[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 43 (Monday, March 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E207-E208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN MEMORY OF REVEREND BRYANT WARDELL RAINES

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 8, 2021

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and 
solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay homage to an outstanding 
man of God, dedicated public servant, courageous soldier, and friend of 
longstanding, Reverend Bryant Wardell Raines. Reverend Raines 
transitioned from labor to reward on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. His 
homegoing service was held on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at 11 a.m. at 
the Macon City Auditorium in Macon, Georgia. He leaves behind a loving 
family, his dedicated church congregation at the New Pilgrim Missionary 
Baptist Church (NPMBC), and an appreciative community for his 
extraordinary life of service to God and humankind.
  A native son of Macon, Reverend Bryant Wardell Raines was born on 
February 3, 1977, to the union of Mrs. Barbara Tharpe Raines and the 
late Reverend Curtis Raines, Sr. He thirsted for knowledge and self-
improvement. He was a 1995 graduate of Central High School and a 1999 
graduate of Clark Atlanta University, where he received B.A. Degrees in 
English, Philosophy, and Religion. In addition to attending Georgia 
Southern University (in pursuit of an M.A. Degree in Public 
Administration) and The Morehouse School of Religion at the 
Interdenominational Theological Center, he was also a 2001 graduate of 
the United States Army Chaplain Center and School. He was pursuing an 
M.A. Degree in Evangelism and Church Planting at Liberty University 
when the Lord called him home.
  Reverend Raines served his country honorably in the United States 
Army as the Chaplain Assistant for the Installation Garrison Command, 
3rd Infantry Division and the 4th Battalion 64th Armor Regiment of Fort 
Stewart, Georgia. He received awards for his valiant service including 
Army Service Ribbon (2001); Army Commendation Medal (2001, 2002, 2003, 
and 2004); National Defense Service Ribbon (2001); Primary Leadership 
Development Ribbon (2003); Presidential Unit Citation (2003); and 
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (2003).
  Reverend Raines was a man of God, truly devoted to his calling--a 
calling from God, passed to him through his father, Reverend Curtis 
Raines, Sr., who was his predecessor at NPMBC and the past president of 
the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia. As the beloved 
Pastors of NPMBC, they utilized their roles as spiritual leaders to 
fully engage with their community by creating numerous outreach 
programs and opportunities to enrich the lives of those around them. 
Before his transition, Reverend Bryant Raines worked tirelessly with 
The Curtis Raines, Sr. Foundation on the development of The Curtis 
Raines, Sr. Health and Wellness Facility. This holistic community 
center seeks to minister to the total person by providing programs and 
resources to promote both physical and spiritual wellness.
  Reverend Raines believed strongly that involvement in his local and 
state-level sacerdotal communities was an integral part of his calling 
as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Accordingly, he served in 
numerous roles that had as their purpose the uplift of humankind. In 
addition to being the beloved Pastor of NPMBC, he served the Deacon, 
the Audio and Video, and the Evangelism Ministries at NPMBC; President 
of the Sixth District of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of 
Georgia, Inc.; Vice President of the Sixth District of the General 
Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc.; Member of the Board of 
Trustees at Wesley Glen Ministries; Member of the Rotary Club of Macon, 
Georgia; Member of the Baptist Minister's Union of Macon and Vicinity; 
and as Founder of the Heal the Hood Initiative, a community initiative 
to combat violence and address the needs of the total community.
  Mother Teresa once said that ``At the end of life we will not be 
judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have 
made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ``I was 
hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed 
me. I was homeless, and you took me in.'' Reverend Bryant Wardell 
Raines, in his life, did just that, and the world is better because he 
passed this way. On a personal note, the advice, counsel, friendship, 
and support that I have received from Reverend Raines as Congressman 
for the Second Congressional District has been immeasurable. He never 
told me what I wanted to hear, but he always told me what he felt I 
needed to hear. And, for that, I will be forever grateful.
  Reverend Raines accomplished much in his life, but none of it would 
have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and support of 
his family including his wife, Mrs. Ilashia Brezial Raines; and his 
siblings, Shun, Curtis, Jr., and Varina. He loved his family. His 
family loved him back. And they will miss him along with all of us 
whose lives he touched.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of 
Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with countless 
others throughout Georgia and the nation in saluting Reverend Bryant 
Wardell Raines for his service in the ministry, to his country, and to 
humankind; and in extending our deepest condolences to Reverend Raines' 
family, friends, loved ones, and all those who mourn his loss. We pray 
that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the 
Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

[[Page E208]]

  

                          ____________________