[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 4 (Friday, January 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E29-E30]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS MARTIN AND MARTHA JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE KELLY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 6, 2017

  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two 
of my constituents from Western Pennsylvania, Martin and Martha 
Johnson. The Johnson's are the founders and directors of Downtown 
Ministries INC. as well as several other groups serving under its 
umbrella including Fresh Grounds Coffeehouse, Sans MOCO Gallery, His 
Work--His Way, Keystone Bibles and Community Health Ministry.
   Created in 1994, Downtown Ministries is a charitable organization 
that serves as an avenue for Christians to connect, socialize and 
minister. Downtown Ministries strives to provide opportunity and vision 
to meet the physical and spiritual needs of our community.
   In April 2010, Downtown Ministries established the Fresh Grounds 
Coffeehouse to connect with even more people in our community and 
positively impact our community. Fresh

[[Page E30]]

Grounds Coffeehouse is the face of Downtown Ministries and has been 
designated as Greenville, Pennsylvania's latest landmark. Fresh Grounds 
Coffeehouse is not just a meeting place but, more importantly, it is a 
ministry. The main objective of Fresh Grounds Coffeehouse is to honor 
and glorify God and create a special place where God's presence is felt 
and embraced. While it's not a traditional church ministry, Fresh 
Grounds Coffeehouse creates countless opportunities for Christian 
growth and allows customers to engage one another in nurturing 
relationships, which Martin and Martha Johnson have strived for over 
the years.
   Martin Johnson had a vision, which ultimately became a reality, with 
the help of countless friends, volunteers, local businesses and 
churches. The unwavering dedication exhibited by Martin and Martha 
Johnson, as well as all volunteers involved, is heartwarming and speaks 
volumes about the giving spirit of the Greenville community.
   As a unique ministry, the main focus of Downtown Ministries, and all 
groups that fall under its organizational umbrella, is to bring 
individuals to come to believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and 
Savior. In serving God, the community, and all those in need of God's 
Grace, Martin and Martha Johnson are inspirations to us all. Their 
compassion and generosity have clearly influenced the lives of so many 
and will continue to do so for years to come. Therefore, on behalf of 
the Third Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I want to express my 
sincere gratitude and appreciation of Martin and Martha Johnson, they 
are true Community Champions.

                          ____________________