Cliff Stearns: “it is with a great deal of delight and an honor for me to have my pastor, Dr. Ed Johnson, provide the opening prayer for…”

“it is with a great deal of delight and an honor for me to have my pastor, Dr. Ed Johnson, provide the opening prayer for the House of Representatives this morning. We were privileged today to hear his brief words of inspiration and guidance. Dr. Johnson is the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Ocala, FL, my hometown. This is a thriving church, and one of the largest in Marion County. My wife and I attend with our family, and we enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Pastor Johnson has been with the First Baptist Church for 22 years, where he and his wife Hilda remain active in helping throughout our community. Before arriving in Ocala, Dr. Johnson served in churches in Texas, Tennessee and West Virginia. While attending to the needs of his flock, Pastor Johnson has served as president of the Florida Baptist Convention, chairman of the Florida Baptist State Board of Missions and the chairman of the Board of Trustees of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Although this is a distinguished record of service, more importantly, he is a respected man of the Lord. I appreciate this opportunity to share Pastor Johnson's wisdom with my colleagues this morning, and I look forward, Mr. Speaker, to taking him to the White House for the picnic. ____________________”