[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 150 (Wednesday, September 25, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H5763]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING PASTOR DARIN WOOD OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MIDLAND

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Pfluger) for 2 minutes.
  Mr. PFLUGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Darin Wood 
of the First Baptist Church of Midland, Texas, who will be opening the 
House floor in prayer on Friday.
  Pastor Wood grew up in Joshua, Texas, and started his career in 
pastoral ministry in 1999. The Wood family later moved to the Permian 
Basin and started preaching at First Baptist Church of Midland in 
February of 2016.
  His leadership is truly inspirational in the Permian Basin. He is no 
stranger to lending a hand to others, and he has opened the 
congregation's doors to the public during times of need.
  In his own words: ``you may enjoy the title of `pastor,' but 
truthfully, it is an earned role, won bit by bit . . .''
  His wife, Julie, and son, Joshua, will be joining him on Friday. 
Pastor Wood is an inspiration to so many. For those who live in 
Midland, the Permian Basin, Midland-Odessa, they know Pastor Darin 
Wood. They know the inspiration that he brings to the community. 
Not only is he a voice of reason and of wisdom, but he also urges 
discernment.

  He has personally helped me since I have been here. In fact, just 
recently, he was telling me about his study on Ezra and Esther and 
Nehemiah and talking about the stories of the Old Testament and how 
they apply to us today.
  I thank Pastor Wood for his inspiration. For those who live in 
Midland, they know how inspirational he truly is, and he has been 
inspirational to me and so many others around Washington, D.C., as he 
prays for us continuously. I think our country needs prayer right now.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Pastor Wood for what he does to serve the 
Permian Basin, to serve First Baptist Church, and to serve so many 
people. I also thank him for his inspiration, education, and prayers 
for me and so many other leaders.

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