Reverend Mac Hammond
Living Word Christian Center
Brooklyn Park, MN
Sponsor: Rep. Jim Ramstad, (R-MN)
Date of Prayer: 11/09/2005
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. RAMSTAD. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to welcome this morning's guest chaplain, Pastor Mac Hammond . Pastor Hammond and his wife, Pastor Lynne, who is with us in the gallery, are pastors of the Living Word Christian Center, a vibrant church in the Third Congressional District located in Brooklyn Park, MN.
This is an incredible story. On November 12, 1980, Mac and Lynne Hammond stood before a gathering of 12 people in a small meeting room at a hotel in Plymouth, Minnesota. On that day, Living Word Christian Center was born. Today, 25 years later, Living Word has grown to an active congregation of more than 10,000 members.
Pastor Mac Hammond's inspiring life has spanned several careers, from Air Force captain, where he served as a pilot, to owner of an air cargo business, to gifted minister of the gospel. The people of our area, of our State are so grateful for Pastor Mac Hammond and his ministry to the community.
The Living Word Christian Center is home to a number of important ministries that are truly doing the Lord's work here on Earth. Close to my heart, the Living Free Recovery Services program provides treatment to families struggling with the ravages of drug and alcohol addiction. Living Word also operates Maranatha Christian Academy and Maranatha College, two highly respected, God–centered academic institutions in our area.
The church's Compassion Center ministers to inner–city residents, and CFAITH provides online missionary outreach.
We are all very grateful, Madam Speaker, for these wonderful ministries and for the faith, hope, and love brought to so many by Pastors Mac and Lynne Hammond . As you heard in his moving prayer, Pastor Hammond is a tremendously gifted speaker and a true man of God.
I knew Mac would offer a truly inspirational prayer this morning, and God knows we needed it. Many thanks, Pastor Hammond , for your moving and thoughtful prayer and for serving the House of Representatives as our guest chaplain.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Heavenly Father, as we gather together in this historic place, we ask your continued blessing on our country. Thank you for our divine heritage of being one nation under God and for the liberty we enjoy as a result.
We look to your word for guidance and grace as we pray for each member of this House. I ask you to give them wisdom and understanding in every decision they face, so that your truth will continue to be reflected in our laws. During this session may they be responsive to your direction, aware of your grace, and guided by your precepts.
We also ask you to protect, strengthen and encourage our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and the myriad of other places around the world where they are courageously protecting and promoting our liberty. Lead each member in your ways, and bless their precious families as you do.
May your grace abound to all and continually remind each citizen of this great country, that we are loved by you. We make this prayer in the name which is above all names.
Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory