A Gilroy pastor had the “honor of a lifetime” this morning when he led Congress in a prayer for the nation, for government leaders and for victims of yesterday’s tornado in Oklahoma.
After Speaker John Boehner pounded his gavel and welcomed pastor Mark Tuner of South Valley Community Church in Gilroy, Turner began with a short prayer that ended with heartfelt words for the suffering and destruction caused by Monday’s tornado that took at least 24 lives.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we stand here today,” Turner said, standing in front of Boehner and facing the 535-member Congress. “As the eyes of the world are upon the residence of Oklahoma, let them demonstrate dependence upon you and help them to display the resilience, the resolve and the American spirit that made their state, and this nation, so great.
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, who represents San Jose and South County, said Turner’s invitation to pray before Congress is an honor for all Gilroy residents.
“This is the first time since being elected to Congress that a member of our local clergy has given the opening prayer in Congress,” Lofgren said. “This is a tremendous honor, not just for Pastor Turner, but for our community as well.”
After Turner’s prayer, Lofgren gave him a one-minute introduction.
“Over a decade ago, Pastor Turner left his career to answer a higher calling to serve his fellow person in the ministry. In serving others, Pastor Turner has also become a respected leader in our community making a difference in people’s lives every day. Working with local partners and businesses, Pastor Turner and hundreds of volunteers serve our community through outreach projects that feed children, seniors, and underprivileged residents,” Lofgren said. “Answering a call to serve something larger than one’s self is a trait we deeply admire and value as Americans. It is a pleasure to welcome Pastor Turner to our nation’s Capitol, today, and to thank him for his service to our community and our country.”
Turner was in Washington D.C. for an annual conference this week and prior to leaving, he decided to contact Supervisor Mike Wasserman and Lofgren on possibility of being a guest chaplain for Congress. Lofgren called Mayor Don Gage as a reference check, and Turner was soon selected to lead Congress in prayer.
The happenings aired live on C-SPAN and was also recorded and uploaded to YouTube.
