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CWA of Washington Archives – Concerned Women for America

Apr 21 2021
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April 2021 Prayer/Action Alert

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“For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts
of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 

Dear CWA of Washington Members,

I love watching Spring emerge, don’t you? As it warms up, the primroses are blooming, and the tulips and daffodils are slowly emerging. Does this renewal give you new hope? I hope so!

The 2021 Washington State legislative session is winding down, as is our Encourage-A-Legislator campaign. We thank all of you who stepped up and prayed for our legislators this session. Please continue to pray for our legislators that they might seek God’s wisdom and guidance in all that they do.

Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Washington has Prayer/Action Chapters and Home Teams around the state, but we would love to grow even more chapters! Please consider gathering like-minded women and men to pray regularly for our nation, our state, and our families. CWA is the nation’s largest women’s public policy organization, firmly based on God’s Word and principles. We welcome your participation!

After seventeen years serving as CWA of Washington’s State Director, I am stepping out of this leadership position effective April 30. And since we never retire from His work, I will staying on with CWA of Washington as a Prayer/Action Chapter Leader.

How about you? Do you feel the calling of the Lord to increase your influence and impact here in Washington State? CWA is seeking a new state director, and maybe that person is you? If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer leadership position or just have some questions, please contact the CWA’s Vice President of Field Operations, Tanya Ditty, at 1-202-488-7000 or [email protected]. She would love to talk with you and answer any questions you might have.

It has been such an honor to serve the Lord in the role of state director. I have met and worked with so many wonderful, God-loving people. I especially want to thank Marilyn, Jean, and Joyce for their faithful service as the Steering Committee, plus those persevering Prayer/Action Chapter and Home Team Leaders who have faithfully served in their position for many, many years. Remember, God has a future and a hope for you!

In His Service,
Maureen Richardson
State Director

Mar 04 2021
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March 2021 Prayer/Action Alert: I will lift up my eyes

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Dear CWA of Washington Member,

As Winter wanes and we see the hope of Spring arrive, may you find renewed hope in God’s Word and continue to stand up for His righteousness with Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Washington. As our Judeo-Christian principles come under more severe attack, we are called to pray more and take appropriate action when needed.

In defense of one of God’s truths found in Genesis 1:27: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them,” CWA’s CEO and President Penny Nance has spoken out on the dangers of the so-called “Equality Act.”  You may access the article here. 

Action Opportunity: Stand Up for Life
The sanctity of human life from birth through natural death is one of CWA’s seven core issues, and we will continue to stand together to defend our inalienable right to life. Consider participating in 40 Days for Life in your area. 40 Days for Life is an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. Their current vigil ends March 28. Go to 40daysforlife.com to see if there is a location near you.

Pray: “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” Psalm 121:1
We need to continue to pray for our Washington State legislators as they consider bills during the current legislative session, which lasts until April 23. Please pray for all of the legislators and that God’s presence will permeate both the Senate and House of Representatives.

We encourage you to stay involved in the cultural and spiritual battles raging across our nation. And we thank you for your continuing support of CWA of Washington. Please consider starting a Prayer/Action Chapter or Home Team in your community or perhaps even inquiring about another role at the state level. Please contact me with any questions. I would love to talk with you.

In His Service,
Maureen Richardson
State Director

Feb 12 2021
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February 12 Prayer/ Action Alert: Love Never Fails

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Happy Valentine’s Day! God’s love never fails us, does it?  “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” – Isaiah 54:10

This season of our lives is so challenging, and God knew we would need these words of encouragement: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9. Like us, our state legislators need this kind of encouragement too. That is why Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Washington sponsors our annual Encourage-A-Legislator campaign each year – to pray for and encourage our legislators as they make decisions on laws that impact the families in our state.

Volunteers Still Needed
CWA of Washington has recruited many volunteers for our Encourage-A-Legislator 2021 campaign. We want to sincerely thank those prayer warriors for their time and energy to pray daily and mail weekly postcards to our state legislators. If you are interested in joining us in this powerful prayer and encouragement project, there is still time to sign up!  Please contact me at the state office for more information.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for our nation and the brilliant governing document you led our Founders to create the Constitution. We ask that our lawmakers uphold their oaths to obey, defend, and resist measures that would diminish it. Help us, as citizens of this great nation, to learn the principles of our founding document, thank You for it, and hold our lawmakers accountable to it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thank you for your support of CWA of Washington. If you would like to get more involved, please contact the state office.  We are in need of a Legislative Liaison, Prayer/Action Chapter Leaders, and Home Team Captains!

In His Service,
Maureen Richardson
State Director

Dec 23 2020
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December 23 Prayer/Action Alert: Prayer Project Opportunity

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Christmas greetings from Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Washington! We pray you and your family enjoy the spirit of Christmas in 2020, despite the world’s state of confusion. The Bible is so clear that our salvation comes through God’s grace and that it is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). Thus, we celebrate this season with much joy and praise for our Heavenly Father’s greatest gift to each of us – Christ Jesus. May each moment of this season fill you with His love, joy, and peace.

