[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 87 (Tuesday, June 18, 2013)]
[House]
[Pages H3698-H3699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1220
         HONORING THE HARDING FAMILY FOR THEIR MISSIONARY WORK

  (Mr. PITTENGER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great honor to pay 
respect to Bill Harding and his family, who have served for the last 60 
years as missionaries in Ethiopia. In our increasingly self-serving 
society, their sacrifice on behalf of others is truly remarkable.

[[Page H3699]]

  Bill Harding left Charlotte in 1954 with his pregnant wife and three 
boys under the age of 3 and moved to Ethiopia, where he trained pastors 
and worked with local churches. He loved the people of Ethiopia 
sacrificially, even enduring house arrest during the Communist 
revolution.
  Since that time, one son, Bill IV, has managed 500 projects, bringing 
clean water to over 300 villages. Son David runs a separate nonprofit, 
also providing clean water to thirsty villagers. Son Joe works with 
American churches to provide desperately needed resources to a major 
youth development program in Ethiopia. Bill's grandson and 
granddaughter live in Africa, working for nonprofits and continuing the 
legacy.
  Mr. Speaker, their ministry has impacted millions of people as they 
have honored the Lord with their lives. Thanks, Bill and your wonderful 
family, for all that you've done. God bless you.

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