[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 28 (Wednesday, March 13, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO REVEREND JESSIE D. JONES AND NEW ISRAEL BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 13, 2002

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, the New Israel Baptist Church has a noble 
mission: to preach the Good News, teach divine truth and heal life by 
the power of God. A lifelong leader and devoted pastor, Reverend Jessie 
D. Jones has truly demonstrated his commitment to advancing this 
mission across southeastern Michigan, as pastor of the New Israel 
Baptist Church. Today, as the members and friends of Rev. Jones 
gathered to celebrate his birthday, they paid tribute to his 
outstanding years of activism, leadership, and faith.
  Born in the late 1930's in Arkansas, Rev. Jones was the youngest of 
eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Jones. Confessing Christ at 
the age of fourteen at the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Dumas, 
Arkansas, Rev. Jones went on to serve in the United States Army for two 
years after completing his education. Accepting his calling into the 
ministry at Burnette Baptist Church, he was licensed and ordained under 
the guidance of Dr. J. Allen Caldwell. After completing two years of 
Bible college at Tysdale University, Rev. Jones's drive for faith led 
him to receive his doctrine degree of Divinity at the Detroit 
International School of Ministry.
  Pastor and founder of the New Israel Baptist Church in Detroit, Rev. 
Jones has dedicated over 15 years to his vision for New Israel. 
Beginning in a one room store front on West Eight Mile Road in May of 
1984, three years of visualizing, praying, and preaching led Rev. Jones 
and his congregation to their beautiful location on Puritan St. in 
Detroit, where they have flourished in faith and service for the last 
15 years. Leading three hundred and twelve souls to Christ, including 
three preachers, Pastor Jones has shown a special dedication to leading 
the effort to make a positive difference in the lives of others. 
Demonstrating unwavering support and commitment to his belief in 
community as well, Rev. Jones has been an active force in his city. 
Serving as the President of the Clergy United for Today and Tomorrow as 
well as first Vice-Moderator for the Southern District Association, 
Pastor Jones has maintained a solid commitment to promoting leadership 
and activism within the community. His distinguished service and 
remarkable dedication to improving the lives of people through faith 
will assuredly continue to serve as an excellent example to communities 
everywhere.
  I applaud Reverend Jessie Jones for his leadership, commitment, and 
service, and urge my colleagues to join me in saluting him for his 
exemplary years of faith and service.

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