85R29142 BPG-D
	By: Walle	H.R. No. 2297

	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The members of Greater Jerusalem Missionary Baptist
	Church in Houston are joining together on May 28, 2017, to honor
	Pastor Joe Fred Russell for two decades of dedicated service to that
	congregation; and
	WHEREAS, Formerly pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church in
	Corrigan, Pastor Russell assumed the leadership of Greater
	Jerusalem in 1997; since that time, the congregation has added
	hundreds of new members, and a number of deacons have been ordained;
	the church maintains an intensive focus on evangelism and provides
	many opportunities to its members for fellowship and spiritual
	growth; it also ministers regularly to the sick and homebound and
	sponsors such vital programs as a food pantry and a clothes closet;
	and
	WHEREAS, Over the course of his tenure, Pastor Russell has
	overseen the acquisition of land to accommodate further growth of
	the church; moreover, the congregation has purchased and renovated
	a number of commercial properties to house a counseling center, a
	recreation center, and businesses that benefit the community; among
	these is the Greater Jerusalem Cosmetology School, which offers
	vocational assistance and frequently provides services to the
	indigent; and
	WHEREAS, An inspiring clergyman, Pastor Joe Russell has led
	Greater Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church with conviction and
	compassion, and he has earned the lasting respect and admiration of
	his congregants and members of the community at large; now,
	therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
	Legislature hereby honor Pastor Joe Fred Russell on the occasion of
	his 20th pastoral anniversary at Greater Jerusalem Missionary
	Baptist Church and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued
	success with his important work; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
	prepared for Pastor Russell as an expression of high regard by the
	Texas House of Representatives.