[Page H7780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      WELCOMING DR. BRYANT R. ALI

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Payne) is recognized for 1 minute.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce and praise today as 
guest chaplain Pastor Bryant Ali.
  Pastor Ali has been my friend for almost 50 years. He has been the 
``pastor in the hood,'' as we call him, for 26 years at the New 
Psalmist Worship Center in Newark, New Jersey, a center he founded to 
bring the power of the Lord to those who have lost their way.
  He is a renowned author, community activist, counselor, teacher, and 
preacher in my district. His story is one that should inspire us all. 
Pastor Ali received his spiritual calling as a homeless man struggling 
with chemical addiction. He conquered those demons through the power of 
the Lord. He started preaching and pursued his calling.
  Today, he has a doctoral degree in holistic theology. He serves as 
the president of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Newark and 
Vicinity, and he is a spiritual counselor for the Newark Anti-Violence 
Coalition and serves on the board of the Newark Community Health 
Centers.
  He is an outstanding clergyman, an incredible leader in my community, 
and a true inspiration. I am very proud to have him say a prayer for us 
today.
  My fellow Members, I would like to present the senior pastor of New 
Psalmist Worship Center, the Honorable Dr. Bryant Ali, who did an 
incredible job for us today.

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