If you were forced to choose one word to describe Christopher Smith, the decision would be easy. Whether expounding on the rights of the unborn, talking about persecution in China, or describing his relationship with God, the Congressman from New Jersey exudes passion.
It is Smith's passion for fighting injustice that earned him the 16th annual William Wilberforce award. Since 1987, Prison Fellowship has bestowed the honor on an individual who has made a difference in the face of formidable societal problems. The award is given in memory of William Wilberforce, an 18th century British parliamentarian who stood against his party in a campaign to abolish the slave trade.
Chuck Colson, chairman of Prison Fellowship, presented Smith with the Wilberforce Award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., the evening of Feb. 6.
"Christopher Smith is a cultural reformer who walks in the shoes of the great British parliamentarian, William Wilberforce," said Colson. "Prison Fellowship is pleased to honor Congressman Smith for his principles, his fortitude and his commitment to bringing about awareness and change when there is injustice."
During his years of public service, Smith has championed the cause of victims of torture and cruelty internationally. His work has included supporting an international ban on land mines, sponsoring a law to crack down on sex-trafficking at home and abroad, establishing a congressional caucus to give a voice to children afflicted with autism, and fighting for legislation to stop U.S. support for international aid programs promoting abortion. As chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, he is working to help homeless veterans.
Colson explained in his introductory remarks that William Wilberforce "has been the hero of my life, because I have seen in his life, all of those things that I aspire to."
Five days before Wilberforce died in 1833, slavery was abolished in England following a grueling 20-year campaign. "He never gave up," said Colson, "which is one of the qualities we look for. As a ministry we say we want to single out one person, who in his public life, most exemplifies the characteristics and character of William Wilberforce.
"As you look at Chris Smith's public career," Colson continued, "you see a very consistent Christian ethic. He is not only staunchly pro-life - probably the leading champion in the House of pro-life causes over these 22 years - but he also cares deeply about the poor and the suffering.
"The man we honor this evening is a man who richly deserves it for his consistency in never quitting," Colson concluded. "I have seen Chris Smith fight causes when lesser men or women would have walked away."
In an interview following the awards ceremony, Smith revealed the source of his passion - prayer. "I meant it, and I always mean it, apart from Christ, I can do nothing. I pray for insight, wisdom and courage, and hope that in a given situation, it will be there."
Smith said he takes comfort in the Biblical concept, "When I am weak, I am strong."
"Not that I want to be weak, but the obstacles are formidable," Smith continued. "The battle is the Lord's, but we have to do our part. We really are strategic - each one of us -- particularly in the United States. We could have a tremendous impact on helping the indigent elsewhere."
Another important factor underlying his success, according to Smith, is diligence. "Over the years, I've seen that if you stay at it, like Wilberforce, you'll get the religious freedom bill, you'll get the homeless bill for the veterans, or a Right to Life bill. Someday the unborn will be protected here. I don't know when - the sooner the better. We just have to pray and fast and work hard."
When Smith and his staff notice an issue or problem "where we can make a difference, where there are gaps," they jump right in.
On a night when the word "hero" was frequently used, I couldn't help but ask the Congressman about his personal heroes. "My father and mother. I start off with them because they were hardworking, working class people who lived the faith, and never would bring attention to themselves. "
He also mentioned Wilberforce, Henry Hyde, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. "There's something you could pull from all of them, but Wilberforce, I think, says it all. Slavery had to be eradicated and he just fought zealously. Plus, he was smart. He didn't leave it all up to himself - he had a network that prayed and fasted."
Teamwork is a force that Smith utilizes on his own battlefield. "We have a pro-life caucus that works on these issues. At any given time, I'm the point guard or sometimes I'm on the bench. Whatever it is, we're all working as a team. And that's the beauty of it. Team effort."
Smith was quick to name his wife as a hero: "My wife Marie is truly my best friend and mentor. She has such a deep faith. I get discouraged often, and she'll pull me right back. She provides inspiration and insight and perspective."
And finally, Smith leans heavily on the Lord. He said he has been a believer most of his life, but in college, went through a period of questioning. "Even when we had our children, I remember thinking, 'How could God love everybody?' We had Melissa and we couldn't love a child more than we love Melissa. Then we had a second child, our son Chris, and we didn't love him any less."
Thus, his fatherhood experiences have deepened Smith's appreciation for and understanding of Christ: "He loves us like a father. What a liberating knowledge that is, to know that He knows the very hairs on our head. He loves us all, with a passion."
PHOTO: Courtesy of Prison Fellowship. Pictured from left: Chuck Colson; Congressman Frank Wolf, the 1990 Wilberforce winner and close friend of Smith's; and holding his award, Congressman Chris Smith.
