HR0355 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0355 LRB100 12567 MST 25704 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the Reverend Dr. L. Bernard Jakes on the 15th anniversary of his role as pastor/teacher at West Point Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jakes has dedicated his life to serving his community as a teacher, leader, and advocate; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jakes began his education at the Nicholas Copernicus Elementary School and the Marie Sklodowska Curie Metropolitan High School for the Performing and Techical Arts; he furthered his education with a Bachelor of Arts from Elmhurst College, a Master of Arts from the Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary at Northwestern University, and a Doctor of Ministry from the United Theological Seminary; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jakes has witnessed and worked to bring about numerous spiritual, financial, and administrative successes over his past 15 years as a leader at West Point Missionary Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, The service and ministry of Dr. Jakes expands far beyond the walls of the church and into the streets of his community; and

WHEREAS, The service of Dr. Jakes includes the creation of the Operation H.O.P.E. Food and Clothing Pantry in response to the needs of his neighbors, which serves over 20,000 people annually; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jakes envisioned the creation of the Domestic Violence and Advocacy Ministry, where men, women, and children who experience physical and emotional violence receive support, resources, and love from their faith family at West Point Missionary Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jakes utilizes his voice as a local pastor to speak to policymakers as well as community members the truth as it relates to social justice and accountability; and

WHEREAS, The passion and commitment of Dr. Jakes to bring about social justice has led him to advise local, State, and federal politicians on issues vital to his faith community including sensible gun laws, increasing the minimum wage, and education funding reform; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Reverend Dr. L. Bernard Jakes on the 15th Anniversary of his role as pastor/teacher at West Point Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Jakes as an expression of our esteem and respect.