On Thursday, April 2, Iowa’s U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst joined over 250 Iowa pastors in a conference call coordinated by The FAMiLY Leader Foundation.
The call included encouragement, prayer, answering pastor questions, and an update on how the federal government’s coronavirus response impacts pastors and churches.
“Since this crisis began, our heart has been to encourage churches, governing authorities, and our communities,” explains The FAMiLY Leader’s Vice President of Church Engagement Greg Baker. “That’s what we wanted for Sen. Ernst when we planned the phone call. Yes, we wanted to hear about the CARES Act and how it impacts Iowa churches, but more importantly, we wanted to sow the Word of God into her, encourage her, and pray for her. We are so thankful that after Sen. Ernst wrapped up the call, she said this was an encouraging start to her day. What an honor it has been to labor alongside so many amazing churches and governing authorities.”
Sen. Ernst also shared some words of encouragement for pastors.
“I love hearing the stories of Iowans that are helping Iowans, and that certainly includes our church communities,” Sen. Ernst affirmed. “The work you do is not only important because you are able to physically assist those within your communities – running errands, checking in on people – but it is also that spiritual assistance that is so desperately needed right now.”
On the call, the senator updated pastors on federal efforts to aid Americans during the coronavirus crisis, including small business loans now available for non-profit organizations. She also answered pastors’ questions: on federal predictions about the duration of the crisis; about unemployment changes impacting churches and non-profits; and on how churches can meet community needs.
The call concluded with Pastor Dave Martin of Faith Church in Marshalltown leading the pastors in prayer for the senator.
You can listen to an audio recording of the call below:
