[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 74 (Tuesday, May 8, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING EVANGELIST DR. LENA BELL TYLER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2018

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
pillar of the community, Evangelist Dr. Lena Bell Tyler.
  Growing up in Raymond, Mississippi Lena was swayed by the teaching of 
her parents, Will and Pearl Singleton. Her Mother was very much 
involved in community activities. Lena learned very early in life, that 
if you want to make a difference in life you must be involved.
  Lena Tyler's professional occupation was in the Human Service field 
as a file clerk, in 1975 at Hinds County Public Welfare, now called 
Hinds County Department of Human Service. While working in the File 
Room, Lena would read cases involving neglect and abuse of children, 
causing the State system involvement, which motivated her to enroll in 
night school at JSU to work toward a Degree in Social Work. She retired 
as a Plans Grants Manager with the City of Jackson.
  A greater contribution to humanity was made in 1997, when Ms. Tyler 
was elected President of the Mississippi A. Philip Randolph Institute 
(APRI), becoming the first woman elected to serve in this position, 
under her leadership the Organization grew in membership and (4) four 
new Chapters were established.
  In 1980 Ms. Tyler got involved in Voter Registration, Voter Education 
Programs offered by Mississippi A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) and 
became a registered voter and quickly became involved in encouraging 
youth to get involved in the political process.
  Being actively involved in workshops and conferences taught her to 
always be in touch with the leadership that could make positive impacts 
on lives of people she served and by going the ``Extra Mile'' she 
created positive change in the lives of so many citizens throughout the 
community.
  Founder, President of New Way Proverbs Ministry since 2011, Lena 
shares the gospel at Community Stewpot, Baptist Adult Day Health 
Services in Clinton, MS., Magnolia Nursing Home, Ruth Refuge Ministry 
for Women, and through the Kairos Prison Ministry. She also provides a 
healing and comforting ministry to patients at Baptist Medical Center, 
St. Dominic's Hospital and University of Mississippi Medical Center. 
Lena's ministerial outreach activities also include visiting 
individuals at their homes. Messages are delivered with printed 
materials, pamphlets and small gifts acknowledging birthdays and 
holidays. These Ministries are supported via personal financial 
donations from family, friends and colleagues.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Evangelist 
Dr. Lena Bell Tyler for her dedication to serving others and giving 
back to the community.

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