[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 116 (Thursday, July 31, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S10609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO DR. BILL BRIGHT

 Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, in this country of unique 
opportunity and personal liberty, there are people who use their 
talents and abilities to help others. Many of these men and women go 
unnoticed or unappreciated in spite of their many selfless deeds.
  I rise to honor a native Oklahoman who not only rose to the challenge 
of God's calling in his life, but was one of the greatest visionaries 
and faithful servants of our time.
  Dr. Bill Bright, a native of Coweta, Oklahoma, experienced something 
that, to many of us seems surreal: he was educated in a one-room 
schoolhouse for over 9 years! He graduated from Oklahoma's Northeastern 
State University in 1944, where he was known for his keen academic 
rigor and ability.
  Bill married his high school sweetheart, the former Vonetta Zachary, 
and moved to southern California to begin a successful confections 
company. Although he could have made a fortune with his small but 
promising empire, Bill knew that he was called to a higher purpose.
  Bill Bright answered that call when he found Campus Crusade for 
Christ. Known to many for his vigorous passion for spreading the 
Gospel, it is not difficult to understand why he achieved such 
international popularity. Today, Campus Crusades for Christ has over 
26,000 employees and over 225,000 volunteers spanning 191 countries. 
His movie, JESUS, a documentary on the life of Jesus Christ, has been 
viewed by 5.1 billion people, which is roughly 5/6 of the present world 
population.
  Although these are undeniable great accomplishments, a true leader 
demonstrates by example. And that is Bill Bright. In 1996, Bill was 
presented with the prestigious Templeton Prize for Progress in 
Religion, for his work with fasting and prayer. Worth more than 1 
million dollars, Bill gave every penny of it to organizations that 
helped him to win that award--those promoting spiritual benefits of 
fasting and prayer.
  My friend Bill Bright demonstrated the qualities of a true spiritual 
American leader. Considering his roots and his achievements, I venture 
to say Dr. Bill Bright is the evangelical Horatio Alger story of the 
last half-century.
  Those of us who have been touched by this wonderful man will 
certainly miss him, but one thing is for sure--Bill Bright's vision and 
legacy will live on. He has made a positive difference for our state 
and country and I am certain helped countless individuals find eternal 
happiness.

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