november 16, 2005
Joyce Meyer Acts to Help Save Capitol Hill Outreach
Washington, D.C.-based missionary brothers Paul and Rob Schenck have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving season, especially after famed Bible teacher Joyce Meyer moved to save their National Ministry Center on Capitol Hill.
According to Christian Wire Service, the building, a 100-year old Victorian row house and a former home to several U.S. congressmen, is strategically located just a one-minute walk from the United States Supreme Court's private entrance, a three-minute walk from the U.S. Capitol, and just a ten-minute car ride from the White House. For the last five years it has served as the headquarters for Faith and Action founded by the Schenck brothers.
Faith and Action is a Christian mission that seeks to "bring the Word of God to bear on the hearts and minds of those who make public policy in America."
The facility houses the Faith and Action offices as well as a prayer center and venue for various evangelistic programs -- including a highly effective outreach Bible study group. Until recently, the Schencks' ministry had an arrangement with another organization that held title to the property but generously allowed Faith and Action complete use of the building. That other ministry was no longer financially able to carry the property, leaving the Schencks vulnerable to losing their greatest asset.
"Available properties are rare and extremely expensive in this location," said Rev. Rob Schenck, a minister with the Evangelical Church Alliance and a commissioned missionary to elected and appointed officials. "Our building would easily sell for upwards of $2 million, but we have a chance to permanently secure it for Lord's work for just $750,000."
The building's unique location has given the Schencks many opportunities to talk face-to-face with Supreme Court justices. A rotating series of Scripture banners are hung above the front door carrying Bible verses tied to major events or seasons of the year; they are visible to nearly everyone that works on Capitol Hill, but especially to the nine Supreme Court justices across the street.
"When the justices drive out of their secure underground parking ramp, we often see them gaze up at what we call our two-story Gospel tract," said Paul Schenck. "Even the President has stopped with his motorcade to read the banner. Some people ring the doorbell to ask what a particular Bible verse means. It's the only witness of its kind anywhere in the capital."
When Mark Sutherland, public relations director for Joyce Meyer Ministries, read a news story detailing how Faith and Action might lose its ministry center, he brought it to Mrs. Meyer's attention and she instantly made a $10,000 matching challenge grant.
"Joyce Meyer made it clear that she did not want any credit for this challenge grant," explained Rob Schenck. "She asked that it be anonymous. But, because it is extremely rare for one ministry to make such a large gift to another, I asked Mr. Sutherland for permission to thank them publicly, knowing it would be an inspiration to others. Faith and Action is extremely grateful to the Lord and to Joyce Meyer Ministries for such an extraordinarily generous act of kindness."
Faith and Action invites others to about their Washington D.C. outreach by going online at www.faithandaction.org.
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