The Magazine of the Pennsylvania Family Institute

ProfileMatt BatzelCITY ON THE HILL ALUMNUSWhattheWeekMeantto Me!Ireflect back on my time at City on the HillYouth Leadership Conference with fondness.It was a great experience to join with many otherChristian youth for a fun and growth-filled weekbeing in the shoes of a legislator. I was somewhatinterested in politics beforehand and was able toconfirm that God might have a role for me inpolitics someday. I know God was workingthrough this conference to help educate, encourage,and excite those involved to make a positivedifference in this world for His Kingdom.After high school I went to Franklin andMarshall College and majored in politicalscience. During my summers in college,I interned for the PennsylvaniaFamily Institute, for CongressmanJoseph R. Pitts(PA-16), and for the Office ofWhite House Liaison at theU.S. State Department. My experience equippedme well for all of those internships.Following college, I began workingfor Congressman Pitts as a staff assistantand then a legislative correspondent.The things I learned at City onthe Hill prepared me to serve him andhis constituents in a God-honoringway. I was honored to work for himand was encouraged to see so manyother Christians working in Washington,D.C., and trying to make a positivedifference in our country forChrist. I also was fortunate to marry my wonderfulwife, Nikki, during that year.In May 2006, Nikki and I moved to Kansas,so I could attend the University Of KansasSchool Of Law. We were blessed with the birthof our first child, Carson, in October. Lawschool has been a wonderful challenge intellectuallyand spiritually. I have enjoyed getting toknow other Christians here and encouragingeach other in our faith. I continue to see the lessonsand advice I learned at City on the Hillhaving relevance as I study the law. Just theother day, I used the public speaking skills for apractice oral argument for a law school class.I am amazed at how biblical principles haveshaped the law and further understand theimportance of making good and moral lawsfor our country. God has blessed us notwith a perfect court system, but onethat seeks to do justice in this world.The principles from Micah 5:8 areinspiring for me to think about:To seek justice, and to love mercy,and to walk humbly with God. I want to allowGod to use me here in law school and in the restof my life to glorify Him and seek His justice.City on the Hill is an excellent opportunityto explore topics related to the law, politics, andfaith. It challenges you to articulate what youbelieve, sharpens your leadership skills, and canhelp direct you to where God may be leadingyou. I highly recommend it!Matt Batzel attended City on the Hillas a student in its first year, 2001, andcame back as a staff member in 2002.He now resides in Kansas with his familywhere he attends the University ofKansas Law School.14