[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 131 (Tuesday, October 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MR. RAUL RIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY G. MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2002

  Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure 
that I rise to honor Mr. Raul Ries, Senior Pastor at Calvary Chapel 
Golden Springs in Diamond Bar, CA. During the past 30 years of 
ministry, Pastor Ries has touched the lives of many. His story is 
extraordinary; Pastor Ries beat astounding odds and has since shared 
his incredible story and love of God to tens of thousands of people 
throughout the United States.
  Pastor Ries grew up watching the brutal abuses of his alcoholic 
father. As he became a young man, the behaviors he vehemently despised 
as a child became his own. After periods of violence and many 
altercations, he was given the ``option'' to go to Jail, or to join the 
United States Marine Corps. Pastor Ries, an eighth degree black belt in 
the martial art of Kung Fu San Soo, headed towards Vietnam for a 
special combat role with the Bounty Hunters, a very aggressive Marine 
battalion. He received two Purple Hearts for his acts of valor in 
combat, but after witnessing the deaths of his close friends and fellow 
Marines, his anger towards the world turned into fury.
  A few years after his discharge from the Marine Corps, Pastor Ries 
hit rock bottom. Although he owned a successful Martial Arts studio and 
was married with several children, his anger reigned supreme. He came 
home one evening to find his wife's bags packed; after enduring four 
years of abuse, she was leaving. Pastor Ries loaded a gun and waited 
for his family to arrive, intending to put an end to their lives. It 
was then that he turned on the television to see Pastor Chuck Smith 
talking about the love of Christ. He fell to his knees and prayed, 
knowing this was the only way his life could change. At this point, the 
multitude of anger and hate he felt disappeared, and Pastor Ries found 
peace.
  Now, thirty years later, Pastor Ries oversees a congregation of over 
12,000 people. He is heard daily on the thirty minute syndicated radio 
program, Somebody Loves You. His Somebody Loves You Ministries reach 
out to people of all ages, but special emphasis are placed on reaching 
inner-city youth, gang members, and troubled teens. He also serves as 
an evangelist for the Somebody Loves You Crusades, events that combine 
non-traditional Christian music with a straightforward gospel message 
telling all about the love of Jesus Christ.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House please join me in honoring and 
commending Pastor Raul Ries for his 30 years of ministry, as he has 
exhibited selflessness, service, and devotion to the community, so 
others may experience the great things God has done.

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