[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 129 (Wednesday, November 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO BISHOP-ELECT RANDALL E. HOLTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 15, 2006

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to 
Bishop-Elect Randall E. Holts on the occasion of his recent election 
and appointment as Bishop last Sunday, November 12, 2006. He is 
currently serving as the senior Pastor of the New Hope Missionary 
Baptist Church of Miami.
  Deeply devoted to his vocation, Bishop Holts has spearheaded many 
spiritual revival symposia that have enlightened the community through 
his insightful theological teachings and preaching of God's Word. 
Guided by the motto, ``Building Strong Families for the 21st Century,'' 
he has admirably paved the way for a clearer understanding and deeper 
commitment on the part of his Congregation toward the Sacred 
Scriptures.
  In 1997, he formed a leadership team that focused on the emergence of 
the ``New Hope Development Center, Inc.,'' a 501c3 non-profit 
corporation, to ensure self-sufficiency of families through economic 
empowerment to enhance the quality of life of both Church members and 
other people from surrounding neighborhoods. Indeed, it is fitting and 
proper to give praise to Almighty God for blessing this Church with the 
longevity of Bishop-Elect Holt's service to his Congregation, and to 
all those who seek comfort and solace in its Church Sanctuary.
  A native of Miami, Florida, Bishop-Elect Holts obtained his early 
education from the Miami-Dade County Public Schools and went on to get 
his Bachelor's degree in 1976 from the University of Florida's School 
of Business majoring in Banking and Finance. He worked in the banking 
profession for the next 20 years, for which he obtained praise and 
tribute from his colleagues. As he retired from his professional 
banking ventures, he committed his full-time service as Pastor of the 
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He now also serves on the Board of 
Directors for North Shore Medical Center, as well as on the Collective 
Banking Group of Miami-Dade & Vicinity, and other community-based 
organizations.
  He is married to Prophetess Sharlene Denise Holts and has been 
blessed in this Holy Matrimony for over 30 years. Three children were 
born out of this happy union--Shontel, Ericka and Randall II--along 
with two grandsons, Jaelyn and Justin. He has led his Church with a 
good mixture of old-time religion and civic responsibility that 
continues to strengthen the members, not only to become spiritual and 
moral leaders, but also responsible and conscientious guardians of good 
government and civic pride.
  Indeed, his inspiring leadership is genuinely admirable. As a servant 
of God and as a spiritual leader he has earned the community's deepest 
respect. This is the legacy with which he now guides his Church, and I 
extend to him my heartfelt congratulations.

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