Eric Swalwell: “With this House at this moment considering such important issues for the American people, there is no better person I…”

“With this House at this moment considering such important issues for the American people, there is no better person I know than Bishop Jerry Macklin to deliver this afternoon's opening prayer. Bishop Macklin's words are inspiring. His call for national unity and wisdom during these trying times is appropriate. Bishop Macklin knows a thing or two about trying times. He founded the Glad Tidings Church in Hayward, California, in 1978. With a big heart of compassion and a deep devotion to the Lord, Bishop Macklin turned a neighborhood overrun by drugs and crime into a community of faith. Today, Glad Tidings Church has over 1,500 members. Under Bishop Macklin's leadership, the church is not just a place to worship but a center point for care for the community, providing food, affordable housing, and health care to the most in need among us. Just 2 weeks ago, Bishop Macklin opened his church's doors to host an Affordable Care Act forum to help educate my constituents. As the regional Health and Human Services director was explaining to the attendees where they could sign up, I saw firsthand Bishop Macklin's commitment to serve the community. He leaned over to me and said, Eric, our church needs to be at the center of signing people up. And by the time the regional director had finished addressing the attendees, Bishop Macklin had already texted and emailed about a dozen people to make sure that happened.…”