Doctor Darin M. Wood
First Baptist Church
Midland, TX
Sponsor: Rep. August Pfluger, (R-TX)
Date of Prayer: 09/27/2024
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Darin Wood of the First Baptist Church of Midland, Texas, who will be opening the House floor in prayer on Friday.
Pastor Wood grew up in Joshua, Texas, and started his career in pastoral ministry in 1999. The Wood family later moved to the Permian Basin and started preaching at First Baptist Church of Midland in February of 2016.
His leadership is truly inspirational in the Permian Basin. He is no stranger to lending a hand to others, and he has opened the congregation's doors to the public during times of need.
In his own words: ‘‘you may enjoy the title of ‘pastor,' but truthfully, it is an earned role, won bit by bit . . .''
His wife, Julie, and son, Joshua, will be joining him on Friday. Pastor Wood is an inspiration to so many. For those who live in Midland, the Permian Basin, Midland–Odessa, they know Pastor Darin Wood. They know the inspiration that he brings to the community. Not only is he a voice of reason and of wisdom, but he also urges discernment.
He has personally helped me since I have been here. In fact, just recently, he was telling me about his study on Ezra and Esther and Nehemiah and talking about the stories of the Old Testament and how they apply to us today.
I thank Pastor Wood for his inspiration. For those who live in Midland, they know how inspirational he truly is, and he has been inspirational to me and so many others around Washington, D.C., as he prays for us continuously. I think our country needs prayer right now.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Pastor Wood for what he does to serve the Permian Basin, to serve First Baptist Church, and to serve so many people. I also thank him for his inspiration, education, and prayers for me and so many other leaders.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Most gracious and loving God, as we gather in this solemn space, we pause to thank You for Your kindness, Your mercy, Your blessings, and, most of all, Your wisdom, especially this election season. With humility, we ask for Your wisdom and Your discernment in these proceedings today and every day in this, the people's House.
We remember our time here is brief. Just like Jesus said in Matthew 6, we are only here for a moment. So like the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin, let us embrace the season You have given us for service to You and the people of this great land. Grant us Your mercy today to remember we are just servants serving You and the people we represent. Allow us to know Your peace in this challenging time.
Finally, we pray for strength. Like Moses or the Apostle Peter, and, most of all, like Jesus, let us be led faithfully by You to lead others.
In Your powerful name we pray. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory