[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 11 (Friday, January 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TO RECOGNIZE ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 17, 2014

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Antioch Baptist Church 
on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary and to commend the Church for 
its continued commitment to our community.
   Founding Pastor John Q. Gibbs prayed with a small group of four 
others for more than one year while planning the Church, seeking 
guidance and strength from the Almighty. The first worship service was 
held at the Salvation Army Chapel on January 8, 1989, and three people 
came forward to be baptized during this inaugural service. From these 
humble beginnings, under the leadership of Pastor Gibbs, the 
congregation and ministries of Antioch Baptist Church grew and the 
first sanctuary was built.
   After the passing of Pastor Gibbs in 1995, the Reverend Marshal 
Ausberry, Sr. was selected to lead the congregation. The Church has 
continued to grow, serving as a warm, loving, and welcoming spiritual 
home. The Church has expanded its reach into the community through 
multiple ministries that reflect diverse and compelling needs. Thanks 
to strong support from its members, Antioch is able to offer services 
for Nursery, Children and Youth Ministries, as well as Christian 
Education, Family Life, and Discipleship Ministries to promote a 
Christian life. The Church has also become a contributing partner to 
local homeless prevention efforts, and it has programs to provide 
outreach to the sick and elderly as well as to those who are 
incarcerated. Antioch Baptist Church also partners with the Fairfax 
County Government in foster care and adoption efforts, and I was 
honored to nominate Antioch Baptist Church as the 11th Congressional 
District's 2011 Angel in Adoption in recognition of its tremendous work 
for children in need. The congregation's generous ministry activities 
extend well beyond the community to reach those in need in faraway 
places such as Zimbabwe, Brazil, and Haiti, where it provides aid, 
comfort, and religious support.
   Throughout the years, Antioch Baptist Church has become an integral 
part of Fairfax County through its foundation in faith and its 
commitment to the community. Thanks to its steadfast leadership under 
Pastors Gibbs and Ausberry and the dedication of its congregation, 
Antioch Baptist Church is leading by example, strengthening our 
community by working together and helping our neighbors in need.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Antioch 
Baptist Church for its dedication and commitment to its Christian 
values and in wishing them continued success in the next 25 years and 
beyond.

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