Welcoming the The Reverend Pete Wall

WELCOMING THE REVEREND PETE WALL -- (House of Representatives - May 19, 2004)

(Mr. BURNS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the guest chaplain for today. The Reverend Pete Wall is the pastor of Jackson Baptist Church in rural Screven County, Georgia. It is my home church in my home community. It was the church of my father and my grandfather. It is just across the road from our family farm. As my colleagues might imagine, this church and the community that surrounds it has been a guiding force in my life and is dear to my heart.
We rarely call him "Reverend" at home. It is just "Brother Pete." Pete Wall is a shepherd, both literally and figuratively. He is widely known for his knowledge of livestock, especially sheep. But he is more widely known and
loved for his ministry to others. Pete has a shepherd's heart. He cares for his flock. His homespun wisdom and amazing storytelling ability easily wins friends and disarms those who might be put off by a more formal religion or a typical preacher. He has a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ, and he lives it every day. Pete readily shares his faith with those who wish to learn about a Christ-centered life, yet he never forces his views on others.

Pete has been a blessing to our church and our community for 7 years. It has been a great joy in my life to know him, his wife, Gina, and their family.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor and privilege to have the Reverend Pete Wall as our guest chaplain today. He is my pastor, he is my friend, but most importantly he is my brother in Christ.