"This place will chew you up and spit you out," said Critty Fairback to a freshman congresswoman. "Christian Embassy [Campus Crusade for Christ's outreach to government leaders] has nothing to do with issues and politics--we leave that to the lobbyists. We are on Capitol Hill to be a spiritual and personal resource."

True to the 10 minutes she had asked for, Critty stood to leave the congresswoman's office, handing her business card to the stunned politician. This was the first person to come through the office door all day who didn't want something from her. Critty came to give.

Critty and the other eight Campus Crusade staff members who work with congressional leaders provide a safe haven amidst the harsh environment of Congress. The Bible study and individual meetings offered by Embassy personnel provide a place to connect with other believing colleagues in a nonpolitical setting or get training in effectively reaching out to others. One can also investigate a personal relationship with God.

Other Embassy staff members provide similar opportunities to presidential appointees, diplomats and Pentagon officials.

Those who come to our nation's capital as believers are surprised to find good fellowship. "I saw that I'm not alone," says Rep. Sue Myrick of North Carolina. "This is where God has called us to at this time. The Bible study is a time to reconnect with what you're really about."

Along with support and encouragement comes wisdom for the job. "More than anything else," say Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, "it gives me a scriptural basis to make decisions. What we decide in Washington moves our nation toward or away from the kingdom of God."

The safe environment bridges even party and issue differences. "The Bible study breaks down animosity," says Chris. "You see people as Christian brothers or sisters rather than dirty rats."

Viewing people with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or political beliefs, gives members of Congress a platform around the world. Last fall, Chris spoke at a luncheon for ambassadors on how his core convictions affect his public life. "Congressmen have a terrific platform with ambassadors," says John Fix, Christian Embassy staff member.

This influence goes beyond the Potomac River's shores. Last spring, Rep. Joe Pitts of Pennsylvania and Christian Embassy staff member Paul Protic visited Mongolia. "The biggest problem I see in the world is alienation," says Joe. "This problem is only solved by love, friendship, trust and reconciliation. When I came to Washington I was surprised to find people of integrity to fan the sparks and help me prioritize my time. Paul went to Mongolia with me. That kind of support is priceless."

But not everyone takes advantage of the refuge offered by Christian Embassy. Some members of Congress won't attend the Bible study because of things they've seen done under the name "Christian" or because they associate it with conservatism or pharisaical judgment.

"People in this arena are more concerned with you living your faith than verbalizing it," says Rep. J.C. Watts Jr. of Oklahoma, "I'm certainly not ashamed of the gospel, but I'm very conscious of not being legalistic. We have to meet people where they are."

One new congresswoman was afraid to keep a Bible on her shelf, thinking it might be a violation of the supposed separation of church and state. Now this woman meets with Critty to study God's Word. Another woman learned to pray. "Lord," she said, "this is the first time you're hearing my voice out loud."

"Christian Embassy has a good reputation in Washington," says Elizabeth Dole, potential candidate for President in 2000 and wife of former senator Bob Dole. "I was in a Senate-wives Bible study. They are doing a good work, but there's still a great deal of work to be done."

Embassy staff members agree and want to take their ministry a step further. "My dream is to have a place that would be a safe haven where members of Congress could meet on a casual basis," says Don Hayes, director of Christian Embassy.

The current Embassy lies a 20-minute drive away, over the Potomac and into Virginia. They hope to buy a townhouse located a mere seven-minute walk from the Capitol in an area where several members of Congress rent apartments. It would be a warm, inviting place where public servants could be around trusted friends--friends who care less about political affiliation than about their walk with God.

And that could well keep those public servants from getting chewed up and spit out.

For more information about Christian Embassy, call (703) 525-1770.