[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 58 (Monday, April 23, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E609-E610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF DR. AND MRS. ARLIN HORTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 23, 2012

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. 
Arlin Horton and his wonderful wife Beka, who have selflessly served 
the Pensacola, Florida community for more than 60 years. Dr. Horton, 
the current President of Pensacola Christian College, and Mrs. Horton, 
who spearheaded and guided the Christian school's curriculum, are the 
co-founders of Pensacola Christian. The Northwest Florida community 
owes a great deal of gratitude to this dynamic duo for their leadership 
and vision.
  Dr. and Mrs. Horton's lives have been dedicated to bestowing upon 
students a ``truly Christian foundation, character training, and 
excellence in academics.'' Pensacola Christian provides a first-class 
education to all levels from elementary school through college. 
Pensacola Christian Academy has grown from 35 enrolled students to over 
2,000 annually, and Pensacola Christian College has graduated over 
16,600 students. Additionally, Pensacola Christian has mentored over 
37,000 children through the Camp o' Pines and since 1953, has hosted 
educational clinics for over 93,000 Christian school principals and 
teachers.
  While located in Pensacola, the institution's impact is felt by those 
all around the world today, through their textbooks and modern-day 
technology. Dr. and Mrs. Horton's textbooks A Beka Book, named to 
commemorate Beka for her role in creating the school's curriculum, will 
reach the hands of approximately 730,000 students just in this year 
alone. An additional 40,000 students will be reached through the 
virtual A Beka Academy, and today, 10,288 Christian schools and 
daycares and more than 105,000 homeschoolers study from the books 
published under the Pensacola Christian name.
  Outside of academia, Pensacola Christian runs a radio and television 
network that helps bring others to God's glory. In 1971, WPCS Christian 
radio began, and in 1996, the name changed to Rejoice Broadcasting 
Network. The station includes 39 satellite stations and through the 
Internet their message reaches a worldwide audience. Likewise, their 
television program, Rejoice in the Lord, is shown on 11 stations and 
viewed across the nation and around the world.
  Teaching the Christian way of life through love and faith in the Lord 
became its inspiration, and Dr. and Mrs. Horton brought this ministry 
to life. Through their selflessness and unwavering dedication, they 
built a strong foundation that has grown into a worldwide educational 
institution. Despite its vast success, Dr. and Mrs. Horton have always 
remained humble and attributed their successes to the Lord.
  Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to recognize the life-long career of 
Pensacola's Arlin and Beka Horton. Their dedication to bettering the 
lives of others and bringing faith to the communities of Northwest 
Florida is commendable. Through their vision, a small school has been 
transformed into a beacon for Christian education. My wife Vicki joins 
me in wishing them all of the best in their retirement.

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