[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 16473-16474]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                 WELCOMING THE REVEREND ROY H. MAYS III

  (Mr. FLETCHER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank a dear friend and 
classmate, Reverend Roy Mays, for his beautifully insightful prayer 
opening today's session of the United States House of Representatives.
  Within the hallowed walls of this Chamber, my colleagues and I gather 
to attend to the business of this great Nation. Since the beginning of 
our democracy, we have begun each day's work petitioning our creator 
that we might know truth and have the wisdom and understanding to 
rightfully fulfill our duties. As Reverend Mays so eloquently stated in 
his prayer, our creator grants us grace and strength sufficient for our 
duties.
  Reverend Mays continues to be a beacon for everyone who has crossed 
paths with him or who has made his acquaintance, including people in 
over 40 States where Roy ministered as an evangelist, also among the 
students, faculty and administration whose lives he has touched during 
12 years of service at Cincinnati Bible College and Seminary. For the 
past 16 years, Reverend Mays has blessed thousands through the 
congregation at Lexington's Southland Christian Church as the senior 
executive associate minister.
  Additionally, it is said that the character of a person is reflected 
in the countenance of one's spouse and children so it is with Roy and 
his lovely wife of 28 years, Beth, and his two children, Amanda and 
Ryan, who reflect the grace and peace engendered by mutual 
unconditional love.
  Even after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer in 1999, 
Reverend Mays continues to touch the lives of those around him, 
refusing to allow his testimony to fade and his countenance to dim, 
even when struggling to overcome persistently failing health. He stands 
humbly but firm with God, and with God's help of peace and perseverance 
during the most trying times of life. Through this example, countless 
others have received hope.
  In this House, we pray alongside Reverend Roy Mays that we might be 
touched with both our Father's healing grace and dealing grace. We are 
inspired by Reverend Mays' unflagging faith and his steadfast 
confidence in God's plan for all.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with deep appreciation that I recognize Roy Mays, 
not only for his service to us here today,

[[Page 16474]]

but also to countless others across our Nation.

                          ____________________