[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 155 (Friday, November 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING REVEREND M. KEITH COOKSEY AND TRUE VINE BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 5, 1997

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Rev. M. Keith 
Cooksey on his installment as pastor of the True Vine Baptist Church of 
Houston. Reverend Cooksey will add to True Vine's great tradition of 
impassioned sermons and providing spiritual nourishment and community 
service.
  Born and raised in Houston, Reverend Cooksey attended Isaac 
Elementary, Fleming Junior High, and Kashmere High School in Houston 
before graduating from Texas Southern University in 1986. He is 
currently pursuing his masters in education from TSU.
  Reverend Cooksey began his ministry in 1992. He delivered his first 
sermon at St. Matthew Baptist Church in Houston in 1993. He joins the 
True Vine Baptist Church after being ordained while serving as Minister 
of Christian Education for First Baptist Church Greens Bayou. He has 
attended Southwestern Extension Seminary and College of Biblical 
Studies, and plans to pursue his Master of Divinity in 1998 from 
Southwestern Theological Seminary of Houston.
  Reverend Cooksey joins a wonderful family at True Vine Baptist 
Church, which is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of our 
community. For years True Vine has drawn parishioners from across the 
State with its inspired sermons, and now is also recognized for its 
leadership to young people. The pastors and parishioners of True Vine 
Baptist know that it is not enough just to tell young people to feel 
better about themselves. To build a sense of self-worth and a 
commitment to service, opportunities, and activities must be available 
to our young people.
  Pastors Jesse Johnson, Jr., and Harry Jackson know that simple 
instruction and guidance from the church can make a huge difference in 
young people's lives. Pastor Johnson likes to tell of a story about a 
young boy who wanted to become a doctor, but was not showing the 
discipline and drive needed to fulfill that dream. Johnson told the 
young boy that only by possessing focus and a sense of purpose can one 
succeed in life. Reverend Cooksey will now add to that legacy by 
designing and implementing programs to enhance the education and 
spiritual needs of the young people of our community.
  The congregation of True Vine Baptist Church are building a better 
future for Houston by instilling a sense of purpose and duty to the 
community. Reverend Cooksey will only add to a church dedicated to 
building a congregation of good citizens, one member at a time.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Reverend Cooksey as he joins the True 
Vine Baptist Church family. I wish him continued success in providing 
vital leadership and spiritual guidance to all in our community.

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