[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 147 (Wednesday, September 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING PASTOR JIM GAINES OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH DAWSONVILLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2018

  Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor 
Jim Gaines of the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville. After 20 years 
of ministry, Pastor Gaines retired this August, making him the church's 
longest-serving shepherd.
  Prior to working at First Baptist Dawsonville, Pastor Gaines served 
as the executive director of missions for the Georgia Baptist 
Convention. An avid student, Pastor Gaines holds two bachelor's 
degrees, a master's degree, and a Ph.D. from the Southern Baptist 
Theological Seminary.
  When Pastor Gaines arrived at First Baptist Dawsonville in 1998, the 
congregation welcomed 40 men and women through their doors each Sunday. 
Since then, the congregation has grown to include 500 dedicated 
members.
  Pastor Gaines coordinated several church-wide mission trips to Alaska 
and Africa, giving members of the community a chance to step out of our 
corner of Georgia to meet and serve others.
  Pastor Gaines has made a tremendous impact in the Dawsonville 
community. The congregation of First Baptist Dawsonville will miss his 
warm guidance, and I hope his next season is full of peace and joy.

                          ____________________