with you this afternoon. Your songs were a large part of my childhood, and I know my parents enjoyed them as they were growing up as well. You are really nice and genuine, which I honestly didn't expect, as you are more famous than the average person. The Lord definitely shines through you!

Thank you for your willingness to help and for the encouragement you were to my family through your songs, but also your encouragement to me through our brief conversation! Let me know if there is ever anything I can do for you!

Best,
Gavin

As I entered another office, I noticed a hat with the word “MUGA,” on the reception desk. I asked the staffer what it meant and he said, “Make Ukraine Great Again.” It was a sarcastic remark as this member has expressed their perspective that they would prefer to see our southern border secured rather than sending money to a foreign country.

At dinner Tuesday evening, three congressional spouses saw me and wanted to receive an update on my work on the Hill. That asked me to sit with them. They expressed their appreciation for the encouragement I bring to their husbands and staff.

This was National Police Week and there were many events honoring law enforcement taking place. Posters could be seen in the hallways of the House office buildings honoring the police.

I could observe the main event recognizing police officers taking place on the west lawn from an office on the 2nd floor of the Capitol. A light rain fell during the ceremony which included remarks by President Biden.

There are very few placards and displays in the halls of the Senate Buildings. I’m not sure of the reason for that but a poster outside of Senator Joni Ernst’s office marked the 222nd day that hostages had been held in captivity in Gaza.

In the House hallways there were large groups of Jews recognizable by their yamikas or orthodox attire. And there were many pro-Palestine wearing a keffiyeh. All were trying to make their point in hearings and in congressional offices.

In addition to being National Police Week, the unveiling of the statue of Billy Graham was scheduled for unveiling on Thursday morning.  It was a busy week on the Hill.

I walked into the office of one chief of staff. He closed the door and said you need to pray for me. The pressures of working in a congressional office with people in powerful positions can be intense.

In July, I will mark ten years of my involvement on Capitol Hill. During this time, I have had great favor and freedom to move about the Hill. In the past few months, and especially the past three weeks, we have encountered some “push-back” to our movement and access on the Hill. My colleague, Dan and I believe that ultimately, this will be a positive thing as some things are clarified.

Wednesday afternoon, I spent some time in Statuary Hall setting up the keyboard that we use in the Capitol for our services and special events. Michael W. Smith would be singing at the unveiling of the Statue of Billy Graham the next morning. It was an honor to assist Michael in this way as he would be honoring Dr. Graham ny singing “Just As I Am.”

What you might not know is that I sang for three Billy Graham crusades early in my travels. It was such an honor to get to know Dr. Graham, Cliff Barrows, and George Beverly Shea.

After getting the keyboard set for the next morning’s observance, I went one floor below to give leadership in our weekly Capitol Worship service. As part of National Police Week, we hosted the family of retired NYPD Officer William Michael Kelly, of Peachtree City, Georgia. Officer Kelly died on October 3, 2021 of cancer related to his work at Ground Zero and as part of the Forensic Unit sifting through debris in search of human remains.

His name had been added to the wall honoring fallen law enforcement officers the previous day and we were honored to host his wife, Maribel, and their five children.

Representative Pete Sessions and retired officer and now pastor, Chris Amos, shared thoughts about sacrifice and service and how there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for a friend. I was also able to introduce the family to House Chaplain Margaret Kibben. To close the evening, we escorted the family to the Rotunda to experience the magnificence of that space.

Early Thursday morning I returned to Statuary Hall in the Capitol to make final adjustments to the keyboard and set some sound levels for Michael. This invitation-only event was for members of Congress and guests who had come from all over the country for the unveiling. Each state is allowed to have two statues in the Capitol and this statue of Dr. Graham would replace the statue of Governor Aycock of North Carolina.

The speakers at the event included  North Carolina Representatives Virginia Fox and Patrick McHenry, Senators Tom Tillis and Ted Budd, Franklin Graham and others.

Former Vice President Pence sat on the front row. It was great to see many friends that I knew including Ruth Graham who has been a long-time friend

I would encourage you watch the service and especially the remarks from Speaker Mike Johnson at the close of the service. The Gospel was certainly proclaimed.  There are several sites where you can watch the ceremony including this link from CBN.

As Speaker Johnson closed his remarks, he acknowledged that the statue of Billy Graham had him holding a Bible which was open to Galations 6:14. “But God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified until me, and I unto the world.” Speaker Johnson then read that scripture actually holding one of Dr. Graham’s Bibles with his notes and markings. It was a moment! I encourage you to watch.

Here are some prayer points:

1.    Pray for the young staffers in difficult positions of responsibility.
2.    Pray for the Truth to be preeminent on the Hill.
3.    Pray for favor and continued access as I work on the Hill.

I will be heading back in a few weeks to continue spreading The Word on The Hill.

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement.

Steve