Daoud Kuttab – Milhilard.org

At the official invitation of the U.S. Senate, Rev. Dr. Nabeeh Abbasi, President of the Jordanian Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Rami Halaseh, Secretary of the Church, and Dr. Imad Shehadeh, a member of the Church Council, participated in the annual Presidential Prayer Breakfast hosted by the White House and organized by the Council of the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C., is an event that brings together religious and political leaders from within the United States and around the world to emphasize the role of faith in public life.

During the breakfast, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about the importance of the Christian faith in shaping the American nation and national identity, stressing the profound impact of the Bible in establishing the concepts of religious freedom and human dignity.

The President also pointed to the role that biblical values ​​have played in protecting freedom of worship and religious pluralism, affirming that faith has been and remains a central element in guiding public conscience and decision-making in the United States.

In a statement to Milhilard.org, Reverend Dr. Nabeeh Abbasi affirmed that this participation stems from the community’s commitment to conveying Jordan’s bright and authentic national image to the world, highlighting the pivotal role Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, plays in promoting a culture of peace among the world’s peoples, maintaining the balance of peace, consolidating coexistence, protecting religious pluralism, confronting extremist rhetoric through an approach based on wisdom, moderation, and respect for human dignity, and supporting His Majesty’s efforts to establish the principles of a just and comprehensive peace.

Abbasi told Milhilard.org that this participation comes within the framework of the Jordanian Baptist Church’s commitment to actively participate in international gatherings and contribute to positive dialogues to promote the values ​​of faith and dialogue, build bridges between peoples and cultures, and defend freedom of worship and human dignity. This reflects the Church’s role and mission in bearing witness to love and peace in a world that needs a voice of truth and hope.

Dr. Rami Halsa, Secretary of the Council of the Jordanian Baptist Church, said that the National Prayer Breakfast was a very rich and important experience for him, especially as it was his first time participating in this event. The gathering brought together religious and political leaders from diverse backgrounds and provided a genuine space for listening and dialogue about the role of faith in public affairs and in promoting the values ​​of peace and human dignity.

He continued in a statement to Milhilard.org, “One of the most important things I observed during the visit was the clear desire of the current US administration to listen directly to the Christians of the Arab region and understand their role through their own voices and lived experiences, not through preconceived notions or narratives from the outside. This approach deserves appreciation because it opens the door to a deeper understanding of our reality and the role of local churches in consolidating coexistence, confronting extremism, and serving their communities with sincerity and responsibility.”

“The visit also provided an opportunity to emphasize the Jordanian model of religious pluralism and coexistence, and the pivotal role played by His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein in establishing a culture of peace, protecting holy sites, defending human dignity, and promoting a discourse of moderation and wisdom in the region and the world—a role that enjoys widespread respect and appreciation internationally.”

It is worth noting that this annual event is attended by numerous Christian religious figures and leaders, as well as representatives from all faiths, ethnicities, and community organizations. Religious and cultural events around the world, and His Majesty King Abdullah II and Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah have had a notable presence at this event in previous years as keynote speakers at this global event.

Rev. Dr. Imad Shehadeh, President of the Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS) told Milhilard.org that it was “truly an honor to be invited by the US Congress to attend the National Prayer Breakfast. There were many from the various Arab countries invited, and it was a joy to connect and share this experience. Never have I seen so many US leadership units in prayer, repentance,e and commitment to faith in Jesus Christ.

The emphasis of the whole gathering was the Lord Jesus Christ as the only one who can unite the people of the world through His example of love. Long and sincere prayers were offered.

“The morning of the first day was devoted to four and a half hours of uninterrupted prayer for every state in the USA, many countries, many leaders, the current challenges of the world, etc. It was so touching and brought constant tears.

The focus was on repentance from sin. The idea was that if America did not repent of its sins, it would be the last chance for it to survive. America needs to be a” model to the world in honoring the family. It should do all it can to prevent terrorism and hatred toward any race.

“There were also many opportunities to meet influential people such as country presidents, parliament members, ambassadors, and congressmen. It was so moving to hear how most had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.