HR588: HR588 Thompson, Reverend Valerie A.; occasion of her 20th pastoral anniversary; recognize

25 LC 129 0248 House Resolution 588 By: Representatives Reese of the 140th and Hugley of the 141st A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Reverend Valerie A. Thompson on the occasion of her 20th1 pastoral anniversary; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Reverend Valerie A. Thompson has demonstrated her commitment to teaching3 the Gospel, witnessing Christ through word and deed, and addres sing the physical,4 psychological, intellectual, and spiritual needs of others; and5 WHEREAS, in 2004, she answered the Lord's call and followed in the footsteps of her father,6 Reverend Rudolph C. Allen Sr., becoming the pastor of Revelatio n Missionary Baptist7 Church; and8 WHEREAS, by inheriting her father's pulpit, Reverend Valerie A. Thompson became the9 only female senior pastor in the denomination of Columbus among all local Baptist10 congregations; and11 WHEREAS, she has since blessed the body of Christ by preaching at many churches as well12 as speaking at women's conferences, workshops, and organization s across Georgia and13 Alabama; and14 H. R. 588 - 1 - 25 LC 129 0248 WHEREAS, she was the first woman in 150 years to be appointed to the Executive Board15 of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia and was recently appointed as the16 first woman to the Executive Committee of the National Baptist Convention USA Inc.; and17 WHEREAS, her vision and direction have helped Revelation Missio nary Baptist Church18 grow in size and influence, uplifting the community like the light of Bethlehem and serving19 as a spiritual leader and place for fellowship; and20 WHEREAS, whether the task is preparing a sermon, visiting the s ick, counseling the21 troubled, baptizing a new believer, or acting as a theologian, educator, administrator, or22 humanitarian, Reverend Valerie A. Thompson has shown the energy , devotion, and23 commitment truly reflective of divine guidance; and24 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this enduring example of God's message25 of peace and love be recognized and congratulated for her innumerable good works rendered26 on behalf of persons in need.27 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that28 the members of this body recognize and commend Reverend Valerie A. Thompson on the29 wonderful occasion of her 20th pastoral anniversary and extend best wishes for many more30 years of successful fellowship and leadership.31 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized32 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution ava ilable for distribution to33 Reverend Valerie A. Thompson.34 H. R. 588 - 2 -