[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 158 (Tuesday, October 1, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1236-E1237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING PASTOR JIM GRAFF AND TAMARA GRAFF ON FAITH FAMILY 
                       CHURCH'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MICHAEL CLOUD

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2019

  Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Jim and 
Tamara Graff for their over 30 years of serving Faith Family Church.
  Faith Family Church began with humble origins as a home Bible Study. 
In 1989--after favor and growth from the Lord--Faith Family Church 
called Pastor Jim and Tamara Graff to

[[Page E1237]]

the Pastorate with a vision to build a Luke 14 church where people 
could find help, hope, and a family. On Easter Sunday 1998, Faith 
Family Church dedicated a new sanctuary and ministry campus with a 
vision to be: ``A Church with a heart for all people'' that would ``Not 
see through people but help see people through.''
  Faith Family Church has provided Christ-centered education to equip 
people for a better life through Faith Academy, Destiny Bible 
Institute, Celebrate Recovery and hundreds of classes, workshops, and 
community small groups weekly. Their vision to encourage, empower, and 
equip overlooked churches in overlooked places has led to the 
development of the Significant Church Network. Their heart to further 
the reach of the Gospel led them to open campuses in Hallettsville and 
Gonzales, Texas.
  The people of Faith Family provide help and assistance to the 
surrounding community through efforts including: Passion Week projects, 
Backpack outreach, Toys for Tots, Sidewalk Sunday School, Adopt-a-
block, and Prison Ministry. Faith Family served as a temporary shelter 
in 2005 for those fleeing Hurricane Katrina and, in 2017, was a central 
point to coordinate relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey.
  Their commitment to underserved and unreached populations across the 
world has built 19 Bible Schools, planted 526 churches, supported 
orphanages in Guatemala, and delivered aid to other parts of the world. 
Constructed in India, The House of Psalms 1 & 2 rescues girls from sex-
trafficking, giving them an education and a new way of life.
  President George Washington acknowledged that ``religion and morality 
are indispensable supports'' of our nation. For 30 years, Pastor Jim 
has committed himself to the study and sharing of Scripture, the 
building up of believers, and the leadership, guidance, and ministry to 
the staff and people of Faith Family Church. The fruit of his labor has 
strengthened the moral fabric here in our community and in communities 
around the world.
  I would like to personally congratulate Pastors Jim and Tamara Graff 
and the people of Faith Family Church for 30 years of faithful ministry 
together sharing the love of Christ with their community, our nation, 
and the world.

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