[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2663]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING THE GATHERING PLACE

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. EARL L. ``BUDDY'' CARTER

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2016

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The 
Gathering Place in Brunswick, Georgia and to congratulate them on their 
35th anniversary.
  Started by college students from the University of Georgia in 1979, 
this year marks the 35th anniversary that The Gathering Place has 
served the spiritual growth and development of youth in Glynn County.
  The Gathering Place was originally known as ``Sunday Night Live at 
8:45,'' and after 2 successful summers of singing, skits, and messages 
about Jesus, the college students expanded the program and officially 
founded The Gathering Place in June, 1981.
  The Gathering Place has expanded since 1981 developing into a year 
round leadership development youth ministry with a highly diverse group 
of attendees. Beginning with around 100 participants, The Gathering 
Place now has approximately 1,000 people attending ``The Main Event,'' 
taking place each summer night which includes lights, music, videos, 
gifts, speakers, and more.
  The ministry of The Gathering Place has accomplished major spiritual 
achievements in the youth of coastal Georgia as the organization's goal 
is to reach students with the word of Jesus Christ, equip them to be 
Christian leaders, and to then send the students to spiritually impact 
their local communities.
  I am thankful to have The Gathering Place in the First Congressional 
District of Georgia and am proud to recognize the impact that it is 
making in young Georgians' lives.

                          ____________________