[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 83 (Monday, May 15, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF PASTOR VICTORIA JAMES FOR HER SERVICE ON BEHALF OF 
                     THE WASHTENAW COUNTY COMMUNITY

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 15, 2017

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Victoria 
James of Ekklesia Fellowship Ministries in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Pastor 
James has provided spiritual guidance and support to the Ypsilanti 
community at large.
  Pastor James works with the Ekklesia Fellowship Ministries church in 
Ypsilanti, which holds religious services every Sunday and also 
participates in a variety of different community initiatives to support 
groups and individuals in need. These include the annual Back to School 
Prayer, which provides backpacks and school supplies to needy children, 
as well as an annual community Thanksgiving celebration for members of 
the congregation and surrounding areas. Additionally, Pastor James 
serves as a member of the Washtenaw Faith Leaders Forum, a countywide 
interfaith initiative that mobilizes and speaks out on behalf of 
justice and equality. She has also been an outspoken advocate of 
improved community relations with law enforcement and has worked with 
other faith leaders and law enforcement officials to address this and 
other issues. Collectively, Pastor James' actions have provided 
critical support to individuals in need throughout Washtenaw County.
  Pastor James' work has had a transformative effect on the city of 
Ypsilanti. As a lifelong resident of Ypsilanti and longtime community 
leader, she has leveraged her deep knowledge of the issues affecting 
the city and its residents to drive positive change. Ms. James' role as 
a counselor of Ekklesia Fellowship Youth, a church youth group, 
underscores her position is a respected mentor and voice for 
individuals in need. Her work with Ekklesia Fellowship Ministries has 
helped transform countless lives, and it is my hope that she continues 
to play a leading role in the Ypsilanti community in the coming years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Pastor 
Victoria James of Ekklesia Fellowship Ministries for her work on behalf 
of Washtenaw County. Pastor James has been key to the growth and 
development of Ypsilanti and the surrounding areas.

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