HONORING IMPACT CHURCH

On 2026-10-15, Representative Cleo Fields (D-LA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING IMPACT CHURCH" in the House.

HONORING IMPACT CHURCH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 161 (Thursday, October 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 161 (Thursday, October 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1087] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING IMPACT CHURCH ______ HON. CLEO FIELDS of louisiana in the house of representatives Thursday, October 15, 2026 Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Impact Church of Shreveport, Louisiana, which has grown from a newly established ministry in the late 1990s into an institution of worship, spiritual development, leadership, and community service. The church traces its beginnings to September 11, 1998, when Pastor Rasby G. Mason II received the call to organize what was originally known as Temple of Deliverance Full Gospel Baptist Church, built on a vision of reaching people, transforming lives, and making a meaningful difference in the community. Only 2 days later, on September 13, 1998, Temple of Deliverance held its first worship service at the Clarion Hotel on 70th Street in Shreveport. Ninety-one people attended, and 52 became members, giving the new ministry a strong foundation. Without a permanent facility, the congregation showed that a church's strength lies in the people who believe in its mission. As attendance grew, services moved to Louisiana State University Shreveport, and in May 1999; less than a year after that first service, the ministry moved into its own location on East 70th Street. That permanent home allowed the church to expand its worship, ministries, leadership development, outreach, and programs for families, and to become more closely connected to the surrounding Shreveport community. In 2012, the church adopted the name Impact Church, reflecting an expanded vision of making a positive and lasting impact on individuals, families, communities, and ultimately the world. The name is tied to the ministry's guiding vision of ``impacting the world one person at a time,'' the belief that meaningful change begins with individuals, and that strengthening one person's faith, encouraging one family, developing one leader, or helping one person in difficulty can reach outward into neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities. Central to the church's identity is a culture of love and grace, in which people from different backgrounds and life experiences can find acceptance, spiritual direction, and opportunities for personal growth. Impact Church also identifies as a deliverance ministry, maintaining the spiritual foundation established when it was organized as Temple of Deliverance, and seeks through worship, preaching, prayer, and biblical instruction to help people overcome personal and spiritual challenges. Worship remains central to the life of Impact Church, where members receive biblical teaching, pray, and build fellowship. The church has also made leadership development a priority, encouraging members to strengthen their gifts and talents so they can be positive influences in their families, careers, churches, and communities. Its focus on families reflects the conviction that strong families build strong communities, and the church offers spiritual guidance, encouragement, and resources to help people of all ages and backgrounds navigate everyday life. Impact Church's commitment to service extends beyond its worship. Through community outreach, the congregation seeks to provide practical assistance and encouragement to people both within and outside its membership, in the belief that ministry is measured not only by what happens during a worship service but by what members do for their neighbors when they leave the sanctuary. The ministry has grown through the commitment of its pastors, ministry leaders, volunteers, families, and members, who have invested their time, talents, resources, and faith to turn the vision of 1998 into a ministry that serves the Shreveport community. Today, Impact Church continues its ministry under the leadership of Bishop Rasby G. Mason II, Apostle and Founder, whose leadership remains connected to the vision that inspired the original congregation. Pastor Jacqueline Mason serves as Site Pastor, providing pastoral leadership to the congregation and supporting its emphasis on worship, discipleship, family, leadership development, and community engagement. Together with the church's ministry leaders and members, they continue to build on the foundation established more than a quarter-century ago. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Impact Church and its congregation for more than 25 years of vision, faith, and service to the people of Shreveport. May Impact Church continue to create a culture of love and grace, support families, develop leaders, serve the community, and transform lives for generations to come. ____________________