Reverend William H. Hild, Jr.
First Baptist Church
Sarasota, FL
Sponsor: Rep. Vern Buchanan, (R-FL)
Date of Prayer: 07/31/2008
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Buchanan) is recognized for 1 minute.
There was no objection.
Mr. BUCHANAN. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege and honor today to recognize and welcome my family's pastor, also my wife, Sandy, and my two children. He's been our pastor for the last 8 years. William Hild, since 1997, has served and led as the pastor of First Baptist Church of Sarasota, Florida. Accompanying him here today is his wife, Beverly, of 28 years; William Hild III, who also attends Georgetown Law School; and his sister, Kathy.
Since becoming pastor of First Baptist Church of Sarasota in 1997, Bill has helped to spread the church's ministry throughout our community, the State of Florida, the United States, and even across the world.
Under Pastor Hild's leadership, the church has organized over 20 Holy Land trips to Israel, Jordan and Egypt. These trips provide our members with a greater understanding of the Bible and a deeper appreciation of the work of God.
Here at home, Pastor Hild was a leader in the recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina. Under his leadership, First Baptist Church of Sarasota donated cash and pledges in excess of $140,000 to help the victims of Katrina. The church also conducted multiple trips to the gulf coast region, delivering food and personal hygiene kits to those affected by the hurricane.
I want to thank my pastor, Pastor Bill Hild, for more importantly, his close friendship and guidance to me, and also providing today's prayer. Also, I would like to thank his wife, Beverly, and son, Will, for being with us today and his family and his many friends from back home watching here today on this very special day.
Thank you, Pastor Hild.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Our Father and our God, we beseech you this morning to grant unto this House abundant wisdom upon which debate and decision will be made. We pray for each and every esteemed member, their spouses, their families and the dedicated staffs who undergird them. May the great challenges that confront our land, debated in this chamber, become opportunities for even greater blessing as, together, we seek Your will for this, our beloved nation.
May we be reminded today that your Word teaches "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." (Psalm 33:12). We thank you for your incredible goodness, remembering all your many blessings both individually and as a nation. We earnestly pray for a deeper desire to make you the foundation and center of our life as we offer this humble prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory