On the recordSeptember 17, 2015
I am so pleased to welcome Pastor Brondon Reems to the House floor this morning after delivering such a powerful prayer. Pastor Reems is the senior pastor of the Center of Hope Community Church in Oakland, California, a church founded by his mother--a great woman of faith, who has broken so many glass ceilings for women, especially for African American women--Bishop Ernestine Reems. His wife, Pastor Maria, who is also here with us today, is his partner in ministry and has helped to grow the church into a vibrant and strong pillar of faith and community in the East Bay. Pastor Reems accepted his call to ministry at 10 years old, and he has flourished into a strong spiritual leader. From ministering youth in juvenile hall to assisting families coping with substance abuse and emotional disabilities, Pastor Reems serves the East Bay community with a genuine heart and compassion. He is the cofounder of the Oakland's Potters House for Young Men, a 24-hour residential care facility for young teens who have become wards of the State. I thank Pastor Reems for his spiritual leadership, his wisdom, and his service. He embodies and exemplifies a living faith. He is a wonderful pastor, a great mentor, and a committed and powerful civic leader. ____________________
