The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Gary Shaw

Central Christian Center
Joplin, MO

Sponsor: Rep. Roy Blunt, (R-MO)
Date of Prayer: 03/26/2009

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. BLUNT. Madam Speaker, it's my honor today to welcome for the opening prayer a respected leader and a friend of mine, Reverend Gary Shaw of Central Christian Center in Joplin, Missouri. Reverend Shaw is an elder and trustee at the Central Christian Center and has served there as executive administrator for the past 30 years.

In addition to his church work, Reverend Shaw is the mayor of the city of Joplin in southwest Missouri. Joplin is the second largest city in my congressional district. It serves a four–State area as a center for commerce, education, health care, and transportation.

Gary Shaw has spent several years in service to the city of Joplin, and I am thankful for Reverend Shaw's committed efforts to the city as a member of several committees and leadership boards. His work to improve business, safety, and historic preservation in his community and State does not go unnoticed.

He's a devoted father and husband. He's been married to his best friend, Kathy, for 46 years and has one son, Brian, a local businessman. A veteran of the United States Army, a graduate of Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Reverend Shaw has also been a witness for his faith in over 30 countries.

It's truly my honor to welcome Reverend Shaw to the House today and thank him for his service to Missouri and many years of dedicated service to the city of Joplin.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

As I stand in this beautiful hall of honor, my heart overflows with admiration and appreciation for those who have occupied this place throughout history representing the citizens of this great country.

May Your divine wisdom, Your unbiased judgment and Your love fill each of those who have chosen to serve our nation.

May they draw from your fountain of knowledge, and your storehouse of fair play, as they administer and create legislation that governs our land.

Instill in all of us respect, honor and a love for life that will allow us to serve with pride and dignity at all levels of local, state and national government.

Help us to put on the shield of faith and to face the challenges before us with a determination that we will succeed and prosper, because we operate in your providential and divine order.

Please bless America and help us honor You.

Amen.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory