Center for Christian Statesmanship posted by jwatson on Jun 28, 2008

This past week my wife Ann and I spent time in Washington, DC at the Center for Christian Statesmanship. It was a wonderful week spent with George and Linda Roller, Anne and Jennifer Kennedy (Cassidy), Shirley Beattie, Dr. Tom Stebbins, and several interns spending time at the Center.One of the highlights of the week was an award dinner on Wednesday night where Representative Mike Pence of Indiana was presented the D. James Kennedy Christian Statesman of the Year award for 2008. Anne and Jennifer were both in attendance, as was Rep. Todd Akin, last year's recipient. Mike gave a wonderful speech which I hope to include here at a later point. It was very obvious how deeply respected the Kennedy's are on Capitol Hill.We have a terrific outreach in Washington D.C. Many are being reached and encouraged to stand in their faith and be salt and light in a very needy place.In the next few days, I'll post a podcast interview with George so that you can get to know him better. So keep checking back.For now, I'll post the press release from the dinner.Yours in His service,John

REP. MIKE PENCE IS DISTINGUISHED CHRISTIAN STATESMAN OF 2008

Center for Christian Statesmanship honors Indiana Congressman

The D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship (CCS) honored Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana on Wednesday evening at a dinner in the Cannon Caucus Room on Capitol Hill.  Dr. George Roller, Executive Director of the Center, along with the Rev. John Sorensen, President of Evangelism Explosion International, and Anne Kennedy, widow of the late D. James Kennedy, presented the Distinguished Christian Statesman award to Pence, thanking him for his exemplary conduct in public office.

A Christian Statesman is one whose commitment to Christ and love of country compel him or her to stand for truth and righteousness in government. Pence is the thirteenth recipient of this award. Previous awardees include Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, Rep. Mike McIntyre, Sen. Dan Coates, Judge Roy Moore, Director of U.S. Office of Personnel, Kay Coles James, Sen. Sam Brownback and Rep. Todd Akin.

In accepting the award, Mike Pence said he had been greatly influenced by the ministry of D. James Kennedy.  “The Center for Christian Statesmanship is a model of faith in action – action which has been and continues to be a blessing to scores of Congressional  staff as well as Members of Congress,” said Pence.  “I am deeply humbled to be chosen as the ‘Distinguished Christian Statesman of 2008.’  To join the company of those statesmen who have been chosen in the past is a great honor.”

The Center for Christian Statesmanship is a part of the international outreach of Evangelism Explosion International, the first Christian ministry to reach into every nation on earth.  Sorensen said that, “the work on Capitol Hill fits perfectly into the vision of Evangelism Explosion, which is fulfilling the Great Commission and spreading the gospel to all people in this generation.”

For more information, or to schedule an interview with George Roller, please call him at 703.899.4161 or email: [email protected].