[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 88 (Monday, June 16, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING REVEREND SAMUEL JOEL ESPINOZA TREVINO UPON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 16, 2003

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virgina. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to pay tribute to Reverend Samuel Joel Espinoza Trevino 
upon his retirement from St. Stephens Church after over forty years of 
dedicated service to the Christian community.
  Reverend Samuel Joel Espinoza Trevino was born in Monterrey, Mexico 
to a family of deeply religious convictions. His father, Reverend 
Edelmiro J. Espinoza served both the Monterrey pastorate in the Mexican 
Methodist Church and later the Holy Trinity Church of downtown Mexico 
City. His father was also responsible for establishing the Instituto 
Evangelistico de Mexico as a school for pastors of all denominations 
devoted to serving both the church and the Christian community.
  Reverend Espinoza studied ministry at Vennard College in Iowa where 
he learned English and familiarized himself with American culture. Upon 
completing his ministry, the Reverend returned to Mexico City as a 
teacher and an adrainistrator of his father's ``Instituto.'' 
Additionally, he worked with a Christian literature ministry at the 
Cruzada Mexicana en Cada Hogar, while he also traveled Mexico preaching 
and teaching in churches for special campaigns and courses.
  In 1969, Reverend Espinoza and his wife moved to Harrisonburg, 
Virginia where the Reverend completed his Master's degree of Divinity 
from Eastern Mennonite Seminary while he simultaneously served as an 
assistant pastor at Waynesboro U.M. and Otterbein U.M.
  By 1993, Reverend Espinoza and his wife had come to St. Stephens 
Church, which he has continued to serve over the years. Rev. Espinoza's 
tenure here has been characterized by a number of reforms and 
progressive programs that have served to revolutionize the religious 
agenda at St. Stephens. The Reverend is responsible for the inception 
of a Children's Church program. Furthermore, he has started a Disciple 
Bible Study and expanded the St. Stephens' Sunday School programs. 
Finally, he both envisioned and completed the construction of a new 
Sanctuary, which includes facilities devoted to fellowship and 
educational activities.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I wish the very best to Reverend Espinoza as 
he is recognized for his years of service to the Christian community. 
During his many years of service, he certainly has earned the respect 
and gratitude of hundreds of parishioners, and I call upon all of my 
colleagues to join me in applauding his career of good works.

                          ____________________