[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20259]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 TRIBUTE TO THE NATIONAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHRISTIAN SINGLES CONFERENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 17, 2001

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 15th 
Annual National African-American Christian Singles Conference being 
held October 19-21, 2001, at the J.W. Marriott and Exhibition Center in 
Houston, Texas. Under the leadership of Pastor Joe Samuel Ratliff, the 
Singles Ministry of Brentwood Baptist Church of Houston will serve as 
the official host of the conference.
  Dr. Joe Samuel Ratliff has been the pastor of Brentwood Baptist 
Church since 1980. Under his direction the congregation has grown from 
500 members to more than 10,000. He has lead the congregation in 
developing fourteen mission churches in various parts of the Houston 
metropolitan.
  In 1986, Pastor Ratliff, founded the first National African-American 
Christian Singles' Conference. The Conference is a non-denominational 
event designed to address the needs and concerns of single Christian 
adults. Through the tireless efforts of the congregation, the 
conference has grown each year since its creation. It now attracts more 
than 1,000 singles from across the nation, and as far away as England, 
Germany, and Africa.
  The National African-American Christian Singles Conference 
demonstrates Brentwood Baptist Church's commitment to promoting 
Christian fellowship and facilitating an environment for spiritual and 
cultural expression. The focus of this year's conference is, ``Growth 
through Evangelism, Stewardship, Prayer, and Praise.'' This powerful 
weekend provides Christian singles an opportunity to become empowered, 
enriched and encouraged to face the challenges before them. The 
conference itinerary includes speakers on topics such as faith based 
initiatives within the community, financial stability, and neighborhood 
enrichment programs.
  Brentwood Baptist Church has developed a Community Foundation which 
has made tremendous strides in the efforts to improve the quality of 
life in the Houston area. The Brentwood Community Foundation is a 
catalytic force, which seeks to empower its neighbors through programs 
in the arts, education, economic development, health care, and social 
services. Through its exemplary model of community activism, Brentwood 
Baptist Church has earned the respect and praise of its neighbors.
  Again, I would like to recognize the 15th Annual National African-
American Christian Singles Conference and congratulate the congregation 
on their exceptional service to the greater Houston area.

                          ____________________