Encourage-A-Legislator (EAL) Campaign
EAL is a program of encouragement and prayer for our Washington State legislators while the Washington State Legislature is in session. It involves sending a pre-printed postcard each week of the virtual session (January 11 – April 25) and praying regularly for an assigned legislator. Your efforts will encourage and build bridges with the conservative legislators as well as those who do not typically agree with CWA of Washington. Your benefit as an encourager is that you are energized and blessed to be a part of this effort.

Take Action!
Will you commit to adopting a legislator(s) and praying for him or her daily during the four-month session beginning in January? CWA of Washington will provide the postcards as well as suggested encouraging notes for you to write. Simply express appreciation for the legislator’s service and note your prayers for him or her. Finally, add a postcard stamp and mail the postcards weekly.

If you wish to participate in our EAL campaign or have questions, please contact one of our EAL Coordinators, noting your commitment and providing your physical address, phone number, and the number of legislators you would like to send postcards of encouragement. You will receive your postcards and instructions in mid-January. EAL Coordinators: Joyce: 253-631-5757, or Marilyn: mlynjo[email protected].

A special thanks to those of you that have partnered with us in the past. Please consider joining us again this year.

Thank you for being a faithful supporter and member of CWA of Washington! You may always contact the state office with questions or suggestions. We appreciate you and all you do to keep these United States of America and our state of Washington, “one nation/state under God!”

Again, Merry Christmas! And we also wish you a happy and prosperous New Year!

In His Service,
Maureen Richardson
State Director

Oct 27 2020
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October 26 Prayer/ Action Alert: Elections Have Consequences

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As we all know, 2020 has been an unusually challenging year, but as we continue to work through the challenges, we must remember the wise words of President George Washington spoken at his first presidential address: “Propitious Smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.” Our Founders encouraged faith and wisdom among the people. We at Concerned Women for America of Washington stand in the gap to promote the same.

Elections have consequences.
We have a Scriptural mandate to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14). I believe that part of that mandate means that before Election Day, we do our due diligence to find out all we can about the women and men who are seeking to lead our country and our state. Equipped with that knowledge we then go and vote, and we share what we have learned with others and encourage them to vote. In the midst of all of that doing, we must be praying. We know that the Lord is sovereign over all things; we acknowledge that and ask for His grace and mercy to be poured out on our nation.

Be an informed voter on where the candidates stand on issues important to your values by visiting iVoterGuide.com.

CWA of Washington Leadership Opportunities:
We have several opportunities in which to engage as volunteers with CWA of Washington:

  • Do you desire to see our country radically affected through the energized efforts of prayer warriors? Consider starting a Prayer/Action Chapter in your community or forming a social media and email team to communicate CWA of Washington alerts by volunteering as a Home Team Captain.
  • Do you enjoy the legislative process and have a desire to work on family-related and pro-life issues here in Washington? Consider becoming a Legislative Liaison to coordinate our response to legislation through our state alerts, thus encouraging members to write, e-mail, call, and show up to testify on bills related to our seven core issues.

Please contact me by e-mail or phone (425-869-1923) if you have an interest in more information on joining our CWA  of Washington team.

Prayer: Please pray for the election, that God will be honored, our Constitutional rights will be protected, and that Christians will go to the polls and vote their values.

As Peter and the other apostles said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) Thank you for choosing to obey God rather than men and joining Concerned Women for America in promoting Judeo-Christian values throughout our culture!

In His Service,
Maureen Richardson
State Director

Sep 16 2020
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September 17 Prayer/Action Alert: Righteousness

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“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34

Please pray for our nation, that the fires, the riots, and the virus will awaken both Christians and lost people to the reality of a culture and nation without God. “But the prayer of the upright is His delight … But He loves him who follows righteousness.” (Proverbs 15:8- 9) God waits to hear our prayers!  

There are many things you can do to influence and impact our culture. It is time to mobilize and engage! Here are a few opportunities for engagement:

She Prays, She Votes National Prayer Events
No matter what state you live in, we invite you to our national prayer events, where we will pray specifically for targeted states. There are two ways to participate: Facebook Live or by conference call: Dial-in number: (712) 770-4921, Participant Code: 704998.  Click here to find dates/times and more.

Voter Registration
The first step in choosing leaders in civil government is a small but important one – registering to vote!  We have made it simple for you to do your part this election season to help ensure people are registered to vote. We have provided helpful resources to assist you in setting up a voter registration drive in your community. Click here for resources.

Reminder: It is permissible for churches to have a voter-registration drive. According to the IRS, church voter registration drives are well within the 501c3 guidelines, and even encouraged, as long as they are non-partisan.

Ask your pastor if you can conduct a non-partisan voter registration drive or place voter registration forms in your church lobby. We all must encourage people to pray and vote in the November election. Elections have consequences, and Christians are responsible for placing righteous people in governing roles. “He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” 2 Samuel 23:3.

