[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 182 (Friday, October 23, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING STEVE AND LINDA WASHBURN OF PFLUGERVILLE, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 23, 2020

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30 years of 
service and ministry of Steve and Linda Washburn with First Baptist 
Church in Pflugerville and their work in the Pflugerville community.
  First Baptist Church was founded in 1973 as a mission-minded ministry 
dedicated to sharing a passion for God's word and leading people to 
faith and salvation in Christ.
  Under the guidance of Pastor Washburn, First Baptist Pflugerville has 
become an integral part of the community, where a strong sense of 
discipleship has led to the creation of many outreach programs--
including children and student ministries, a food pantry feeding 
thousands in the community each year, support groups for the hurting, 
and a church committed to keeping Christ at the center of the family.
  Even as the church has grown, First Baptist Pflugerville has remained 
committed to their original mission-minded goals, and through the 
efforts of the congregation, thousands have found the joy, peace, and 
contentment that spring from a fulfilling and personal relationship 
with Jesus.
  For the past 30 years, Pastor Washburn and his wife Linda have been a 
source of light, encouragement, and joy for the entire membership of 
First Baptist Pflugerville. Under their guidance, the church has seen 
significant change and growth from a membership of around 600 to 2,400. 
This growth allowed the church to build its current 1,500-seat worship 
center after outgrowing its first worship center built just a few years 
earlier. These buildings were necessary after outgrowing the old campus 
even after several years of providing three separate Bible study hours 
and worship services each Sunday.
  Pastor Washburn's commitment to outreach and involvement have made 
him a pillar of the Pflugerville community as the ministry of the 
church strives to help and protect vulnerable and hurting citizens. His 
desire to help led him to author a book, ``Salt and Light,'' that 
Biblically explains many of the issues facing the Church and society 
today.
  On October 25th, 2020, First Baptist Pflugerville is saying goodbye 
to Pastor Washburn and Linda as they begin the next chapter of their 
lives in retirement. There is no doubt that Pastor Washburn will 
continue to spread the Word of God no matter where retirement leads 
him.
  I thank both Pastor Washburn and Linda Washburn for their down to 
earth and positive leadership of this congregation, and for their 
impact in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our 
country, for our military men and women who protect us, and for our 
first responders who keep us safe at home.

                          ____________________