Pastor Goble is a Pillar of the Eastern Washington Community

Washington, DC – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) introduced her pastor, Pastor Tim Goble of Grace Evangelical Free Church in Colville, Washington as part of his opening prayer for today’s session of Congress.

“Pastor Tim is a friend of mine and a source of great inspiration to me and my family,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “I was proud to invite Pastor Tim to Capitol Hill because he is a pillar of the Eastern Washington community and a genuine role model for all.”

A pair of high-resolution photos of Rep. McMorris Rodgers with Pastor Goble are available upon request. Below is an unofficial transcript of the Congresswoman’s introduction of Pastor Goble and Pastor Goble’s prayer.  An official transcript will be released by the Congressional Record tomorrow.  The introduction took place after the prayer.

Reverend Dr. Timothy Goble, Grace Evangelical Free Church, Colville, Washington:

Most gracious Lord God, we are continually encouraged as we sense Your guardianship as You powerfully determine the destiny of this Republic.  We acknowledge that the future of all of our political institutions are staked upon the capacity of each of us here to govern, control, and to sustain ourselves in accordance with the Word of God.

Today, we acknowledge our departure from your Word and ask for Your forgiveness.  May Your Word once again become the guiding light for our homes, our schools, our courtrooms, and workplaces.  Lay upon the hearts of all those who serve in this great historical room the need to establish a personal relationship with You that will grow them into servant leaders, who make their constituents the beneficiary of every decision from Your divine perspective.  May they walk humbly with each other, acknowledging their mutual duty of loving forbearance.  All this we ask in the name of Jesus.

Amen.
 
Mrs. McMorris Rodgers:

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor and pleasure to welcome Pastor Tim Goble, who gave the opening prayer to Congress this morning.  He’s the Pastor of Grace Evangelical Free Church in Colville, Washington, where he and his family have been faithfully serving our Lord in ministry to the people of that area for the past 23 years.  He’s been my pastor.  Over the years, I’ve become friends with his wife, Jane, and their three sons, Nathan, Stephen, and Daniel.

His first job after seminary was serving as a youth minister in northern Indiana from 1976 to 1986.  He then moved across the country to Washington State in 1987, to become pastor of a new church plant of 35 people.  Since then, the church has grown steadily, making a tremendous difference in the lives of all those who have walked through its doors, including me and my family. 

I admire Pastor Tim and his family and appreciate their leadership, service, commitment to our community, and their example to all of us.  Thank you for coming to the United States Congress to lead us in prayer today.

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