Upcoming Event
The Return is a ten-day event sponsored by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, author of “The Harbinger.” The event is a call for prayer and fasting September 18-28, 2020, with gatherings around the nation on Saturday, September 26. There will be a gathering for the State of Washington in Olympia from Noon until 2:00 p.m. on the north steps of the Capitol building.

State of Washington Education Issue
I encourage you to continue to educate yourself on the efforts on the sex education curriculum for the State of Washington (Initiative 1109) and curbing the governor’s emergency powers (Initiative 1114.)

Prayer/Action Chapter Leadership Opportunity
To give CWA members a voice in their communities, CWA’s Prayer/Action Chapters meet regularly to encourage informed prayer and action for our nation and its leaders. We do this by educating Christians on issues that affect our Biblically-based standards. Consider starting or joining a Prayer/Action Chapter in your community. Contact the state office for details.

Now is the time to pray and mobilize!

In His Service,

Maureen Richardson
State Director

Jun 08 2020
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June 8 Prayer/Action Alert: Do Not Grow Weary and Faint

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Many of us are growing weary of the restriction of our normal activities because of the COVID-19 virus. And now, we are watching a rebellious spirit move through our nation. For these reasons, Jeremiah 31:25 struck a chord with me: “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” God has given us His Son Christ Jesus and His written Word to refresh and satisfy our desire for goodness, peace, joy, and love for others. Above all of this insanity is our knowledge that none of this surprises our Heavenly Father.

Founder John Adams warned us that our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. Many of us have witnessed the banishing of God from public places for decades. I am grateful that Concerned Women for America’s (CWA) mission is to protect and promote Biblical values and Constitutional principles through prayer, education, and advocacy. And our vision is to lead a movement dedicated to impacting the culture for Christ through education and public policy.

Take the Next Step
CWA of Washington invites you to engage with us by joining or leading a Prayer/Action Chapter.

Chapters give CWA members a voice in their communities as they meet regularly to encourage informed prayer and action for our nation, state, communities, and leaders. Please contact the state office for more information on how to become a Prayer/Action Chapter Leader.  The current culture desperately needs sincere, compassionate, passionate prayers and actions! If not you, then who?

Update – Referendum 90
Last month, I wrote about Referendum 90 – a ballot initiative to reverse ESSB 5395. If you have been collecting signatures for this referendum, I thank you and encourage you to pray for sufficient valid signatures to put the mandated, statewide “comprehensive sexual education” issue on the November ballot for the citizens of the state to decide what is appropriate for their beloved children!  Click here to stay informed on the issue.

Prayer

  • Seek out other citizens in your community who are concerned about the moral and spiritual decline of our nation and culture and gather them to pray. A Prayer/Action Chapter is an easy and effective way to do that, so consider starting a chapter today.
  • Prayer walk your neighborhood or town/city with a friend.

Focus on Jeremiah 31:25 and do not grow weary or faint. Together, let us restore this nation to our Biblical religious heritage and bless others!

Maureen Richardson
State Director

May 01 2020
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May 1 Prayer/Action Alert: Are You Praying?

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As you know, Concerned Women for America’s (CWA) mission begins and ends with prayer for our nation and our families.  In Luke 18:1, we read, “And then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart …”  It would be so easy to be discouraged in this season of life, but fear not, the Lord is with us!

30 Days of Prayer and Fasting
I hope you were encouraged by CWA’s daily prayers for the month of April. If you missed any of these prayers, you can still access them here. Be sure to read Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers’ (R-Washington) inspiring prayer here.

Keep Praying!
Thank you for continuing to pray for our nation and our families.  Soon we will be able to meet in our church buildings and with our prayer chapter members, but for now, may our gracious Heavenly Father guide and protect you as you carry His Light into the culture around us. This is a time for Christians to be light in darkness.  Just think how one little match lights up darkness!  And the light of many matches reaches far and wide!

National Day of Prayer
The National Day of Prayer (NDP) is Thursday, May 7, 2020.  For more information including event locations in Washington State, physical and virtual, click here.

It’s All About Education
Last month, I reported on the very dangerous comprehensive sexual education standards bill (ESSB5395) that was signed into law by the governor. I encourage you to continue to educate yourself on the efforts to repeal the law by reading Referendum 90 and then ways you can individually get involved if desired.

The NDP’s 2020 verse is Habakkuk 2:14: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” Let’s pray together for our nation to confess, repent, and turn to the Living God of heaven.

In His Service,

Maureen Richardson
State Director

Apr 13 2020
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Action Item: Tell Gov. Inslee to Shut the Abortion Clinics!

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Why are abortion businesses still operating when Gov. Jay Inslee (Democrat) has shut down churches, schools, and mass gatherings?

Currently, across the United States, including Washington, services that constitute essential health care for women, such as routine Pap smears, mammograms, and pelvic exams, are being postponed in order to reduce everyone’s risk of exposure to COVID-19 and to conserve scarce medical resources. Yet, the abortion industry is open for business as usual.

