[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15325-15326]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING KALAMAZOO GOSPEL MISSION OF KALAMAZOO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2008

  Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
in honor of the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission of Kalamazoo, Michigan, to 
commemorate its 75th anniversary.
  What began in 1933 with Jacob and Anna Hildebrand serving soup and 
sandwiches at tent meetings has evolved into the largest mission for 
the homeless in southwest Michigan. In 2007, the mission served over 
180,000 meals to those who were hungry, and provided a warm bed to over 
90,000 more in need of shelter, all while imparting that true healing 
comes through the power of Christ.
  I stand here today honored that such a caring and compassionate 
organization serves the needs of the less fortunate in southwest 
Michigan, and continues to selflessly struggle to make a difference in 
the lives of ``the least,

[[Page 15326]]

the last, and the lost.'' Believing all people to be brothers and 
sisters in Christ, the love and respect that the mission provides both 
to the homeless and to the community is truly remarkable.
  I would like to sincerely thank the staff and volunteers whose 
spiritual strength, commitment, and dedication have made the work of 
the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission possible for the past 75 years.

                          ____________________