[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 127 (Monday, September 27, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO REVEREND ROBERT NELSON, JR.

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                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 27, 1999

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who 
during his 19 years, has made many outstanding contributions to his 
community, Reverend Robert Nelson, Jr. Reverend Nelson, Jr. has served 
as pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church West Memphis, Arkansas for 19 years. 
Through his ministry at Bethel, he has been able to establish the 
Bethel Christian Outreach Center which aides the people of the 
community with substance abuse problems. He also administers the Bethel 
Learning Academy, a childcare facility setup to target high school drop 
outs, low to moderate income families and children with special needs.
  Along with his work for the church and the community, Reverend 
Nelson, Jr. also served his country. He is a three year army veteran 
who courageously fought in the Vietnam War. When he returned home from 
his service in Vietnam, he helped establish the Crosstown Fellowship in 
Crittenden County which holds services in the community every second 
Sunday. This ministry has helped several hundred families with housing 
and utilities expenses.
  Reverend Robert Nelson, Jr. is the recipient of several awards such 
as the Arkansas Certificate of Merit for his outstanding service to the 
people of Arkansas while serving on the Governor's Arkansas Highway 
Safety Advisory Council. He has received several awards of appreciation 
from President Bill Clinton, Mayor Al Boals of West Memphis, the 
General Assembly, former Governor Guy Tucker, the NAACP and others.
  Reverend Nelson is also a family man, who cherishes his family 
including his wife Mrs. Rita Wilson; four children, Marty Green, Ryan 
Nelson, Rashunda Nelson and Rachel Nelson; and two granddaughters, 
Renea Nelson and Raylyn Nelson.
  When I think of someone we all should strive to be like, I think of 
Reverend Nelson. Through all his hard work for his country and his 
community and all the awards he has received, Reverend Nelson continues 
to be a wonderful, down to earth man who takes pride in his love of 
people and his love of God.

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