Reverend Dr. Paul Binion II
Westside Church of God
Fresno, CA
Sponsor: Rep. Jim Costa, (D-CA)
Date of Prayer: 07/11/2013
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, since 1977, Pastor Paul Binion has stood at the helm of one of Fresno's most vibrant churches, the Westside Church of God, and the wonderful congregation that he serves. From offering comfort to families during challenging times, to taking the lead on issues impacting the economically disadvantaged in our area, Pastor Binion has truly left a mark and continues to in our community.
He has urged his congregation to go beyond just knowing the Gospel, but to living them by performing good works for those in need.
Over the nearly 10 years that I've known Paul, I know that he cares. He has overseen efforts to foster interfaith and interchurch dialogue by serving at the head of the West Fresno Ministerial Alliance because he knows that our faith communities have much more in common than whatever divides them.
I'm proud to call Pastor Binion my friend and thank him for his wise words this morning.
Paul, thank you for joining us today to remind us that service, the service that we all involve ourselves with daily on behalf of our constituents, is the highest calling, and must remain the center of our work.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Our Father and Strong God, for this day, and the privileges and opportunities it brings, we say thank You.
May this day not be typical or ordinary in any way, but one that will long be remembered because of what shall transpire in this House: decisions settled, issues resolved, progress made, partisanship minimized, and personal agendas set aside for the good of our constituency.
God, we acknowledge our need of You and Your wisdom and guidance.
Keep us mindful that we serve a people, community, and world that is looking and depending on us to do always what is best for them.
And may we live always cognizant of what You expect from us today, and that is, to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory