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WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY - MAY 1, 2024
UPCOMING PRIMARIES: Indiana on May 7. For election and voting information, visit My Voter Hub.
In this week's Intersect, read about:
National Day of Prayer May 2
“Thursday, May 2, thousands of people will gather to intercede for neighbor and nation and pray for those who lead, and those in need. ‘Some may say the world is getting darker,’ said National Day of Prayer Task Force president, Kathy Branzell. ‘But as long as God’s people are reading and relying on the Word, believing and living His Word, praying and practicing His Word, the world is full of light that exposes and dispels the darkness.’” read more at Messenger
THINK.
- The National Day of Prayer is a unique part of our American heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including in President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress signed by President Truman declared an annual National Day of Prayer to be observed. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May.
- This year’s theme, “Lift up the Word, Light up the World” is centered on the verses from 2 Samuel 22:29-31. Our nation will only stand strong when Christians kneel in submission before God. Let’s remember that prayer and fasting aren't just meant for politicians in Washington D.C. on one day. Only an authentic and humble pursuit of prayer in every community, school, and home will revive the Church and bring blessing to the nation.
- Some seek to abolish the annual day of prayer. Others, like the Satanic Temple of IL, are encouraging members to “take action” and donate blood instead, saying, “Two hands working can do more than a thousand clasped in prayer.” It should grieve us that what they don’t realize is what we know to be true: prayer is powerful, prayer is action, and prayer changes things because we pray to a powerful God who works mightily. Prayer should happen every day.
PRAY.
God, You are a shield for all those who take refuge in You. As we abide in You and Your Word abides in us, we take up our shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and run boldly into the darkness to “Lift Up the Word and Light Up the World!” In the Mighty name of Jesus, we pray, amen! (taken from the National Day of Prayer)
ACT.
We encourage you to join a local prayer gathering! Find an event near you by entering your zip code on the National Day of Prayer website. You can also join the online national broadcast event, streaming live from Washington, D.C. at 8 pm (ET) here.
U.S. Birth and Fertility Rates Drop to Record Lows, According to CDC Report
“Provisional data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week showed that the fertility rate in the United States hit a record low and the total number of births in the country was the lowest it’s been in decades. According to the report, slightly fewer than 3.6 million babies were born in 2023, or 54.4 births per 1,000 women aged 15 through 44. This was a 2% decline in total births and a 3% decline in births per 1,000 women when compared with the previous year.” read more at Catholic News Agency
THINK.
- The fertility rate needed to sustain a population (the replacement rate) is 2.1 births per woman. The fertility rate in the U.S. is now just over 1.6 births. The CDC reports that our birth rate has “generally been below replacement since 1971 and consistently below replacement since 2007.” Sociologists think that the rising cost of living and the prioritization of careers before (or instead of) children may be contributing factors. It’s worth asking, what will our future look like if we keep up this trend?
- Another report came out recently – from Planned Parenthood. Their annual report showed 392,715 abortions in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, almost 20,000 more than the previous year. In contrast, Michael J. New noted that “for every adoption referral in 2023, Planned Parenthood performed over 228 abortions.” Despite cutting back on health services, they received almost $700 million in taxpayer support – partly a result of the Biden administration repealing the Trump administration’s Protect Life rule, which barred abortion providers from receiving Title X grants.
- The decline in births is not entirely from fewer pregnancies. It’s also the result of abortions. Michael New pointed out that the decline in birth rates reported by the CDC was smaller in pro-life states than it was in states with permissive abortion policies. Elections have consequences. But so do our beliefs. If we believe, as Psalm 127:3 says, that “children are a heritage from the Lord,” we will view children as treasured gifts from our Heavenly Father. He gives abundant grace to raise, teach, and love our children no matter the uncertainty of our times.
PRAY.
Here’s something to pray about: Nevada just approved an amendment on the ballot this November that would legalize abortions up to birth. Heavenly Father, we pray that You will convict the hearts of voters in the coming months. Help them value life, stand for life, and vote to protect life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
ACT.
Have you seen the movie, Unsung Hero, by the Christian music group, For King and Country? It’s an inspiring true story that reinforces the power of prayer, family, and a mom’s faith. I enjoyed seeing it and encourage you to check it out as well!
