“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
– Romans 12:18
To Our Defenders:
It’s halftime: Just as there’s a focus on the Super Bowl Halftime Show, we also are entering our 2026 Legislative Session Halftime. After wading through hundreds of bills, this is a chance to catch our breath.
For the next week, floor debate will take center stage under the Capitol Dome. After tomorrow, there will be no public hearings on bills so you will see a lull in our Action Alerts.
Public hearings should resume in 7 to 10 days. At that time, House committees will deliberate Senate bills, and the Senate will grapple with House bills. In sync, Action Alerts will return in full force, and your PRO-CON voice will be needed once again for the final push.
The Mission
The mission of FPIW Action is clear:
• We exist to defend the family against all assaults on Life, Marriage, Religious Liberty, Parental Rights, and 26 other issues important to Christian families and businesses.
• We have diligently researched more than 400 bills since the start of Session. No other Christian organization in our state has such a comprehensive Bill Library.
• As the largest Christian policy organization in Washington, we are working hard to mobilize citizens across the state to register PRO or CON and advance biblical values.
Above all, we are striving to develop meaningful relationships at the Capitol. It is those personal relationships that I wish to share more about with you.
The FPIW Advantage
We strive to honor lawmakers and treat them and their staff with great respect. We work tirelessly to remain on good terms with lawmakers across the political spectrum.
We believe in civility and principled persuasion – pushing back respectfully against harmful bills and supporting good ones, while building relationships on both sides of the aisle. We don’t compromise our values – we demonstrate them. As Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
The other members of our team are also using their God-given gifts to serve others:
• Ken Ramey is consistently ministering to Capitol staff, security personnel, and campus visitors during his daily FPIW Prayer Tour.
• Travis Pardo serves each of you by working long hours reviewing bills, writing policy position statements, and overseeing the process of posting all of our Action Alerts.
• Brian Noble, our CEO, serves all of our Defenders by promoting our policy positions on social media and teaching our followers how to utilize the App and website to register on bills – and providing a daily devotional each morning.
We are aiming to live up to the biblical call: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others” (I Peter 4:10a).
Overcoming Hurdles
In Washington State, frustration runs high, and such frustration often causes some people to do nothing or despair. Yet, as Christians, we know God brings light even to the darkest places.
Standing at the gates of government requires more than courage – it demands humility. It’s easy to vent online in an age of social media, but it’s another thing entirely to look a lawmaker in the eye and discuss the bills they propose. Whether we agree or disagree – I promise you – our feet remain firmly planted in the Gospel of Christ.
While some thrive on divisiveness, we stand steadfast in truth, in morality, and in relationship. Those belong together and must never be broken.
Standing Our Ground
Conservatives face substantial hurdles in our state. Consider the balance of power: a 59–39 deficit in House seats and a 30–19 deficit in the Senate. We cannot expect to pass any legislation lacking solid bipartisan support, while much of our work involves defending against evil. Defenders defend. And we rejoice at any territory – any square inch – where we can advance.
We can change Washington, but only if we unite to turn this ship around. The numbers are there – we simply need to engage those who have been sitting on the sidelines. Thank you for your willingness to pray on the Capitol campus, lift up our lawmakers, register your PRO-CON positions on bills, and testify when needed.
We’re shaping the story of Washington State. With our new app and revamped website, our voice is stronger, more strategic, and ready to make a difference as we head into the second half of this Legislative Session. May God use our combined efforts to see biblical values flourish across our state.
Defending the family,
Brad Payne, President
FPIW Action
