[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 95 (Thursday, June 6, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E725-E726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF STEVE AND BECKY RIGGLE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 2019

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of 
Steve and Becky Riggle's 50th wedding anniversary. Together, this 
couple has been a blessing to the Houston area. I am proud to call them 
my friends and recognize this significant milestone in their lives.
  Now a seasoned pastor, Steve first became a licensed minister in 
1969. Steve and Becky later joined Grace International Churches and 
Ministries, eventually starting a church in Livermore, California. For 
almost a decade they proudly served their church and grew the ministry 
into the largest Protestant church in the city--a truly incredible 
accomplishment.
  After years of teaching others about God's mercy, Steve and Becky 
experienced it first hand. While ministering at a remote prison in the 
Philippines in 1978, they were attacked and held hostage by four 
prisoners. The situation escalated when Steve was stabbed seven times 
and Becky was shot and stabbed multiple times along her arms. 
Miraculously, through God's grace, the couple was able to leave the 
hospital and head back to California in just 18 days after the near 
fatal assault. Becky subsequently had five major surgeries, spent nine 
months in a body cast, and nine more learning how to walk again. As 
harrowing as this event was, Steve and Becky held steadfast in their 
faith, and have since praised God for his mercy for helping them 
survive and continue to serve.
  Fortunately, for our community, the Riggle family made their way to 
the Lone Star State in 1983, where they started the Grace Community 
Church in Houston, Texas. After many years of growth, Grace Community 
Church now has four thriving campuses and is the church home to over 
17,000 devoted individuals.
  Steve currently holds the title of Founding Pastor at Grace, and 
serves as the Senior Pastor at the Grace Woodland's campus. Steve's 
service to our community does not stop at the pulpit. He also sits on 
the executive team of the Houston Area's Pastor Council, is a Board 
member of The King's University, and currently serves as the President 
of Grace International--a group of 3,500 churches with ministries in 
over 100 nations. Becky is also incredibly active in our community, and 
leads a local women's ministry and bible study. A gifted motivational 
speaker, she speaks at a variety of conferences for women, both across 
the country and internationally.

[[Page E726]]

  Steve and Becky's work has truly made our region a better place for 
the next generation. They have touched the hearts and lives of so many 
throughout the world. I believe--and I know Steve and Becky would 
agree--that their greatest accomplishment is their wonderful family, 
which includes two children, five grandchildren, and three great 
grandchildren. I am proud to join their family, colleagues, and friends 
in congratulating them on their golden anniversary. I wish Steve and 
Becky all the best and here's to many more happy years together.

                          ____________________