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From: Rev Jerry Bowers, Pray California
Subj: Visit to Governors' Office
Dear Leaders:
Some of you know I had made a request to bring a delegation of senior pastors to the Governors' Office. Yesterday on October 4 at 2:30 PM 16 Senior Pastors and Leaders joined me in a visit to the Governors' Office. The meeting was scheduled for us to meet with a Deputy Chief of Staff. We started the meeting in the Governors' Office in his council room around a large square table. We started by telling the Chief of Staff about our purpose. Namely, "we have not come here to lobby like most groups. We have come because we want you to know we care about our state, about you and our government. We want to hear your heart concerning the challenges you face to leadership this year, and we want to know how we can pray for you?"
There was almost like a sigh of relief from the Chief of Staff who said, "I wish every group who came here was as easy to talk to as this one!" After about 20 minutes someone came in from another office with a note. She smiled and announced, "The Governor wants to come in and speak with you!" I think maybe someone was monitoring the group to see what we were about? When He came in he shook hands with every pastor. Bishop Schofield reminded him that we have no agenda other than to hear about their needs and that we wanted to pray for him before we leave.
The Governor stood before us and opened his heart. He told how over the years his values have changed. He told how his father in law had once told him that the most fulfilling thing anyone could do in life is public serve - to serve the people. He said, "I now know he was right." He went on to say, "I know you men are like that. You serve the people. I know also that there is only so much man can do. Sometimes we need answers that only come from above. We need help from on high. I need all your prayers. And I welcome them." Four of us prayed over the Governor. The general theme of these prayers was that God would give him wisdom and guidance from above. I acknowledged that he had learned how to be strong by lifting weights but God would make him strong in the inner man with spiritual strength! Bishop prayed he would be filled with the Holy Spirit from this time first and know God's will.
Some pictures were taken which will be mailed to us. I will get something on the web site. Joe Walsh has set up a Governors' Prayer Team web site which we will get out to everyone soon so we can keep praying for the Governor. One of his aids offered everybody a large cigar. I thought this strange at the time but reflecting back I thought, "Why would they offer pastors cigars?" Then I realized, "Men usually do this to announce a birth." There was a birth of relationship with the Church of California. His Chief of Staff will be in touch with us to learn more about Faith Based Organizations in the State.
Blessings to you and to California,
Special thanks to those of you who prayed for this meeting. By the way, we also prayed separately for the Deputy Chief of Staff and her aid. One of the pastors thanked the Governor as he was shaking their hands for vetoing the gay marriage bill. We had an on-sight prayer team put together by Maryal from Placerville which gave us great prayer cover. There was definitely Divine favor and grace that manifested in the Governors' Office.
Rev Jerry Bowers
Serving Pray California
Visit our Web Site at www.praycal.org
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