On March 18, 2020, Vice President Mike Pence issued a mass gathering ban exceeding 10 people. While many healthcare agencies have ceased their non-essential medical, surgical, and dental procedures, Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers across Washington State insist on business as usual while consuming Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other equipment that COVID-19 patients need.

Immediate Action Needed
#1. Please contact Gov. Inslee and urge him to join other states by closing abortion clinics and redirecting PPE and other medical equipment to our state’s much-needed coronavirus response. Be sure to let them know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Washington.

Gov. Inslee: 360-902-4111 | Online Contact Form

#2. Forward this email to family and friends.

Please pray:  Dear Father, we ask that you move on the heart of Gov. Inslee to seek You in all things, especially with regard to this issue of life.

“Open your mouth for the speechless,
In the cause of all who are appointed to die.
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
Proverbs 31:8-9

Thank you for taking action at this critical time.

Maureen Richardson
State Director

Apr 06 2020
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April 7 Prayer/Action Alert: Put On the Whole Armor of God!

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The Washington state legislature concluded its 2020 session on Thursday, March 12.  Unfortunately, many of the bills that we opposed passed, the worse one being ESSB 5395, the comprehensive sexual education bill, which Gov. Jay Inslee signed on March 27.  Read more here.

We Continue to Fight!
Before the governor signed the bill, thousands of concerned Washington State citizens showed up in Olympia at a rally in opposition to the bill. Even though the bill has been signed into law, Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Washington and other state organizations are committed now more than ever to fight back against this government intrusion into our classrooms and our homes. I will be sure to update you on our efforts and how you can participate.

Prayer During Uncertain Times
The most important thing we need to do today is to PRAY!  While we pay attention to guidelines from the government concerning COVID-19, we need to pray for Almighty God’s guidance, mercy, and grace during this national crisis.  We need to pray for national repentance. Now is the time to take up the full armor of God and to pray without ceasing (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Please visit CWA’s COVID-19 Resource Center. The site provides an opportunity to submit a prayer request (CWA wants to pray for you!), homeschooling resources, CDC Coronavirus resources, a message from CWA’s CEO and President Penny Nance, and more.

Please Take Action:

  1. Beyond personal prayer time, you might consider a prayer walk through your neighborhood, community, or state capital, or call others and share a prayer time for our nation and our families.
  2. Forward this email on to friends and family and encourage them to pray and act!

Please Pray:
Pray for the protection of our children, our families, and our nation (governing authorities, essential business workers, healthcare workers, military members, emergency response teams, police, firefighters) during this crisis. Take the opportunity to reach out in love to others who are fearful and feel hopeless. Tell them about the hope found in our Savior, Christ Jesus.

Thank you for continuing to stand in the gap to protect our nation against the invisible viral enemy and the escalating attacks on Biblical principles and God’s people!

In His Service,
Maureen Richardson
State Director

Mar 16 2020
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March 16 Prayer Action Alert: Call the Governor to Veto the Sex Ed Bill!

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Over the past three months, I have been raising the alarm concerning SB 5395, the comprehensive sexual education bill mandating that public schools across our state teach an inappropriate sexual education curriculum. Read here, here, and here.

Many of you have made calls and sent emails to your state legislators urging them to vote against this egregious bill. Thank you! And, over 3,000 people gathered on the steps of the state capitol in Olympia last week to protest the bill. Outstanding!

In spite of our diligence, both houses of the Washington state legislature passed ESSB 5395 (formerly SB 5395) last week, and it is now headed to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk for his signature.

Urgent Action Needed!

  1. Call the governor’s office at 360-902-4111 and urge him to VETO ESSB 5395 for the protection of our children’s innocence, respect for parental authority, and for religious right of conscience.
  2. E-mail the same message to Gov. Inslee.
  3. Forward this alert to all concerned citizens, especially parents with children in both public and charter schools.  Encourage them to pray and take action.

Please Pray!
Pray that the heart of the governor will be tendered toward the innocence of our children and veto the bill. Pray for the protection of our children, our families, and the right to exercise our religious values in our homes and our daily lives outside our homes and churches.

We must persevere in this battle to protect our children by “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).

In His Service,
Maureen Richardson
State Director

Mar 04 2020
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March 4 Prayer/Action Alert: Calls Needed on Sex Ed Bill!

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I first want to thank all of you who have diligently contacted state legislators about the bills in the February alert. Several of you have told me you called and emailed to express your concerns about issues that will have a huge effect on our families and our culture. Scripture tells us in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in well-doing, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.”

Urgent: In particular, I want to thank those who have called the Legislative Hotline to oppose SB 5395, a comprehensive sex ed bill. The bill passed the Senate, the House Education Committee, and now sits before the full House – and a vote is imminent. If SB 5395 passes in the House, it will return to the Senate for another vote with the changes made by the House. If this comprehensive sexual health education bill passes, it will strip children of their innocence beginning in Kindergarten and strip parents of their rights to raise their children according to their family values, religious beliefs, and morality.

