[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 7, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S3601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   TRIBUTE TO THE REVEREND NEAL JONES

  Mr. COATS. Mr. President, I would like to use this opportunity to 
provide a statement of appreciation for Rev. Neal Jones, who has 
volunteered this week to open our Senate sessions with prayer.
  Mr. President, Reverend Jones has faithfully served for the last 26 
years as the pastor of Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church, VA. 
During this time of esteemed service, Reverend Jones has displayed the 
personal, professional and spiritual characteristics that distinguish 
him for the important role of opening the Senate's day with prayer.
  Reverend Jones has a heart devoted to God, as evidenced by his love 
of people and concern for others. Of special note relating to his 
duties in the Senate, Reverend Jones has a broad doctrinal 
understanding of various religious traditions, and, while firm in his 
convictions, he has maintained an attitude of grace toward differences 
of opinion.
  Pastor Jones has a warm and winsome manner allowing him to pastor to 
all types of persons without regard to their status. He has a truly 
special gift for pastoral ministry and encouragement.
  Mr. President, these personal, professional and spiritual traits are 
revealed through Reverend Jones' dedicated work in the community. Under 
the leadership of Pastor Jones, Columbia Baptist has grown into a 
dynamic church ministering to a changing community in extraordinary 
ways. The church has a vibrant Korean and Hispanic ministry, a model 
child-care program of low-income families and single mothers, a major 
food, clothing, and medical program for a sister church in Moscow, and 
many other community outreach programs.
  In addition to providing leadership and guidance for these ministry 
activities, Reverend Jones serves on the Executive Board of Prison 
Fellowship; he is a member of the Baylor University Board of Regents; 
and he has served on the Foreign Mission Board and is past president of 
the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Reverend Jones also has 
shared his ministry in Japan, Africa, and Russia.
  Mr. President, as I am sure my colleagues have noticed this week, the 
Reverend Jones has an extraordinary gift of prayer. One prominent 
national Christian leader told me, ``Neal's prayers would rank with 
those of Peter Marshall,'' who is, perhaps, the best known of all past 
Senate chaplains.
  Mr. President, the U.S. Senate has been truly blessed by the efforts 
of Rev. Neal Jones, and I am honored to have this opportunity to 
recognize and commend him for his service to us this week.
  I yield the floor.
  

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