Neal Dunn: “It is with pleasure I rise today to recognize Pastor Samuel Thomas, Jr. Pastor Thomas led the Congress in our opening…”

“It is with pleasure I rise today to recognize Pastor Samuel Thomas, Jr. Pastor Thomas led the Congress in our opening prayer this morning. In reflecting on his uplifting words for our country, I would like to give you a brief glimpse of Pastor Thomas's contribution to our society. Pastor Thomas was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He has been a teacher, a student, a broadcaster, a banker, a husband and, perhaps most importantly, a wonderful father to his two children, Samuel and Christine. His life's journey has included teaching new ministerial students at his alma mater in Huntsville, Alabama and co-producing a television broadcast that airs around the world. In addition, he serves his community as senior pastor of Capitol City Seventh Day Adventist Church in Sacramento, California. When I met Pastor Thomas, he had flown to Seattle, Washington, to preside over funeral services for my next-door neighbor and very dear friend George Erickson. His compelling testimony of his own life and his kindness and strength at a painful time touched us all. I want not only to welcome Pastor Samuel Thomas and thank him for his prayer today, but I also want to thank him for serving as such an exemplary role model to all of us who seek to be both compassionate and strong.”