Prayer tour for Deaf visitors includes visit with Gov. Brian Kemp

ATLANTA — Mike Griffin, Public Affairs Representative of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, hosted a special prayer tour of the State Capitol especially for a group of Deaf visitors, on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Barb Coffan and Karen Green interpreted for the group, which visited various offices and chambers in the building, stopping and praying at each one.

The highlight of the visit was a meeting with Gov. Brian Kemp and his wife, Marty, in the leader's office. Griffin told the guests about Kemp's championing of the Heartbeat Bill and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, both of which were enacted during Kemp's term, before leading them in prayer.

This was the first of three Christmas prayer tours offered this year and the first ever designed specifically for Deaf participants. Griffin said the annual tours are intended to help Georgia Baptists understand what happens at the Capitol while praying for the leaders who shape public policy.

As the group moved through the building, Griffin explained the function of the offices, committee rooms, and chambers, pausing at each stop for a brief time of prayer. “We cannot pray effectively for people if we don’t know who they are,” he said, noting that the tours are meant to be both educational and spiritual as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming legislative session.