On Tuesday, December 17, the local Prayer/Action Chapter of Concerned Women for America Missouri held their monthly meeting in combination with the annual Christmas brunch. The meeting was hosted in the Freedom Encounter Theater lobby and snack bar area, and brunch was catered by the newly established catering arm of Coffee Creations, a local nonprofit that trains adults with disabilities for careers in food service.
The meeting opened with State Director Tracy Dougan of Springfield giving the invocation, followed by singing of Christmas carols led by Area Director Haven Howard.
Featured speakers for the meeting were Valerie Seitz, wife of District 156 Representative Brian Seitz, and Carissa Hudson, wife of former Representative and newly elected state Senator Brad Hudson. The women were introduced in turn by their husbands, and both Rep. Seitz and Sen. Hudson emphasized their appreciation for their wives’ support as they serve their constituents.
Valerie Seitz shared that “life changed” upon her husband’s election to the Missouri House, and changed again when she was diagnosed with cancer shortly after his second term began. She expressed her thankfulness for her husband’s support during that difficult time, even as he continued to work hard representing constituents, as well as the bipartisan support they received in Jefferson City. “Politicians are humans, too,” said Valerie, who is thankful to be cancer-free now. Seitz is proud of her husband’s work on issues such as the No Patient Left Behind bill, saving the integrity of women’s sports, small business protection, and his partnership with Brad Hudson on funding for safety improvements along Highway 76. She requested prayer for the upcoming session concerning pro-life bills and a victim rights bill for childhood abuse survivors.
Carissa Hudson keeps busy not only as a legislator’s wife, but also a ministry wife, since Brad is one of two pastors active in church ministry while serving in Jefferson City. Carissa also teaches at Legacy Academy in Branson. She shared Esther 4:14 about the importance of responding to God’s call for “such a time as this.”
Both Seitz and Hudson shared some unseen elements that make being a political family a tough calling, as their husbands have experienced online bullying and even threats for their pro-life stance. Both, however, said they are grateful for the good things, especially the encouragement from caring people. “We need Christian people doing God’s will in our state leadership,” said Hudson.
Tracy Dougan and Haven Howard then led prayer for Rep. Seitz, Sen. Hudson and their families.
The meeting included a brief update from host facility Freedom Encounter. Darren Myers shared that our nation still faces the same battle to fight tyranny and establish faith and freedom, just as our Founders experienced, and Freedom Encounter will continue sharing that story. Continued facility improvements and educational advancement are planned as God leads and provides, and some fun things planned for 2025 include a kids’ show and a guest performance of “The Hiding Place,” along with a Christmas show. “We’re seeing signs that young people are ready for an alternative to ‘woke,’” said Myers.
Haven Howard gave a brief overview of CWA, founded by Beverly LaHaye as an alternative to liberal policies of the National Organization for Women. In keeping with the goals of prayer and action, CWA members are encouraged to participate in the Encourage A Legislator program, sending regular notes as a reminder that people are praying for them; contact havenhoward01@gmail.com to get involved.
A group from the area will be traveling to Jefferson City on January 8 for the Senate inauguration, and CWA will be on hand, not to lobby but to welcome legislators with prayer and encouragement. Both Brian Seitz and Brad Hudson said their offices will be open to constituents who wish to stop by.
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