Reverend Lonnie Mitchell, Sr.
Bethel AME Church
Spokane, WA
Sponsor: Rep. Cathy McMorris, (R-WA)
Date of Prayer: 11/03/2005
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Congresswoman Cathy McMorris in honor of Pastor Lonnie Mitchell , Sr. He has shepherded the people of Bethel AME Church in Spokane, Washington, for 14 years, overseeing numerous efforts to love and serve the people of Spokane. His church stands as a beacon in one of Spokane's neediest neighborhoods, truly striving to be a cathedral of love where everybody is somebody in Spokane and Jesus is the center of the attraction.
Under the direction of Pastor Mitchell , Bethel AME is changing the face of its surrounding community through many ministries, including the Richard Allen Youth Academy, the Richard Allen Apartments, Allen Enterprises, the GED education programs, the Neighborhood Networks Program, the Equal Justice Program, and others.
Pastor Mitchell and the Bethel AME family have recently stepped out again on a new mission to help the people of Spokane through the Emmanuel Family Life Center. This project will continue to help families and individuals receive the help they need to succeed and live freely.
In addition to being dedicated to his church family, Lonnie Mitchell is also a man devoted to his wife, Elisha, and his three children, L.J., ChaeAnna, and Camille.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who is leading a church to reach out to those who need it most. I know Congresswoman McMorris is honored to have Pastor Mitchell in her home district and to know that he will always be laboring to help and love others in their community.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
God of mercy; God of grace pour out of your spirit upon those chosen to conduct the business of this great nation in this legislative body.
We come to you Lord with deep reverence and confidence in your power to sustain equality and justice for all through those who swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America.
We commend to your care and guidance each member of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of our Government. Order their steps in your Word of truth that you may accomplish your will.
Lord, we pray for those who have lost their lives from war or natural disaster. We pray for poverty stricken lives all over this world. We pray for all families affected by life's calamities.
Lord let freedom reign in the hearts and minds of our national leaders to bring about the ideology of the founding fathers –– "One Nation Under God".
Respectful of all faiths, I humbly ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen!
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory