Vern Buchanan: “It is my privilege today to introduce and thank Dr. John Cross, who gave the opening prayer. The Senior Pastor at South…”

“It is my privilege today to introduce and thank Dr. John Cross, who gave the opening prayer. The Senior Pastor at South Biscayne Church in Florida, he represents a county that I'm in, my largest county, Sarasota County, in North Port, our largest city. He is joined by his lovely wife, Dawn, and their five children. As a matter of fact, they are celebrating their anniversary. Dr. Cross is a very innovative, spiritual leader. I've seen him many times on Friday nights in his jeans and T-shirt working with the youth in our community. He's taken a church from 150 people to over 2,000. He has one of the largest churches in our community. He is serving his second term as president of the Southern Baptist Convention. I commend Dr. Cross for his longstanding service, and it is a pleasure to have him and his family today. God bless.”