Reverend Joe Hishmeh
Fellowship Bible Church
Topeka, KS
Sponsor: Rep. Nancy Boyda, (D-KS)
Date of Prayer: 05/07/2008
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentlewoman from Kansas (Mrs. Boyda) is recognized for 1 minute.
There was no objection.
Mrs. BOYDA from Kansas. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
When Pastor Joe Hishmeh first came to Topeka from Chattanooga by way of Dallas, the Topeka Fellowship Bible Church's congregation consisted roughly of about 100 people. Six years later, that same church now has over 1,300 loyal members.
Pastor Hishmeh , a husband and a father of three great boys, has initiated a number of programs which greatly benefit our community of Topeka. One of those programs is called ‘‘Sharefest.'' Originally, there were three churches performing much–needed upkeep on two of our local schools. This year, the program has grown to eight different churches, including over 500 volunteers, painting and landscaping our Topeka schools.
Through ‘‘Sharefest,'' Pastor Joe has shown his congregation the joy of giving without expecting anything in return, very, very, very biblical in the principles of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through ‘‘Sharefest,'' in almost no time at all he has created a ripple effect of goodness and charity in the community of Topeka and beyond.
Pastor Joe Hishmeh , thank you for bringing that ripple effect all the way to Congress.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Almighty Father in heaven:
What a joy and a privilege it is to seek you through prayer! All across this great land of the United States of America we are in need of your guidance, direction, wisdom and grace. Heal us from our sins, restore us to yourself and be glorified in our lives. We entrust our citizens, our troops, public servants and leaders to you this day. You have established this distinguished assembly of leaders to represent our citizens and we simply ask you to use each of them to make a positive difference today. We recognize your powerful hand of guidance, your heart of love for people, and your mind of wisdom and righteousness. May they offer a help and a hand; a hope and a future through the decisions that are made in this place. I 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