[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 135 (Thursday, October 2, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING PASTOR AMOS G. JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 1997

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise before you 
today to recognize the achievements of Pastor Amos G. Johnson of 
Pontiac, MI. On Saturday, October 4, the congregation of Pontiac's New 
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church will honor Pastor Johnson for 40 years 
of dedicated service to the community in the name of the Lord.
  I wish the circumstances that brought Pastor Johnson to Pontiac from 
Clinton, MS in 1957 had been more pleasant. Even degrees from Jackson 
State College and American Baptist Theological Seminary could not 
protect him from persecution and harassment based on the color of his 
skin. Following a divine voice, Pastor Johnson left Mississippi for 
Michigan, and 2 weeks later became the head of New Bethel Missionary 
Baptist Church. In those 40 years, the New Bethel congregation has 
grown from 50 to more than 1,500 under Pastor Johnson's leadership. The 
church has moved from their original building to a beautiful new 
facility directly across the street. The original church still stands 
as the New Bethel Outreach Ministry-Shelter for the homeless, servicing 
161 families and 288 children.
  Pastor Johnson's time with the ministry has allowed him to develop a 
strong support network that extends outside the church. The pastor has 
been affiliated with and has held leadership positions in groups such 
as the Greater Pontiac District Association, Wolverine State Congress, 
Oakland County Ministerial Fellowship, and the National Baptist 
Congress of Christian Education, to name a few. He has also been 
honored with an honorary degree from the Urban Bible Institute in 
Detroit.
  Pastor Johnson's deeds in the name of the Lord are just as remarkable 
as his deeds on behalf of the Pontiac community. In addition to the 
Outreach Center, he has served as chaplain at North Oakland Medical 
Center in Pontiac, and has worked tirelessly to aid those struggling 
with substance abuse. Counting strong relationships with young people 
as a major accomplishment, Pastor Johnson can often be found working 
with student and teachers in the Pontiac School District.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask you and my fellow 
Members of the 105th Congress to join me in saluting Pastor Amos 
Johnson. I also ask that you acknowledge the contributions made by 
Marjorie, his wonderful wife of 49 years, who has been with him every 
step of the way. Self evident in their lifelong commitment to enhancing 
the dignity and nurturing the spirits of all people. Our community is a 
much better place because of Pastor and Mrs. Amos Johnson.

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