The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Doctor Edward D. Johnson

First Baptist Church of Ocala
Ocala, FL

Sponsor: Rep. Rep. Cliff Stearns, (R-FL)
Date of Prayer: 06/15/2005

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of delight and an honor for me to have my pastor, Dr. Ed Johnson , provide the opening prayer for the House of Representatives this morning. We were privileged today to hear his brief words of inspiration and guidance.

Dr. Johnson is the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Ocala, FL, my hometown. This is a thriving church, and one of the largest in Marion County. My wife and I attend with our family, and we enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Pastor Johnson has been with the First Baptist Church for 22 years, where he and his wife Hilda remain active in helping throughout our community. Before arriving in Ocala, Dr. Johnson served in churches in Texas, Tennessee and West Virginia.

While attending to the needs of his flock, Pastor Johnson has served as president of the Florida Baptist Convention, chairman of the Florida Baptist State Board of Missions and the chairman of the Board of Trustees of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Although this is a distinguished record of service, more importantly, he is a respected man of the Lord.

I appreciate this opportunity to share Pastor Johnson's wisdom with my colleagues this morning, and I look forward, Mr. Speaker, to taking him to the White House for the picnic.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Dear Father,

I thank you for each member of the House of Representatives. I thank you for the sacrifice they give in order to represent our communities –– time spent away from families, time spent in Washington, and time spent in serving others. I am aware of the enormity of their responsibility in making decisions about issues that not only affect our incomes but also affect our national security, our moral well being, and our precious freedoms as a nation.

I pray that you would bless these men and women with physical health, mental acuity, moral toughness, and spiritual peace. You have established us as a "Nation under God." You have reminded us that in your word, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." Father we ask for your continued blessing on our nation and for peace and prosperity to abound through our land.

While I make this prayer in the Name of Jesus Christ, I know that many others approach prayer in a different manner. We all ask for your blessings and grace for our lives.

Amen.

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