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- Sunday, August 16
President Donald Trump is implementing tariffs on drones and their components, citing national security and the need to strengthen the nation’s economy and industrial base.

The president issued a proclamation to impose a “100% ad valorem tariff on drones of a certain size or with certain capabilities that are particularly sensitive for national security purposes, docking stations of these drones, and certain critical components of these drones.”
Smaller drones and those from certain allies will receive lesser tariffs. The tariffs will take effect September 18. Drones exempted by the Pentagon will have tariffs imposed 180 days after the proclamation.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for the president and members of the administration in their efforts to strengthen national security and improve the nation’s economy.
- For President Trump to seek the Lord’s wisdom in his actions and decisions.
- For U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and the president’s trade negotiators as they seek manufacturing investments in the U.S.
PRESIDENT’S SCHEDULE
- President’s Today Schedule • August 16, 2026
- ET: TBD: The President departs Bedminster, New Jersey en route the White House
- ET: TBD: The President arrives the White House
- 8:00 AM ET: The President participates in Executive Time
As we lift up the federal government of United States of America, each day we will highlight one elected or appointed federal official serving in office. Pray with us for each of them as they tackle their unique responsibilities and fulfill their oaths of office.
TODAY’S NATIONAL LEADER FOR PRAYER
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- Gadyaces Serralta, Director, U.S. Marshals Service
Gadyaces Serralta, Director, U.S. Marshals Service
- Born – in Miami, Florida
- Education – B.C.J., Florida International University; M.S., Nova Southeastern University
- Military Service – None
- Profession – Law Enforcement
- Political Experience – U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Florida
- In office since – 2025
- Family – Married
- Religious Affiliation – Undisclosed
- Gadyaces Serralta, Director, U.S. Marshals Service

- Surrounded
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people. – Psalm 125:2
Jerusalem is built on one of seven mountain peaks in the region. To the east is the Mount of Olives; to the south, the Hill of Evil Counsel; to the west, the ridge beyond the valley of Jehoshaphat; and to the north, the high ground about Scopas. All of the others are higher than the plateau upon which the city is built. The mountains provide some protection for Jerusalem since any invading army would have to march through arduous and dangerous mountain paths. Yet the true protection for the city comes from a single Source: God.
As you see various evils infiltrate society and government, remember that God is not surprised, and this is not a new development. As He did with Job, the Lord places a hedge of protection around His saints. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side?” (Job 1:10) If the enemy wishes to attack followers of Christ, he must come over the “mountain” of Jehovah God! “I will be to her a wall of fire all around, declares the Lord, and I will be the glory in her midst” (Zechariah 2:5). In his Complete Bible Commentary, Matthew Henry writes, “The Lord is round about his people on every side. There is no gap in the hedge of protection which he makes round about his people, at which the enemy, who goes about them, seeking to do them a mischief, can find entrance.”
When an enemy surrounds an army, they either fight or surrender. A popular worship song states, “It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by You!” So, as you are surrounded by God Himself, surrender and rest in His peace. Pray for those in positions of authority to turn to the Lord and embrace His truth and protection.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 125:2
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore.All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 125
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people,
from this time forth and forevermore.
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
their hands to do wrong.
4 Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
the Lord will lead away with evildoers!
Peace be upon Israel!All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
First Ministry Letter of 2026!
Our gift to you this holiday as we remember the true reason for the season with sacred and traditional Christmas music.




