The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF PASTOR JOHN WOODEN
______
HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.
of georgia
in the house of representatives
Thursday, March 3, 2022
Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to an exceptional community leader, an outstanding educator, and a devoted man of God, Pastor John Wooden, on the occasion of his retirement. A retirement service will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at 11 a.m.
Pastor John Wooden was born in Bainbridge, Georgia on May 7, 1966, to the union of Mr. Arthur Dean Wooden and Mrs. Willie Mae Wooden. After receiving his Associate degree from Bainbridge Junior College, Pastor Wooden went on to receive dual Bachelor's degrees in Marketing and Management from Valdosta State College; an educational certificate from Albany State University; a Master of Science degree in Leadership and an Educational Specialist degree from Nova Southeastern University; and completed religious training from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
As a staunch advocate for educating the next generation, Pastor Wooden served as an educator and school administrator for thirty years, serving as a Business Education teacher, Career Counselor, Assistant Principal at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels, Middle School Principal, and as an Assistant Superintendent for schools in Decatur County, Georgia.
In addition to a three-decade career in public education, Pastor Wooden has also spent almost four decades teaching the word of the Lord. Pastor Wooden has been preaching for 38 years and pastoring for 35 years, first at First Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church from 1987 to 1990, and then at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church from March 1987 until his retirement this year.
Pastor Wooden's distinguished pastoral career has been mirrored by his extensive involvement in his community. In conjunction with his professional accomplishments, Pastor Wooden has served his community as a board member of the United Way, Salvation Army, and the YMCA as well as a member of Kiwanis Club (Bainbridge) and the Rotary Club
(Bainbridge).
In addition to being a stellar educator, a distinguished spiritual leader, and dedicated community advocate, Pastor Wooden is also a published author. His literary works include ``Uncensored Conversations'', ``Leading While Bleeding'', ``Don't Judge Me Unless You Have Walked In My Shoes'', ``Scarred, But Not Permanently Broken'', and ``Don't Live A Life Of Regrets''.
He has accomplished much throughout his life, but none of this would be possible without the grace of God and the inspiration, love, and support of his wife, Deborah; and his children, LaShannon and Chelsea.
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays often said: ``You make your living by what you get; you make your life by what you give.'' Bainbridge and Decatur County, Georgia are better because of Pastor John Wooden and his tireless commitment to making his community stronger. As a man of great faith and integrity, his efforts, his dedication, and his expertise are unparalleled. But his heart for teaching and helping others, utilizing these qualities, has made his life's work truly special.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me and the more than 730,000 people in Georgia's Second Congressional District, in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Pastor John Wooden upon the occasion of his retirement from an outstanding career in the Ministry of Jesus Christ.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 39
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