Jul
24
DC Update
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Ok, here is the DC update for all who have been wondering. The CUFI meetings were wonderful with the highlight being an awesome speech by Senator Joe Lieberman at the Night To Honor Israel on Tuesday night. We had the largest delegation from Arkansas yet with over 30 people going to the Hill on Wednesday for appointments with our Senators and Representatives. We met with Senator Mark Pryor, Congressman John Boozman, Congressman Marion Berry, Congressman Mike Ross, and aides for Senator Blance Lincoln and Congressman Vic Snyder. All expressed support for Israel and listened to our concerns about the buildup of nuclear capability in Iran. We also expressed our appreciation to all the Senators, Congressmen, and staff for their hard work and service to the country and to the citizens of Arkansas. It is so important that as Christians we pray for our elected officials regardless of party affiliation. At the follow up dinner on Wednesday evening we heard wonderful reports of the affect CUFI is having in Washington!
Today was a beautiful day of touring sites in Washington. We visited the Natural History Museum, the Holocaust Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, and the Washington Monument. Tomorrow will be the National Archives, Arlington National Cemetary, the Air and Space Museum, and whatever else we have time to fit in. Here’s a few quick pics I snapped with the iPhone.
Jul
22
Christians United for Israel Update
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It was tough finding a good connection in Washington so I decided to wait until we got home to post. I’ll give a quick account of our trip and fill in the details later. After arriving on Monday a little later than scheduled we 
began the meetings with a banquet meeting. The highlight of the night was a speech by Conn. Senator Joseph Lieberman. Senator Lieberman was a Democrat who during the last elections did not win the Dem. primary so he ran as an independent and won. Although I don’t agree with all of the Senators positions on issues I know that the Senator is a man who stands for his convictions and obviously stands for Israel. The next day we attended policy briefings with different Middle East experts, intelligence experts, etc. which were very informational but the highlight of the day was a speech by Senator John McCain of Arizona. By the end of his speech I think most people in attendance were wiping tears from their eyes. Here is a picture of Pastor Mac and Senator McCain. Having both been fighter pilots in Vietnam I’m sure Pastor Mac had some conversations with him. I hope to ask him about it. Tuesday evening was the Night to Honor Israel at the Washington Convention Center. What a great gathering to show our support of Israel and the Jewish people. The speakers for the evening were Pastor John Hagee, Former Ambassador from Israel Dore Gold, the current Israeli ambassodor, and Newt Gingrich. The thing that stood out to me that all three of the major speakers mentioned was how bad it has become in Washington. They spoke of the bitterness and hatred that seems to have taken over the city whether Republican or Democrat. More reason to pray for our elected officials.
Today was CUFI day on the hill. The delegation from Arkansas was over twice the size as last years group. We were able to meet with 3 of our 4 congressmen, and 1 of our 2 senators. Here is a picture of our group with Senator Mark Pryor. We
were so blessed that Senator Pryor met with us after a Senate session that I believe didn’t end until 1:00AM or so. The Senators staff did an awesome job in accomodating what turned out to be a group of almost 40 people. It was a real honor for me to be the spokesman for our group. After thanking Senator Pryor for his co-sponsorship of the Iran anti proliferation bill that is currently in the Senate we explained why we were in Washington and what CUFI is all about. The Senator who I am sure was very tired after such a long night expressed an interest in obtaining more information concerning CUFI and had many questions about the organization. Here is a picture of the group from Arkansas in the Senators offices.
Susan and I spent Thursday and Friday doing the “tourist thing”. Here’s a couple of misc. photos. It was a 
great trip but it is good
to be home.
Jul
15
Leavin’ On A Jet Plane
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Susan and I are heading out tomorrow morning for the CUFI meetings in Washington DC. Last year there were over 3000 people in attendance and we are expecting more this year. CUFI (Christians United For Israel) has brought Christians together from a multitude of groups and denominations to stand behind and support Israel. It is incredible to see how God has brought such a diverse group of Christians together. I believe one of the reasons is that the only issue that this group is involved in is support for Israel. At last years event there were both Republican and Democratic speakers, so it’s also not about a particular political party. Susan and I will be leading the group from Arkansas as we go visit our senators and representatives. I’ll post updates each day concerning that days activities. We have a 6:30AM flight out of Fort Smith - ouch. We are planning on doing a live ichat report back to the church for the Wednesday night service. I love my Mac!