Dear Friend,
When we closed the League offices on March 17 and told our team to work from home, I never could have guessed how busy we would be and how many pandemic issues would consume the coming days.
Here is what we have been up to:
- organizing and hosting conference calls for pastors and ministry leaders with our partners at Alliance Defending Freedom explaining the constitutional implications of state and federal emergency orders
- direct communication with the governor and her staff as we act as a liaison to pastors assisting them in navigating issues like live streaming services, food distribution, and in-person counseling
- hosting a teleconference with Sen. Collins and her staff to explain the Payroll Protection Plan and other CARES Act relief available to ministries in Maine
One of our most involved pandemic activities was convening Maine‘s evangelical denominational leaders on a teleconference to offer safe practice suggestions for drive-in services. These guidelines were requested by the governor’s office with the goal of creating consistency and clarity for those churches who choose to host drive-in services.
Of course, there are still many issues unrelated to the pandemic requiring our attention:
- preparation of voter guides for the July primaries
- planning for a possible online candidate forum for the Second Congressional District Republican primary focusing on the sanctity of life and religious freedom
- preparing our Pews to the Poll campaign for November‘s elections (get-out-the-vote efforts, voter guides, and candidate support)
- participating in national amicus briefs discouraging attempts to expand abortion services during the pandemic
Our Outreach Director, Tristan Starbird, has accepted a full-time position with Better Work in Naples, Florida. While we are disappointed to lose a committed and talented team member, we are excited about this opportunity for Tristan and his family. Please pray for the Starbirds as their house is for sale and as they prepare for this move. We covet your prayers as we seek God’s direction in continuing Tristan’s effective work with our Church Ambassador Network.
We know the pandemic has created financial challenges for individuals and churches who support the League. Like you, we are trusting the Lord to provide for our needs. Last month saw a considerable drop in donations. If you are able to do something extra in your giving, please prayerfully consider helping us get through this challenging time. One way to help is to sign up for our God and Country Offerings. These offerings, taken around the Fourth of July, help with our Pews to the Polls campaign expenses. Go to cclmaine.org and click on the God and Country Offering banner.
It has been an honor to be a resource to Maine’s churches and ministries during this trial. I am proud of the compassion, creativity, and persistence manifested by God’s people. May the Lord allow us to continue to work together and see Maine be a state where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished.
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