Evangelical Voters Most Concerned over Immigration, Sovereignty, Abortion
“American evangelicals consider immigration, U.S. sovereignty, and abortion to be the top issues facing the nation heading into November’s election, according to a new survey. Coral Ridge Ministries recently published its 2024 ‘Spiritual State of the Union’ survey results, polling American evangelicals on everything from the economy to religious liberty to the president’s approval rating. One question asked was, ‘What are the three most critical issues facing the new Congress and administration?’ Fifty-six percent of respondents named immigration as one of their top three, 33% named American sovereignty, and 32% named abortion.” read more at The Washington Stand
THINK.
- What’s behind the survey? “At a time when the views of pro-family evangelicals are sometimes distorted, even caricatured, this informal survey provides a much-needed window into what Christian social conservatives actually believe,” stated the President and CEO of Coral Ridge Ministries. More insights from the survey can be found here.
- Other surveys released last week reveal that the economy is also top of mind. In the Emerson College survey, the economy is the top issue for 36% of voters, followed by immigration at 21%, threats to democracy at 10%, healthcare at 9%, abortion access at 7%, and crime at 6%. The Harvard Youth Poll found that the economy was also the top concern for voters aged 18 to 29. “Make no mistake, this is a different youth electorate than we saw in 2020 and 2022, and young voters are motivated by different things,” said John Della Volpe, director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics. “Economic issues are top of mind; housing is a major concern — and the gap between young men’s and young women’s political preferences is pronounced.”
- Surveys can reveal helpful insights, but they can only reveal voter intentions on the day they were taken. They don’t necessarily predict what voters will prioritize in the future. No matter which issues are motivating you to get to the polls this year, we pray the Lord uses your faithfulness to vote to influence the communities we live in for our good and His glory.
PRAY.
Lord, thank You for being our King and the ultimate authority. Thank You for Your sovereign hand in all things. We ask, Holy Spirit, that You give us wisdom and discernment; that we make decisions at the ballot box and have conversations about the elections that glorify You.
ACT.
Sunday, May 5th marks the 6-month countdown until the November 5th elections. We’re amassing Christians across the nation to participate in our Write Now letter-writing campaign to help motivate and equip low-propensity voters in key states. These letters not only increase voter turnout, but they also impact volunteers and recipients spiritually because every hand-written letter is prayed for before it’s mailed. Be a part of this unique and impactful campaign! Join here.
Baby Among 5 People Killed as a Swarm of Tornadoes Hits Heartland
“At least five deaths, including one of a 4-month-old child in Oklahoma, were confirmed Sunday from a severe storm that swept through the heartland, spawning multiple tornadoes across four states, including a powerful pair of twisters that touched down in Nebraska, officials said.” read more at ABC News
THINK.
- "My prayers are with those who lost loved ones as tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma last night," said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. Let’s follow his example. It was the most damage Stitt said he’d seen in six years as governor. The National Weather Service received 86 tornado reports on Friday from Texas to Iowa–the most in a single day this year. Tens of thousands were without power on Monday, and President Biden offered federal support to Oklahoma, where 12 counties were under an emergency declaration due to the damage. The ministry of Samaritan’s Purse said it will soon be helping in Oklahoma and already has volunteers in Nebraska and Iowa.
- “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15). Amid destruction and tragedy, we see stories of hope. In Nebraska, where the strongest tornadoes were reported (incredibly, with no fatalities), a couple decided to go ahead with their wedding reception even after a tornado knocked the power out at their reception venue the day before. And all 70 people inside a Lincoln, NE industrial building survived a tornado even as it destroyed the building. One of the employees told reporters about his experience: “There’s nothing I can do right now except literally just pray to God that I don’t die because I’m not in control of anything at this point.”
- It’s sobering to realize we don’t have full control of our lives. In the Bible, Job had his children taken from him in a house that collapsed in a whirlwind. Although Job never stopped worshiping God, he wrestled greatly with wondering why this happened. He wasn’t comforted until God showed up and reminded him of His greatness. Our understanding, like Job’s, is limited. We must trust God, not only when we do not understand, but because we do not understand.
PRAY.
Heavenly Father, we pray for everyone who has lost homes, loved ones, or their livelihoods because of these storms. Please give them Your mercy and comfort. Bless the first responders and bless those who are ministering to the needs in the name of Jesus, who “took up our pain and bore our suffering,” (Isaiah 53:4).
ACT.
Are you looking for a way to help? If you are near Blair, Nebraska, Operation Blessing has volunteer opportunities you can take part in. Check them out here. If you’re not able to volunteer, feel free to contribute to their work financially.
My Faith Votes—is a nonpartisan movement that motivates, equips and activates Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with biblical truth. By partnering with national faith leaders, My Faith Votes provides resources to help Christians Pray, Think, and Act to create an America where God is honored in the public square.
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