Reverend Ron Jackson
East Gaffney Baptist Church
Gaffney, SC
Sponsor: Rep. John Spratt, (D-SC)
Date of Prayer: 04/18/2007
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
(Mr. SPRATT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)
Mr. SPRATT. Madam Speaker, today's opening prayer was given by the Reverend Ronald B. Jackson . Reverend Jackson serves as the minister of East Gaffney Baptist Church in Gaffney, South Carolina, a pulpit that he has filled with distinction since 1989.
Reverend Jackson's ministry is based in East Gaffney Baptist Church, but not confined there. He has a television ministry in Greenville and a radio ministry in Gaffney. He is a prominent preacher, for sure, but he is also a pastor who has been recognized for service throughout the Southeast. He has established, for example, a foundation to help needy ministers and their families called the Parsons' Pantry Fund.
Three years ago, Governor Sanford awarded him the Order of the Silver Crescent, our State's highest award for volunteer service.
Reverend Jackson has spread the gospel from the Second Baptist Church of Great Falls, South Carolina, where he was called to the pulpit, to Bethel Baptist Church in Charleston, South Carolina, and even to Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where he was assistant chaplain, before coming home to South Carolina and eventually settling in Gaffney.
Reverend Jackson is married to Karen A. Jackson . They have two children, Kimberly McMillin of Inman and Bryan Jackson of Gaffney; and three grandchildren. Karen also has a son, Brock Burgess, of Gaffney.
On behalf of the House, I want to thank Rev. Jackson for his inspiring prayer and the Speaker and Rev. Coughlin for asking him to open today's session.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Eternal God, our Heavenly Father, Your praise will always be upon our lips because You are Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
We thank You for every blessing of life. You have been so good to us. We are grateful for the privilege of living and working in this great country.
Thank You for our President and every member of this body. May there be love for You and love for one another because love never fails. Bless each marriage and strengthen every family.
Bless our military personnel around the world. Give each one strength, grace, wisdom and courage. Comfort those families who have experienced the death of a loved one in service of our country.
Loving Father, please minister to the devastated families, students and others who are dealing with the tragedy that has occurred at Virginia Tech University.
Give clear guidance to each member as they conduct our nation's business today.
I offer this prayer in the wonderful name of our All Sufficient Lord.
Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory