Dear John,

When Tony asked me to write to FRC's faithful supporters, I must admit some hesitancy. This is out of the realm of my comfort zone. This time of year, especially, we're all focused on making meaningful memories with our kids and loved ones as we celebrate Christmas.

But as we come to the close of FRC's 40^th anniversary and Tony's 20^th year serving as president, I wanted to take this unique opportunity to share a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes at Family Research Council that I get to see as Tony's wife of 37 years.

FRC is like an iceberg in that a vast amount of the work done by the FRC team is not visible. To be sure, there are some efforts with very visible outcomes, but some of the most important and significant work that shapes and influences the direction of the nation you may never see. There are countless hours spent building relationships of trust and respect with members of Congress and state legislators.

For every victory and every advancement of biblical values -- you can be sure that there have been countless prayers, conversations, and coordination with key leaders. That's because the Lord has allowed Tony through his longevity in D.C. to be a pastor to many elected officials and newsmakers -- names you would instantly recognize.

This model is something the entire FRC team tries to implement as they passionately advocate for biblical truth regarding life, marriage, and religious freedom on behalf of our families. They pray for the elected officials they interact with and aim to build relationships that engender trust and open doors -- a rarity in Washington, D.C., known for its divisive political climate.

But this behind-the-scenes impact is only possible because of the ongoing support of visionary partners like you who enable Tony and FRC to maintain their presence in our nation's capital, where they can build relationships with leaders who not only have the weight of political decisions impacting the nation, but the pressure of personal and family challenges. Thank you!

As a mother of five, and now with my first grandson, my heart breaks over many moral issues impacting our nation's children. From the loss of innocent unborn life via abortion, to the gender identity ideology that teaches schoolchildren that they may have been born in the wrong body, to the mutilation of children's healthy bodies via gender transition procedures -- evil doesn't stand still.

Ephesians 6:13 is Tony's life verse and how he ends his emails and the Washington Watch program: "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

How do we stand in a culture where evil prevails?

We stand boldly through prayer, in daily Bible reading, in the confidence of teaching a biblical worldview, and in being a voice of truth and light to those living in spiritual darkness.

John, I have had the privilege of viewing what the FRC "iceberg" looks like below the surface for 20 years. The strength and growth of this biblically-based policy organization begins with its identity in Jesus Christ.

FRC is intentional in putting on the whole armor of God through initiatives like:

• The Stand on the Word Bible reading program;
• The Association of Churches and Ministries, which encourages spiritual leaders to stand for biblical truth in their church communities;
• Stand Courageous men's conferences that guide men in their relationship with Christ to strengthen their families;
• And FRC's various communication efforts (The Washington Stand, Washington Watch, and the new Louisiana studio) where a biblical worldview is broadcast, not canceled.

All of this and more is possible because of faithful partners like you who understand FRC's unique mission of serving the kingdom of God by championing faith, family, and freedom in public policy and the culture from a biblical worldview. They really could not do it without you.

Throughout 2023, it has been an honor for Tony and I (and our family) to celebrate Family Research Council's 40^th year. God has been faithful in every season!

As we take time with our families over the next week to reflect upon God's greatest gift, His Son Jesus Christ, will you join me in praying for FRC's impact for the kingdom in 2024?

I know that God still has plans to move -- in Washington, D.C., across the nation, and around the world -- and I believe that He has a unique calling on FRC to rebuild America's spiritual walls, reach believers, reinforce their stand, and resource this mission to connect people to the truth of God's Word that brings hope and salvation.

Thank you for partnering with the FRC team so they can continue their impactful presence and guide conversations that will change hearts and minds for eternity! From our family to yours, have a blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year!

Sincerely,

Lawana Perkins

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