Rep. Gohmert Welcomes Tyler Pastor as Guest Chaplain of U.S. Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives started off on the right foot today as two Tylerites helped open the day’s legislative business. Pastor David Dykes of Tyler’s Green Acres Baptist Church (GABC) opened the House in prayer, after which Congressman Louie Gohmert spoke in honor of the local pastor.
When asked about offering today’s prayer, Pastor Dykes stated, "I'm going because I think prayer for our national leaders is not a luxury, it is a necessity. We're commanded in 1Timothy to pray for those in authority over us. Every Sunday at GABC in my pastoral prayer I pray for our nation and our leaders."
Gohmert praised Brother Dykes as a “true leader, spiritual guide, and dear friend” through whom “God’s love is evident.” He continued to say the pastor is an “inspiration and a blessing because of his evident burden for reaching out to others.”
Dr. Dykes leads a congregation of over 14,000 members at the growing Green Acres, where he has been pastor for 17 years. He was recognized earlier this year with the Southern Baptist Convention’s M.E. Dodd Award for the church’s outstanding contributions towards the mission-minded Cooperative Program. Dykes and his congregation are dedicated both to local and overseas ministry, as every year more than 1,000 church members volunteer on mission trips and even more provide financial support. Pastor Dykes himself has led mission trips to more than 10 countries.
Opening the House of Representatives in prayer is a long standing tradition began in 1789 by the first Continental Congress. It has continued every day since while the House is in session.
Gohmert is a member of Pastor Dyke’s Green Acres Baptist Church, where the Congressman also teaches Sunday School.
***Text of Pastor Dykes’ opening prayer can be found here. Video of the prayer and Rep. Gohmert’s speech can be viewed here.
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