[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF 20 YEARS OF SERVICE BY PASTOR BERNARD YATES TO THE 
                   ZION HOPE PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 26, 2005

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to 
rise today to extend my congratulations to Pastor Bernard Yates for 
having served as the pastor to the Zion Hope Baptist Church in my 
district for 20 years.
  Since 1985, Pastor Yates has led the growth of the Zion Hope 
congregation from approximately 300 to over 2,000 members, with three 
Sunday services and a major midweek service as well. Pastor Yates 
initiated the Zion Hope Centre for Training and Biblical Study, founded 
the Hope Christian Academy, and launched the Young-at-Heart ministry. 
These three ministries are just a few examples of the many ministries 
that he has helped start within the church.
  Pastor Yates is joined in much of his work by Vonda Yates, his wife 
of 23 years. Together, they have worked diligently through Bible 
studies and writing to help families live Godly lives. Vonda is known 
for her work with women's conferences as well, while Bernard is called 
upon to speak at men's conferences and retreats across the Nation.
  The selfless contributions of this man are not limited to just one 
church; Pastor Yates has also been a civic leader, dedicating time to 
the Boys and Girls Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletics, a 
special community advisory board for the county commissioners, advisory 
for the Escambia County Sheriffs Office, and the Escambia County School 
District. His wisdom is regarded just as highly at a meeting table as 
it is at the pulpit.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to 
offer my sincere congratulations to a man who could serve as a role 
model to us all. A deep sense of personal service to a congregation for 
20 years is something to truly be admired, and I am thankful for his 
dedication to the Zion Hope Primitive Baptist Church.

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