S*1344 Resolution, By Scott
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE PASTOR BOBBY L. SMITH, SR. ON
 THE OCCASION OF HIS TWENTY-FIFTH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY AT ZION CANAAN BAPTIST
 CHURCH, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED HAPPINESS IN HIS SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF
 THE COMMUNITY.

   05/25/16  Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 3)

TO HONOR AND CONGRATULATE PASTOR BOBBY L. SMITH, SR. ON THE OCCASION OF HIS TWENTY-FIFTH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY AT ZION CANAAN BAPTIST CHURCH, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED HAPPINESS IN HIS SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMUNITY.

Whereas, the members of the Senate are pleased to learn that Pastor Bobby L. Smith, Sr., pastor of Zion Canaan Baptist Church, will celebrate his twenty-fifth pastoral anniversary in June 2016; and

Whereas, Pastor Smith answered God's call to the ministry in August 1997. He began his work as the associate pastor at Union Grove Baptist Church of Warner Robins, Georgia and later became the church's pastor; and

Whereas, Pastor Smith became the seventh pastor of the one hundred nineteen year old Zion Canaan Baptist Church in June 1991. Since his arrival, Pastor Smith has exemplified the spirit of a faithful servant, dedicating his life to building up the Kingdom of God; and

Whereas, throughout his 25-year ministry, Pastor Smith has selflessly and passionately served his church and the greater community, establishing an enduring legacy of faithfulness. He has been a vessel for transforming lives and demonstrating that he is truly a man after God's heart and His people. Under his leadership, Zion Canaan Baptist Church has grown tremendously and built a wealth of fond and endearing memories; and

Whereas, Pastor Smith's vision is to serve the present age. This vision came to life in 2010 when he established the Center for Community and Family Transitions, which works to promote and provide educational, social, physical, and spiritual activities that contribute to families becoming well-rounded and productive residents; and

Whereas, Zion Canaan Baptist Church is a mission-minded church, sponsoring missionaries in Africa, Panama, and other outreach ministries to nursing homes, women's shelters, prisons, and migrant workers. The membership has adopted over 60 children in Kenya to enable them to attend primary and secondary schools; and

Whereas, Pastor Smith is a retired veteran of the United States Air Force. He is a graduate of Fort Valley State University, where he earned a degree in music. He also studied at Moody Bible College, East Carolina, El Paso Community College, and Macon Junior College and received his master of divinity degree from the Interdenominational Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia in 1986; and

Whereas, Pastor Smith is married to Carolyn Jean Smith and the couple has six children, nineteen grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren; and

Whereas, the members of the Senate are pleased to honor Pastor Smith on this momentous occasion and wish that under his continued guidance, Zion Canaan Baptist Church continues to grow and prosper for many years to come. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the Senate, by this resolution, honor and congratulate Pastor Bobby L. Smith, Sr. on the occasion of his twenty-fifth pastoral anniversary at Zion Canaan Baptist Church, and wish him continued happiness in his service to the people of the community.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Pastor Bobby L. Smith, Sr.