QUICK NAVIGATION
- Monday, September 28
Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Secretary Rubio stated, “Foreign commercial birth tourism networks have exploited the U.S. immigration system to sell U.S. citizenship for profit. These networks advertise and coach foreign nationals to lie on U.S. visa applications and collect tens of thousands of dollars to arrange births on American soil for the sole purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship.”
The policy “targets individuals who knowingly engage in, have engaged in, or facilitate birth tourism to the United States, including owners, operators, and managers of commercial birth tourism facilitation networks, visa ‘fixers’ who coach applicants to commit fraud, foreign medical providers who knowingly abet and facilitate such travel and the fraudulent use of our Medicaid system, and other individuals who support, abet, and enable commercial birth tourism.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for Secretary Rubio as he oversees the implementation of the visa restriction to counter foreign commercial birth tourism networks.
- For the president and members of his administration as they seek to prevent the approval of fraudulent visa applications.
- For the Lord’s will and purposes to be accomplished in the United States and through its governing officials.
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.PRESIDENT’S SCHEDULE
- President’s Today Schedule • September 28, 2026
For Monday September 28, 2026:
- 8:00 AM ET: Participates in Executive Time
- 11:00 AM ET: Participates in a Policy Meeting
- 2:00 PM ET: Makes an announcement
Updated as of 6:00 PM, Monday, September 28, 2026 (via White House Time – ET)
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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- John Garamendi, Representative for California
John Garamendi, Representative for California
- Born – January 1945 in Camp Blanding, Florida
- Education – B.A., University of California, Berkeley; M.B.A., Harvard University
- Military Service – None
- Profession – Rancher, politician
- Political Experience – Lieutenant Governor of California, Insurance Commissioner of California, U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior, California Senate, California State Assembly
- In office since – 2009
- Family – Married to Patricia Wilkinson, 6 children
- Religious Affiliation – Protestant
- John Garamendi, Representative for California
- Be Courageous
Do not fear what you are about to suffer… Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. – Revelation 2:10
People generally prefer not to think about suffering persecution or having to be faithful unto death, but it is a reality of Scripture. For many around the world, it is a daily reality. Citizens of the United States have been blessed to freely worship and practice whatever they believe, but this liberty has been increasingly challenged and infringed upon.
“Do not fear!” is easier said than done. Fear is a human instinct that can protect people and keep them from danger. If you have no sense of caution about danger, you may not be around too long! In the same way, pain is another unpleasant aspect of earthly life that can protect people. Those with the condition of congenital insensitivity to pain are often severely hurt because they cannot perceive that they are being wounded. Fear and pain are necessary warnings in this life.
However, you are called to trust in the Lord and not fear the future. How do you obey the direction not to fear, as today’s verse says? Scripture and prayer undergird your faith and strengthen you through difficult times. Rely on the presence of the Holy Spirit and meditate on the love of God. The apostle John says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). Reflect on passages such as Psalms 91 and 139 regarding the Lord’s safety, protection, and presence. Study scriptures that instruct you on what to do when faced with persecution.
Jesus and the apostles stood strong through persecution and even death. Pray for boldness and strength for yourself, your loved ones, and fellow believers in this nation. Ask that followers of Christ in the United States will escape persecution (Luke 21:36). Intercede for those in positions of authority in this country to respond appropriately to those who suffer around the world. Pray for and support ministries that help the faithful who suffer persecution.
Today’s Verse: Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
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 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”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.
