Pray for Arkansas Governor, Asa Hutchinson, a committed believer in Jesus Christ, as the nation debates the planned execution of death row inmates in his state. CLICK HERE to send a prayer to
Governor Hutchinson.

For who has known the mind and purposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes]. (1 Cor. 2:16 AMP)

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“Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson comes across as a reluctant figure just carrying out the duties of his office when he discusses his extraordinary plan to execute eight inmates in 11 days.

Although the plan faces multiple legal hurdles, no other state has executed that many people so quickly since the U.S. Supreme Court reauthorized the death penalty in 1976, and it has thrust Hutchinson and his solidly Republican state into the center of the debate over capital punishment.

It’s an unusual position for Hutchinson, a low-key former prosecutor who delves into policy issues with the help of charts and graphs and isn’t known for giving fiery speeches.  . . . ‘It’s not something I designed from when I ran for governor,’ Hutchinson told reporters at a recent news conference, the only time he’s spoken at length publicly about the decision. ‘It’s something that is put in your lap as the result of 25 years of litigation action and it’s here for me.’ . . .

Allies of the governor say politics isn’t a factor for Hutchinson, who has enjoyed strong approval ratings.

‘If he were a wild-eyed crazy man megalomaniac, he’d be making speeches and getting on TV and trying to promote the issue to show the popularity he could gain,” Republican political consultant Bill Vickery said. “He’s forgoing that and saying we’re going to quietly go about justice here and not revel in it.’ . . .

As for the men he’s seeking to execute, Hutchinson said he’s reviewed trial transcripts and filings for each of them, met with some victims’ families and toured the execution chamber.

‘When I set those, I thought not only about the process, the responsibility, but I also thought about the victims and what they had endured for the last 25 years,’ he said.” (Excerpted from The Chicago Tribune, reporting by Andrew DeMillo and Jill Bleed.)