It is important that we continue to put pressure on our representatives and senators concerning SB 5395.

  1. Please Take Action:
    Contact your House member today and urge him/her to oppose SB 5395. You can contact your House member using the Legislative Hotline at (800) 562-6000 (open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.) or using the online Bill Comment page to say you oppose 5395. Click here to find your legislator. Be sure to let them know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Washington.
  2. Forward this email on to friends and family. Encourage them to act and pray.

Please Pray: Pray for the protection of our children, our families, and the right to exercise our religious values in our homes and our daily lives outside our homes and churches.

Thank you also to those who have participated in our Encourage-A-Legislator program.  Once again, we covered all 147 legislators with prayer and encouraging words. As the legislature wraps up its 2020 session on March 12, continue to pray for safety and good decisions for the people of Washington.

Do not grow weary! Continue to stand in the gap to protect our culture against the escalating attacks on Biblical principles and God’s people! We will reap a harvest! Thank you for your continuing support!

In His Service,
Maureen Richardson
State Director

Feb 06 2020
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February 6 Prayer/Action Alert: Who Should Raise Your Children?

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Overview

Too many Washington state activists and legislators continue to insist that they know best how to raise our children. They want us to believe that social-emotional learning in the public schools is necessary and superior to family authority over those children for whom they are legally responsible until age eighteen. The Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE) bills (SB 5395 and HB 2184) being considered by our state legislature strip children of their innocence beginning in Kindergarten and strip parents of their rights to raise their children according to their family values, religious beliefs, and morality. Also, there are two bills intended to force all public schools to have health centers (SB 6279 and HB 2288), supposedly making it easier for children to access health care. The government’s overreach is clear in these four bills.

Why does Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Washington care? Why do we pray and get involved?  CWA was founded to counteract the feminist movement of the 1970s by presenting a Biblical worldview on family and other issues. While feminism was roaring, Mrs. Beverly LaHaye stepped into the void with her spiritual armor in place and began to fight. We still need to stand in the gap and on the wall to defend our Judeo-Christian principles. Ezekiel puts it this way, “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it…” (Ezekiel 22:30a) As believers we are called to have both faith and works (James 2:17). Let us defend both our faith and the absolute principles it promotes, thus protecting the family that God in His wisdom created.

Status and action items on bills CWA of Washington opposes:

Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE)

SB 5395 – Status:  Passed the Senate and is in the House Education Committee.

HB 2184 – Status:  Voted out of the House Education Committee on Monday, February 3. It now goes to the House floor for a vote.

Take Action:
Call your two state representatives TODAY and urge them to vote NO on HB 2184 and SB 5395:  Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000. Click here to locate your legislators.

School-based health centers

SB 6279 – This bill would expand school-based health centers, stating “that the Washington integrated student supports protocol … that helps fulfill a vision of public education where educators focus on education, students focus on learning, and auxiliary supports enable teaching and learning to occur unimpeded. The legislature recognizes school-based health centers as one of these auxiliary supports.” (page 1, line 9-17)  These centers will provide “integrated medical, mental health, and other health care services.” (page 2, line 29) There is no mention of parental involvement in either the development or implementation process. This bill clearly undermines and interferes with parental authority, including parents’ ability to carefully choose the right medical provider for their children according to personal needs and values.

Status:  The January 24, public hearing in the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee was well attended with good opposition.

Take Action:
Contact members of that Senate Committee, especially the chairman, and urge them to oppose the bill.

HB 2288 – Similar to SB 6279, the bill states, “The legislature recognizes that school-based health centers may be an important component of education for common school students” (page 1, line 7-9). Again, this is government interference with parental rights, family authority, and individual rights to personal religious and moral values.

Status: On January 27, there was a public hearing in the House Education Committee. Scheduled for executive session today, February 6, at 8:00 a.m. in the House Education Committee (Subject to change).

Take Action:
Call the House Education Committee Chairman Sharon Santos and ask that her committee respect family rights to choose the appropriate medical care for their children and to oppose the bill.

Status and action items on bills CWA of Washington supports:

HB 2648 – This bill expands parental involvement in sexual education. It promotes parental choice, promotes abstinence as an equally valid approach to sexual education, and allows local districts more choices.

Status:  Referred to the House Education Committee.

Take Action:
Call the members of the House Education Committee and ask them to approve the bill and send it to the floor for a vote. Hotline:  1-800-562-6000

HB 2201 – This bill promotes equitable competition between students who participate in school athletic activities. From the bill: “(1)  Rules and policies adopted in accordance with RCW 28A.600.200 by a school district board of directors or a voluntary nonprofit entity must prohibit male students from competing with and against female students in athletic activities with separate classifications for male and female students if the athletic activity is:  (a) Intended for female students; and (b) An individual competition sport. (2)  For the purposes of this section, ‘male students’ means students whose sex assigned at birth was male.” (page 2, line 32-page 3, line 2)

Status:  Referred to the House Education Committee.

