[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 120 (Wednesday, September 15, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING REVEREND AMOS G. JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 1999

  Mr. Kildee. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise before you today on 
behalf of the congregation of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in 
Pontiac, Michigan. On Friday, September 17, the New Bethel family will 
gather to honor Reverend Amos G. Johnson for 42 years of dedicated 
service to the community in the name of the Lord.
  Born in Mississippi, Reverend Amos Johnson was heavily influenced by 
his mother, whom he helped around the house as a young man, and his 
father, the Reverend Robert Johnson. In 1944, Mr. Johnson was called up 
to serve his country in the United States Army. It was there that he 
received his calling. The following year, Reverend Johnson enrolled in 
American Baptist Theological Seminary, receiving his theology degree as 
well as a Bachelor of Arts degree from Jackson State College.
  In 1957, Reverend Johnson left Mississippi for Michigan, and weeks 
later became the head of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. In those 
42 years, the New Bethel congregation has grown from 50 to nearly 2,000 
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 remains, in its new role as the New 
Bethel Outreach Ministry-Shelter for the homeless, servicing 161 
families and 288 children.
  Reverend 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.
  Reverend Johnson's deeds in the name of the Lord are as remarkable as 
his deeds on behalf of God's children in 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, Reverend Johnson can often 
be found working with students and teachers in the Pontiac School 
District. Many public officials can be found seeking Reverend Johnson's 
guidance on pressing matters and issues.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask you and my fellow 
Members of the 106th Congress to join me in saluting Reverend 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, as well as their two children. Self evident is their 
lifelong commitment to enhancing the dignity and nurturing the spirits 
of all people. Our community is a much better place because of the 
Johnsons.

                          ____________________