[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 3, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE SOUTHAMPTON FULL GOSPEL CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 3, 1997

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today before my colleagues in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to pay tribute to the Southampton Full 
Gospel Church, in Southampton, Long Island, whose congregants will 
celebrate the 25th anniversary of the church's founding this week.
  Since 1972, the Southampton Full Gospel Church and its members have 
been vital and active participants in the community life of Southampton 
Town and throughout the East End of Long Island. Since being installed 
as pastor in May of 1973, Rev. Donald Havrilla and his wife Eileen have 
successfully worked to create a ministry that has brought to life the 
love and saving grace of God through the healing work of church 
members.
  Knowing that to save men's and women's souls, often we must first 
save their bodies, church members have faithfully tended to their 
neighbors' physical needs. The life-saving ministries founded by the 
Southampton Full Gospel Church include a Christian Education program, 
Bible-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, and pro-life 
efforts to end the abortion. Also, by working with local school 
officials, church members have assured that traditional family values 
are recognized in local public schools. Through their work, church 
members have come to personify the Gospel message by joyfully tending 
to the Lord's flock.
  Reaching beyond their own community, in 1981 the Southampton Full 
Gospel Church established a mission in the town of Leogane, Haiti. 
Nurturing an effort that began by feeding 25 impoverished children, the 
mission work has grown to feed 1,000 malnourished children a day and 
employ 55 residents of this poor Haitian community. At the 3-acre 
church and education mission, another 850 children have their minds and 
bodies nourished at the K-8 school, while 80 mothers and their children 
are given medical care at the Momto program.
  For the past 25 years, members of the Southampton Full Gospel Church 
have devoted their time, talents, and resources to provide physical and 
spiritual sustenance to their fellow man. In so doing, they have 
brought the Gospel message to life for all of us on Long Island who are 
privileged to witness their efforts. May God continue to bless us all 
with the works of the Southampton Full Gospel Church.

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