Take Action: Call the House Education Committee Chairman Sharon Santos and ask her to support this common-sense bill.

When you contact your legislators, let them know you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Washington.

Share this alert with your friends and family to educate them on these issues.

Please pray that legislators will listen to our words and remember they represent “we the people.”

In His Service,
Maureen Richardson
State Director

Jan 21 2020
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education students

January 22 Prayer/Action Alert: Protect the Innocence of Our Children and Grandchildren!

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In Matthew 18:6, Jesus warns, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” What’s being proposed in HB 2184, a bill before the Washington legislature, is very dangerous. Are you willing to take a stand to protect our children and grandchildren?  We must stop the overt attack on the innocence of childhood by our government!  Legislators need to be held to account for invading our families’ sovereignty by disrespecting our right to guide our children with regard to morality and religious beliefs.

HB 2184 is the Comprehensive Sexual Health Education (CSE) bill which is based on the Washington state health and physical education K-12 learning standards (beginning on page 28.). The bill allows an unelected “sexual health education workgroup” to make recommendations concerning CSE. In a September 2019 poll, 58% of those polled voted in opposition to the CSE. LeAnna Benn of Teen-Aid discusses the poll and the widespread concern of the standards here.

There was a hearing on this bill on January 16, 2020. Two hundred people showed up and many more sent in comments.  The bill was scheduled for an executive session on January 23, but it has been removed.  This does NOT mean the bill is inactive, so we need to continue to act.

Take Action Today!

  1. Contact the Chair of the House Committee on Education, Rep. Sharon Santos ASAP. Click here for her contact information. Contact Chairperson Santos even if you do not live in her district.
  2. Contact each member of the Education Committee if your time allows.
  3. Contact your district legislators at the Hotline: 800-562-6000 (Monday – Friday/8:00 a.m. -7 p.m.) if your time allows. Click here to find your legislator.

Talking points:  Primary responsibility for sexual health education is with parents and guardians.  HB 2184 invades family rights to personal morality and religious beliefs.  While there is an option to excuse children from these classes, that requires adults to be aware and notified, then file a written request. Even if a student is excused from attending the class, this still puts the student at risk of the course content when other children share the information with them or ridicule them for not participating.

Related bill: SB 5395 was passed in Senate in 2019 on a vote of 28 to 21. SB 5395 can be sent to the House and once in the House Education Committee it can be voted out without another hearing.

 Take Action Today!
When you contact Chairperson Santos and the members of the House Education Committee concerning HB 2184, let them know you oppose SB 5395, the companion bill to HB 2184.  Remember, a bill is not dead until the end of the session and, as with this one, can be reintroduced and moved along.

Please pray that HB 2184 is stopped in committee and does not proceed to the House floor for a vote. Pray that SB 5395 does not go to the House floor for a vote. Also, pray that parents and guardians will take responsibility for the protection of their children and oppose such government aggression into their private lives.

In His Service,
Maureen Richardson
State Director

Jan 10 2020
0
We the people

CWA of Washington Recommends This Upcoming Rally

By | Washington | No Comments
Alert: The rally scheduled in Olympia for Wednesday, January 15, has been canceled due to the weather forecast for snow. Click here for more details.

Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Washingtonrecommends attending the2020 Freedom Rally in Olympia next week to show your opposition to the state of Washington’s government overreach into our lives.

Over-reaching government affects at least four of CWA’s seven core issues: family and the definition of marriage, education and parental authority, sexual exploitation and the sexualization of our children through public school curriculum, and religious liberty. CWA’s mission is to enable our members to apply Biblical principles to all levels of public policy and, when government oversteps their authority, to pray and take action to protect our families.

Rally Details:
Date: Wednesday, January 15
Time: Noon (Prayer on the Capitol steps at 10:30 a.m.)
Location: Steps of the State Capitol in Olympia, 416 Sid Snyder Avenue SW, Olympia, WA 98504
Click here for all the details.

Not all issues addressed at the rally are within CWA’s core issues. However, the four issues mentioned above are important enough for us to support this rally.

“…since we have such hope we use great boldness of speech.” 2 Corinthians 3:12

I hope you will join me at the rally next Wednesday, January 15.

In His Service,
Maureen Richardson
State Director
[email protected]

Nov 17 2019
0

Sign Up Today: 2020 Encourage-A-Legislator Campaign

By | Washington | No Comments

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made
for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life
in all godliness and reverence.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who
desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”- I Timothy 2:1-4

Because Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Washington believes prayer is crucial to revival and restoration of a nation, we are asking you to participate in our Encourage-A-Legislator (EAL) Campaign for the 2020 Washington legislative session. We are so excited to see what God is going to do in the hearts and minds of our state legislators as we pray for them each day and encourage them through our weekly postcards.

Washington has 147 state legislators (49 senators and 98 representatives). Our elected officials need to know that people like you and me – who understand the power of prayer and what a refreshing word does for the soul – will be praying for them.

Would you commit to adopt one of our state legislators and pray for him or her daily during the sixty-day session (January-March)? In addition to praying for your assigned legislator, you will send him/her a weekly pre-printed postcard that contains a Scripture verse or quote and space for you to write a prayer or personal note of encouragement. The EAL program is never used to lobby and, therefore, is never confrontational. It is simply a great way to lift up those in authority and encourage them in their responsibilities.

CWA of Washington has implemented this program for many years with great success.  Legislators have responded with humble appreciation.  Faithful prayer warriors are necessary and needed. Sign up today and we will assign you a legislator and supply you with the postcards and instructions.

Any questions? Contact me at 425-869-1923 or e-mail me at [email protected].

Time to take action: 1.) Fill out this form and mail to CWA of Washington, P. O. Box 143, Woodinville, WA  98072.  Or, e-mail the information requested in the form to [email protected]. 2.) Consider giving by writing a check to “CWA” with “CWA of WA” in the memo line. Or, give online. 3.) Then, encourage others to do the same!

In His Service,
Maureen Richardson
State Director
CWA of Washington

Oct 31 2019
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Women praying

October 31 Prayer/Action Alert: Power, Love, and Sound Mind

By | Washington | No Comments

“For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

Greetings from our state office!  We so appreciate your membership in Concerned Women for America (CWA). Because of YOU, CWA is the largest public policy women’s organization in the nation!

When Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy and told him that “God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind,” Paul was encouraging Timothy to use God’s gift of faith to influence others through his testimony of our Lord.  In Acts 5:29, the apostles responded to powerful people with, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Our October 19 event in Everett, “For Such A Time As This,” both strengthened and equipped the attendees to fulfill both of these verses.

Here are some attendee comments concerning the event:

“Saturday’s CWA event went very well with 50 in attendance to hear four diverse speakers regarding areas where Christians need to be actively engaged in prayer and support for our Christian values, conscience, and outreach. Our freedom in living out our faith in America depends upon it.

“Valuable updates on changes in education and legislation in our state; Information about how to pray for Christians around the world; Great dramatization of Gladys Aylward, a missionary to China over 100 years ago!”

“We don’t get this information anywhere else!  Thank you, CWA!”

“The speakers shared so much good information and inspired us to become involved in our state and national public policy process. This is consistent with what the Bible says in Romans 13:1-3: “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God”. Therefore, we need to have people of faith in the government to maintain the original intent of our Founding Fathers. Thank you, Jesus, for a great conference. Please keep us motivated to stay involved, especially since 2020 is an election year.” 

CWA of Washington is grateful to Pastor Shahram Hadian, Sharon Hanek, State Rep. Luanne Van Werven, and Susue Boer for making this an inspiring and memorable event for our attendees.

Take a Stand for Life!
The current 40 Days for Life campaign runs through November 3.  40 Days for Life is an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. Click here for locations.

Pray
Please pray that concerned Christian citizens will engage in the spiritual and cultural battles happening all around us. Pray for our nation to remain “One nation under God.”

Volunteer
We have several volunteer opportunities with CWA of Washington:

  • Do you desire to see our country radically affected through the energized efforts of prayer warriors? Consider starting a Prayer/Action Chapter in your community or forming a social media and email team to communicate CWA of Washington alerts by volunteering as a Home Team Captain.
  • Do you enjoy the legislative process and have a desire to work on family-related and pro-life issues here in Washington? Consider becoming a Legislative Liaison to coordinate our response to legislation through our state alerts, thus encouraging members to write, e-mail, call, and show up to testify on bills related to our seven core issues. Training is provided.
  • Encourage A Legislator! Please pray about participating in our prayer campaign for Washington State legislators for 2020.

Please contact me by e-mail or phone (425-869-1923) if you have an interest in more information on joining our CWA of Washington team.

Partner with Us
Concerned Women for America of Washington strives to keep you informed about state issues related to your family. Please support us with a gift either to our mailing address below or give online. If you wish to mail a check, please make the check payable to “Concerned Women for America” and put “CWA of Washington” on the memo line. Thank you for your prayers and support for such a time as this. You are appreciated!

In His Service,
Maureen Richardson
State Director

Sep 24 2019
0

September Prayer/Action Alert: Watch and Stand Fast

By | Washington | No Comments

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Benjamin Franklin gave this advice, “A Nation of well informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved.  It is in the region of ignorance that tyranny begins.” This quote supports what our Declaration of Independence says, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” America rose to greatness because our Founders built this nation on Judeo-Christian principles – principles that promote and protect individual rights. We must preserve these rights for future generations.

Register Today for October 19 Event: For Such a Time as This
We invite you to attend CWA of Washington’s upcoming event on Saturday, October 19 – an event to equip you to be a 21st Century Esther “for such a time as this.” These were the words Esther’s Uncle Mordecai used to encourage her to stand before the king to protect God’s people. We invite concerned women and like-minded men!

The event topics are the “War on Christians” and “One Nation Without God.” We will hear from State Rep. Luanne Van Werven (R-Lynden) and enjoy a drama presentation by Faith Heroines.  Our event will begin with a delicious lunch, followed by an exciting afternoon intended to educate and encourage you to be on the winning side of today’s spiritual battle to preserve and protect our families.  You must pre-register for the event and to reserve your seat for lunch. The deadline to register for the event (including lunch) is Saturday, October 12. If you just want to attend the event (no lunch), the registration deadline is Thursday, October 17.

Please contact me by e-mail or phone (425-869-1923) for more information and to register for this event.  You may also mail a check made out to Concerned Women for America with “CWA of WA meeting” on the memo line to P. O. Box 143, Woodinville, WA 98072. Cost per person: $25 with lunch (11:00 a.m.) or $5 attendance only (Noon).

Pray
Please pray that concerned Christian citizens will engage in the spiritual and cultural battles happening all around us. Pray for our nation to remain “One nation under God.”

Volunteer
We have several volunteer opportunities with CWA of Washington:

  • Do you desire to see our country radically affected through the energized efforts of prayer warriors? Consider starting a Prayer/Action Chapter in your community or forming a social media and email team to communicate CWA of Washington alerts by volunteering as a Home Team Captain.
  • Do you enjoy the legislative process and have a desire to work on family-related and pro-life issues here in Washington? Consider becoming a Legislative Liaison to coordinate our response to legislation through our state alerts, thus encouraging members to write, e-mail, call, and show up to testify on bills related to our seven core issues.

Please contact me by e-mail or phone (425-869-1923) if you have an interest in more information on joining our CWA of Washington team.

Take a Stand for Life!
The next 40 Days for Life runs September 25 through November 3. 40 Days for Life is an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that aims to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. Click here for details.

Take a Stand for Truth!
Encourage students to participate in Bring Your Bible to School Day on Thursday, October 3. Click here for details.

Partner with Us
Concerned Women for America of Washington strives to keep you informed about state issues related to your family. Please support us with a gift either to our mailing address below or give online. If you wish to mail a check, please write it out to “Concerned Women for America” and put “CWA of WA” on the memo line. Thank you for your prayers and support for such a time as this. You are appreciated.

In His Service,
Maureen Richardson
State Director
CWA of Washington

Jul 25 2019
0

CWA Prayer/Action Chapter Opportunities

By | Washington | No Comments

Are you ready to take your knowledge and put it into action? If so, a CWA Prayer/Action Chapter is the perfect place to do so.

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” James 2:14

First: Find out what a Prayer/Action Chapter is as well as what a typical one looks like.

Second: Click here to find a Prayer/Action Chapter in your area and learn more.

Jun 25 2019
0

June 25 Prayer Action Alert: Be a Light in the Darkness

By | Washington | No Comments

“And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”  John 1:5
“Therefore, having such a hope, we use great boldness.” 2 Corinthians 3:12

We are called to be light in the darkness and to speak boldly because of our hope in Christ Jesus. Now more than ever, you are needed to be a light in the darkness!

Here are ways you can be light bearers in our state:

Attend or Start a Prayer/Action Chapter
Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Washington Prayer/Action Chapters around the state gather monthly to pray, educate, and take appropriate action on issues related to CWA’s seven core issues: defense of family, sanctity of human life, education, sexual exploitation, religious liberty, national sovereignty, and support for Israel.  Please consider joining or leading a chapter in your community!  It is easy, and it encourages so many of us to regularly pray for our nation and our families as we witness the increasing cultural darkness. Contact our state office for more information on CWA’s Prayer/Action Chapters or to find out how to start a chapter.

Pray and Take Action
Comprehensive sex education reminder. If you are concerned about the sex education class offered in your school district, you may opt your child out. Contact your local school for the opt-out protocol. Earlier this year, CWA of Washington recommended considering viable alternatives to the state’s sex ed curriculum. One such alternative for parents who prefer a different approach is Teen-Aid. Teen-Aid Spokane has developed a curriculum that is worth considering. Their program promotes Biblical values that lead to a healthy lifestyle, including teaching abstinence and the skills to live out a Christian lifestyle amid a world attacking those values. Please visit their website to consider enrolling your student.

Drag Queen Story Hour: Drag queens are showing up in public libraries around the state to read books to young children from which parents might not approve. This is an outright assault on our children and parents are beginning to show up at library board meetings to protest this egregious attack on our culture values. Much prayer and action are needed on this very spiritually dark issue.

Update on Barronelle Stutzman. Over the past few years, we have prayed diligently for the case of Washington florist Barronelle Stutzman. Barronelle is the florist who was sued by our Attorney General because she declined to provide flowers to celebrate a same-sex wedding due to her religious beliefs. You can read about the update on her case here. Please continue to pray for Barronelle and the protection of our religious liberty.

Remember to check the CWA national website for updates on ongoing issues: Together, let us shed God’s light boldly into the cultural darkness!

Maureen Richardson
State Director
CWA of Washington
wa.cwfa.org

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