National Strategic Center 
Join the movement in your state 
For APCN Members 
Read this and other attacks on faith from Weekly Prayer Update 4/9/18 to 4/16/18
“Pastor Andrew is innocent. He is no terrorist. He is a father, a husband, and a peaceful man of God. But he is facing what could amount to the rest of his life in prison…To accuse him of “Christianization” – equating it to membership in an armed terrorist organization and military/political espionage against the people he’d come to love – is ludicrous. Pastor Andrew is on trial because of his Christian faith. Nothing more.
We have learned that Senators Tillis and Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, are attending the pastor’s trial in Turkey. Hopefully their physical presence might demonstrate to Turkey, and President Erdogan, how serious the U.S. is taking this case and how it might affect relations between our two countries.”
Also, please pray for Senator Tillis and Ambassador Brownback as they travel.
Read more here.
Prayer and Action
Living our faith means it impacts everything we do. Paul encourages unceasing prayer, and James makes a strong point that faith without works is dead. Have you considered how to positively impact your sphere of influence with the values and care that are derived from faith?
National Prayer Points
“Sandra (Mendoza) Rojas discovered her calling at 17 years old. When she went out to find a job, she ended up at a local children’s home. It was then and there that she knew she wanted to become a nurse, serving children. And that is exactly what she has been doing for the past 40 years. When she became a pediatric nurse, she wanted a workplace where the commitment to ‘do no harm’ was upheld. But, because of her religious convictions, Sandra was fired from her job and pushed out of the profession she loves. Here is her story and more.”
Help Defend The Ministerial Housing Fund
ADF: “The Freedom From Religion Foundation filed a lawsuit attacking the ministerial housing allowance. And a federal judge ruled it unconstitutional. Revoking the housing allowance could bring great financial harm to thousands of pastors and the churches they serve. So what can we do? The judge’s decision has been appealed, and ADF is filing a friend-of-the-court brief in the case. We need as many pastors as possible to read and add their name to the brief. Pastors, please make your voice heard by signing the brief today. Learn more.”
Bills That Make Biblical Counseling Illegal Springing Up Across The Nation
Click here for talking points to use at hearing, or for advocating for Biblical counseling in the public square.
First Liberty created a cumulative compilation of recent documented instances of hostility toward free religious exercise. It is often cited by lawmakers, educators, opinion leaders, and the media.
International Prayer Points
For the sixth year in a row, Australia is calling the nations of the world to join with them to pray and fast for four days for the United States of America, from 30 April – 3 May 2018.
Indonesia: Life In Prison For ‘Blasphemy’
“According to International Christian Concern, Jakarta’s first Chinese-Christian governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama – also known as ‘Ahok,’ was convicted of blasphemy despite the prosecutor’s recommendation that the blasphemy charges be dropped. More than nine months after his conviction, Ahok officially challenged it through a case review petition to the Supreme Court. But late last month, the court rejected it. ICC’s Gina Goh says Ahok will have to serve his full prison term which runs until next year.”
State Prayer Points
Religious Liberty Legislation
Continue praying consistently and fervently for the successful passage of legislation that effectively protects our Judeo-Christian heritage and religious liberty. Also, pray that bills and resolutions that undermine our First Amendment Rights will be unsuccessful.
The CPCF legal team has researched best practices legislation and provided talking points on various religious freedom topics to assist legislators. Download their Report here. View a model school policy on invocations before games here.
CA: AB 2943 Would Make Biblical Counseling Illegal – On To Third Reading
ADF: “At its core, AB 2943 outlaws speech, whether offered by a licensed counselor, a best-selling author, or even a minister or religious leader. It targets a specific message-that an adult who is experiencing unwanted same-sex attraction or gender identity confusion can find help to address those issues-for censorship. The breadth of this censorship is staggering.”
Use these Talking Points when calling your representative or the Governor.
CO: HB 1245 Seeks To Outlaw Biblical Counseling
“The bill prohibits a licensed physician specializing in psychiatry or a licensed or registered mental health care provider from engaging in conversion therapy with a patient under 18 years of age. A licensee who engages in these efforts is subject to disciplinary action by the appropriate licensing board. ‘Conversion therapy’ means efforts that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward individuals of the same sex.” When calling your senator, feel free to use these Talking Points.
PA: Tradition Of Religious Symbolism Isn’t Unconstitutional
“The official seal of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, contains a number of images, one of them being a cross. The Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) believes this violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and obtained a ruling in its favor in November 2017. The issue is now before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, where First Liberty filed a friend-of-the-court brief arguing the symbolism is constitutional.”
National Prayer Opportunities
Prayer for the American Prayer Caucus Network, Their Families, and Staff
Congressional Prayer: Each week Congress is in session, members of Congressional Prayer Caucus meet before votes to pray in Room 219 of the U.S. Capitol.
The American Prayer Caucus Network is a nationwide network of nearly 1,000 federal and state elected leaders who are standing for faith and impacting the culture. Please join us in praying daily for them, their families, and staff.
Pray for our President and all Those in Authority
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Tim. 2, Psalm 91
Include: Judicial Branch, Legislative Branch, Executive Branch, Military, Faith Leaders, First Responders, Etc.
The Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation
The Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization created to support government leaders who wish to partner prayer with legislative and citizen action to protect our Judeo-Christian heritage and religious freedom. Please pray for the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation team, our State Directors, legal team, Board of Directors, web developers, technical team, production team, design and graphics team, CPCF intercessors and donors.
Join the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation Prayer Team!
Email me to join the CPCF Prayer Team! Commit to praying for the Members and families of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, The American Prayer Caucus Network, and the CPCFoundation.
Prayer for Anti-Faith Groups
Freedom From Religion Foundation
ACLU
AHA
Secular Coalition for America
Military Religious Freedom Foundation
For more information about this prayer initiative, contact Summer Ingram, National Director of Prayer and Mobilization for the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation.
www.CPCFoundation.com
Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS rules and regulations. No funds are used for political or campaign activities.
