CapMin’s New Ministry to Vermont Legislators Serves up Soup for the Soul

The new Capitol Ministries Bible study to Vermont legislators serves up “Soup for the Soul” and helps lawmakers who attend develop a “thirst for the Word.”

Every week some half-dozen legislators meet for Bible study and a lunch of hearty soup that is provided by Ministry Leader Pastor Rosaire Bisson, who leads the study.

“We’ve named our study, ‘Soup for the Soul,” said sponsor Rep. Vicki Strong, Orleans-Caledonia District 1, a believer who hopes fellow legislators will learn that “the Bible is the foundation for our life.”

The study was established after Rep. Strong met with Perry Gauthier, CM’s North America Director, and Faith, his wife and ministry partner who traveled to Vermont on mission trips.

“Capitol Ministries has tremendous momentum,” Rep. Strong said. “They’ve established Bible studies in states all around the country and world and have great materials and support. I am grateful for all the people who are praying for us.”

Since last fall, Pastor Bisson has been teaching Scripture from the Bible and serving lunch to legislators every Wednesday at noon before their afternoon session or committee meetings.

“I am finding legislators very open to the Word, they are hungry for it and that is all I want, if I can get people who are hungry, they will eat,” Pastor Bisson said. “They are also beginning to develop a bit of a thirst for the Word.”

Pastor Bisson also serves as assistant pastor for Christ Community Alliance Church in Barre, VT.

Some would say a Bible study to Vermont legislators is challenging as studies show it is the second least religious state in the nation.

“New England is a tough place,” Pastor Bisson said. “It is anticipated that probably two percent of the population of Vermont is born again. But absolutely, these legislators are open to the Word.”

Rep. Strong said she has seen a need for a legislative Bible study since she was first elected to office in 2011.

“We have long needed a place to sit quietly and respectfully focus on spiritual truths and pray together,” she said “This provides us sanity, refreshment, hope, strength, and comfort amid all the issues we get pounded with in this environment.

“My goal is to help legislators hear what it means to know the Lord and have Him be in their lives, help them understand a Christian world view, and be strong to stand for that in our morally declining culture.”

Pastor Gauthier has also served as Ministry Leader to Nebraska legislators for more than a decade. Every year the Gauthiers travel to numerous U.S. states to meet with existing Ministry Leaders and work to establish legislative ministries in states that do not have them.

If you wish to pray for or support the Vermont Bible study, you may contact Pastor Bisson at: rosaire.bisson@capmin.org