[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    A TRIBUTE IN REMEMBRANCE OF REVEREND DOCTOR PASTOR LAURENT LOUIS

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2009

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Reverend 
Doctor Pastor Laurent Louis, a man dedicated to serving God, his family 
and the community.
  Pastor Laurent Louis was born on February 12, 1956 in Port-au-Prince, 
Haiti. He attended Lycee Petion a school that stressed duty, 
responsibility and serving others. In June 1978, he graduated high 
school and studied theology at the International Seminary of 
California. He is a caring father, loving husband, devoted pastor and a 
committed community leader.
  At the age of 15, Pastor Louis began serving his church and the 
community with great respect and responsibility. He taught Sunday 
school and led the youth to a spiritual and disciplined life while 
devoting time and energy to his community. People in his community 
elected him to be the General Secretary of the soccer teams of the 
Croix Des Bouquets. He later became a sports broadcaster and an 
impartial referee in his sportive career. He knew health and sports can 
lead to good academics and a successful life.
  Pastor Louis came to New York City in January of 1981 and soon fell 
in love with the Big Apple. He saw the need for his community to 
organize spiritually, and he immediately joined Emmanuel Baptist 
Church. It did not take his pastor long to discover Pastor Louis' 
leadership and appointed him assistant pastor, youth president and 
leader of the missionary. He accomplished his mission so well that when 
there was a need for a station church at Coney Island, Pastor Louis was 
selected to take on the task; within a few months there were 40 
members.
  Pastor Laurent Louis also founded an academic club to have students 
help one another. He understood how to bring good people together from 
the community to help in this endeavor. This club saved many young 
students and 95 percent succeeded academically. With good will and the 
help of good people, Pastor Louis was able to accomplish so much for 
his community.
  Pastor Louis has been happily married for 25 years, and enjoyed a 
successful life with his wife Marie Mireille Louis and their six 
children. His first daughter Deborah, his sons Nathanael and Benjamin 
are attending college. His daughters Eltamar and Jessica are in high 
school and Johanna is in elementary school.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor 
Laurent Louis.

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