This email message is from Sarah who works on Capitol Hill in a Senator’s office. It was sent on February 9, 2012.

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Hello!

I wanted to share some good news from Capitol Hill! As you know, I lead a ladies Bible study here in the Senate. One of my girls, Jordan, invited us to a private screening of the movie “Courageous” here at the Capitol sponsored by the Congressional Prayer Caucus. This screening was open to members of Congress, Staff, and U.S. Capitol Police and their families.

It’s highly unusual to be granted permission to show a movie when it’s currently in Theaters.

You must understand that securing a room anywhere in the Capitol complex is a royal pain in the neck.

- A room must be approved for use by the rules and ethics committee.

- A member of Congress must make the request.

- Once the room is secured, you have to ask one office to help turn on the lights.

- You need to call another person to bring a podium.

- You need to call yet another department to bring a microphone.

- You need to call another person to bring the cord for the mic to secure it to the podium and to plug it in so it will work.

*(You can’t make this stuff up. I promise… it’s ridiculous)

About a year ago a friend asked me if I was aware of the Congressional Prayer Caucus. (The Congressional Prayer Caucus is a group of 100 members of Congress who meet in a room just off the House floor to pray once a week for upcoming votes.)  I had never heard of it.

When I saw Jordan yesterday, I learned that not only is her dad a U.S. Congressman from VA, but that he also CHAIRS the Congressional Prayer Caucus. The CPC sponsored the screening of “Courageous,” and it was paid for out of the personal funds of 10 members of Congress (i.e. no tax payer money was involved).

My cyncial self was anticipating a handful of folks showing up for the screening and at least one group of protestors. I was STUNNED when I arrived in the Jefferson Auditorium in the Library of Congress to see the place packed. There had to have been 300-350 people there. The Capitol Hill Police Chief was present. I spotted one USCP Officer who brought his wife and all 10 of his children (who were more well-behaved than a lot of adults I know). From my spot, I counted about 35-40 members of Congress, including one Senator. I was later told that 90 members of Congress had RSVPd, and many stood in the back but left early for previous commitments.

As we watched the film, I was even more SHOCKED to hear the gospel CLEARLY proclaimed. No one made any apologies. The member sitting in front of me cried throughout the entire movie.

As soon as it was over, there was an immediate standing ovation from the audience. No protesting. Then, to my delight, the writer of “Courageous” and the lead actor were introduced *(they were in the audience the entire time). Another standing ovation for them… I couldn’t believe it. We had three separate standing o’s. I leaned over to my friend Hannah and said, “I’m sorry, am I in the U.S. Capitol or am I at church?”

The chief of staff for Congressman Forbes ( Jordan ‘s Dad) told me that I wouldn’t believe the hours of prayer soaked into this evening. By the time they had reserved the room, opened up tunnels, and paid the Capitol Police overtime, it cost about $5,000 to pull this off — and about 10 members of Congress paid for this out-of-pocket.

There was no doubt that God was present in that room and that the message in the movie “Courageous” resonated with many people. Eternal things took place.

I know all of you care and are praying for our country. Know that YOUR prayers are being heard and being answered. God is not finished with us yet. He is still here and His remnant remains in the halls of our government.

AMEN.