SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 255

WHEREAS, Abel Alfonso Pena Jr., founder and senior pastor of Templo El Buen Samaritano in Houston, has ably led his congregation for 29 years; and

WHEREAS, A native of the Bayou City, Pastor Pena attended the Maranatha Bible Institute in Galena Park; he established Templo El Buen Samaritano in 1986, and today the house of worship provides a spiritual home to some 350 faithful parishioners; and

WHEREAS, This esteemed clergyman has further contributed to his fellow residents through his work with a number of vital outreach initiatives, including efforts to end gang violence and assist victims of domestic abuse; and

WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Pastor Pena enjoys the love and support of his wife, Ophelia, and he takes great pride in his three sons, Marcus, Kevin, and Nicolas; and

WHEREAS, Abel Pena has led Templo El Buen Samaritano with conviction and compassion, and he has earned the lasting respect and admiration of his congregants as well as members of the greater community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby commend Senior Pastor Abel Alfonso Pena Jr. on his outstanding 29-year tenure with Templo El Buen Samaritano 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 Pena as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Burton

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 24, 2015.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate