[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 50 (Wednesday, March 22, 2017)]
[House]
[Page H2299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        WELCOMING DR. TOM SMILEY

  The SPEAKER. Without objection, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. 
Collins) is recognized for 1 minute.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. 
Tom Smiley, whose compassion and character have made him a true leader 
in Gainesville and northeast Georgia.
  Dr. Smiley grew up in Gumbranch, Georgia, where he received his call 
to preach. After graduating from Blue Mountain College in Mississippi, 
Pastor Tom attended Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and 
Columbia Theological Seminary, where he obtained his doctorate in 
ministry, with an emphasis on marriage and family ministry.
  As senior pastor of Lakewood Baptist Church, Dr. Smiley has led the 
congregation--including my own family--for over 25 years. The vision 
for Lakewood is to be a regional church that raises up fully devoted 
followers of Christ who are trained and equipped to love and reach lost 
people, locally and globally.
  In addition to his work at church, Pastor Tom has established himself 
as a successful writer, authoring three books: ``Runaway Lives,'' 
``Angels All Around,'' and ``Uncommon Common Sense.''
  Dr. Smiley is engaged with the Gainesville community at every level, 
and our neighbors have enjoyed his contributions as a Little League 
baseball and basketball coach, as well as the work that he does at the 
community YMCA branch.
  Dr. Smiley is my pastor and friend, and in every aspect of his life, 
he leads with grace and devotion. I am proud to welcome him here to our 
Nation's Capitol in Washington, D.C.

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