As news surrounding Israel’s war dominates the headlines, something spectacular took place this month that you may have missed. What started as an invitation to participate in a Pastoral Breakfast led to two intercessory leaders witnessing a historical moment in their state. 

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On Thursday, July 17th, IFA Regional Leader Lisa Townsend and IFA Louisiana State Leader Janie Harris attended a Pastors Breakfast held by the Family Research Center in Baton Rouge. Janie is on the Family Research Center mailing list, and when she found out about this breakfast, she registered. Lisa and Janie went with the intent to let Governor Landry know he was being prayed for, share the vision of IFA, and extend a formal invitation from IFA for him to appear on the national webcast. 

There was a mixture of pastoral and governmental leaders in one room. Because of IFA’s Capitol Connections initiative, which allows for sending cards of prayers to officials, they were able to personally pray for Senator Hodges and her family, as per her request. 

“Tony Perkins of the FRC gave a powerful exhortation,” Lisa said. “He said it was time for Pastors to arise and take their place in their states and communities, to teach and preach the Word of God, and voice a biblical viewpoint on current issues such as education, law enforcement, school boards, border, and crime. Janie and I sat in the very front; we are not back row people. We were up front cheering him on and taking notes.”

Immediately after Perkins’ speech, Governor Landry introduced Yossi Dagon. “It was an incredible opportunity, and I was so thankful to God for it,” Lisa said. “Yossi is the head of the Shomron Regional Council and Governor of Samaria in Israel. He expressed his love for Louisiana. He also shared how he and Governor Landry became friends after spending days with President Trump and his team in the White House. He expressed the difficulties of being a citizen in Samaria and how its citizens are persecuted. Since they are located in a geographic area that is considered part of a two-state solution, unfortunately, Palestinians do not have a say. Dagon described that people are not allowed to defend themselves against attacks in their own homes. If a terrorist comes to their door, they are legally not allowed to protect themselves or their family. Unlike America, where we have the freedom to defend ourselves.”

Tony Perkins said the citizens of Samaria should be able to express themselves and have the right to practice their faith without persecution. He said the words “two-state solution” should be struck from the vocabulary of the Christians because it’s a leftist and globalist term. This is Judea-Samaria, which is biblically mandated to be returned to Israel. Free people, the Jews, should inhabit every square inch under the authority of the Lord. 

“It was a real wake-up call. I did not realize the depth of persecution that these precious people are undergoing. To hear the passion in Yossi’s voice. Their desire and need for freedom to practice their faith freely without persecution. It struck a chord with me,” Lisa said. 

Governor Landry and Governor Dagon gave gifts to each other as they expressed support for one another. Senator Valerie Hodges came with a governmental proclamation she had written pledging support for Governor Dagon and the region of Samaria he governs. The Mayor of Centerville, Louisiana, a sister city of Baton Rouge, pledged to Governor Dagon that they would become sister cities. “Janie and I are seeing proclamations being signed right under our noses. We are witnessing their signatures; it was a significant moment,” Lisa said.

Governor Landry then shared a heartwarming testimony about how his mother led him to the faith. Her love for God and traditional family shaped the values that he fights for now. When his mother found out he was being called into politics, she called him to her side and said, “My one desire for you, the only thing I will ever ask you to do, is whatever you do as a political leader, whenever you have the opportunity, make sure at every point to bless Israel boldly.” He shared that throughout his legal and political service, he kept his pledge to bless Israel. He believes that the connection with Governor Yossi at the White House was part of his mission on earth.

Lisa said, “The reason Janie and I came was to honor Governor Landry for his boldness by making a proclamation of fasting and prayer for the month of July in Louisiana. We had no idea we would witness something so precious.” 

Lisa and Janie presented the governor with a copy of the proclamation printed and framed as a gift from Intercessors for America. They expressed gratitude to him as a man of faith who values faith, prayer, and understands the power of fasting. It was a gesture that we want to continue to strengthen relationships. 

“The reason for the Pastor’s Breakfast was actually to bless Governor Landry for recognizing July as a month of fasting and prayer. Still, because of what was going on with the Governor of Samaria, not much was said to him. But I knew it was the reason we were there, to witness history,” Lisa said. 

“I’m still humbled by what God has done. At the beginning of July, a prophetic word was given that there was ‘more for Louisiana,’ though I hadn’t thought much about it at the time. On July 17th, I realized I saw fulfillment right before my eyes. A blessing from the individual to state, national, and international, it was spiritual networking right before our eyes. It was a direct answer to decades of intercession, and this moment culminated in an hour and a half,” Lisa said. 

“We believe that because God promises to bless those who bless Israel, this will have a significant impact not only for Louisiana, but the entire nation. We are a gateway state. What he does for us, he does for the nation. He causes the last to be first. We are so grateful for God’s hand upon our state and for a governor who has a heart for the Lord and for prayer. We know the effects are not just for us, but will permeate the United States.”

Lord, we thank You for what You are doing in Louisiana. We know that the blessings will come through this covenant relationship that was formed. Open the eyes in America, to bless Israel and not curse her. Expose every false narrative against her and let every antisemitic movement come to nothing. Lord, what You are doing in response to the intercession in Louisiana, do in my state. We contend for leadership that honors You and believes in the power of fasting and prayer. Open the doors of connection to go pray for my state’s leaders and grant me an obedient heart. We want more of Your Presence for our states, and we want more of You in America, let it be so in Jesus’ name, amen.

What are your thoughts about what God is doing in Louisiana, and how will you pray for your state? 

IFA contributing writer Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor and listen to her podcast, Something To Share. Photo Credit: Intercessors for America.