Hope To The Hill with Nathan Kistler

Hope To The Hill with Nathan Kistler

What a blessed month we have had. God has opened new doors of ministry, and on top of that, we had the great privilege of celebrating our nation’s independence on July 4.

I am so thankful to God for His continued blessing in this land. Our nation’s beginnings were truly guided by the hand of God, and even today, we find that He is still working amidst the seeming chaos we experience.

Nathan Kistler

The media tends to blow out of proportion what is happening in Washington and in some cases they outright make up stories.

It is imperative now more than ever that we understand what is at stake here in this land and that we recognize what God is doing in the 115th Congress. There are more Christians in Congress right now than we’ve had in many, many years. I firmly believe that revival is just around the corner.

Every day, great prayer warriors are on their knees begging God for mercy and blessing, prayer warriors that include many members of the 115th Congress.

These men and ladies are key as they are standing in the gap for truth in this modern day Babylon we find ourselves in.

Please set down the TV remote and take some time in God’s Word whilst praying for our elected officials.

Also, I would ask that you pray for us as we endeavor to minister to these wonderful men and women who represent us every day. We desperately need your prayers and support for the days of battle which are ahead of us. God’s people must stand up while they speak truth in love.

I am so thankful for each of you and your prayers.

Your friend in Washington,

Nathan Kistler, nathankistler@gmail.com, www.hopetothehill.com

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in August 2017

For the latest issue of SGNScoops magazine click here
For more gospel music news click here.
For online gospel music click here.

Nathan Kistler – Washington Opportunities

Nathan Kistler sings in Washington DC

Hope to the Hill by Nathan Kistler 

This last month has been so fruitful in the ministry God is doing here in Washington. I am more excited than ever to be a part of what God is doing through His people. We have watched the hand of God move in ways that I have never seen before to allow ministry opportunities. 

When I decided to leave the road in Gospel Music, I felt at times that I would never sing again. I think that many of us have what I like to call Elijah Moments where we think, “I am the only one left,” or that I won’t be able to do this or that. It is in these moments that God must smile and say, “Child, if you only knew.” 

Dave and Nathan Kistler

A few weeks ago, I was having one of these moments and I just couldn’t seem to shake it. It was a Friday, and I always go to the Senate chaplain’s Bible study on Fridays. I was walking into the Hart Senate office building whilst having a pity party in my own mind. I walked off of the elevator on to the ninth floor towards the tables where the pizza was sitting for our lunch Bible study when I heard the voice of the chaplain behind me. 

I turned and looked back, and he was looking at me.  He walked straight towards me and said, “Nate, today is the day.” 

I said, “Today is the day for what?” 

“Today is the day when you sing for our Bible study,” he said.

I was caught a bit off guard by the statement, so I said, “Well, when exactly do you want me to sing, sir?”

Nathan Kistler

He replied, “In two minutes, so be ready.”  He then proceeded to introduce me to sing “How Great Thou Art,” before he broke the bread of life for us. 

In five minutes, I was able to build trust and relationship with people I have been trying to build a bridge with for years. I say this not to boast by any means, but to tell you that first, God uses music to open doors of ministry. Second, the Lord reminded me that He would continue to open doors for me to use my gift to further His Gospel. I am learning that God has placed our ministry here on the front lines to minister through word, deed and song to those here in Washington, D.C. The harvest truly is ready.

We were a part of the committee meetings for our newest associate justice on the bench of the U.S. Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch. We have prayed that God would grant him a clear path to the court, but we must continue to pray not only for him but for every member of the Supreme Court that God would grant them wisdom and guidance in the days ahead. We ask that you would pray for us that God would widen our array of influence and that He would provide financially for the ministry ahead. We would love for you to partner with us in the future as God is doing great things on a daily basis.  

If you would like to find out more about our ministry and how you can help, you can visit us at HopeToTheHill.com or call our office at 202-770-7300. I would personally love to chat with you and share what God is doing.  

Your friend in Washington,

Nathan Kistler

Click on his website here.

Nathan Kistler writes a column for SGNScoops Magazine called Hope To The Hill. Find the latest issue here.

For Gospel music news click here.

Hope To The Hill with Nathan Kistler

Hope To The Hill with Nathan Kistler

It is hard to believe that we are now a few months into this new year. We have a new President, Congress and a new Supreme Court Nominee. The fight to get Judge Gorsuch confirmed has been and will continue to be tough. Our allied ministry team decided that on the night of the nomination of Judge Gorsuch, we would kneel in front of the Supreme Court and pray, be the first to offer public prayer for the man who would take the place of Justice Scalia.

There was a two fold purpose in this exercise. One, that there would be a group in support of prayer and the things of God, as there were over 400 protesters with signs, screaming, and only eight of us. Two, a way for us to exercise our first amendment rights to pray in public, but also to flex the muscle of the freedom of religion that we hold so dear. Our rights must be exercised just like a muscle whilst in the gym. If you don’t use it, you lose it.  

As we made a few statements as to why we were there and I began to sing “The Lord’s Prayer,” the protesters began screaming louder trying to drown out my voice. By the grace of God, my voice grew louder somehow and as I reached the pinnacle of the song, the protesters grew almost completely quiet for but a moment. It was almost like the Lord shut the mouths of the lions as it were. I tell you that it had nothing to do with me, but God was doing something special.

After I sang, we knelt and began to pray for our nation and the Judge. It was a moment I will never forget. As I was walking through the crowd to head back to my office to grab some things, I heard people call me names and someone spat on me. I teared up as I thought of the many souls who were lost, broken, angry and hurt. Angry, that we would pray in a public place, and lost without Jesus.

I had never experienced anything like this in my life. Walking through people who were so angry, I could feel their hatred towards me. I wanted to turn and say, “I love you,” but did not in fear of their reply. The truth is that I do love them though. In that moment as the eight of us were kneeling in prayer, I began to think like Elijah in 1 Kings as he said, “I am the only one, and they are many.” It can be easy to think that we may be the only people of God left at times, but God reminds us time and time again that there are many more of His people doing good work for His glory.  
    

I have been in the country of England during the month of February singing, speaking and spending time with close family friends. God has done great things and for that I am grateful. It has been eye opening to speak to those in the UK about our differences of opinion on politics and life in general.

I was able to spend some wonderful time in Oxford with some dear ministry friends at one of the colleges at Oxford University. As is my normal tradition, I spent hours walking around the city of Oxford taking in the history and architecture. I always walk past a small hole in the road on Carfax Street which has such meaning to me.

This year, I decided to stop at a coffee shop, grab a tea and watch as people walked past this spot in the road to see if they noticed it. I spent almost an hour there and only two small groups of people stopped to even consider what this place was. I heard a man mention to his wife in wonder, “What is this hole with a cross made in the bricks?” I spoke up from behind them and said, “This is the place where the Oxford Three were burned at the stake for their faith.”  A look of horror fell upon their faces as I shared the story of Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley, and Thomas Cranmer.  

Latimer and Ridley were burned at the stake in October of 1555, and Cranmer in March of 1556, for not recanting their faith in Jesus. That hallowed ground, where so many thousands of people walk across daily without even knowing its history, was the very ground where the seeds of the Gospel were watered with the blood of saints.  

We owe a great debt to those men. It was because of their sacrifice that the Gospel was spread to a new land through the Pilgrims. America began because of men and ladies who gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel. May we never forget that.  
    

I am renewed in my desire to see all men saved and that the time is short. As I head back to Washington DC, I am refocused for the work that must be done and difficulty which lies ahead. I pray that you will join us in the coming days not only in prayer, but in support for the work that must be done. We are but few laborers, and the harvest is plenty. God is so good to us and I am truly humbled to play but a small part in His plan.  

Your friend in Washington, Nathan Kistler.

You can contact Nathan directly at 202-770-7300 or nathankistler@gmail.com. Learn more online here and here. Photographs courtesy of Nathan Kistler.

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in March 2017.

For the latest issue of SGNScoops Magazine click here. 

For more Gospel music news click here.

Walkway to the Inaugural Stage for President-Elect Donald Trump Anointed with Prayer

Nathan Kistler sings in Washington DC. He participated in prayer for President-Elect Donald Trump.

Nathan Kistler of Hope To The Hill posted the following on Facebook today:

Our Faith and Action​’s Ministry Team conducted a prayer service held at the interior threshold of the door President-Elect Donald Trump will pass through on his way out of the U.S. Capitol and onto the Inaugural stage where he will swear the Oath of Office on January 20th. Joining Peggy Nienaber​ in prayer was Nathan Kistler​ (Hope To The Hill​) and Rev. Patrick Mahoney​ (Christian Defense Coalition)​.

Faith and Action is a Christian outreach to top-level government officials located in Washington, DC, throughout the United States and around the world. Their purpose is to challenge the minds and consciences of public policy makers with the mandate given by Christ in the two Great Commandments, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength,” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” See more here and on their website here: www.faithandaction.org

Michele Bachmann on Day 23 of 30 Days of Prayer for the Nation

Dave and Nathan Kistler. Dave interviewed Michele Bachmann today.

Nathan Kistler tells us: In honor of Michele Bachmann being on radio with dad today, we are going to extend her video to day 23. Please pray along with this beautiful prayer by the former Congresswoman. What a blessing.

From yesterday: We are so truly honored to have our dear friend and former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann leading us in prayer today for day 22 of the #30daysofprayer. Michele stands for what is right and did so while in public office. We are thankful for her leadership.

As she did not have time to do a video, she sent us an audio clip and a picture. Thank you Michele. You are appreciated! Join us in prayer today and come back tomorrow to Hope To The Hill for another prayer.

We need God in this land once again to move in a way only He can.
#pleasesharethis
If you value prayer, please watch, pray along and share this video.
I ask that you take the challenge to pray for 30 days with us. For now however, please #watch, #pray, and #share this prayer with others and join us back here with Hope To The Hill tomorrow for another wonderful #prayer.
If you have missed any of these videos, please visit and like the Hope To The Hill Facebook page to pray along and get updates on the prayer initiative. You can also visit the Hope To The Hill website for more information on this ministry.
Join us tomorrow, here on SGN Scoops or on the Hope To The Hill Facebook page as we continue each day for a total of 30 days, praying for the Nation, moving toward the election.

Nathan Kistler – 30 Days of Prayer

You can contact Hope To The Hill at 202-770-7300 or email Nathan at Nathankistler@gmail.com. For more on Hope To The Hill, click on the website.
Nathan Kistler is a monthly columnist with SGNScoops magazine.

The Hyssongs join Hope To The Hill for Day 20 of 30 Days Of Prayer for the Nation

The Hyssongs

We are so honored to have my dear friends the The Hyssongs leading us in prayer for day 20 of the #30daysofprayer. They are a wonderful family sharing the Gospel through song. You can find them on Facebook here or on the web here.

Please join Dell in prayer and share this video!

We need God in this land once again to move in a way only He can.

#pleasesharethis

If you value prayer, please watch, pray along and share this video.

I ask that you take the challenge to pray for 30 days with us. For now however, please #watch, #pray, and #share this prayer with others and join us back here with Hope To The Hill tomorrow for another wonderful #prayer.
Join us tomorrow, here on SGN Scoops or on the Hope To The Hill Facebook page as we continue each day for a total of 30 days, praying for the Nation, moving toward the election.

If you have missed any of these videos, please visit and like the Hope To The Hill Facebook page to pray along and get updates on the prayer initiative. You can also visit the Hope To The Hill website for more information on this ministry.

You can contact Hope To The Hill at 202-770-7300 or email Nathan at Nathankistler@gmail.com. For more on Hope To The Hill, click on the website.

Nathan Kistler is a monthly columnist with SGNScoops magazine.

Hyssongs

More on The Hyssongs:

The Hyssongs perform at more than 250 events each year throughout the United States and Canada. They minister in churches, auditoriums and on Gospel singing cruises, as well as on television and radio.  Richard can be heard on his weekly syndicated national radio program called “Joy For The Journey”.  He also hosts a weekly television program called “Southern Style Praise”.  The Hyssongs have had the opportunity to sing to an audience of over 12,000 people on the main stage at the National Quartet Convention, perform at Renfro Valley’s All-Night Sing, annually perform at Dollywood, as well as Silver Dollar City.  Through Compassion International, the group has also been privileged to sing in El Salvador, Central America.

