Newport to D.C. The National Prayer Breakfast
By: Amy Cardiff
I’ll never forget the first time I flew into Washington D.C.! As the plane was descending, I could see the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. It was January 1995 and I was so nervous and excited to be interning with my Congressman in the Cannon Building on Capitol Hill. Bill Clinton was President and Newt Gingrich was newly working on the “Contract with America."
February 7, 2025, 30 years almost to the month, I once again flew into Washington D.C. but this time for the National Prayer Breakfast. I flew over the same buildings and felt the same excitement! I have to thank my friend Suzan Paek for this distinguished invite. There were 120 nations represented, non-partisan, inter-faith -- friends from Newport Beach and leaders from all over the world with one purpose – to pray!
The opening night, I sat with a Monsieur and Diplomat from the Vatican. I asked him his thoughts on something I had recently heard at my own church: the theology of poverty versus prosperity. He gave me an answer I will always remember, “If you have Jesus, it doesn’t matter."
Senator Cory Booker gave one of the most compelling sermons I have ever heard using 2 Chronicles 7:14-16: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and I will heal their land."
This Scripture was echoed by speakers throughout the Conference. Senator Booker told stories of people helping people and encouraged us all to be united and help each other. I hung on to every word he spoke and was so uplifted!
The next morning, we went down to the ballroom of our hotel through a Secret Service check-point where more than 2,000 leaders gathered for the Prayer Breakfast. I stood in line with a Jewish executive who works in the United Kingdom and knows the royal family. We talked about everything from Sukkot to Queen Camila.
Inside the breakfast, I ran into my pastors from Orange County; Pastors Robert and Donna Schuller. Robert had just taken a photo with Jordan Peterson who was sitting a few tables in front with his wife.
We were asked to be seated and announcements were made. Then it was quiet. The Presidential Seal was put on the front of the podium and people clapped. Pastor Paula White came and introduced our President, Donald J. Trump. A standing ovation, cameras, videos, photos, loud music and goosebumps! I remember being in the White House hearing then-President Bill Clinton 30 years earlier and the feeling of respect and power. It was still there… palpable. It was amazing.
I love the United States of America and I love people. The whole day, the whole event was life-changing. It reminded me that people are people. We all need each other and to support one another, regardless of our beliefs. Join me!
