Donald M. Payne: “I would like to introduce and praise today as guest chaplain Pastor Bryant Ali. Pastor Ali has been my friend for almost…”

“I would like to introduce and praise today as guest chaplain Pastor Bryant Ali. Pastor Ali has been my friend for almost 50 years. He has been the ``pastor in the hood,'' as we call him, for 26 years at the New Psalmist Worship Center in Newark, New Jersey, a center he founded to bring the power of the Lord to those who have lost their way. He is a renowned author, community activist, counselor, teacher, and preacher in my district. His story is one that should inspire us all. Pastor Ali received his spiritual calling as a homeless man struggling with chemical addiction. He conquered those demons through the power of the Lord. He started preaching and pursued his calling. Today, he has a doctoral degree in holistic theology. He serves as the president of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Newark and Vicinity, and he is a spiritual counselor for the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition and serves on the board of the Newark Community Health Centers. He is an outstanding clergyman, an incredible leader in my community, and a true inspiration. I am very proud to have him say a prayer for us today. My fellow Members, I would like to present the senior pastor of New Psalmist Worship Center, the Honorable Dr. Bryant Ali, who did an incredible job for us today. ____________________”