Reverend Donna Kafer
Arizona Legislative Chaplaincy
Peoria, AZ
Sponsor: Rep. Trent Franks, (R-AZ)
Date of Prayer: 11/14/2012
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Franks) is recognized for 1 minute.
There was no objection.
Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I was gratified today to hear our beloved citizen of Arizona, Chaplain Donna Kafer, offer our prayer .
Chaplain Kafer is the author of two books, ‘‘Women of Courage'' and ‘‘Women of Faith,'' and she's currently working on a third book called ‘‘Women of Grace.'' And that will complete the series, ‘‘Gardens of Grace.''
Mr. Speaker, I think it's especially appropriate because, indeed, Donna Kafer is a woman of grace that I've had the privilege to know for a very long time and am so grateful to be able to call her ‘‘friend.''
She has made her aim in life to serve her God, her country, her family, and the truth. She serves as the appointed chaplain for the Arizona State Legislature, where she has provided spiritual encouragement for leaders, staff, and State employees for about 14 years now, Mr. Speaker.
Chaplain Kafer has a master's degree in ministry through Phoenix University of Theology, and has received chaplaincy training through the Southwest School of Chaplaincy.
Chaplain Kafer is an Arizona native. She lives in Peoria, Arizona, with her husband of 23 years, Ross, a firefighter–paramedic, and their daughter, Andrea, a 20–year–old college student. They've been members of Christ's Church of the Valley in northwest Peoria for nearly 18 years, under the noble leadership of Pastor Don Wilson. And it is my honor for her to be our guest today.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Dear Holy and Righteous Father,
As this honored body of Congress convenes today, we come first to humbly submit ourselves before You, acknowledging You as Lord and Creator, the One who directs the paths of those who call upon Your precious name. Savior God, we also want to thank You for Your infinite grace, Your divine mercy, and for the deep love that You extend to each of us.
Father, I ask that You faithfully pour out an overflowing measure of health, wisdom, and clarity of mind on our leaders as they attend to the many critical tasks at hand. Provide each Member with an ever–increasing abundance of comfort, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Lord, may we grasp the full spectrum of Your character, so that our love for You might never waver. And Sovereign God, may Your life–giving truth preside here forevermore. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory