[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 207 (Wednesday, January 2, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING REV. DR. KEITH ELIJAH THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 2, 2019

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I want to honor a dear friend who has made 
such a remarkable impact in our community for more than 40 years, 
Reverend Dr. Keith Elijah Thompson of Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle 
Word of Faith Ministries.
  Many have referred to Rev. Thompson as the ``Man in the Community'' 
due to his four decades of service to the northeast Bronx. After a 
successful career as an entrepreneur, he answered the call from God and 
entered full-time ministry in 1980. From the inception of the ministry, 
Rev. Thompson integrated a holistic approach, giving special attention 
to the Tripartite nature of human beings to establish communication 
beyond the confines of church. Starting out as a simple storefront, 
Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle World grew by leaps and bounds. In 1993 
the Church moved locations to accommodate the growing congregation. Now 
located on Burke Avenue, the church began to expand further into the 
community through a series of outreach programs including GED and 
college prep courses, in addition to Missions and radio outreach.
  Rev. Thompson was also instrumental in spearheading several other 
high-profile community initiatives and groups, including the Clergy 
Coalition of the 47th Precinct and the White Plains Road/Burke Avenue 
Merchant Association. He also served as Dean of El Shaddai Christian 
School, Vice President of the 49th Precinct Clergy Council, member of 
the 47th Precinct Community Council, and has been active with Bronx 
Community Board 12 and the Williamsbridge and Bronx branches of the 
NAACP. As Chancellor of the Bronx Resource Community Center, which he 
helped form, Rev. Thompson oversaw a facility that provided high school 
equivalency diplomas, job training, and basic computer training to the 
community.
  In October 2014 Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle World moved once 
again to accommodate growing membership. The move has allowed Rev. 
Thompson to further expand services, which now include Back to School 
Festivals and clothing donation distribution.
  Rev. Thompson has accomplished so much for his congregants and for 
the entire northeast Bronx community as a whole. This year, Bronx 
Miracle Gospel Tabernacle World is celebrating his 38th Pastoral 
Anniversary. On this wonderful occasion, I want to congratulate Rev. 
Thompson and thank him for the wonderful work he and his ministries 
continue to do.

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