[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 172 (Friday, October 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1057]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING FEMALE LEADERS WHO SHE LEADS AMERICA IS HONORING AS 
                     CHRISTIAN WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LISA C. McCLAIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2021

  Mrs. McCLAIN. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and highlight the work 
of some extraordinary female leaders in our country who are being 
honored by She Leads America as ``Christian Women of Distinction.''
  For my constituents back in Michigan, I try and lead by example 
through my faith and commitment to public service. But many times, 
people don't look to Washington for their role models. Fortunately, it 
does not take long to find others guided by their strong moral compass, 
faith, and commitment to selfless public service. Today, I honor some 
of these women, who through their tireless dedication, have shattered 
glass ceilings and touched the lives of countless individuals around 
the world. For my part, I remain committed to defending religious 
freedom here in Congress to ensure each of these women, and all of my 
constituents, never have to compromise their religious beliefs in order 
to conform to whatever the trending culture is at the moment.
  Kathy Branzell serves as the President of the National Day of Prayer 
Task Force. Dating back to 1775, the National Day of Prayer encourages 
Americans to pray for the people and today includes millions who attend 
30,000 observances organized by 40,000 volunteers all over the United 
States. Kathy is also the founder and president of Fellowship and 
Christian Encouragement (FACE) for Educators, and the author/coauthor 
of five books on prayer.
  Marilyn Hickey is a TV ministry pioneer for women, with her TV and 
media ministry broadcast around the world. Marilyn is a peacemaker, 
teacher, and someone who has personally shared her message of God's 
love and forgiveness in 138 countries, and her lectures on healing and 
the Bible have broken records for the largest public meetings ever held 
in Egypt and Pakistan. In addition, her organization has actively been 
involved in meeting humanitarian needs around the world. Marilyn Hickey 
Ministry partners have helped millions of individuals overcome setbacks 
and practice Biblical principles.
  Commissioner Jolene K. Hodder is the highest-ranking female officer 
in the Salvation Army in the USA. She has a passion for leading women 
to Christ and then equipping, motivating, and preparing them for 
effective ministry. Jolene is the author of two published books and has 
worked across America and overseas, serving all people without 
discrimination, wherever, whenever, and however she can.
  Dr. Alveda C. King, is a civil rights activist, speaking out on 
issues that face society today. She founded ``Speak for Life'', a 
ministry mobilizing generations of pro-life advocates that will boldly 
speak for life. She is the daughter of the late civil rights activist 
Rev. A. D. King and his wife, Naomi Barber King. Currently, Dr. King is 
a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, serving as Pastoral Associate 
for Civil Rights for The Unborn and Priests for Life. During the years 
of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King's family home was bombed in 
Birmingham, Alabama, in the heat of the struggle. ``Daddy's house was 
bombed, then in Louisville, Kentucky his church office was bombed. I 
was also jailed during the open housing movement,'' she recalls.
  Dr. Jane Hansen-Hoyt serves as the President/CEO of Aglow 
International, a Christian women's organization of more than 200,000 
women. The organization includes global leaders who annually impact 17 
million people. As an international speaker and author, she challenges 
us to view each circumstance of life from a Heavenly perspective. She 
also serves on The Steering Committee of The American Christian Leaders 
for Israel (ACLI).
  Penny Young Nance is CEO and President of Concerned Women for America 
(CWA), the nation's largest public policy women's organization. Prior 
to CWA, Penny served as a Special Advisor for the Federal 
Communications Commission, where she advised the Chairman and 
Commissioners on media and social issues. She is a graduate of Liberty 
University, where she currently serves on their Board of Trustees.
  Bodie Thoene, is a world-renowned author of 75 historical novels as 
well as an award-winning screen writer and movie producer. Her books 
have sold 35 million copies in 30 languages. She has won 8 ECPA Gold 
Medallion awards for Fiction, more than any other author in history. 
Bodie is, above all, a follower of Jesus Christ. She is an American 
Patriot and fervent supporter of the Nation of Israel, a wife, mother 
and grandmother. Her movie, I'm Not Ashamed, the true story of Rachel 
Joy Scott, first martyr of Columbine, was a finalist for GMA Dove 
Awards Most Inspirational film of 2017.
  Reverend Eve Nunez is a nationally recognized faith-based leader most 
known for her work as a child advocate and Hispanic community 
organizer. Her decades-long commitment to these communities has earned 
her a National Service Award from President George W. Bush, the Martin 
Luther King Jr. Award from President Barack Obama, the Street Saint 
Award from Governor Janet Napolitano, and many more.
  Peggy Nienaber serves as the Vice President for Faith & Liberty 
overseeing the ministry programs that build strong alliances on Capitol 
Hill. Peggy also serves as President of the Capitol Forum Club, a 
meeting held inside the U.S. Capitol. Peggy was also a NGO Liaison for 
the United Nations and participated in the UN Commission on the Status 
of Women.
  Shirley Dobson, is the honorary ``Mom of America.'' Through her 
partnership with her husband, Dr. James Dobson, in ``Focus on the 
Family'' and ``Family Talk'' broadcasts, millions of families have 
received the support and encouragement they need to navigate their 
daily lives. Under her leadership and strong faith, the U.S. National 
Day of Prayer enjoyed massive growth. Millions of Americans now take 
their responsibility seriously to pray for government leaders.
  Madam Speaker, I hope these women know full well the impact they have 
had on countless lives. These women are trailblazers, and the example 
they have set will be followed by people of my district, and many other 
Americans, for years to come. I thank each of them for their passion 
and commitment. This honor is well-deserved.

                          ____________________