Sunday, March 28, 1999 |
With tales of corrupt and power-hungry politicians, it is hard to recognize that God would specifically appoint these men and women as our leaders as He says in Romans 13. And even fewer would recognize their duty to minister to those in office. But a group of young people, ages 14-24, are volunteering to help these officials on duty in the Georgia General Assembly through secretarial work and by spreading encouragement from God's Word. Dr. Carrol Phillips began the ministry five years ago after visiting many of the Georgia legislators. He said he felt the Lord calling him to minister to those in authority, those appointed by God. That calling became a vision of young people who would go to the capitol simply to give, to "impact" the current leaders thus Impact Ministries was born. Hannah Peavy, 15, and Jamie Peavy, 19, of Fayetteville along with Aimee Brandenburg of Fayetteville and Katie Jeffcoat, are four of the 22 aides who participated this year during the legislative session. Each is assigned to help a specific senator in whatever way needed, usually by running errands, typing news releases, answering phones and opening mail. Sisters Hannah and Jamie agree that the past two years of participation have been quite a learning experience. Both have been home-schooled and their mom has used Impact as part of their education. Hannah has worked her way through her government and economics textbooks as any 15-year-old would, while getting the hands-on training of attending senate committee meetings. "I learned the entire process of a bill from start to finish," she said. "I now know all the districts, who the senators are and how to research a bill." The behind-the-scenes perspective has given both girls a broader vision of what it means to be a citizen. "It's given them an awareness of how involved citizens need to be in the government process," said the girls' mother, Charlene Peavy. "And how to get involved," added Jamie. In addition, Mrs. Peavy said that the unique opportunity of participating in Impact Ministries has enhanced skills such as typing and filing. Besides aiding the legislators through their work, the aides also give all of the government officials a "verse of the day" card. "I have seen such a cheerfulness," said Jamie. "They appreciate that so much." Hannah said that just by being cheerful and helpful, many of the legislators have shared that they "give Christianity a new face." Mrs. Peavy also believes that the opportunities to serve have allowed the "power of God's Word to be at work at the Capitol" and have also impacted the most important people there those servants who are themselves the future leaders of America. Impact Ministries also sponsors a luncheon for the legislators. "It allows us to minister to them and give them a time to get away," said Jamie. The aides also give a formal tea to all of the secretaries of the legislators, to minister to them as well. Jamie, who is now in college, said the learning experience with Impact has given her the desire to pursue teaching in history. Both girls, who tease each other about being the future First Lady or First Lady of Georgia, agree they have been prepared to deal with the politically-minded in a way that may help them become spiritually-minded as well.
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