The EAL Appreciation Day at the Capitol was a great success. There were five EAL volunteers who met at the Capitol on May 18, 2016, representing our 50 wonderful volunteers from across the state.
Upon arrival we delivered 144 pecan pralines (one for each legislator) at the back of the Capitol building. We bring this gift yearly as a token of our appreciation for their hard work. We then met together in the Rotunda and were invited to the office of the Speaker of the House. House Speaker Taylor Barras (R-District 48) told us that many of the legislators value our prayers since their job is difficult and they needed wisdom from above. He said that the postcards were especially important since they have a Scripture passage and a note reminding them of those who are praying daily for them. Most of their correspondence from citizens is a request for something, but our postcards are an encouragement to them.
Our group enjoyed lunch together in the Capitol cafeteria renewing old acquaintances and meeting two volunteers who came for the first time. Afterwards we met for an hour in the chapel for a time of Scripture reading, prayer and singing. We were joined by two other ladies who also came to pray at the Capitol.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., we arrived at the House Chamber and were greeted by Rep. Nancy Landry (R-District 31) who was friendly and helpful and brought several of the legislators over to meet us. Rep. Landry then introduced us after the House convened, and we received a warm reception. Many more representative came over to thank us. Several of them had their postcards with them and told us how much the Scripture and notes meant to them. One representative said that receiving the postcards “means more than you may know”. Another representative was visibly moved when she thanked us for praying for her, then sat down and talked with us saying that we were doing the “real work”.
When the Senate convened at 3:00 p.m., our volunteers were introduced for the first time ever in the Senate Chamber by Sens. Page Cortez (R-District 23) and Wesley Bishop (D-District 4). We received a warm welcome.
Since the cards are so meaningful to the members of the Legislature, we will consider sending more cards next year.Many of the legislators understand that the Lord is their only source for help, wisdom and favor.
Thank you to all those who attended the event, participated in the EAL program this year, and those who worked behind the scenes to make this an outstanding program. A special thanks to Debbie Hoehl who has coordinated the EAL program with excellence for many years.
We were encouraged to see that we could be such a blessing to those in authority over us. Thanks be to God.