[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING MINISTER ALFIE A. JELKS

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 17, 2023

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated 
man of God, a selfless humanitarian, and a humble servant, Minister 
Alfie A. Jelks. Minister Jelks was honored at his annual event, The 
Soul of My Footprint Brunch Gala on April 15, 2023, in Columbus, 
Georgia.
  The journey of Minister Alfie Jelks began with his birth on April 14, 
1968, in Tuskegee, Alabama. Minister Jelks is a proud product of the 
Muscogee County School System, graduating from Kendrick High School in 
1986. An avid learner, Minister Jelks also earned an Associate of 
Science Degree in 1995 from the Chattahoochee Community College. He 
also received a B.S. Degree in Theology from Troy University in 2005 
and a Master of Divinity Degree in 2015 from Great Plains Baptist 
Divinity School. Building on his love of God and his country, Minister 
Jelks received his commission as a United States Army Reserve Chaplain 
in 2009.
  In 2000, Minister Jelks began his humanitarian journey to Jinga, 
Uganda with and only one credit card and no personal ties to anyone 
there. From this initiative, The Soul of My Footprint was born. The 
Primary purpose of this initiative is the dissemination of provisional 
supplies of medicine, clothing, and basic care items for the people of 
Jinga, Uganda. Another mission of this wonderful organization is to 
provide scholarships to high school seniors who are philanthropic and 
plan to major in the fields of science, social services, education, 
theology, or non-profit work. Minister Jelks was moved by his faith to 
begin this ministry. His commitment to humankind has been based on 
Matthew 25 when Jesus said that He wanted to feed the hungry, clothe 
the naked and visit those that were in prison as the center of His 
ministry. Minister Jelks made subsequent trips to Uganda in 2001, 2007, 
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022. Through his continuous 
effort and labor of love, the Soul of My Footprint Hospital in 
conjunction with Cook Dental Care will open in the fall of 2023. 
Because of his gift of collaboration with many different organizations 
in Columbus, Georgia, over one thousand pairs of shoes have been 
donated to the people of Jinga.
  As a man who is proud of his heritage, Minister Jelks opened Alfie's 
African Treasures, selling rare and unique African Artifacts and Greek 
Fraternal Paraphernalia. Always seeking ways to educate youth about 
their heritage, Minister Jelks established ``Alfie's African Treasures 
Annual Cultural Show.''
  Minister Jelks has created many partnerships in the furtherance of 
his mission of cultural enhancement to include The Muscogee County 
School System, The Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brother-Big Sisters of 
Columbus, The Wellness Center, Columbus State University African 
Student Organization, The Black History Museum, and The Anne Elizabeth 
Shepherd Home.
  It has been said that, ``The true person of success is not the person 
that climbs the ladder of this life with two hands but climbs the 
ladder of this life with one hand and reaches back with the other.'' 
Minister Alfie Jelks has dedicated his life to the uplift of others by 
climbing the ladder of this life with ``one hand and reaching back with 
the other.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian and me, 
along with the 765,000 people of the 2nd Congressional District, in 
honoring Minister Alfie Jelks for his lifetime of service to God, his 
community and humankind. May God continue to rain down his richest 
blessings on this remarkable ministry. To God Be the Glory.

                          ____________________