[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E839]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING LARRY BENFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 13, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
tenacious and self-motivated leader, Pastor Larry Benford. He has shown 
what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to 
achieve.
  Pastor Larry Benford surrendered his heart to God at a very young age 
and he has been declaring the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ since 
then. A native of Leland, Pastor Benford graduated from Leland High 
School and Mississippi Valley State University, where he received a 
bachelor's degree in environmental health with a minor in Chemistry. He 
also has received training from The University of Illinois at Chicago 
as well as formal Biblical tutelage from Lifeway Christian and New 
Orleans Theological Seminary.
  Pastor Benford is an anointed leader. With pastoral services 
expanding over two decades, through the help of the Holy Spirit, he has 
served as Deacon, Sunday School Director, Assistant Pastor, and Pastor 
at Greater Springfield, Victory Temple and Mount Carmel Churches, 
respectively.
  As pastor of Living Word Fellowship Church since October 10, 1999, he 
has always taken the stance that the Word must be taught with passion 
and boldness--without compromise--in order that the lost will be saved, 
and the saved will be strengthened.
  Growing together in the Word of God, Pastor Larry and First Lady 
Wanda Benford are consummate students of the Word and outspoken 
believers in its ability to change lives for the better. Pastor Larry 
and First Lady Wanda Benford's greatest desire is that others would 
develop an intimate, personal relationship with the Lord.
  Pastor Larry and First Lady Wanda Benford have been married for 32 
years. To this union, they have been blessed with 3 daughters, Keyna, 
Leslie and Ariel and 3 grandchildren, La'Kya, Kylar and Gervase.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Larry 
Benford for his passion and dedication to serving the Lord, his 
members, and his community.

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