The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Pastor Jeff Williams

Faith Community Church
Janesville, WI

Sponsor: Rep. Paul Ryan, (R-WI)
Date of Prayer: 11/08/2017

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, it is my absolute privilege and
honor to welcome Pastor Jeff Williams, who just led us in the opening
prayer. He is the head pastor at Faith Community Church in Janesville,
Wisconsin.

Jeff is the son of a Swedish immigrant. Pastor Jeff began in the
ministry at his home church in Rockford, Illinois, where he was born and raised.

In 1989, he and his wife, Brenda, moved about 30 minutes north up I–90 to begin Faith Community Church in Janesville. "We had nothing but a vision," he said. "No people, no equipment, and no place to meet. Just a vision and the Lord. And that was enough."

Over the years, Pastor Jeff has turned that vision into a beautiful
house of worship and fellowship at the heart of our community. I have
been there many times. It is really an mpressive place.

Pastor Jeff has been a very good friend to me and to our family for
many years. I will note, however, that he is a Bears fan, and we can
forgive him for that one.

But it is an absolute honor and privilege of mine to honor and to
welcome Pastor Jeff here, and I want to thank him for offering today's prayer.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Our Father in Heaven, Your Word declares that You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations and that, from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

Your sovereignty when juxtaposed with our humanity humbles us and causes us to seek Your face on behalf of our Nation and those who govern us.

When beginning his rule, King Solomon prayed for You to grant him a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. Grant that same discernment in this Chamber today.

I pray for these who have been entrusted with the responsibility to govern this great people that they may adhere to the principles and convictions our country was founded upon.

Bless them and their families, I pray. Your prophet Moses prayed saying: "May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us and establish the work of our hands for us." May that same favor rest upon this, the people's House, today.

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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