Reverend Jay Dennis
First Baptist Church at the Mall
Lakeland, FL
Sponsor: Rep. Rep. Adam Putnam, (R-FL)
Date of Prayer: 11/13/2001
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, today's Guest Chaplain, Dr. Jay Dennis, is a constituent of mine serving the First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland, Florida. I would like to take a moment to speak of his ministry, not only in central Florida, but around this Nation as well.
Throughout his tenure as pastor, Dr. Dennis' congregation has experienced extraordinary spiritual and physical growth, and has been identified by the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as being among the top 4 percent of growing churches in America today. He is a gifted lecturer and author and broadcasts a daily radio and a weekly television show. Dr. Dennis is immediate past President of the Florida Baptist Convention.
But Dr. Dennis is in Washington on another matter today. In furtherance of their mission and ministry, Dr. Dennis and members of his congregation will be distributing a leather–bound study Bible to every Member of Congress, the Supreme Court and the administration.
We often speak in this Chamber about the dedication of individuals to their community and to their country. Dr. Dennis is making a difference in the lives of the people of central Florida and in so doing serves as an example for all of us to follow. I would like to take this moment to commend and thank Dr. Dennis on behalf of Congress for his ministry and commitment to the United States of America.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Our Heavenly Father, with issues facing this body that are historically significant, we pause to acknowledge You and to thank You. Thank You that our communication with You is a lifeline of hope. I ask Your hedge of protection, Your divine wisdom, and Your daily guidance upon each of these honorable men and women of the U.S. House of Representatives along with their families.
For our great country, we ask that You would hear our prayer for peace, protection, power over the enemies of freedom, and provision for our every need.
May Your plan become our purpose, may Your book become our guide, and may Your presence be our ever–encouraging assurance.
May You bless these Members indeed. May You increase their influence and opportunities to change the world and make it better, and may You keep them and the United States in the hollow of Your hand.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory