Congressional Record:

February 1, 2006 (Extensions [Page E46]

COMMENDING PRC COMPASSION’S EXTENSIVE CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE WAKE OF HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA  __

HON. BOBBY JINDAL of louisiana

in the House of Representatives

Wednesday, February 1, 2006

Mr. JINDAL: Mr. Speaker, it is my unique privilege today to have the rare opportunity to recognize and honor a truly great organization, the Pastor’s Resource Council (PRC), and the work of the PRC Compassion. Formed several years ago, the PRC comprises of a coalition of churches and pastors who united together in order to provide relief to the

community whenever necessary. For the past several years, the PRC has been playing an indispensable role in serving communities affected by the ravages of natural disasters whether it was through providing shelter to the homeless, food to the hungry, or offering spiritual comfort and guidance to those who needed it among a myriad of other services. True to its name, the PRC has always been there for the people of Louisiana to lend a compassionate, helping hand in the most difficult of times.

The tragedy inflicted upon us by the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita was certainly no exception. As Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc and destruction over the peoples of the state of Louisiana, PRC once again answered the call of duty and courageous pastors, priests, and other ministers, united in the cause of humanity and service, promptly organized on September 1, 2005 as “PRC Compassion” to provide immediate response to the disasters through compassion and inspiring hope. According to its mission, PRC Compassion coordinates national, state, and local faith and community-based organizations to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people impacted by Hurricane Katrina. PRC Compassion has worked tirelessly and selflessly to assist those disaster stricken communities in a number of different capacities.

The organization’s accomplishments in the face of such adversity cannot be overstated: 1,801,200 people served; 253,260 volunteer hours logged; 17,220 tons of food, water and supplies distributed; 11,480 evacuees sheltered; 10,152 volunteers deployed; 4,500 medical encounters facilitated; 676 trained counselors and chaplains mobilized; 250 faith based organizations involved; 84 faith based shelters established; and 16 stress management teams deployed. The organization continues to assist the community today.

While words cannot adequately encapsulate the gratitude and debt the people of Louisiana and the rest of the country owe to this incredible organization, we can pay tribute to the heroic men and women of PRC Compassion by formally recognizing and acknowledging the caliber and breadth of their service to the people of Louisiana.

It is for that reason I am pleased to recognize and commend the heroic, timely, and selfless actions and prayers of the faith community, particularly the actions and prayers of PRC Compassion, in providing assistance and support to the citizens of Louisiana who were displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. While each and every member of PRC Compassion deserves this commendation,

I must also recognize the able leadership of the PRC Compassion’s Board of Directors, namely Pastor Larry Stockstill of Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge, LA; Pastor Fred Luter of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA; Pastor Jacob Aranza of Our Savior’s Church in Lafayette, LA; Pastor Steve Robinson of Church of the King in Mandeville, LA; Pastor Dennis Watson of Celebration Church in New Orleans, LA; Apostle Willie Wooten of Gideon Christian Fellowship in New Orleans, LA; Dr. Jere Melilli of Christian Life Fellowship in Baton Rouge, LA; and Pastor Dino Rizzo of Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, LA.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to be able to recognize and commend PRC Compassion, who went well above and beyond the call of duty in assisting the peoples of Louisiana during their hour of need.