The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Bruce Bigelow

Lake Hills Baptist Church
Schererville, IN

Sponsor: Rep. Peter Visclosky, (D-IN)
Date of Prayer: 11/02/2005

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to introduce our guest chaplain, Reverend Bruce Bigelow , pastor of the Lake Hills Baptist Church in Schererville, Indiana.

Reverend Bigelow was born on the South Side of Chicago and was raised in Gary, Indiana. Reverend Bigelow began his life of service in 1967. For the past 32 years, he has served as the senior pastor of the Lake Hills Baptist Church and will be retiring this coming April.

In his time as pastor, Lake Hills Baptist Church has grown from less than 100 members to over 450 today. The church now includes a modern family life center. In addition, it joyfully gives 30 percent of all donations it receives to help support missionary projects in the community and around the world. The congregation also provides practical help to children, teenage and college age youths, young mothers, and senior adults. Through his actions and those of the members of the church, Reverend Bigelow has brightened and made meaningful so many lives.

Throughout his time in the ministry, Reverend Bigelow has been supported by his wife Janice, his dear wife of 40 years, who has joined him today. They have three grown daughters and seven grandchildren, all who reside in Indiana.

Let us hope the words of his inspiring prayer will remain with us and his dedication to the ministry will always be appreciated

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

Our Lord, we come before Thee and we gather together to do business, to do business for this Nation and for Thee. We have sought to follow Thee. You have said feed the hungry, and we have fed the hungry. You have said give drink to those that are thirsty, and we have given drink. We have blessed others abundantly because You have blessed us as a Nation in great abundance. You have blessed us beyond that which we deserve, and we thank You for Your graciousness and Your mercy to us.
I pray that You will bless the men and women of this Congress as they gather together and wrestle with the issues of the day. May You help us as a Nation to turn from selfishness and help us to show graciousness and love and kindness, ministering to those around us and meeting their needs. Bless this Congress as they act this day. May You lead them and bless them. In Jesus' name I pray it. Amen.

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