Dear John,
Greetings! After two terrible years under a far-left trifecta, a new day is dawning for Minnesota. Shared power in the Minnesota House means that relationships will shape the future of our state and negotiations are key – even more than usual.
I’ve seen this time and time again in my years in the Senate, and in the House before that. Politics is all about relationships, and developing healthy ones with those who shared my values and with those who didn’t was critical to getting anything done.
Sometimes that meant passing good bills, but in a blue-leaning state like Minnesota it often meant preventing bad ones, some of which never saw the light of day. Progress is often slow and incremental and isn’t always made public.
We’re going to need relationships like the ones I built on both sides of the aisle in the upcoming session, and that’s why I’m thankful for ministries like Minnesota Family Council and Institute. CEO Jeff Evans and the entire staff there have been in the relationship-building business for years.
The pastors of MFI’s Church Ambassador Network pray with everyone who will let them, and they’ll tell you themselves that some of the biggest “God moments” have been with legislators with a solid far-left voting record.
Love and respect matter, and MFC has built a reputation for prayerfully putting people first. That means they’ll be invited into the office when other groups won’t get past the assistant’s desk.
There’s no better way to show someone you care about them than by asking how you can pray for them. MFC is a group that prays – without regard to the letter(s) after your name.
Jeff and his team have earned the right to be heard, and when they speak about policy issues, they bring experience, expertise and, of course, a biblical worldview. I’ve been blessed to work alongside them on many issues over the years. I can’t think of a more influential group in Minnesota on pro-family and religious freedom issues than MFC.
They are worthy of your support at all times, but especially now, when influencing legislators will be so critical.
The stakes are high, as they always are when you’re interacting with leaders and talking about laws that affect how we live. I am reminded of the verse I used to close my book, written by the Apostle Paul in his first letter to his protégé, Timothy:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.
1 Timothy 2:1-3
In closing, John, I’d urge you to continue or renew your support for Minnesota Family Council/Minnesota Family Institute during the current year-end matching challenge when your gift will be doubled. And if you haven’t given in the past, please consider taking the leap, to help them continue their ministry into the historic legislative session that starts early next year.
With my sincere thanks,
Paul Gazelka
Senator Paul Gazelka
Former Senate Majority Leader
