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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING STEVE AND LINDA WASHBURN OF PFLUGERVILLE, TEXAS
______
HON. BILL FLORES
of texas
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 23, 2020
Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30 years of
service and ministry of Steve and Linda Washburn with First Baptist
Church in Pflugerville and their work in the Pflugerville community.
First Baptist Church was founded in 1973 as a mission-minded ministry
dedicated to sharing a passion for God's word and leading people to
faith and salvation in Christ.
Under the guidance of Pastor Washburn, First Baptist Pflugerville has
become an integral part of the community, where a strong sense of
discipleship has led to the creation of many outreach programs--
including children and student ministries, a food pantry feeding
thousands in the community each year, support groups for the hurting,
and a church committed to keeping Christ at the center of the family.
Even as the church has grown, First Baptist Pflugerville has remained
committed to their original mission-minded goals, and through the
efforts of the congregation, thousands have found the joy, peace, and
contentment that spring from a fulfilling and personal relationship
with Jesus.
For the past 30 years, Pastor Washburn and his wife Linda have been a
source of light, encouragement, and joy for the entire membership of
First Baptist Pflugerville. Under their guidance, the church has seen
significant change and growth from a membership of around 600 to 2,400.
This growth allowed the church to build its current 1,500-seat worship
center after outgrowing its first worship center built just a few years
earlier. These buildings were necessary after outgrowing the old campus
even after several years of providing three separate Bible study hours
and worship services each Sunday.
Pastor Washburn's commitment to outreach and involvement have made
him a pillar of the Pflugerville community as the ministry of the
church strives to help and protect vulnerable and hurting citizens. His
desire to help led him to author a book, ``Salt and Light,'' that
Biblically explains many of the issues facing the Church and society
today.
On October 25th, 2020, First Baptist Pflugerville is saying goodbye
to Pastor Washburn and Linda as they begin the next chapter of their
lives in retirement. There is no doubt that Pastor Washburn will
continue to spread the Word of God no matter where retirement leads
him.
I thank both Pastor Washburn and Linda Washburn for their down to
earth and positive leadership of this congregation, and for their
impact in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.
As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our
country, for our military men and women who protect us, and for our
first responders who keep us safe at home.
____________________