Working with the Inspire label, the Hyssongs record at Chapel Valley Studio in Sharps Chapel, TN.

Chaplain Black prays on Day 17 of Thirty Days of Prayer for the Nation

Nathan Kistler. #30DaysOfPrayer. Chaplain Black

Once again, we join Nathan Kistler for Thirty Days of Prayer for the Nation, as we approach Election Day.

We were so honored to have the first African American Chaplain of the US Senate with us the for day 14 that we decided to share his prayer again with you all for day 17. Chaplain Black is one of the finest men I have ever known and folks need to see his prayer! Share it and like it!

Chaplain Black, leads multiple Bible studies every week in the US Capitol Building on top of his primary job of taking care of the 100 senators and those who work for them. I have spent much time in the Chaplain’s office and he has been such a blessing to me. I hope those of you who watch and join in prayer today can get an idea of what that is like.

Thank you Chaplain for joining us in our initiative. Forgive the abrupt ending as the Chaplain did this video on his cell phone. Please share this and join us here or at Hope To The Hill tomorrow for another prayer. We need leaders like the Chaplain who will speak truth and live lives of “Predictable Holiness” as the Chaplain always to me. #30daysofprayer

We need God in this land once again to move in a way only He can.
#pleasesharethis

If you value prayer, please watch, pray along and share this video.
I ask that you take the challenge to pray for 30 days with us. For now however, please #watch, #pray, and #share this prayer with others and join us back here with Hope To The Hill tomorrow for another wonderful #prayer.

If you have missed any of these videos, please visit and like the Hope To The Hill Facebook page to pray along and get updates on the prayer initiative. You can also visit the Hope To The Hill websitefor more information on this ministry.

Join us tomorrow, here on SGN Scoops or on the Hope To The Hill Facebook page as we continue each day for a total of 30 days, praying for the Nation, moving toward the election.

You can contact Hope To The Hill at 202-770-7300 or email Nathan at Nathankistler@gmail.com. For more on Hope To The Hill, click on the website.

Nathan Kistler is a monthly columnist with SGNScoops magazine.

Dr. Barry Black on Day 14 of Thirty Days of Prayer for the Nation

Nathan Kistler: #30DaysofPrayer. Day 14 Dr. Barry Black

Nathan Kistler of Hope To The Hill welcomes Dr. Barry Black to lead us in Day 14 of #30DaysofPrayer

We are so very honored to have one of my dear friends and the U.S. Senate Chaplain, Dr. Barry Black leading us in #prayer for day 14 of the #30daysofprayer Initiative. Chaplain Black, leads multiple Bible studies every week in the US Capitol Building on top of his primary job of taking care of the 100 senators and those who work for them.

I have spent much time in the Chaplain’s office and he has been such a blessing to me. I hope those of you who watch and join in prayer today can get an idea of what that is like.

Thank you Chaplain for joining us in our initiative. Forgive the abrupt ending as the Chaplain did this video on his cell phone.

Please share this and join us back here at Hope To The Hill tomorrow for another prayer. We need leaders like the Chaplain who will speak truth and live lives of “Predictable Holiness” as the Chaplain always to me.

#pleasesharethis
If you value prayer, please watch, pray along and share this video.
I ask that you take the challenge to pray for 30 days with us. For now however, please #watch, #pray, and #share this prayer with others and join us back here with Hope To The Hill tomorrow for another wonderful #prayer.

If you have missed any of these videos, please visit and like the Hope To The Hill Facebook page to pray along and get updates on the prayer initiative. You can also visit the Hope To The Hill website for more information on this ministry.

Join us tomorrow, here on SGN Scoops or on the Hope To The Hill Facebook page as we continue each day for a total of 30 days, praying for the Nation, moving toward the election.

