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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E725-E726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN HONOR OF STEVE AND BECKY RIGGLE
______
HON. KEVIN BRADY
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of
Steve and Becky Riggle's 50th wedding anniversary. Together, this
couple has been a blessing to the Houston area. I am proud to call them
my friends and recognize this significant milestone in their lives.
Now a seasoned pastor, Steve first became a licensed minister in
1969. Steve and Becky later joined Grace International Churches and
Ministries, eventually starting a church in Livermore, California. For
almost a decade they proudly served their church and grew the ministry
into the largest Protestant church in the city--a truly incredible
accomplishment.
After years of teaching others about God's mercy, Steve and Becky
experienced it first hand. While ministering at a remote prison in the
Philippines in 1978, they were attacked and held hostage by four
prisoners. The situation escalated when Steve was stabbed seven times
and Becky was shot and stabbed multiple times along her arms.
Miraculously, through God's grace, the couple was able to leave the
hospital and head back to California in just 18 days after the near
fatal assault. Becky subsequently had five major surgeries, spent nine
months in a body cast, and nine more learning how to walk again. As
harrowing as this event was, Steve and Becky held steadfast in their
faith, and have since praised God for his mercy for helping them
survive and continue to serve.
Fortunately, for our community, the Riggle family made their way to
the Lone Star State in 1983, where they started the Grace Community
Church in Houston, Texas. After many years of growth, Grace Community
Church now has four thriving campuses and is the church home to over
17,000 devoted individuals.
Steve currently holds the title of Founding Pastor at Grace, and
serves as the Senior Pastor at the Grace Woodland's campus. Steve's
service to our community does not stop at the pulpit. He also sits on
the executive team of the Houston Area's Pastor Council, is a Board
member of The King's University, and currently serves as the President
of Grace International--a group of 3,500 churches with ministries in
over 100 nations. Becky is also incredibly active in our community, and
leads a local women's ministry and bible study. A gifted motivational
speaker, she speaks at a variety of conferences for women, both across
the country and internationally.
[[Page E726]]
Steve and Becky's work has truly made our region a better place for
the next generation. They have touched the hearts and lives of so many
throughout the world. I believe--and I know Steve and Becky would
agree--that their greatest accomplishment is their wonderful family,
which includes two children, five grandchildren, and three great
grandchildren. I am proud to join their family, colleagues, and friends
in congratulating them on their golden anniversary. I wish Steve and
Becky all the best and here's to many more happy years together.
____________________
