84R9161 BPG-D
By: Keough H.R. No. 867
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Woodlands Church has made a positive difference at
home and abroad through its many good works; and
WHEREAS, Founded by Kerry and Chris Shook as Fellowship of
The Woodlands in 1993, this nondenominational church draws an
average attendance of more than 18,000 to services at its campuses
in The Woodlands and in several other locations in the Houston area;
over the years, the congregation's humanitarian efforts have
touched the lives of countless individuals; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, the church conducted a spontaneous shoe
drive for the homeless, and it went on to collect clothing and
donate items to the Houston Food Bank; its Angel Tree initiative has
delivered Christmas gifts to more than 40,000 children in need, and
at the beginning of every school year, the church gives school
supplies to at-risk students of the Conroe, Harris, Tomball, and
Humble Independent School Districts; in addition, its Job Support
Ministry has served over 10,000 individuals seeking employment; and
WHEREAS, The congregation sent more than $250,000 in
humanitarian aid to Banda Aceh following the 2004 tsunami; in the
wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, it dispatched volunteers and
supplies to Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as to Sabine Pass,
and it provided food to first responders and other county
employees; the church received the Shelter From the Storm Award
from the office of the Harris County judge in recognition of its
efforts; in September 2008, it became a FEMA Point of Distribution,
supplying food, ice, and water to more than 27,000 area residents;
and
WHEREAS, Demonstrating exceptional compassion, the
congregation mobilized relief teams to help victims of Hurricane
Sandy and the Moore, Oklahoma, tornado; it has also benefited
innumerable people in countries such as Haiti, Kenya, Honduras, and
the Dominican Republic through missions providing medical care,
food, and other assistance; in addition, it has promoted
sustainable food security and economic empowerment through its
partnership in the Maseno Project (Just Earth) in northwestern
Kenya; and
WHEREAS, The members of Woodlands Church have set an
inspiring example through their deep commitment to assisting the
most vulnerable in their community and around the world, and it is
indeed appropriate to recognize their outstanding contributions;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby honor Woodlands Church for its philanthropic
endeavors and extend to the clergy and members sincere best wishes
for continued success in their important work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the church as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.