Why even bother with Washington, D.C.?

By Carlos Reyes, EE Capitol Hill Liaison

“What’s the point?”

“Isn’t everyone there only worried about money, power and prestige?”

I was shocked the first time I had this conversation. Outside the beltway, it has become a typical response when people find out that I am a missionary to Washington, D.C. I am blessed to speak to a lot of people about what being a missionary is like inside the “mythical beltway.”* It is the strong hold of government and the home of the President of the United States. It is also the geographical center of Federal Government and to our nation’s elected officials. The absolute truth is what takes place in Washington affects everyone, and by everyone, I mean the world. Decisions made here ripple through the world economy from China to Chile. And the sad truth is the church is failing to engage the culture of our government and government leaders. We have left it to others and failed to fulfill Jesus’ last command. So, why am I here? Why Washington, D.C? I am here because of Matthew 28 and the passion the Lord has placed on my heart for our nation’s leaders, their staff and interns.

Matthew 28: 19-20
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Yep, that even includes Washington, D.C. We don’t have an impossible task, just a big one. Even as impossible as it sounds, we can fulfill the Great Commission to the leaders of our country, and we should. We can’t forget, that even though those in government hold great positions of power, they are still men and women in dire need of a savior — just like you and me.

*The beltway refers to the surrounding highway that encompasses Washington, D.C. and is popularly used idiom to describe all things Government.