79R12168 MDM-D

By:  Berman                                                     H.C.R. No. 9  



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, Dr. David O. Dykes and the members of Green Acres 
Baptist Church in Tyler are celebrating the 50th anniversary of 
their church in 2005; and
	WHEREAS, Initially a mission of First Baptist Church in 
Tyler, Green Acres was organized as a New Testament church on May 1, 
1955, with 297 members, under the pastorship of Cecil W. Johnson; 
and
	WHEREAS, Throughout its history, Green Acres Baptist Church 
has sought to serve its members and its neighbors in the Tyler 
community and beyond our nation's borders through various programs; 
a goodly number of congregants have willingly participated in 
outreach opportunities in other states as well as many foreign 
countries, including Nicaragua, Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, the 
former Soviet Union, and Canada, and a recent collaboration between 
the church and the mayor will develop a cultural exchange between 
Tyler and a city in China; and
	WHEREAS, Designated a Global Priority Church by the 
International Missions Board and a Key Church by the North American 
Mission Board for its commitment to missions at home and abroad, the 
12,000-member congregation faithfully supports the Cooperative 
Program Missions, and its generous financial support leads the 
nation's Southern Baptist churches in this regard; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to 20 mission trips planned this year, 
the church's local efforts include assisting area mission churches, 
reaching out to residents of multi-housing entities as well as 
prison inmates and their families, and staffing a portable "Fun 
Wagon" ministry offering vacation Bible school activities and block 
parties; and
	WHEREAS, Green Acres Baptist Church shares its many blessings 
through ministries related to divorce recovery, death of loved 
ones, codependency, and addiction, among others; moreover, its Good 
Samaritan Outreach Center, staffed by more than 500 volunteers each 
month, provides in excess of 1,300 meals monthly, free medical and 
dental clinics, and an annual coats for kids drive; and
	WHEREAS, Two major construction projects underway will 
result in a $1.5 million addition to the student ministries 
building and a 60-acre recreational campus to be the site of events 
such as church picnics and concerts; and
	WHEREAS, Green Acres Baptist Church continues to play a 
pivotal role in the lives of countless Texans and other people 
across the globe, and it is truly a privilege to join in honoring 
its pastor and congregation on this special occasion in its rich 
history; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
warmly congratulate Green Acres Baptist Church on the 50th 
anniversary of its founding and extend to all involved heartfelt 
best wishes for a meaningful and memorable observance; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the church as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives and Senate.