The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Dr. Ben Haden

Changed Lives
Chattanooga, TN

Sponsor: Rep. Hon. Zach Wamp, (R-TN)
Date of Prayer: 07/23/2003

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome one of Chattanooga, Tennessee's finest citizens, Pastor Ben Haden , to the House of Representatives as our guest chaplain for today. It is very special to introduce Ben, because he is a humble man of God with a ministry that has touched thousands of lives.

Ben's first career was in the newspaper business; but in the middle of his life, Jesus Christ touched his heart and 4 decades of ministry began. He came to First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga in 1967 and quickly gained a reputation for his passion, his heart, and his sermons. His popularity and ability to draw worshipers soon resulted in closed–circuit televisions being set up in the chapel and fellowship hall for overflow crowds.

Not long after coming to First Presbyterian, Ben launched his own radio ministry, "Changed Lives", on a radio station in Chattanooga. This ministry eventually grew to include a television program watched regularly by thousands, including the Reverend Billy Graham.

In March of 1999, Ben stepped down as senior pastor from the First Presbyterian Church to devote his full energies to his radio ministry "Changed Lives."

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Father Coughlin for inviting Ben Haden to offer our invocation on this day that the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Almighty God, our heavenly father, we come in simplicity and honesty. You are God; we are not. Thank you for giving these unique men and women the political gift to be elected, the opportunity to serve You, country, and their constituency. Please deal with each of us inside and make plain Your will that these leaders may lead and legislate to the honor of God and to the glory of this free country. Bless us in this war against terrorism with victory and with balance. Humble us and teach us Your greatness, Your love, and Your forgiveness. Bless these our leaders with judgment, vision and confidence in our future. I pray in the Name of Jesus Christ my personal Lord, my personal savior and my personal friend. Amen.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory