Mr. Mark Turner
SOuth Valley Community Church
Gilroy, CA
Sponsor: Rep. Zoe Lofgren, (D-CA)
Date of Prayer: 05/21/2013
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to introduce Pastor Mark Turner of South Valley Community Church in Gilroy, California, as our guest who delivered this morning's opening prayer .
Over a decade ago, Pastor Turner left his career to answer a higher calling to serve his fellow persons in the ministry. In serving others, Pastor Turner has become a respected leader in our community, making a difference in people's everyday lives.
Working with local partners and businesses, Pastor Turner and hundreds of volunteers serve our community through outreach projects that feed children, seniors, and underprivileged residents. They help local children through programs that encourage them to be active and strive for success, and they bring compassion and services to people in need.
Answering a call to serve something larger than one's self is a trait we deeply admire and value as Americans. So it is a pleasure to welcome Pastor Turner to our Nation's Capitol today and to thank him for his service to our community and our country.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Heavenly Father, what an incredible honor it must be for these men and women gathered in this Chamber today to represent the entire population of this country. I pray that they would not only feel the magnitude of this responsibility, but that You would give them the strength of character to carry out that responsibility in an honorable and Christ–like way.
I pray, too, for the guardians of freedom on duty today all around the globe, the men and women of our Armed Forces. May You sustain them and keep them safe. May we as a Nation never forget the tremendous sacrifice they have made on our behalf to ensure our freedom and democracy.
May it be upon these Members of this House that the lantern of hope and the light of liberty continue to burn bright in this land we call America.
Finally, Lord, it is with heavy hearts that we stand here today, each one of us assembled in this Chamber pray for the families in Oklahoma who have been affected by the devastating tornado that struck yesterday. Comfort those who have lost loved ones, strengthen rescue workers and emergency personnel, and may neighbor reach out to neighbor to assist in the healing and rebuilding process.
As the eyes of the world are upon the residents of Oklahoma, let them demonstrate dependence upon You and help them to display the resilience, the resolve, and the American spirit that made their State and this Nation so great.
We pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory