[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 8 (Thursday, January 12, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E55]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                        RECOGNIZING STEVE SPEAR

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                          HON. PETER J. ROSKAM

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 12, 2017

  Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to recognize 
Steve Spear of Carol Stream, Illinois, for his outstanding display of 
service for those in need.
   On December 31st, Steve completed his annual Reflection Run to raise 
money for clean water in Africa through Team World Vision. Each year, 
Steve celebrates his New Year's Eve birthday by running a kilometer for 
each year of his life, and is now up to 53, or 32.9 miles. On his most 
recent Reflection Run, Steve was joined by 25 other runners and their 
goal was to raise $10,000, enough to bring clean water to 200 people.
   In 2013, Steve left his pastoral position at Willow Creek Community 
Church to take on an unbelievable task. He ran from Los Angeles to New 
York, 35 miles a day, 5 days a week, for 5 months, and raised $500,000. 
The two days per week he was not running, he was addressing 
congregations across the country about the importance of following God 
and looking out for our fellow man. His Reflection Run teammate, Alex 
Schorr described his passion for helping others best, saying, 
``Everything Steve does is incredible and inspirational, everything 
from the Reflection Runs to running across the country. It's never 
about him. It's always about those he's running on behalf of.''
   Steve has demonstrated exceptional charity and service, and I am 
proud to represent him. He is a leader and role model for all 
Americans. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending Steve Spear for 
his extraordinary commitment to those around the world who need our 
help the most.

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