The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Bryan Thiessen

Journey Church
Bridgeville, PA

Sponsor: Rep. Tim Murphy, (R-PA)
Date of Prayer: 12/06/2011

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce today's guest chaplain, Pastor Bryan Thiessen of the Journey Assembly of God Church in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania.

Since the first House chaplain was elected by Congress in 1789, it has been tradition for a prayer to open the House's daily floor proceedings, and I thank the Office of the Chaplain and the Reverend Patrick Conroy for allowing Pastor Bryan Thiessen to have the opportunity to continue this tradition and lead us in prayer.

Pastor Thiessen joined the Bridgeville community in April of 2011, along with his wife, CaRanda Thiessen , and has been a driving force in improving the community since the moment he stepped foot in southwestern Pennsylvania. During Pastor Thiessen's tenure, he has seen his parish grow in size, which can directly be attributed to the exceptional work he has done in leading his church. He has also been elected president of the Bridgeville Ministers Association, where he leads Bridgeville–area churches, nonprofit organizations, and community outreach events. He also serves as the Christian education director of the Southwest Metro section of the Assemblies of God. As director, Pastor Thiessen guides 35 churches in Christian education programs and ministries in the southwestern Pennsylvania region.

I especially thank Pastor Thiessen and members of his parish for making the trip to Washington this morning. The House is very pleased to have all of them, and we are excited to hear the words of the Lord he has chosen to share with us today.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Father, we thank You for this Nation, Your love, and, most of all, Your forgiveness of sins.

We acknowledge, as Scripture states in James 1:5, that You are the giver of all wisdom. May You give these men and women, whom You have placed in leadership over this Nation, Your wisdom in all their deeds and discussions.

According to Romans 13, ‘‘Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.'' May these here be good stewards of this responsibility, leadership, and Your gift of freedom for our Nation.

We ask for Your special protection over our military and blessing for their families. We pray for our enemies, as You instruct us in Matthew 5:44. May their plans be thwarted, and may they come to the love and grace that You offer.

In the only name through whom man can be saved, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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