S*0715 Resolution, By Allen
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE REVEREND DR. JERRY YOUNG, PRESIDENT OF THE
 NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION, USA, INCORPORATED, FOR HIS LONG AND DISTINGUISHED
 MINISTRY AND TO EXTEND TO HIM A WARM WELCOME TO THE PALMETTO STATE AS HE
 DELIVERS THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE BAPTIST EDUCATIONAL AND MISSIONARY
 CONVENTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S 138TH ANNUAL SESSION.

   04/23/15  Senate Introduced and adopted (Senate Journal-page 7)

TO HONOR THE REVEREND DR. JERRY YOUNG, PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION, USA, INCORPORATED, FOR HIS LONG AND DISTINGUISHED MINISTRY AND TO EXTEND TO HIM A WARM WELCOME TO THE PALMETTO STATE AS HE DELIVERS THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE BAPTIST EDUCATIONAL AND MISSIONARY CONVENTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S 138TH ANNUAL SESSION.

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is pleased to learn that the Reverend Dr. Jerry Young, president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Incorporated, will serve as keynote speaker at the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina's 138th Annual Session, to be held May 4-7, 2015, and hosted by Simpsonville's Reedy Fork Baptist Church; and

Whereas, born in Scott, Mississippi, to the Reverend E.L. and Elizabeth Young, Jerry Young was one of ten siblings. God called Pastor Young to the ministry at the tender age of seventeen, and his service began at Mt. Tennia Baptist Church in Lamont, Mississippi. Later, he served as pastor of St. John and Pilgrim Rest Baptist churches, both in Greenville, Mississippi. Dr. Young has faithfully led the vibrant congregation of New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, since 1980. He is also founder and headmaster of New Hope Christian Pre-School and New Hope Christian Elementary School; and

Whereas, this avid scholar and lifelong learner earned an associate's degree in social science from Coahoma Junior College in Clarksdale, Mississippi, followed by a bachelor's degree in sociology and social welfare from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. It was there he met and married the love of his life, Mrs. Helen Akins Young. With her support and encouragement, Pastor Young has earned a master of divinity and a doctor of ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Dr. Jerlen Nelson and Kelli Elizabeth (Benjamin) Hart. Adding to their life's joy are four delightful grandchildren; and

Whereas, Dr. Young has led his congregation to embrace a vision to touch their community with the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in order that a Christian worldview may permeate their communities. Dr. Young's major objective for the church is "...to glorify God through our commitment to help Christ fulfill His mission in the world." Under his watchful care, Pastor Young has led New Hope to experience explosive growth physically, spiritually, and influentially for the cause of Christ. Current membership exceeds three thousand members and forty-four ministries; and

Whereas, active in the community, Dr. Young has served on several local, state, and national boards and has been awarded numerous prestigious honors. In addition, he is a regularly invited speaker at schools, colleges, and churches throughout Mississippi and across the nation. Presently, Dr. Young serves on the Belhaven College Board of Trustees in Jackson, Mississippi, as well as the board of his alma mater, Rust College. He is past president of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, Incorporated, and the recently installed president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Incorporated; and

Whereas, the Senate is grateful for Dr. Young's outstanding ministry, and the members appreciate his significant contributions to the spiritual welfare of this great nation's citizenry. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor the Reverend Dr. Jerry Young, president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Incorporated, for his long and distinguished ministry and extend to him a warm welcome to the Palmetto State as he delivers the keynote address at the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina's 138th Annual Session.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Dr. Jerry Young.