[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 39 (Thursday, March 3, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E214-E215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF PASTOR JOHN WOODEN

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2022

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to 
extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to an exceptional 
community leader, an outstanding educator, and a devoted man of God, 
Pastor John Wooden, on the occasion of his retirement. A retirement 
service will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at 11 a.m.
  Pastor John Wooden was born in Bainbridge, Georgia on May 7, 1966, to 
the union of Mr. Arthur Dean Wooden and Mrs. Willie Mae Wooden. After 
receiving his Associate degree from Bainbridge Junior College, Pastor 
Wooden went on to receive dual Bachelor's degrees in Marketing and 
Management from Valdosta State College; an educational certificate from 
Albany State University; a Master of Science degree in Leadership and 
an Educational Specialist degree from Nova Southeastern University; and 
completed religious training from New Orleans Baptist Theological 
Seminary.
  As a staunch advocate for educating the next generation, Pastor 
Wooden served as an educator and school administrator for thirty years, 
serving as a Business Education teacher, Career Counselor, Assistant 
Principal at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels, Middle 
School Principal, and as an Assistant Superintendent for schools in 
Decatur County, Georgia.
  In addition to a three-decade career in public education, Pastor 
Wooden has also spent almost four decades teaching the word of the 
Lord. Pastor Wooden has been preaching for 38 years and pastoring for 
35 years, first at First Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church from 
1987 to 1990, and then at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church from March 
1987 until his retirement this year.
  Pastor Wooden's distinguished pastoral career has been mirrored by 
his extensive involvement in his community. In conjunction with his 
professional accomplishments, Pastor Wooden has served his community as 
a board member of the United Way, Salvation Army, and the YMCA as well 
as a member of Kiwanis Club (Bainbridge) and the Rotary Club 
(Bainbridge).
  In addition to being a stellar educator, a distinguished spiritual 
leader, and dedicated community advocate, Pastor Wooden is also a 
published author. His literary works include ``Uncensored 
Conversations'', ``Leading While Bleeding'', ``Don't Judge Me Unless 
You Have Walked In My Shoes'', ``Scarred, But Not Permanently Broken'', 
and ``Don't Live A Life Of Regrets''.
  He has accomplished much throughout his life, but none of this would 
be possible without the grace of God and the inspiration, love, and 
support of his wife, Deborah; and his children, LaShannon and Chelsea.
  Dr. Benjamin E. Mays often said: ``You make your living by what you 
get; you make your life by what you give.'' Bainbridge and Decatur 
County, Georgia are better because of Pastor John Wooden and his 
tireless commitment to making his community stronger. As a man of great 
faith and integrity, his efforts, his dedication, and his expertise are 
unparalleled. But his heart for teaching and helping others, utilizing 
these qualities, has made his life's work truly special.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join my wife, Vivian, and me and the more than 730,000 people in 
Georgia's Second Congressional District, in extending our sincerest 
appreciation and best wishes to Pastor John Wooden upon the occasion of 
his retirement from an outstanding career in the Ministry of Jesus 
Christ.

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