By Father Christopher Kubat
On Friday, July 7, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry visited our main office (located in our beautiful St. Joseph campus in Lincoln) to share his vision of America and hear from our staff regarding issues important to us. We were just one of his planned stops that day.
While waiting for his arrival, a man who appeared to be in his mid-30s, after entering our main entrance, made a beeline to our receptionist next to whom I was standing. He had the appearance of someone who needed assistance. If I was a betting man, I would have guessed he would have asked for help of some kind. Instead, he asked the receptionist where he could go, or who he needed to see, in order to make a donation. She then pointed to me. Based on how he was dressed, I must admit, I was quite surprised.
I said I would be happy to help him. While opening his wallet, he proceeded to explain that he was most grateful to CSS because of the help he received as he transitioned out of homelessness and off the streets.
“What did we do for you?” I asked. He replied, “You helped me find an apartment, helped me with furniture, food, and other miscellaneous items. I just wanted to give back.” He slipped me a Jackson and took a loaf of day-old bread. After thanking him, Congressman Fortenberry pulled in our parking lot.
After introductions and handshakes, Rep. Fortenberry explained what is new in Washington and listened to our concerns. He talked about health care reform, the war against Islamic terrorism, and the persecution of religious minorities in the Middle East including Christians. I expressed my view of the importance of obtaining conscience protection for Christians in the public square. He then mentioned the Little Sisters of the Poor and their struggles which are well-known and need not be re-iterated. 
Before leaving for his next visit, we posed for a group photo. Since we have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every Friday, we visited our Lord where I asked for His blessing for the congressman, his family and his important work.
Please pray not only for him, but for all elected officials so they will respond to God’s graces in their lives and enact laws that are just and not contrary to the gospel.
Thank you all for your spiritual, material, and financial assistance, which allow us to help the many individuals and families who come to us in crisis like the man mentioned above. Please be assured of our prayers for you, your families and intentions.
