[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E63]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO REVEREND ROBERT W. RAWLS

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 10, 2007

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Reverend Robert 
W. Rawls who is honored by the clergy and congregation of Vernon Chapel 
African Methodist Episcopal Church on Sunday, January 14 in my hometown 
of Flint, MI.
  Reverend Rawls began his life of Christian service at Vernon Chapel. 
His parents, Johnny and Corrie Rawls were two of Vernon Chapel's 
founding members. They instilled in their son love for Our Lord and a 
desire to serve him. Reverend Rawls began his life of service as a 
Sunday School teacher, a member of the choir and a member of the 
Steward Board. He also served as the Superintendent of the Sunday 
School.
  In 1976 he answered God's call to the ministry. Two years later he 
organized a Mission located at North and Gillespie Streets. He went 
street by street for 40 blocks talking to people and inviting them to 
come and worship. The first service was held on June 19, 1978. One 
person joined his congregation and his wife, Estelle, provided the 
music.
  Continuing to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, the Mission grew 
and the congregation was able to purchase the building. The Presiding 
Elder, Martin L. Sims, authorized Reverend Reuben Russell to organize 
the Mission into a Church in 1980 and Bethel African Methodist 
Episcopal Church was admitted into the Annual Conference. Reverend 
Rawls drew on his faith in God to continue working to bring people to 
Jesus Christ. Year after year, he held nightly street services from 
July through September. He worked to improve the Church and in 1996 
completed the conversion of the former storefront to a Church edifice. 
For 22 years he served faithfully as a minister and pastor, retiring in 
2002.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and 
applaud the life and work of Reverend Robert W. Rawls as his family and 
friends at Vernon Chapel embrace him. He has devoted his life to doing 
God's work and the Flint community is a better place because of his 
compassion, commitment, and actions. I wish him the best as he enjoys 
his retirement.

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