You can contact Hope To The Hill at 202-770-7300 or email Nathan at Nathankistler@gmail.com. For more on Hope To The Hill, click on the website.
Nathan Kistler is a monthly columnist with SGNScoops magazine.

Nathan Kistler: Day 11 of Thirty Days of Prayer for the Nation

Nathan Kistler from Hope to The Hill

Join Nathan Kistler today for day 11 of the #30daysofprsyer initiative. Our nation needs the Lord now more than ever. Come back here with @hopetothehill tomorrow for another prayer! #pleasesharethis and #pray.

We need God in this land once again to move in a way only He can.

#pleasesharethis

If you value prayer, please watch, pray along and share this video.

I ask that you take the challenge to pray for 30 days with us. For now however, please #watch, #pray, and #share this prayer with others and join us back here with Hope To The Hill tomorrow for another wonderful #prayer.

If you have missed any of these videos, please visit and like the Hope To The Hill Facebook page to pray along and get updates on the prayer initiative. You can also visit the Hope To The Hill website for more information on this ministry.

Join us tomorrow, here on SGN Scoops or on the Hope To The Hill Facebook page as we continue each day for a total of 30 days, praying for the Nation, moving toward the election.

You can contact Hope To The Hill at 202-770-7300 or email Nathan at Nathankistler@gmail.com. For more on Hope To The Hill, click on the website.

Nathan Kistler is a monthly columnist with SGNScoops magazine.

Nathan Kistler – Hope To The Hill: Dealing With The Heart Issue

Nathan Kistler : Hope to the Hill

I do not know where to begin with what has happened in our country over the past month. A heartbreaking time for our nation. The race baiting, hate and division is at an all time high in America. I cannot help but think that we need God more than ever in America and our world today. How can we be the change our country needs?

I believe that the love of God is what is needed to bring peace to this land, but we must truly and fervently pray for the continuing of revival in our nation. I pray for a humbling and repentant spirit in my own life but also in the lives of those who live in our great nation. So many want to put the blame of violence and so forth on guns, video games, and so on, but we only put a bandaid on needle prick of our nation’s problem when we have a cancer of the heart. We must deal with the heart issue of our nation.

Nathan Kistler

In these moments when our leadership will not lead and our election cycle seems to be in a state of disaster, we can be encouraged that God’s people are still working and praying on our behalf. I spent the evening a few nights back at the Chaplains Alliance for Religious Freedom special ceremony for those who have championed the right of chaplains to share their faith.

On this specific night, one special senator was being honored for his endurance in the fight for what is rig

Nathan Kistler

ht. I listened to senators, congressmen, a general and chaplains speak of what this man had done for the cause of Christ during his time in the senate. He brought bible studies, prayer meetings and real leadership that was truly evident by the end of the evening.

I was so encouraged by that one evening and I just had to share it with you all. God truly has His people in our government and they are fighting for what is right. How could we ever not pray for them and encourage them? Let us not forget to pray continually for those who serve us and our Lord.

I am starting a new bible study in the coming weeks for staffers on the Hill and I am so thrilled for this endeavor. DC is full of young people and I aim to reach them with the Gospel. God brings so many young people into my life on the Hill and I am grateful for their friendships. I am praying for a fruitful return to this endeavor, planting seeds and letting the Holy Spirit water them.

Hope to the Hill is now in our own office right behind the Supreme Court. I share a space with my colleagues at Faith and Action and I love ministering with these folks. Rev. Rob Schenck, and Peggy have been truly incredible friends and partners in ministry over the last five years. I am so thankful to be a part of God’s work with them on a daily basis.

There are so many ministries like Faith and Action, Hope to the Hill and The Center for Christian Statesmanship who need the help of the church to continue in ministry on the Hill. I ask that you would pray for us every day that God would supply our needs through His people.

As one of my close friends former Congressman Paul Broun of GA always says, “God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. We just need Him to round some cattle up!” If you would like to know how you can help us, you can visit our hopetothehill.com website for more information.

By Nathan Kistler

October 2016 SGNScoops Magazine

First published by SGNScoops magazine in August 2016.

For more articles by Nathan Kistler, be sure to read the latest issue of SGNScoops magazine on the main page of SGNScoops.com