[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 139 (Friday, August 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE LEGACY AND MINISTRY OF THE COLORADO SPRINGS EMMANUEL 
                       MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

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                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 25, 2023

  Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the legacy and 
ministry of the Colorado Springs Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church. 
2023 marks Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church's 60th year of ministry 
in the Pikes Peak Region. This congregation has shown itself to be true 
to its name, which is translated as ``God Is With Us.'' Founded on 
September 1, 1963, by the late Rev. Dr. Thomas Marigna, Emmanuel has 
been a model of excellent worship, corporate prayer, and compassionate 
outreach since its inception--representing God's presence in the Pikes 
Peak region.
  Emmanuel developed under the leadership of former senior pastors Rev. 
Dr. Moses E. Ford and Rev. Benjamin Reynolds and is now thriving under 
the oversight of senior pastor, Bishop Cleveland Thompson. Guided by 
the vision of ``Restoration,'' Emmanuel is building upon the pillars of 
spiritual development, temple restoration, and community involvement as 
the basis of its mission. In collaboration with other churches, 
missions, and non-profits, Emmanuel provides food and household goods 
to the Colorado Springs community. Their heart for the hurting and 
their representation of ``God with us'' is on display by supplying 
food, clothing, and short-term shelter to the homeless, as well as rent 
assistance, utilities, and gas assistance through its benevolence to 
anyone in need.
  Emmanuel has distinguished itself as contributing to the spread of 
the Gospel, both Nationally and internationally. It has done worldwide 
ministry through a sister church in Nairobi, Kenya, as well as through 
affiliation and support of other evangelical ministries that share the 
Gospel and provide vital necessities to people around the globe--
representing God's presence to the whole world.
  Emmanuel provides scholarships and stipends yearly to college-bound 
students and has a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) 
Tour biannually that is second to none. This National HBCU Tour allows 
high school students to be exposed to educational possibilities 
firsthand and provides the foundation for these students to flourish in 
their continued learning. Truly, Emmanuel helps a coming generation to 
be confident in God's presence.
  The positive influence that Emmanuel has had in the Colorado Springs 
community is undeniable. After 60 blessed years of impactful ministry, 
I look forward to what God has in store for Emmanuel's ordained future. 
As the first predominately African American church to minister in the 
Colorado Springs community from 2 locations, Emmanuel will continue to 
set the pace for God-directed service, Spirit-anointed leadership, and 
Kingdom-focused Biblical instruction.
  I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring and thanking 
this body of believers, for proving in title, word, and deed that 
``Emmanuel--Our God is With Us.''

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