Reverend Ricky Atkins
Courtney Baptist Church
Yadkinville, NC
Sponsor: Rep. Virginia Foxx, (R-NC)
Date of Prayer: 03/08/2006
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to introduce our guest chaplain, Reverend Richard ‘‘Ricky'' Atkins , the head pastor of Courtney Baptist Church in Yadkinville, North Carolina, in the Fifth District.
Reverend Atkins is a vital part of the religious community in northwest North Carolina's rural mountain region. Prior to leading 350 members at Courtney Baptist Church, he served at Zephyr Baptist Church in Dobson, North Carolina, from 1995 to 2000, and at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Madison, North Carolina, from 2000 to 2005. He graduated from Fruitland Bible Institute in 2000 with an associate's degree in biblical ministries.
Reverend Atkins was born and raised in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. He is the son of Tommy and Rebecca Atkins , whose support was instrumental in helping him get to Washington today. Reverend Atkins and his wife, Debbie, currently reside in Yadkinville with their two children Alison and Lee.
Reverend Atkins' life has been one of service to God and his community. Throughout the years he has brightened and enriched the lives of many others. It is an honor to have him serve as our guest chaplain. I hope that his words of prayer will remain with all of us as we do the people's work today.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Dear God, today as this session opens, we pray that Your presence will be before us and everyone who serves in the decision–making process of our Nation. We pray for direction which will lead our Nation to be a strong and unified Nation and continue the legacies of our forefathers. May we be granted this day decisions which will be pleasing to You and decisions which will change the course of history.
We pray for all our military personnel. We lift them before You today and ask for their protection as they perform their duties. May grace abound with them as they, in harm's way, defend our country. We pray for those who are in need across our Nation, people who are without the basic needs to survive. May they receive relief by Your hand, which will be beneficial to them. Guide us this day.
Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory