Reverend John I. Caples, Jr.
Jesus Name Apostolic Church
Waukegan, IL
Sponsor: Rep. Mark Kirk, (R-IL)
Date of Prayer: 06/11/2008
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk) is recognized for 1 minute.
There was no objection.
Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, I am very honored to have welcomed Pastor John I. Caples of Jesus Name Apostolic Church to open the House today.
I first really got to know Pastor Caples after the murder of Jarreau Patterson and David Mackins, just 16 years old. It was Pastor Caples that brought together the families of the murdered with the families of the murderers that ended a cycle of violence in my community.
He helped restart an athletic program. And with assistance from the wider community, he built a basketball court in just 8 weeks to relieve some of the tensions of the community. He then started the Family First Center, first in a basement, now three stories tall, reaching out to help at–risk youth turn away from violence and gangs, but especially despair, saving one heart at a time.
Pastor Caples tells us that the government can't do it all, but it can change one heart of one child at a time and make the most difference. He is one of the men I admire most whose ministry saves lives. He changes hearts. And most importantly, he returns the soul to a community that is in need of a very big heart with hope.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Our Father, we thank you for the blessings and prosperity of our country. You have told us as parents tell our children the choice is yours, however when you don't know what to do seek guidance. Your word says if my people will humble themselves and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways that you will heal their land. Teach us the value of unity because "a house divided cannot stand." Teach us the value of oneness –– father, son, and holy spirit –– these three are one. Teach us that the well–being of the country as a whole is more important than any portion alone. You have told us that when the righteous are in control the people rejoice. We invoke you to guide our leaders as you did King Solomon. Give them the wisdom to govern so great a people. These things we ask in Jesus' name, Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory