Prayer Breakfast Brings Pastors and Politicians Together

Members of the clergy and legislators of the Commonwealth of Virginia gathered together on the morning of January 22, 2015 to pray together at the Virginia General Assembly in the state capital, Richmond. Four members of the Virginia branch of the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) attended the half-day prayer conference at the capitol building, hosted by Pastor David and Mrs. Eunjoo Anderson, directors of the Virginia Pastors Commission. The Andersons have been conducting prayer and Bible study sessions once a week at the state capitol for the past nine years.

At this 9th biennial Pastors Commission to the Capitol, the ACLC members were welcomed by the speaker of the House of Delegates, William J. Howell, who also facilitates a Bible study group among fellow legislators. The speaker remarked on the need for prayer in leadership, a position that often requires the wisdom to make tough decisions.

Pastor Paul Washer, founder and director of HeartCry Missionary Society, gave the message for the day, and urged the members of the clergy to pray and share the Gospel with others. A reverent, reflective and joyful mood filled the hall as participants enjoyed breakfast and continued to fellowship. The prayers flowed throughout breakfast, as prayers were offered for some of the legislators and their families. It was a wonderful chance for the clergy and conference attendees to visit with the members of the legislature. Rep. David Bulova was especially open and interested in partnering on family issues, including his work with the Richmond Justice Initiative on efforts to stop human trafficking.

After the main event, the participants were treated to a special viewing of the Virginia House of Delegates in action. They were thrilled to watch Pastor Washer give the opening prayer to begin the 2015 session.

The participants took home more than just the memory of the day. Each was given a package that contained information on prayer and books about evangelism. The Virginia ACLC team is especially thankful to Levy and Claire Daugherty for their encouragement and support and to Minister Michiko Yokoyama and Pastor Judith Lejeune for their sincere efforts and outreach to civil and political leaders.

Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) and ACLC members in Virginia are excited to nurture these new relationships and to work together for the greater good of their district and state.