[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 15477] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING PASTOR IRA G. EDWARDS, SR. ______ HON. DALE E. KILDEE of michigan in the house of representatives Tuesday, August 10, 2010 Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Pastor Ira G. Edwards, Sr., pastor of Damascus Holy Life Baptist Church. Pastor Edwards is being honored on August 22nd for his work in the Flint community. Pastor Edwards has been pastor of Damascus Holy Life Baptist Church for the past nine years. He also serves as an instructor for the Great Lake Congress of Christian Education and is an Associate Dean for the Great Lakes Congress of Christian Education. As pastor he has established several programs to help the people of the Flint community. Pastor Edwards started summer feeding programs for youth, established community gardens, and took the lead in the purchasing of a local bar and converting it into a Training Center. He is a member of Concerned Pastors for Social Action, and cochair of the Flint Area Congregations Together. He is on the National Steering Committee and Clergy Caucus for People Improving Communities through Organizing (PICO) National. He was instrumental in bringing CEASEFIRE/ LIFE LINE to Flint. He has devoted his life to assisting with health care, education, financial peace, nutrition, and home foreclosure recovery. Pastor Edwards strives to help the youth of the community to reach their full potential by developing social, economic and academic skills. He works diligently with local, state and federal officials to improve education, housing, and to curb violence and crime. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me today and applaud the work of Pastor Ira G. Edwards, Sr. as he is honored by his congregation and his community. I pray that he will continue to spread the Gospel of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, for many, many years to come. ____________________