[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27516]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF HICKORY FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD'S DEDICATION TO SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PATRICK T. McHENRY

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2005

  Mr. McHENRY. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of their new building 
dedication on November 20, 2005, I commend Hickory First Assembly of 
God for their committed service to communities locally and globally for 
almost 50 years. The first small group of faithful believers set the 
standard for selfless service that church members today still honor and 
follow.
  Pastor Brian Campbell, the devoted pastoral staff, and a team of 
church members have worked together to plan a new space with additional 
seating in the sanctuary and more room for fellowship in the foyer, 
offices and nurseries. The expansions are part of Hickory First 
Assembly's efforts to continue the mission of Acts 1:8, which says 
``But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you 
will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to 
the ends of the earth.''
  Locally, the church reaches out to those in need by organizing teams 
to serve in the community. Nationally, church teams ministered in the 
Gulf Coast region after Hurricane Katrina; And internationally members 
actively participate in foreign missions through financial giving and 
traveling with groups to different countries in need.
  As Christians, we are called to do great things for God. Living in a 
free nation, we have the privilege to practice our faith and make a 
difference in the lives of others. Truly a gateway church, Hickory 
First Assembly demonstrates a positive influence on the community by 
consistently communicating and living out biblical values.

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