[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 124 (Thursday, September 19, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H5664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     WELCOMING BISHOP J.W. MACKLIN

  The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from California is 
recognized for 1 minute.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, with this House at this 
moment considering such important issues for the American people, there 
is no better person I know than Bishop Jerry Macklin to deliver this 
afternoon's opening prayer. Bishop Macklin's words are inspiring. His 
call for national unity and wisdom during these trying times is 
appropriate.
  Bishop Macklin knows a thing or two about trying times. He founded 
the Glad Tidings Church in Hayward, California, in 1978. With a big 
heart of compassion and a deep devotion to the Lord, Bishop Macklin 
turned a neighborhood overrun by drugs and crime into a community of 
faith. Today, Glad Tidings Church has over 1,500 members. Under Bishop 
Macklin's leadership, the church is not just a place to worship but a 
center point for care for the community, providing food, affordable 
housing, and health care to the most in need among us.
  Just 2 weeks ago, Bishop Macklin opened his church's doors to host an 
Affordable Care Act forum to help educate my constituents. As the 
regional Health and Human Services director was explaining to the 
attendees where they could sign up, I saw firsthand Bishop Macklin's 
commitment to serve the community. He leaned over to me and said, Eric, 
our church needs to be at the center of signing people up. And by the 
time the regional director had finished addressing the attendees, 
Bishop Macklin had already texted and emailed about a dozen people to 
make sure that happened.
  Thank you, Bishop Macklin, for asking God to watch over this House 
and for your work to watch over our community.

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