[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16940]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



       TRIBUTE TO THE GREATER NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2000

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the Greater New Hope 
Missionary Baptist Church as it hosts the inaugural session of the 
American Baptist General Convention of Texas Congress of Christian 
Workers & State Youth Convention. I want to congratulate Pastor William 
H. King, III who's leadership touches his congregation and the 
community in so many ways. I would also like to welcome Pastor Adrian 
Johnson, president of the convention, along with the young people 
attending to the city of Dickinson.
  Today's youth are growing up in a world very different from the one I 
knew years ago. We live in an age where most families require two 
incomes to make ends meet, and nearly half of all marriages end in 
divorce. Our children simply do not have as much supervision or 
guidance as we did. Add to that, the dangers of drugs and the 
prevalence of gangs and violence in our schools--as any parent knows, 
it is not an easy time to raise a family or to be a student.
  My father died when I was a young boy, leaving my mother to care for 
me and my brothers and sister. She couldn't have done it alone. In 
those days, neighbors looked out for each other and watched out for 
each other's kids. Our family received support from the entire 
community. In fact, our friends and neighbors considered us an 
extension of their own families. That's an important reason why my 
siblings and I were able to achieve our goals and live the American 
Dream.
  Mr. Speaker, now more than ever, our schools, churches, synagogues, 
mosques, and temples need to stand together with our families to set an 
example for our children. Our kids are the future and we must invest as 
much time and energy into their well-being as possible. I offer my 
sincere congratulations to the Greater Hope Missionary Baptist Church 
and all of the conventioneers as they come together next week in spirit 
and in faith to learn and grow with one another.

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